Shabbat Thoughts- Parshat B-ha-a-lo-techa 5777

 “Let there be light!” Few phrases in the English language are as evocative. In our mind’s eyes we can see light sweeping across a horizon and removing darkness from the panorama before us. Before all began there was need for light, for energy, for caring. Light became synonymous with creation, hope and learning. Even today we speak of being illuminated by art, enlightened by thought and experiencing the gleam of understanding. It is no wonder that candle-lighting becomes significant in Jewish tradition; ushering in Jewish holidays and Shabbat, escorting Elijah out of our homes on Saturday evenings, affording us a glow of memory on occasions of loss and chasing away moments of darkness of mood and brooking a sense of hope for the future.

       One would expect that all of us would be active in the kindling of lights. Indeed, in our modern world this is the case. Central to our ritual is the kindling of flames and we teach all of our children including our youngest to sing as we bring light into our homes. But, this week’s Torah reading, B-ha-alotecha, directs that Aaron approach the Menorah  alone to kindle the 7 flames. No other individual is permitted to tend the light. In our day, flipping a switch and using our smartphone screens for quick illumination are mundane acts which serve our purposes of avoiding confusion and preventing a fall. Why does the regulation stress that only Aaron approach the Menorah?

       Perhaps the goal of this mitzvah is to teach us that a mundane act can become a sacred act. Every routine deed bears the potential of being powerful and spiritual. By dressing the High Priest in splendid robes and prescribing a specific method for trimming wicks and adding oil, a trivial task is transformed into wonderment reflecting the first creative act. Mindfully lighting candles and losing ourselves in the dance of the flickering flames carries us to new heights of experience. It is no wonder that this week’s Torah reading  is named B-ha-alo-techa( ‘In your going up to light'). The word ALIYAH is Hebraically within the opening word of this ritual. May we all ascend as we kindle our flames.

• By the way, tomorrow evening is Shabbat. Light flames in your home. Invite friends and relatives over for a candlelight toast. After lighting the candles, raise a glass wine and enjoy some time together. Shabbat is meant to be enjoyed.
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• The blessing is Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech ha-olam asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav v-tzeevanu l’hadleek ner shel shabbat.
• ( Blessed are you ,Lord our God, ruler of the universe who has made us holy with the commandment of kindling the Shabbat flames.)

         Baruch atah adonai eloheinu melech ha-olam boray pri hagafen. Blessed are you, Lord our God ruler of the universe who creates the fruit of the vine.

Shabbat  Shalom,

Rabbi Steve Silberman

Shabbat Thoughts- Parshat Naso 5777

     There are moments in our lives which stand out beyond compare; moments of intensity and occasions of great significance: birth, death, recovery from illness, witnessing an adult child's growth. These moments overwhelm us. We seek words for experiences that defy words. Perhaps words from thousands of years ago in some way give speech to grand moments.

      In this week’s Parshah we find three phrases which are among the most famous of all Jewish tradition. They emerge from a man named Aaron who is called upon to dedicate a shared worship space. Never before has Israel had a worship place. At the occasion of the first dedication EVER we hear the words “May God bless you and keep you, may God turn God's face to you and protect you, may God turn God’s face to you and grant you peace.”

       Originally, this threefold blessing was intended for the entire nation of hundreds of thousands of Israelites. At a later stage in history parents took hold of this phrasing and offered these words over their children. We learn that you do not need to be a high priest to bless loved ones. Anyone of us is authorized to bless someone as long as he/she opens himself/herself to the vulnerability of being incapable of accomplishing this blessing itself. Only by appreciating our limits does our blessing carry forth- as long as we are motivated by love. Love and humility are the essential elements of effectuating a blessing upon others.

        May we not wait until momentous occasions to bring God into our lives and to offer blessings upon others.  May we all recognize that every week is an opportunity to express love and humility and connect ourselves and others to the tradition of Aaron 3,300 years ago, anchoring ourselves in history and in effect serving as a high priest. May we open our mouths to each other in love and humility.

Shabbat shalom. Rabbi Steve Silberman

Shabbat Thoughts, Weekly Parchat, A word from the Rabbi June 2017

Growing up in Connecticut I was accustomed to four seasons; winter being the most demanding of me with snow to shovel and ice to chop. During my high school years my family moved to Phoenix, Arizona. We arrived in Mid-August. I  clearly remember passing a bank with an outdoor clock, shocked to see 117 degrees displayed, wondering how life could be possible in such extremes. The  two-fold answer is air-conditioning (the local term being ‘refrigeration’) and people move slowly. The mountains in the ‘Valley of the Sun’ are perpetually brown; rock, cactus and dirt being the only adornments in an arid landscape. I remember thinking ‘everything is brown.’

Slowly, my Connecticut eyes became accustomed to a new terrain. I began to discern the many subtle shades of browns, reds, tans, oranges and even hints of purple and gray.  As we took more walks and explored trails and hills, over a span of months, I came to enjoy and appreciate desertscape as a beautiful alternative to lush green lawns (not to mention the sustainability factor). Though the desert and its mountains initially struck me as stark and barren, I gradually came to an awareness of its fullness; a fullness of color, shape and fauna.

      This week we begin to read the fourth volume of the Torah which is named Bamidbar. The book opens with a census of the Israelites, in the desert, as they prepare for the continuing journey towards the Promised Land. Fourteen months have elapsed since the Exodus. They are now citizens of the desert, with eyes becoming accustomed to new beauties and new fears, new challenges and new opportunities. The memories of Egypt are beginning to fade. As the 12 tribes prepare to combat foreign forces along the way, they organize into military units, probably undertaking military training. It’s a whole new world for them; a world of new vistas, physical and perspectival. What will they see as they step forward into the Midbar ( desert wilderness)? What might we see if we are able to peer over their shoulders and look through their eyes?

Shabbat Shalom. 

Torah Tidbits and Haftarah Highlights

By Rabbi Steven Silberman

(All page numbers refer to Etz Hayim)

June 3 - Parshat Naso – pp. 791-794 

Three families descended from a man name Levi are given the privilege and obligation of carrying the Tabernacle through the wilderness. These families are named Gershon, Merari and Kehat. They are instructed in carrying the components and furniture of the portable tabernacle (Mishkan). Why is so much detail needed? Why can't they just take turns and pick up the items?

Haftarat Naso - pp. 813-815

Samson's birth is announced. He is connected to this Torah reading because he is going to be a leader. How does the mother respond to the news she will give birth to a future leader? How does the father respond? Whom do you admire in this scene and why?

June 10 - Parshat B-Ha-alotecha –pp. 816-821

Aaron is commanded to take care of the Menorah. How many branches are on this Menorah? What happens centuries later and why?

Haftarat B-Ha-alotecha – pp. 837-839

This passage describes a vision. A man named Joshua (not Moses's helper) sees a Menorah and two olive trees. This connects the Haftarah to the Parshah. Separate from today, on which holiday do we read this Haftarah?

June 17 - Parshat Shelach - pp. 840-845

Have you ever seen the symbol of two men carrying a huge cluster of grapes suspended from a pole between them? This comes from the Torah reading and is found on page 842. What is the context of these huge grapes?

Haftarat Shelach - pp. 857-859

Joshua, who leads Israel after Moses’s death, is featured in the Torah and Haftarah. What links Joshua in the Haftarah to the Parshah in Torah?

June 24 - Parshat Korach - pp. 860-868

In this week's Torah reading we learn of the terrible event of a rebellion against Moses. Why do you think Moses falls on his face when his own cousins challenge him? What is the consequence of this rebellion?

Haftarat Korach (Shabbat Rosh Chodesh) – pp. 1220-1223

A special haftarah is read because today is Rosh Chodesh. It is the first day of Tammuz. This Haftarah is read because Rosh Chodesh is like a mini-Rosh Hashanah and the theme of the Haftarah is the beauty of creation. Furthermore, the last verse speaks of Shabbat coinciding with Rosh Chodesh.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR RABBI

A few weeks ago Kathy and her crew prepared a beautiful and delicious brunch for us all. We enjoyed champagne in the Etz Chayim foyer and a tasty meal in a beautifully appointed social hall. Neil Buchman and Barry Ripps worked together to display some of our old, shared family photos on the screen in the big Shul. It was a pleasant and upbeat morning and I shared a few thoughts. Herein is a summary.

During Rosh Hashanah, I shared a chuckle with you. I mentioned that my Hebrew is very good but for the first 27 years of our being together I had never noticed that the initials of our Shul’s name actually form a Hebrew word. It took me 27 years to see that Ahavas Chesed’s Hebrew initials are “ACH” which means ‘brother’.

The name of our shul is ‘Love of kindness’ and can be summarized by initials as 'brother.' It’s transformative! How powerful it is to realize that our shared name is to be a brother and sister to each other. The defining element of being a member of Ahavas Chesed is to view each other as brother/sister- to see yourself as a sister/brother.

This epiphany has been my personal guide this past year since Rosh Hashanah. Ever since, the farm to table Sukkos dinner put together by Katy Webster and Melanie Lobel, the dog Park Erev Shabbat service (thanks to Bess Rich for the idea), our Guitar Shabbat services (we couldn’t do them without Yehuda Silverwolf), the art exhibit at Mobile Arts Council (thank you to Jeff Marcus for his terrific help) and the new members who have joined this current year — all of this has been informed by this new realization that we are brethren to each other. Such an awareness brings us closer to each other. Such an awareness enriches our lives.

New members of ACH include:

Veronica and David Meola and their children Elise, Anthony, Alexander, Evan

Tonya Ben Mansour and her children Landon, Ramzi, Farah

Deborah Gurt and Marek Steedman and their children Lev, Jacob, Gabriel 

Joanne and James Conlon 

Linda and Ed Blassingame 

Sheri and Yehuda Silverwolf

Tonya taught self-defense classes last December and Veronica taught ballroom dance classes this past year. There is more to come. I hope you share in what ACH has to offer.

This past year we have added six 5th graders and five kindergartners to our Shul school! Eleven new students joined us, with babies and toddlers on the way. It is very exciting to see our new young brothers and sisters!

As the summer progresses and things settle down, drop by Shul for a Guitar Shabbat or Poetry Shabbat service and introduce yourself to some new faces. Recently, Zach Pall and his mother Beth along with other newcomers Danielle and Josh Isen and Teddy Ward have been part of our crowd. New people are joining us and seeing how much we have to offer! Be part of the brotherhood envisioned by your ancestors in the selection of our name.

Lend your own personal caring to our community and bring your brotherly affection to our shul to help bind us together. May Hashem bless us all as we enjoy a pleasant summer and recharge our batteries for the upcoming year.

From one ACH to another-

Shalom, Rabbi Steve Silberman

A Jewish Idea- Jerusalem Reunited

  Fifty years ago, yesterday, Jewish history changed. The world changed. Jerusalem  became an intact city once again. Many of us remember the Six Day War, the lightning- fast victory of Israel which garnered the Sinai Peninsula, the Golan Heights, a restored Judea and Samaria and Jerusalem -especially the Kotel in our hands- not to mention, international acclaim over the power of a small Jewish nation. Pride soared. It became cool to be Jewish and to be a supporter of Israel. Yesterday marked the Hebrew anniversary of the 3rd day of the war, and is known as Yom Yerushalayim ( the day of Jerusalem) and marks the date upon which Israeli forces took the Kotel from Jordanian control. ( Under the terms of the original  UN Mandate Jerusalem was to be an international city. Jordan seized it during the 1948-9 war and no international objection was heard. For 19 years Jews took their lives in their hands if they walked too close to the Jewish section of Jerusaelm, coming into range of Jordanian snipers). 

      Now, today much of the world views Israel differently. Although a pioneer in many areas of innovation and research and still surrounded by many hostile forces, because of her military prowess and the West Bank Arabs under her control ,Israel is now viewed less sympathetically. Many criticize Israel for not quickly ‘solving’ the Palestinian problem. Unless and until overseas critics visit Israel and see for themselves the size of Israel and appreciate the complexities of living in tight quarters with many potential combatants who are more inclined to attack than committing to living side-by-side without hostility, this negative view will likely not diminish.  Admittedly, the problem is colossal in scope and Israel must develop a consistent approach and carry out that approach. Just as the American electorate is dramatically split, so, too is the Israeli electorate divided. Thus, we have the divide between the political parties in Israel which are representing the majority consensus even as many Israeli citizens and Knesset members champion a more liberal approach.  It is complicated.

       May we all see shalom in Israel and, indeed, the entire world.

Rabbi Steve Silberman

Shabbat Thoughts- Parshat Emor 5777

Cheerleaders have a tough job.  Whether the team is winning or losing they are expected to be cheerful, and they are to be consistently energetic while the energy within the audience waxes and wanes or while some stretch their legs and others intently focus on food, the big screen or the myriad distractions at a big game. The question remains - how to motivate  a community of many diverse perspectives to speak with one voice?

      These days we in America are sharply divided. Turn on the TV and the voices, (politicians , political analysts, community leaders, consumer advocates, corporate owners, minimum wage earners and neighbors on our streets) are seemingly ever more divided. More important than trying to come to a consensus is the felt need to shout louder than the other person, group or party. While  we are speaking loudly these past years about ending bullying in schools, bullying is becoming ever more common in the adult world which exists beyond our K-12 schools. While we speak of the importance of preserving life and many shout slogans in support of closing abortion clinics, fewer shout of the need to increase funding of health and education programs for at-risk populations, both here and overseas. While we speak of the importance of improved health care we do not take the necessary time  to study the health needs of 320 million Americans. While we work to be a nation which cares equally for people of different racial backgrounds, the chasm between Black and White yawns ever ever more widely. We are all descendants of immigrants and we forget what we or our ancestors experienced as many shout “Close the doors” without suggesting proposals as to how the door could be more secure and remain partially ajar. Our voices are scattered.

       Is there not one guiding principle to which we can all agree? I have a short list of possible suggestions. 1)Listen to someone and allow that person to finish speaking without interruption. 2)When disagreeing, disagree with the approach or the perspective or the interpretation of evidence-do not disagree with the individual. 3) Name-calling does not help. 4) In your mind’s eye see yourself as living in some other place ( a different apartment or home) and perhaps you will view the situation being discussed differently.

        This week’s Torah reading, Parshat Emor, is a challenge to moderns. It addresses the Cohen and stipulates many protocols for maintaining purity. Many Cohanim lived throughout ancient Israel; some were old, some young, some married, some single, perhaps some were Conservative and some were Liberal. They probably did not agree with each other on every  issue of daily life. But there was one element to which they could all agree- the need to be pure. And it was this need for purity which effected them and influenced their community. Perhaps we could all identify one common principle which we could articulate, one voice which we could all share, thus beginning to nullify the discord found in so many parts of our beloved land.

Shabbat Shalom.

Rabbi Steve Silberman

Shabbat Thoughts - May G-d be close to you

Each of us responds to illness differently. Some may prefer to have family and friends visit; others may prefer privacy and solitude. For some, attention matters greatly and for others being "worried over” is a nuisance.  Sometimes it is difficult to know whether the care we are offering is seen by the patient as interference or as genuine concern. During stressful times in our lives such as hospitalization, our words and our actions might be misinterpreted. It’s hard for both the patient and for loved ones. We Jews have always prioritized the mitzvah of visiting  the ill. One midrasnhic commentary even teaches that God came to visit Abraham when Abraham was recovering from his Milah (circumcision). 

Have you ever considered that God comes to visit you or your loved ones when ill? How would you process such a perspective? Imagine that God Itself is in your own hospital room and deeply concerned over your well-being. As a patient, what would you say to God from your own hospital bed? As a caregiver, what would you say to God?   

We have all been in hospitals; as visitors or patients- sometime briefly and sometimes for painful and extended stays. Prayer may be one element to incorporate into the hospital visit. Prayer may or may not empirically alter the medical condition of our loved ones but prayer can alter our view of the experience of being hospitalized. Prayer can be a method of opening one heart to another, expressing love and concern.  

Perhaps offer a silent prayer or ask if the patient is inclined to pray. I might suggest words to the effect of:  ‘May God be close to you. May you sense God’s presence as you confront your challenges. May God hear your prayers and grant you strength, patience and courage. May you know that God who created you and the entire world is close by and surrounding you with God’s own embrace. May you be healed. Please know I am keeping you in my prayers .Shalom’.

This week’s Parsha, Tazrai- Metzora, opens with a ceremony which hasn’t been practiced for at least 2,000 years. A woman who newly gives birth is to bring animal sacrifices to the Cohen. I wonder if in some way the ritual is attempting to bridge the divide between the fear of being in a potentially hazardous situation and the relief which comes with the sense that health has improved afterwards.

We have all been in situations where health has been restored and health has declined. There are no guarantees-only opportunities for offering support and kindness. Prayer become one more way of connecting us to each other so we can share strength, love and concern. May we so live.    

Shabbat shalom.

Rabbi Steve Silberman

Parshat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim -Bemidbar

Torah Tidbits and Haftarah Highlights
By Rabbi Steven Silberman
(All page numbers refer to Etz Hayim)

May 6 - Parshat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim Pages 679 - 685

Tragedy befalls Israel as two of Aaron’s adult sons die. Amidst great fanfare and protocol as
the Tabernacle is about to be dedicated, Aaron is instructed to pause before entering the holy
place. Literally, in moments he is to step forward. Now he must wait. Why?

Haftarat Acharei Mot - Kedoshim Pages 706 - 708

This is the shortest  Haftarah we have!  The first verse speaks of God as being connected to all
nations. The last verses refer specifically to David and the nation of Israel. How do you
understand these verses? Do they conflict?

May 13 - Parshat Emor  - Pages 717 - 721

Standing publicly before the LORD is different than standing privately in the presence of God.
Do you agree? Why does this Parshah delineate how people are to enter or not enter Mishkan
(Tabernacle)?

Haftarat Emor – Pages 735 - 737

Wear proper clothing, keep hair neatly trimmed, marry only suitable wives - what does this have
agree? Why does this Parshah delineate how people are to enter or not enter Mishkan (Tabernacle)?

May 20 - Parshat Behar – Pages 738 - 743

This Torah reading teaches the laws of Shemittah (Sabbatical rest). What does letting the
land lie dormant and unfarmed for a season have to do with freeing indentured servants?

Haftarat Behar - Pages 763 - 765.

Jeremiah lived 700 years after Moses. Perhaps in this time some Israelites were not resting their lands. Read verse 4. It chastises people for ignoring the world’s needs for rest and replenishment. In our time of climate change how do you read this prophetic message?

May 27 - Parshat Bemidbar – Pages 769 - 774

(We begin the fourth volume of Torah.)
The first census is recorded - giving Bamidbar its English name (Numbers). Why is such emphasis
given to the equal reportage of every tribe’s population? Why not summarize?

Haftarat Bemidbar – Pages 787 - 790

The first verse in the Haftarah speaks of numbers and connects us to the Torah reading. The Poet Hosea is less concerned with numbers and more concerned with quality of behavior. What concerns him in the main part of the Haftarah?



A MESSAGE FROM OUR RABBI

The month of May is upon us. Spring is in full bloom. Many of us are celebrating graduations;
Mother’s Day is at hand with Father’s Day around the corner. Some families are already planning
summer holidays and vacations. How can we think about the month of May without remembering the
miracle that has occurred within our own lifetimes?

Literally, the land of Israel has grown up alongside us. Our grandparents remember a time when there
was no Israel; our great-grandparents lived in a world without any possibility of a Jewish state.
May 14 is the anniversary of the establishment of modern Israel. For 1,900 years no Israel existed.
May 14, 1948 testifies to the power of transforming a dream into a reality. Theodore Herzl famously
remarked "If you will it, it is no dream.” David ben Gurion is quoted as saying, “In Israel, in order to
be a realist you must believe in miracles.” As much as we Jewish people see Israel as a
miracle and May 14 as a celebration, there are millions of people throughout the world who
view May 14 as a day of catastrophe. The Arabic word referring to the establishment of Israel is naqba.

Over the past 30 years increasing attention has been given in the public sphere by media sources and by college activists to the imagined catastrophe that took place as a result of a small community of Jews which arose to defend itself against the armed forces of Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Saudi Arabia (Atlas of the Arab-Israeli Conflict,Martin Gilbert).
While much attention has been given to the plight of Palestinian refugees living in the West
Bank, Gaza, other parts of the Arab world and beyond, little attention has been given to the fact that
800,000 Jewish people were forcibly expelled from numerous Arab nations. To see Israel come into
being was not only to reestablish a Jewish footprint on ancient Israelite sands, but it was to see many
nations expel their own Jewish populations. Jews had lived in Yemen for 2,000 years and in Iran and Iraq for 2,600 years. Those communities no longer exist.

While the local Arab Mandate leadership encouraged its own people to flee during the war which they predicted would undoubtedly eradicate the Jews leaving the Arab peasants much wealthier upon their return, Jewish residents were forcibly evicted from their own homes by their long-time neighbors (Gilbert and others).

The history of modern Israel and modern Palestinian Arabs is far too complicated to address in
even one book, let alone one bulletin article. Certainly, the Jewish heart feels the pain and misery
of all who suffer. We just concluded the holiday of Passover and we removed drops of wine from
our goblets to demonstrate our compassion for all who suffer. On the other hand, to be Jewish also means to defend the rights of Jews to live in a Jewish homeland. This upcoming Israel Independence day (Hebrew date coincides with sundown of May 1 this year), we should take a few minutes to learn more of what Israel contends with both internally and externally. Discuss with your family members and friends the challenges of Israel’s being a Jewish and democratic state. Ask yourself what it means to be a Jewish homeland. How shall Israel which is infused with and suffused by a culture of justice and righteousness address the humanitarian needs of Palestinians-many of whom are interested in only living an ordinary and peaceful life but many of whom are pledged to destroy Israel? Develop a personal view as to how Israel should care for the Palestinians who are essentially captive to Hamas.

Read some articles about modern Israel as she continues to be a world leader in pioneering technology of many different forms. Take pause and ask yourself what the world would be without Israel. We have much to consider as we celebrate.

Shalom.

Rabbi Steve Silberman