What is it that binds us to community? It may be shared history or interests, a desire to belong to a larger group, an enjoyment of a feeling of connection, or the intangible rewards that come from serving others. We always hope that the results of our involvement and participation will be positive and bring us benefit.
In the Torah reading for this week, the Israelites received the command to give thanks for settling in the land by bringing the first fruits of their harvest and reciting their history in a declaration that begins, “My father was a fugitive Aramean.” This text is included in the Passover Haggadah, and we recite it every year as we celebrate the ideal of freedom. This week’s Torah portion also focuses on blessings.and curses. “Blessed shall you be in the city and blessed shall you be in the country” applied to those who kept God’s commandments. For those who didn’t follow the divine path, the word “blessed” in that line read, instead, “cursed.”
Most of us wouldn’t think in such stark terms, but we know about participating in a community. I watched my parents volunteer for various positions at my home congregation for many years. I learned from them that, no matter what happened in relations between people in the course of Temple life, the basic principles of Judaism were always paramount. The words of Hillel continue to serve as a maxim for all of us:
“What is hateful to you, don’t do to your fellow human being. That is the whole Torah – all the rest is commentary. Now go and study” – AND – “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? If not now, when?” –AND – “Don’t separate yourself from the community.” No one is an island in a community. Negativity, gossip, lack of cooperation, a desire for control, and unwillingness to see the necessity of true partnership with others may not be sources of blessing as much as an attitude that directs us to give of ourselves for the sake of giving, and to find the positive and the blessings around us at any given moment.
By remembering what unites us in history, in prayer, in learning, and in partnership, we can bring blessing upon ourselves and our community. May such thoughts guide us in the approaching New Year.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry K.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Responsibility and an Open Hand-August 20, 2010
Unemployment and foreclosures are, sadly, still prominent on the landscape of current economic news. Many people in our country – and around the world – are feeling the effects of current challenges. Proposals to bring about a stronger recovery, hinge upon divergent views about the role of government, companies/corporations, taxes (or tax cuts) and the free market. Some believe that less control will bring about recovery sooner, while others believe that more stringent regulation will generate more generous behavior. At this point, various experts and legislators believe they know what is right, but their knowledge isn’t necessarily bringing about the desired solution as soon as had been hoped.
The question I have always had regarding how we treat those who are in the most dire straits during economic downturns relates to responsibility. We hope that someone will step forward to say, “I can help!” Responsible acts of tzedakah (righteous giving) and g’milut chasadim (deeds of lovingkindness), on a large or even small scale, are not always forthcoming.
In the Torah reading for this week, KI TETZEI, the nature of responsibility (and procedures for fulfilling a responsibility) is plainly spelled out. In Deuteronomy Chapter 24, it notes that…
1) If you make a loan to someone and they offer, for example, a garment, as collateral or a “pledge”, you cannot enter the home (forcibly or not) to take the pledge – you have to give the person the chance to bring it out to you (to lend dignity to the transaction).
2) Don’t abuse a needy and destitute laborer, whether a fellow Israelite or a stranger in one of your communities – specifically, pay your workers their wages on the same day, before the sun sets, because your worker urgently depends on those wages.
The rules in their Torah were intended to boost the self-esteem and self-worth of every person, both the lender and the person taking out the loan, and both employer and employee. If there was a feeling that one was superior to another, these rules tried to create more of a balance between the two. Despite economic inequity, everyone was responsible for preserving, on some level, a sense of equality.
We should hope to see, today, that same dignity and sense of equality as part of both the treatment of people truly facing serious personal economic challenges and the solutions that are being proposed to take us forward to greater prosperity in which many people will be able to share. Even in difficult times, perhaps these ancient standards can still move us to sustain a benevolent society that can open its hand to people in need.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry K.
The question I have always had regarding how we treat those who are in the most dire straits during economic downturns relates to responsibility. We hope that someone will step forward to say, “I can help!” Responsible acts of tzedakah (righteous giving) and g’milut chasadim (deeds of lovingkindness), on a large or even small scale, are not always forthcoming.
In the Torah reading for this week, KI TETZEI, the nature of responsibility (and procedures for fulfilling a responsibility) is plainly spelled out. In Deuteronomy Chapter 24, it notes that…
1) If you make a loan to someone and they offer, for example, a garment, as collateral or a “pledge”, you cannot enter the home (forcibly or not) to take the pledge – you have to give the person the chance to bring it out to you (to lend dignity to the transaction).
2) Don’t abuse a needy and destitute laborer, whether a fellow Israelite or a stranger in one of your communities – specifically, pay your workers their wages on the same day, before the sun sets, because your worker urgently depends on those wages.
The rules in their Torah were intended to boost the self-esteem and self-worth of every person, both the lender and the person taking out the loan, and both employer and employee. If there was a feeling that one was superior to another, these rules tried to create more of a balance between the two. Despite economic inequity, everyone was responsible for preserving, on some level, a sense of equality.
We should hope to see, today, that same dignity and sense of equality as part of both the treatment of people truly facing serious personal economic challenges and the solutions that are being proposed to take us forward to greater prosperity in which many people will be able to share. Even in difficult times, perhaps these ancient standards can still move us to sustain a benevolent society that can open its hand to people in need.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry K.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Unclouded Justice - August 13, 2010
Shabbat Shalom!
In our society, justice is in the eye of the beholder. I am certain that people from various political parties, and groups like the Tea Party and the Coffee Party, would offer very different perspectives and definitions. Justice can mean making sure that everyone has their “fair share,” but there are strong disagreements on how to make that happen (whether by less or more regulations). Justice can mean evaluating people’s actions or behavior, sometimes in a court of law, and often, today, in the “court” of public opinion, hopefully with all the facts at hand. The recent case of USDA official Shirley Sherrod demonstrated how information can be altered in such a way as to create an unfair judgment that may seem just to the person sharing the information, but in the end, is totally unfair to the one who is accused of wrongdoing.
We don’t always know about people’s motives when it comes to justice, but Judaism makes it clear in the beginning of this week’s Torah reading, SHOFTIM, how we should approach justice:
1) Be fair and impartial – judge or decide according to the merits of a case and not the station of the people involved
2) Let nothing stand in the way of judgment so as to cloud one’s vision, whether bribes, or ideology, or an unwillingness to listen to someone’s plea.
3) Pursuing justice means to be eager to make justice and fairness a reality.
4) When the Torah says “Justice, Justice shall you pursue,” it can refer to fairness in a court setting and equality within society, but it can also mean to seek justice in a just way. An end, the ultimate goal of justice should not be reached using unjust and unethical means.
We have a great responsibility to be fair and just in how we live as members of a community. The Torah teaches us to listen, to let nothing blind us from the truth or skew our vision and sense of propriety, and to use the best tact and wisdom at our disposal when we express our opinions and render decisions on crucial issues at hand. The rabbis said in the Sayings of the Rabbis, Pirkei Avot, “the more justice, the more peace.” May we make our community and our world more complete as we continue to pursue both justice and peace with eagerness and dedication.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
In our society, justice is in the eye of the beholder. I am certain that people from various political parties, and groups like the Tea Party and the Coffee Party, would offer very different perspectives and definitions. Justice can mean making sure that everyone has their “fair share,” but there are strong disagreements on how to make that happen (whether by less or more regulations). Justice can mean evaluating people’s actions or behavior, sometimes in a court of law, and often, today, in the “court” of public opinion, hopefully with all the facts at hand. The recent case of USDA official Shirley Sherrod demonstrated how information can be altered in such a way as to create an unfair judgment that may seem just to the person sharing the information, but in the end, is totally unfair to the one who is accused of wrongdoing.
We don’t always know about people’s motives when it comes to justice, but Judaism makes it clear in the beginning of this week’s Torah reading, SHOFTIM, how we should approach justice:
1) Be fair and impartial – judge or decide according to the merits of a case and not the station of the people involved
2) Let nothing stand in the way of judgment so as to cloud one’s vision, whether bribes, or ideology, or an unwillingness to listen to someone’s plea.
3) Pursuing justice means to be eager to make justice and fairness a reality.
4) When the Torah says “Justice, Justice shall you pursue,” it can refer to fairness in a court setting and equality within society, but it can also mean to seek justice in a just way. An end, the ultimate goal of justice should not be reached using unjust and unethical means.
We have a great responsibility to be fair and just in how we live as members of a community. The Torah teaches us to listen, to let nothing blind us from the truth or skew our vision and sense of propriety, and to use the best tact and wisdom at our disposal when we express our opinions and render decisions on crucial issues at hand. The rabbis said in the Sayings of the Rabbis, Pirkei Avot, “the more justice, the more peace.” May we make our community and our world more complete as we continue to pursue both justice and peace with eagerness and dedication.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
Friday, August 6, 2010
Giving....and Getting Closer - August 6, 2010
Shabbat Shalom!
Being a member of a community presents an opportunity and, even more, includes a responsibility, to contribute something to strengthen the well-being of the group. Over the last few days, I attended the first convention of newCAJE, a "resurrection" of the Conference on Alternatives in Jewish Education (CAJE) that was required to close its doors two years ago. The convention was held at Gann Academy (a Jewish high school) in Waltham, with housing provided through Bentley University next door to the school. The "old" CAJE always brought together educators/school principals, rabbis, cantors, religious school teachers, artists, musicians, storytellers, college professors, and lay leaders for several days of learning, camaraderie, music, and community building. It was always a highlight of my year because everyone was equal in having a chance to offer something unique to the community. While I never led a workshop on my own at CAJE, I did sing in the CAJE Chorale led for many years by Debbie Friedman. Once I released my first CD in 2003, I performed a set of original music as a way of sharing my spirit and beliefs. It was sad to see CAJE end its run of over 30 years in late 2008.
NewCAJE was coordinated totally by volunteers, many of whom had been a part of the CAJE experience. In order to make a more significant contribution to this "resurrection" of a very valuable conference, I adapted my Crane Lake Camp 2009 mini-course, "God on my iPod," for a session that I led on my own. 15 people attended my workshop on Tuesday, and we had a lively and enriching discussion about God and about secular/popular songs that touched upon various beliefs that relate, in some way, to our own. Between that workshop, singing two songs during the Monday evening program, and simply being there, my giving was returned several times over with the blessing of being a part of this community of colleagues and friends.
In the Torah reading for this week, the Israelites were told to appear at the place where God would cause the divine name to dwell (eventually, the Temple in Jerusalem) three times a year - on the major festivals, including this special instruction: "They shall not appear before the Eternal empty-handed, but each with his/her own gift." Everyone, no matter what their station among their people, had something to offer that would enhance the well-being of the people. Specifically, this passage was talking about animal or grain sacrifices. Yet, the word for sacrifice, KORBAN, comes from the root meaning "to draw near." Bringing gifts brought the people closer not only to God, but also to each other, as, together, they presented the best of what they had to share.
We have this same opportunity to offer our wisdom, talents, enthusiasm, energy, and all kinds of support to a community. Giving brings us close to the values that we prize, but, more importantly, it can bring us closer to each other as we engage in our giving together.
As the High Holy Days approach in a few weeks, may we all think about the ways in which we can give with a positive attitude and with the confidence that what we give will truly make a difference!
L'shalom,
Rabbi Larry
Being a member of a community presents an opportunity and, even more, includes a responsibility, to contribute something to strengthen the well-being of the group. Over the last few days, I attended the first convention of newCAJE, a "resurrection" of the Conference on Alternatives in Jewish Education (CAJE) that was required to close its doors two years ago. The convention was held at Gann Academy (a Jewish high school) in Waltham, with housing provided through Bentley University next door to the school. The "old" CAJE always brought together educators/school principals, rabbis, cantors, religious school teachers, artists, musicians, storytellers, college professors, and lay leaders for several days of learning, camaraderie, music, and community building. It was always a highlight of my year because everyone was equal in having a chance to offer something unique to the community. While I never led a workshop on my own at CAJE, I did sing in the CAJE Chorale led for many years by Debbie Friedman. Once I released my first CD in 2003, I performed a set of original music as a way of sharing my spirit and beliefs. It was sad to see CAJE end its run of over 30 years in late 2008.
NewCAJE was coordinated totally by volunteers, many of whom had been a part of the CAJE experience. In order to make a more significant contribution to this "resurrection" of a very valuable conference, I adapted my Crane Lake Camp 2009 mini-course, "God on my iPod," for a session that I led on my own. 15 people attended my workshop on Tuesday, and we had a lively and enriching discussion about God and about secular/popular songs that touched upon various beliefs that relate, in some way, to our own. Between that workshop, singing two songs during the Monday evening program, and simply being there, my giving was returned several times over with the blessing of being a part of this community of colleagues and friends.
In the Torah reading for this week, the Israelites were told to appear at the place where God would cause the divine name to dwell (eventually, the Temple in Jerusalem) three times a year - on the major festivals, including this special instruction: "They shall not appear before the Eternal empty-handed, but each with his/her own gift." Everyone, no matter what their station among their people, had something to offer that would enhance the well-being of the people. Specifically, this passage was talking about animal or grain sacrifices. Yet, the word for sacrifice, KORBAN, comes from the root meaning "to draw near." Bringing gifts brought the people closer not only to God, but also to each other, as, together, they presented the best of what they had to share.
We have this same opportunity to offer our wisdom, talents, enthusiasm, energy, and all kinds of support to a community. Giving brings us close to the values that we prize, but, more importantly, it can bring us closer to each other as we engage in our giving together.
As the High Holy Days approach in a few weeks, may we all think about the ways in which we can give with a positive attitude and with the confidence that what we give will truly make a difference!
L'shalom,
Rabbi Larry
A Psalm for a Summer Day - July 30, 2010
Praise to You, our Creator,
for the wind rustling through the leaves,
for the sound of the waves approaching the shore as we bask in the warmth of the sun, for the time to travel, to rest, and to consider celebrations and challenges that lie ahead.
Give us insight, Eternal One, to understand our relationships within our family and community. Teach us to be patient when there are disagreements, generous in how we approach each other, cooperative in our actions and our tone rather than combative or even suspicious.
Enable us to identify what is important in our lives. Remind us of the wealth that comes from wisdom, the prosperity that emerges from the feeling that we have preserved our own integrity in our thoughts and actions, and the recognition that comes not from celebrity status, but from having made a good name for ourselves which fosters a sense of respect and trust with our peers.
Help us understand the importance of fairness, whether we are playing a sport or working with others to sustain a community. Provide us with eyes that see the good in all people, so that past conflict will not preclude partnership in the present.
Heal a world that still knows too much war, too much hunger. Support those who have suffered from natural disasters, and offer us a gift of knowledge that can prevent tragedies caused by human arroagance or heartlessness.
May the sun, the moon and the stars that continue to shine upon us inspire us to bring blessing upon our own lives and to our families and our community.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry K.
for the wind rustling through the leaves,
for the sound of the waves approaching the shore as we bask in the warmth of the sun, for the time to travel, to rest, and to consider celebrations and challenges that lie ahead.
Give us insight, Eternal One, to understand our relationships within our family and community. Teach us to be patient when there are disagreements, generous in how we approach each other, cooperative in our actions and our tone rather than combative or even suspicious.
Enable us to identify what is important in our lives. Remind us of the wealth that comes from wisdom, the prosperity that emerges from the feeling that we have preserved our own integrity in our thoughts and actions, and the recognition that comes not from celebrity status, but from having made a good name for ourselves which fosters a sense of respect and trust with our peers.
Help us understand the importance of fairness, whether we are playing a sport or working with others to sustain a community. Provide us with eyes that see the good in all people, so that past conflict will not preclude partnership in the present.
Heal a world that still knows too much war, too much hunger. Support those who have suffered from natural disasters, and offer us a gift of knowledge that can prevent tragedies caused by human arroagance or heartlessness.
May the sun, the moon and the stars that continue to shine upon us inspire us to bring blessing upon our own lives and to our families and our community.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry K.
Turning Symbol into Action- July 23, 2010
Shabbat Shalom!
“Bind them as a sign upon your hand; let them be a symbol (or as “frontlets”) between your eyes. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”
I can remember reciting these words with “thy” instead of “your” as I read from the Union Prayer Book I during Sabbath services at my home congregation, so much so that I can now type them by heart (as many people could). What comes to mind for most people when reading this passage are t’filin, which are worn on the arm and head, and the mezuzah, which is displayed by one’s front door at home and perhaps on inside doorways as well.
Some commentators suggest that there is another level to this passage. “Bind them as a sign upon your hand” can mean “apply the teachings of your heritage in the work of your hands.” “Let them be a symbol between your eyes” can mean “see the world, your relationships, and your own behavior through the lens of these commandments, which can lead you on a positive and productive path in life.” “Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your (city) gates” can mean “let what happens inside your home and in your city – how people act and how they treat each other – reflect the best of the teachings that have been passed down to you.”
So as we think about commandments that direct us to fairness, justice, compassion and treating each other with generosity and equity, may our recitation of these ancient words from the Torah be matched in all that we do, as members of families and communities, so that we help build a world founded in love and understanding.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
“Bind them as a sign upon your hand; let them be a symbol (or as “frontlets”) between your eyes. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”
I can remember reciting these words with “thy” instead of “your” as I read from the Union Prayer Book I during Sabbath services at my home congregation, so much so that I can now type them by heart (as many people could). What comes to mind for most people when reading this passage are t’filin, which are worn on the arm and head, and the mezuzah, which is displayed by one’s front door at home and perhaps on inside doorways as well.
Some commentators suggest that there is another level to this passage. “Bind them as a sign upon your hand” can mean “apply the teachings of your heritage in the work of your hands.” “Let them be a symbol between your eyes” can mean “see the world, your relationships, and your own behavior through the lens of these commandments, which can lead you on a positive and productive path in life.” “Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your (city) gates” can mean “let what happens inside your home and in your city – how people act and how they treat each other – reflect the best of the teachings that have been passed down to you.”
So as we think about commandments that direct us to fairness, justice, compassion and treating each other with generosity and equity, may our recitation of these ancient words from the Torah be matched in all that we do, as members of families and communities, so that we help build a world founded in love and understanding.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
Promises We Can Keep - July 16, 2010
Shabbat Shalom!
At the July 7 Board of Trustees meeting, Board members participated in my D’var Torah at the beginning of the meeting by developing a list of the promises and pledges that they make as leaders of the congregation. This list, which is also appropriate for all Temple members, has the potential to guide us in the coming months to add quality and vitality to our community:
Promises as Leaders (and Members) of Temple Israel of Dover
*Work for the welfare of the community
*Respect
*Impartiality
*Tolerance
*Promote Judaism and Jewish values
*Commitment (or keep commitments)
*Generosity of spirit
*Be ambassadors of Temple to the general community and prospective members
*Make our Temple community come alive
*Active participation
*Be open-hearted
There are items on this list that echo Moses’ “farewell speech” that begins the Book of Deuteronomy (in this week's Torah reading). In the first three chapters of Deuteronomy, Moses recounted the travels of the Israelites, and some of their struggles and challenges. He highlighted the delegation of judgment to magistrates who were to show no partiality, to carefully listen to those of both “high and low” station in the community when matters came before them. Moses included in his narrative the event (striking a rock to begin a flow of water instead of speaking to it, as he was commanded) that prevented him from crossing into Canaan with the Israelites. One has to admire Moses’ honesty in looking back, which enabled him set an example through his leadership. Rules that governed rituals and behavior were all important, and Moses had to follow them as much as the Israelites themselves. That was the only way in which he could effectively be a leader.
As we continue moving forward on our journey as members of a Temple community, may we set examples for each other, practicing the best of our values in all that we do!
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
At the July 7 Board of Trustees meeting, Board members participated in my D’var Torah at the beginning of the meeting by developing a list of the promises and pledges that they make as leaders of the congregation. This list, which is also appropriate for all Temple members, has the potential to guide us in the coming months to add quality and vitality to our community:
Promises as Leaders (and Members) of Temple Israel of Dover
*Work for the welfare of the community
*Respect
*Impartiality
*Tolerance
*Promote Judaism and Jewish values
*Commitment (or keep commitments)
*Generosity of spirit
*Be ambassadors of Temple to the general community and prospective members
*Make our Temple community come alive
*Active participation
*Be open-hearted
There are items on this list that echo Moses’ “farewell speech” that begins the Book of Deuteronomy (in this week's Torah reading). In the first three chapters of Deuteronomy, Moses recounted the travels of the Israelites, and some of their struggles and challenges. He highlighted the delegation of judgment to magistrates who were to show no partiality, to carefully listen to those of both “high and low” station in the community when matters came before them. Moses included in his narrative the event (striking a rock to begin a flow of water instead of speaking to it, as he was commanded) that prevented him from crossing into Canaan with the Israelites. One has to admire Moses’ honesty in looking back, which enabled him set an example through his leadership. Rules that governed rituals and behavior were all important, and Moses had to follow them as much as the Israelites themselves. That was the only way in which he could effectively be a leader.
As we continue moving forward on our journey as members of a Temple community, may we set examples for each other, practicing the best of our values in all that we do!
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
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