October 23, 2009
Of all years, this one seemed to me to bear an even greater urgency for getting a seasonal flu vaccination. When I found out that my primary care physician’s office had no vaccine left for now, I took it upon myself to find somewhere nearby (even within 100 miles!) that had flu vaccinations available. After some exploration and checking, I was told that I could make my way to Care Pharmacy in Rochester this week for a Rochester Visiting Nurses Association morning clinic. I arrived 10 minutes before the clinic began to find a long line that, I thought, might take 2 hours. It didn’t take that long (20 minutes), but it was fascinating to see how many people had come out, creating our own microcosm of community in line as we waited for our turn. Once I got near the front, I asked the nurse how she was doing that day (I wanted to be sure to acknowledge her as a member of this short-lived community!). It was actually a peaceful experience that offered a brief connection to people I might not have otherwise met.
As I thought about the Torah portion for the week, featuring Noah answering God’s call to build an ark for the coming flood, I thought about the clinic, and perhaps, each of us in line, as being like Noah in some way. Noah’s ark offered a small group of people and many animals protection from the coming flood and storms. The flu vaccination offers protection from some of invisible and subtle health challenges that surround us. I also thought about our health care/health insurance system offering us assurance and hope. Unfortunately, if our health care system is like Noah’s ark, not everyone is on the ark, and even some people on the ark aren’t well protected from “floods and storms” that might come their way. Getting a flu vaccination helps each person and promotes health among members of a community. Providing health insurance to all, in whatever way we can, also offers benefit not only each individual or family, but all people in a community or nation. The ark was a place where a remnant of humanity, Noah’s family, was saved because Noah was “righteous in his time.” Hopefully, we believe that everyone deserves to have the support, protection and peace of mind that comes from the availability and affordability of good health care.
Health care providers, the insurance industry, concerned citizens and legislators are working out the details of what our health insurance “ark” might look like. There are many possible solutions, most of them very costly, but all of them worthy of consideration due to the sense that change is necessary. Let us hope that, when the process is complete, everyone will have a some semblance of a “safe place” on the “ark” that will offer them health and well-being.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Branches of the same tree
October 16, 2009
“This is the written record of the human line from the day God created human beings, making them in the likeness of God, creating them male and female, blessing them, and naming them “Humans” on the day they were created.”
Discussions about this passage, verses 1 and 2 of Chapter 5 of Genesis, and about the creation story in Genesis Chapter 1, often focus on whether or not the biblical account of the creation of humanity is true. Some say that, because it comes from the Bible, it must be true. Others say that because it cannot be scientifically proven, it is not factual and therefore, it is not true. I recently read an excerpt of the new book by Richard Dawkins, The Greatest Show on Earth, which expressed his views on the creationism/evolution debate. In Dawkins’ observations about this ongoing controversy, he stressed over and over that it is more correct to say that many species of animals share a common ancestry than it is to say that one form of life evolved into another.
Dawkins’ comment (unwittingly) echoed the statements of the rabbis about why it is important to think of all humanity as having a common ancestry. In the 2nd Century, Rabbi Akiba asserted that “love your neighbor as yourself” is a fundamental principle of the Torah. His contemporary, Ben Azzai, quoted the verses, above, Genesis Chapter 5, verses 1 and 2, as an even greater principle, because those verses remind us of what holds us all together: that every human being comes from the same lineage. That is essentially true in Judaism, but it is also essentially true in evolution, if we define “lineage” as broadly as possible. We are part of a family tree not only with respect to our relatives, and all of humanity, but all of creation as well. The rabbis’ concluded, based on this realization, that we should treat each other with respect precisely because that we are part of one family, despite any differences we may see. Realizing that the “likeness of God” is in every person (and throughout creation) means that we should see not only God’s reflection in the face of another person, but our own as well. In our attitudes and our actions, may we try to reach out to one another – and to all creation - with kindness and support because of the common ties that truly link us together.
“This is the written record of the human line from the day God created human beings, making them in the likeness of God, creating them male and female, blessing them, and naming them “Humans” on the day they were created.”
Discussions about this passage, verses 1 and 2 of Chapter 5 of Genesis, and about the creation story in Genesis Chapter 1, often focus on whether or not the biblical account of the creation of humanity is true. Some say that, because it comes from the Bible, it must be true. Others say that because it cannot be scientifically proven, it is not factual and therefore, it is not true. I recently read an excerpt of the new book by Richard Dawkins, The Greatest Show on Earth, which expressed his views on the creationism/evolution debate. In Dawkins’ observations about this ongoing controversy, he stressed over and over that it is more correct to say that many species of animals share a common ancestry than it is to say that one form of life evolved into another.
Dawkins’ comment (unwittingly) echoed the statements of the rabbis about why it is important to think of all humanity as having a common ancestry. In the 2nd Century, Rabbi Akiba asserted that “love your neighbor as yourself” is a fundamental principle of the Torah. His contemporary, Ben Azzai, quoted the verses, above, Genesis Chapter 5, verses 1 and 2, as an even greater principle, because those verses remind us of what holds us all together: that every human being comes from the same lineage. That is essentially true in Judaism, but it is also essentially true in evolution, if we define “lineage” as broadly as possible. We are part of a family tree not only with respect to our relatives, and all of humanity, but all of creation as well. The rabbis’ concluded, based on this realization, that we should treat each other with respect precisely because that we are part of one family, despite any differences we may see. Realizing that the “likeness of God” is in every person (and throughout creation) means that we should see not only God’s reflection in the face of another person, but our own as well. In our attitudes and our actions, may we try to reach out to one another – and to all creation - with kindness and support because of the common ties that truly link us together.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Light for our Journey - October 9, 2009
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Samayach!!!!
Tonight, we will end and begin the reading of the Torah as we celebrate Simchat Torah. As I discussed with our 7th Graders and members of the Board this week, the last word of the Torah is YISRAEL (Israel), and the first word is B’RAYSHEET (at the beginning of/in the beginning). If we simply look at the process of reading the Torah as moving forward towards an end point, we start from the creation of the entire earth (as part of the universe) and, throughout the Torah, focus in specifically on one people, from Abraham to Moses and, as we will read in the Torah tonight, to Joshua, who would take up Moses’ mantle of leadership as the Israelites entered Canaan. While the end of the Torah is a sort of “destination,” we know that the celebration of Simchat Torah brings together the end and the beginning of the cycle of reading the Torah, so that we don’t stop even for a moment. We immediately move from the scene of the Israelites about to enter Canaan back to the creation of light. This helps us to regain our perspective on who we are so that we will remember that we are a part of all humanity and all of creation even as we are members of a Jewish community. Perhaps there is another meaning implicit in this immediate beginning of a new year of Torah reading as soon as it ends. As the first declaration of creation is VA-Y’HI OR, “Let there be light,” the Israelites, in the last chapter of Deuteronomy, were about to experience a new beginning as they made for themselves a new home in Canaan, where their accumulated wisdom and the teachings of their heritage, TORAH, would be OR, light, to guide them throughout their history, with many opportunities for renewal in store.
In our own lives, we may find that, even within one particular journey, there are moments that offer new beginnings, when we feel as if there is a special light (enlightenment) that suddenly directs us to a new insight which could cause us to see our path with a fresh outlook. And even when we “return home,” we may not be the same as we were when we left. In the same way, as a community, we celebrated Simchat Torah last year, and the year before. As we celebrate Simchat Torah this year, we should take a moment to recognize that we are in a different place than we were a year ago. While we have come back around to the beginning of the Torah, it may be that we have changed because our experiences over the last year have enabled us to see life in a new light. And so, as we end and begin the cycle of reading the Torah, may the light of wisdom, knowledge, experience, and hope, continue to shine on us as we find ways to begin anew along the journey of the year that is to come.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
Tonight, we will end and begin the reading of the Torah as we celebrate Simchat Torah. As I discussed with our 7th Graders and members of the Board this week, the last word of the Torah is YISRAEL (Israel), and the first word is B’RAYSHEET (at the beginning of/in the beginning). If we simply look at the process of reading the Torah as moving forward towards an end point, we start from the creation of the entire earth (as part of the universe) and, throughout the Torah, focus in specifically on one people, from Abraham to Moses and, as we will read in the Torah tonight, to Joshua, who would take up Moses’ mantle of leadership as the Israelites entered Canaan. While the end of the Torah is a sort of “destination,” we know that the celebration of Simchat Torah brings together the end and the beginning of the cycle of reading the Torah, so that we don’t stop even for a moment. We immediately move from the scene of the Israelites about to enter Canaan back to the creation of light. This helps us to regain our perspective on who we are so that we will remember that we are a part of all humanity and all of creation even as we are members of a Jewish community. Perhaps there is another meaning implicit in this immediate beginning of a new year of Torah reading as soon as it ends. As the first declaration of creation is VA-Y’HI OR, “Let there be light,” the Israelites, in the last chapter of Deuteronomy, were about to experience a new beginning as they made for themselves a new home in Canaan, where their accumulated wisdom and the teachings of their heritage, TORAH, would be OR, light, to guide them throughout their history, with many opportunities for renewal in store.
In our own lives, we may find that, even within one particular journey, there are moments that offer new beginnings, when we feel as if there is a special light (enlightenment) that suddenly directs us to a new insight which could cause us to see our path with a fresh outlook. And even when we “return home,” we may not be the same as we were when we left. In the same way, as a community, we celebrated Simchat Torah last year, and the year before. As we celebrate Simchat Torah this year, we should take a moment to recognize that we are in a different place than we were a year ago. While we have come back around to the beginning of the Torah, it may be that we have changed because our experiences over the last year have enabled us to see life in a new light. And so, as we end and begin the cycle of reading the Torah, may the light of wisdom, knowledge, experience, and hope, continue to shine on us as we find ways to begin anew along the journey of the year that is to come.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Singing a Common Song
September 25, 2009
When I went to fill up the gas tank in my very thirsty (yet economical!) Toyota Matrix last night, the last thing I expected was a political discussion with the man behind the counter at the Shell station. Yet, that is just what I got, and it was intriguing. As this man looked at the cover of his copy of USA Today, he was going on about Muammar al-Gaddafi’s address to the United Nations, saying that it was a bitter rehashing of the past that included not even a glimmer of hope for a change of heart or policy. I remarked that the same could be said of Mahmoud Ahmedinijad. Both of those leaders seem to constantly need to reiterate their power and defiance. Contrast their declarations to the coordinated announcement by President Barack Obama, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and French President Nicolas Sarkozy at the G20 conference in Pittsburgh this morning. They presented a firm and united call for full disclosure of the progress and purposes of the Iranian nuclear development program, rules by which other nations must abide. There is still a desire for discussion and engagement with Iran in that united front, but we are left to wonder how soon it will materialize.
There are times when we need to move beyond narrow concerns to a more global perspective. In the Torah reading for this week in Deuteronomy Chapter 32, Moses expressed his vision for the people in the form of a song. The content of the “Song of Moses” focused on the need for the people to follow God’s direction (which they didn’t at times) and to realize that respect for divine teachings and acknowledging God’s unity and the oneness of humanity must be central to their lives in a way that can bring all people closer together.
There were many songs that were sung at the United Nations this week, and not all of them in harmony. May the dissonance that still persists among the nations give way to a more melodious chorus of voices from around the world, as we realize that, more than ever, we are all in this together and there is still a chance for more understanding and, perhaps, peace.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
When I went to fill up the gas tank in my very thirsty (yet economical!) Toyota Matrix last night, the last thing I expected was a political discussion with the man behind the counter at the Shell station. Yet, that is just what I got, and it was intriguing. As this man looked at the cover of his copy of USA Today, he was going on about Muammar al-Gaddafi’s address to the United Nations, saying that it was a bitter rehashing of the past that included not even a glimmer of hope for a change of heart or policy. I remarked that the same could be said of Mahmoud Ahmedinijad. Both of those leaders seem to constantly need to reiterate their power and defiance. Contrast their declarations to the coordinated announcement by President Barack Obama, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and French President Nicolas Sarkozy at the G20 conference in Pittsburgh this morning. They presented a firm and united call for full disclosure of the progress and purposes of the Iranian nuclear development program, rules by which other nations must abide. There is still a desire for discussion and engagement with Iran in that united front, but we are left to wonder how soon it will materialize.
There are times when we need to move beyond narrow concerns to a more global perspective. In the Torah reading for this week in Deuteronomy Chapter 32, Moses expressed his vision for the people in the form of a song. The content of the “Song of Moses” focused on the need for the people to follow God’s direction (which they didn’t at times) and to realize that respect for divine teachings and acknowledging God’s unity and the oneness of humanity must be central to their lives in a way that can bring all people closer together.
There were many songs that were sung at the United Nations this week, and not all of them in harmony. May the dissonance that still persists among the nations give way to a more melodious chorus of voices from around the world, as we realize that, more than ever, we are all in this together and there is still a chance for more understanding and, perhaps, peace.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
Standing Together - All of us!
September 16, 2009
Shanah Tovah!
We will begin the new year for us, here and now, this week. As we do, we remember our ancestors who worshipped and lived in other lands, and who then found their way to these shores to add a new chapter to their family story.
The Torah envisioned people of all ages and all walks of life standing together before Moses (in words we will read on Yom Kippur morning) as one community, ready to hear teachings that would direct their hearts toward goodness and their actions toward kindness. We will stand together in just this way on these High Holy Days.
It is our time, now, to join as a congregation and community for worship, for unity, for contemplation about how we can bring out the best in ourselves and in each other and touch the human family with the gifts of our minds and hearts. May this year of 5770 be one filled with blessing and peace for all of us!
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
Shanah Tovah!
We will begin the new year for us, here and now, this week. As we do, we remember our ancestors who worshipped and lived in other lands, and who then found their way to these shores to add a new chapter to their family story.
The Torah envisioned people of all ages and all walks of life standing together before Moses (in words we will read on Yom Kippur morning) as one community, ready to hear teachings that would direct their hearts toward goodness and their actions toward kindness. We will stand together in just this way on these High Holy Days.
It is our time, now, to join as a congregation and community for worship, for unity, for contemplation about how we can bring out the best in ourselves and in each other and touch the human family with the gifts of our minds and hearts. May this year of 5770 be one filled with blessing and peace for all of us!
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
A Nearly Complete Alphabet of Blessings for 5770
September 2, 2009
We wish you a year filled with…
Acceptance – for people and ideas.
Bravery – to face life’s challenges.
Compassion – for those who need our concern.
Devotion – to our families and/or community and the tasks that are important to us.
Empathy – towards the situations in which others find themselves so that we can be moved to action.
Forgiveness – of others and ourselves so we can move forward.
Growth – in ways we may not even imagine we could change.
Humility – that will remind us of our limits as well as our capabilities.
Inspiration – to soar to new heights.
Justice – that brings balance between people in communities and nations.
Kindness – which can serve as the basis for all we do.
Love – within families, among friends, for humanity, for all creation.
Mercy – that gives others – and ourselves- a chance to right a wrong.
Newness – which will make this year different from every other year.
Opportunity – for work, adventure, exploration and personal quests.
Peace – within ourselves and around the world
Quiet – to feel a sense of Shabbat within us and around us.
Renewal – for our bodies and our souls.
Strength – to live day to day.
Thankfulness – for the gifts we have been given.
Understanding – that can bring people with different viewpoints and beliefs together.
Vitality – that keeps us active in every moment.
Wonder – at the daily miracles that we may not even notice.
Yearning – that leads us always to strive to improve ourselves and our world.
Zestfulness – to live with enthusiasm and spirit!
From our home to yours,
we wish you a happy
and healthy 5770!
Rabbi Larry, Rhonda and Adam Karol
We wish you a year filled with…
Acceptance – for people and ideas.
Bravery – to face life’s challenges.
Compassion – for those who need our concern.
Devotion – to our families and/or community and the tasks that are important to us.
Empathy – towards the situations in which others find themselves so that we can be moved to action.
Forgiveness – of others and ourselves so we can move forward.
Growth – in ways we may not even imagine we could change.
Humility – that will remind us of our limits as well as our capabilities.
Inspiration – to soar to new heights.
Justice – that brings balance between people in communities and nations.
Kindness – which can serve as the basis for all we do.
Love – within families, among friends, for humanity, for all creation.
Mercy – that gives others – and ourselves- a chance to right a wrong.
Newness – which will make this year different from every other year.
Opportunity – for work, adventure, exploration and personal quests.
Peace – within ourselves and around the world
Quiet – to feel a sense of Shabbat within us and around us.
Renewal – for our bodies and our souls.
Strength – to live day to day.
Thankfulness – for the gifts we have been given.
Understanding – that can bring people with different viewpoints and beliefs together.
Vitality – that keeps us active in every moment.
Wonder – at the daily miracles that we may not even notice.
Yearning – that leads us always to strive to improve ourselves and our world.
Zestfulness – to live with enthusiasm and spirit!
From our home to yours,
we wish you a happy
and healthy 5770!
Rabbi Larry, Rhonda and Adam Karol
Remembering those in need and those who help
August 28, 2009
As our nation mourns the death of Senator Edward Kennedy, expressions of friends, family members, and political allies and opponents alike are paying tribute to his special brand of leadership. Foster’s Daily Democrat noted in its August 27 editorial, “Senator Kennedy was someone who could reach across the aisle to Republicans because he was someone to whom opposition members of the Senate would listen, someone for whom they had respect. There are few such people in Congress today.” That editorial also remembered Senator Kennedy’s concern for the most vulnerable members of society: “Senator Kennedy was an advocate for men and women of classes of people who had no advocates. His causes were those of the people — the causes of better and more affordable health care, better educational opportunities for all Americans, and the causes of America's working men and women.”
As I read those words, I was reminded of a central passage in this week’s Torah reading, Ki Teitzei. Deuteronomy Chapter 24 presents standards which directed the Israelites to care for the most vulnerable members of their society, those who had no advocates: “When you reap the harvest in your field and overlook a sheaf in the field, do not turn back to get it; it shall go to the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow-in order that the Eternal your God may bless you in all your undertakings. When you beat down the fruit of your olive trees, do not go over them again; that shall go to the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, do not pick it over again; that shall go to the stranger, the fatherless, the widow.”
The Torah reading didn’t only say that forgotten sheaves, olives and grapes should be left for those in need, but it also noted that, by leaving leftover and forgotten produce, the people would be blessed in all that they do. In other words, a society that cared about those who had no advocates would bring blessing itself because of the deep sense of concern that would permeate each community and the nation as a whole. Much of Senator Kennedy’s service to the United States, and the legislation that passed due to his efforts, reflected that particular biblical teaching, and it is work that others will continue in their words and deeds. May we and our nation’s leaders continue to learn from Senator Edward Kennedy’s legacy of advocacy and bi-partisanship, approaches that can enable us to strengthen our society and our country.
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