"Shaken, he said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the abode of God, and that is the gateway to heaven.” (Genesis 28:17)
It is easy to see God in nature. Whether it is a landscape or a sunrise, an ocean or even a drop of rain on a leaf, it is easy to be inspired by nature. Equally impressive is witnessing an extraordinary act of kindness or compassion. To recognize such wonders is what A.J. Heschel called it an “ah ha moment.” These are the places and events that take our breath away. I challenge you to see God in the mundane. To understand the regular and common as also moments to appreciate it's important. For some, getting out of bed is impossible. Be grateful for that. For some, taking a breath is painful, be grateful for that. For the ability to sit quietly unfettered by challenging thoughts, be grateful. Know that God is in that place as well.
This week’s discussion: “What Goes Around Comes Around” the link to the source sheet can be found here .
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Prayer Gives Us A Chance to Think of Others “Isaac pleaded with יהוה on behalf of his wife, because she was barren; and יהוה responded to his plea, and his wife Rebekah conceived.” (Genesis 25:21)
The prayer we offer on behalf of someone else is the most beautiful prayer we can possibly utter. Often we find ourselves asking for something for ourselves. We pray to be successful. We pray for forgiveness for the mistakes we have made. We pray for greater understanding when our patiences grows tired. However, I believe the prayer we offer for someone else is the highest form of prayer. Prayer gives us the chance to step out of our own self centered world and think about others. Life can be exhausting when all we think about is ourselves. Life is elevated when we think of others.
This week’s Discussion: The Farbissene Punim - The Resting Bitter Face
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"So the servant put his hand under the thigh of his master Abraham and swore to him as bidden.” (Genesis 24:9)
In relationships we make requests all of the time. Can you please take out the garbage? Can you please empty the dishwasher? Those are requests that we can easily accomplish. Then there are “reach requests.” These are the requests we make of each other that may very difficult to accomplish. Can you be more accepting of my friends? Can you please listen to what I am saying, even after a long and difficult day at work? With “reach requests” we may or may not be able to do them. Trying to meet the needs of another is sometimes difficult. Sometimes just say “yes” even though we are not actually sure we can or will do them. This verse reminds us to keep our promises even if they are hard to do. Think before you make a commitment. Your word is your honor.
This week's sermon: Resident Aliens: Pathway to Citizenship
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
וַיִּשָּׂ֤א עֵינָיו֙ וַיַּ֔רְא וְהִנֵּה֙ שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה אֲנָשִׁ֔ים נִצָּבִ֖ים עָלָ֑יו וַיַּ֗רְא וַיָּ֤רׇץ לִקְרָאתָם֙ מִפֶּ֣תַח הָאֹ֔הֶל וַיִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ אָֽרְצָה׃ Looking up, he saw three figures standing near him. Perceiving this, he ran from the entrance of the tent to greet them and, bowing to the ground, (genesis 18:2)
This sentence comes as Abraham is about to meet up with the messengers who will inform him that Sarah, his wife, will conceive and bear a child for them. Interestingly, Abraham has just been circumcised and he is sitting out in front of his tent recovering in the sun. The message is simple especially for those who have gone through a surgical procedure. Recovery is difficult and it is easy to sit around in self pity. Abraham teaches us, just when you might be feeling down, maybe even beat up a little, that is the time to do something for someone else. We all need time to recover from the setbacks in our lives. However, we cannot become absorbed in self pity. We must plot a course forward and meet the challenges of the day. Abraham teaches, if you are down just do something for someone else. Upcoming Events Reverend Gareth Evan and I will be in conversation: Common Ground: God Bless America! Praying in Public for our Elected Leaders— Patriotic Duty or Divisive Practice? - In post-election America, we will explore the pros and cons of Jewish and Christian prayers, both formally conceived and spontaneously offered for our elected leaders. THURSDAY, NOV. 14, 10 - 11 am, Shames JCC GHC BOOK CLUB TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 10 am All are invited to discuss this month's book selection, The Hebrew Teacher, by Maya Arad.Zoom link : The discussion for Shabbat morning will be: “Finding Your Moral Compass” (If you can’t be with us in person here is Link for source sheet)
FinishStrong: Does Jewish law permit doing an alternative Haftorah?
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"Go forth from your native land and from your father's house to the land that I will show you." (Genesis 12:1) Stepping into the unknown is what is sometimes required of us. This week we will elect a new President. Regardless of who is elected, it will be a different administration than one we have had for the past four years. In many ways the trajectory of our nation will change because of the selection of new leaders or keeping others in Congress. Some of our local elections will most certainly see new leaders and representatives. The landscape will dramatically and subtlety change based on our selection. We will wake Wednesday morning (hopefully) knowing who the leaders and representatives will be. However, we will not know what lies ahead. Stepping into the unknown is scary. Fortunately, we get to do it together.
The discussion for Shabbat morning will be: “Avoiding Familial Strife” (If you can’t be with us in person here is Link for source sheet) FinishStrong: Does Jewish law permit doing an alternative Haftorah?
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"Never again will I curse the ground because of human beings, since the desires of the human heart are evil from youth; nor will I ever again strike down every living being, as I have done". (Genesis 8:21)
We all make promises that in the heat of the moment we intend to fulfill. Sometimes it is the best of times and sometimes it is the worst of times but we make commitments we expect we will follow through on. Yet, time passes and we forget, we make excuses or we flat out just decide we never really meant it. It is now just under a month away from the High Holidays. So how are you doing on your New year’s resolution?
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked". (Genesis 3:7) There are singular moments in history when no matter how hard the world tries they cannot deny reality. The same is true of ourselves. We say that love is blind, until you spend years with that person. Or we say that we turn a blind eye when we don’t want to acknowledge something. Then there are moments of self awareness. Sometimes they happen in the most difficult moments and sometimes they are completely private. It is in those moments we are offered the greatest opportunity for growth. Sending you all lots of love from Israel, where I am celebrating my daughter’s wedding.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"The end of the matter; all has been heard.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13: ) I prefer the phrase "it all comes out in the wash.” They don’t exactly mean the exact same thing, however it is pretty close. Each of us has told someone a secret only to find that it becomes public. We either become defensive and deny we ever said it or mortified that the information has gotten out. Either way, we wish we had not told the secret in the first place. Either we are upset because our judgment was flawed in trusting the person we trusted or we are upset with the person for spilling the beans. No matter, we should not have spoken out of turn. Maybe we all ought to make this a New year’s resolution. Just tell fewer secrets.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
There are four kinds of temperaments: Easy to become angry, and easy to be appeased: his gain disappears in his loss; Hard to become angry, and hard to be appeased: his loss disappears in his gain; Hard to become angry and easy to be appeased: a pious person; Easy to become angry and hard to be appeased: a wicked person. (Pirkei Avot 5:11) יהוה passed before him and proclaimed: “!יהוה! יהוה a God compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in kindness and faithfulness, (Exodus 34:6)
Slow to anger and easy to forgive. In this season of the year, we are concerned with the idea of forgiveness. We think about who has wronged us and whom we have wronged. We ask God for forgiveness and we try our best to forgive ourselves. Often we conceive of God as embodying the best of ourselves. We attach human traits to God so that we can relate to God. We think of God as compassionate and at times we ask God to exact judgment without bias. Sometimes we seek God’s grace regardless of the transgression we commit. Now apply it to yourself. Strive to be your best self and you will discover something divine. This week’s Shabbat discussion will be entitled “Where is God?”
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
He said to them: I am now one hundred and twenty years old, I can no longer be active. Moreover, יהוה has said to me, “You shall not go across yonder Jordan.” (Deuteronomy 31:2) This sentence has become the common wish given on a person’s birthday: “you should live to 120” or as some say “you should live to 100 and be like 20.” Either way, it is clear that according to Moses, he has lived a full life and now that he is coming to the end, he is satisfied with all that he has accomplished.
Moses is teaching an extraordinary lesson. We should remain productive all the way to the end. Retirement should mean having time to do those things that you have always wanted to do. Yes we all need down time. We all need vacations and respite from the difficult tasks in our lives. However, that should lead to greater productivity when you return. So many return home after time away more tired than they were before. Yet the change breathes a new energy, a new perspective critical enhanced productivity.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
When you enter the land that your God יהוה is giving you as a heritage, and you possess it and settle in it, you shall take some of every first fruit of the soil, which you harvest from the land that your God יהוה is giving you, put it in a basket and go to the place where your God יהוה will choose to establish the divine name. (Deuteronomy 26:1-2)
Parents will easily remember a time when their children came home from school proclaiming, “Look what I made.” From those early days we have learned to take pride in our accomplishments. And there is great satisfaction in making something. A member of our congregation, when we were in the city together, once said, with great pride, “I arranged the financing for that building.” It stuck with me because of the joy that comes with bringing something into this world.
There is great satisfaction in making something with your own two hands. The rabbis remind us of the importance of being a productive member of society. We must contribute to the greater good. While it is much easier to look at a cabinet you may have built or a piece of art you created, there are other ways to contribute. Find your skill and your talent and share it.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“When you [an Israelite warrior] take the field against your enemies, and your God יהוה delivers them into your power and you take some of them captive.” (Deuteronomy 21:10)
Two very important ideas spring forth from the opening sentence of this week’s Torah reading.
The text says, “when” not “if.” This specific reading suggests that war is inevitable. 1. Already thousands of years ago humanity has already resigned to the fact that international conflict is unavoidable. 2. And when wars occur there are rules even in such chaos.
Each of us needs to ask ourselves about the inevitability of the war in Gaza and are the combatants who embroiled in the conflict executing the war with any sense of the rules of war? Every war has collateral damage and that is sad. We must pray for those who have been placed in harm’s way either because there is nowhere else to go or because they are being used as human shields. However, Hamas, I must remind you is a terrorist organization, could end the conflict tomorrow by laying down their weapons and giving back those civilians they have ruthlessly tortured for nearly a year. Women, men and children who have been torn from family and friends. There is not a day that goes by that the first thought and the last thought of everyday are the hostages and their families being held captive. This has to end. May God help return every remaining hostage be returned to their families and may the forces of evil see their demise speedily in our day.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Justice, justice shall you pursue, that you may thrive and occupy the land that your God יהוה is giving you. (Deuteronomy 16:20) The above quote coupled with “you shall proclaim liberty throughout the land”(Leviticus 25:10) the Torah implores us to understand the centrality of justice and freedom. It is what my heart longs for more and more. Every day for the last 332 days I have wavered between my desire for liberty and my yearning for justice. I want liberty for those still held and justice for those who have been killed. With the news this past Sunday of the death of 6 more hostages I lean towards what will justice for killing these 6 innocent people look like and will we know when we see it. Will Hamas ever be held accountable and who will exact it? “Justice justice you shall pursue” and “you shall proclaim liberty throughout the land” are two sides of the same coin. Without one there can never be the other.
Starting this week! Wednesday evenings from 8:00-9:00 September 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2024 This four-week course is for individuals of all experience levels. Throughout the course, we will learn the most commonly recited Jewish prayers and blessings. The class will be conducted using transliteration, which means the Hebrew text will be presented alongside phonetic pronunciation for ease of learning. The essential prayers and blessings we will cover include the High Holy Day blessings, Shabbat blessings, Aliyot for Torah reading, and core prayers like the Shema and V’ahavta. By the end of this course, you will be able to actively participate in Jewish rituals and ceremonies with confidence. Registering is a must by rsvping to Rabbistein@ghcny.org When you register I will provide the link.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Being Jewish Intentionally “Be careful to observe only that which I enjoin upon you: neither add to it nor take away from it.” (Deuteronomy 13:1)
The Torah enjoins us not to make the commandments so onerous that people decide to walk away from the system entirely. On the other side, the Torah reminds us that a system without any standards becomes meaningless. We all know that every Jew no matter movement affiliation or level of connection choses what he/she wants to follow. For each of us we decide which commandments are more or less meaningful. For some the meaning comes first and for others the practice comes first. However, no matter the goal is to engage everyone at a level that works for them. Judaism should have a low barrier for entry but not so low it no longer looks like Judaism. As the summer draws to a close and a new year is about to begin, we should make the right choices for each of us and we should do that intentionally.
Wednesday evenings from 8:00-9:00 September 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2024 This four-week course is for individuals of all experience levels. Throughout the course, we will learn the most commonly recited Jewish prayers and blessings. The class will be conducted using transliteration, which means the Hebrew text will be presented alongside phonetic pronunciation for ease of learning. The essential prayers and blessings we will cover include the High Holy Day blessings, Shabbat blessings, Aliyot for Torah reading, and core prayers like the Shema and V’ahavta. By the end of this course, you will be able to actively participate in Jewish rituals and ceremonies with confidence. Registering is a must by rsvping to Rabbistein@ghcny.org so I know if we have enough interest to run this course. Additionally, you can let me know what you are most interested in. This course will be held on zoom. I will be providing t
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Little by Little Your God יהוה will dislodge those peoples before you little by little; you will not be able to put an end to them at once, else the wild beasts would multiply to your hurt. (Deuteronomy 7:22) If you have ever felt overwhelmed it is because there is too much going on all at once. When we have demands of family, work, health and friends, we can easily find there is nothing left for ourselves. The words מְעַ֣ט מְעָ֑ט mean little by little is good advice. When you have too much ahead of yourself to accomplish, use the phrase מְעַ֣ט מְעָ֑ט - little by little, to take a minute to compose yourself. You might even decide to make a list and take on each item one by one.
Wednesday evenings from 8:00-9:00 September 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2024 This four-week course is for individuals of all experience levels. Throughout the course, we will learn the most commonly recited Jewish prayers and blessings. The class will be conducted using transliteration, which means the Hebrew text will be presented alongside phonetic pronunciation for ease of learning. The essential prayers and blessings we will cover include the High Holy Day blessings, Shabbat blessings, Aliyot for Torah reading, and core prayers like the Shema and V’ahavta. By the end of this course, you will be able to actively participate in Jewish rituals and ceremonies with confidence. Registering is a must by rsvping to Rabbistein@ghcny.org so I know if we have enough interest to run this course. Additionally, you can let me know what you are most interested in. This course will be held on zoom. I will be providing the link when you register.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"We will dance again.” These are the words that Mia Schem had inked onto her arm, above the date 7.10.23, following her release from Gaza after 55 harrowing days in captivity. The sentiment of eternal hope for a better future is resonant from the national anthem of the The State of Israel, Hatikvah - The Hope. Today is Tisha B'av, the day set aside recalling the many tragedies in Jewish history, first and foremost the destruction of the Temples in 586 BCE and 70 CE. While the reasons for the destruction have long been laid out before us from outside enemies to internal division. And no doubt those lessons still apply. Yet we are still here. We are resilient. We survive against all odds. While we are living right now through our own Tisha B'av experience beginning on October 7, 2023, we yet hope and pray that healing is at hand.
This Shabbat Discussion will be: "There is Enough Blame to Go Around"
Wednesday evenings from 8:00-9:00 September 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2024 This four-week course is for individuals of all experience levels. Throughout the course, we will learn the most commonly recited Jewish prayers and blessings. The class will be conducted using transliteration, which means the Hebrew text will be presented alongside phonetic pronunciation for ease of learning. The essential prayers and blessings we will cover include the High Holy Day blessings, Shabbat blessings, Aliyot for Torah reading, and core prayers like the Shema and V’ahavta. By the end of this course, you will be able to actively participate in Jewish rituals and ceremonies with confidence. Registering is a must by rsvping to Rabbistein@ghcny.org so I know if we have enough interest to run this course. Additionally, you can let me know what you are most interested in. This course will be held on zoom. I will be providing the link when you register.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
אֵיכָ֥ה אֶשָּׂ֖א לְבַדִּ֑י טׇרְחֲכֶ֥ם וּמַֽשַּׂאֲכֶ֖ם וְרִֽיבְכֶֽם׃ "How can I bear unaided the trouble of you, and the burden, and the bickering!" (Deuteronomy 1:12) The first word of this sentence in Hebrew is Eicha. In English there is a book of the Torah known as Eicha, which means Lamentations. It is read on the Tisha B’av which will be observed beginning August 12th at night and going through August 13. It commemorates the destruction of both the first and second Temples and is considered one of the worst days in the Jewish year. Here, Moses recalls a time when it was too difficult to lead the Jewish people by himself. It is interesting to note that until this moment he wasn’t leading the Jewish people by himself, he had Miriam and Aaron to help. However, it was still too much and so he assigns judges from every tribe to assist him. This verse, therefore, teaches two important lessons.
When you become overwhelmed, you sometimes forget there are those already in your life ready to help. You may have just lost sight of them in your emotions.
When you become overwhelmed, ask for help.
This week’s Shabbat discussion will be about “The Triangulated Relationship.”
Wednesday evenings from 8:00-9:00 September 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2024 This four-week course is for individuals of all experience levels. Throughout the course, we will learn the most commonly recited Jewish prayers and blessings. The class will be conducted using transliteration, which means the Hebrew text will be presented alongside phonetic pronunciation for ease of learning. The essential prayers and blessings we will cover include the High Holy Day blessings, Shabbat blessings, Aliyot for Torah reading, and core prayers like the Shema and V’ahavta. By the end of this course, you will be able to actively participate in Jewish rituals and ceremonies with confidence. Registering is a must by rsvping to Rabbistein@ghcny.org so I know if we have enough interest to run this course. Additionally, you can let me know what you are most interested in. This course will be held on zoom. I will be providing the link when you register.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“It would be a favor to us,” they continued, “if this land were given to your servants as a holding; do not move us across the Jordan.” (Numbers 32:5) After winning the war against Midian, two and a half tribes turn to Moses and say, we have had enough. We would like to stay here right here. We don’t really need to go into the land of Israel. Knowing when you have arrived at the best place for you is hard to do. In a world that encourages us to never be satisfied, Judaism says, know when you have enough. The Rabbis of the Talmud teach, when you seek to hold on to too much you end up dropping everything.
Our Shabbat monring conversation has gotten quite lively. This week the topic will be "What Interupts Our Journey"
Wednesday evenings from 8:00-9:00 September 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2024 This four-week course is for individuals of all experience levels. Throughout the course, we will learn the most commonly recited Jewish prayers and blessings. The class will be conducted using transliteration, which means the Hebrew text will be presented alongside phonetic pronunciation for ease of learning. The essential prayers and blessings we will cover include the High Holy Day blessings, Shabbat blessings, Aliyot for Torah reading, and core prayers like the Shema and V’ahavta. By the end of this course, you will be able to actively participate in Jewish rituals and ceremonies with confidence. Registering is a must by rsvping to Rabbistein@ghcny.org so I know if we have enough interest to run this course. Additionally, you can let me know what you are most interested in. This course will be held on zoom. I will be providing the link when you register.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Real Equality “The name of Asher’s daughter was Serah.” (Numbers 26:46) After a long list of men who will make up the armed forces of the Jewish people, the sons who will fight for our survival, the text pauses and reminds us there were daughters also. In today’s Israeli army women make extraordinary contributions right alongside the men. For the Jewish people to survive we need everyone to contribute. While some ignore the great women of our people we have long reminded our little girls that they can be the next Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah. When our children open their prayer books they see their names prominently displayed alongside Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
This week's Shabbat discussion is entitled, "Family Stain"
The month of Elul, the month before the High Holidays is time to prepare for the coming Holiday season and year. Many devote themselves to study during that time. Wednesday evenings from 8:00-9:00 September 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2024 This four-week course is for individuals of all experience levels. Throughout the course, we will learn the most commonly recited Jewish prayers and blessings. The class will be conducted using transliteration, which means the Hebrew text will be presented alongside phonetic pronunciation for ease of learning. The essential prayers and blessings we will cover include the High Holy Day blessings, Shabbat blessings, Aliyot for Torah reading, and core prayers like the Shema and V’ahavta. By the end of this course, you will be able to actively participate in Jewish rituals and ceremonies with confidence. Registering is a must by rsvping to Rabbistein@ghcny.org so I know if we have enough interest to run this course. Additionally, you can let me know what you are most interested in. This course will be held on zoom. I will be providing the link when you register.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“Moab was alarmed because that people was so numerous. Moab dreaded the Israelites” (Numbers 22:3) “And he said to his people, “Look, the Israelite people are much too numerous for us.” (Exodus 1:9)
How the world views us has been at the core of the war with Hamas since October 14th. The world gave us the benefit of the doubt, gave us the right to defend ourselves one week and then world opinion changed. Security council condemnation began. At the behest of South Africa, The International Court started criminal investigations. Protest began on the college campuses. As Dara Horn, the author of the book “People Love Dead Jews” might say, the world just doesn’t like. People have sought ways and reasons for our destruction. Yet we stand strong. We survive and more than merely existing we continue to make the world a better place, through science, technology, art and culture. Am Yisrael Chai.
This week’s discussion during the sermon time will be: "Understanding What is Written Between the Lines"
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“But יהוה said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust Me enough to affirm My sanctity in the sight of the Israelite people, therefore you shall not lead this congregation into the land that I have given them.” (Numbers 20:12)
Just after the death of his sister, Miriam, the Jewish people once again complain about their lack of water. You can imagine the personal turmoil and the particular challenge the moment presented for him and he makes a mistake. That mistake seemingly cost Moses the right to enter the land of Israel. The message is clear for us all. When we are not at our best, we all make mistakes. It is in those times we all need to pause and take the time we need to care for ourselves. Then we can be there for others. If not, we may end up saying something, doing something we regret.
The discussion this Shabbat at 11:00ish will be “Line in the Sand and Red Line: When One Leads to the Other.”
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"They combined (וַיִּֽקָּהֲל֞וּ) against Moses and Aaron and said to them, “You have gone too far! For all the community are holy, all of them, and יהוה is in their midst. Why then do you raise yourselves above יהוה’s congregation?” (Numbers 16:3)
The Hebrew word for "community" is the same as "they combined." In Hebrew the קָּהֲל֞, kahal means community or congregation. Often a synagogue is referred to as a Kahal Kadosh, a holy community. You may have even seen the letters ק"ק.
The context of this statement is the rebellion of Korach against Moses’ leadership. Korach “amassed" the people against Moses. The word for coming together is morally neutral. People come together in protest and in solidarity. People rally for good and for bad. On rare occasions there “are good people on both sides.” (Certainly not in Charlottesville.) This Shabbat we will be discussing the role of challenging authority. When is it necessary and when it is simply self serving?
Please join me for this 15 minute conversation entitled "Challenging Authority in the Abrahamic Religions" at around 11:00 am.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“We saw the Nephilim there—the Anakites are part of the Nephilim—and we looked like grasshoppers to ourselves, and so we must have looked to them.” (Numbers 13:33)
What other people think of us is none of our business. We spend so much psychic energy worrying about what other people think of us. Are we considered smart or hip or mean or... you fill in the blank? Rather, we should devote our energies to what we think of ourselves. Learning from this story, we ought to turn off the negative self-talk. We need to stop putting ourselves down saying things like I wish I was as tall or as smart, as beautiful or as insightful as others. We must learn to identify when we do it, first becoming conscious that we are doing it. Then we must replace that with kindness to ourselves and positive reinforcement acknowledging we are capable of so much more than we thought.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"On the third day, as morning dawned, there was thunder, and lightning, and a dense cloud upon the mountain, and a very loud blast of the horn; and all the people who were in the camp trembled." (Exodus 19:16) On Tuesday night at 8:30 pm we will gather to learn together. Members of the congregation will teach texts that have helped them in difficult times. Words from our tradition have often been used in challenging times as inspiration and comfort. Members will share the words that have helped them. I hope you can spend an hour with us. This custom of coming together on the eve of Shavuot is called Tikkun Layl Shavuot and is one of the ways we prepare for the holiday that recalls the moment of receiving the Torah. The practice of Tikkun Layl Shavuot reminds us that preparation for an event makes that event even more impactful. It is true in the work place. It is true in family celebrations and it is true in the moment of revelation. Preparation means you are ready for the experience. And that is what makes the experience not possible but more meaningful.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"These are the names of the participants who shall assist you:" (Numbers 1:5)
As we begin the new book of Numbers, the text reminds us of the people who were to help conquer the land of Israel. The opening words of the portion beg us to ask the question, after you are long gone, how would you like to be remembered, what name would you like to be called? My father’s headstone reads, “devoted husband, loving father, adoring grandfather and passionate activist.” How do you want to be remembered and what do you call those people you love? This ought to be an active project for each of us, not something with which we just leave to the imagination of the next generation. We must participate in creating our own legacy. Shavuot: The Holiday of Receiving the Torah will be observed Tuesday evening June 11 and Wednesday June 12 (Yizkor). Our congregation’s custom is to gather on Tuesday evening June 11 and learn from each other. This year that observance will take place at 8:30pm. The theme will be Healing/Resilience: What helps us get through hard times? If you would like to share a text, please let me know.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“I will grant peace in the land, and you shall lie down untroubled by anyone;” (Leviticus 26:6) Each week we recite this line as part of a prayer we say pleading with God to bring peace to the world. Each week we beg God to do something because we are incapable of realizing the answer to conflict is never war. War has never solved anything. Sure, it brought about the end of the dictator Benito Mussolini but the world birthed the heinous Hitler. Yes, it brought about the demise of Osama bin Laden but Ismail Haniyeh has been propped up by Hamas. And the lists go on and on and on. We can’t get it right and wars seem inevitable. Since October 7th we have asked ourselves with extraordinary urgency, “how can we change the paradigm?” What can we do to change the approach? Many answers have been proposed. New education. New leadership. New partnerships. New thinking. I don’t know if the land of Israel will ever find peace. However, that does not stop me from praying and working for it.
Shavuot: The Holiday of Receiving the Torah will be observed Tuesday evening June 11 and Wednesday June 12 (Yizkor). Our congregation’s custom is to gather on Tuesday evening June 11 and learn from each other. This year that observance will take place at8:30pm. The theme will be Healing/Resilience: What helps us get through hard times? If you would like to share a text, please let me know.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Giving Begins At Home "If one of your kin is in straits and has to sell part of a holding, the nearest redeemer shall come and redeem what that relative has sold." (Leviticus 25:25)
The requests for donations are many. Everyday I receive both electronically and through snail mail requests for support. Some are for political purposes, some are for the arts, some for the environment and some for people in need. There are far more worthy causes than I can possibly support in any significant way. Therefore, I have to prioritize and make choices..
This text suggests, begin at home. If someone close to you needs help, give to them. If someone in your community has needs, give to them. Put a couple of single dollar bills in the arm rest of your car and the next time you are driving and dee someone homeless, roll down your wqindow and give them a dollar.
Shavuot: The Holiday of Receiving the Torah will be observed Tuesday evening June 11 and Wednesday June 12 (Yizkor).Our congregation’s custom is to gather on Tuesday evening June 11 and learn from each other. This year that observance will take place at 8:30pm.The theme will be Healing/Resilience: What helps us get through hard times? If you would like to share a text, please let me know.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Identity Should Be Motivation for Good “You shall not profane My holy name, that I may be sanctified in the midst of the Israelite people—I יהוה who sanctify you,” (Leviticus 22:32)
Have you ever heard a crime reported and held your breath hoping the name of the criminal didn’t sound Jewish? Madoff? Epstein? Weiselberg? Each time one of their names came across the screen I cringed and could hear antisemites saying, “see I told you the Jews are all about money.” Identity is a two way street.
We can either through our associations bring honor or shame. It is true of our families, our alma maters and of course our people. Thinking through how our behavior reflects not just on ourselves but on the people with whom we associate should motivate us towards good or at least be one more protection against making poor decisions.
Shavuot: The Holiday of Receiving the Torahwill be observed Tuesday evening June 11 and Wednesday June 12 (Yizkor).Our congregation’s custom is to gather on Tuesday evening June 11 and learn from each other. This year that observance will take place at 8:30pm. The theme will be Healing/Resilience: What helps us get through hard times? If you would like to share a text, please let me know.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“And he shall place lots upon the two goats, one marked for יהוה and the other marked for Azazel.” (Leviticus 16:8)
This is the source of the "scapegoat." This quote is origin of placing all of our sins on the head of a goat and sending it out to die and it is cruel. However, it isn't all scapegoating?
Life is hard enough without blaming others for our own problems. Few in our society take responsibility for their own mistakes. We rush to point fingers at others and then spread those accusations far and wide on the internet. Conspiracy theories abound and take hold because of the echo chamber in which we have chosen to live.
The brutality of this ritual ought to awaken in us the injustice in the world and the contribution we are making.
Shavuot: The Holiday of Receiving the Torah will be observed Tuesday evening June 11 and Wednesday June 12 (Yizkor). Our congregation’s custom is to gather on Tuesday evening June 11 and learn from each other. This year that observance will take place at 9:00pm.The theme will be Healing/Resilience: What helps us get through hard times?If you would like to share a text, please let me know.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"The Torah relates to four types of children – one who is wise, one who is wicked, one with a simple nature, and one who does not know how to ask."
It has often been said that each of the children is an aspect of each of us. Sometimes we are the wise one and sometimes we are the wicked, sometimes we are the simple one and sometimes we are just unable to even formulate a question. This year I ask you to look at the world and specifically the situation inIsrael and ask yourself not who is the wise, the wicked, the simple or the one who is just so befuddled that they can understand what is going on. Rather ask what the response of each would be to the situation. How might the wise, wicked and simple person respond? Then ask, how does each of your instincts respond? With our best self, how do we respond? With our most vengeful self, how do we respond? With our self who is humble enough to not truly know, how do we respond? And with yourself who doesn’t even know where to begin?
Maybe the wise child asks, will there ever be an end to this cycle of violence and how can we get that started? Maybe the wicked child asks, who is the right people to blame and how can we punish them ruthlessly? Maybe the simple child asks, why is this happening? And to the side of self that can’t even formulate a question, we initiate the conversation by suggesting a wide swath of places to do more research and encourage them to listen to a variety of different opinions.
During the last six months I most certainly have been thoughtful and vengeful, confused and lost. This year maybe we should add to the sentence "Next Year In Jerusalem" if not for us, at least the hostages and may there be peace.
Last chance to sell your chametz: Just respond to his email with you name and address. Fast of the First Born: Services tomorrow morning at 8:00am
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Welcome to Rabbi's Corner. This is a stream of Rabbi Stein's דברי תורה (divrei torah, words of Torah).
