When my family would take car trips across the country when I was in elementary school, I remember how meticulously my father planned our itinerary in the days before Orbitz, Travelocity, AAA online, Mapquest, and GPS. He would purchase all the relevant Mobil Travel Guides and acquire all the maps we needed and plot the route himself. As we traveled, I was a partner in keeping an hourly mileage log. I became familiar with a variety of milestones on the highways through those trips which still stand me in good stead today (even on the New York Thruway and Mass Pike). As important as our daily destinations were, all those important points along the way showed how far we had come on our journey.
The Torah reading for this week in Numbers, Chapter 33, provides the Israelites’ detailed itinerary for their wanderings from Egypt to their final point of encampment before entering the land of Canaan. With the language, “They set out a point A and encamped at point B,” the entire trek was summarized in 49 verses, encompassing everywhere they had been as described in the books of Exodus, Leviticus and earlier in the book of Numbers. The 12th Century Jewish sage Moses Maimonides suggested that the Torah enumerated these stations along the way in order to legitimize and support the entire tale of what had happened in the Israelites’ travels: times of wonder, struggles with other peoples, and challenges among themselves. Maimonides suggested that this place-by-place review affirmed the miracle of a people wandering together for 40 years and remaining intact, even strong, as a people.
We sometimes map out our own lives like this on a resume, when we list our previous employment, but perhaps we take the time, on our own, to map out the stops along our life’s journey: places we have lived, the friendships we have made and that endure, significant milestones, our spiritual development and beliefs, as well as what values we prized the most at different stages of our lives. Every day is a step along our journey, and we can, like the Israelites, take the opportunity to remember where we have been in order to look back later and see how much we have accomplished in our lives.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Eyes closed, Eyes Open June 24, 2010
Shabbat Shalom!
When do we gain greater knowledge or have greater awareness, when our eyes are open or when our eyes are closed? When we say the Sh’ma, we are commanded to close our eyes so that we can concentrate on God and, especially, on the oneness that unites us all. We also know that, even with our eyes open, we can’t know everything. Appearances can be deceiving and don’t tell the whole story. It is like trying to evaluate a person’s character only by their words, when we know that the words may have little meaning until they are backed up by deeds.
In the Torah reading for this week, the prophet Balaam was called by Balak, King of Moab, to curse the Israelites. Instead, Balaam was allowed by God only to bless them. In the beginning of one of the sections of blessing uttered by Balaam, he declared, “Word of Balaam son of Beor, word of Balaam whose eye is true (literally in the Hebrew – whose eye is closed), word of him who hears God’s speech, who beholds visions from the Almighty, bowing low to the ground, but with eyes unveiled.” Balaam’s eyes were “unveiled,” but they were “true” BECAUSE they were CLOSED, not open. This passage teaches us about what can be seen and what can be known. Just because we think something isn’t seen – or, for that matter, heard – doesn’t mean it isn’t known or won’t be known. We reveal ourselves through our actions, no matter what we have said or done in public or private. Senator Joe Lieberman once said that, as a public figure, he tries to reach the same level of integrity in private as when he is serving in his leadership role. There is no difference. Behavior, language, and character must be consistent, because eyes that are closed or open will recognize any inconsistency.
Balaam could not curse a people that deserved blessing. In truth, everyone deserves a measure of blessing. Let us remember this as we continue to work together as a community.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
When do we gain greater knowledge or have greater awareness, when our eyes are open or when our eyes are closed? When we say the Sh’ma, we are commanded to close our eyes so that we can concentrate on God and, especially, on the oneness that unites us all. We also know that, even with our eyes open, we can’t know everything. Appearances can be deceiving and don’t tell the whole story. It is like trying to evaluate a person’s character only by their words, when we know that the words may have little meaning until they are backed up by deeds.
In the Torah reading for this week, the prophet Balaam was called by Balak, King of Moab, to curse the Israelites. Instead, Balaam was allowed by God only to bless them. In the beginning of one of the sections of blessing uttered by Balaam, he declared, “Word of Balaam son of Beor, word of Balaam whose eye is true (literally in the Hebrew – whose eye is closed), word of him who hears God’s speech, who beholds visions from the Almighty, bowing low to the ground, but with eyes unveiled.” Balaam’s eyes were “unveiled,” but they were “true” BECAUSE they were CLOSED, not open. This passage teaches us about what can be seen and what can be known. Just because we think something isn’t seen – or, for that matter, heard – doesn’t mean it isn’t known or won’t be known. We reveal ourselves through our actions, no matter what we have said or done in public or private. Senator Joe Lieberman once said that, as a public figure, he tries to reach the same level of integrity in private as when he is serving in his leadership role. There is no difference. Behavior, language, and character must be consistent, because eyes that are closed or open will recognize any inconsistency.
Balaam could not curse a people that deserved blessing. In truth, everyone deserves a measure of blessing. Let us remember this as we continue to work together as a community.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
Monday, June 21, 2010
Remembering.... June 18, 2010
How do we pay tribute to our loved ones who have died?
Judaism offers rituals that help us through the initial days, weeks and months of mourning as well as the anniversaries of a death in future years. Lighting a yahrzeit candle, or simply remembering a relative who has died and considering his or her legacy, or putting a marker on the memorial wall before the Kaddish at a service at Temple Israel, can enable us to express feelings of connection and warmth that still abide with us.
In the Torah reading for this week, Chukat, the passages that speak of the deaths of Miriam and Aaron, Moses’ siblings, are brief, considering the impact that the two of them made on the Israelites. Death and the transition to new leadership were seen as a part of the cycle of community life, and the eulogizing that is not reported in the text likely took place in people’s own minds and hearts.
During our visit to the Midwest several weeks ago, Rhonda and I took the opportunity to stop by the graves of my parents at the cemetery that is in the shadow of the former site of my home congregation. We carry the memories of my parents with us all the time, but there was something special about being there and being able to put stones on their markers, and to think about what me might say to them about our life in New Hampshire, and what they might say to us in response.
I believe that we honor the memory of our loved ones not only through remembrance, but also through all that we do because of what they taught us and how they made an impact on our lives. We also have a chance, through our actions, to leave a legacy to future generations. May we do so in the best way possible.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
Judaism offers rituals that help us through the initial days, weeks and months of mourning as well as the anniversaries of a death in future years. Lighting a yahrzeit candle, or simply remembering a relative who has died and considering his or her legacy, or putting a marker on the memorial wall before the Kaddish at a service at Temple Israel, can enable us to express feelings of connection and warmth that still abide with us.
In the Torah reading for this week, Chukat, the passages that speak of the deaths of Miriam and Aaron, Moses’ siblings, are brief, considering the impact that the two of them made on the Israelites. Death and the transition to new leadership were seen as a part of the cycle of community life, and the eulogizing that is not reported in the text likely took place in people’s own minds and hearts.
During our visit to the Midwest several weeks ago, Rhonda and I took the opportunity to stop by the graves of my parents at the cemetery that is in the shadow of the former site of my home congregation. We carry the memories of my parents with us all the time, but there was something special about being there and being able to put stones on their markers, and to think about what me might say to them about our life in New Hampshire, and what they might say to us in response.
I believe that we honor the memory of our loved ones not only through remembrance, but also through all that we do because of what they taught us and how they made an impact on our lives. We also have a chance, through our actions, to leave a legacy to future generations. May we do so in the best way possible.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
Friday, June 11, 2010
Holy Moments June 11, 2010
Shabbat Shalom!
We are dedicating our new Tree of Life at our Shabbat Service on
June 11 (tonight) in memory of Lorraine Goren, who tirelessly worked
for our congregation and community. Already, several Temple families
have chosen to add a leaf to the tree to mark special milestones in
life, knowing that there may be other landmark events to come that will
also find their way onto the tree. This is one way to note that
certain times and moments in life are special and even sacred (KADOSH).
In the Torah portion for this week, Korach, possibly a relative of
Moses and Aaron, challenged the authority of the Israelite leaders by
claiming that, if all the Israelites were holy, how could Moses and
Aaron put themselves above everyone else? We know that true
leadership carries with it responsibility and requires an ability to
adapt and change. Torah commentator Yeshayahu Leibowitz saw Korach’s
assertion about the holiness of the Israelites to mean that “we have
achieved our goal and nothing more need be demanded of us” to be holy.
It was as if he was saying, and even boasting, “I am already holy and
don’t need to change.” Yet, what the Torah actually says (based on
from Leviticus Chapter 19, which includes the phrase, “Love your
neighbor as yourself) is “BE HOLY, for I, the Eternal your God, am
holy.” Holiness is about becoming, not being – it is a goal, not a
present state. Leaders and people like Korach think they have nothing
to learn from anyone or any new experience. Leaders and people like
Moses and Aaron see their own imperfections, lament the need to stand
firm in the face of overwhelming opposition, and are willing to learn
something new to move along the road towards greater effectiveness and
even holiness.
Every milestone in life gives us a new opportunity to take note of
who we are and where we are at any given moment, and where we want to
be in the future. Marking a special occasion in any way makes that
moment KADOSH, sacred, reminding us that embodied in our celebrations
is an admission that we can continue to learn and grow along our life’s
journey. May we continue together on this path of “becoming” in unity
and hope!
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
We are dedicating our new Tree of Life at our Shabbat Service on
June 11 (tonight) in memory of Lorraine Goren, who tirelessly worked
for our congregation and community. Already, several Temple families
have chosen to add a leaf to the tree to mark special milestones in
life, knowing that there may be other landmark events to come that will
also find their way onto the tree. This is one way to note that
certain times and moments in life are special and even sacred (KADOSH).
In the Torah portion for this week, Korach, possibly a relative of
Moses and Aaron, challenged the authority of the Israelite leaders by
claiming that, if all the Israelites were holy, how could Moses and
Aaron put themselves above everyone else? We know that true
leadership carries with it responsibility and requires an ability to
adapt and change. Torah commentator Yeshayahu Leibowitz saw Korach’s
assertion about the holiness of the Israelites to mean that “we have
achieved our goal and nothing more need be demanded of us” to be holy.
It was as if he was saying, and even boasting, “I am already holy and
don’t need to change.” Yet, what the Torah actually says (based on
from Leviticus Chapter 19, which includes the phrase, “Love your
neighbor as yourself) is “BE HOLY, for I, the Eternal your God, am
holy.” Holiness is about becoming, not being – it is a goal, not a
present state. Leaders and people like Korach think they have nothing
to learn from anyone or any new experience. Leaders and people like
Moses and Aaron see their own imperfections, lament the need to stand
firm in the face of overwhelming opposition, and are willing to learn
something new to move along the road towards greater effectiveness and
even holiness.
Every milestone in life gives us a new opportunity to take note of
who we are and where we are at any given moment, and where we want to
be in the future. Marking a special occasion in any way makes that
moment KADOSH, sacred, reminding us that embodied in our celebrations
is an admission that we can continue to learn and grow along our life’s
journey. May we continue together on this path of “becoming” in unity
and hope!
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Sharing the Spirit May 28, 2010
Shabbat Shalom!
(Commentary on Numbers 11:24-29)
Two young men spoke
as if a special spirit had touched them
in the same way that their leader
Moses
hoped that a godly wisdom
would rest upon the “elders”
enabling them to take on
responsibilities
tasks
and authority
while Moses would watch them lead
with trust and pride.
70 of those “leaders” joined
with Moses
at their center of community
the Tent of Meeting
waiting for the confidence
that would inspire them
to great heights.
But the two young men
Eldad and Medad
Were not elders at the Tent.
They were among the people
And still, a spirit had come upon them
A still small voice that had come alive
In a public way.
Moses’ deputy…intern….assistant
A leader-in-training, Joshua,
cried out, “Moses, restrain them!”
But Moses knew
That it would not take only the elders
To lead with wisdom
but, also, individuals among the people
Who would reflect
a divine and godly spirit
by exhibiting in their behavior
trust
respect
creativity
ingenuity
kindness
a soft voice
matched with a clarity and unity of purpose
that they hoped to share with the whole community.
It was not rebellion
That these two men “prophesying in the camp”
represented
but, rather, hope and partnership,
not meaning in any way to undermine
but, merely, to complement their leaders’ effforts
leaving their egos behind
and joining their souls
with the collective communal spirit.
So Moses welcomed their sudden inspiration
That, he knew, was not unauthorized.
He realized that
it had to have originated with an eternal Source.
So he said,
“Would that all of the people of the Eternal were prophets,
and that the Eternal would put a godly spirit upon them!”
May we
Find and reflect a positive and productive spirit
In our efforts and our work as a community
That demonstrates the best we have to offer
As we move forward
As partners and companions
Towards a common goal.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
(Commentary on Numbers 11:24-29)
Two young men spoke
as if a special spirit had touched them
in the same way that their leader
Moses
hoped that a godly wisdom
would rest upon the “elders”
enabling them to take on
responsibilities
tasks
and authority
while Moses would watch them lead
with trust and pride.
70 of those “leaders” joined
with Moses
at their center of community
the Tent of Meeting
waiting for the confidence
that would inspire them
to great heights.
But the two young men
Eldad and Medad
Were not elders at the Tent.
They were among the people
And still, a spirit had come upon them
A still small voice that had come alive
In a public way.
Moses’ deputy…intern….assistant
A leader-in-training, Joshua,
cried out, “Moses, restrain them!”
But Moses knew
That it would not take only the elders
To lead with wisdom
but, also, individuals among the people
Who would reflect
a divine and godly spirit
by exhibiting in their behavior
trust
respect
creativity
ingenuity
kindness
a soft voice
matched with a clarity and unity of purpose
that they hoped to share with the whole community.
It was not rebellion
That these two men “prophesying in the camp”
represented
but, rather, hope and partnership,
not meaning in any way to undermine
but, merely, to complement their leaders’ effforts
leaving their egos behind
and joining their souls
with the collective communal spirit.
So Moses welcomed their sudden inspiration
That, he knew, was not unauthorized.
He realized that
it had to have originated with an eternal Source.
So he said,
“Would that all of the people of the Eternal were prophets,
and that the Eternal would put a godly spirit upon them!”
May we
Find and reflect a positive and productive spirit
In our efforts and our work as a community
That demonstrates the best we have to offer
As we move forward
As partners and companions
Towards a common goal.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
Friday, May 21, 2010
Moments of blessing - May 21, 2010
Shabbat Shalom!
One of the greatest privileges I have as a rabbi is to offer the priestly blessing - “May God bless you and keep you” - at a special event in the community. This excerpt from this week’s Torah portion remains as a marker of special memories and milestones. Some of you may have received this blessing at Consecration, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Confirmation, a Wedding or a Conversion ceremony. And, you may not even remember being blessed with these words at a birth ceremony! In the last month, I have blessed a member at a conversion and pronounced these ancient phrases at two weddings. I will recite the priestly blessing at a b’rit milah later today (May 21) and at B’nei Mitzvah services on four of the next five weeks. I interpreted these words in my prayer that began a recent congregational meeting (see below). This past Wednesday, during our Religious School Shavuot service, we celebrated the Consecration of nine of our first and second graders. Go to the Temple facebook page by clicking on the link on the home page (you do not have to be a member of facebook to go to the Temple page) and click on the “photos” tab to see photographs from our May 19 service, including Consecration. There is one of me on my knees in front of the Consecrants, who are standing under my tallit which was held by our Madrichim (Religious School aides). Rather than bending over the children, I decided to get on my knees to be at their level and look into their eyes. The words YAEIR ADONAI PANAV EILECHA VIY’CHUNEKA – “May the light of the Eternal One’s face shine upon you and be gracious to you” – implied for me the necessity that the children should see faces shining upon them with pride and blessing, and not only that of their rabbi, but also their parents and the Temple community.
That vision of a special moment in the present holds a special promise for the future. May the spirit and vitality of our students, teachers, peers and fellow members lead us to greater closeness and accomplishment as we continue to work together to build our Temple community.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
Prayer at a Congregational Meeting, May 16, 2010 – Rabbi Larry Karol
Eternal One, sometimes we may feel like we, ourselves, are the Israelites journeying on the Exodus from Egypt, winding our way to the Promised Land, facing difficulties with each passing day. Yet, even in the desert, we move forward, at first, with hesitation, and then, with optimism.
We read in the Torah that, in the desert, the Israelites took a census of their community, realizing that every person counted and could make a positive difference and assure a secure future. It was, in fact, in the desert, a place of challenge, that they became a community. In the same way, we, in crucial moments of discussion and decision, can grow ever closer as a community.
This week, we will read from the Torah familiar words of blessing –and as we hear them now, let us consider how we can bless each other….
May God bless us and keep us – and may we bless and keep each other through respect, cooperation, commitment and sincere concern.
May God look kindly upon us and be gracious to us – and may we look upon each other with kindness and a generosity of spirit, enabling us to find the spark of God in every person.
May God bestow favor upon us and grant us peace – and may we favor one another with the best of who we are – with integrity, with honesty and with purpose – to create among us today, and at all times, a sense of completeness and hope, unity and peace.
And let us say Amen.
One of the greatest privileges I have as a rabbi is to offer the priestly blessing - “May God bless you and keep you” - at a special event in the community. This excerpt from this week’s Torah portion remains as a marker of special memories and milestones. Some of you may have received this blessing at Consecration, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Confirmation, a Wedding or a Conversion ceremony. And, you may not even remember being blessed with these words at a birth ceremony! In the last month, I have blessed a member at a conversion and pronounced these ancient phrases at two weddings. I will recite the priestly blessing at a b’rit milah later today (May 21) and at B’nei Mitzvah services on four of the next five weeks. I interpreted these words in my prayer that began a recent congregational meeting (see below). This past Wednesday, during our Religious School Shavuot service, we celebrated the Consecration of nine of our first and second graders. Go to the Temple facebook page by clicking on the link on the home page (you do not have to be a member of facebook to go to the Temple page) and click on the “photos” tab to see photographs from our May 19 service, including Consecration. There is one of me on my knees in front of the Consecrants, who are standing under my tallit which was held by our Madrichim (Religious School aides). Rather than bending over the children, I decided to get on my knees to be at their level and look into their eyes. The words YAEIR ADONAI PANAV EILECHA VIY’CHUNEKA – “May the light of the Eternal One’s face shine upon you and be gracious to you” – implied for me the necessity that the children should see faces shining upon them with pride and blessing, and not only that of their rabbi, but also their parents and the Temple community.
That vision of a special moment in the present holds a special promise for the future. May the spirit and vitality of our students, teachers, peers and fellow members lead us to greater closeness and accomplishment as we continue to work together to build our Temple community.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
Prayer at a Congregational Meeting, May 16, 2010 – Rabbi Larry Karol
Eternal One, sometimes we may feel like we, ourselves, are the Israelites journeying on the Exodus from Egypt, winding our way to the Promised Land, facing difficulties with each passing day. Yet, even in the desert, we move forward, at first, with hesitation, and then, with optimism.
We read in the Torah that, in the desert, the Israelites took a census of their community, realizing that every person counted and could make a positive difference and assure a secure future. It was, in fact, in the desert, a place of challenge, that they became a community. In the same way, we, in crucial moments of discussion and decision, can grow ever closer as a community.
This week, we will read from the Torah familiar words of blessing –and as we hear them now, let us consider how we can bless each other….
May God bless us and keep us – and may we bless and keep each other through respect, cooperation, commitment and sincere concern.
May God look kindly upon us and be gracious to us – and may we look upon each other with kindness and a generosity of spirit, enabling us to find the spark of God in every person.
May God bestow favor upon us and grant us peace – and may we favor one another with the best of who we are – with integrity, with honesty and with purpose – to create among us today, and at all times, a sense of completeness and hope, unity and peace.
And let us say Amen.
Counting Everyone! May 14, 2010
Shabbat Shalom!
The nomination of Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court brings with it the story of a young girl who was a trailblazer at her congregation, Lincoln Square Synagogue in New York City.
This tale was recounted in The New York Jewish Week: “I remember she was very definite,” recalled Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, the congregation’s spiritual leader. “She came to me and very much wanted it; she was very strong about it. She wanted to recite a Haftorah like the boys, and she wanted her bat mitzvah on a Saturday morning.” Never having officiated at a bat mitzvah before, Rabbi Riskin said he had to “figure out what to do for a bat mitzvah. ... I was playing it by ear.” He said he “could not give her everything” she wanted. For instance, Rabbi Riskin said she could have her bat mitzvah on a Friday night, not a Saturday morning. And instead of reciting a Haftorah, she chanted, in Hebrew, selections from the Book of Ruth. “I was very proud of her,” he said. “She did very well. After that, we did bat mitzvahs all the time. ... She was part of my education. This was for us a watershed moment.”
Elena Kagan’s Bat Mitzvah experience reflects a modern interpretation on this week’s and last week’s Torah readings which would teach these principles:
1) There is an equality among all people that must be maintained (Leviticus 25 and following: a quick end to slavery; forgiving debts; noting that the earth belongs to God and we are caretakers, so that, in the Jubilee Year every 50 years, land could revert to previous owners, at least in theory.
2) Every person who positively takes his or her place in the community counts! (While it was only the men who were counted at the beginning of the book of Numbers, it is significant that Elena Kagan’s rabbi, Shlomo Riskin, was prepared to learn that SHE should be counted in the same way!).
In any congregation and community, every person has a role and the possibility of making a difference and a positive contribution. May we continue to find new ways to lead each other and to make every person – and every act – count!
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
The nomination of Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court brings with it the story of a young girl who was a trailblazer at her congregation, Lincoln Square Synagogue in New York City.
This tale was recounted in The New York Jewish Week: “I remember she was very definite,” recalled Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, the congregation’s spiritual leader. “She came to me and very much wanted it; she was very strong about it. She wanted to recite a Haftorah like the boys, and she wanted her bat mitzvah on a Saturday morning.” Never having officiated at a bat mitzvah before, Rabbi Riskin said he had to “figure out what to do for a bat mitzvah. ... I was playing it by ear.” He said he “could not give her everything” she wanted. For instance, Rabbi Riskin said she could have her bat mitzvah on a Friday night, not a Saturday morning. And instead of reciting a Haftorah, she chanted, in Hebrew, selections from the Book of Ruth. “I was very proud of her,” he said. “She did very well. After that, we did bat mitzvahs all the time. ... She was part of my education. This was for us a watershed moment.”
Elena Kagan’s Bat Mitzvah experience reflects a modern interpretation on this week’s and last week’s Torah readings which would teach these principles:
1) There is an equality among all people that must be maintained (Leviticus 25 and following: a quick end to slavery; forgiving debts; noting that the earth belongs to God and we are caretakers, so that, in the Jubilee Year every 50 years, land could revert to previous owners, at least in theory.
2) Every person who positively takes his or her place in the community counts! (While it was only the men who were counted at the beginning of the book of Numbers, it is significant that Elena Kagan’s rabbi, Shlomo Riskin, was prepared to learn that SHE should be counted in the same way!).
In any congregation and community, every person has a role and the possibility of making a difference and a positive contribution. May we continue to find new ways to lead each other and to make every person – and every act – count!
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)