Passing the Torch "Strip Aaron of his vestments and put them on his son Eleazar."(Numbers 20:26)
There are moments in life when we willingly pass the torch from one generation to the next and there are times when it is forced upon us. Either way, it is painful. Letting go of tasks that define us is hard. Often we believe we are what we do. No one can take from you who you are and if you work at it, you will never lose track of it either.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"God said to Aaron: You and your sons and the ancestral house under your charge shall bear any guilt connected with the sanctuary; you and your sons alone shall bear any guilt connected with your priesthood." (Numbers 18:1)
We are responsible not only for what we do but also for the establishments that are important to us. In the wake of the incredible conflict within our country we must ask ourselves if we are doing enough to uphold those institutions that need our support. We often ask, how does this place or that organization serve me? Might we also ask, how can I serve them?
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Mob Mentality "As the whole community threatened to pelt them with stones, the Presence of יהוה appeared in the Tent of Meeting to all the Israelites." (Numbers 14:10)
A dear friend taught me everything I know about hockey. He took me to games and spoke of the nuances of the game. He had played goalie for Sorbonne University having arrived in Paris a refugee of the Holocaust.
At some point each game, in order to further the enjoyment of the fans, they would project a loud-o-meter. It measured how loud the fans could become in cheering for their team. As the crowd would yell and the decibel level would rise, the meter reflected the crowd's efforts which egged them on even further.
My friend would turn to me and say each time that he loathed this activity. He was fearful of a mob mentality. Working a crowd into lather is dangerous. Following a crowd that has been riled up can and often leads to people getting hurt and sometimes people die. So next time your internal meter of this sort of behavior goes off, get out.
AUF RUF: GAVI STEIN AND EVAN KLEIN SATURDAY, JULY 2, 9:30am Sharon and I invite you to celebrate the upcoming marriage of Gavi Stein and Evan Klein on Saturday morning, July 2, 2022, 9:30 am. Please, please RSVP so the catering group knows how much to prepare. RSVP to RabbiJaystein@gmail.com MAZEL TOV TO GAVI AND EVAN!
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“For they are formally assigned to Me from among the Israelites: I have taken them for Myself in place of all the first issue of the womb, of all the male first-born of the Israelites.” (Numbers 8:16)
Substitutions are just practical. We do it when we order food at a restaurant. We do it in sports. We take what was supposed to be there and put something else in its place. It's not always ideal but we make it work. Understanding that sometimes the ideal is unachievable gives us permission to find others ways of being. There is something liberating in recognizing our limitations and then finding ways of being enough.
Sharon and I invite you to celebrate the upcoming marriage of Gavi Stein and Evan Klein on Saturday morning, July 2, 2022, 9:30 am. Please, please RSVP by replying to this email, so the catering group knows how much to prepare.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Your Anxiety Lies to You “[B]ut a fit of jealousy comes over him and he is wrought up about the wife who has defiled herself—or if a fit of jealousy comes over him and he is wrought up about his wife although she has not defiled herself” (Numbers 5:14)
Don’t believe everything you think. Your anxiety lies to you. Check yourself before you wreck yourself. These phrases are terrific ways to begin the process of a reality check. When our minds begin to spiral out of control and the stories we tell ourselves begin to impact others we need to second guess our thinking. It is one thing to self sabotage, it is another to inflict that suffering on others.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"God spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai" (Number 4:1)
We need to find the silence of the wilderness to hear God speaking to us. We must clear away all distractions and find moments of quiet is difficult in this world of constant contact. The connection we desperately need is with God who can give us direction in this world that seems to have become so chaotic.
Tikkun Layl Shavuot this Saturday evening June 4 at 9:00 pm beginning with Maariv and then Zoom at 9:15 when shabbat is over. For the zoom link click her.
Last chance to submit the text you will be teaching for our Tikkun Layl Shavuot. In order to be able to make the texts available to everyone I need to assemble them. I am happy to help you locate one if you would like to teach.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Each week in The Prayer for Peace we say the sentence from this week's Torah portion, וְנָתַתִּ֤י שָׁלוֹם֙ בָּאָ֔רֶץ וּשְׁכַבְתֶּ֖ם וְאֵ֣ין מַחֲרִ֑יד וְהִשְׁבַּתִּ֞י חַיָּ֤ה רָעָה֙ מִן־הָאָ֔רֶץ וְחֶ֖רֶב לֹא־תַעֲבֹ֥ר בְּאַרְצְכֶֽם׃" I will grant peace in the land, and you shall lie down untroubled by anyone; I will give the land respite from vicious beasts, and no sword shall cross your land." (Leviticus 26:6)
Last Saturday night I left for Israel in order to participate in an interfaith clergy trip to Israel. The goal of the trip was to learn how to promote greater understanding. It was at the airport I learned of the shooting in Buffalo, NY. I arrived home yesterday only to hear the news today of the shooting in Uvaide, TX.
I cannot help but wonder if we will ever find peace and what it will take for our society to realize it is in our hands to repair this world.
May we wake tomorrow to a world ready to meet this challenge.
(I shared this message at our Board meeting tonight)
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Be Kind Anyway וּפָנִ֣יתִי אֲלֵיכֶ֔ם וְהִפְרֵיתִ֣י אֶתְכֶ֔ם וְהִרְבֵּיתִ֖י אֶתְכֶ֑ם וַהֲקִימֹתִ֥י אֶת־בְּרִיתִ֖י אִתְּכֶֽם׃ I will look with favor upon you, and make you fertile and multiply you; and I will maintain My covenant with you. (Leviticus 26:9) Keeping up our side of the agreement is important not just for those with whom we have made a deal but it is important for ourselves. “People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies. Succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you. Be honest and frank anyway. What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight. Build anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God. It was never between you and them anyway.” Mother Teresa
Please join us this Shabbat as our Rabbinic intern Sara Birbaum makes her teaching debut at our synagogue.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"If your kin under you continue in straits (literally stumbles) and must be given over to you, do not subject them to the treatment of a slave." (Leviticus 25:35)
Getting back up after a fall becomes increasingly more difficult as we get older. As we age we may need assistance when in the past it wasn’t necessary. Knowing when to ask for help is something we try to teach our children and we often forget about ourselves.
Resilience "Command the Israelite people to bring you clear oil of beaten olives for lighting, for kindling lamps regularly." (Leviticus 24:2) Is it really true that “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger?” I don’t think so. Sometimes it just leaves us diminished. However, there is truth to the idea that pushing ourselves does build muscle, whether that be physical or emotional. We do find greater resilience when we discover the depths of our abilities and that sometimes comes when being tested. The eternal light of our indomitable spirit is found in the many challenges we have faced and survived.
Naval Birshut HaTorah - A scoundrel in the bounds of the Torah (Maimonides)
Anytime your response to a situation is, “I am well within my rights” it is time to reevaluate your actions. It is possible to live within the confines of the law while behaving in ways that are wrong. There are any number of ways to circumvent the laws both within our society and our tradition and still live a life that is reprehensible.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Negative Self-Talk Making expiation for himself and for the people. (Leviticus 16:24) The Mishna explains that before we can ask forgiveness from God, we must first make up with each other. (Yoma 8:9)
What if this statement read “making expiation to himself and to the people. How many times have we done harm to ourselves? How often do we forgive ourselves? Regularly we use language with ourselves that is damaging. Do we even recognize when we have done so? Negative self-talk is as hurtful, maybe even more so than when it comes from others. In the Beginning: Adult Discussion of GenesisWednesday evening, April 27 at 8:00 click here for link
Community Wide Yom HaShoah Commemoration Thursday, April 28 at noon Garden of Remembrance 148 Martine Avenue, White Plains
Yom HaShoah Speaker Toby Levy will address our GHC Community Sunday, May 1 at 10:30am click here for link
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Choose Healing over Suffering בִּנְפֹ֣ל (אויביך) [א֭וֹיִבְךָ] אַל־תִּשְׂמָ֑ח וּ֝בִכָּשְׁל֗וֹ אַל־יָגֵ֥ל לִבֶּֽךָ׃ If your enemy falls, do not exult; If he trips, let your heart not rejoice, (Proverbs 24:17) Near the end of the seder we proclaim, “Pour out Your wrath on the nations who do not know You.” It is a moment of extraordinary courage. We say, to the world loud and clear, that we seek the demise of those who want to hurt us. In every generation we can easily name those who are our latest and most dangerous adversary. The instinct is to want their destruction and maybe after a few cups of wine we are even more emboldened. Haven’t we had enough violence? Haven’t we had enough hatred? Haven’t we had enough pain? This year I ask you to substitute the statement of suffering witha statement of healing. ”If your enemy falls, do not exult; If he trips, let your heart not rejoice,” (Proverbs 24:17) and begin the healing this world desperately needs. As it says in Exodus 15:26 [God] said, “If you will heed your God יהוה diligently, doing what is upright in God’s sight, giving ear to God’s commandments and keeping all God’s laws, then I will not bring upon you any of the diseases that I brought upon the Egyptians, for I יהוה am your healer.” Chag Kasher V’Sameach
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"The one to be purified shall wash those clothes, shave off all hair, and bathe in water—and then shall be pure. After that, the camp may be entered but one must remain outside one’s tent for seven days." (Leviticus 14:8)
We all need a fresh start sometimes. Sometimes permission for starting over comes from someone else and sometimes it is a gift we must give ourselves. The holiday of Passover, which should be on all of our minds, has us cleaning our homes. Maybe we ought to give ourselves permission to clear out the negativity we all feel and start with a clean slate.
The sermon this week will be “Enjoying Passover is a Matter of Changing our Expectations”
If you want me to sell your chametz, simply reply to the email with your address ASAP.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"The priest shall examine the affection on the skin of the body:"(Leviticus 13:3) In the ancient world upon discovering symptoms of disease a religious leader was consulted. Today, I pray the first call is to a medical professional. However, maybe the second should be to your rabbi. Not only do I want to know what is going on in your life and I want to add my prayers to yours and your family members, I want to be there to listen. When confronted by illness, we can become afraid and having someone to listen to our fears is a critical component to recovery. When our bodies fail us, we need to remember to care not just for our physical ailments but to listen to our hearts and minds as well. Body, mind and heart go together. Doctors are specialists for our bodies. Psychologists are specialists for our minds. And dare I say it, clergy are specialists for our souls.
There is still time to sell your chametz - just reply to this email with your address and I will take care of it for you.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
This is the ritual law that יהוה has commanded: Instruct the Israelite people to bring you a red cow without blemish, in which there is no defect and on which no yoke has been laid. (19:2) This Shabbat we have one of the four special reading as we prepare for Passover. Its message is simple. Don’t sacrifice the good for the perfect. As we get ready for having family gather around, we know there will be tension. Arguments may break out but if we lower the expectation maybe the volume can be lowered as well. Recognizing there will be spills of wine and emotion may be the key to enjoying the time together more. If you would like me to sell your Chametz, please respond to this email with your name and address. This must be done by April 14th, 2022 at 8:00am
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
The fire on the altar shall be kept burning, not to go out: every morning the priest shall feed wood to it, lay out the burnt offering on it, and turn into smoke the fat parts of the offerings of well-being. (Leviticus 6:5)
Most things in life requires regular maintenance. Our relationships, our careers, our homes and even ourselves all require regular conservation. Just like the passion of new love, without attention the spark can go out. We must nurture those parts of our lives so that we can survive.
If you would like me to sell your Chametz, please respond to this email with your name and address. This must be done by April 14th, 2022 at 8:00am
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“the term ויקר, comes from the root ,קרה, which means is connected with” - Rashi The first word of this week's portion is spelled with a small aleph. Rashi explains why. His point is simple. The entire book of Leviticus centers on the Tabernacle and sacrifice and it is possible we will lose sight of the central role of the priestly cult and that is bringing us together, finding a place to meet.
For two years we have been starved for each other. Now is the time to come back. Do whatever you need to feel comfortable, but come back. This past week, we had nearly 40 people in person. This past Sunday, for the first time in two years we gathered as a school for Havdallah. It is time to come back. Come with a mask, come without one. Come for services, come for a class, come for kiddush. Come just to see a friend. If you would like me to sell your Hametz please respond to this email with your name and address. This must be done by April 14th, 2022 at 8:00am
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“the term ויקר, comes from the root ,קרה, which means is connected with” - Rashi The first word of this week's portion is spelled with a small aleph. Rashi explains why. His point is simple. The entire book of Leviticus centers on the Tabernacle and sacrifice and it is possible we will lose sight of the central role of the priestly cult and that is bringing us together, finding a place to meet.
For two years we have been starved for each other. Now is the time to come back. Do whatever you need to feel comfortable, but come back. This past week, we had nearly 40 people in person. This past Sunday, for the first time in two years we gathered as a school for Havdallah. It is time to come back. Come with a mask, come without one. Come for services, come for a class, come for kiddush. Come just to see a friend. If you would like me to sell your Hametz please respond to this email wilt your name and address. This must be done by April 14th, 2022 at 8:00am
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“the term ויקר, comes from the root ,קרה, which means is connected with” - Rashi The first word of this week's portion is spelled with a small aleph. Rashi explains why. His point is simple. The entire book of Leviticus centers on the Tabernacle and sacrifice and it is possible we will lose sight of the central role of the priestly cult and that is bringing us together, finding a place to meet.
For two years we have been starved for each other. Now is the time to come back. Do whatever you need to feel comfortable, but come back. This past week, we had nearly 40 people in person. This past Sunday, for the first time in two years we gathered as a school for Havdallah. It is time to come back. Come with a mask, come without one. Come for services, come for a class, come for kiddush. Come just to see a friend. If you would like me to seel your Hametz please respond to this email will your name and address. This must be done by April 14th, 2022 at 8:00am
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"And speak to the Israelite people, as follows: This shall be an anointing oil sacred to Me throughout the ages." (Exodus 30:31) Think of something you admire in someone close to you. Appreciate that quality. Now take a moment to think how you might incorporate that characteristic into your life. Carry that with you as you dedicate yourself to becoming a better version of who you already are.
Please join me for: “In The Beginning: A Study of the book of Genesis” No prior attendance needed. Wednesday, February 16, evening at 8:00 on Zoom click here for link
Book Club - Concealed Tuesday, February 22, 10:00 am: on zoom click here for link
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
These are the vestments they are to make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a fringed Others “checkered.” tunic, a headdress, and a sash. They shall make those sacral vestments for your brother Aaron and his sons, for priestly service to Me; (Exodus 28:4)
Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Clothes make the man. How you dress says a lot about who you are. While none of that may be true, how we dress does have an impact on how we feel about ourselves. During COVID many people's wardrobe changed dramatically, now it's time to get dressed again. Part of a return to normal life (whatever that may look like) is taking steps to feel normal. Getting dressed is one of them.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Raiders of the Lost Ark And deposit in the Ark [the tablets of] the Pact which I will give you. (Exodus 25:16) After reading Under Jerusalem, the last book of our book club, I am convinced archeology is just another version of idol worship. When we place power in material objects we relinquish control of our own destiny. To believe in God is to reject the influence of trinkets and amulets. The strength of Torah is in its insight and guidance. Objects should be a reminder of the meaning with which they have been imbued.Objects can influence our sense of purpose but must not be an end in and of themselves.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Don’t Jump Off a Bridge You shall neither side with the mighty (Others says “multitude.”) to do wrong—you shall not give perverse testimony in a dispute so as to pervert it in favor of the mighty (Exodus 23:2) Deciding when to break from the herd and when to follow the herd is growing ever more difficult as the information we get from so many different sources leaves us wondering what is the best path for us individually. It is hard to know who’s approach will be most successful. Even if we know what we want to accomplish, it is often difficult to know what the right path is to get there. Certainly, following the majority isn’t always the best route. Maintaining perspective is difficult especially when so many others have lost theirs. As my mother often said to me when responding to my statement, “but everyone was doing it,” she would say, “just because everyone is jumping off a bridge doesn’t mean you should.”
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"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 18:18) In our desire to help people we care about, we sometime over extend ourselves. When we forget to care for ourselves we become run down and are of no good to anyone. If you are being stretched beyond your limits, take note and take time for yourself. Do it for yourself and ultimately for those around you.
My classes are coming back: "In the Beginning: A Class on Genesis"Wednesday night, January 19 at 8:00 pm. only on zoom click here for link "Gender Roles in the Talmud: One Fascinating Story" FinishStrong right after Kiddush on Shabbat January 22. (Green Team Shabbat) Only in person Book Club - Under Jerusalem,Tuesday, January 25, 10:00 am only on zoom click here for link and /or Thursday, January 27, 8:00 pm only on zoom click here for link
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
One of the blessings we recite every morning is ברוך אתה ה´ אלוקינו מלך העולם מתיר אסורים “Who releases the captive.” This morning that blessing seems even more poignant. Thanks to a coordinated effort of local, state and federal law enforcement, together with God's help not a single hostage or responder was hurt.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
This morning we read of the liberation of the Jews from the slavery in Egypt. We broke out into the song at the sea in our redemption.
As the situation at the Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville is still fluid I ask that each of us take a moment to pray for those who are still being held against their will and for members of law enforcement who stand in harm's way in the protection of our fellow citizens.
We realize as members of the Jewish community of the dangers of living in a world filled with such hatred and anger that we are often caught in the crosshairs. Be assured our congregation continues to be diligent in our security measures even as we face the challenges of COVID.
We are always vigilant in our own protection.
Even as we pray for the families and bring support to those who lost their lives and were displaced from their homes in a terrible fire in the Bronx this past week, we recognize we are all children of God and we will not permit acts of terrorism to divide us.
May this week bring a quick resolution without incidents to this circumstance and may we find reason to sing once again. Shavua Tov.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Now when Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although it was nearer; for God said, “The people may have a change of heart when they see war, and return to Egypt.” (Exodus 13:17) “Are we there yet?” We look forward to the destination sometimes without noticing the importance of the journey. ““The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” ― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
Finish Strong is returning Shabbat, January 22, 2022 "Green Team Shabbat"
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Darkest Before the Dawn "They hid all the land from view, and the land was darkened;" (Exodus 10:15)
Some say, “it is darkest before the dawn.” Until the light shines we must make sure to help each other through the darkness.
A prayer from Marquette University May we who are merely inconvenienced remember those whose lives are at stake. May we who have no risk factors remember those most vulnerable. May we who have the luxury of working from home remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent. May we who have to cancel our trips remember those that have no place to go. May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market remember those who have no margin at all. May we who settle in for a quarantine at home remember those who have no home. During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other, let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors. Amen.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, that I may multiply My signs and marvels in the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 7:3) Sometimes when we say things over and over trying to convince others of our worth, we might reflect on whether or not it is they whom we are trying to convince. It is possible that others don’t need convincing of our value, it is only us who need it. Then others will follow.
Please stay safe!
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org