We note in the Mishna, some 2000 years ago, how Rabbi Gamliel and his colleagues gave structure to the Seder. In fact, the traditional Haggadah from the early Middle Ages opens with several sages planning the revolt against Rome.
Read MoreThis week’s Parsha, Ki Tisa, brings us to the conclusion of the Torah passages that recount the construction of the Sacred Center, the Mishkan, and its contents, the centrality of spiritual leadership and the significance of ritual offerings.
Read MoreLocusts, darkness and death of the first born. The plagues, Makot, literally meaning “strikes”, strike against Pharoah’s enslavement of the Hebrews having intensified from the waters to the land to the sky, the realm of Higher Being. The intensity of the liberation movement is reaching a climax. We experience the last three Makot in Parshat Bo. The Makah of the Locusts further devastates the economy. The Makah of Darkness is a metaphor for confusion and a blindness of mind, heart and purpose plaguing the Pharoah and the Egyptian oppressors. It is during these Makot that the Israelites more fully buy into the struggle for their liberation. They now see the light and begin to emerge from their own darkness to transcend their physical suffering and weak hearts.
Read MoreDiane and I are anticipating our return to the US. I can’t say it’s been a relaxing trip. It’s certainly been a pleasure visiting with friends and family, especially our son Dani and his wife Chana. Traveling around the country and spending time in Jerusalem again has been an awesome experience, to reconnect with the sacredness of the land, the accomplishments of Israelis and Palestinians, their blood, sweat and tears in building this modern country. Of course, there are many conflicting realities here. One reality is that everyone loves this Land. The majority of the people here want to live in peace with each other.
Read MoreKi Tavo. “When you come…”. These opening words from this week’s Parsha coincide with our “coming” into the High Holy Days. In the biblical narrative, each Israelite is instructed to come to the priest to make an offering, but, more significantly, to recount his/her journey, to recount their ancestry and history from slavery to freedom.
Read MoreFirst, I want to thank everyone who contributed to our June Appeal. While we didn’t quite reach our goal, we did well. Though it’s still a bit of struggle to cover expenses, the retreat center has come back to life. We are still exploring how we can continue some use of Sanctuary Retreat Center and also recreate our Center in the lower part of the County to better meet our community’s needs.
Read MoreThe name of the Parsha this week is Korach. Korach, a close relative of Moses, organized a rebellion to challenge and overthrow Moses’ and Aaron’s leadership.
Read MoreWe are now midway through the Period of the Omer, halfway to Sinai. During these six weeks there is a lovely tradition of studying a small text from the Mishna, called Pirke Avot, the Ethics of the Sages. It is an extraordinary anthology of ethical teachings by the Tanna, the early rabbis. These teachings are even more precious to us now as we experience a growing disregard for ethical teachings and behavior. The extent of deception in our society, the abuse of language, the amount of spam, corruption, cheating and disregard for life is worsening. While many do rise to the heights of Sinai, we often feel unsupported.
Read MoreWe are entering a new chapter in our lives. I’m not just talking about the Book of Exodus: Shmot, or 2022.
Parshat Shmot describes the enslavement of the Hebrews in Egypt, the birth, rescue and adoption of Moses by Pharoah’s daughter. It also highlights Moses’ decision to ally himself with the enslaved people, inviting Pharoah’s wrath and forcing him to flee Egypt.
Read MoreWe are now in the Yamim HaNoraim, the Ten Days of Awe. Below are a few teachings to help us focus on these Days.
“As civilization advances, the sense of wonder declines. Such decline is an alarming symptom of our state of mind. Humankind will not perish for want of information, but only for want of appreciation.” A.J.Heschel
Read MoreAt a time when wildfires are raging out West, across Europe, Greece and Turkey and Covid is taking more lives in so many countries, we can take some solace in the passage in the Senate of a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure plan on Tuesday. For weeks, months, we have agonized over and witnessed the efforts of this administration and dedicated democrats and enough republicans to overcome many hurdles in order to significantly move this Infrastructure plan forward.
Read MoreThis Shabbat we conclude the Book of Numbers with great emphasis on the seriousness of vows and how we use our words. Dramatically, the Parsha also describes the battles with forces that threaten the new nation and her unique mission. The verses of the Torah describe the “holy war” to crush the Midianites. A Hassidic master, the Ishbitzer, noted how the word Midian shared the same letters as the Hebrew word for illusion, Dimyon.
Read MoreAre we ready for Pesach? Our Festivals of Freedom and Spring are fast approaching. Some of us are feeling the need to do some prep. One age old tradition is in the form of a spring cleaning, especially to rid our homes of Chametzdike products. We can also put our leavened products in a box and during the holiday, store in the basement or a closet. Many “sell” their Chametz to a non-Jewish person who is happy to help in this Mitzvah.
Read MoreThis week's Parsha, Ki Tisa, is a confusing Parsha. Chronologically, it contains another two ascensions of Moses up Sinai. After the first ascent and the receiving of the Torah and numerous civil laws, the Tabernacle is built and the priestly class is consecrated.
Read MoreThings are coming to a head this week in the government: the stimulus bill, recalcitrant and vindictive leadership and the further erosion of democracy. In Israel, as well, I just learned of the failure of the Coalition and a call for new elections.
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