How We Celebrate "These are the set times of יהוה, the sacred occasions, which you shall celebrate each at its appointed time:" (Leviticus 23:4) One of the common discussions I have with people is how hurt they are when they invite family to their simcha (joyful celebration) such as a bar/bat mitzvah or a wedding or a baby naming/bris and they don’t come. Interestingly enough, I have many conversations with people about how offended they are when they are not invited to those same events. I have therefore, come to the conclusion that it is the people with whom you celebrate that are important, not the band, the food or the venue.
We all understand it is important to celebrate. No doubt the difficulties will find us. However, in celebrating sometimes we lose track of our priorities. It is the people who make the celebration sacred not the amount of money spent.
Sunday, June 1, 2025 8:00pm Tikkun Layl Shavuot 5785 This year for the Tikkun Layl Shavuot we will give people a chance to do some research on one superstition they have always wondered about. It is a little light but I think we can all use a little whimsy. If you have a superstition you woukldl ike to present, please let me know. Each presentation should be about 5 minutes long.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"הוה said to Moses: Tell your brother Aaron that he is not to come at will into the Shrine behind the curtain, in front of the cover that is upon the ark, lest he die; for I appear in the cloud over the cover." (Leviticus 16:2) This verse comes right after the death of Aaron’s two sons. It comes to teach two very important life lessons. 1. Returning to the place of tragedy is horribly painful and 2. When tragedy strikes we may instinctively lash out. After personal or national tragedy, the scene of the event can become a memorial with the specifics of the horror left as a reminder of the fright of that day. We need only recall what has become of the location of the Nova festival in Israel. Some have made it a place of pilgrimage, needing to see for themselves the place. Once we see with our own eyes our response may be rage. In that rage we may retaliate with violence. This, too, has been some people's reaction to October 7th.
This one verse from the Torah explains this will only perpetuate the violence we inflict and feel has been perpetrated against us.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Today, again, I joined with the Westchester community at the Memorial Garden to commemorate Yom HaShaoh. As I have done for the past 10 years I carried the Neuburger Sefer Torah rescued from Germany as I represented our holy community.
As we stood in the solemn stillness of Yom HaShoah, a day etched in the memory of our people, we do so again this year with hearts doubly burdened — carrying not only the unfathomable loss of the six million, but the ongoing pain of those still held captive since October 7th.
A survivor of the Holocaust, reaches across time to remind us: “The world watched us burn once. I fear it is watching again.” And from the depths of that fear rises a defiant breath — the same breath that sustained our people through the Shoah, and now sustains us again, as we wait. As we remember. As we refuse to forget.
A victim of October 7th, whispers: “The waiting is a wound.” And yet, it is a wound we do not bear alone. We can hear the conversations between the sages of pain, the survivors of the Holocaust and their students, the victims of October 7th.
In this interchange between generations of Jewish suffering, we hear the echo of centuries — of exile, of silence, of trauma layered upon trauma. How many times in our history have we commemorated old horrors while enduring new ones? From the destruction of the Temple to the Chmielnicki massacres, from the Shoah to today — we have always lived and mourned in the same breath.
“What is to give light must endure burning,” wrote Viktor Frankl. And so we burn — not with despair, but with the sacred fire of memory, of protest, of prayer. We burn with the promise that we will not let those still in darkness be forgotten. We will speak their names. We will light candles not as a conclusion, but as a call. Today, we remember. And today, we still wait.
But we do not wait in silence.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
וַיַּקְרֵ֖ב אֶת־הָעֹלָ֑ה וַֽיַּעֲשֶׂ֖הָ כַּמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃ He brought forward the burnt offering and sacrificed it according to regulation. (Leviticus 9:16) This week I have added the original Hebrew text so you can see the wordplay. The Hebrew word for sacrifice is Korban (the root of the word is krb). The Hebrew word for to draw close is VaYkrav (the root is also krb). The point of this word association is show that the way the Jewish people would draw close to God was through sacrifice, giving something of themselves This is true of the relationships in which we find ourselves. If we want to deepen our connection to someone else, we must be willing to give something of ourselves. We receive gifts from people on birthdays and anniversaries. This shows people are thinking of us. Some even evaluate how much someone cares about us by the cost of that gift. I would suggest that relationships ought not be evaluated by the gifts that are given on special occasions but by what another person gives us when it is not a special occasion. When people give us their time, attention and presence, that is the true marker of connection.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"It shall not be baked with leaven; I have given it as their portion from My offerings by fire; it is most holy, like the sin offering and the guilt offering." (Leviticus 6:10)
There are a few things in life that we ought not let grow. Arrogance, anger, hate and of course sin are among them. Maybe this is what Chametz is supposed to represent.
This Passover as we make sure to rid our homes of every last piece of leaven and then burn it in preparation for the holiday, maybe we ought to do an internal search as well for those parts of self we have permitted to grow and wish we hadn’t. Maybe we can tamp down the negative self-talk. Maybe we can find a way to be less arrogant or angry.
As we watch our children search with glee for the afikomen, maybe this holiday can be a time of reflection in which we look for the joy in living.
Join me this Shabbat morning for my talk about “What To Do With the Hate.”
Last chance to sell your Chametz - just send me an email with your address and consider it done.
Fast of the First Born - this year takes place on Thursday. If you don’t want to fast, join me for my siyum at 7:00 am this Thursday morning for minyan.
May your Pesach be celebratory and filled with meaning.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"It shall not be baked with leaven; I have given it as their portion from My offerings by fire; it is most holy, like the sin offering and the guilt offering." (Leviticus 6:10)
There are a few things in life that we ought not let grow. Arrogance, anger, hate and of course sin are among them. Maybe this is what Chametz is supposed to represent.
This Passover as we make sure to rid our homes of every last piece of leaven and then burn it in preparation for the holiday, maybe we ought to do an internal search as well for those parts of self we have permitted to grow and wish we hadn’t. Maybe we can tamp down the negative self-talk. Maybe we can find a way to be less arrogant or angry.
As we watch our children search with glee for the afikomen, maybe this holiday can be a time of reflection in which we look for the joy in living.
Join me this Shabbat morning for my talk about “What To Do With the Hate.”
Last chance to sell your Chametz - just send me an email with your address and consider it done.
Fast of the First Born - this year takes place on Thursday. If you don’t want to fast, join me for my siyum at 8:00 am this Thursday morning for minyan.
May your Pesach be celebratory and filled with meaning.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"If your offering is a burnt offering from the herd, you shall make your offering a male without blemish. You shall bring it to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, for acceptance on your behalf before יהוה. " (Leviticus 1:3)
Never sacrifice the good for the perfect is an axiom that recognizes the difficulty of achieving perfection. Understanding that sometimes things must be good enough and not perfect will allow the project and you to move forward. For many, the pursuit of perfection becomes the end in and of itself and they lose perspective on what is truly important.
The sacrificial system, described here in this week’s reading, reminds us that no one is perfect. There must be a way to find forgiveness both for others and for ourselves when we fall short of the mark. God’s gift of the sacrificial system and its successor prayer and good deeds, is the understanding that God continues to accept us no matter what.
Theselling of chametzis an important ritual that requires little effort. It gets you in the mindset of preparing for Passover. If you would like me to sell your Chametz for you,please simply reply to this email with your name and address.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"You shall observe the [Feast of] Unleavened Bread, for on this very day I brought your ranks out of the land of Egypt; you shall observe this day throughout the ages as an institution for all time." (Exodus 12:17) Each of us has special days in our lives. Some of those days are birthdays, days we met our partners, graduation days and the like. These days are important because they represent important milestones. They become markers in our lives against which we are able to measure time. We remember specific events as they relate to others. For example, mom passed away just after we got married. It is how we keep our lives in order. Marking those moments is important and should never be glossed over. Some of those days will be difficult and some will be happy, either way they are important.
The selling of chametz is an important ritual that requires little effort. It gets you in the mindset of preparing for Passover. If you would like me to sell your Chametz for you, please simply reply to this email with your name and address.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"Endowing him with a divine spirit of skill, ability, and knowledge in every kind of craft, and inspiring him. to make designs for work in gold, silver, and copper, to cut stones for setting and to carve wood—to work in every kind of designer’s craft— and to give directions." (Exodus 35:31-33)
We are inspired by people who exhibit great creativity. We are jealous of people who can invent and design, people who think in ways that are different. The poet who can construct a beautiful phrase, an artist who paints a moving portrait can make our heart race. However, just as tremendous as that can be, it is equally fleeting. It is the person who sticks with it day after day who is ultimately most successful. 1% inspiration 99% perspiration is real. A brilliant idea without motivation or even just a plan is worthless. Make a plan and never waste your genius. This week we will be having a special FinishStrong dedicated to learning in the name of a dropped Sefer Torah. How is Possible to Mkae up for Dropping a Sefer Torah On March 1, 2025 one of the Sifrei Torah fell to the ground. This is an unfortunate event and requires a communal response. Please click here and help us respond appropritely.
Please join me as I have the honor to preach at Irvington Presbyterian Church next Sunday, March 23rd at 10:30 am.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“The Jews of old had light, and happiness and joy and love — may it be so for us!” (Esther 8:16) Each week, as we conclude shabbat, we recite the prayer known as havdalah. It is a ceremony in which we engage all of our senses and mark the moment when the holy day of Shabbat fades into the week ahead. In the midst of the ceremony we raise up a candle to dispel the sadness and shed a light unto the world. At that moment in the ceremony we say the quote from above taken from the story of Esther. Our people are often referred to as a light unto the nations. It is because even in the darkest times we have hope for a brighter future. In the terrible story of Haman trying to destroy the Jewish people a hero and heroine arise by the names of Mordecai and Esther and we are saved. In so doing we become an example to people all over the world that they too can overcome oppression.
Megillah reading will be held Thursday evening after our Purim Speil at 6:30pm and again during morning minyan on Friday at 8:00 am.
Please joy me this Shabbat (March 15) as we welcome Reverend Blaine Crawford who will deliver the sermon this shabbat. We will have an opportunity to hear a new voice from our pulpit and further strengthen the connection we have with another faith community in the Rivertowns.
On March 1, 2025 one of the Sifrei Torah fell to the ground. This is an unfortunate event and requires a communal response. Pleaseclick hereand help us respond appropritely.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
You shall further instruct the Israelites to bring you clear oil of beaten olives for lighting, for kindling lamps regularly. (Exodus 27:)
This week's Torah portion begins with the instruction to bring "clean oil of beaten olives." Many commentaries pick up on the phrase "beaten olives" as opposed to "pressed." Inso doing they draw an analogy to the Jewish people who are regularly beaten down. There is no question that this past 16 months have beaten us down. We have felt abandoned by the world as we wait for our hostages, dead or alive to be returned. We have been beaten down by the rise in antisemitism here in America. Yet, we continue to hold out hope for a better future.
In so doing we have become an inspiration to others who have felt beaten down. I speak now specifically to our friends in Ukrainian. We stand with you. Your humiliation is our humiliation. Your pain is our pain. We pray for your bright future.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"These are the gifts that you shall accept from them." (Exodus 25:3) In the previous verse God instructs the Jewish people to bring gifts in order to build the Tabernacle. In this verse God tells Moses what he should accept from them. It is God’s way of saying, we don’t just want your junk, the stuff that has been lying around. There are specific materials that are needed for the building of this holy place. However, there is another significant lesson being taught. Accept the gifts that are given to you. Sometimes in life it is difficult to ask for help and even more challenging to receive it. We think we are self sufficient or we are embarrassed to need help. We live in community and when a person is suffering, it is natural for people to want to help. Let them. When one person experiences loss, people want to do something. Let them.
This week's Shabbat Discussion is entitled "Spiritual Preparation for Passover" Coming Next Month March 20 - 8:00 on zoom athttps://zoom.us/j/95417257214?pwd=NjFENloxOEpGSGhrc1M5dWQ4SG9UQT09Whine and Wine We like to brainstorm ideas about how to survive life. Or just complain. In the past we have talked about raising kids or dealing with aging parents or both at the same time. Well, holidays present their own unique set of challenges, especially Passover. Let's get it all out and talk or just kvetch. March 15th and 23rd Pulpit Swap Reverend Dr. Blaine Crawford and I will be doing a Pulpit Swap. That means he will preach in our community on Shabbat morning March 15th (Note the change in date) then the next week I will be preaching in his church, Irvington Presbyterian Church, the next day Sunday March 23rd. As faith leaders we have so much to share with each other that can inspire. We look forward to meeting new people and showing off our congregations.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
So Moses and his attendant Joshua arose, and Moses ascended the mountain of God. (Exodus 24:13) And so begins the apprenticeship. It is common for wall street firms and law firms to identify students in college or law school who seem to exhibit talents on which they would like to capitalize. They see something in that person. It may be an instinct or it may be grades or it just may be knowing someone who knows them and has made sure their resume got on the right desk. Sometimes it works out and a job is offered upon graduation and sometimes they decide it is not going to work out. That is why they tried them out in the first place. When it doesn’t there is disappointment. Both sides are disappointed because they enter the relationship hoping it will work out. However, there is an understanding that it is better to part ways now than invest more in the arrangement. "No pain, no gain," "Nothing ventured, nothing gained," "You can't win 'em all," "Live and learn," and "Better to have tried and failed than never to have tried at all." You pick the cliche but the lesson is the same.
Mark Your Calendars March 20 Whine and Wine at 8:00 on zoom athttps://zoom.us/j/95417257214?pwd=NjFENloxOEpGSGhrc1M5dWQ4SG9UQT09 We like to brainstorm ideas about how to survive life. Or just complain. In the past we have talked about raising kids or dealing with aging parents or both at the same time. Well, holidays present their own unique set of challenges, especially Passover. Let's get it all out and talk or just kvetch. March 15th and 23rd Pulpit Swap Reverend Dr. Blaine Crawford and I will be doing a Pulpit Swap. That means he will preach in our community on Shabbat morning March 15th (Note the change in date) then the next week I will be preaching in his church, Irvington Presbyterian Church, the next day Sunday March 23rd. As faith leaders we have so much to share with each other that can inspire. We look forward to meeting new people and showing off our congregations.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Enough is Enough “But Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing you are doing is not right; you will surely wear yourself out, and these people as well. For the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone.” (Exodus 18:17-18) Don’t bite off more than you can chew. If you really need help getting something getting something done, ask someone who is very busy. It sounds counterintuitive but it is true. The people who are doers get things done. This brief lesson from Yitro, reminds us that sometimes we are doing a disservice by doing too much. He teaches that burnout is real and if it happens we are of no use to anyone. Knowing when we need a break is difficult. We sometimes feel as though we can just push through and sometimes we can and sometimes we must. However, knowing when we have hit our limit is incredibly important. Only you can decide.
Mark Your Calendars all at 8:00 on zoom at click here February 13 Not all Uncomfortable Conversations Have to Be Difficult We all have to visit someone who is ill, elderly or make a shiva call. In this workshop, I will teach you about how to do that. What is the best way to start? How do you move on from just talking about the weather? And how to end the conversation. No doubt this workshop will deepen every conversation and I look forward to sharing my 30+ years experience in this area. March 20 Whine and Wine We like to brainstorm ideas about how to survive life. Or just complain. In the past we have talked about raising kids or dealing with aging parents or both at the same time. Well, holidays present their own unique set of challenges, especially Passover. Let's get it all out and talk or just kvetch. March 22nd and 23rd Pulpit Swap Reverend Dr. Blaine Crawford and I will be doing a Pulpit Swap. That means he will preach in our community on Shabbat morning March 22nd then the next day I will be preaching in his church, Irvington Presbyterian Church, the next day Sunday March 23rd. As faith leaders we have so much to share with each other that can inspire. We look forward to meeting new people and showing off our congregations.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“And Moses took with him the bones of Joseph, who had exacted an oath from the children of Israel, saying, “God will be sure to take notice of you: then you shall carry up my bones from here with you.” (Exodus 13:19)
Oron Shaul was 21 years old when the military vehicle he was in was blown up during an operation in Gaza City on July 20, 2014, claiming his life and those of six other soldiers. He was finally buried last week 10 years later. He was recovered by an operation in Gaza by the Israeli army. As we watch hostages reunited with families, we can’t help but think about those who will not return alive. With each hostage that emerges from a van or a helicopter, for the families of those who are not onboard there is a pang of terror. They wonder if their child is alive. This verse from this week’s Torah reading reminds us of the brutality of this war. We must continue our efforts to get back our love ones no matter whether they are alive or dead.
Mark Your Calendars all at 8:00 on zoom at https://zoom.us/j/95417257214?pwd=NjFENloxOEpGSGhrc1M5dWQ4SG9UQT09 February 13 Not all Uncomfortable Conversations Have to Be Difficult We all have to visit someone who is ill, elderly or make a shiva call. In this workshop, I will teach you about how to do that. What is the best way to start? How do you move on from just talking about the weather? And how to end the conversation. No doubt this workshop will deepen every conversation and I look forward to sharing my 30+ years experience in this area. March 20 Whine and Wine We like to brainstorm ideas about how to survive life. Or just complain. In the past we have talked about raising kids or dealing with aging parents or both at the same time. Well, holidays present their own unique set of challenges, especially Passover. Let's get it all out and talk or just kvetch. March 22nd and 23rd Pulpit Swap Reverend Dr. Blaine Crawford and I will be doing a Pulpit Swap. That means he will preach in our community on Shabbat morning March 22nd then the next day I will be preaching in his church, Irvington Presbyterian Church, the next day Sunday March 23rd. As faith leaders we have so much to share with each other that can inspire. We look forward to meeting new people and showing off our congregations.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“and that you may recount in the hearing of your child and of your child’s child how I made a mockery of the Egyptians and how I displayed My signs among them—in order that you may know that I am יהוה.” (Exodus 10:2) It is the sentence upon which the Rabbis instruct us to build an elaborate spectacle in order to engage children in recounting the story of Passover. Understanding that each child learns differently, we construct an evening of props and texts and food of all sorts of textures. We have leaning, standing and sitting for those who need to move around a little more than others. We have sweet, savory and bitter foods for the varied palettes. All of this is done in order to engage people from young to more mature in learning the story. The lesson is that we must tell our story. To which, I ask you to do the following thought exercise. And I ask, no matter what age your children are: What are we sharing with our children? What do we want them to know about ourselves?
Mark Your Calendars all at 8:00 on zoom at https://zoom.us/j/95417257214?pwd=NjFENloxOEpGSGhrc1M5dWQ4SG9UQT09 January 30 Religion and Politics Now that President Trump has been inaugurated, it is time to have a serious conversation about the role of religion in politics. Our country has steadfastly stood behind the principle of separation of church and state. But have we? Let's have a serious discussion about the role of religion in shaping society. February 13 Not all Uncomfortable Conversations Have to Be Difficult We all have to visit someone who is ill, elderly or make a shiva call. In this workshop, I will teach you about how to do that. What is the best way to start? How do you move on from just talking about the weather? And how to end the conversation. No doubt this workshop will deepen every conversation and I look forward to sharing my 30+ years experience in this area. March 20 Whine and Wine We like to brainstorm ideas about how to survive life. Or just complain. In the past we have talked about raising kids or dealing with aging parents or both at the same time. Well, holidays present their own unique set of challenges, especially Passover. Let's get it all out and talk or just kvetch. March 22nd and 23rd Pulpit Swap Reverend Dr. Blaine Crawford and I will be doing a Pulpit Swap. That means he will preach in our community on Shabbat morning March 22nd then the next day I will be preaching in his church, Irvington Presbyterian Church, the next day Sunday March 23rd. As faith leaders we have so much to share with each other that can inspire. We look forward to meeting new people and showing off our congregations.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Inner Quiet But when Moses told this to the Israelites, they would not listen to Moses, their spirits crushed by cruel bondage. (Exodus 6:9) I have heard of wives speaking to their husbands while they are watching football and for whatever reason, the husband seems to be listening yet they are unable to even repeat back what the wife just told him. I have heard, as well, that can be extremely frustrating for the wife. Sometimes the husband can actually repeat back the words, however, he still has no idea what she is talking about. I hear that is also upsetting to the wife. Life can be distracting especially when we are suffering. You can have a thousand complaints about your life until you have a real health issue, then you only have one. There are circumstances in our lives in which the entire world goes silent and we can only hear the inner voice of pain. In those moments we need to find an internal quiet so that we can return to the world.
Mark Your Calendars all at 8:00 on zoom at https://zoom.us/j/95417257214?pwd=NjFENloxOEpGSGhrc1M5dWQ4SG9UQT09 January 30 Religion and Politics Now that President Trump has been inaugurated, it is time to have a serious conversation about the role of religion in politics. Our country has steadfastly stood behind the principle of seperation of church and state. But have we? Let's have a serious discussion about the role of religion in shaping society. February 13 Not all Uncomfortable Conversations Have to Be Difficult We all have to visit someone who is ill, elderly or make a shiva call. In this workshop, I will teach you about how to do that. What is the best way to start? How do you move on from just talking about the weather? And how to end the conversation. No doubt this workshop will deepen every conversation and I look forward to sharing my 30+ years experience in this area. March 20 Whine and Wine We like to brainstorm ideas about how to survive life. Or just complain. In the past we have talked about raising kids or dealing with aging parents or both at the same time. Well, holidays present their own unique set of challenges, especially Passover. Let's get it all out and talk or just kvetch.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
ברוך אתה יי אלהינו מלך העולם הטוב והמטיב Baruch atah adonai eloheinu melech ha'olam, hatov vehametiv. Praised are You, Sovereign of the Universe, the Good and the Doer of good.
Upon hearing good news one of the Jewish responses is to offer a blessing. Today we heard great news. The hostages are coming home. Or at least we hope. At this moment people the world over are holding their breath, trying to believe against all odds that this 15 month nightmare may be coming to a close. Maybe the hostages will be returned to their families and this tragedy will finally begin to transform into healing. As the national anthem of the Jewish people declares, עוד לא אבדה תקוותינו our hope will never be destroyed. Yet we worry. Yet we are still sad. Yet we are still angry. Yet we are still frustrated. In this moment we feel so many different things at once. We must hold it all. As I mentioned on Yom Kippur, this has been a year of waiting to exhale. With each passing day we have had to force ourselves to breathe. It seems as though the time has come to let the breath out. It is possible that this might fall apart. It certainly has in the past. However, I cannot give air to that pessimism. Now is the time to breathe out the hatred and blame. As each hostage is returned, may that bring some relief and a commitment to helping them and their families recover. This is not the end. This is a beginning. The first response to this glorious announcement is to offer a blessing. The next response must be to do everything in our power to act as God’s partner in healing the broken hearted.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Fight or Flight "But the more they were oppressed, the more they increased and spread out, so that the [Egyptians] came to dread the Israelites." (Exodus 1:12)
How we respond to any given circumstance is a choice we make. In the case of being attacked, we instinctively respond with fight or flight. Still a choice. Whether it is someone being mean to us or someone showing us love, we have a choice as to how to respond. Some of us understand why we react the way we do and some of us are still learning. That said, how we counter that initial interaction will cause a reply. That is their choice. All we can do is be responsible for ourselves. How they respond is a reflection on themselves. At the end of the day we can only be accountable for our own actions.
This week’s discussion is “Who Do You Think You Are?” can be found at this link
Mark Your Calendars all sessions on Thursdays at 8:00pm on Zoom January 30 Religion and Politics Now that President Trump has been inaugurated, it is time to have a serious conversation about the role of religion in politics. Our country has steadfastly stood behind the principle of seperation of church and state. But have we? Let's have a serious discussion about the role of religion in shaping society.
February 13 Not all Uncomfortable Conversations Have to Be Difficult We all have to visit someone who is ill, elderly or make a shiva call. In this workshop, I will teach you about how to do that. What is the best way to start? How do you move on from just talking about the weather? And how to end the conversation. No doubt this workshop will deepen every conversation and I look forward to sharing my 30+ years experience in this area.
March 20 Whine and Wine We like to brainstorm ideas about how to survive life. Or just complain. In the past we have talked about raising kids or dealing with aging parents or both at the same time. Well, holidays present their own unique set of challenges, especially Passover. Let's get it all out and talk or just kvetch.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"After two years’ time, Pharaoh dreamed that he was standing by the Nile" (Genesis 41:1) This verse informs us that it was two years after Joseph had interpreted dreams for his cellmates and asked that they tell Pharoah about his skills. I imagine Joseph had given up on ever being saved from the dungeons. As I write this message, the hostages have been held for 444 days and it is easy to give up hope of them ever coming home. It is easy to imagine that of the 100 hostages few can possibly be alive. In the Talmud the rabbis speak of יאוש - desperation. For the rabbis, they are speaking of lost items and when you give up hope of ever finding it. We must never give up hope of bringing these poor desperate people home. We all do the calculations of what is reasonable to expect in this week’s news of Hmaas and Israel coming close to a deal. Some may believe we are no closer than we have ever been. Some wait with a glimmer of hope that we are close. As it says in Psalms: הֵ֭מָּה כָּרְע֣וּ וְנָפָ֑לוּ וַאֲנַ֥חְנוּ קַּ֝֗מְנוּ וַנִּתְעוֹדָֽד׃ They collapse and lie fallen, but we rally and gather strength. (20:9) May this Hanukah bring the hostages home and if not may we keep the fight alive for their return. This week’s discussion is called “You Can Run but You Cannot Hide” click here for source sheet.
These are the names and ages of the 100 hostages still held captive. Tamir Adar (38) Muhammad Al-Atarash (39) Hisham Al-Sayed (36) Hamzah AlZayadni (23) Yosef AlZayadni (53) Liri Albag (19) Edan Alexander (20) Matan Angrest (20) Karina Ariev (20) Aviv Atzili (49) Sahar Baruch (24) Uriel Baruch (35) Ohad Ben Ami (55) Agam Berger (20) Gali Berman (27) Ziv Berman (27) Ariel Bibas (5) Kfir Bibas (1.5) Shiri Bibas (33) Yarden Bibas (35) Elkana Bohbot (35) Rom Braslavski (21) Itay Chen (19) Sagui Dekel Chen (36) Eliya Cohen (27) Nimrod Cohen (20) Amiram Cooper (85) Bar Cooperstein (22) Ariel Cunio (27) David Cunio (34) Emily Damari (28) Evyatar David (23) Itzhak Elgarat (69) Ronen Engel (54) Daniella Gilboa (20) Guy Gilboa-Dalal (23) Meny Godard (73) Hadar Goldin (23) Romi Gonen (24) Ran Gvili (24) Gad Haggai (72) Judi Weinstein Haggai (70) Tal Haimi (41) Inbar Hayman (27) Maxim Herkin (36) Eitan Horn (38) Yair Horn (46) Tzachi Idan (50) Guy Illouz (26) Bipin Joshi (24) Ofer Kalderon (54) Segev Kalfon (26) Ofra Keidar (70) Bar Abraham Kupershtein (23) Solasak Lamanao (30) Eitan Levi (53) Shay Levinson (19) Naama Levy (20) Or Levy (34) Oded Lifshitz (84) Shlomo Mantzur (86) Eliyahu Margalit (75) Avera Mangisto (38) Omri Miran (47) Joshua Loitu Mollel (21) Eitan Abraham Mor (24) Gadi Moshe Mozes (80) Pinta Natthaphong (35) Omer Neutra (21) Tamir Nimrodi (20) Yosef-Chaim Ohana (24) Alon Ohel (23) Sontia Ok’Krasari (30) Avinatan Or (31) Dror Or (48) Daniel Oz (19) Daniel Peretz (22) Sontisek Rintalk (43) Lior Rudaeff (61) Banawat Saithiao (27) Yonatan Samerano (21) Eli Sharabi (52) Yossi Sharabi (53) Oron Shaul (21) Omer Shem-Tov (22) Tal Shoham (39) Idan Shtivi (28) Keith Samuel Siegel (65) Doron Steinbrecher (31) Sathian Suwannakham (34) Pongsak Thaenna (35) Alexanrdre Sasha Troufanov (29) Sriuan Watchara (32) Ilan Weiss (56) Omer Wenkert (23) Yair Yaakov (59) Ohad Yahalomi (50) Arbel Yehoud (29) Arieh Zalmanowicz (85) Matan Zangauker (24)
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Vayetzei (Genesis 28:10) - Vayishlach (32:4) - Vayeshev (37:1) He went out - he sent - he settled.
What stage do we think will be the best? Why? What are we looking forward to? Why? Why do we move from one stage to another?
The names of these three portions speak to different stages in Jacob’s life but could easily be ours. We set out on our lives including careers, relationships, and family. We consciously make decisions about how and when we want to move to the next stage and then life happens. More importantly, what do we take with us through each stage? When we decide to live with certain values, we are better able to negotiate each new stage. When we take with us honesty, integrity and gratitude, no matter what stage we find ourselves in, we will be able to handle whatever comes our way.
This week’s D’var Torah “Hear Me, Listen to Me, Pay Attention to Me” you can find thesource sheet here.
Please join me for “FinishStrong” this week. It is an open ended conversation after lunch on Shabbat morning. You certainly will leave with something to think about.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"But as she breathed her last—for she was dying—she named him Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin." (Genesis 35:18) Singular moments in our lives can define us. They don’t have to, yet they often do. What we must not permit to happen is being defined by someone else. Friends describe us, co-workers label us, siblings pigeonhole us and parents name us. At this moment Rachel, in agony, names her son, “child of my suffering.” Then she passes away. Jacob renames his son, “child of my right hand.” With a few letter changes, Jacob changes the narrative of his son’s life. Singular moments in our lives can define us. They don’t have to if we properly name them. This week’s sermon is, “The Whole Nine Yards.” We look forward to celebrating with Natalie Kushner this shabbat for her bat mitzvah and we extend a hearty Mazel tov to her parents Roy and Dalia and her brother Emet.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"But as she breathed her last—for she was dying—she named him Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin." (Genesis 35:18) Singular moments in our lives can define us. They don’t have to, yet they often do. What we must not permit to happen is being defined by someone else. Friends describe us, co-workers label us, siblings pigeonhole us and parents name us. At this moment Rachel, in agony, names her son, “child of my suffering.” Then she passes away. Jacob renames his son, “child of my right hand.” With a few letter changes, Jacob changes the narrative of his son’s life. Singular moments in our lives can define us. They don’t have to if we properly name them. This week’s sermon is, “The Whole Nine Yards.” We look forward to celebrating with Natalie Kushner this shabbat for her bar mitzvah and we extend a hearty Mazel tov to her parents Roy and Dalia and her brother Emet.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"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
Welcome to Rabbi's Corner. This is a stream of Rabbi Stein's דברי תורה (divrei torah, words of Torah).
