April 20, 2012
Dear Friends -
"When Ado-nai restored our exiles to Zion, it was like a dream." Psalm 126
The upcoming week is a very busy week in the Jewish calendar. On Saturday night we welcome the new Hebrew month of Iyar. In this month we commemorate Yom HaZikaron-The Day of Remembrance For Israel's Fallen Heroes, the day after we celebrate Yom HaAtzma'ut - Israel Independence Day. The juxtaposition of these two days reminds us of the great sacrifices that so many have made and continue to make so that we have a secure State of Israel.
Just after the UN partition plan in 1947, Israeli poet Natan Alterman wrote a moving poem about the great sacrifices that were, and would be, made by so many in order to attain statehood. Even sixty-four years after the establishment of the modern and vibrant State of Israel there are still so many soldiers who keep our people and our state safe. This week we remember their courage and honor their memory and their service. On Tuesday night or Wednesday consider sharing the Alterman poem with those around you. (See below*)
On Wednesday night the mood of the Jewish people shifts from sadness and gratitude to celebration. We celebrate 64 years of Statehood. We celebrate a rich Israeli culture. We celebrate a thriving and innovative economy. We celebrate an ingathering of our exiles. We celebrate the possibility that each one of us can go and be part of the future of our people in our Jewish State. And we pray that Israel's tomorrows can be more peaceful and secure than her past. On Wednesday night or Thursday consider sharing the Prayer for Israel with those around you. (See below**)
May The State of Israel and The Jewish People know peace and security, happiness and prosperity, in the coming years.
Shabbat Shalom - Rabbi Andrea L. Merow
*The Silver Platter
Natan Alterman
And the land grows still, the red eye of the sky slowly dimming over smoking frontiers
As the nation arises, Torn at heart but breathing, To receive its miracle, the only miracle
As the ceremony draws near, it will rise, standing erect in the moonlight in terror and joy
When across from it will step out a youth and a lass and slowly march toward the nation
Dressed in battle gear, dirty, Shoes heavy with grime, they ascend the path quietly
To change garb, to wipe their brow
They have not yet found time. Still bone weary from days and from nights in the field
Full of endless fatigue and unrested,
Yet the dew of their youth. Is still seen on their head
Thus they stand at attention, giving no sign of life or death
Then a nation in tears and amazement
will ask: "Who are you?"
And they will answer quietly, "We Are the silver platter on which the Jewish state was given."
Thus they will say and fall back in shadows
And the rest will be told In the chronicles of Israel.
**Prayer For The State Of Israel
Aveinu She baShamayim, Rock and Redeemer of the people Israel; Bless the State of Israel, with its promise of redemption. Shield it with Your love; spread over it the shelter of Your peace. Guide its leaders and advisors with Your light and Your truth. Help them with Your good counsel. Strengthen the hands of those who defend our Holy Land. Deliver them; crown their efforts with triumph. Bless the land with peace, and its inhabitants with lasting joy. And let us say: Amen. (Translation from Siddur Sim Shalom)
April 5, 2012
Dear Friends,
Passover is almost upon us and I would like to share a kavannah (intention) with you to take into the Passover holiday. This week as I entered the supermarket for the 4th time its occurred to me that the Jewish People who left Egypt had virtually no time to prepare to leave. They left in the middle of the night with very little. I envision scenes of breathless people running out of their homes away from their slave masters towards the unknown. Then they encountered a great obstacle. The sea was in front of them and the Egyptians were giving chase. Our Tradition recounts that one man named Nachshon dared to step into the Sea of Reeds. The sea had not yet parted and our path to redemption from slavery was unsure at best. And yet, Nachshon stepped into the sea. And then all of The Jewish People and all who were with us made that split second decision to follow and to rush to freedom and joy.
There were no extra trips to the supermarket right before we left Egypt. In fact, one reason that we eat matzah is precisely because our ancestors had no time to let their bread rise. It seems to me that some decisions and actions in life require much planning and need to be done in evolutionary ways. And then there are other defining moments in life where, like Nachshon, we just need to have courage, have faith, and be bold - and take a step towards freedom, change and joy.
This Pesach I pray that each one of us can identify what may enslave our souls, and that like Nachshon, we have the courage, will, and fortitude to jump into the unknown, without fear, and to live with open souls filled with joy.
This Pesach I pray that each one of us use our freedom in the service of G-d and of humanity.
This Pesach I pray that we are able to see a world with a safe Israel.
This Pesach I pray that each one of us use our freedom to advocate for those who are enslaved, hungry and in despair.
Hag kasher v'Samayach, - Best wishes for a Happy and Kosher Passover.
Below are readings and action items for your Seder:
The Worldwide Union for Masorti/ Conservative Synagogues.
4 Ways To Connect Your Seder To Israel http://masortiworld.org/4ways
From Mazon.
A Fifth Question About Hunger: http://mazon.org/get-involved/communities-and-synagogues/passover-2012/
From Our Kehillah.
Join The SNAP (Food Stamp) Challenge: See the article below on the Greater Philadelphia Food Stamp Challenge.
Other Pesah Resources:
Rabbinical Assembly Pesah Guide
Hametz Form (to sell your hametz before Pesah)
March 23, 2012
Dear Friends,
A Word of Torah
This week in synagogues all over the world we transition from reading the narrative rich stories found in the books of Genesis and Exodus to the legalistic and ritualistic material in The Book of Leviticus. The book of Leviticus contains instructions for the Levites, the priests who serve Gd. Much of it has to do with the sacrificial system and laws of ritual and spiritual holiness.
Sometimes it can be difficult to make the switch from learning texts that have such readily accessible stories, to learning about ritual and law. But I appreciate this difficult text and love how its ancient laws can be metaphors for our modern lives. Its messages are often subtle and must be coaxed from ancient rites and symbols. Today there are no jobs called "Cohens" or "Levis." Instead, Jewish tradition teaches us that we are a "nation of priests." That is, each one of us can use our own spiritual gifts to serve Gd and The Jewish People. With this in mind, what can the laws of Leviticus teach us about how to be of service to Gd and others?
Even in the first two verses of Leviticus we learn important lessons. Vayikra, "And God called to Moses and spoke to him." Rashi teaches that the word "vayikra" denotes calling one with affection. As Gd is about to teach Moses, Gd address him with love and affection. This is a good lesson for every teacher, parent and friend. Gd wanted Moses to hear his words so he had to speak those words with affection, kindness and gentleness. The same is true for us.
A second beautiful teaching from this parasha comes from the second verse, "adam ki yakriv mikem korban" "When any of you presents an offering from themselves of cattle to the Lord... ." The word offering is korban and the word to bring an offering is yakriv. Both words share a common root. Both words come from the word "to come close." This is because the very mission of bringing a sacrifice to Gd is to create a closer relationship between the person and Gd. Gd does not need our gifts; rather, we need to bring the gifts because we wish to be closer to Gd.
From the time of the destruction of The 2nd Temple in Jerusalem in 70 c.e., prayer has become the replacement for ritual sacrifice. The goal of ritual sacrifice was to become close to Gd and the goal of our personal and communal prayer is to become closer to Gd. This week at our Shabbat Experience we will study the evolving nature of the Jewish prayer service and consider how our prayers help us to become closer to Gd and to holiness.
I hope that you will join us this Shabbat morning as we study, pray and celebrate together. May we each bring the best of ourselves to our prayer, so that our prayer becomes a true korban -an offering of ourselves that will bring us closer to Gd.
Shabbat Shalom
March 8,2012
Dear Friends -
This was a week filled with wonderful activities in our broader community. I want to highlight three: The 2012 AIPAC Policy Conference, Purim, and past Ramah president Ken Shear.
Last week Rabbi Glanzberg-Krainin wrote to let you know that over 13,000 people would attend the 2012 AIPAC Policy Conference in D.C.at the start of this week. Over 40 of us were from Beth Sholom. Both Jews and non-Jews representing a full range of American and Israeli political views came together for an inspirational conference. Together we share a common commitment to a strong partnership between Israel and The United States and a secure future for both places.
Beth Sholom Members Attending Recent AIPAC Conference in Washington, DC
For those of you who were unable to attend I am including the following link of actual plenary sessions at the conference. Be sure to watch Sunday morning, which includes Israeli President Shimon Peres and President Barack Obama. Also see Monday night's moving speech with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Most important, there are videos that teach us how to be better advocates for a strong Israel -America relationship.
Please mark you calendars for March 3-5, 2013 for next years AIPAC Policy Conference. This conference is geared to all - including those with no advocacy experience, those who work in politics every day, and everyone in between. Please consider being part of our growing Beth Sholom delegation next year. Look for a letter soon to register with Beth Sholom for AIPAC.
AIPAC LINK
Mazal Tov to our congregant Eric Schorr for winning The AIPAC Campus Advocate of the Year Award at Policy Conference for his work in LionPAC at Columbia University.
PURIM: Beth Sholom is the place to celebrate Purim. Last Sunday our school had a festive Purim carnival organized by Miriam Lefkowitz and her many volunteers. On Wednesday our families delivered hundreds of Mishloach Manot, enjoyed a festive dinner, heard the Megillah in three different forums, read by many congregants. We had an adult reading, a children's reading, and a tot program. After, we celebrated with 2 fantastic parties. We also had an amazing tot celebration on Thursday morning in our preschool complete with a shpiel arranged by teachers Beth Porter and Susan Morey. Thank you to Gary and Ata Goldberg and family and their volunteers for a wonderful Purim meal and to Deborah Zahal and her volunteers for a great party. Thank you to all who make Purim at Beth Sholom the place to celebrate being Jewish. Thank you to Jules Markowitz for taking professional photos.
Our favorite Clowns at Beth Sholom
In Honor Of: On Thursday night many of us will gather at The National Museum of American Jewish History for the Annual Camp Ramah Tribute Dinner. This year Ramah is honoring its past presidents including our own Ken Shear. Ken is Executive Director The Philadelphia Bar Association. Ken continues to be an active supporter of Ramah and an active Beth Sholom member. Currently he serves as a trustee of The Temple Sholom Legacy Fund. He and wife Susie are the proud parents of Yoni and Michal, Adina and Andrew, and the grandparents of our preschool student Lucy. Ramah is the camping arm of The Conservative Movement and provides creative Jewish living and education in the summer. Mazal Tov Ken and thank you for your work on behalf of Ramah.
It has been a great week at Beth Sholom. I hope to see you on Shabbat!
February 23, 2012
Dear Friends,
A Kavannah, a spiritual intention, for this week from our Torah Reading:
The Torah reading begins, "The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Tell the Israelite people to bring Me gifts; you shall accept gifts for Me from every person whose heart so moves them. And these are (literally: this is) the gift that you shall accept from them: gold , silver and copper, blue, purple and crimson yarn, fine linen, goats' hair, tanned ram skins, dolphin skins, and acacia wood; oil for lighting, spices for anointing the incense; lapis lazuli and other precious stones for the ephod and the breast plate. And let them make me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them." (Exodus 25)
On the surface this parasha seems to be giving us a list of materials that were needed to build the mishkan. The mishkan was the temporary dwelling place of God and gathering place of our people when we wandered in the desert. The commentator Rashbam writes that the miskhan/sanctuary, implies a place set aside for meeting Gd. Up until this point in The Torah Gd had been accessible to us in a myriad of places, some low, some exalted. Avraham encountered Gd in his home, Joseph in his dreams, Moses spoke with Gd high up on a Mountain, and down low from a common desert bush. As individuals, we can always access Gd wherever we are.
After we are freed from slavery in Egypt, we not only begin the physical journey towards The Promised Land; we begin the meta-physical journey towards People-hood. As a nation and a People, we need communal places to gather and to glorify Gd's Presence. Thus we have the command to build Gd a sanctuary.
When you read the quote from The Torah above, you see a detailed list of many kinds of materials to build the mishkan. Some are expensive and others were more commonly found; all were given with love and from the heart. This diversity allowed each Jew to participate in the building of the mishkan.
When one reads the text we assume that these gifts are all physical building materials. They are not. The commentator Ramban has a novel interpretation of the phrase, "this is the gift." He teaches that the word "this" refers to the Shekhinah and the wisdom provided by the Shekhinah. The Shekhinah is Gd's indwelling Presence. The Shekhinah is Gd's gentle, kind, caring and wise Presence. The Shekhinah IS NOT Gd's attributes of judgment, justice, or punishment. The Shekhinah literally goes into a self- imposed exile and leaves us when we are judgmental, harsh or mean. In essence our gift to Gd and to our community is really to allow Gd to have a place to dwell where Gd is felt and perceived. That gift depends entirely on how we choose to live in the world. If we treat all others with kindness, gentleness and love, then Gd will want to dwell in our midst. If we allow our hearts to be moved and to seek wisdom, then Gd will dwell with us.
This week may our hearts be moved to be giving individuals. May our shul be a place where the Shekhinah dwells as a result of our kind and loving actions.
Shabbat Shalom,
February 9
Dear Friends -
This week we read parashat Yitro. This is a monumental portion in the Torah Reading; many believe that its importance derives from the fact that the asert hadibrot, Ten Commandments are first recorded here. But the significance of Mt. Sinai is not only the ten laws that we receive, these are ten out of hundreds of laws and traditions which all have importance. The significance of this experience at Mt. Sinai IS to be in Gd's Presence, to have felt that Holy Presence with multiple senses, to feel awe, and to have been changed by our encounter with Gd.
Immediately before the Theophany, the appearance of Gd, there was thunder, lightning, a dense cloud and a long shofar sound. It is as if all of our senses are engaged. The loud thunder may shake us; many of us both hear and feel thunder. The sight of the lightning in the sky dazzles us. A thick cloud literately changes the physical atmosphere. Then we see smoke and fire, the mountains tremble and a clear horn gets louder and louder. How could one not be taken in by the grandeur of this sight in the natural world? It is meant to have us stop, feeland know that we were in the Presence of something different and Holy. I believe these physical manifestations of Gds Presence were there to open our eyes and our souls.
The ancient rabbis also attached meaning to these events. In Midrash Rabba the rabbis quote our parasha and write:"And all the people perceived the thunderings" (Exodus 20:15) Since there was only one voice, why, "thunderings" in the plural? The rabbis answered, because Gd's voice mutated into seven voices, and the seven voices into seventy languages so that all the nations might hear it." Here the rabbis interpret that "thunder" in the plural helping us to know that Gd speaks to each one of us in a language that we can each understand. We just have to listen for Gds voice.
This Sinai encounter with Gd reminds us of the religious drive to become close to Gd and to be able to perceive Gd's Presence, even today - thousands of years after our ancestors stood at Sinai.
The rabbis of the midrash write: "And God spoke all these words saying" (Exodus 20:1) Rabbi Isaac said, At Mt Sinai the prophets of each and every generation received what they were to prophesy for. Moses said in Deuteronomy 29:14, 'but with one who stands here today, and one that is not here with us this day.'" Rabbi Isaac is teaching us that it was not only those who were physically present at Mount Sinai thousands of years ago who felt Gds Presence, but each one of us was somehow symbolically at Mount Sinai, in Gds Presence.
As we hear the words of Revelation in the Torah reading this week we pray that each of us can hear Gds words in language that we understand and feel Gds Presence deeply in our souls -and we pray for each one in our community to feel not only as if they were at Sinai thousands of years ago, but that we Stand at Sinai, in Gds Presence, today and each day.
Shabbat Shalom,
January 27
Dear Friends -
We are so excited about this upcoming Shabbat Experience at Beth Sholom. The Shabbat Experience allows our entire congregation to learn, pray, and eat together and to create a warm Shabbat atmosphere. The format of our morning allows for several different prayer options that suit the needs of our diverse congregation. Our Congregational service begins at 9:15 am. The entire congregation is invited to learn together in age appropriate groups from 10 am to 11am - of course we will provide a Shabbat snack. Our learning is directed at people who have varying levels of comfort with Jewish text so that ALL ARE WELCOME. All you need is a desire to learn and to be part of our community. This week we continue our study of prayer with an in-depth look at the weekday amidah as we begin to answer the questions: What are we praying for? What is the interplay between the fixed text of our prayer and the prayers in our heart?
At 11 feel free to go to The Congregational service for Torah reading and musaf in the Bornstein Auditorium or to join us for a family service in the Sisterhood sanctuary. At 11:15 we offer a tot service. After, join together for Shabbat lunch, singing and schmoozing. This is a wonderful way to spend a part of Shabbat with your community. Please bring your friends.
I also want to share with you an interesting event in the prayer life of The Jewish People this week. For the first time ever there was an egalitarian afternoon service in the Knesset. Mazal Tov to the members of The Masorti Mission to Israel who were part of this historic service. Please enjoy the article below reprinted from The Jerusalem Post.
Shabbat Shalom,
A Word of Torah:
This week's Torah reading contains one of the most moving and poignant scenes in The Bible. In parashat Vayiggash we read about the reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers. This could not have been an easy rift from which to heal. Even if we concede that Joseph may have gotten preferential treatment from their father, the actions of his brothers were heinous. His brothers conspired first to kill him, and then only as a concession they sold him into slavery. This brought great challenges to Joseph's life and sadness to the life of their father Jacob. This would seem like one of those sibling fights that cannot be repaired.
And yet Joseph, Judah, and the other brothers were able to come together. An important step in their process of reconciliation happens at the start of our parasha, It reads, "Vayigash alav" "Then Judah went forward to him." Our commentators believe this to mean that Judah came close to Joseph physically as well as emotionally.
In a 16 verse eloquent speech, Judah showed Joseph how he had matured and even done t'shuva, repentance, for his acts. At one time Judah was responsible for selling Joseph into slavery thus hurting their father. Now, in our parasha Judah is deeply worried about the emotional state of his father -something he did not think about when he participated in the sale of Joseph. Also, even though their brother Benjamin had preferred child status, Judah seems protective of his brother Benjamin.
Joseph is so overcome with emotion with this speech - that he needs to cry out by himself. His sobs were so loud that they were heard all over Egypt. Joseph understood that Judah had changed and they were now ready to reconcile. Joseph reveals his identify to his brothers and all are overcome with emotion. Joseph says to his brothers, 'g'shu na ali" "Come close to me." This is the same word used at the start of the Torah reading when Judah comes close. And that is what they did. They each came close to one another. Judah and his brother came close to Joseph, and Joseph came to them. The reconciliation of Joseph and his brothers, even after terrible events, occurs after they each decide to come emotionally close to the other. They make a decision to understand the other, to put their jealousies aside -and they come close.
May we find the courage to be like Joseph and his brothers - finding ways to reconcile in even the most difficult situations.
Have a safe and restful holiday weekend.
Shabbat Shalom-
December 15
Dear Friends,
Words Of Torah From Parashat Va-Yesheiv:
I'd like to share an interpretation about our parasha, inspired by Rashi and Dr. Aviva Gottlieb Zornberg, and rooted in our own life experience. I am sure that each of us has experienced a time when we have had a large project due, an important event, or a time of great anxiety. In the immediate aftermath of the event we often feel a deep sense of calm and we want to imagine that the world could always feel easy and care-free. We feel settled.
When I was in college I used to love the few days both before and after final exams. I loved the intensity of the buildup to the great test and then the feeling of quiet and even of accomplishment afterwards. This is how our parasha begins: "Vayeisheiv Yaakov" "Now Jacob was settled... ." In our last two parshiyot Jacob had some very large struggles with his relatives and with God. As our parasha begins, it is as if he is now looking to a life that is quiet and carefree.
The structure and events of the Torah reading remind us that this is not how life works, not for Jacob and not for us. "We often think that, once we reach a certain milestone, we will be able to settle down to a life free of challenges. But life never promised to be tranquil. The sages see this "settling" (va-yesheiv), as an effort to disengage from the problems of living. Dr. Zornberg adds: The full tension of composure and discomposure in the world is felt most acutely by the righteous, by those whose essence of beauty and desire for order exposes them to the shock of reality." Her point is that both Esau and Jacob "settle" in the land. Esau feels settled because he is able to ignore the problems of the world. Jacob, who is seen as more righteous, is fully engaged in family and community and therefore never feels very settled. (ETZ Hayim, 226)
A bracha for us: May we come to understand that in order to fully be Israel, (one who struggles), like Jacob, we are supposed to struggle with ideas and practices in our life. May we be blessed to feel moments of tranquility in life, but may we strive to live lives that are righteous, so that we never "settle" in this world and that we strive to make the world better.
Shabbat Shalom-
December 1
Dear Friends,
Jewish Tradition teaches the concept, "shi-vim panim L'Torah," there are 70 faces of Torah. Many understand this to mean that there are many avenues of involvement in Jewish life that can bring one closer to a life a Torah. Our ancient rabbis were careful to not preference the importance of one mitzvah over another. This allows people with different needs and different personalities to express their Judaism in a multiplicity of ways.
One of the distinctive qualities of life at Beth Sholom is that it is rich and diverse. Having so many different kinds of activities here allows people to be involved in the community in ways that are meaningful to them at a particular time in their life. We fortunate to not be a "one size fits all shul." Rather, there are many ways to be part of the Jewish community by being part of Beth Sholom.
On any given day at Beth Sholom you can pray, be involved in learning, do some social action and have some social time. But next weekend at Beth Sholom seems particularly full of opportunities to be part of the community., you can express your Judaism in so many different ways. I urge you to mark your calendars for next week and choose to be part of some of our meaningful activities.
Friday December 9 bring in Shabbat at either a 6 pm or an 8 pm service. Following the 8 pm service enjoy festive Hanukah music with the Nashira - A Philadelphia Jewish choir.
Saturday December 10 join us at 9:15 am for our Traditional Shabbat service. Or join us at 10 am for our Shabbat Experience Program. During our TSE program we will study The Shema and then enjoy a festive Shabbat lunch.
On Saturday night our community is invited to gather together for nite of dancing, music and fun at our Congregational Festival of Light Party. This party is open to all members of Beth Sholom who are over 21 years old.
Sunday morning come back to Beth Sholom and join the Men's Club for a breakfast with sports writer Stan Hochman. Sunday afternoon at 5 pm come hear Joseph Siry speak about his new book about Beth Sholom Synagogue and its architecture.
All this in just one weekend! Mark your calendars and bring your friends to one of our many wonderful activities!
Shabbat Shalom,
November 18
Dear Friends,
It is just about a week before the Thanksgiving holiday and many of us are preparing to host or to visit family or friends. We want to also take a moment to spiritually prepare to celebrate this American holiday and to make our celebrations reflective of our Jewish value of gratitude.
Many of us experience the blessings of shelter, food and clothing as everyday and commonplace. Judaism, and the Thanksgiving holiday, encourages us to experience even these basic necessities as blessings. The recitation of blessings and prayers sensitizes us to living in the world with a sense of awe and gratitude. We are grateful for all that we have; and we are grateful for living in a land where there are ways to help even those who have very little. You may wish to recite the prayer that I have included at the end of this note at your holiday meal as a way to state our sense of gratitude.
On this holiday we celebrate the bounty of the land and our good fortune to live in a land of plenty, of freedom and of blessing. But we know that many of our neighbors live with less. Mazon is the National Jewish organization that responds to hunger in American through advocacy, education and grants. This week Mazon's newsletter invites each of us to be involved in advocacy of anti-hunger measures in America. Abby Leibman, the president of Mazon writes the following:
"Hunger in America has never been more prevalent. And yet, for the first time in generations, funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps) could be in jeopardy. SNAP has historically enjoyed bipartisan support and protection. But the recent stalemate about the debt ceiling, and the "super committee" it spawned, has put the fate of this highly effective program - and the 46 millions of Americans who rely on it - at risk." We look forward to March17, 2012 when Abby Leibman will be our guest speaker at Beth Sholom. If you would like to join Mazon in their advocacy, and if you wish to educate yourself about hunger in America please visit their website at:
http://mazon.org/get-involved/advocacy/
My best wishes for a Shabbat Shalom and for a wonderful week of Thanksgiving,
Rabbi Andrea L. Merow
November 4
A Word of Torah
" The Lord said to Avram, Go forth from your native land and from your father's house, to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, And I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you shall be a blessing." (Genesis 12)
This Torah reading is transformative. We go from the Torah being concerned with all of humanity to the work of one man and one woman. Avraham and Sarah become our role models for what it might mean to be a blessing in this world. Avraham and Sarah leave what is familiar to them and struggle with new ideas and with new ways of engaging God. Through their service to God and their search for holiness in this world they teach us to search for God and to seek holiness and blessing. Avraham and Sarah's journey is often complicated and is not always the spiritual high that we seek. Yet they stay on a path to search for God in their lives.
These words can teach us that the way for our lives to have meaning and blessing is for us see our lives as a journey -with ups and downs, spiritual highs and lows. This journey requires us to think in new ways, to engage in spiritual journeys through out our lives, and to seek to role models of blessing to others.
May we each be like Avraham and Sarah - able to overcome spiritual low points in our lives as we search higher and higher for God's Presence.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Andrea Merow
In just a few hours we will come together as a community for Yom Kippur. Our day will be filled with self reflection, prayer and fasting. We hope that the day itself, and our own words and actions, will have the power to change our lives for the better. Each year these holy days give us the opportunity to recognize our faults and to apologize to those whom we have wronged. We hope to begin the new year renewed in our efforts to be better in our relationships with other people and with God.
But Yom Kippur begins before we arrive at synagogue. Our preparation for Yom Kippur is both practical and spiritual. For these past ten days we have the responsibility to ask forgiveness from those we have wronged before we ask forgiveness from God on Yom Kippur.
There are also mitzvot, commandmeants, associated with the afternoon leading up to Kol Nidre. Yom Kippur is called the "Sabbath of Sabbaths" and as such we are meant to have a sense of oneg - enjoyment. And yet the central mitzva of Yom Kippur is to "afflict oneself" by fasting. Usually we associate the word oneg with festive food. The meal that we eat before coming to shul on Yom Kippur is meant to be a festive meal. It is called a "Seudat mafseket," a concluding meal, and we feel joy for having arrived at this Day of Atonement. Though we do not recite kiddush we do wash our hands and say motzie over bread. We conclude the meal with the blessings.
After our meal and before we leave for shul we have several rituals to prepare us for Yom Kippur. We begin with Kapparot. This ritual symbolically transfers our sins to tzedakah. Next, many people light a memorial candle in memory for their loved ones whom they will say the Yizkor memorial prayers for in shul. Next we light candles and say the She-hehyanu blessing. Finally, it is custom to bless ones children before shul. These pre-shul ceremonies, complete with explanations, may be found on page 199 of your new Machzor Lev Shalem. We hope that these ceremonies, and all of Yom Kippur, will be a moving and meaningful day for you and for all of Israel.
G'mar Hatima Tovah- May you be sealed for a Good New Year,
Rabbi Andrea L. Merow
A Word of Torah To Start Your Shabbat
This week we read from parashat Nitzvaim the verse, "(v'shavta) Return to the Lord your Gd." The Hebrew verb shuv, return, is often understood as repent. I think it also can mean "turn" - as in turning inwards to be reflective -or turning in a new direction to become better. The root of this word appears seven times in the first ten verses of chapter 30 of Deuteronomy. This repetition is meant to help us to understand that we may need encouragement and help when we are about to examine our lives and actions and ask for forgiveness from other people, from Gd, and from our selves. The work of the High Holy Days is the work of t'suvah - of turning ourselves to become ever more reflective and compassionate with ourselves and with others. Ultimately, it is our ability to turn inward and be self reflective during this time of the year that will enable us to become better people -and to return to better visions of what we can become. As this High Holy Day season of turning begins I wish you all a meaningful season of returning to our best selves, a season of returning to family, and to your Beth Sholom Family.
Shana Tovah- Rabbi Andrea L. Merow
A Teaching From Our Torah Reading
Our Torah reading, Ki Tetzei, is full of laws that deal with a myriad of life situations. There are 74 different laws in this weeks reading. They cover ideas too diverse to categorize except to say, these laws cover the situations of life. There are laws about war, about the behavior of children, inheritance, lost items and even modern day tort law, to name a few. Why so many? Why so diverse a set of guiding laws? Rabbi Neil Gilman, my professor of philosophy, taught that the Torah was given to create cosmos - or order, from the chaos that is in the world and that we experience in our lives. From the story of Creation to the laws in this weeks reading, we move towards creating a society where law gives us the opportunity to bring order to our sometimes messy lives. Laws create order but laws can only be one element in fashioning a just and good society.
We read the following verse from the Torah, "You shall not turn over to his master a slave who seeks refuge from his master. He shall live among you...you must not treat him ill." In an attempt to mitigate the harsh reality of ancient slavery Jewish law went against local Aramaic custom and allowed slaves to escape and live freely with us. But it was not enough to allow escaped slaves to reside with us; the Torah added that we must also treat them well. Maimondes teaches, "It is not sufficient to assist people when they are in need. We must also look after their interests, be kind to them and not hurt their feelings." It seems that Maimonides is reminding us what every good parent tries to instill in their child: Be kind to others, all others. Be careful to not hurt the feelings of others. Look after the physical and emotional needs of those around you -then and only then will we be partners with God in creating a just society. What a great message for all of us in the month of Elul as the High Holy Days approach. Let us endeavor to be kind to all.
Shabbat Shalom-
Rabbi Andrea Merow
170 Jewish Social Justice Leaders Met With Obama Administration
On Friday, July 29th I joined with 170 representatives from the Jewish Social Justice Roundtable (JSJRT) at The White House for a policy briefing to exchange ideas on domestic issues including housing, healthcare, food justice and education. The JSJRT is a group of 21 Jewish nonprofit organizations promoting economic and social justice as a core tenet of Jewish life. I participated as a member of the delegation from The Rabbinical Assembly Social Justice Commission and as regional RA president. *See below for a listing of all of the member organizations of the JSJRT.
Rabbi Jennie Rosenn, director of the Jewish Life and Values Program of the Nathan Cummings Foundation, which funds the JSJRT writes: "Many people think the Jewish community has only one message to bring to Washington and it's about Israel. In reality, the Jewish community is deeply involved in issues of social justice here and around the globe. We are so pleased to have been invited to discuss these issues with the White House staff as we work to create a more just world."
At Beth Sholom Social Justice work and acts of g'milut hasadim have been the part of the cornerstone of our mission for decades. From the long -time work of The Hebrew Free Loan Society and Cook For a Friend, to newer projects like The Mitzvah Pantry and Garden, Beth Sholom works to improve the lives of those in-need in the larger community.
One briefing that I attended with officials from The US Department of Agriculture was about The Farm Bill (FB). Did you know that in 2009 50.2 million Americans were "food insecure" at one point during the year. More than 43 million Americans receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), but there are still millions who need help. Our pantry receives some government aid to help those who experience food insecurity. In addition, many in America depend on programs like SNAP and WIC. We are concerned that if funding is decreased for food programs we will see many more people suffering from food insecurity in our community and beyond. It is for this reason that we are particularly interested in what will happen later this September when the Farm Bill (FB) expires. Approximately 70% of FB subsidies go to nutrition programs in the US including WIC, SNAP, and to help food banks that service pantries like ours. It is important that our government know that faith based places like our pantry are privileged to serve those in need; but we also would like our value of serving those in need reflected in government priorities.
My colleagues and I also attended briefings on public education, immigration law, and health care. It was an exciting day to be DC as discussions about the debt ceiling were were heard everywhere. In the afternoon we received a series of updates from White House officials and were given the opportunity to voice our concerns.
I expressed my support of funding for food subsidies. I also added that many American Jews are not as focused on domestic policy because they are eager to hear continued support for a strong Israel from the Administration. I also advocated that our President visit the State of Israel. At our lunch I was honored to introduce the Blessing After The Meal with a short d'var Torah. Please see below for the words that I delivered.**
I look forward to continuing these discussions on immigration, health care, education and food security with you and with our elected officials. It was an honor to represent the Rabbinical Assembly and our concerns on this day Washington.
*The Jewish Social Justice Roundtable comprises:
American Jewish World Service
AVODAH: The Jewish Service Corps
Hazon
Jewish Community Action
Jewish Community Relations Council
of Greater Boston
Jewish Council for Public Affairs
Jewish Council on Urban Affairs
Jewish Organizing Initiative/Center for
Jewish Organizing
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation
Jewish World Watch
Jews United for Justice
Keshet
MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger
National Council of Jewish Women
New Israel Fund
PANIM Institute of BBYO
Progressive Jewish Alliance & Jewish Funds
for Justice
Rabbinical Assembly
Repair the World
Union for Reform Judaism/ Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism/Just Congregations
Uri L'Tzedek
**Kavannah prior to The Blessing After The Meal - Rabbi Andrea L. Merow
We would like to invite your attention for a brief moment of blessing for this food that we have shared.
Our Torah instructs us to consider the Source of All Food before AND after we have eaten. "You shall eat, you shall bless, and you shall be satisfied". So, as we began our meal with a moment of gratitude, so too we end our meal with just a moment of appreciation for all those involved in helping to bring this food to us -the work of People, and the work of Gd. We reflect on how to better bring these material blessings to all. Please join us in listening to and reflecting upon a few words of Torah.
In the first blessing after the meal that many recite we proclaim that Gd is Hazan et ha kol -that Gd provides enough sustenance for all. At the end of the traditional text of birkhat haMazon, the blessing after a meal, we softly sing the aspirational words of the Psalmist, "I was young, and I was old, and I have never seen a righteous person forsaken or begging for food." How can these statements both be true? It is our sacred task to make them true in this world.
The first blessing teaches us that there IS enough food in the world -the last verse reminds us of our sacred responsibility to ensure that food and resources are equitably divided in our world -so that non are forsaken. This truth is deeply felt by those in this room. You do this sacred work. May you each be blessed in your work of advocacy and of service -as we work together to bring bounty and blessing to all. Amen.
We now invite any who wish to join us in the opening and first Blessing after the Meal found on the cards on your table. We recognize the diversity of individuals in this room -and ask each person to participate to the extent that you wish. You also may wish to use this as a moment of personal reflection.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Andrea Merow
