Shabbat Shalom!
“Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, picked up a hand-drum, and all the women went out after her in dance with hand-drums.” What question might be asked about this verse from the Torah reading B’shalach, which precedes a one-verse proclamation in song celebrating the Israelites’ successful crossing of the Red Sea/Sea of Reeds? I can just imagine a student in a Religious School class asking, “How did the women have hand-drums if they had all just been slaves in Egypt? Where did they get musical instruments?” In fact, the rabbis asked this very question. The Torah: A Women’s Commentary explains, “Like a mother who remembers to pack all the necessities for a family trip, the women’s confidence that God would deliver them made them bring these instruments along.” A rabbinic midrash suggested that the people “knew that God would perform miracles and mighty deeds when they left Egypt, so they prepared hand-drums and flutes.”
Every day of our lives is a journey which can be marked with challenges or with the possibility of small victories or even miracles. “Preparing for the worst” need not prevent us from “hoping for the best,” but we should also consider “preparing for the best” by expecting that moments of triumph, gratitude and joy will come our way. We may not have hand-drums, flutes, or other instruments ready at our side, but our own outpouring of emotion through internal melody or visible signs of contentment will serve as our own orchestra and ensemble for moments of celebration. May we have many opportunities in our lives to sing new songs of hope, thanks and praise for what we have, who we are and who we can become individually and as one community!
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
From generation to generation - January 21, 2010
I was asked today to complete an online survey today about Tot Shabbat at our congregation, which continues to be a consistent feature of our Family Shabbat celebrations. Yesterday, I invited our 7th Grade class to join me as I led a music session for our Pre-K/Kindergarten/First Grade Class and 2nd-3rd Grade class. I was pleased to see the students at both ends of our religious school age spectrum singing and playing rhythm instruments with enthusiasm! Our Tu Bish’vat Seder next Wednesday will bring the generations in our congregation together to celebrate the Jewish New Year of Trees. At our Shabbat Morning Learner’s Service this Saturday, January 23, upcoming B’nei Mitzvah students and their parents and members of our regular Saturday morning worship community will unite their voices in song, prayer and discussion.
These intergenerational moments in Temple life reflect the demand that Moses set before Pharaoh in the beginning of this week’s Torah reading, Bo. Moses told Pharaoh that he wanted to take his people to worship God (along with the declaration that non-compliance would result in the plague of locusts). Pharaoh asked who would go, and Moses said, “We will all go, young and old; we will go with our sons and daughters, our flocks and herds.” Pharaoh refused, because he believed that if everyone went together into the wilderness to pray to God, they would not return.
In the context of this tale, what Pharaoh was trying to do was to prevent the possibility of intergenerational gathering and education. Little did he know that it was likely that parents (and grandparents) were still teaching children, even while they were slaves. What we have to remember today is that, in the course of our busy lives, gatherings of two, three or four generations that make the Jewish heritage come alive can revitalize us as individuals and as a community. We can come together at Temple, in our homes, through connections in cyberspace, or with extended family and friends. Centuries of Jewish life have shown us that multigenerational celebrations are our strength and our hope for a vibrant future.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
These intergenerational moments in Temple life reflect the demand that Moses set before Pharaoh in the beginning of this week’s Torah reading, Bo. Moses told Pharaoh that he wanted to take his people to worship God (along with the declaration that non-compliance would result in the plague of locusts). Pharaoh asked who would go, and Moses said, “We will all go, young and old; we will go with our sons and daughters, our flocks and herds.” Pharaoh refused, because he believed that if everyone went together into the wilderness to pray to God, they would not return.
In the context of this tale, what Pharaoh was trying to do was to prevent the possibility of intergenerational gathering and education. Little did he know that it was likely that parents (and grandparents) were still teaching children, even while they were slaves. What we have to remember today is that, in the course of our busy lives, gatherings of two, three or four generations that make the Jewish heritage come alive can revitalize us as individuals and as a community. We can come together at Temple, in our homes, through connections in cyberspace, or with extended family and friends. Centuries of Jewish life have shown us that multigenerational celebrations are our strength and our hope for a vibrant future.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
Saturday, January 16, 2010
January 15, 2010 - Hearing the sound of hope
Shabbat Shalom!
When it comes to seeing into the future of the economy, the environment, health care, or aspects of our own lives, it is sometimes difficult to be an optimist. There may be facts and figures that preclude the possibility of proceeding into the future with a feeling of underlying hope. Some leaders may claim that attempts to improve current realities with new policies or strategies will necessarily fall short. There may be experts, advisors or a voice inside of us telling us that a supposed fix for a personal challenge won’t work. We know that there are some proposals for progress that may seem “too good to be true,” and, in many cases, they are (just watch television advertisements on all sorts of matters that make big promises). Yet, we can still maintain a well-founded trust that, when we face situations that call for our own perseverance, patience and ingenuity, there are always constructive and realistic solutions within our grasp.
We will be able to see those solutions as long as we can hold on to a glimmer of hope. In the Torah portion for this week, VA-ERA, Moses and Aaron went to the Israelites and told them that God would deliver them from slavery and bring them to a place where they could live in freedom. The people couldn’t hear this positive message because of their “shortness of spirit” and the hard work imposed upon them. They had no strength to truly appreciate the promise of liberty being presented to them, much less to allow this promise to renew their faith and spur them to action. Much later, they would rejoice at their liberation, only to fall back into pessimism when they faced yet another crisis.
As we consider the life’s work of Martin Luther King, Jr. on the day and weekend when we celebrate his legacy, we are reminded that “having a dream” is a prerequisite and a foundation for solutions that are realized only after years of hard work and commitment to a cause. May we, in our own lives and as a community, continue to dream, to plan, and to sustain a spirit that will always keep us moving forward with hope.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
When it comes to seeing into the future of the economy, the environment, health care, or aspects of our own lives, it is sometimes difficult to be an optimist. There may be facts and figures that preclude the possibility of proceeding into the future with a feeling of underlying hope. Some leaders may claim that attempts to improve current realities with new policies or strategies will necessarily fall short. There may be experts, advisors or a voice inside of us telling us that a supposed fix for a personal challenge won’t work. We know that there are some proposals for progress that may seem “too good to be true,” and, in many cases, they are (just watch television advertisements on all sorts of matters that make big promises). Yet, we can still maintain a well-founded trust that, when we face situations that call for our own perseverance, patience and ingenuity, there are always constructive and realistic solutions within our grasp.
We will be able to see those solutions as long as we can hold on to a glimmer of hope. In the Torah portion for this week, VA-ERA, Moses and Aaron went to the Israelites and told them that God would deliver them from slavery and bring them to a place where they could live in freedom. The people couldn’t hear this positive message because of their “shortness of spirit” and the hard work imposed upon them. They had no strength to truly appreciate the promise of liberty being presented to them, much less to allow this promise to renew their faith and spur them to action. Much later, they would rejoice at their liberation, only to fall back into pessimism when they faced yet another crisis.
As we consider the life’s work of Martin Luther King, Jr. on the day and weekend when we celebrate his legacy, we are reminded that “having a dream” is a prerequisite and a foundation for solutions that are realized only after years of hard work and commitment to a cause. May we, in our own lives and as a community, continue to dream, to plan, and to sustain a spirit that will always keep us moving forward with hope.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
January 7, 2010 - Overcoming the Fire of Challenge
Shabbat Shalom!
While reading in the Etz Hayim Torah Commentary about this week’s portion, I was intrigued by one explanation of the burning bush. The commentary suggested that the symbol of the bush that seemed to be on fire, but was not consumed, represented the Israelites. The bush that remained intact could have been seen as a sign that the Israelites, who were facing cruelty and oppression, would survive their bondage and emerge whole and unscathed.
Each of us faces challenges in life, some that may seem insurmountable. Through our own strength and the support we receive from family, friends and community, we have the potential to endure with a sense of completeness and confidence. May the bush that was not consumed inspire us to stand tall and strong each day of our lives!
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
While reading in the Etz Hayim Torah Commentary about this week’s portion, I was intrigued by one explanation of the burning bush. The commentary suggested that the symbol of the bush that seemed to be on fire, but was not consumed, represented the Israelites. The bush that remained intact could have been seen as a sign that the Israelites, who were facing cruelty and oppression, would survive their bondage and emerge whole and unscathed.
Each of us faces challenges in life, some that may seem insurmountable. Through our own strength and the support we receive from family, friends and community, we have the potential to endure with a sense of completeness and confidence. May the bush that was not consumed inspire us to stand tall and strong each day of our lives!
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
December 24, 2009 - The Light of Reconciliation
Shabbat Shalom!
The Torah portion for this week begins with one of the most touching and poignant scenes in the entire Bible. Joseph’s reconciliation with his brothers, after letting them know that he, Pharaoh’s second-in-command, was, in fact, their brother, is almost a surprise. We might have expected Joseph to use that pivotal moment to exact vengeance on the very family members who tried to erase his existence in their lives. That is probably what his brothers thought would happen. Instead, Joseph declared to them that it was not they who sent him to Egypt, but God, in order that he would be in a position to provide food for his family and for all of Egypt through his wisdom and ingenuity. He had the insight to recognize the higher purpose of his moment with his brothers, and made the sacred and godly choice of engendering a new sense of unity within his family.
In relations between countries, in negotiations between legislators to create laws and policies for the people they serve, within families, and of course, within congregations, reconciliation is a goal and, when it happens, a gift that brings unity and peace right along with it. It does not mean that conflict and disagreement will disappear, but realizing what holds us together has the potential to sustain the lines of communication long enough to lead us at least to compromise, if not general agreement. As people around the world focus on the values of peace on earth and bringing light at this dark time of year, may we extend that hope of unity to all that we say and do, every day of our lives!
-- L’shalom, Rabbi Larry
The Torah portion for this week begins with one of the most touching and poignant scenes in the entire Bible. Joseph’s reconciliation with his brothers, after letting them know that he, Pharaoh’s second-in-command, was, in fact, their brother, is almost a surprise. We might have expected Joseph to use that pivotal moment to exact vengeance on the very family members who tried to erase his existence in their lives. That is probably what his brothers thought would happen. Instead, Joseph declared to them that it was not they who sent him to Egypt, but God, in order that he would be in a position to provide food for his family and for all of Egypt through his wisdom and ingenuity. He had the insight to recognize the higher purpose of his moment with his brothers, and made the sacred and godly choice of engendering a new sense of unity within his family.
In relations between countries, in negotiations between legislators to create laws and policies for the people they serve, within families, and of course, within congregations, reconciliation is a goal and, when it happens, a gift that brings unity and peace right along with it. It does not mean that conflict and disagreement will disappear, but realizing what holds us together has the potential to sustain the lines of communication long enough to lead us at least to compromise, if not general agreement. As people around the world focus on the values of peace on earth and bringing light at this dark time of year, may we extend that hope of unity to all that we say and do, every day of our lives!
-- L’shalom, Rabbi Larry
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