"Moses then convoked the whole Israelite community and said to them: These are the things that יהוה has commanded you to do." (Exodus 35:1)
Coming together as a community is critical accomplishing great things. No one is an island. That is why the rabbis regularly implore us to remain part of the community. It is easy to opt out and try to go it alone. Of course, there are differences of opinion. Of course, there are disagreements because the Jewish community is not monlithic in its thinking. However, we must continue to do the hard work of remaining committed to each other.
On Shabbat Morning March 25 my sermon will be "Israel: Is It Really the Only True Democracy in the Middle East?" This as an opportunity to launch a communal conversation about Israel. I hope you will put the date on your calendar and I hope we can grow together.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“Thus you shall consecrate them so that they may be most holy; whatever touches them shall be consecrated.” (Exodus 30:29) Holiness is piety, kindness, and gratefulness. Holiness is generosity, love and thoughtfulness. Holiness is non judgemental and curious. Holiness is difficult to achieve and it is contagious. When we see or experience someone being or acting holy we are inspired to follow their lead. Paying it forward happens consciously and by design. Holiness is contagious.
Join us as we read one book as a community. “The Lost Shtetl” by Max Gross is “A remarkable debut novel—written with the fearless imagination of Michael Chabon and the piercing humor of Gary Shteyngart—about a small Jewish village in the Polish forest that is so secluded no one knows it exists . . . until now.”
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Humility, Modesty, Arrogance and Nobility כיון דמצאנו דמלבושי כבוד שיש לאהרן אינם שוים למלבושי כבוד של בניו, "The clothing of Aaron was even more modest than that of his sons." (28:42 Gur Aryeh)
In describing the clothing of the priesthood, the Maharal of Prague highlights the characteristic of modesty. By suggesting there are different levels of modesty he draws our attention to the idea that there are levels of modesty.
More than a discussion about the manner of dress, modesty, in our tradition, is best associated with humility. Conversely, nobility is associated with arrogance. Might we rather think of the clothing ourselves in humility rather than arrogance?
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
There I will meet with you, and I will impart to you—from above the cover, from between the two cherubim that are on top of the Ark of the Pact—all that I will command you concerning the Israelite people. (Exodus 25:22)
In a famous Hasidic saying, the Kotzker Rebbe was once asked: “Where does God dwell?” to which he replied, “Wherever you let Him in.”
We must never fall prey to the idea that Judaism is what one group says it is. We must continue to strive to find the creativity, the imagination and the flexibility to keep our faith alive and vibrant.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
לֹ֥א תִשָּׂ֖א שֵׁ֣מַע שָׁ֑וְא אַל־תָּ֤שֶׁת יָֽדְךָ֙ עִם־רָשָׁ֔ע לִהְיֹ֖ת עֵ֥ד חָמָֽס׃ You must not carry false rumors; you shall not join hands with the guilty to act as a malicious witness: (Exodus 23:1)
Rumors and gossip are often a social lubricant. We love to talk about other people. People are so willing to engage in it. It is unhealthy. It drags us down and it demeans ourselves. Clearly, we have the intellegence to find other topics to discuss. Obviously, we are capable of so much more but we still sink to this lowest common denominator. Here is my challenge, from today (Wednesday) through Shabbat (Saturday night at 6:15) try not to speak about another person. Just half a week - see if you can do it. See how it changes your mindest. See how it changes the way you feel about yourself. And when someone begins to take you down that path say, "my Rabbi asked me not to listen to gossip for one week - let's connect next week." I bet by then you will have found something better to talk about.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
וַיַּעֲנ֨וּ כׇל־הָעָ֤ם יַחְדָּו֙ וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ כֹּ֛ל אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה נַעֲשֶׂ֑ה וַיָּ֧שֶׁב מֹשֶׁ֛ה אֶת־דִּבְרֵ֥י הָעָ֖ם אֶל־יְהֹוָֽה׃ "All those assembled answered as one, saying, “All that יהוה has spoken we will do!” And Moses brought back the people’s words to יהוה." (Exodus 19:8)
Just because you say something doesn't mean it is true and just because you say you will do soemthing doesn't mean you will. However, it does increase your chances. I remember my children saying to me, "but you said you would." Saying it aloud brings you to a place of commitment you might otherwise not feel. Verbalizing solidfies both internally and externally your intention to follow through.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"The Egyptians gave chase to them, and all the chariot horses of Pharaoh, his riders, and his warriors overtook them encamped by the sea, near Pi-hahiroth, before Baal-zephon." (Exodus 14:9)
"But they that wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings as eagles; They shall run, and not be weary; They shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)
There is more to running the marathon of life than building up endurance. We are physical beings, yes. However, we are also emotional, intellectual and spiritual beings. Remember when you are tired, you have many resources to call upon to see you through.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“For if you refuse to let My people go, tomorrow I will bring locusts on your territory.” (Exodus 10:4) There are consequences to most of our actions and if we pause for just a moment before we act, we can most likely see what they will be. Parents tell children if you do “X” your punishment will be “Y.” That gives the child a choice. This becomes a great life lesson. In the vast majority of cases, thoughtful decision making will result in the outcomes we desire. Choose wisely. Sermon this Shabbat "Be the Light You Want to See" Finish Strong This Shabbat Join us after services when our Rabbinic Intern, Sara Birnbaum will bring us a beautiful teaching.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Age is An Attitude Not a Number "Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three, when they made their demand on Pharaoh." (Exodus 7:7) "It is not about the years in your life, it is about the life in your years." (Lincoln, Stevenson or possibly Stieglitz) "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." (Angelou) Some say, they are too old and that may be true of learning to ski, it is not true about making a difference in another person’s life. Volunteer and make a change in someone else’s life.
Genesis for Adult Only discussion, Wednesday, January 18 at 8:00 pm click here for link Sermon this week: Fake Famous: Why the Pursuit of Fame is Meaningless
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
I Don’t Know “The midwives, fearing God, did not do as the king of Egypt had told them; they let the boys live.” (Exodus 1:17)
There are things we just don’t know. Admitting that is so hard to do. Sometimes we have no choice but to put our lives in another’s hands. There are the rare occurrences when we must force ourselves to trust someone else. There are times when others simply are better equipped for a certain moment than we are. Realizing that is the hard part. Once we have arrived at this perspective, life does become easier. However, our egos often stop us before we ever get to giving ourselves over. In moments when we find ourselves at odds with someone else, pausing to ask ourselves, “is it possible they know more than I do?” can change our perspective.
This week's sermon "Building Character" many of my sermons are available on on my YouTube Channel
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
It’s Alright to Cry "And Joseph was in tears" (Genesis 50:17, 50:1, 44:2, 14, 15, 43:30 - 6 times the Torah tells us that Joseph cried)
It’s alright to cry. I can’t believe I’m still writing this but it needs to be said. Some like an arm around them when they are crying, some prefer to be left alone. Some weep silently and some wail. No matter how you do it, it is ok. It doesn’t matter if you are a man or a woman, adult or child, it is perfectly normal and healthy to cry. It doesn’t matter if the cause seems silly or even far in the past, it is good for you to cry. You don’t have to explain it and you don’t have to compare the pain to other difficulties, it makes sense to cry. It can be for happy things or for sad things, crying helps.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
My lord asked his servants, ‘Have you a father or another brother?’ (Genesis 44:19)
Asking about someone’s family is a great way to move a conversation from small talk to significant connection. Cocktail parties and kiddush after services on a shabbat morning are great places to talk about the weather and sports but our connections to each other can be so much deeper and meaningful. Finding a way to have important conversations about who we are and what is important to us adds so much more. Finding ways to have intentional conversations can change the way we feel about the people who are most significant in our lives.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"The chief cupbearer then spoke up and said to Pharaoh, “I must make mention today of my offenses." (Genesis 41:9) Admitting to a mistake is the first step towards disrupting a pattern of behavior. Even if we just admit it to ourselves, recognizing the misstep is difficult. However, once we verbalize the error we feel the weight lifted. Carrying the wrongs we have done is a drain on our energy, on our focus on our relationships. Naming them releases us. Happy Hannukah!!
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“About that time Judah left his brothers and camped near a certain Adullamite whose name was Hirah.” (Genesis 38:1) According to the narrative, this happens after Joseph’s brothers sell him into slavery.
One of the basic principles of Alcoholics Anonymous is that the addict must find new friends. Finding new people with whom to engage changes our sphere of influence resulting in a change in behavior. Falling in with a bad group of people or falling in with a good group of people dramatically changes how we behave. While it may be difficult to do, finding people who bring out the best in you is a lifelong process and doesn’t end when you leave high school.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
The Whole Truth The messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau; he himself is coming to meet you, and his retinue numbers four hundred.” (Genesis 32:7) We watch the news and read the papers because we want to know what is going on in the world. In reality, we are only getting part of the story. In most cases we are only getting a slanted opinion of what is going on. Therefore, we must dig deeper into what we hear. We need to evaluate for ourselves based on facts that we can gather on our own. It takes effort but that effort will produce results that are far closer to the truth than the original sound bite we may have heard.
In this Biblical story the messengers only report about numbers not intention. Had they let Jacob know that Essau had no ill intentions, Jacob would have never panicked about their meeting. He could have saved himself many sleepless nights. Getting the full story can ease the anxiety that only our minds produce. Join me and Reverend Gareth Evans today, Tuesday at 11:30pm at the Shames JCC of on Zoom for an interfaith conversation about Abraham’s visitors who announce the birth of Isaac.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“and I will make you swear by יהוה, the God of heaven and the God of the earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I dwell,” (Genesis 24:3)
For most, there will come a time when we need to rely on someone else. Trusting another to help us is difficult. Maybe they won’t do it exactly the way we want them to do it. Maybe they won’t follow through. No matter, we must learn to trust. It is a leap that makes life easier. Even if they disappoint, trusting is a better way to live. Trust me. (See what I did there?)
Please join me and others of faith as we host this year the Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. Tuesday November 22, at 7:30pm at Greenburgh Hebrew Center
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Quick, three seahs of choice flour! Knead and make cakes!”"(Genesis 18:6)
If only good people would rush to do good things with the same zeal bad people rush to do bad. For whatever reason, there seems to be an energy to do what is wrong, while there seems to be a lethargy to do what is right. Maybe we just believe the arch of history bends towards justice. However it doesn't mean it happens on its own. We must participate in making the world a better place ans we must do so with vigor.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"Abram went forth as God had commanded him," (Genesis 12:4)
Sometimes we do what we are told and sometimes we don’t just because we are told to. The way each of us reacts to instructions, guidance or direction has a lot to do with how we were raised and the type of person we are. The way we react in any given circumstance has much to do with a pattern we have set for ourselves. Taking a moment to be conscious of that will go along towards helping make better decisions.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“But I will establish My covenant with you, and you shall enter the ark, with your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives.” (Genesis 6:18) Noah’s ark is famous. It is a story of how one person saved humanity from extinction. Our community is our ark. Building it, rebuilding and reimagining is the task of each and every one of us and it begins with connecting with one another.
Rabbinic Connections - In Person and on Zoom Rabbijaystein@gmail.com RabbiStein@ghcny.org
1. Genesis 2 ways a. The stories of Genesis you know or thought you knew on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 8:00 pm. This week on Wednesday, October 26th. Zoom link for Class: https://zoom.us/j/96603944928?pwd=VnJBbXYzSm5ieEdqa0lXQUkzajRiUT09 b. Project Genesis - with my friend Pastor Evan Gareth of Irvington Presbyterian Church will explore key stories and how our traditions read them. December 6th 10:00 am at The Shames JCC - in person
3. FinishStrong - join me every shabbat after services for a conversation about some of the most provocative issues of the day. We provide lunch and your drink of choice - in person Starting Saturday, October 30
4. Book Club - each month we join to discuss a book (3rd Tuesday of each month) This week October 25th at 10:00am. Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81007702781?pwd=R2I1RDkyZ1BRMWZUdkdpMjE0Ymptdz09
5. B’nai Mitzvah Family Program 5783 every 3rd Sunday of the month at 10:00am - in person next meeting November 20th
6. Blessings of the Animals Sunday the 30th at 1:00pm - in person in the parking lot.
I really miss you - so let’s get together!
7. Home visits - If you are homebound, I’d love to come to your house. Send me an email to find a time that works for you. (Sorry, this is limited to those members living in NY State) - in person
8. Ice Cream with the Rabbi - I’d love to meet your family for ice cream (I’m paying) send me an email to find a time that works for you. In person at Carvel.
9. Night In. Your home, you pick the date and time, invite your friends and together we can pick the activity. This is a great alternative to a night out. Minimum of 8 people required. I have a ton of ideas of how we can entertain ourselves. Games, plays, discussion. It is all fair game (see what I did there). Oh, you provide the refreshments. - In person at your house.
10. - Kabbalat Shabbat - each week take 25 minutes to wrap up your week with song and one thought. (Times change each week, check ghcny.org or GHC News) on Zoom - https://zoom.us/j/95417257214?pwd=NjFENloxOEpGSGhrc1M5dWQ
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“But I will establish My covenant with you, and you shall enter the ark, with your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives.” (Genesis 6:18) Noah’s ark is famous. It is a story of how one person saved humanity from extinction. Our community is our ark. Building it, rebuilding and reimagining is the task of each and every one of us and it begins with connecting with one another.
Rabbinic Connections - In Person and on Zoom Rabbijaystein@gmail.com RabbiStein@ghcny.org
1. Genesis 2 ways a. The stories of Genesis you know or thought you knew on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 8:00 pm. This week on Wednesday, October 26th. Zoom link for Class: https://zoom.us/j/96603944928?pwd=VnJBbXYzSm5ieEdqa0lXQUkzajRiUT09 b. Project Genesis - with my friend Pastor Evan Gareth of Irvington Presbyterian Church will explore key stories and how our traditions read them. December 6th 10:00 am at The Shames JCC - in person
3. FinishStrong - join me every shabbat after services for a conversation about some of the most provocative issues of the day. We provide lunch and your drink of choice - in person Starting Saturday, October 30
4. Book Club - each month we join to discuss a book (3rd Tuesday of each month) This week October 25th at 10:00am. Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81007702781?pwd=R2I1RDkyZ1BRMWZUdkdpMjE0Ymptdz09
5. B’nai Mitzvah Family Program 5783 every 3rd Sunday of the month at 10:00am - in person next meeting November 20th
6. Blessings of the Animals Sunday the 30th at 1:00pm - in person in the parking lot.
I really miss you - so let’s get together!
7. Home visits - If you are homebound, I’d love to come to your house. Send me an email to find a time that works for you. (Sorry, this is limited to those members living in NY State) - in person
8. Ice Cream with the Rabbi - I’d love to meet your family for ice cream (I’m paying) send me an email to find a time that works for you. In person at Carvel.
9. Night In. Your home, you pick the date and time, invite your friends and together we can pick the activity. This is a great alternative to a night out. Minimum of 8 people required. I have a ton of ideas of how we can entertain ourselves. Games, plays, discussion. It is all fair game (see what I did there). Oh, you provide the refreshments. - In person at your house.
10. - Kabbalat Shabbat - each week take 25 minutes to wrap up your week with song and one thought. (Times change each week, check ghcny.org or GHC News) on Zoom - https://zoom.us/j/95417257214?pwd=NjFENloxOEpGSGhrc1M5dWQ
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“But I will establish My covenant with you, and you shall enter the ark, with your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives.” (Genesis 6:18) Noah’s ark is famous. It is a story of how one person saved humanity from extinction. Our community is our ark. Building it, rebuilding and reimagining is the task of each and every one of us and it begins with connecting with one another.
Rabbinic Connections - In Person and on Zoom Rabbijaystein@gmail.com RabbiStein@ghcny.org
1. Genesis 2 ways a. The stories of Genesis you know or thought you knew on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 8:00 pm. This week on Wednesday, October 26th. Zoom link for Class: https://zoom.us/j/96603944928?pwd=VnJBbXYzSm5ieEdqa0lXQUkzajRiUT09 b. Project Genesis - with my friend Pastor Evan Gareth of Irvington Presbyterian Church will explore key stories and how our traditions read them. December 6th 10:00 am at The Shames JCC - in person
3. FinishStrong - join me every shabbat after services for a conversation about some of the most provocative issues of the day. We provide lunch and your drink of choice - in person Starting Saturday, October 30
4. Book Club - each month we join to discuss a book (3rd Tuesday of each month) This week October 25th at 10:00am. Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81007702781?pwd=R2I1RDkyZ1BRMWZUdkdpMjE0Ymptdz09
5. B’nai Mitzvah Family Program 5783 every 3rd Sunday of the month at 10:00am - in person next meeting November 20th
6. Blessings of the Animals Sunday the 30th at 1:00pm - in person in the parking lot.
I really miss you - so let’s get together!
7. Home visits - If you are homebound, I’d love to come to your house. Send me an email to find a time that works for you. (Sorry, this is limited to those members living in NY State) - in person
8. Ice Cream with the Rabbi - I’d love to meet your family for ice cream (I’m paying) send me an email to find a time that works for you. In person at Carvel.
9. Night In. Your home, you pick the date and time, invite your friends and together we can pick the activity. This is a great alternative to a night out. Minimum of 8 people required. I have a ton of ideas of how we can entertain ourselves. Games, plays, discussion. It is all fair game (see what I did there). Oh, you provide the refreshments. - In person at your house.
10. - Kabbalat Shabbat - each week take 25 minutes to wrap up your week with song and one thought. (Times change each week, check ghcny.org or GHC News) on Zoom - https://zoom.us/j/95417257214?pwd=NjFENloxOEpGSGhrc1M5dWQ
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“But I will establish My covenant with you, and you shall enter the ark, with your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives.” (Genesis 6:18) Noah’s ark is famous. It is a story of how one person saved humanity from extinction. Our community is our ark. Building it, rebuilding and reimagining is the task of each and every one of us and it begins with connecting with one another.
Rabbinic Connections - In Person and on Zoom Rabbijaystein@gmail.com RabbiStein@ghcny.org
1. Genesis 2 ways a. The stories of Genesis you know or thought you knew on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 8:00 pm. This week on Wednesday, October 26th. Zoom link for Class: https://zoom.us/j/96603944928?pwd=VnJBbXYzSm5ieEdqa0lXQUkzajRiUT09 b. Project Genesis - with my friend Pastor Evan Gareth of Irvington Presbyterian Church will explore key stories and how our traditions read them. December 6th 10:00 am at The Shames JCC - in person
3. FinishStrong - join me every shabbat after services for a conversation about some of the most provocative issues of the day. We provide lunch and your drink of choice - in person Starting Saturday, October 30
4. Book Club - each month we join to discuss a book (3rd Tuesday of each month) This week October 25th at 10:00am. Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81007702781?pwd=R2I1RDkyZ1BRMWZUdkdpMjE0Ymptdz09
5. B’nai Mitzvah Family Program 5783 every 3rd Sunday of the month at 10:00am - in person next meeting November 20th
6. Blessings of the Animals Sunday the 30th at 1:00pm - in person in the parking lot.
I really miss you - so let’s get together!
7. Home visits - If you are homebound, I’d love to come to your house. Send me an email to find a time that works for you. (Sorry, this is limited to those members living in NY State) - in person
8. Ice Cream with the Rabbi - I’d love to meet your family for ice cream (I’m paying) send me an email to find a time that works for you. In person at Carvel.
9. Night In. Your home, you pick the date and time, invite your friends and together we can pick the activity. This is a great alternative to a night out. Minimum of 8 people required. I have a ton of ideas of how we can entertain ourselves. Games, plays, discussion. It is all fair game (see what I did there). Oh, you provide the refreshments. - In person at your house.
10. - Kabbalat Shabbat - each week take 25 minutes to wrap up your week with song and one thought. (Times change each week, check ghcny.org or GHC News) on Zoom - https://zoom.us/j/95417257214?pwd=NjFENloxOEpGSGhrc1M5dWQ
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Where Are You? God called out to the human and said to him, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9)
The High Holidays are over. The roller coaster ride has now come to a end and we might be thinking about all that has happened over the past few weeks weighs in on choices we make going forward. For some, we just made it through and back to things as usual. For others, we might have decided to take on one improvement in our lives. For a very few, there will be wholesale changes in our priorities. As we begin to read the Torah from the beginning and as we begin the new year, we must ask ourselves Where are we? We are given many opportunities to pause and reflect and make changes. So where are you?
Personally, I hope one of those places is in the synagogue.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Remembering all this you will have ample reason to be grateful to the One Who has provided you with all of your present wealth and comfort. (Rashbam about building a Sukkah)
Like the story of the three pigs and the wolf, we try to construct buildings that can protect us from the varied dangers that exist in the world. If Hurricane Ian hasn’t taught us enough about our place in nature, the holiday of Sukkot reminds us of how fragile life really is. Lest we think we are self sufficient, we go outside and see the vast and devastating capacity of the natural world and we are humbled.
Join Us! SANGRIA IN THE SUKKAH! Saturday, October 15th 8:00pm. Adults are invited to spend an evening of wine, cheese, snacks, laughter and great conversation. Click here to Register!
PIZZA IN THE HUT! Sunday, October 16th at 4:00pm. This is a family event, complete with Pizza, games, laughter and fun! Click here to Register!
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
God said to Moses the time is drawing near for you to die. (Deuteronomy 31:14) Is that a good thing to know or not?
We are often told to live every day as if it were your last. It is an exhortation to live your best life, live life to the fullest. However, most of our lives are spent doing the mundane. Making payments. Going to work. Eating dinner. Sleeping. Most of our conversations are about meaningless things. Who’s picking up the dry cleaning? Who’s making dinner? Where do you want to go on vacation? Every moment can’t be significant. Every conversation can’t be meaningful. But some can and when they happen take a moment to appreciate them. Take a mental picture. Cherish it. May we all be inscribed in the book of meanigful living.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
they turned and starting walking to the service of other gods and worshiped them, gods whom they had not experienced*whom they had not experienced (Deuteronomy 29:25)
Just because you are going down the wrong road doesn’t mean you have to keep going in that direction. Each of us arrives at a fork in the road in our lives and we must make a decision. We look around, contemplate the pros and cons of each path and sometimes we still get it wrong. Sometimes, we just make poor decisions.
Yes, there will be time for regret later. We all replay the bad choices we have made. But standing on the wrong road, going in the wrong direction doesn’t mean that commitment will get us where we need to go. In that moment, regardless of what our ego is telling us, turn back. Go back to the fork and try the other path. Just because you are going down the wrong road doesn’t mean you have to keep going in that direction.
I am available in half hour slots to speak with you about what is going on in your life. We can do this on the phone, in person, or on zoom. Just reply to this email to set up a time. Call it a spiritual check up.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Speechless "You shall then recite as follows before your God" (Deuteronomy 26:5) Sometimes the events of life leave us without words. In those times it is probably better to say nothing. However, certain circumstances require us to say something. In those moments, it is best to rely on the words of others. Ask, what has someone said to you that was meaningful? What have others said that has brought you comfort or inspiration? Then use those words. Check Up/Check In I am available in half hour slots to speak with you about what is going on in your life. We can do this on the phone, in person, or on zoom. Beginning at 10:00am and going through until 2:00pm on the hour and half hour, September 13, 14 and 15th I’d love to connect. Call it a spiritual check up.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“when he wills his property to his sons, he may not treat as first-born the son of the loved one in disregard of the son of the unloved one who is older.” (Deuteronomy 21:16)
Negotiating the many and varied relationships in our lives is challenging. So many different needs and desires, so many highs and lows, so many different personalities. Some people in our lives must be heard, others are painfully quiet. This is intensified within each family as the obligations are amplified. Each and every person is unique. What one requires may be irrelevant to another. Learning to ask for what you want is only half of the challenge, learning to give what others need, is the other half. May we have the insight to be able to do both of our parts with patience.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Law and Order You shall appoint judges and officers for your tribes, in all the settlements that your God is giving you, and they shall govern the people with due justice. (Deuteronomy 16:18)
As they say on the tv show Law and Order “In the criminal justice system, the people are represented by two separate yet equally important groups: The police, who investigate crime, and the district attorneys, who prosecute the offenders.”
We understand for the judicial system to work many people have to do their specific jobs. We need controls in order for society to work. Internally, we need that as well. Each of us have been endowed with a brain and a heart that regulates how we behave. We make choices every day that require us to use reasoning and use impulse. Finding the balance will help us to find a true and moral path in life.
FinishStrong is back and better than ever. Come back to the great conversation about whatever you want (even though I have some great topics) right after services on Shabbat each week.
As part of our effor to offer our members new and exciting opprtunities we are partnerign with the Jewish Theological Seminary of America to make avaible very interesting classes. Today, at noon is the first. In the future we will be making the information avaible much earlier so you can plan accordingly.
"Questioning the Unquestionable God: A Heart to Heart Mono/Dialogue with God"
"Do not Worship your God in like manner" (Deuteronomy 12:4)
"Just because your friend decides to jump off a bridge doesn't mean you should," is an admonition designed to prevent catastrophe from blindly following others. The flip side of that same idea is find your own path. The great discoveries are made when trying something new. Try something new and you might even discover soemthing new about yourself.
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).
