The word “religion” comes from the Latin “ligio”, as in ligament, which means “ties”. Religion is a force that ties us together - together with one another, and together with our Creator. It binds and bonds us together as a People.
In American law, we join together in community voluntarily. We agree to give up some of our personal freedoms (such as keeping everything we earn) for the greater good. As Americans we believe in this greater good and work to maintain it. In some circles this is called “patriotism”. Without this voluntary by-in, the whole system would fall apart. There are not enough police to keep everyone from breaking the law if they chose to do so. Still, your citizenship is voluntary. You can give it up at any time.
Judaism comes at it from a different angle. We abide by Jewish law because we are commanded. According to the Torah, we are bound by the “mitzvot” (commandments) because our ancestors at Sinai entered into a covenant (brit) with Gd. There is nothing voluntary about it. (In fact, in one mainstream interpretation of Jewish law, you can never really convert out of Judaism.) Our service is not because we want to be loyal, but rather because we “owe it” to Gd. Our loyalty comes from personal gratitude, not simply a common sense of people-hood.
Our American Constitution begins “We the People”, because “We” wrote it (not just Jefferson and Madison). We imbue our government with authority. In Judaism, Gd is the source of authority and we obey the laws that Gd gave us. And yet, Gd gave us the authority to develop His laws as times changed. In this sense the two systems overlap. The degree to which change is warranted, justifiable, and indeed necessary is what separates the right side of the Supreme Court from the left, as well as the various movements in Judaism. Understanding the process by which civil law is developed, comparing and contrasting it with the development of Jewish law, gives us a greater understanding of how we became who we are today and where we may be going as Jews.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
The Safest Place to Be
A friend shared this humorous thought with me about the safest place you can be:
1. Avoid riding in automobiles because they are responsible for 20% of all fatal accidents.
2. Do not stay at home because 17% of all accidents occur in the home.(That's 37% already.)
3. Avoid walking on streets or sidewalks because 14% of all accidents occur to pedestrians.(Now that is 51%)
4. Avoid traveling by air, rail, or water because 16% of all accidents involve those forms of transportation. (That's 67%)
5. 33 % percent of all deaths occur in hospitals. Above all, avoid hospitals.
You will be pleased to learn that only 0.01 % of all deaths occur in a synagogue, and these are usually related to previous physical disorders.Therefore logic tells us that the safest place for you to be at any given point in time is in synagogue services. Torah study is even safer. The number of deaths during Torah study is too small to register.For safety's sake, stay alive, go to shul as often as possible and attend Torah Study. It could save your life.
In truth, there is a more serious side to this. In Proverbs (13:20) King Solomon writes, "He who keeps company with the wise becomes wise, but he who consorts with dull and ignorant people comes to grief." We should be surrounding ourselves with people who help to bring out the best in each of us. We should try to find individuals who push us toward higher ideals. People who find time in their busy days for study and prayer; people who manage to devote a small portion of their days to Gd, are elevating their lives to a higher plane. We can only benefit from having some of their spirit rub off on us.
Studies show, time and again, that people who have faith in their lives, who devote time to spiritual pursuits, are more resilient. The challenges of life do not seem as overwhelming, the setbacks do not push them down as far, and the recovery time is that much shorter. A spiritual life may well be a longer life. It will most certainly be more fulfilling.
1. Avoid riding in automobiles because they are responsible for 20% of all fatal accidents.
2. Do not stay at home because 17% of all accidents occur in the home.(That's 37% already.)
3. Avoid walking on streets or sidewalks because 14% of all accidents occur to pedestrians.(Now that is 51%)
4. Avoid traveling by air, rail, or water because 16% of all accidents involve those forms of transportation. (That's 67%)
5. 33 % percent of all deaths occur in hospitals. Above all, avoid hospitals.
You will be pleased to learn that only 0.01 % of all deaths occur in a synagogue, and these are usually related to previous physical disorders.Therefore logic tells us that the safest place for you to be at any given point in time is in synagogue services. Torah study is even safer. The number of deaths during Torah study is too small to register.For safety's sake, stay alive, go to shul as often as possible and attend Torah Study. It could save your life.
In truth, there is a more serious side to this. In Proverbs (13:20) King Solomon writes, "He who keeps company with the wise becomes wise, but he who consorts with dull and ignorant people comes to grief." We should be surrounding ourselves with people who help to bring out the best in each of us. We should try to find individuals who push us toward higher ideals. People who find time in their busy days for study and prayer; people who manage to devote a small portion of their days to Gd, are elevating their lives to a higher plane. We can only benefit from having some of their spirit rub off on us.
Studies show, time and again, that people who have faith in their lives, who devote time to spiritual pursuits, are more resilient. The challenges of life do not seem as overwhelming, the setbacks do not push them down as far, and the recovery time is that much shorter. A spiritual life may well be a longer life. It will most certainly be more fulfilling.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Bless Your Children
Every Friday night, since our children were born, we have blessed them for Shabbat. It is a beautiful custom that let's them know how grateful we are to Gd to have them in our lives. It also lets them know that we believe that they really are blessed and that they can do great things knowing that Gd is on thier side.
Even when the kids are away, travelling, we call them on the phone and bless them as well. That means that when they are in Israel, and both spent weeks there this year with out us, we account for the time difference and bless them long distance.
We have added the text of this beautiful ritual to our website. Go to www.bethelsnj.org and on the left side you'll see a tab marked "Prayer and Ritual". Click it and you'll see a pull down tab that says "Blessing Your Children on Shabbat". There you will find the text in English, in transliteration, as well as the source from the Torah and an explanation as to why we use this particular blessing. I hope you and your family find it as meaningful as we do. It is never too late to start blessing your kids and telling them how wonderful you think they are.
Even when the kids are away, travelling, we call them on the phone and bless them as well. That means that when they are in Israel, and both spent weeks there this year with out us, we account for the time difference and bless them long distance.
We have added the text of this beautiful ritual to our website. Go to www.bethelsnj.org and on the left side you'll see a tab marked "Prayer and Ritual". Click it and you'll see a pull down tab that says "Blessing Your Children on Shabbat". There you will find the text in English, in transliteration, as well as the source from the Torah and an explanation as to why we use this particular blessing. I hope you and your family find it as meaningful as we do. It is never too late to start blessing your kids and telling them how wonderful you think they are.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Defining Marriage
The issue of a Constitutional Definition of Marriage has become a hot topic, again. I thought you might like to know where the Conservative Movement stands on the matter. In 2003 The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism adopted a Resolution, that says:
The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism views the application of equality as a standard which cannot be eroded by any other determinant, race, religion or history. Our Faith Members are not unfamiliar with discrimination and worse.....we will reject it, however garbed and rationalized, will fight for equality and will be determined in our stance by genuine equality, neither discrimination per se nor discrimination garbed in the dress of double standards.
All Americans are entitled to equality under the civil laws of the United States. Marriage being both a religious and a civil status, The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism does not support any action by the federal government or by any state or local government that discriminates and denies equal protection of the civil laws to gay and lesbian Americans who seek to have relationships recognized when they fall within the bounds of the civil law. Where the civil law recognizes certain rights and obligations as following from a relationship created under the civil laws, those rights and obligations should not be denied to any two Americans seeking to create such a civil relationship.
The federal government of the United States has no authority to define the religious elements of a marriage for any religious group. While our scholars may debate the status, rights and obligations under Jewish law of various individuals who seek to conform their lives to Jewish law, no matter what Jewish law may or may not provide concerning marriage, there is no reason for Congress to seek to pass a Constitutional amendment, which limits or discriminates against the civil or legal rights of any individual or group.
The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism views the application of equality as a standard which cannot be eroded by any other determinant, race, religion or history. Our Faith Members are not unfamiliar with discrimination and worse.....we will reject it, however garbed and rationalized, will fight for equality and will be determined in our stance by genuine equality, neither discrimination per se nor discrimination garbed in the dress of double standards.
All Americans are entitled to equality under the civil laws of the United States. Marriage being both a religious and a civil status, The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism does not support any action by the federal government or by any state or local government that discriminates and denies equal protection of the civil laws to gay and lesbian Americans who seek to have relationships recognized when they fall within the bounds of the civil law. Where the civil law recognizes certain rights and obligations as following from a relationship created under the civil laws, those rights and obligations should not be denied to any two Americans seeking to create such a civil relationship.
The federal government of the United States has no authority to define the religious elements of a marriage for any religious group. While our scholars may debate the status, rights and obligations under Jewish law of various individuals who seek to conform their lives to Jewish law, no matter what Jewish law may or may not provide concerning marriage, there is no reason for Congress to seek to pass a Constitutional amendment, which limits or discriminates against the civil or legal rights of any individual or group.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Catching Up With Israel
We are out of sync with Israel…when it comes to Torah readings. Here is an interesting phenomenon: Normally, of course, the whole world reads the same Torah portion on any given Shabbat. However, in Israel, Shavuot is a one day holiday and everywhere else in the world it is celebrated for two. This year, we celebrated the festival last Friday and Shabbat. In Israel, however, they only celebrated on Friday. Shabbat was no longer Shavuot.
Shavuot has its own Torah readings, which talk about the giving of the Torah. On Shavuot (and other holidays) the regular Torah reading cycle is interrupted, put on hold as it were until the next “regular” Shabbat. Well, last Saturday was already a "regular" Shabbat in Israel, so they read the portion Beha’alotecha, while we were still doing Shavuot. This Shabbat we’ll get to Beha’alotecha, but they’ll be already moving up a week in trhe Torah portions.
We won’t catch up to them until July 8th, my second Shabbat in Israel with my Beth El trip this summer. They will read the portion Chukkat on July 1st and then Balak on July 8th . We will combine Chukkat and Balak on July 8th and thereby even it all up. In the meantime, it means that a person coming from Israel to the States would hear the same Torah portion two weeks in a row.
I’m glad that this doesn’t happen too often… Not only is it somewhat difficult to explain, but, in some small way I find even harder to explain, it undermines the idea of One Jewish World/One Torah that gives me such a sense of Jewish unity. It’s comforting to (usually) know that when we are sitting in shul in Cherry Hill, Jews ½ way around the world are reading the same stories, and thinking about the same topics we are. It makes the Jewish world that much smaller and tighter, and I love that feeling of being part of a global Jewish community centered around one sacred text and one awesome living Gd.
Shavuot has its own Torah readings, which talk about the giving of the Torah. On Shavuot (and other holidays) the regular Torah reading cycle is interrupted, put on hold as it were until the next “regular” Shabbat. Well, last Saturday was already a "regular" Shabbat in Israel, so they read the portion Beha’alotecha, while we were still doing Shavuot. This Shabbat we’ll get to Beha’alotecha, but they’ll be already moving up a week in trhe Torah portions.
We won’t catch up to them until July 8th, my second Shabbat in Israel with my Beth El trip this summer. They will read the portion Chukkat on July 1st and then Balak on July 8th . We will combine Chukkat and Balak on July 8th and thereby even it all up. In the meantime, it means that a person coming from Israel to the States would hear the same Torah portion two weeks in a row.
I’m glad that this doesn’t happen too often… Not only is it somewhat difficult to explain, but, in some small way I find even harder to explain, it undermines the idea of One Jewish World/One Torah that gives me such a sense of Jewish unity. It’s comforting to (usually) know that when we are sitting in shul in Cherry Hill, Jews ½ way around the world are reading the same stories, and thinking about the same topics we are. It makes the Jewish world that much smaller and tighter, and I love that feeling of being part of a global Jewish community centered around one sacred text and one awesome living Gd.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Confirmation Anchor
It was an absolutely beautiful Confirmation service. Friday night, 17 of our finest 10th graders led the evening service in front of their family and friends in our Sanctuary. During the course of the service we paused and the students presented expositions of Talmud texts they had studied over the past few months with me.
The students had studied in pairs and presented with their partners. Every presentation was moving. Each showed that the students had really wrestled with the texts trying very hard to apply them to their everyday lives. There is much that I could share from their teachings, but one particular statement stands out.
One 17 year old young lady told those assembled, "This year I have learned that there are two types of people in the world. There are people who always react to the world around them, changing as they go along. And then there are people who stand by their principles and values no matter what life brings their way. My Jewish learning has taught me the principles that will guide me in the future."
And that really is what Jewish education is all about. It's about digging deep roots so that the winds of change will not bowl over the individual. It's about tapping into a timeless tradition that has given us strength over time. It's about feel like a link in a sturdy chain of tradition that is anchored at Sinai.
Mazal Tov!
The students had studied in pairs and presented with their partners. Every presentation was moving. Each showed that the students had really wrestled with the texts trying very hard to apply them to their everyday lives. There is much that I could share from their teachings, but one particular statement stands out.
One 17 year old young lady told those assembled, "This year I have learned that there are two types of people in the world. There are people who always react to the world around them, changing as they go along. And then there are people who stand by their principles and values no matter what life brings their way. My Jewish learning has taught me the principles that will guide me in the future."
And that really is what Jewish education is all about. It's about digging deep roots so that the winds of change will not bowl over the individual. It's about tapping into a timeless tradition that has given us strength over time. It's about feel like a link in a sturdy chain of tradition that is anchored at Sinai.
Mazal Tov!
Monday, May 29, 2006
Numbers
Last week we began reading the Book of Numbers. We’ll be reading this 4th book of the Torah well into the summer. The book is called Numbers for obvious reasons… It is full of numbers – ages, dates, and most importantly grand censuses.
All these numbers got me thinking… I found some interesting information regarding the number of Israelites who left the land of Egypt. According to the first chapter of Numbers, the total census of men over the age of 20 totaled 603,550. If we factor in their families we’re at a number north of 2 million. That’s a lot of Jews!
A few years ago it seems that the U.S. Army Quartermaster did some calculations. He reported that it would have taken 1500 tons of food per day to feed all those people. Of course they had manna, so they didn’t have to worry. But if they needed to have the food brought in, it would have required a train 2 miles long! That many people would also need 11 million gallons of water daily.
And when they got to the Red Sea, if the sea were split just wide enough for them to cross through 2 at a time, it would have left them with a line 800 miles long and taken 35 days for all to make it across. Therefore, they needed a swath 3 miles wide to get the people walking 5000 abreast through the Red Sea so that they could accomplish the whole task overnight. And when they got to the other side and set up camp, it would have taken up an area of 750 sq. miles!
All of these numbers prompted the commentators in our Etz Haym Humash to write, “These figures presuppose a population of more that 2 million supporting itself for more than 40 years in the Sinai Peninsula. The numbers are impossibly large.” (p.773)
I love the Etz Hayim commentary. It’s a tremendous asset for our congregation. But I think this comment is short sighted. My guess is that 200 years from now, people will say what Holocaust revisionists are saying now: 6 million Jews were murdered in 6 years?! The numbers are “impossibly large”! Except that they are true. And who could believe that in 50 years a couple of thousand Jews in Israel would lead to an ingathering of nearly 7 million Jews in Israel? Those numbers could look “impossibly large”, too.
But the point is that if we believe the language of our prayers, then we believe that with Gd all things are possible. Gd can and has made miracles on a grand scale. That's what we celebrate at Pesach. And if grand miracles can happen for our people, then little miracles can and do happen for individuals all the time.
All these numbers got me thinking… I found some interesting information regarding the number of Israelites who left the land of Egypt. According to the first chapter of Numbers, the total census of men over the age of 20 totaled 603,550. If we factor in their families we’re at a number north of 2 million. That’s a lot of Jews!
A few years ago it seems that the U.S. Army Quartermaster did some calculations. He reported that it would have taken 1500 tons of food per day to feed all those people. Of course they had manna, so they didn’t have to worry. But if they needed to have the food brought in, it would have required a train 2 miles long! That many people would also need 11 million gallons of water daily.
And when they got to the Red Sea, if the sea were split just wide enough for them to cross through 2 at a time, it would have left them with a line 800 miles long and taken 35 days for all to make it across. Therefore, they needed a swath 3 miles wide to get the people walking 5000 abreast through the Red Sea so that they could accomplish the whole task overnight. And when they got to the other side and set up camp, it would have taken up an area of 750 sq. miles!
All of these numbers prompted the commentators in our Etz Haym Humash to write, “These figures presuppose a population of more that 2 million supporting itself for more than 40 years in the Sinai Peninsula. The numbers are impossibly large.” (p.773)
I love the Etz Hayim commentary. It’s a tremendous asset for our congregation. But I think this comment is short sighted. My guess is that 200 years from now, people will say what Holocaust revisionists are saying now: 6 million Jews were murdered in 6 years?! The numbers are “impossibly large”! Except that they are true. And who could believe that in 50 years a couple of thousand Jews in Israel would lead to an ingathering of nearly 7 million Jews in Israel? Those numbers could look “impossibly large”, too.
But the point is that if we believe the language of our prayers, then we believe that with Gd all things are possible. Gd can and has made miracles on a grand scale. That's what we celebrate at Pesach. And if grand miracles can happen for our people, then little miracles can and do happen for individuals all the time.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Haircut for a Cause
Here’s a chance to get a hair cut for a cause. A friend of mine, Mia Harris-Belliard (who happens to also cut my hair) is holding a “cut-a-thon” to benefit CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates of Camden County) at her salon on June 4th. Mia is an amazing person; a young, female entrepreneur of deep religious conviction. I first met her years ago when she had a place in the Cherry Hill Mall, and now she has her own spa called Belliard’s, next to the Commerce Bank at what used to be the Race Track Circle (70 & Haddonfield Rd.) - #8 Grove St.
CASA is an independent, non-profit organization committed for advocating for the best interest of abused and neglected children in out-of-home placement by the NJ Family Court. CASA trains volunteers who undergo a 30-hour course and then CASA supervises them as they advocate form some of the 700 abused and neglected kids in Camden Co. These children could have been sexually abused, not fed, tormented, physically and emotionally abused, or simply left to fend for themselves. CASA helps to keep them from getting lost in the system once they are taken from their homes.
Mia is going to donate ALL the proceeds of the day to CASA. Unfortunately, I found out about this event today when I was in for my post-La’g B’Omer clip, and I don’t have any more hair to give. (I didn't have that much to begin with!) But I can tell you that for $35 you’ll get the royal treatment! They really know how to make you relax! Men and Women.
Call Belliard’s at (856) 665-9323 for an appt. If you need a good cut/styling anyhow, why not add some tzedakah to the endeavor.
CASA is an independent, non-profit organization committed for advocating for the best interest of abused and neglected children in out-of-home placement by the NJ Family Court. CASA trains volunteers who undergo a 30-hour course and then CASA supervises them as they advocate form some of the 700 abused and neglected kids in Camden Co. These children could have been sexually abused, not fed, tormented, physically and emotionally abused, or simply left to fend for themselves. CASA helps to keep them from getting lost in the system once they are taken from their homes.
Mia is going to donate ALL the proceeds of the day to CASA. Unfortunately, I found out about this event today when I was in for my post-La’g B’Omer clip, and I don’t have any more hair to give. (I didn't have that much to begin with!) But I can tell you that for $35 you’ll get the royal treatment! They really know how to make you relax! Men and Women.
Call Belliard’s at (856) 665-9323 for an appt. If you need a good cut/styling anyhow, why not add some tzedakah to the endeavor.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
The Seal of Truth
“It is impossible for a man to be cheated by anyone but himself.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Last Shabbat I gave a sermon about telling the truth. I’ll send it out tomorrow to those on my list, and others will soon find it on the website.
Here is an interesting source I did not use: The Talmud teaches that “the seal of Gd is Truth.” Once upon a time, letters were sealed with wax. The seal meant that the person who wrote the letter approved of its contents. The seal therefore had to have some distinguishing characteristics. Well, Gd’s seal is the truth. When people tell the truth, especially when telling the truth costs them something, then Gd’s presence is felt.
This is a Jewish teaching that the world needs now more than ever. A front-page story in the Inquirer this week (Mon. 5/22) pointed out how lying can really be a rational response. In a society that values only winners (remember the Nike Olympic ad – “You don’t win the silver – you lose the gold!”), cheaters have very good incentive to do what it takes to come out on top AND feel good about it.
That’s why Judaism has to give us another perspective – the perspective of the Master of the Universe. From Gd’s perspective, it is integrity that counts. That’s why we value our Jewish education so much. It flies in the face of popular culture. Lying, cheating and deception tear away at the fiber of the soul. It does damage inside even when we do not feel it. Study reenforces faith - in our Gd and in ourselves.
As I say in the sermon, lying is an affront to Gd. Pretending to be someone we are not is essentially saying to Gd – “No, You’ve got it wrong. I am not who You said I am. I’ll pretend to be someone else and no one will know the difference.” But you will. That’s why, of all the commandments in the Torah, the only thing we are told to stay as far away from as possible is lying. It distances us from Gd, from our family and ultimately from ourselves.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Last Shabbat I gave a sermon about telling the truth. I’ll send it out tomorrow to those on my list, and others will soon find it on the website.
Here is an interesting source I did not use: The Talmud teaches that “the seal of Gd is Truth.” Once upon a time, letters were sealed with wax. The seal meant that the person who wrote the letter approved of its contents. The seal therefore had to have some distinguishing characteristics. Well, Gd’s seal is the truth. When people tell the truth, especially when telling the truth costs them something, then Gd’s presence is felt.
This is a Jewish teaching that the world needs now more than ever. A front-page story in the Inquirer this week (Mon. 5/22) pointed out how lying can really be a rational response. In a society that values only winners (remember the Nike Olympic ad – “You don’t win the silver – you lose the gold!”), cheaters have very good incentive to do what it takes to come out on top AND feel good about it.
That’s why Judaism has to give us another perspective – the perspective of the Master of the Universe. From Gd’s perspective, it is integrity that counts. That’s why we value our Jewish education so much. It flies in the face of popular culture. Lying, cheating and deception tear away at the fiber of the soul. It does damage inside even when we do not feel it. Study reenforces faith - in our Gd and in ourselves.
As I say in the sermon, lying is an affront to Gd. Pretending to be someone we are not is essentially saying to Gd – “No, You’ve got it wrong. I am not who You said I am. I’ll pretend to be someone else and no one will know the difference.” But you will. That’s why, of all the commandments in the Torah, the only thing we are told to stay as far away from as possible is lying. It distances us from Gd, from our family and ultimately from ourselves.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Expect More, Get More
It was a proud moment for Beth El. With so many people from so many corners shrying “gevalt” about the state of Jewish education and our children’s dedication to Jewish learning, this morning’s minyan was a bright ray of hope for the future.
For the first time in the 12 years that I have been at Beth El, two of our b’nai mitzvah students led the morning services. Matt Schwartz (Josh and Robin), who will become a bar mitzvah this Sunday (Rosh Chodesh), led all of the davening – and quite well I might add. And Eliana Goodman (Barb and Dave), who will become a bat mitzvah this Shabbat morning read the Torah flawlessly.
To what do I attribute the success of this beautiful morning? To my mind it is simple: Parents who set very high expectations of their children when it comes to Jewish learning. But it was not just the high bar they set for their kids. It was their willingness to sit, night after night with their children reinforcing what they were learning. These are two sets of parents who were willing, in so many words, to say to their kids, “What you are learning now is SO important. In fact it is as important was what you are learning in school. And if you were having trouble in math I would sit with you and review. If you needed encouragement in American History, I would be there with you, night after night, as long as it took. And when it comes to developing your Jewish soul, know that I will be there for you forever, so let’s get busy.”
If every Jewish parent was as concerned with their child’s Jewish soul, their relationship to Gd, to Jewish values, to Jewish tradition, as they are with the secular material their children will soon forget, the light of future generations of Jews would burn even brighter.
Parents who expect more, get more.
For the first time in the 12 years that I have been at Beth El, two of our b’nai mitzvah students led the morning services. Matt Schwartz (Josh and Robin), who will become a bar mitzvah this Sunday (Rosh Chodesh), led all of the davening – and quite well I might add. And Eliana Goodman (Barb and Dave), who will become a bat mitzvah this Shabbat morning read the Torah flawlessly.
To what do I attribute the success of this beautiful morning? To my mind it is simple: Parents who set very high expectations of their children when it comes to Jewish learning. But it was not just the high bar they set for their kids. It was their willingness to sit, night after night with their children reinforcing what they were learning. These are two sets of parents who were willing, in so many words, to say to their kids, “What you are learning now is SO important. In fact it is as important was what you are learning in school. And if you were having trouble in math I would sit with you and review. If you needed encouragement in American History, I would be there with you, night after night, as long as it took. And when it comes to developing your Jewish soul, know that I will be there for you forever, so let’s get busy.”
If every Jewish parent was as concerned with their child’s Jewish soul, their relationship to Gd, to Jewish values, to Jewish tradition, as they are with the secular material their children will soon forget, the light of future generations of Jews would burn even brighter.
Parents who expect more, get more.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Jews Drink Old wine
The years teach much which the days never knew. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Our world is dominated by the young. But, the Rabbinic world knows nothing of mandatory retirement. Some of our greatest modern sages dispensed indispensable advice well into their nineties.
Let me share with you another Mishna from the 4th chapter of Pirkay Avot, from which yesterday’s text came.
“Rabbi Yosi bar Yehudah of K’far Bavli taught:
To what may we compare one who learns from the young?
To one who eats unripe grapes and drinks from the vat.
To what may we compare one who learns from the old?
To one who eats ripe grapes and drinks wine that is aged.
Maybe this helps us to understand why, three times a day, we recite in the Amida the prayer for the righteous. In it we ask Gd to protect three categories of individuals: “the pious, the righteous, and the elderly” – for the three are really one. The years teach much that the days never knew.
Our world is dominated by the young. But, the Rabbinic world knows nothing of mandatory retirement. Some of our greatest modern sages dispensed indispensable advice well into their nineties.
Let me share with you another Mishna from the 4th chapter of Pirkay Avot, from which yesterday’s text came.
“Rabbi Yosi bar Yehudah of K’far Bavli taught:
To what may we compare one who learns from the young?
To one who eats unripe grapes and drinks from the vat.
To what may we compare one who learns from the old?
To one who eats ripe grapes and drinks wine that is aged.
Maybe this helps us to understand why, three times a day, we recite in the Amida the prayer for the righteous. In it we ask Gd to protect three categories of individuals: “the pious, the righteous, and the elderly” – for the three are really one. The years teach much that the days never knew.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Discovery, Not Invention
We study Pirkay Avot, the section of the Mishna (c. 200 C.E.) during the 7 weeks that link Shavuot and Pesach. Since there are 6 chapters to the work, we can read one each week and finish right before the Holiday of the Giving of the Torah.
Today is the 35th day of the Omer, marking 5 full weeks. This means that we are just finishing the 4th chapter of Pirkay Avot. Here is a section of the last Mishna from that chapter:
Rabbi Elazar Ha-Kappar taught: “Everything belongs to Gd… It was not your will that formed you, nor was it your will that gave you birth; it is not your will that makes you live, and it is not your will that brings you death; nor is it your will that some day in the future you will have to give an accounting and a reckoning before the Ruler of rulers, the Holy Exalted One.”
Judaism teaches that we were created by Gd for a purpose and that the journey of life is animated by the desire to discern exactly what that purpose is. Contrary to the views of popular culture, the Mishna suggests that we do not invent ourselves. (How often do we hear this phrase, “She re-invented herself”? Madonna, anyone?) We do not create ourselves, we discover who it is that Gd intended us to be. This life-long process begins by quieting our own spirits enough to understand ourselves, to know who we really are. It begins with acceptance. It begins in a state of rest and peace. And from there we branch out to the world around us, being drawn into contact that with the world Gd has set before us.
Ultimately, at the end of life, Gd calls us into account saying, “Did you see the mileposts I put for you along the way? Did you read the signs? Did you answer my call? Did you figure out what it was that was expected of you?
So often, the challenges that come our way are really signs, mileposts and calls from Gd. Only problem is, we’re too busy to recognize them, and even if we do, we either choose to ignore or reject them. Tradition, on the other hand, seems to suggest that we should be telling ourselves, “Perhaps this is happening to me for a reason…”
Today is the 35th day of the Omer, marking 5 full weeks. This means that we are just finishing the 4th chapter of Pirkay Avot. Here is a section of the last Mishna from that chapter:
Rabbi Elazar Ha-Kappar taught: “Everything belongs to Gd… It was not your will that formed you, nor was it your will that gave you birth; it is not your will that makes you live, and it is not your will that brings you death; nor is it your will that some day in the future you will have to give an accounting and a reckoning before the Ruler of rulers, the Holy Exalted One.”
Judaism teaches that we were created by Gd for a purpose and that the journey of life is animated by the desire to discern exactly what that purpose is. Contrary to the views of popular culture, the Mishna suggests that we do not invent ourselves. (How often do we hear this phrase, “She re-invented herself”? Madonna, anyone?) We do not create ourselves, we discover who it is that Gd intended us to be. This life-long process begins by quieting our own spirits enough to understand ourselves, to know who we really are. It begins with acceptance. It begins in a state of rest and peace. And from there we branch out to the world around us, being drawn into contact that with the world Gd has set before us.
Ultimately, at the end of life, Gd calls us into account saying, “Did you see the mileposts I put for you along the way? Did you read the signs? Did you answer my call? Did you figure out what it was that was expected of you?
So often, the challenges that come our way are really signs, mileposts and calls from Gd. Only problem is, we’re too busy to recognize them, and even if we do, we either choose to ignore or reject them. Tradition, on the other hand, seems to suggest that we should be telling ourselves, “Perhaps this is happening to me for a reason…”
Monday, May 15, 2006
Our Rabbi's Yahrzeit
This morning, in our daily minyan, I cradled the Torah and said the memorial prayer for those who had come to shul in honor of loved ones passed. Several individuals were observing Yahrzeit. But to the list of loved ones lost I added the name of my mentor and friend, Rabbi Howard Kahn. Yesterday was Rabbi Kahn’s third yahrzeit. And even though there were no family members present, I could still sense his presence in the room.
For many years Rabbi Kahn and I began each morning davening together. He liked to put his t’fillin on in his office before he came into the minyan. I always imagined that he intoned his own personal prayers during that quiet time, before he came and joined the rest of us. And then, when he made his way to the Chapel, he would sit at the end of the front row, usually with his eyes closed. When he stood, he often leaned against the wall, or turning towards it, hid his face in the small fold of the wall where the bimah began. At moments like that he looked to me like so many who lean into the Kotel, the Western Wall of Jerusalem, offering sacred words from deep within.
To this day, Rabbi Kahn’s place at the end of the first row is vacant. No one else sits there. And, given the fact that we may well move the shul in the next few years, chances are no one ever will. But the truth is, no one ever will fill his spot. There was only one Rabbi Kahn, and his presence will always be felt – not just at Beth El, but in the hearts of all those whose lives he touched.
For many years Rabbi Kahn and I began each morning davening together. He liked to put his t’fillin on in his office before he came into the minyan. I always imagined that he intoned his own personal prayers during that quiet time, before he came and joined the rest of us. And then, when he made his way to the Chapel, he would sit at the end of the front row, usually with his eyes closed. When he stood, he often leaned against the wall, or turning towards it, hid his face in the small fold of the wall where the bimah began. At moments like that he looked to me like so many who lean into the Kotel, the Western Wall of Jerusalem, offering sacred words from deep within.
To this day, Rabbi Kahn’s place at the end of the first row is vacant. No one else sits there. And, given the fact that we may well move the shul in the next few years, chances are no one ever will. But the truth is, no one ever will fill his spot. There was only one Rabbi Kahn, and his presence will always be felt – not just at Beth El, but in the hearts of all those whose lives he touched.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Warren Buffett - Part Two
Meyer Kripke was a young Rabbi in Omaha, Nebraska. One night, he turned to his wife, Dorothy, herself an author of Jewish children’s books, and asked her a question from out of the blue. "Now that we are starting to save some money, perhaps we should invest it. It doesn’t make sense to leave it all in the bank", said Meyer. "Oh, you should give it to Susan’s husband, Warren, he seems like a smart investor", said Dorothy.
Well, of course, Susan Buffett’s husband was Warren, and his investment prowess is now legendary. When the Kripkes retired, they were multi-millionaires. They gave a good bit of their fortune to their alma mater (and mine) The Jewish Theological Seminary and the money was used to refurbish the Seminary Library Tower which was burned by an arsonist in the late 1960’s. The tower had been abandoned for more than two decades. It is now the Kripke Tower and is home to one of the finest collections of Jewish books in the world – thanks to the Kripkes and Mr. Buffett.
Well, of course, Susan Buffett’s husband was Warren, and his investment prowess is now legendary. When the Kripkes retired, they were multi-millionaires. They gave a good bit of their fortune to their alma mater (and mine) The Jewish Theological Seminary and the money was used to refurbish the Seminary Library Tower which was burned by an arsonist in the late 1960’s. The tower had been abandoned for more than two decades. It is now the Kripke Tower and is home to one of the finest collections of Jewish books in the world – thanks to the Kripkes and Mr. Buffett.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Warren Buffett - Part One
The second richest man in the world just bought a majority interest in an Israeli company. Earlier this week, Warren Buffett of Omaha, bought an 80% interest in the family owned Iscar Metalworks, located in the Galilee. The cost - $5 billion. The fact that the world’s most savvy investor chose Israel for his first overseas investment is most heartening. Israel has an incredibly talented work force and is home to many of the world’s leading companies. It’s nice to make the papers about something other than terrorism or the military.
But what makes this even more interesting to me as a Jew is the nature of the conversations leading up to the deal. The Wertheimer family started the company and has been wonderful to its employees, giving them not just job security, but educating them and providing for their families. Buffett heartily endorses such practices (even as many in the business world see these benefits as taking away from the bottom line) and has assured the Werthiemers that their policies vis-à-vis employees will stay. In a world where so many companies are taken over and gutted; at a time when downsizing and outsourcing have become household words, it is most satisfying to see that two leaders of industry did not need to sell out workers to make great profits and set high industry standards.
The Wertheimers were offered much more money by other potential buyers but they went with Warren Buffett because he assured them that he would not fire employees, and that they could continue their employee benefit programs as well as all the activities they do to support community in Israel. In remarks carried on Israel radio, Buffett said, “I can guarantee that that will not happen. You can broadcast that; you can have me sign it in blood. It doesn’t happen. It doesn’t happen in any of our companies.” In short, Iscar did not take the highest offer. They took the best one. This is one deal that makes me proud to be an American and proud to be a Jew.
But what makes this even more interesting to me as a Jew is the nature of the conversations leading up to the deal. The Wertheimer family started the company and has been wonderful to its employees, giving them not just job security, but educating them and providing for their families. Buffett heartily endorses such practices (even as many in the business world see these benefits as taking away from the bottom line) and has assured the Werthiemers that their policies vis-à-vis employees will stay. In a world where so many companies are taken over and gutted; at a time when downsizing and outsourcing have become household words, it is most satisfying to see that two leaders of industry did not need to sell out workers to make great profits and set high industry standards.
The Wertheimers were offered much more money by other potential buyers but they went with Warren Buffett because he assured them that he would not fire employees, and that they could continue their employee benefit programs as well as all the activities they do to support community in Israel. In remarks carried on Israel radio, Buffett said, “I can guarantee that that will not happen. You can broadcast that; you can have me sign it in blood. It doesn’t happen. It doesn’t happen in any of our companies.” In short, Iscar did not take the highest offer. They took the best one. This is one deal that makes me proud to be an American and proud to be a Jew.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Philtrum
The Talmud in Masechet Niddah (30b) teaches that ineutero a fetus knows all the Torah. But when a baby is born, an angel comes and slaps it on the mouth and causes it to forget all the Torah it used to know.
The obvious question is why did Gd bother to teach the fetus all the Torah if one of the angels was going to cause him to forget it anyway? Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik has a great answer. The Talmud, he says, wanted to teach us that when a Jew studies Torah she encounters something that is not foreign or extraneous, but rather intimate and familiar. She has already studied it! The stored knowledge is already part of her. She studies, in effect, her own stuff! Learning is the recollection of something familiar. The Jew, says Rabbi Soloveitchik, who studies Torah is like the amnesia victim who tries to reconstruct from fragments the beautiful world he or she once experienced.
Jewish learning truly is a journey of self-discovery.
The obvious question is why did Gd bother to teach the fetus all the Torah if one of the angels was going to cause him to forget it anyway? Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik has a great answer. The Talmud, he says, wanted to teach us that when a Jew studies Torah she encounters something that is not foreign or extraneous, but rather intimate and familiar. She has already studied it! The stored knowledge is already part of her. She studies, in effect, her own stuff! Learning is the recollection of something familiar. The Jew, says Rabbi Soloveitchik, who studies Torah is like the amnesia victim who tries to reconstruct from fragments the beautiful world he or she once experienced.
Jewish learning truly is a journey of self-discovery.
Monday, May 08, 2006
How Minyan Breakfasts Started
He was in the restaurant business his entire life. Early hours were nothing new to Al Syken. He weighed about 140 pounds but his whole life was devoted to food. And nothing made him happier than to see someone enjoying one of his special recipes.
Years ago (1995), Cantor Shapiro, of blessed memory, came up with the idea of having a breakfast on Monday and Thursday mornings after minyan. For a month or two Cantor Shapiro shopped for and set out the food himself, but it soon became too overwhelming. So Gd sent Al. Al had lost his wife, Lenore just a few weeks earlier and he volunteered to prepare the breakfasts. Within a few weeks we went from bagels and cream cheese to lox and eggs, blintzes, fresh fruit and homemade cheese cake. (And shnapps, too.) The smell of fried onions would hit you when you got out of your car! Minyan attendance rose steadily. We had such good crowds that I decided to teach during the Thursday morning breakfasts. We had “benchers” made up so we could sing the grace after meals.
Eventually, Al got too weak to make the breakfast, and others took over for him. Years later, the breakfasts live on. Unfortunately, Al Syken does not. His funeral was Sunday. There were 10 family members. Five or six friends from work and his neighborhood came, and about a dozen regulars of the daily minyan were at the funeral, too. Al departed this world the way he lived in it, in his own quiet, and unassuming way. But I really do believe that Gd sent Al to Beth El for a purpose. When he had no reason to live, the breakfast became his cause. When he had no friends, the minyan became his social set. And when we needed someone to show us what a big difference a few small gestures of hospitality could make, Al was there to teach us.
What I love most about my position at Beth El (somehow the word “job” just doesn’t describe it) is the myriad of wonderful souls I meet, all different and yet each with so much to give. I learn so much from so many good people, all trying their best to lead good and noble lives. All, in their own small ways, are making a big difference in the lives of others, bigger than they will ever know. I am thankful that in our busy world there is a quiet Chapel where relationships are formed and friendships flourish. I imagine that in the world to come, Al is thankful, too.
Years ago (1995), Cantor Shapiro, of blessed memory, came up with the idea of having a breakfast on Monday and Thursday mornings after minyan. For a month or two Cantor Shapiro shopped for and set out the food himself, but it soon became too overwhelming. So Gd sent Al. Al had lost his wife, Lenore just a few weeks earlier and he volunteered to prepare the breakfasts. Within a few weeks we went from bagels and cream cheese to lox and eggs, blintzes, fresh fruit and homemade cheese cake. (And shnapps, too.) The smell of fried onions would hit you when you got out of your car! Minyan attendance rose steadily. We had such good crowds that I decided to teach during the Thursday morning breakfasts. We had “benchers” made up so we could sing the grace after meals.
Eventually, Al got too weak to make the breakfast, and others took over for him. Years later, the breakfasts live on. Unfortunately, Al Syken does not. His funeral was Sunday. There were 10 family members. Five or six friends from work and his neighborhood came, and about a dozen regulars of the daily minyan were at the funeral, too. Al departed this world the way he lived in it, in his own quiet, and unassuming way. But I really do believe that Gd sent Al to Beth El for a purpose. When he had no reason to live, the breakfast became his cause. When he had no friends, the minyan became his social set. And when we needed someone to show us what a big difference a few small gestures of hospitality could make, Al was there to teach us.
What I love most about my position at Beth El (somehow the word “job” just doesn’t describe it) is the myriad of wonderful souls I meet, all different and yet each with so much to give. I learn so much from so many good people, all trying their best to lead good and noble lives. All, in their own small ways, are making a big difference in the lives of others, bigger than they will ever know. I am thankful that in our busy world there is a quiet Chapel where relationships are formed and friendships flourish. I imagine that in the world to come, Al is thankful, too.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
To Hallel or Not to Hallel?
Today is Yom Ha-Atzma-oot, Israel Independence Day. It was marked in our community by a celebration at the JCC. It was also observed, at Beth El, with special prayers.
When it comes to writing special prayers for modern Jewish events, the Conservative Movement is in the forefront. For instance, we have special prayers in the Siddur Sim Shalom for Yom Ha-Shoah, Holocaust Memorial Day; prayers that are not found in the Orthodox ArtScroll Siddur that we use for our daily minyan. (We elected to go with ArtScroll because it has interesting commentaries and good instructions on how to pray.) Sim Shalom also has a special “Al Ha-Nisim” (For the Miracles) prayer for Yom Ha-Atzma-oot. Al Ha-Nisim prayers are in all siddurim for the miracles of Hannukah and Purim, but not Israel Independence Day. Still, the person leading services this morning added the special Al Ha-Nissim for Israel Independence Day, switching to Sim Shalom to do so.
We also added Hallel (Psalms of Praise), usually reserved for “official” holidays. This is what the Movement recommends. Furthermore, we introduced the Hallel with the traditional blessing that ends, “Who has commanded us to recite the Hallel.” Interesting, though. How can we say “Who has commanded us”? The Torah, the Bible did not know about the modern state of Israel, so how can we say that Gd “commanded” us to offer these prayers on this day. We can say, “Who commanded us” for Sukkot – that’s from the Torah. But Israel Independence Day?
The answer is that the Rabbis of old had the power to connect the chain of tradition, dating back to the Torah, to modern situations and act as if the Torah “would have approved” had it known about it. Hannukah, for instance. We say the blessing “Who has commanded us to light Hannukah candles”, even though the holiday came after the Bible. More recently, the Rabbis decided that Israel is in fact a miracle, on par with those of Purim and Hannukah, and we should therefore say Hallel.
When we read about Israel in the paper, all the trials and tribulations, we sometimes forget, or overlook the miraculous nature of the place. After years and years and years of wandering and suffering, we have a home of our own. We have made the desert bloom. From the ashes of the Holocaust, from the helplessness of the decade before, Israel rose to stand proudly on its own two feet with a powerful army, a strong economy and more college students per capita than any country in the Middle East. And if these aren’t good reasons to praise Gd with Hallel, I don’t know what is…
When it comes to writing special prayers for modern Jewish events, the Conservative Movement is in the forefront. For instance, we have special prayers in the Siddur Sim Shalom for Yom Ha-Shoah, Holocaust Memorial Day; prayers that are not found in the Orthodox ArtScroll Siddur that we use for our daily minyan. (We elected to go with ArtScroll because it has interesting commentaries and good instructions on how to pray.) Sim Shalom also has a special “Al Ha-Nisim” (For the Miracles) prayer for Yom Ha-Atzma-oot. Al Ha-Nisim prayers are in all siddurim for the miracles of Hannukah and Purim, but not Israel Independence Day. Still, the person leading services this morning added the special Al Ha-Nissim for Israel Independence Day, switching to Sim Shalom to do so.
We also added Hallel (Psalms of Praise), usually reserved for “official” holidays. This is what the Movement recommends. Furthermore, we introduced the Hallel with the traditional blessing that ends, “Who has commanded us to recite the Hallel.” Interesting, though. How can we say “Who has commanded us”? The Torah, the Bible did not know about the modern state of Israel, so how can we say that Gd “commanded” us to offer these prayers on this day. We can say, “Who commanded us” for Sukkot – that’s from the Torah. But Israel Independence Day?
The answer is that the Rabbis of old had the power to connect the chain of tradition, dating back to the Torah, to modern situations and act as if the Torah “would have approved” had it known about it. Hannukah, for instance. We say the blessing “Who has commanded us to light Hannukah candles”, even though the holiday came after the Bible. More recently, the Rabbis decided that Israel is in fact a miracle, on par with those of Purim and Hannukah, and we should therefore say Hallel.
When we read about Israel in the paper, all the trials and tribulations, we sometimes forget, or overlook the miraculous nature of the place. After years and years and years of wandering and suffering, we have a home of our own. We have made the desert bloom. From the ashes of the Holocaust, from the helplessness of the decade before, Israel rose to stand proudly on its own two feet with a powerful army, a strong economy and more college students per capita than any country in the Middle East. And if these aren’t good reasons to praise Gd with Hallel, I don’t know what is…
Monday, May 01, 2006
Darfur
There was an unmistakably large Jewish presence at the Rally for Darfur in Wahsington yesterday. Although I could not go because of the Beth El Annual Meeting, my wife and daughter did. They got there fairly early on one of the busses from our daughter’s Jewish Day School, Akiba. We sent 5 busses from our Federation as well. Helene called me to say that it looked as much like a rally for Israel as it did for Africa.
Carrying signs that read, “Never Again, Again”, and “Not On Our Watch” there were dozens of U.S.Y., Federation and synagogue groups. Elie Weisel spoke, as did Ruth Messinger, president of the Jewish World Service. Coming as it did so close to Yom Ha-Shoah, the parallels were obvious. Who knows better than Jews what it means to suffer and ultimately be slaughtered while the world watches and does nothing?
Amongst the thousands and thousands in attendance, the Jewish presence was clearly noted. The Washington Post picked up on it as you can see in today’s article - www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/30/AR2006043001219.html
I am so proud to be part of a people who says, “Never Again” and really means it.
T.S Eliot wrote: “Footfalls echo in the memory ---Down the passage which we did not take --- Towards the door we never opened”. On Pesach we open the door, not just to remind ourselves that we are not allowed to lead cloistered lives, but to welcome Elijah. To be a Jew means to work diligently to bring a better world into being, to open doors for other people, and to never have to wonder what would have been had we really cared.
Carrying signs that read, “Never Again, Again”, and “Not On Our Watch” there were dozens of U.S.Y., Federation and synagogue groups. Elie Weisel spoke, as did Ruth Messinger, president of the Jewish World Service. Coming as it did so close to Yom Ha-Shoah, the parallels were obvious. Who knows better than Jews what it means to suffer and ultimately be slaughtered while the world watches and does nothing?
Amongst the thousands and thousands in attendance, the Jewish presence was clearly noted. The Washington Post picked up on it as you can see in today’s article - www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/30/AR2006043001219.html
I am so proud to be part of a people who says, “Never Again” and really means it.
T.S Eliot wrote: “Footfalls echo in the memory ---Down the passage which we did not take --- Towards the door we never opened”. On Pesach we open the door, not just to remind ourselves that we are not allowed to lead cloistered lives, but to welcome Elijah. To be a Jew means to work diligently to bring a better world into being, to open doors for other people, and to never have to wonder what would have been had we really cared.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Pay to Pray
We will soon be celebrating Yom Ha-Atzma-oot, Israel Independence Day. It’s Wednesday, May 3, 2006 – the 5th of Iyar. Any way you look at it, the modern State of Israel (it’s called “State of Israel” to distinguish from “Land of Israel”, as it is referred to in the Bible. The Land of Israel extends further than the borders of the modern State of Israel) is a miracle. It is a true ingathering of the exiles.
That is not to say that the modern State does not have its problems, both external and internal, religious and secular. One issue that you may not be aware of but is important to me since I lead frequent trips to Israel, is davening in the Old City. Truly, there is nothing like davening at the Kotel (The Western Wall). I, and the groups I have led, have had many supremely spiritual experiences there. And yet, many of my greatest prayer experiences have also been with my family. I like it when we can daven together. Of course, at the Western Wall that is not possible because of the division of men and women. I respect that. Still, as a Conservative Jew, I would like to be able to pray up against the retaining Walls of the Second Temple with men and women together.
Back in 2000 a compromise was reached between the Masorti Movement (as Conservative Jewry is known in Israel), and the Rabbinate of Israel. Another section of the Wall, called Robinson’s Arch (because of the remnant of an ancient ramp that was used by the Kohanim to access the Temple Mount) was open for mixed davening. This was back in the time of the Intifada when tourists were staying away from Israel. From 7-8 every morning, the gates to the archeological park that Robinson’s Arch is in were open. Mixed davening could take place out of view of those davening at the Kotel, and yet those at the Arch could still be davening at the same Wall.
Now, thousands more Reform and Conservative Jews are coming to Israel and they (we) want to be able to have services at Robinson’s Arch. The problem is that if one comes after 8 AM those in charge now want to charge an admission charge of 30 shekels, about $7.00 / person. It is hard for groups to get to the Arch area by 7 AM, and there are many groups who want to use the same area. The Masorti Movement is crying “Foul”. We believe that is a “Pay to Pray” situation that denies so many Zionist, Israel supporting Jews access to a very sacred place. As a result, Masorti has filed suit to allow greater access, and for free. For more information on the issue you can read this article - http://www.thejewishweek.com/news/newscontent.php3
I hope that a compromise can be reached. More importantly, I hope that everyone who reads this will take the opportunity to go (or get back) to Israel. It is impossible to describe the spiritual exaltation that comes from offering heartfelt prayer (from the siddur or spontaneously) in Jerusalem at the base of our Holy Temple – unless you’ve been there. Let’s not celebrate Yom Ha-Atzma-oot from afar. Let’s make plans to go!
That is not to say that the modern State does not have its problems, both external and internal, religious and secular. One issue that you may not be aware of but is important to me since I lead frequent trips to Israel, is davening in the Old City. Truly, there is nothing like davening at the Kotel (The Western Wall). I, and the groups I have led, have had many supremely spiritual experiences there. And yet, many of my greatest prayer experiences have also been with my family. I like it when we can daven together. Of course, at the Western Wall that is not possible because of the division of men and women. I respect that. Still, as a Conservative Jew, I would like to be able to pray up against the retaining Walls of the Second Temple with men and women together.
Back in 2000 a compromise was reached between the Masorti Movement (as Conservative Jewry is known in Israel), and the Rabbinate of Israel. Another section of the Wall, called Robinson’s Arch (because of the remnant of an ancient ramp that was used by the Kohanim to access the Temple Mount) was open for mixed davening. This was back in the time of the Intifada when tourists were staying away from Israel. From 7-8 every morning, the gates to the archeological park that Robinson’s Arch is in were open. Mixed davening could take place out of view of those davening at the Kotel, and yet those at the Arch could still be davening at the same Wall.
Now, thousands more Reform and Conservative Jews are coming to Israel and they (we) want to be able to have services at Robinson’s Arch. The problem is that if one comes after 8 AM those in charge now want to charge an admission charge of 30 shekels, about $7.00 / person. It is hard for groups to get to the Arch area by 7 AM, and there are many groups who want to use the same area. The Masorti Movement is crying “Foul”. We believe that is a “Pay to Pray” situation that denies so many Zionist, Israel supporting Jews access to a very sacred place. As a result, Masorti has filed suit to allow greater access, and for free. For more information on the issue you can read this article - http://www.thejewishweek.com/news/newscontent.php3
I hope that a compromise can be reached. More importantly, I hope that everyone who reads this will take the opportunity to go (or get back) to Israel. It is impossible to describe the spiritual exaltation that comes from offering heartfelt prayer (from the siddur or spontaneously) in Jerusalem at the base of our Holy Temple – unless you’ve been there. Let’s not celebrate Yom Ha-Atzma-oot from afar. Let’s make plans to go!
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