Shabbat Shalom and Happy Pre-Purim!
A BITE OF TORAH: "Take my God, Please"
When we think of Purim, two things immediately come to mind: how funny it all is -- and how sad. Comedians have long discussed the fact that there is a fine line between comedy and tragedy, and indeed, the Purim story is both exceedingly amusing, when you look at the outcome, yet equally pessimistic and tragic in its view of the Jewish condition in Exile. Great, we beat out this Haman guy, (ha ha), but there will be others (sob), and we'll never be safe as long as we are strangers in a strange land.
This Shabbat we read the special selection from Deuteronomy (beginning with 25:17) reminding us of the evils of the Amalekites, those archetypal arch-villains of the Bible, ancestors of Haman, the rear-guard attackers who earned eternal condemnation for their cowardly stunt. The first word of that reading, also the name for this special Sabbath, is "Zachor" (Remember). The Hebrew says, "Zachor et asher asah lecha Amalek baderech b'tzeitcham mi-mitzrayim." "Remember what Amalek did to you on the way when you came out from Egypt." The line can't be more explicitly serious and urgent in tone. Yet the verse rings strangely familiar, in a manner that suggests an ironic twist is at hand and some textual mischief is at work.
Sure enough, all we have to do is go back about 29 verses, to Deut. 24:9, and we see almost the exact same verse, with noteworthy modifications. "Zachor et asher asah Adonai Elohecha L'Miryam baderech b'tzeitcham mi-mitzrayim." "Remember what YHWH, your God did to Miriam on the way when you were coming out from Egypt." The context here is a command to Israel to be careful to avoid the plague of leprosy. Indeed, Miriam was afflicted by that disease, ostensibly, at least according to Rashi, for the sin of gossip. In his new Torah commentary (whose translation of these verses I'm using here), Richard Elliott Friedman suggests that Miriam's sin was not gossip, but rather her direct challenge to Moses' leadership. I love what I've seen of Friedman's new commentary thus far, but I think here that both he and Rashi are off the track. They are missing the joke -- and the joke is on God.
And what is the joke? If we look at the two verses, crossing out all the words that they have in common, we are left with a curious and most troubling equation: God and Miriam in the first instance, are replaced by Amalek and Israel. In some subliminal but none-to-subtle way, the Torah is suggesting that what Amalek did to Israel, God also did to Miriam. Just as Amalek afflicted Israel at her time of greatest weakness, so did God afflict Miriam at her time of her peak vulnerability. Miriam wasn't the one to blame here; she was the victim! But rather than blame God directly, the Torah here does it indirectly, something Jews have gotten very good at doing over the years, through humor. These verses in Deuteronomy might well have been the first recorded example of great Jewish political satire. The greatest ancient example of such satire is, of course, the Book of Esther, in which God's name is not mentioned at all. The editors were smart to leave God out of this "Saturday Night Live" skit of a novella. Had the Name been inserted, God would have come out looking no better than a hybrid of Ahashverosh and George W. Bush. Come to think of it, the two are already one and the same...
And so, what is it that we are to "Zachor" from all this? We need to remember the unfairness of both the Amalekites and God --- in essence, the unfairness of life itself. While Amalek was burning us, God was fiddling with Miriam's health. Zachor is our call to arms against evil, and a reminder that the One doing the calling might not always be there to pick up the phone. We'll have to tackle the Hamans of this world on our own. To quote a Purim commentary from the Jewish Outreach Institute, http://www.joi.org/celebrate/purim/ "In Esther, God does not step forward to save the Jews, neither does s/he step forwards to save non-Jews. In short, when we live in times where there are no contemporary prophets to guide us, we as children of God, individually and communally, must take responsibility for our own actions."
And in order to accomplish that daunting task, we'd darn well better have a good sense of humor. We'll need it!
(TODAY'S WEB JOURNEY CAN BE FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS E-MAIL)
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JUST THE FACTS
A special "Shabbat Shalom" and "Lehitraot" to our Third Graders, who this weekend will be attending their first class Shabbaton. Word of mouth from older siblings must have been very positive, as about 36 kids will be heading up to Camp Sloan on Friday.
Candlelighting on Friday: 5:30 PM
Kabbalat Shabbat service: 8:00
Shabbat Morning: Teen Shabbat -- 9:30 AM -- about 90 of our teens will participate in the service, to be followed by a lunch in their honor.
Children's Services: 10:30 (in the Chapel and Kindergarten room)
Torah Portion (Terumah). The Learn Torah With commentary can be found at http://www.torahaura.com/Bible/here__/LTW_5761/LTW_5761_Terumah/ltw_5761_terumah.html, and Chancellor Schorsch's commentary at http://learn.jtsa.edu/topics/parashah/5761/terumah.shtml.
I'd also like to call your attention to a Social-Action oriented Torah commentary at http://www.socialaction.com/02-2001/torah_terumah-2001.phtml. Social Action.com also has some nice Purim-related material.
Shabbat Ends: 6:30 PM Saturday
Dinner Dance: 7:00 (beginning with Havdalah)
Daily Minyan: Sunday at 9, weekdays at 7:30 AM. While we normally do have at least ten at each service, please e-mail me to let me know if you wish to be here for a yahrzeit and want to make sure we have a minyan that day.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS:
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL PURIM ROUND ROBIN -- Sunday morning
SEVENTH GRADE FAMILY PROGRAM -- 8:45 - 10:45 AM, on Sunday.
For all parents and students of 2001 Bar Bat Mitzvah class. Through videos and discussion, we'll explore what it really means to become Bar and Bat Mitzvah. I'll also be giving each student a surprise pre-Bar/Bat Mitzvah gift.
EIGHTH GRADE MINYAN AND BREAKFAST -- 9-10 AM, Sunday, with the Hazzan
SENIOR'S LUNCH -- Noon on Sunday (This event is already sold out)
PURIM CARNIVAL SET-UP: 1PM, Sunday, for Kadima and USY
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MEGILLAH READING AND PURIM CARNIVAL: Next Thursday, at 6:30
Bring creative noisemakers and come in costume (adults too). We'll have lots of prizes and surprises, fun for all ages! Purim is not just for Kiddies anymore. It's a time for all of us to exclaim to the world how proud we are to be Jews and to see just how much fun being Jewish can be.
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ADULT BAR/BAT MITZVAH CLASS
By popular demand, we'll be organizing an adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah class within the next few months, with the goal of completing the course in about a year and preparing for an adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah service in May of 2002. The course of study will be taught by our senior staff and include some synagogue skills and a basic overview of Jewish history, customs and ceremonies and texts. We will gladly accommodate all levels of Hebrew proficiency. If you are at all interested, please contact the education office (322-6901 X306).
YOM HA-SHOAH: The Legacy of the Generations
This year's community-wide Holocaust Remembrance Day program, to be held here on the evening of April 19, will focus on the second and third generations of survivors. If you are a child or grandchild of a survivor and would be interested in sharing your story, please let me know. How have the stories you grew up with changed your life? What do you feel is your special legacy or obligation as the descendant of a survivor? The program will feature brief testimonies given by people of all ages, including children, and we will be collecting additional written testimonies to be distributed that night.
WHAT IS KOSHER? NOSHING WITH JOSH
Join me on Sunday, March 11, at 8:45 or at 11 AM, for an introduction to the fascinating and confusing world of Kashrut, the Jewish dietary laws. This fourth grade family program (for our Religious School and Bi-Cultural fourth grade families) is also open to the entire congregation. You've got questions? We've got answers!
MINI PARLOR CONCERT: Sunday, March 18, 11-Noon, featuring the family Pasternak in a delightful mini-concert of instrumental and vocal arrangements of Klezmer, Hebrew, Israeli and Yiddish music. Pre-concert reception at 10:30.
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SPIRITUAL JOURNEYS ON THE WEB: Between Irony and Parody -- Finding Shushan and Unmasking Purim
1) A Drunken Stupor
In the Talmud, the sage Rava (Megillah 7b) comments, "A man is obligated to get drunk on Purim to the point where he can no longer distinguish between `Cursed is Haman' and `Blessed is Mordecai.'" The Cyber-Talmudist and author Eliezer Segal notes that later authorities had trouble accepting the ruling at face value. For an arch-rationalist like Maimonides it was unimaginable that the halakhah could be condoning such actions; hence he re-interpreted the ruling to refer to drinking only enough to fall asleep. Some authorities understood that the statement was rejected by the Talmud, a view which it indicates by juxtaposing to it an incident wherein Rabbah slaughters Rabbi Zera while under the influence (Rabbah is able to revive his colleague, though the latter politely refuses an invitation to the next year's festivities).
Maybe Rava is making a comment not on the confused state of drunkenness, but rather on the confusing nature of Purim itself. For even before we've had a drop to drink, Purim leaves us in such a stupor that we can't even figure out when it falls or whether these events ever really happened. In search of these answers, we begin our journey with some basic links about the holiday: http://www.jewish.com/holidays/purim.shtml (Jewish Community Online) is a great place to begin, along with http://jewishfamily.com.
2) When does Purim fall?
Purim begins next Thursday night; that is unless you live in a walled city, when it falls the next day. That is unless the next day is Shabbat, when, since we can't read the Megillah on Shabbat, it is postponed until Sunday. Confused enough? Click on http://www.wzo.org.il/encountr/other.htm. There you'll discover that in Jerusalem and other walled cities (you find out why walled cities there too), the reading of the Megillah and the main festivities are held on Sunday (the 16th of Adar). However, both Friday and that Sabbath take on a festive atmosphere. In this way the holiday is felt and marked in Jerusalem for three days and therefore Purim in such a year is called a "Triple Purim." While you're figuring all that out, take a peek at these other informative Purim sites, at http://www.purim.com/ and http://www.holidays.net/purim/...
3) Irony
...and http://www.jajz-ed.org.il/festivls/purim/, where I read the following informative passage:
"...There is an essential connection between the ironic style of the Megillah and the ironic style of Purim. Just as this Megillah differs totally from the other books of the Bible, so Purim is totally different from other Jewish holidays, both in the popular customs associated with it (dressing up) and in the mitzvah, unique in Jewish tradition, of imbibing alcohol at the Purim meal to the point of intoxication ("ad delo yada"). Is this a "Jewish custom"? The Jews seem to have decided to lose control on this day and to change to the point where they no longer resemble Jews. On Purim, the Jews do not only relate the story of the Megillah, they also act it out and live it anew each year."
More even than confusion, Purim is steeped in irony. Some commentators have noted the similarity between Purim and, of all holidays, Yom Kippur (also called Yom Kippurim, or, literally "a day like Purim."). At http://virtualjerusalem.com/judaism/holidays/, you can read a commentary by Rabbi Noson Scherman. While no two holidays would seem to be more different (which reminds me of the old joke that, while on Purim all the Jews dress up as fools, on YK all the fools dress up as Jews), yet the Talmud teaches us that when the Messianic Age arrives, the only holidays that will remain on the books will be Purim and Yom Kippur. Scherman equates the two days in that just as "Israel survived Haman's threat with renewed vigor, it survives every Yom Kippur with God's acceptance of its repentance. In place of death there is life. "
If irony is a key to understanding Purim, it also is a key to understanding the Jewish condition. Samuel Johnson defined irony as, "A mode of speech in which the meaning is contrary to the words." The Jewish condition has run contrary to the facts of history. No other people has lasted so long, in such small numbers, without a homeland. No other has survived such tragedies and yet developed such unmatched skills at generating comedy. There is no logical reason for us to be here! We have survived through history because we have learned how to transcend it. In the realm of time, the Jews have been perpetually weak and in danger of extinction. But lifted beyond history, in the sacred time that we all experience when on Shabbat the table glistens, and the home of even the poorest peasant becomes in her eyes a palace, that is where we have found our hidden strength.
For a definition of Irony, see http://webweevers.com/irony.htm. And to better understand the term, look at http://www.capcollege.bc.ca/magic/cmns/irony.html, http://www.time.com/time/magazine/articles/0,3266,49434,00.html, http://www.clearcf.uvic.ca/writersguide/Pages/LTIrony.html, and http://www.villagevoice.com/issues/0052/cotts.shtml. The Time article claims that "Irony is dead," and at http://www.robertfulford.com/Irony.html, a Globe and Mail columnist declares that a "war on irony" is on; but the Village Voice piece claims that "Irony is On the Rise." Ironic, huh? Irony has even infiltrated the sacred, dusty pages of the New York Times:
"Not so long ago, irony was viewed as a menace on 43rd Street, where the tone was consistently sober and any humor that crept in purely unintentional. But that's all changed. No one can pinpoint the exact date, but sometime between the arrival of Adam Moss and the departure of Abe Rosenthal, irony has received the imprimatur of The New York Times.
Consider the frequency with which the words "irony" and "ironic" appear in the Times. In fact, the Times' use of the I-words has risen steadily through the 1990s, to a record high of more than 1050 in 2000, or an average of three times a day. That's almost double the irony quotient that Times readers were treated to in 1980."
Ironic, isn't it, that this most assimilated of Jewish-owned publications has suddenly adopted that most Jewish of traits. Will wonders never cease? Soon they'll be laying tefillin in the cafeteria and praising Ariel Sharon on the editorial pages.
4) Parody
Irony is only part of the secret power of Purim. Ironic wit is best expressed in parody, the Purim version of which is commonly called the Purim spiel. The spiel (play) lifts the story from a particular time and place and gives it's message a timeless quality -- and it allows us to laugh a little at ourselves and at the world around us. On the Web, Purim parodies proliferate (say THAT five times fast). At http://www.templesinaipgh.org/0_special_events/Purimspiel.html we see that a Pittsburgh congregation will this year be doing "The Megillah According to the Beatles." The script isn't printed, but I can only imagine the lyrics: "Hey Jew, don't be afraid, take this sad song and make it better, remember that Haman's not gonna win, Esther will begin, to make it better..." Not bad, off the top of my head.
Art Waskow sees even the book of Esther itself as being a Purim spiel, at http://www.shalomctr.org/html/seas18.html. "Most Jews today understand the whole story of Esther not as an historical chronicle but as a novel, the first Purim spiel, a double joke on anti-Semites and misogynists. Haman is hanged on the same gallows he intended for Mordechai; the king who had denounced Vashti and said he would never take orders from a woman ends up by doing exactly what Esther tells him."
And at Eliezar Segal's commentary at http://www.ucalgary.ca/~elsegal/Shokel/880219_Purim_Parody.html we see how, in the Babylonian Talmud, an exceptional passage (Hullin 139b) serves as a model for subsequent "Purim-Torah"-- that is, playfully using some of the far-fetched methods of talmudic logic and Biblical exegesis in order to reach absurd conclusions. The passage in question relates how a visiting rabbi was challenged to find references to Mordecai, Esther, Haman and Moses (!) in the Torah. The sage responds to the riddles with audacious, clever puns. For example, ignoring the traditional vocalization, he finds an allusion to Haman in Genesis 3:11: "Is it from (hamin) the tree..." (also hinting at the villain's hanging); and to Esther in Deuteronomy 31:18, where God says, "I will surely hide (haster 'astir) my face" (recalling Esther's refusal to disclose her origins to the king).
Typically, some of the later commentators approached the talmudic passage without full appreciation of its humorous intent. Thus Rashi gravely tries to justify the need to find an "allusion" to Moses' name in the Torah. Or to take another example, the later custom of donning masks and costumes on Purim--a practice which is first reported in Provence in the early fourteenth century, and later achieved popularity under the influence of the German Fastnacht celebration and the Italian carnivals--was afterwards tied to the idea of God's "hiding his face" as found in the Talmud!
5) Place
Once we've finally figured when Purim falls and we've gotten past all the irony and parody, we are left wondering whether the story actually happened in a real place, or whether this timeless tale has no firm rooting in geography as well as history.
The Megillah describes a city that really did exist, called Shushan, in Persia. We learn from www.ucalgary.ca/~elsegal/Shokel/980312_PassingShushan.html that, according to the noted medieval Jewish traveler Benjamin of Tudela, the Jewish quarter of Shushan was separated from the palace by a river. For some information about the original city, check http://bible.crosswalk.com/Dictionaries/EastonsBibleDictionary/ebd.cgi?number=T3418, and http://www.bartleby.com/65/su/Susa.html.
And to see how Shushan impacted Jewish history even before the days of Mordechai and Esther, see http://www.shemayisrael.co.il/hmikdash/shushan.htm. We are told that in the 6th century BCE, following the Babylonian Exile, when the Persian king (Cyrus) allowed Ezra to rebuild both the Temple and Jerusalem, he was worried about the possibility of a Jewish rebellion. To remind his Jewish subjects that he was boss, Cyrus instructed the builders to carve a picture of the Shushan skyline over the main entrance. That became known as the Shushan Gate of the Temple. Think about it. Shushan, which has become for us the very symbol of the condition of Exile, was actually the name of a gate in the very epicenter of the Jewish nationhood, Jerusalem.
There are other Shushans on the Web, like http://www.shushans.com/ Shushan's in New Orleans, which specializes in, of all things, Mardi Gras Clothing and Hats. And in New York State you'll find the picturesque hamlet of Shushan, which as a beautiful covered bridge. Visit it at http://dmoz.org/Regional/North_America/United_States/New_York/Localities/S/Shushan/ . At http://www.angelfire.com/biz/LikeJACKnMARIONS/shushan.html, Michael Ross takes us on a parody walking tour of Shushan. And if you're just in the mood for Shushan and Purim jokes, there's always http://members.tripod.com/~jewishjokes/shushan-on-purim-copa-cabana.htm. And finally, meet the Shushan family at http://mail.gtek.co.il/~izik/shushan/, and congratulations to Tati on his new car, "Shimon."
6) Where does all this leave us?
This journey leaves us spinning -- right where we began, with a non-alcoholic drink in our hand yet dizzy from another day in Persian Exile. It leaves us right we where have been all along, at the gates of the palace, with Haman's shadow lurking around the corner; and at the entrance to the king's chamber, begging his indulgence, praying for victory, and readying for the battle that surely lies ahead.
Shabbat Shalom and Hag Sameach.
JH
This Shabbat-O-Gram goes out weekly to about 500 congregants and others, plus to a college student list of about 60. Please feel free to forward it to your friends, and if you know of any congregant, college student or anyone else who might wish to be included, please have them e-mail me at my temple address, rabbi@tbe.org.
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For more information, you are most cordially invited to check out Beth El's Web site at www.tbe.org, and my own, www.thelordismyshepherd.com.
Friday, March 2, 2001
Shabbat-O-Gram, March 3, 2001
Shabbat-O-gram, March 3, 2001
Shabbat Shalom and Happy Purim!
(This week's Online Spiritual Journey is found at the bottom of this O-Gram)
JUST THE FACTS
Purim -- Megillah Reading: 6:30 Thursday evening
On Purim it is a mitzvah to hear the Megillah, to give at least one package of gifts of food (Mishloach manot) to a neighbor, to give to at least two poor people (Matanot l'evyonim) and to enjoy a festive Purim meal (Seudat Purim).
Shabbat Candlelighting on Friday: 5:38 PM
Kabbalat Shabbat service: 8:00
Shabbat Morning: Pesukey d'zimra (preliminary service) 9:15 AM. Shacharit at 9:30. Mazal Tov to Mark Shlyankevich, who becomes Bar Mitzvah this Shabbat morning.
Children's Services: 10:30 (in the Chapel and Kindergarten room)
Torah Portion (Tetzaveh). The Learn Torah With commentary can be found at
http://www.torahaura.com/Bible/here__/LTW_5761/LTW_5761_Tetzaveh/ltw_5761_tetzaveh.html
and Chancellor Schorsch's commentary at http://learn.jtsa.edu/topics/parashah/5761/tetsavveh.shtml
Because of its proximity to various special Sabbaths that have their own special prophetic portions, the Haftorah for Tetzaveh is rarely read. Rarer yet is the occurrence when it is read for a second year in a row, as is the case this year. The last time it was read three years in a row, according to Rabbi Shelly Switkin, was 1976,77,78. The next time? 2098, 99 and 2100. Why does this matter? Well, for one, because it's my Bar Mitzvah Haftorah.
Because this is really a three-day Purim weekend (see last week's O-Gram), we'll be talking about the Book of Esther at services on Shabbat morning, asking the question, "Where does fiction start and history end?"
Shabbat Ends: 6:30 PM Saturday
Mazal Tov to Aryn Lieberman and Matthew Grossman, who will be married on Saturday night, and to parents Sam and Naomi Lieberman and Jerome and Phyllis Grossman.
Daily Minyan: Sunday at 9, weekdays at 7:30 AM. While we normally do have at least ten at each service, please e-mail me to let me know if you wish to be here for a yahrzeit and want to make sure we have a minyan that day.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS:
MEGILLAH READING AND PURIM CARNIVAL: Tonight, at 6:30
Bring creative noisemakers and come in costume (adults too). We'll have lots of prizes and surprises, fun for all ages! Purim is not just for Kiddies anymore. It's a time for all of us to exclaim to the world how proud we are to be Jews and to see just how much fun being Jewish can be.
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WHAT IS KOSHER? NOSHING WITH JOSH
Join me on Sunday, March 11, at 8:45 or at 11 AM, for an introduction to the fascinating and confusing world of Kashrut, the Jewish dietary laws. This fourth grade family program (for our Religious School and Bi-Cultural fourth grade families) is also open to the entire congregation. You've got questions? We've got answers!
MINI PARLOR CONCERT: Sunday, March 18, 11-Noon, featuring the family Pasternak in a delightful mini-concert of instrumental and vocal arrangements of Klezmer, Hebrew, Israeli and Yiddish music. Pre-concert reception at 10:30
ADULT BAR/BAT MITZVAH CLASS
By popular demand, we'll be organizing an adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah class within the next few months, with the goal of completing the course in about a year and preparing for an adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah service in May of 2002. The course of study will be taught by our senior staff and include some synagogue skills and a basic overview of Jewish history, customs and ceremonies and texts. We will gladly accommodate all levels of Hebrew proficiency. If you are at all interested, please contact the education office (322-6901 X306).
YOM HA-SHOAH: The Legacy of the Generations
This year's community-wide Holocaust Remembrance Day program, to be held here on the evening of April 19, will focus on the second and third generations of survivors. If you are a child or grandchild of a survivor and would be interested in sharing your story, please let me know. How have the stories you grew up with changed your life? What do you feel is your special legacy or obligation as the descendant of a survivor? The program will feature brief testimonies given by people of all ages, including children, and we will be collecting additional written testimonies to be distributed that night.
The Council of Churches & Synagogues invites you to the sixth offering in its "Christian Jewish Perspectives Series", Mar. 20, 7:30 p.m. at the JCC of Stamford. "Spirituality vs. Organized Religion" featuring Rabbi Joshua Hammerman and Rev. Dr. James Kowalski, St. Luke's Episcopal Church.
Chevra Kadisha (Burial Society) Workshop, March 18, 12-2:30 PM, at Agudath Sholom. It is very important that more Beth El members participate in this vital organization that does such important and work in preparing Jews for burial in a dignified and loving way. For more information, contact Stephen and Penny Block at 316-0519.
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism first-ever Tri-Regional Shabbaton/Convention: Mar. 23-25, hosted by Congregation Knesset Israel - Pittsfield, MA. For information call (800) 594-7098.
We're doing it again! "BOOKS & VIDEOS 4-KIDS" A program designed to share children's books and children's videos (new or used, but in good condition) with kids who need them. Please donate your books/videos and place them in the box near the Temple office, and we'll make sure they get to agencies which help kids here and in Israel. Funds are also needed to pay for shipping them to Israel. Collection will take place Mar. 1 - 30. Sue and Alison Greenwald, 329-1662.
BETH EL CARES, the social action arm of Temple Beth El, has begun a letter writing campaign to the soldiers in Israel to let them know we care and are thinking of them. You may write whatever is in your heart.Special Beth El Cares cards are available in the synagogue office for FREE. You may use your own stationery or cards if you wish. Everyone can participate…adults and children. School age children may write a card and younger children may draw a picture.Because the Israeli government cannot give out names, you can address your card to "Dear Friend" or whatever salutation you choose. Please bring your cards back to the
synagogue office where they will be sent collectively to Israel. Beth El Cares will pay for the postage.
Check out the photos from last week's dinner dance (including a new roll just added), as well as up to the minute information on TBE, at www.tbe.org.
Currently on http://www.SocialAction.com (to subscribe to our bi-weekly e-letter updating you about the latest features on SocialAction.com, go to http://www.SocialAction.com/ebulletin.html)
Our jobs and announcements board constantly has new listings: check out opportunities like civil rights and social justice fellowships, student service and activism conferences, National Youth Service Day, community service jobs, and more!
Here’s our offering of features and resources for Purim (March 9-10)
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Looking to download a good Jewish calendar for your desktop? Try www.kaluach.net. You'll like it!
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Spiritual Journeys on the Web: The Great Debate -- Latkes vs. Hamentaschen
There have been many great debates in world history: Lincoln vs. Douglas, the Scopes trial, and of course that all time classic, "tastes great" vs "less filling." Jews have been avid debate fans ever since Abraham took it to the limit with God over the future of Sodom. But no debate has stirred up Jewish passions over the years more than the one that we feature today: Latkes vs. Hamentaschen. And so it is only natural that this great debate has spilled over onto the pages of the Web. Dozens of sites analyze this great match-up, giving it the hype it deserves. This is the Super Bowl of Kosher Culinary Combat. And for rabbis and academicians, this is the Super Bowl of "pilpul," the art of taking Talmudic logic to absurd extremes.
1) Setting the Stage
Why the Big To-Do about Latkes and Hamentaschen? A good "taste" of what's at stake is presented poetically at
http://www.ujcvp.org/temple_sinai/Purim-Rhyme-For-5760.html, where Rabbi Scott Curdin writes:
Of all Jewish foods
for eatin' and noshin'
none is as great as a
big hamentaschen.
"Now hold on one minute,"
perhaps you might say,
"I beg to differ
and contend right away...
... that there is one other food
that Jews love and do savor
for its wonderful taste
and its delicate flavor.
Observe here the latke,
what a joy to behold,
with its glorious flavor
all crispy and gold.
So the stage is set, and the stakes are high indeed. Two delicious foods, two joyous holidays, one stomach, so little time... According to http://record.williams.edu/article.asp?article=10271&pagedate=3/30/98, the debate has a long, illustrious history. From its roots at the University of Chicago over fifty years ago, the question of the superiority of the latke or the hamentaschen has been a subject of spirited debate across the country. Williams Professor Steven Gerrard gives his proof in favor of the Hamentaschen at http://www.williams.edu/philosophy/fourth_layer/faculty_pages/sgerrard/previous_gerrard_page/gerrard_hamentashen.html. If you can figure it out, you're a better person than I.
2) The Feminist Analysis
Spinning its way around Cyberspace for several years now is a fascinating feminist critique by U Penn professor Robin Leidner, found at http://www.cyber-kitchen.com/rfcj/HUMOR/Latke_vs_Hamentash_A_Materialist-Feminist_Analysis.html. Whatever you do, don't forget to read the footnotes! Leidner makes a persuasive argument, based on considerable fieldwork, that "when one takes into account the gendered division of labor, family power dynamics, norms of sociability, and the structural conditions of participation in a late-capitalist, post-industrial economy, the hamentash is far more suitable for incorporation into the feminist vision of an
egalitarian and non oppressive future than is the latke."
Carrying the feminist approach perhaps a bit too far, this past Purim at Mount Holyoke College, one professor argued for the hamentash side while wearing a triangular g-string, positing that the pastry is a more appropriate taste treat for a woman's school given the its similarity to the female anatomy. A psychology professor countered with Pavlov's research on salivating dogs, which indicated that circular stimuli (aka latkes) induced more doggie drool than triangular stimuli (aka hamentaschen). His latke-teammate, an economics professor, admitted he'd never actually seen either food until that day but nonetheless "invoked complex economic theories and argued that 'the hamantasch alleges a center that will hold, but we know in this society that the center will not hold.'"
3) The Halachic Approach:
I read about the Mount Holyoke debate at http://www.cuisinenet.com/cafe/you_gonna_eat_that/1997/00013-2.html. In that article, entitled "Ah Love to Latke Baby," Marjorie Ignall also informs us that,
"Latke recipes are a huge source of obsessiveness, self-righteousness and control-freakitude. Should one rinse the grated potatoes? Does one press out the moisture with a paper towel? Onion or no? Is a food processor permissible or must the latkes be laced with bloody knuckle chunks to be kosher? According to halachic expert Professor Raphael Finkel of the University of Kentucky, one must "slaughter the potato with a quick double cut, holding the knife so the blade is facing up, attacking the potato from underneath. If there are any eyes on the potato, they must be facing up, so the potato doesn't see the knife coming. The stroke must sever at least the main artery of the potato, although according to Rambam, this is difficult with our modern potatoes, which have no arteries."
Continuing along those lines, we find this Halachic tour de force at http://www.ottmall.com/mj_ht_arch/v6/mj_v6i42.html (I've edited out the Yeshiva-speak slightly to make it more accessible to the general reader)
A). You can only make 1 bracha on a Latke; while if you eat the dough and filling separately, you can make 2 brachas [Boray Minay M'zonot and BVoray P'ri Ha'etz]. We all know that 2 brachas are better than 1.
B). The whole essence of the mitzvah of latkes is something secondary to the actual latke - namely the oil. Hamentaschen
on the other hand has its essence tied into the actual hamentash - not what it's cooked in! Also, by baking the hamentash with a little oil sprayed on the cookie sheet, you can even fulfill the mitzvah of Chanukah on Purim!
C). You can make a m'zuman [quorum?] on the basis of a single person eating hamentaschen (it has to be of sufficient quantity that you would wash and bentch on ) (to say Grace after Meals). How is this? (It surprised me too until I figured out the answer). The hamentash has 3 corners- which obviously is in remembrance of the 3 Patriarchs (Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov). Now if you're eating something in honor of them, don't you think that at least 2 of them would answer when you bentshed?
And finally, check out another Beth El, http://www.tbeonline.org/RabbisStudy/Articles/Castiglione/Hamentashen.htm, to find this undeniable claim in favor of the Hamentaschen:
You know what happens when you put one latke upside down on top of another? You get two latkes - one on top of the other. But put a hamentaschen upside down on top of another. A Star of David, that’s what you get- that’s Jewish content!
4) Nosh This Way
Check out http://mishmash.virtualave.net/latke.html for a number of Latke and Hamentash links. I also saw some nice serious stuff at this site, in a side bar about why Jews make such a big deal about food anyway. As Reb Moshe Waldoks once put it, "Noshing is sacred." So, nu, why?
"Food and its preparation have become the soul of a people. A Jew, strongly influenced by his dietary laws, is careful of what he eats. Food, therefore is elevated to the level of his spiritual needs. Almost everything that a Jew chooses as food has either symbolic value or is connected with some aspect of the history of his people. The Jew has faith in his food; and it is a faith that encompasses the wholeness of his life. His chicken soup, to choose just one day-to-day example, is another version of snake-oil, elixir, panacea, "good for what ails you." It is pure mysticism, suggesting that the faith of a people lay in their habits and grow out of them.
The Jew's deep belief in food, his conception of its healing powers, the elan of eating and dinner table wisdom, without which a meal becomes a chore, is inseparable from his formalized inclinations. Judaism, what a Jew believes, and Jewishness, how he lives, become the same thing. All religions have an assortment of festivals, ceremonies, or holidays. Some of these involve the exchange of gifts, some a trip to the country; unforgettable works of art have been created in their names. They are all aspects of a paraphernalia that enlarges a religion and welds its adherents to it. This is how ritual nourishes and replenishes mystique. The Jewish faith includes all or much of this sort of ritual in the orchestration of its religious life; but it has added one unique aspect which keeps the Jew in daily touch with the spirit and evolution of himself: food. This causes a fact which is not as regrettable as it is astounding: A Jew can stop believing in the rules of his religion and still be a Jew. No other religion, I believe, can make that statement."
5) So, it's Hamentaschen by a Knockout?
The Purim pastry clearly is the favorite on the Web. But think about it. When, after all, do we have these debates? On Purim, naturally, when Purim Torah (i.e. Pilpul) is so prevalent. That gives the H-tasch an unfair "home kitchen" advantage. When we approach Purim, we're just coming off of Hanukkah (eight days of latkes) and haven't had a hamentasch in nearly a year. We've been shedding off latke pounds for a couple of months and the Clearasil bill hasn't been fully paid. No wonder the latke suffers in these debates.
So I tried one more tack: I searched on Napster. Fortunately, the Napster filters haven't taken hold yet (once they do, we'll be able to download only the Star Spangled Banner, some versions of Kol Nidre and a few Gregorian Chants). One song was there for Hamentaschen. But then I plugged in "Latke" and sure enough, suddenly the page was full (mostly with Debbie Friedman's Latke song, but there's a Klezmer one too). In the music world at least, the Latke reigns.
When you think about it, the two foods are really complementary. The Hamentasch symbolizes the quintessential Diaspora festival of Purim, yet is eaten by far more people in Israel than over here. Purim is HUGE in Israel, even when extremists try to spoil the fun (which seems to happen much too often); but Purim is only beginning to find its legs over here. Meanwhile, the latke symbolizes the greatest victory of the Jewish people fighting for freedom in the land of Israel --- and yet that delicacy is far, far more popular in the Diaspora than in Israel. In Israel, the Ashkenazic latke takes a back seat to the sufgania, the jelly doughnut, also fried in oil. What we need to do is synthesize the two festivals. Maybe we need to create a triangular sufgania. Make it Pesachdik, fill it with apples and honey and fry it like a blintz, and you've got the perfect Jewish holiday food!
6) Bottom Line.
This thing is so big that even the Universalists are getting into the act, at http://www.uucss.org/sermons/uu1999-12-05.html#Sermo
Maybe it would be best to heed the wise words found at http://kiddushclub.com/latkesvs.htm. There, Rabbi Paul Root Wolpe of the University of Pennsylvania, declares, "After pondering the question deeply for ten or fifteen minutes, I determined that a fundamental flaw has been made in the choices of cuisine offered. Any true historian of Jewish cuisine knows that neither the latke nor the hamentaschen is the true, primordial, undisputed champion of Jewish cuisine. No, there is a food more basic by far." His choice? Why, herring, of course.
7) The Real Bottom Line:
The latke wins. Why? Because I like 'em better.
This Shabbat-O-Gram goes out weekly to about 500 congregants and others, plus to a college student list of about 60. Please feel free to forward it to your friends, and if you know of any congregant, college student or anyone else who might wish to be included, please have them e-mail me at my temple address, rabbi@tbe.org.
To be taken off this e-mail list, simply click on "reply" and write "please unsubscribe" in the message box.
For more information, you are most cordially invited to check out Beth El's Web site at www.tbe.org, and my own, www.thelordismyshepherd.com.
Friday, February 23, 2001
Shabbat-O-Gram, Feb 21, 2001
SHABBAT-O-GRAM: "BE HAPPY IT'S ADAR" VERSION
SEEING DOUBLE?
It appears that at least a few of you are receiving two different versions of the Shabbat-O-Gram in the same mailing. There is a simple explanation for this, but, to my knowledge, no simple solution. Eudora gives me the option to send it out either in plain text or "styled." Since the O'Gram contains some advanced e-mail features (colors, hyperlinks, etc.), I must choose the "styled" option. However, there are many out there whose computers are not set up to recieve these features; they require the "plain" setting. In order to make it possible for everyone to recieve the Shabbat-O-Gram, I mush select a third option, "plain and styled," which sends this mailing out in BOTH formats. The perfect rabbinic solution! If you are recieving both, all I can do is apologize for the inconvenience and suggest that you delete one of them.
A BITE OF TORAH:
"WHEN THE MOON IS IN THE SEVENTH DAY" -- and other taxing matters
It may not be the dawning of the "Age of Aquarius," but this Shabbat is the Jewish equivalent of a lunar eclipse. It so happens that Rosh Hodesh Adar, the new moon, is neatly aligned with a special Sabbath, Shabbat Shekalim, meaning that we will be reading from three Torahs. This almost never happens, outside of Simhat Torah, when it always happens, and Shabbat Hanukkah, when it coincides with Rosh Hodesh Tevet. This week's alignment last occurred in 1994, which, incidentally, was also the last time that Passover began on a Saturday night -- until this year.
We know that Rosh Hodesh is the New Month; but what is Shabbat Shekalim? Why name a Shabbat, of all days, after Israeli currency? As Rabbi Yitz Greenberg writes in, "The Jewish Way," "More than any other holiday, Shabbat reflects the changing moods and concerns of Clal Yisrael (the collectivity of Israel).... In the weeks before Passover, four special Shabbat days prepare the community agenda: Shabbat Shekalim, the occasion to to give the annual gift to the national treasury for Temple sacrifices; Shababt Zachor (Remember), a reminder of the Amalekite genocidal assault on Israel and the ongoing dangers of anti-Semitism; Shabbat Parah (Red Heifer), the declaration of the need to purify in preparation for the Paschal lamb sacrifice and the central national feast; and Shabbat Hachodesh (the Month), an announcement of the arrival of the month of Passover, the new year of liberation."
The fact that Shabbat Shekalim always comes at the time when I need to be reminded to get my own taxes in order is one way that I have tried to imbue even the secular calendar with the rhythms of Jewish sacred time. It also reminds me that the giving of taxes is in itself a sacred activity. Corny as it seems, I actually improvise a bracha when I put my completed tax forms in the mail, realizing that this money is going to help people who are in need, and help this nation maintain its position moral leadership, not to mention the fact that some of this money also helps to preserve Israel's security. If you're looking for a blessing to recite, take a peek at the "Birchot Ha-Shachar" the morning blessings (p.14 of our Shabbat prayer book); almost all of them work. Speaking of the mitzvah of paying taxes, this week's Web Journey is dedicated to none other than Marc Rich.
The week's portion, Mishpatim, often referred to as the "Book of the Covenant," is a treasure trove of laws, many bearing a resemblance to the famous Code of Hamurabi as well as other ancient Near Eastern law codes. In it, the festival cycle is introduced, as well as the Sabbatatical cycle for the land. What better week, then, to reflect on the cycles of our own days, months and years, and how we might come to elevate our lives by reclaiming these sacred moments. As we raise and dress three different Torah scrolls, this is truly a week for us to reflect on the words of Abraham Joshua Heschel, that "the way to nobility of the soul is the art of sanctifying time."
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JUST THE FACTS
Candlelighting on Friday: 5:22 PM
Kabbalat Shabbat service: 8:15, AT TEMPLE SINAI (SEE BELOW)
Shabbat Morning: Shabbat of Sharing continues at 9:30 AM (P'sukey d'Zimra at 9:15)
Children's Services: 10:30 (in the Chapel and Kindergarten room)
Torah Portion (Mishpatim). The Learn Torah With commentaries can be found at http://www.torahaura.com/Bible/here__/LTW_5761/LTW_5761_Mishpatim/ltw_5761_mishpatim.html Ismar Schorsch's commentary and the text of the portion and Haftarah are available from the JTS Web site, at http://learn.jtsa.edu/topics/parashah/5761/mishpatim.shtml.
Shabbat Ends: 6:22 PM Saturday
Religious School resumes on Tuesday and Thursday
Daily Minyan: Sunday at 9, weekdays at 7:30
SHABBAT OF SHARING
For several years, Temples Sinai and Beth El have taken one Shabbat each winter and held services in unison, on Friday there and on Shabbat morning here, as a gesture of Jewish unity and communal solidarity. This year we welcome Rabbi Liz Rolle here for the first time. We also welcome our guest speaker, Arthur Magida. As has been our custom, choirs and individuals from both synagogues will be participating in the services.
Our guest speaker is a noted columnist on religion for PBS and Beliefnet, and author of "Prophet of Rage: A Life of Louis Farrakhan and His Nation," "How to Be a Perfect Stranger: A Guide to Etiquette in Other People's Religious Ceremonies" and several other books. The topics:
Friday night 2/23 (at Temple Sinai -- 8:15PM)
“We WILL Overcome!”
The Black-Jewish alliance of the 1960s was followed by almost three decades of tensions exploited by separatists and hate-mongers. Now, the decline of leaders like Louis Farrakhan, the shared calamity of the Florida elections and the renaissance of a newly strengthened NAACP gives hope for a redefined Black-Jewish relationship.
Shabbat morning 2/24 (here)
“A Meeting of the Ways: New Interfaith Realities in the 21st Century”
As increased immigration boosts Islamic, Buddhist and Asian populations in the U.S., and as Jews and Christians seek more amicable relations, barriers between religions are lowering. The new atmosphere not only enhances public dialogue,it gives all faiths a chance to better understand others -- and themselves.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
MAZAL TOV: to Mindy and Allen Grafstein on the birth of their daughter, Casey Marsha, grandaughter of Marsha Gladstein of blessed memory, Gary and Judi Gladstein and Ralph and Rachel Grafstein.
ANNUAL TEEN SERVICE (Shabbat morning service for the congregation led by about 90 of our teenagers) -- March 3
SEVENTH GRADE FAMILY PROGRAM -- Sunday, March 4, 8:45 - 10:45 AM
For all parents and students of 2001 Bar Bat Mitzvah class. Through videos and discussion, we'll explore what it really means to become Bar and Bat Mitzvah.
ADULT BAR/BAT MITZVAH CLASS
By popular demand, we'll be organzing an adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah class within the next few months, with the goal of completing the course in about a year and preparing for an adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah service in May of 2002. The course of study will be taught by our senior staff and include some synagogue skills and a basic overview of Jewish history, customs and ceremonies and texts. We will gladly accomodate all levels of Hebrew proficiency. If you are at all interested, please contact the education office (322-6901 X306).
YOM HA-SHOAH: The Legacy of the Generations
This year's community-wide Holocaust Remembrance Day program, to be held here on the evening of April 19, will focus on the second and third generations of survivors. If you are a child or grandchild of a survivor and would be interested in sharing your story, please let me know. How have the stories you grew up with changed your life? What do you feel is your special legacy or obligation as the descendant of a survivor? The program will feature brief testimonies given by people of all ages, including children, and we will be collecting additional written testimonies to be distributed that night.
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LIFE LIGHTS
A series of 16 pamphlets on the various crises and trials we all face in life, is now on display in our lobby. Feel free to take from this wide selection, which is being sponsored by our Sisterhood, for yourself and for your loved ones. Notable Jewish writers touch on topics ranging from "Taking the Time You Need to Mourn Your Loss," to "Finding a Way to Forgive," to "Easing the Burden of Stress." When we first put these on display last week, we ran out of the stress one (in other words we were "stressed out") almost instantly. But we're replenishing our supply. By using "Life Lights" and giving them to loved ones in need, we all can help to show the caring face of Beth El.
-------------------------------
WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND?
Last week's Torah Bite included the Talmudic story about how Rav asked for peas and his wife kept giving him lentils, until Rav's son Hiyyah got into the mix and "fixed" matters, only to be reprimanded by his father for his white lies (see last week's O'Gram for the details). I asked whether you agree with Rav's approach. To which Marsha Colton responded:
- Hiyyah was not instructed to lie. In fact, he was an insightful and
- sensitive person. He knew what his father wanted, and knowing how his mother
- operated, he gave instruction to his mother to get the desired result for his
- father. No harm to his mother, and everyone is happy -- there's peas in the
- house! Isn't this a case of no harm, no foul? In fact, perhaps the
- greatest transgression is that of the mother. What lesson is she giving be
- disrespecting her husband's wishes constantly -- and in front of their child
- to boot? It's not called lying, but I don't know the name of this
- transgression which I find MUCH more egregious than the child trying to
- create shalom bayit.
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SPIRITUAL JOURNEYS ON THE WEB: On the trail of Marc Rich
1) And what a mess it is! Here's a fugitive charged with massive tax evasion (he must never have observed Shabbat Shekalim) and aiding the enemies of America and Israel, who is pardoned in part because of the lobbying efforts of prominent American and Israeli Jews! This one hits very close to home, as one of Rich's pet causes is none other than Birthright Israel, of which we are a pilot community. It is said that only days before his pardon Rich was seen weeping at the massive gathering of thousands of Jewish college students in Jerusalem, rekindling the spark of Judaism in their souls thanks in large part to his investment. But what kind of Judaism would condone criminal behavior of the Rich variety? That's the question asked by Reform movement leader Eric Yoffie in last week's Jewish Week. Read his article at http://www.thejewishweek.com/top/editletcontent.php3?artid=1065.
2) Yoffie's words are disturbing, to say the least. And this is not the first time that prominent Jewish institutions' reputations have been tarnished by taking massive donations from tainted sources. A few years back The Jewish Theological Seminary had to change the name of their spanking new "Ivan Boesky Library." But the donation was not returned -- not that it would have been possible to say whose money it really was. It certainly wasn't Boesky's, although he donated it. So in search of the Rich debris, I took a gander at Google and came up with the "Marc Rich Annual Seminar at the Disapora Museum," at http://www.google.com/search?q=cache:www.hum.huji.ac.il/dinur/Events/lectures.htm+Marc+Rich+%2B+Judaism&hl=en. This year's topic? "The Jewish Experience in the 20th Century: its Main Events and Icons - A Personal Perspective" A little farther down on the Google list is an unsubstanitated claim that Marc Rich dollars have gone to support, of all things, Israel's "Movement For Quality Government," a grassroots organization fighting government corruption. More articles detailing the Rich family's extensive philanthropy can be found at the Foundation Center Web Site, http://fdncenter.org/sitewide_VSearchResult.cfm. There is little doubt that some of this money actually saves lives, which presents us with another Jewish dilemma: Since the saving of a life supercedes almost every other Jewish principle (even Sabbath observance) could not tainted money be used at least in this case? And, by extension, doesn't Birthright Israel save Jewish souls, if not actual physical lives?
WHAT DO YOU THINK? CLICK "REPLY" AND LET ME KNOW.
This Shabbat-O-Gram goes out weekly to about 450 congregants and others, plus to a college student list of about 60. Please feel free to forward it to your friends, and if you know of any congregant, college student or anyone else who might wish to be included, please have them e-mail me at my temple address, rabbi@tbe.org.
To be taken off this e-mail list, simply click on "reply" and write "please unsubscribe" in the message box.
AND DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT OUR NEWLY UPDATED WEB SITE AT www.tbe.org!
Friday, February 16, 2001
Shabbat-O-Gram for Feb. 15, 2001
Shabbat Shalom!
Honesty and Policy
In honor of President's Day weekend and the birthdays of our two most truthful political leaders this side of John McCain, and in honor of the 9th Commandment (all ten are in this week's portion), look below for a special D'var Torah and Web Pilgrimage on the subject of honesty. Speaking of honest, I joined several local clergy for a tete a tete with Rep. Chris Shays this past week. It gave us a chance to air concerns about a variety of subjects, ranging from Florida (he showed us how tiny a chad is), to Ashcroft to school choice and religion-based government funding. It was, as they say in diplomatic circles, an honest and frank exchange. We applauded him on his courageous efforts for campaign reform and appreciated his candor in his supporting some (though not all) Bush initiatives, even those least popular to a group of primarily liberal clergy. There was some nice give-and-take, and I must say, disagreement among the clergy on the whole faith-based charity issue. It appears that this plan will help worthy organizations, like our Council of Churches and Synagogues, to cut through red tape more efficiently to acquire government grants. But not all religious organizations are as meritorious as our Council. Is it possible that some government funds might be used, even indirectly, to support missionary activities? I expressed that concern to Shays, adding that the sectarian, exclusionary comments made by two ministers at the Inauguration did not auger well for the President who wants to be a "uniter, not a divider."
Our special Kids Shabbat-O-Gram will also be sent out today, so send me your child's e-mail address -- and let your kids of all ages know that they can now add their rabbi to their buddy list on AOL; screen name: joshuahct@aol.com.
JUST THE FACTS
Candlelighting on Friday: 5:14 PM
Kabbalat Shabbat service: 8:00, in the chapel
Shabbat Morning: Family Service at 9:30 AM, followed by lunch (If you would like to sponsor this or any other Shabbat lunch, please contact Roberta Aronovitch at execdir@tbe.org). As is our custom, approximately once each month a service is led almost exclusively by congregants. We call it a "Family Service," although a more appropriate title might be "Lay Led Service," or something like that. But "Family" just sounds right. Of course, all members of the family are always welcome in our services.
Children's Services: 10:30 (in the Chapel and Kindergarten room).
Torah Portion: Yitro, featuring the Ten Commandments. The Learn Torah With commentaries can be found at http://www.torahaura.com/Bible/here__/LTW_5761/LTW_5761_Yitro/ltw_5761_yitro.html. There are three of them this week, all interesting. Click on the name on the author to select them. Ismar Schorsch's commentary and the text of the portion and Haftarah are available from the JTS Web site, at http://learn.jtsa.edu/topics/parashah/5761/yitro.shtml
Shabbat Ends: 6:14 PM Saturday
There is no Religious School this coming week. Happy Vacation!
Daily Minyan: Sunday at 9, weekdays at 7:30, Monday (President's Day) at 9:00 (note later time).
We've had a request for a "guaranteed minyan" for this Friday, Feb. 19, as someone is saying Kaddish. Please let me know if you can be here!!!!
-----------------------------
The following are the names of the seven IDF soldiers and one female civilian who were killed in Wednesday's terrorist attack at Azur junction:
Staff-Sgt. Ophir Megidish, 20, from Kiryat Malachi;
Sgt. David Azoulai, 21, from Kiryat Malachi;
Sgt. Julie Weiner, 21, from Jerusalem;
Sgt. Rachel Levy, 19, from Ashkelon;
Sgt. Kochava Polanski, 19, from Ashkelon;
Cpl. Alexander Manevitz, 18, from Ashkelon;
Cpl. Yasmin Karisi, 18 from Ashkelon; and
Simcha Shetrit, 30, from Rishon Lezion.
Our hearts reach out to their families and to the whole house of Israel at this time of crisis and sadness.
---------------------------------
ANNOUNCEMENTS
SHABBAT OF SHARING, FEB 23-24
We'll be having our annual Shabbat of Sharing with Temple Sinai on Feb. 23-24. Our guest speaker will be Arthur Magida, a noted columnist on religion for PBS and Beliefnet, and author of "Prophet of Rage: A Life of Louis Farrakhan and His Nation," "How to Be a Perfect Stranger: A Guide to Etiquette in Other People's Religious Ceremonies" and several other books. The topics:
Friday night 2/23 (at Temple Sinai -- 8:15PM)
“We WILL Overcome!”
The Black-Jewish alliance of the 1960s was followed by almost three decades of tensions exploited by separatists and hate-mongers. Now, the decline of leaders like Louis Farrakhan, the shared calamity of the Florida elections and the renaissance of a newly strengthened NAACP gives hope for a redefined Black-Jewish relationship.
Shabbat morning 2/24 (here)
“A Meeting of the Ways: New Interfaith Realities in the 21st Century”
As increased immigration boosts Islamic, Buddhist and Asian populations in the U.S., and as Jews and Christians seek more amicable relations, barriers between religions are lowering. The new atmosphere not only enhances public dialogue,it gives all faiths a chance to better understand others -- and themselves.
ANNUAL TEEN SERVICE (Shabbat morning service for the congregation led by about 90 of our teenagers) -- March 3
A GALA DINNER SOMETHING-OR-OTHER (I have no idea what this is all about, but they told me to ask that you get your reservations in) -- March 3
SEVENTH GRADE FAMILY PROGRAM -- Sunday, March 4, 8:45 - 10:45 AM
For all parents and students of 2001 Bar Bat Mitzvah class. Through videos and discussion, we'll explore what it really means to become Bar and Bat Mitzvah.
----------------------------------------------------
LIFE LIGHTS
A series of 16 pamphlets on the various crises and trials we all face in life, is now on display in our lobby. Feel free to take from this wide selection, which is being sponsored by our Sisterhood, for yourself and for your loved ones. Notable Jewish writers touch on topics ranging from "Taking the Time You Need to Mourn Your Loss," to "Finding a Way to Forgive," to "Easing the Burden of Stress." When we first put these on display last week, we ran out of the stress one (in other words we were "stressed out") almost instantly. But we're replenishing our supply. By using "Life Lights" and giving them to loved ones in need, we all can help to show the caring face of Beth El.
-------------------------------
A BITE OF TORAH: "I Cannot Tell a Lie"
It is fitting that on this weekend when we celebrate our first President, the original G.W., he of the cherry tree, and our 16th, Honest Abe himself, we also read the Ten Commandments, including that final one instructing us not to bear false witness. The ancient sages understood that civilization can be sustained only when it rests on a foundation of honesty and trust. They also understood that truthfulness is not inherited through genetics, but through conscious parental modeling. Take this amusing Talmudic story (Yevamot 63a) for example: The sage Rav had an interesting marriage. Whatever he asked his wife for, she gave him the opposite. So when he asked for lentils, she would cook peas, and when he asked for peas, she would cook lentils. Maybe Rav should have learned his own way around the kitchen, but that's another story.
Rav's son Hiyyah watched these shenanigans going on all his life, so when he grew up he figured out how to beat the system. When Rav would tell his son to inform Mom that he wished to have peas for dinner, Hiyyah would tell his mother, "Dad wants lentils." She would prepare peas and everyone would be happy. One day Rav commented to his son, "Your mother has improved!" To which Hiyyah responded ,"Dad, I cannot tell a lie, I chopped it down." Wait...wrong story. Hiyyah replied, "Dad I cannot tell a lie, I told a lie. In fact I've been telling them for some time. I reversed your messages."
Now, as they say on TV, YOU MAKE THE CALL!
As Hiyyah's parent, would you: a) appreciate Hiyyah's attempt to maintain Shalom Bayit,"peace in the home," (or in this case, peas in the home) with manipulations that one might easily call harmless "white lies?"; or b) would honesty take precedence over tact in this case?
Well, the answer here is "b," although in other cases "a" might have been the choice. But when we are dealing with teaching a child, we need to remember the old saying that "people who tell too many white lies can become colorblind." The Talmud (Sukkah 46b) instructs us never to promise a child something and then fail to deliver, because as a result, the child will learn to lie. From this, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin suggests that the Talmud is also telling us never to have our kids answer an unwanted phone call and say, "Daddy's not home" when Daddy is standing right there, and certainly never to lie about a child's age when buying tickets in a movie theater, in order to take advantage of a cheaper ticket price
Rav thanked Hiyyah for his consideration but instructed him to be truthful from then on. In almost every case, and especially where children are watching, honesty is the best policy. Something to think about while filling out our tax forms.
DO YOU AGREE WITH RAV'S APPROACH? WHY OR WHY NOT? CLICK ON "REPLY" AND LET ME KNOW. I'LL SHARE SOME ANSWERS IN NEXT WEEK'S SHABBAT-O-GRAM.
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SPIRITUAL JOURNEYS ON THE WEB: Truth and Consequences:
1) This week we jump off from Rav and Hiyyah directly to www.radicalhonesty.com. What is Radical Honesty? According to the site, "Radical Honesty is a kind of communication that is direct, complete, open and expressive. Radical Honesty means you tell the people in your life what you've done or plan to do, what you think, and what you feel. It's the kind of authentic sharing that creates the possibility of love and intimacy." It's an interesting concept, though I am wary of radical anything and would not cough up a cent for anything here. It's interesting to look at the site's "Ten Tips to Living a Radically Honest Life" and compare them to Jewish values regarding gossip, business ethics etc. There are some clear parallels, but the Talmud came up with these ideas 2,000 years ago.
2) To find material specifically on Jewish ethics, a good place to begin is the site, "What Would a Mensch Do?" http://www.wwmd.org/, which posits several ethical dilemmas and asks your response. Good for teens or adults. Looking for more advanced material? Check out the articles at http://www.ijme.org/, the Institute for Jewish Medical Ethics, which is having its annual conference this weekend. For business ethics see the articles at Jewish Business.com, at http://www.jewishbusiness.com/torah.html. This site is part of the (Orthodox) Project Genesis Network.
3) Finally, let's tie all of this together (and it even ties in to last week's Web journey about Kashrut) at http://detnews.com/2000/religion/0002/24/02250011.htm. This article, entitled "Bearing False Witness: Pork Leaves Bad Taste at Eatery," details a year-old incident where a California chef decided to cut back on expenses by serving pork in the guise of veal. He said it made for "superior scaloppini." The restaurant tried to contain the situation by hiring a publicity firm and contacting local synagogues in efforts to apologize to people "whose religion prevents them from eating pork." Which is very funny indeed, since any Jew eating veal at this restaurant would be violating the Kosher laws anyway, pork or no pork. I suppose there now are two new categories, "treif" and "glatt treif," with the latter being those who eat pork, but only outside the home. Talk about your classic Kosher Pig stories! The most appropriate line of the whole article came from a Moslem woman: "When you go to a restaurant, there is a basic trust that you will get what you ask for," she told the San Jose Mercury News. "That trust has been broken."
If ever we needed to be reminded that those who are habitually honest maintain the moral high ground, while those who live a lie lose all credibility, all we need to do is look at today's newspaper. Did Yasser Arafat really call yesterday's terror attack a simple "road accident?" It boggles the mind. We close our exploration into ethics and honesty with two Talmudic quotes about honesty:
When a person is brought before the heavenly court for judgement the first question he is asked is whether he was honest in business.
Talmud Tractate Shabbat 31a
A person who doesn't tell the truth...it's as if he worships idols.
Talmud Tractate Sanhedrin 92a
Shabbat Shalom. Honestly!
JH
This Shabbat-O-Gram goes out weekly to about 450 congregants and others, plus to a college student list of about 60. Please feel free to forward it to your friends, and if you know of any congregant, college student or anyone else who might wish to be included, please have them e-mail me at my temple address, rabbi@tbe.org.
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Friday, February 2, 2001
Shabbat-O-Gram, Feb 2001
Shabbat Shalom!
This week, the O'Gram franchise is off onto yet another new venture. Later today, I'll be sending out the first "Shabbat-O-Gram for Kids," primarily to our seventh and eighth graders. If you know someone who might want to receive a short, weekly "Shabbat Shalom" from the rabbi, plus games and surprises, send those e-mails along!
GROUNDHOG DAY: A JEWISH HOLIDAY?
For those who might be wondering if there is a Jewish connection to "Groundhog Day," but of course. There's a Jewish connection to everything! Not that we are afraid to see our shadows -- I'm thinking of the other "Groundhog Day." The movie. The one referred to daily in the media last fall in Florida, when it seemed like we were waking up each morning to the same horrible nightmare, replaying itself again and again.
The Jewish response to Groundhog Day can be seen in a single verse from the prayer book, one recited each morning just before the Sh'ma, in the Yotzer (Creation) section of the service: "Ha-mechadesh b'tuvo b'chol yom tamid ma'ase b'reisheet." In the midst of thanking God for the gift of light, we also express gratitude to the One who "renews each day completely the work of Creation." What is that saying? Not that everyday is the same old nightmare. Au contraire. In our tradition, every day represents a fresh start, as if all of Creation is being renewed. With that fresh start comes second chances, and third chances too. We can keep trying until we get it right. And if we get it wrong again, as inevitably we will, well, there's always tomorrow. A Jewish groundhog might indeed return to the hole tomorrow if s/he sees a shadow. But s/he will be right back out there the next day.
JUST THE FACTS
Candle lighting Friday: 4:57 PM
Tot Shabbat: 7:15 PM, in the lobby
Kabbalat Shabbat service: 8:00, in the chapel
Shabbat Morning: 9:30, in the sanctuary. We're trying something different this week. In order to enhance the community feel, we'll be roping off the sections by the windows and consolidating seating in the middle sections.
Mazal Tov to Janice and Michael Greenberg, whose daughter Jillian Risa will be named at our service this Shabbat morning.
Children's Services: 10:30 (in the Chapel and Kindergarten room).
Birthday blessings for February at the end of the service
Daily Minyan: Sunday at 9, weekday mornings at 7:30, in the chapel. We've had minyans all week (but sometimes barely). Please let me know if you plan to be here on a given day and wish to ensure that a minyan will be present, for a yahrzeit or any other reason.
Shabbat Shalom to our 4th grade, who will be going off on their class Shabbaton this Friday afternoon.
This Week's Torah Portion: Bo
The "Learn Torah With" commentary on this portion can be found at http://www.torahaura.com/Bible/here__/LTW_5761/LTW_5761_Bo/ltw_5761_bo.html
BDT Brief D'var Torah: A Perfect "10"
Back in the days when I had time to watch poorly-made Dudley Moore movies and laugh about men in the throes of mid life crisis (thinking I'd never get there), I was enamored by the movie "10." No, not because of that untouchable object of Dudley's affections, Bo Derek. Well, mostly not. In fact, what amazed me most about the film was not how beautiful Bo looked, but how foolish looked the man who pursued her. The definition of a "perfect 10" is rather subjective (for me, lots of beads in the hair and a perfectly sculpted nose doesn't cut it). But whatever our ideal is, when we objectify the goal, set our sights on it and settle for nothing less, we are doomed to look foolish in the process.
In our portion, aptly entitled "Bo," both Moses and Pharaoh seek the perfect "10," and both emerge from this test of wills tarnished. Moses, who must have thought Pharaoh would have given in by now, keeps having to return to the palace to plead his people's case. The word "bo" means "come," as God tells Moses, "Come unto Pharaoh" to make the case yet again. But for Moses, the call really is to "go" unto Pharaoh, not "come," unless God is to be seen as residing in the palace. It gets to the point where neither God nor Moses seems to know whether they are coming or going. The cycle of plague and destruction is spinning out of control. Surely neither of them wished for the climactic catastrophe that takes place in our portion, that perfect "10" of the Ten Plagues, that nuclear option at Defcom 1 (or is it 5?), the slaying of the first born. Those who are reliving the Cuban Missile Crisis in the current movie "13 Days" might have a special appreciation of how things can so easily spin out of control and how difficult it is to prevent that from happening. And, in that sense, JFK did a heck of a lot better than GOD.
But for Pharoah, things have spun even more out of control. Why does he keep hardening his heart? A close look at the text shows us that, before the latter plagues, it is God who is hardening the king's heart. Earlier, it was the king who hardened his own heart. Pharaoh has relinquished all control. In the end he has lost even the power to do teshuvah, to repent. He wanted nothing less than total victory over Moses and his God, so the result is utter catastrophe. To see Pharaoh lose control is to recall those scenes of Dudley Moore movies when he is drunk, especially in "10" and "Arthur," for no other actor so vividly portrayed that loss of self control, that pathetic helplessness, and how foolish and senseless it looks when you get that way. That's how Pharaoh looks here. Not like the Yul Brynner Pharaoh, who still had the world in the palm of his hand, even as his pigtailed first-born lay dead before him. No, the Torah wants us to think of Dudley Moore's drunk, who, in the end, had barely a heart left to harden (though more than enough liver to go around), and no chance of controlling it.
All in pursuit of the perfect "10."
ANNOUNCEMENTS
UJF Super Sunday Feb. 4
Last week might have been the Super Bowl (for which I made a super prediction), but this week is the true Super Sunday. Please respond generously when calls are made for donations to our local federation. The money helps Jews all over the world, including our own community. One example of how your donation works to benefit our children directly will be held that same day....
...Children's Concert (Rick Recht), Feb. 4, at 10:00 -- sponsored by the Educators' Council of the UJF. This annual "happening" brings together Jewish students from the religious and day schools of the Stamford and Greenwich area. Last year over 1,000 kids (and some young-at-heart parents) piled into our building for what could only be termed a celebration of Jewish joy and unity. How incredible it was to see Jewish of all backgrounds coming together to sing, to dance a little, and just to be happy together.
Kesher (grades 3-5) Goes Vertical: Feb 4, at 1:45. This program is SOLD OUT; an additional one has been scheduled for April 29.
ADL Speaker on Anti-Semitism
This Sunday at 7:30 in our library, the Beth El Discussion Group will be hosting Joel Kay, an attorney for the Anti-Defamation League, whose topic will be, "The Global Anti-Semitic Scene." All are most welcome to attend.
Special Shabbat Service for Young Couples, led by our student cantor, Laura Berman: Feb 9, at 8:00 PM. If you know of a young couple in the area, affiliated or unaffiliated, whom you think would appreciate a special phone call invitation to this event, please let give us the name and telephone number. This will be a great chance to meet other people and get together for a nice Friday night.
Sisterhood Shabbat is being held on Feb. 10, with a special emphasis women's issues, the crossing of the Red Sea and Tu B'Shevat. Come and see a dramatic presentation, "The Great Gender Shift." In honor of Tu B'Shevat and the upcoming Sisterhood Shabbat on Feb 10, the Sisterhood is collecting canned and dried fruit for donation to the local food pantry. The collection box is already set up in the lobby, so people can start donating anytime.
Do a Drash
Want to learn how to interpret the Torah? Always want to know who Rashi really was? Even if you never wish actually to stand up in front of people and pontificate, you can still learn how to "Do a Drash" at a special one hour seminar I'll be leading on Sunday, Feb. 11 at 10 AM. If the group wishes, we might expand the class into a more substantial workshop on later dates -- but first things first. Let the school office know if you are interested.
They told me to add Saturday March 3 to this "save the date" list. Don't know why. Must be because the Teen Service will be that morning.
SHABBAT OF SHARING, FEB 23-24
We'll be having our annual Shabbat of Sharing with Temple Sinai on Feb. 23-24. Our guest speaker will be Arthur Magida, a noted columnist on religion for PBS and Beliefnet, and author of "Prophet of Rage: A Life of Louis Farrakhan and His Nation," "How to Be a Perfect Stranger: A Guide to Etiquette in Other People's Religious Ceremonies" and several other books. The topics:
Friday night (at Temple Sinai -- 8:15PM)
“We WILL Overcome!”
The Black-Jewish alliance of the 1960s was followed by almost three decades of tensions exploited by separatists and hate-mongers. Now, the decline of leaders like Louis Farrakhan, the shared calamity of the Florida elections and the renaissance of a newly strengthened NAACP gives hope for a redefined Black-Jewish relationship.
Shabbat morning (here)
“A Meeting of the Ways: New Interfaith Realities in the 21st Century”
As increased immigration boosts Islamic, Buddhist and Asian populations in the U.S., and as Jews and Christians seek more amicable relations, barriers between religions are lowering. The new atmosphere not only enhances public dialogue,it gives all faiths a chance to better understand others -- and themselves
BETH EL CARES ISRAEL WRITING PROJECT
Pick up Beth El Cares note cards in the office and write a note of support and friendship to an Israeli soldier. Bring it back here and we will send it over to Israel. where the cards will be distributed among the embattled troops. Adults and children can participate, in English or Hebrew, or, for young children, a simple picture will be just fine. Special thanks to Rabbi Holman's fourth grade class at the Bi-Cultural Day School for their participation in this project.
JOURNEYS ON THE WEB (and some gratuitous political commentary): TU B'SHEVAT and the ISRAELI ELECTIONS
1) Looking for a portal to Jewish sites? Try http://www.hareshima.com/. BTW, if you check Conservative synagogues, you will find that we are linked to it. Ha-rishima, which means "the list," weaves together both Israeli and Diaspora sites, including a number of media links not found elsewhere.
2) Looking for a liberal Jewish setting for online text study? You'll find it at the Kollel, http://www.kolel.org/pages/lobby.html. Click on the Mishna section to view Rabbi Neal Loevinger's thoughts on the spirituality embedded in a simple blessing over "the fruit of the tree."'
3) Which brings us neatly to Tu B'Shevat. Some suggested links for further study: A nice introduction can be found at http://ezra.mts.jhu.edu/~rabbiars/tubshevat/ (Rabbi Sheinerman's Home Page), and at http://www.us-israel.org/jsource/Judaism/holiday8.html (from JSource -- the Jewish Student Online Resource Center). We're not doing a Tu B'Shevat seder here this year, so why not do one at home? Some simple suggestions can be found at http://www.jewishsf.com/bk980206/ifruits.htm. You can download a Seder format from http://www.wzo.org.il/encountr/seder.htm, and find a far more traditional and detailed packet on this festival at http://www.tckillian.com/greg/tubshevt.html.
4) Which brings us to the whole area of eco-Judaism, often emphasized on Tu B'Shevat and a growing concern for many. Click on http://www.loop.com/~bramble/fengshui/oy.html to find a fascinating take on "Eco-Kosher and Feng Shui." This article compares Jewish and Eastern forms of environmentalism, focusing on the rabbinic concept of "Bal Tashchit," prohibiting the needless waste of our natural resources. Fascinating reading. To find out more, take a trip to the Teva Learning Center. "Teva" means nature, and this camping program has become a sort of Jewish "Outward Bound" for many students, including, I believe, sixth graders at Bi-Cultural. Teva is at http://members.aol.com/shomadam/tlc.html, and is coordinated by an organization called Shomrei Adama (Keepers of the Land). Last but not least, there is the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (COEJL), found at http://www.coejl.org/. Here's there mission statement: "The Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life engages Jewish institutions and individuals in bringing the moral passion of Jewish tradition and social action to environmental stewardship in order to preserve the integrity of creation, advance social justice, protect future generations, and strengthen the Jewish community."
This site has numerous educational links and action alerts. This comes at a time when I fear that action alerts will increase dramatically. How ironic, that, on this New Year of Trees, with the threats of Ozone depletion and global warming already so real, our forests and wildernesses face uncertainty from an administration that goes by the green-friendly name of "Bush." Ironic indeed, that under Bush, the environment might just hit rock bottom, or, to use another political name of note, its "nadir."
5) Finally, with Israeli elections coming up next Tuesday, check out this week's Jewish Week for a cover story on Sharon's concerns (and another nice article about Conservative women rabbis) at http://www.thejewishweek.com/, and then see a column by the always-informative Ehud Ya'ari of the Jerusalem Report, on the developing anarchy in the Palestinian Authority and what it means for Israel, at http://www.jrep.com/Viewpoint/Article-0.html. To follow the vote, the Jerusalem Post Web site is always helpful, and they now do real-time radio broadcasts at http://jpostradio.com/.
A CLOSING QUOTE -- IN HONOR OF TU B'SHEVAT AND IN THE SPIRIT OF GROUNDHOG DAY
This world, our world, is imbued with holiness . . . . We are not seeking to escape the everyday, but to hallow it. We do this by cleansing ourselves of the negative behaviors that keep us from encountering the world -- and all beings in it -- with a sense of awe, wonder, kindness, and compassion . . .
--Rabbi Rami Shapiro
Shabbat ShalomJH
This Shabbat-O-Gram goes out weekly to about 425 congregants and others, plus to a college student list of about 60. Please feel free to forward it to your friends, and if you know of any congregant, college student or anyone else who might wish to be included, please have them e-mail me at my temple address, rabbi@tbe.org.
To be taken off this e-mail list, simply click on "reply" and write "please unsubscribe" in the message box.
AND DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT OUR NEWLY UPDATED WEB SITE AT www.tbe.org!
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