What'd I Miss?; Everyone is Dead; Th...that's All, Folks! Mice, Pigs, Bioethicists and Other Living Things; TBE at the Maccabiah; Tisha B'Av

In This Moment TBE at the Maccabiah Shabbat Shalom Nice to be back from my July break. I hope everyone is well - knowing that the Omicron variant has spread like wildfire over the past several weeks. The only thing spreading faster has been wildfire itself, and flooding, and record heat. We send healing wishes to those in Kentucky and California and all the places that have been hit so hard. Still, great to be back! We've had several TBE congregants traveling in Israel for very special events during July. Like Mia Broder, who became Bat Mitzvah at Masada (see photo). Mazal tov to the Broders!!!!! And above you can see two TBE Maccabiah athletes, Adam Satz, who played rugby, and Nathaniel Harrison, seen in the photo above with his Under-18 US hockey team, which won a silver medal! Watch the opening ceremonies. With Tisha B'Av this weekend (this Shabbat has a special name because of it - Shabbat Hazon), we can't help but notice the relevance of some of the themes of this fast day, and the warnings embedded therein. Causeless hatred can cause endless, corrosive damage, to a society and to each of us individually. I share below some some suggested reading on that. So let's see, as Thomas Jefferson would say, other than the Maccabiah and Mia's Big Day, the floods and the fires.... What'd I miss? The highlight of the visit was President Biden's unscripted conversation, on his knees, with two Holocaust survivors, Giselle Cycowicz and Rena Quint at Yad Vashem. The headline says "Tears of a President." And below to the right, click on the video to hear an inspiring rendition of "Lu Yehi - Let it Be" sung for Biden and Israeli President Herzog. President Biden visited Israel, which was a big deal, but he had to share the front pages with the James Webb telescope, which has opened our eyes to distant galaxies dating back to the beginnings of the universe, 13 billion years ago (give or take 5782). What else did I miss? Apparently it got so hot in England that everyone died. Which made it the perfect time for Israeli scientists to create life - in the form of a mouse embryo generated from skin cells, bypassing the need for sperm or an egg. I wonder what the Supreme Court will do with that one. When does mouse life begin? At conception or in the lab? Will Mickey and Minnie need to cross state lines if she needs an abortion? Forget Minnie and Mickey and the creation of mouse life. What about Porky? And when does pig life end? Scientists announced they have restored blood flow and cell function throughout the bodies of pigs that were dead for an hour, in a breakthrough experts say could mean the need to update the definition of death itself. So this a good week for pigs and mice. For humans, not so much. Man, it's hot! But maybe the new climate bill will be a step toward a healthier planet for humans, mice, and other living things. Otherwise we all might have to join in saying.... What'd I miss? Also in July, there was another mass shooting (actually there were many), this time in the heavily Jewish suburb of Highland Park, Ill, at a July 4 parade. More gun violence, more hand-wringing, but at least Alex Jones now admits that Sandy Hook was "100 percent real." And what else? Meanwhile, sadly, while Israel heads toward elections yet again, the attacks on pluralism took a nasty turn, as an American boy's bar mitzvah day was desecrated at the Western Wall. The attack was so disgusting it was called antisemitic by the American special envoy on antisemitism. Thankfully, Mia Broder's bat mitzvah at Masada went much better, but do I now have to steer families away from the Kotel, our most sacred site? That would be giving in to the hatred. See below: Last week, despite the promises of more protection, it happened again, at a bat mitzvah on Rosh Hodesh for the month of Av. This is precisely the kind of causeless hatred among Jews that, according to the rabbis, brought about the destruction of the Second Temple. And it also will cause the needless erosion of American Jewish support for Israel, if we can't celebrate peaceably at our holiest place. JERUSALEM (JTA) — An American teen was harassed during her bat mitzvah ceremony at the Western Wall in Jerusalem Friday as haredi Orthodox protesters sought to interrupt non-Orthodox Jews’ prayer one month after a major incident drew attention from Israel’s political leadership. No injuries or arrests were reported during Friday’s confrontation, which came during the observance of the start of the month of Av and after several months of escalating tensions at Rosh Hodesh prayers. But police and ushers hired by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, the state-funded group that manages the holy site, also did not appear to enforce Israel’s law prohibiting the disturbance of prayers, a crime that can carry a penalty of up to three years in jail. Thousands of black-attired young yeshiva students, both male and female, swarmed a group of about 100 women and a dozen men who accompanied them to the Western Wall, where traditional prayers were to take place at 7 a.m., ahead of the bat mitzvah of Lucia da Silva, 12, of Seattle, who came to Israel with her parents and godparents to celebrate the event. Tisha B'Av and Other Recommended Reading The fast of the 9th of Av takes place this Saturday night and Sunday 12 Things to Know about the Temple in Jerusalem - On Tisha B’Av, Jews mourn the destruction of the Temple. But how much do you know about what it was really like. (MyJewishLearning). Tisha B'Av 101 Laws of Tisha B'Av (Isaac Klein: Guide to Jewish Religious Practice) Did you know that it is even prohibited to study Torah on Tisha B'Av? Why? The answer is because it brings pleasure. But wait! The Book of Lamentations, one of the five megillot (scrolls), is read in synagogue on Tisha B’Av. Doesn’t this violate the prohibition against Torah study? (MyJewishLearning) The History Leading Up to the Destruction of Judah Situated in a land bridge between the Babylonians and Egyptians, the two great powers of the day, Kings Jehoiakim and Zedekiah of Judah kept switching allegiance depending on which seemed the more powerful. Judah first favored Egypt, then Babylon, and then returned to Egypt. The Bible and the Babylonian Chronicles help us reconstruct the events that led to the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C.E. Why Isn’t Tisha B’Av Working? (podcast, Hartman Institute) This day of national reckoning with our collective failures asks us to mourn as a means of preventing future tragedy. Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss its current relevance. How To Make Tisha B’Av More Relevant (Gary Rosenblatt) - No longer “desolate” and in ruins, Jerusalem is flourishing. But we’ve failed to absorb the fast day’s deepest lesson. As Arab-hating Fundamentalists Take Center Stage in Israeli Politics, U.S. Jews Must Step In (Rabbi Eric Yoffie) Ben-Gvir, today’s Kahanist, is a rock star among the Orthodox. This raging, racist Jew with a mob stands astride Israel’s Orthodox religious world, basking in the adoration of the religious masses. And for Judaism and Torah, this is nothing less than an abomination. See also: Understanding the ominous rise of Israel’s most notorious ultra-nationalist (TOI) "Nahem" on Tisha B’av: Is it permissible to change the wording? (Rabbi David Golinkin) -  In light of the reunification of Jerusalem in the Six Day War in June 1967 and its increase in size since then from 267,000 inhabitants to 944,000 inhabitants, is it permissible to change the wording of the Nahem prayer, the main prayer said on Tisha B’Av? Golinkin says yes. The original prayer is below: “Have mercy, O Eternal, our God, in Your great mercy and your trusted kindness, towards us, and Your people Israel, Your city Jerusalem, Zion the dwelling place of Your glory, and on the mourning, ruined, destroyed, and desolate city that is given into the hand of strangers, trampled down by haughty peoples, that was inherited by legions and desecrated by idol worshipers, for You had given her to Your people Israel as property, and to the seed of Yeshurun you had given an inheritance, for in fire You set her on fire, and with fire You will build her in the future, as it has been said (Zekhariah 2:9): “But I shall be for her, says the Eternal, a wall of fire around, and Glory I shall be in her midst.” Among the many tragedies commemorated on Tisha B'Av is the defeat of the Bar Kochba Revolt in the year 135 C.E. and the subsequent razing of the temple grounds in Jerusalem. The coin below is from that period. Here it is described by the Skirball Center Museum. What you see here is a Judaean “sela” coin, which was overstruck on a Roman tetradrachm from the time of the Bar Kochba revolt. Tetradrachms are large, silver coins that were popular as currencies throughout Mediterranean society before the 4th century. The obverse of this Judaean coin is a contemporary depiction of the Jerusalem temple’s façade beneath a star (a reference to the meaning of Bar Kochba’s name, “Son of the Star”), the tablets of the Ark of the Covenant, a horizontal ladder indicating an ascension to the altar, and an ancient inscription of “Shimeon,”–Bar Kochba’s name. The coin’s reverse depicts a lulav and etrog surrounded by an inscription in ancient Hebrew reading “for the freedom of Jerusalem.” This coin was likely minted in the time after the Roman capture of the Judaean capital city—the imagery a bittersweet reminder of Jerusalem.  Perfect reading for a fast day: Check out this new online exhibit, POLIN Museum’s virtual exhibition on Jewish culinary culture. It takes the viewers on a journey across time and space, to different corners of the world, traveling back thousands of years, seeking answers to the question: What is Jewish cuisine? What is the connection between memories and food? How did Jewish people make matzo for the Pesach holiday centuries ago? Why Jewish cuisine is so diverse and unique? Why do the New Yorkers regard pickled gherkins and borscht as Jewish dishes and what is the link between potato pancakes and latkes? Pro-Israel Lobbies Are Backing Winners, Not Creating Them (Yair Rosenberg, the Atlantic) - Both AIPAC and its critics have claimed that its dollars have determined recent Democratic primaries. A closer look at the contests tells a very different story. See also: How Andy Levin’s defeat in Michigan was — and wasn’t — all about AIPAC (Forward) What do British Jews look like? Photo project aims to prove they ‘don’t easily fit’ into categories. (JTA) Not all religions oppose abortion: A rabbi makes the case for reproductive rights (Vox). See also: The Jewish justice who helped preserve abortion rights in Kansas (Forward) There aren’t many Jews in Kansas, but from his seat on the state’s Supreme Court, one Jewish justice helped enshrine abortion rights in the state. Kansas voters affirmed those rights Tuesday, defeating a ballot measure that would have made it possible for state lawmakers to severely restrict or even ban abortion.  Opinion: As a Jewish American, I don't see this country quite the same way after January 6 (CNN) Even though I am often reminded of the good that this country stands for, now when I walk the streets of my neighborhood -- the same streets that the January 6 protesters marched through -- I know that there is an undercurrent of hate and destruction in our society that sometimes threatens to become an undertow. The work of the January 6 committee in getting at the truth of what happened that day is vitally important in preserving our democracy. But for those of us still traumatized, it is also necessary for the process of healing. Until the whole truth of the events of that day is brought to light, I will keep my bag packed, just in case. How Bill Russell learned the spirit of Judaism. Read about the relationship between Russell, the greatest champion in professional sports, and his coach and mentor, Red Auerbach. I had the pleasure of watching Russell play often, usually at a half-filled Boston Garden, where his immense skills were taken for granted. But what a giant he was. For kids liked me growing up in the Boston suburbs, he was our pathway to understanding the horrors of hate. And he was a true hero. Also read this moving tribute by Kareem Abdul Jabbar, and watch below a feature on Russell and his Jewish coach and friend. Listen to legendary Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully’s classic call of Sandy Koufax’s perfect game (JTA) Temple Beth El 350 Roxbury Road Stamford, Connecticut 06902 203-322-6901 | www.tbe.org

In This Moment: July 30: Tisha B'Av

In This Moment

I return today from a few weeks "away" - and just in time for Tisha B'Av, the fast day that begins this evening.  I hope this finds you in good health.  A special thank you to all who held the fort in my absence.  I heard great things! 

We continue to plod along as the pandemic rages around us, though thankfully, for the moment, less so in our state.  Our minyans and Shabbat services will continue to be on Zoom, as we fight off the ennui of cabin fever, which too often leads to letting down our guard, and we cherish our moments together - moments of real connection, even if they are primarily virtual.

See below a flyer about tonight's unprecedented partnership among Conservative synagogues near and far in the chanting of Lamentations.  We'll be joined by Congregation Beth El of Norwalk, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL, Ohr Kodesh Congregation, Chevy Chase, MD and The Conservative Synagogue of Westport.  Click here to register for the service on Zoom.  And click here to watch the service on YouTube.  It begins at 8:15.

Also, see the other flyer regarding tomorrow's Tisha B'Av learning sessions sponsored by the UJF, featuring our community's Board of Rabbis.

Download the Book of Lamentations and traditional dirges here (Koren)

Megillat Covid: Five Offerings for Tisha b'Av (Bayit)

Rabbinical Assembly Tisha B'Av Siddur

Rabbinical Assembly pdf of Lamentations

History of Tisha b'Av

Laws and Customs of Tisha B'Av 

Tisha B'Av is a time to recognize the dangers of causeless hatred (see these sources as to why the temples were destroyed) and to promote "causeless love," by listening to our neighbors with compassion.  Let's redouble our efforts to do that, as we summon the patience to endure our own trials.

May we all be comforted.

Rabbi Joshua Hammerman

 Contact Diane Sloyer at dianesloyer@ujf.org to register

In This Moment, by Rabbi Joshua Hammerman: June 23: Exactly 1,950 years ago this month; Race in America, Why Jemimah Had to Go; A World Premiere of a New Video about TBE; Vaccinate Us

In This Moment

Happy Rosh Hodesh Tammuz!

The Essence of Tammuz

(Adapted from the Sourcebook for Leaders, written by Rabbi Rachel Gartner and Barbara Berley Melits, for Rosh Hodesh: It's a Girl Thing.)

Today is the first day of the Hebrew month that literally means summer.

Tammuz is the fourth month of the Jewish calendar. Tammuz comes at the same time as the secular months June/July.  Its name was adopted from the Assyrian and Babylonian month Araḫ Dumuzu, named in honor of the Mesopotamian deity Dumuzid. The mazal (constellation) for Tammuz is Cancer, the sartan (crab).

Features

Shiva Asar B'Tammuz (The 17th of Tammuz) is a minor fast day (fasting is required only from sunrise to sunset). Tradition ascribes to the 17th of Tammuz a number of tragedies from various epochs in Jewish history. The fast commemorates these catastrophes, the most notable of which are:

Moses' breaking of the first tablets of covenant upon finding the Israelites worshipping a golden calf;

The breaching of the walls of Jerusalem in the time of both the first and second temples;

According to legend, Noah sent out a dove on the 17th of Tammuz to see if the flood waters had calmed and if the mountaintops were visible. But the bird returned, signaling that there was no dry place to rest.

The Three Weeks is a sustained period of mourning over the destructions of both temples. It begins on the 17th of Tammuz, the day of the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem, and ends on Tisha B'Av (the 9th of Av), the day of the destruction of the temples. It is customary to refrain from holding weddings or other celebrations during this period.

So Happy Summer!

Two Timely Videos About History

You think these past few months have been traumatic? Take a journey down Memory Lane, to a moment exactly 1,950 years ago this month, when all seemed lost. Now you can revisit that moment and walk the steps of our ancestors.

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The Journey along the Pilgrimage Road in the City of David, the Heart of Ancient Jerusalem.

This Covid-19 period has created some wonderful opportunities for virtual pilgrimage - here to a just-discovered road leading from the City of David to the foot of the Temple Mount.  This was the main path to our holiest place from the pool where our ancient ancestors purified themselves on the last leg of their journey.  This was also the road from which some tried to escape the flaming temple precincts and the Romans in the year 70 CE, when the second temple was destroyed on the Ninth of Av, a date we will mark in just a few weeks. (The walls were breached on the 17th of Tammuz.) It's also where the commerce of the ancient city took place, where the moneychangers were, which is of interest to readers of the New Testament.

Also, take a look at this...

'VeggieTales' creator Phil Vischer releases viral video on race in America

Interesting approach from a popular mainstream Christian source, explaining issues of racial injustice from a historical perspective. Comprehensive and full of stats, but easy to follow. You will come out of this understanding why people are marching -and why it matters to all of us.

More on Jemimah

This video from the Jim Crow Museum demonstrates why it was necessary to - at long last - bid farewell to Aunt Jemimah.

Aunt Jemima "I'se in town, Honey!"

Many consider Aunt Jemima as a kind, happy motherly figure who made great pancakes. Aunt Jemima, sang songs, cooked pancakes, and told romanticized stories about the Old South as a happy place for blacks and whites. But examine how these interpretations came to be and whether they were based on reality or in marketing. How many times does it take to call Aunt Jemima "Happy" before everyone believes it? And does just saying she is "Happy" make it so?

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Join us also on Thursday at 6 for a very special virtual introduction to TBE for representatives of several faith groups - and the world premiere of a brand new video presentation showcasing TBE's story, as told through the spiritual journeys of a number of our members.  RSVP required, to sharingsacredspaces.org. Come and greet our neighbors, as we teach them some of the basics about Judaism and share our experiences of the sacred.

And this Friday at services, we will welcome to our 6 PM service Guy Fortt, the new president of the local branch of the NAACP.

Just in case you were feeling neglected: 

COVID-19 fueling worldwide wave of anti-Semitism, researchers find 

 (Times of Israel).  A report published Tuesday by a Tel Aviv research group found that the coronavirus pandemic has become a vehicle for an intense and exceptional wave of anti-Semitism and anti-Zionist propaganda that accuses Jews and Israel of either causing the virus or standing to benefit from it. The pandemic has "unleashed a unique worldwide wave of antisemitism," researchers at the Kantor Center at Tel Aviv University said. "The new wave of antisemitism includes a range of libels that have one common element: The Jews, the Zionists and/or the state of Israel are to blame for the pandemic and/or stand to gain from it," they wrote.

Why Were Jews Blamed for the Black Death? (Moment) When the populace searched for answers, the ecclesiastical hierarchy lectured them on how the Black Death was God's retribution for their wicked ways. In Spain, tolerance of the "killers of Christ" was among them. Soon tales of Jews pouring poisonous powder into wells circulated throughout what is now Germany and France. What followed was a massacre of Jews unparalleled in its magnitude and ferocity.

"Vaccinate Us" By Rabbi Jen Gubitz

Find this prayer in the new collection: 

When We Turned Within: Reflections on COVID-19

As our world suffers,

sickened by this virus-we pray:

Inoculate our hearts with fortitude
to dismantle systemic racism
Inject our souls with compassion to love
and then to love harder
Mitigate our structures of power
against abuse, exploitation and violence.
Protect our siblings, among us and beyond,
beloved humans who lay bleeding in our streets

Strengthen those wearied by oppression,
with renewed energy, tenacity, hope and rest.

Fortify our hearts to listen deeply and amplify the voices
of black people
of brown people
of indigenous people everywhere

Immunize us, O Source of Healing,
Immunize us against this viral historic hate,
Course through our veins courage and conviction
to reckon with our implicit bias
to apologize for our role in the pain
to fight to end this oppression

Vaccinate us, vaccinate us, O Source of Healing
with the sacred power of love.

 

Happy Tammuz!

Rabbi Joshua Hammerman