"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
"The end of the matter; all has been heard.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13: ) I prefer the phrase "it all comes out in the wash.” They don’t exactly mean the exact same thing, however it is pretty close. Each of us has told someone a secret only to find that it becomes public. We either become defensive and deny we ever said it or mortified that the information has gotten out. Either way, we wish we had not told the secret in the first place. Either we are upset because our judgment was flawed in trusting the person we trusted or we are upset with the person for spilling the beans. No matter, we should not have spoken out of turn. Maybe we all ought to make this a New year’s resolution. Just tell fewer secrets.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
There are four kinds of temperaments: Easy to become angry, and easy to be appeased: his gain disappears in his loss; Hard to become angry, and hard to be appeased: his loss disappears in his gain; Hard to become angry and easy to be appeased: a pious person; Easy to become angry and hard to be appeased: a wicked person. (Pirkei Avot 5:11) יהוה passed before him and proclaimed: “!יהוה! יהוה a God compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in kindness and faithfulness, (Exodus 34:6)
Slow to anger and easy to forgive. In this season of the year, we are concerned with the idea of forgiveness. We think about who has wronged us and whom we have wronged. We ask God for forgiveness and we try our best to forgive ourselves. Often we conceive of God as embodying the best of ourselves. We attach human traits to God so that we can relate to God. We think of God as compassionate and at times we ask God to exact judgment without bias. Sometimes we seek God’s grace regardless of the transgression we commit. Now apply it to yourself. Strive to be your best self and you will discover something divine. This week’s Shabbat discussion will be entitled “Where is God?”
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
He said to them: I am now one hundred and twenty years old, I can no longer be active. Moreover, יהוה has said to me, “You shall not go across yonder Jordan.” (Deuteronomy 31:2) This sentence has become the common wish given on a person’s birthday: “you should live to 120” or as some say “you should live to 100 and be like 20.” Either way, it is clear that according to Moses, he has lived a full life and now that he is coming to the end, he is satisfied with all that he has accomplished.
Moses is teaching an extraordinary lesson. We should remain productive all the way to the end. Retirement should mean having time to do those things that you have always wanted to do. Yes we all need down time. We all need vacations and respite from the difficult tasks in our lives. However, that should lead to greater productivity when you return. So many return home after time away more tired than they were before. Yet the change breathes a new energy, a new perspective critical enhanced productivity.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
When you enter the land that your God יהוה is giving you as a heritage, and you possess it and settle in it, you shall take some of every first fruit of the soil, which you harvest from the land that your God יהוה is giving you, put it in a basket and go to the place where your God יהוה will choose to establish the divine name. (Deuteronomy 26:1-2)
Parents will easily remember a time when their children came home from school proclaiming, “Look what I made.” From those early days we have learned to take pride in our accomplishments. And there is great satisfaction in making something. A member of our congregation, when we were in the city together, once said, with great pride, “I arranged the financing for that building.” It stuck with me because of the joy that comes with bringing something into this world.
There is great satisfaction in making something with your own two hands. The rabbis remind us of the importance of being a productive member of society. We must contribute to the greater good. While it is much easier to look at a cabinet you may have built or a piece of art you created, there are other ways to contribute. Find your skill and your talent and share it.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“When you [an Israelite warrior] take the field against your enemies, and your God יהוה delivers them into your power and you take some of them captive.” (Deuteronomy 21:10)
Two very important ideas spring forth from the opening sentence of this week’s Torah reading.
The text says, “when” not “if.” This specific reading suggests that war is inevitable. 1. Already thousands of years ago humanity has already resigned to the fact that international conflict is unavoidable. 2. And when wars occur there are rules even in such chaos.
Each of us needs to ask ourselves about the inevitability of the war in Gaza and are the combatants who embroiled in the conflict executing the war with any sense of the rules of war? Every war has collateral damage and that is sad. We must pray for those who have been placed in harm’s way either because there is nowhere else to go or because they are being used as human shields. However, Hamas, I must remind you is a terrorist organization, could end the conflict tomorrow by laying down their weapons and giving back those civilians they have ruthlessly tortured for nearly a year. Women, men and children who have been torn from family and friends. There is not a day that goes by that the first thought and the last thought of everyday are the hostages and their families being held captive. This has to end. May God help return every remaining hostage be returned to their families and may the forces of evil see their demise speedily in our day.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Justice, justice shall you pursue, that you may thrive and occupy the land that your God יהוה is giving you. (Deuteronomy 16:20) The above quote coupled with “you shall proclaim liberty throughout the land”(Leviticus 25:10) the Torah implores us to understand the centrality of justice and freedom. It is what my heart longs for more and more. Every day for the last 332 days I have wavered between my desire for liberty and my yearning for justice. I want liberty for those still held and justice for those who have been killed. With the news this past Sunday of the death of 6 more hostages I lean towards what will justice for killing these 6 innocent people look like and will we know when we see it. Will Hamas ever be held accountable and who will exact it? “Justice justice you shall pursue” and “you shall proclaim liberty throughout the land” are two sides of the same coin. Without one there can never be the other.
Starting this week! Wednesday evenings from 8:00-9:00 September 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2024 This four-week course is for individuals of all experience levels. Throughout the course, we will learn the most commonly recited Jewish prayers and blessings. The class will be conducted using transliteration, which means the Hebrew text will be presented alongside phonetic pronunciation for ease of learning. The essential prayers and blessings we will cover include the High Holy Day blessings, Shabbat blessings, Aliyot for Torah reading, and core prayers like the Shema and V’ahavta. By the end of this course, you will be able to actively participate in Jewish rituals and ceremonies with confidence. Registering is a must by rsvping to Rabbistein@ghcny.org When you register I will provide the link.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Being Jewish Intentionally “Be careful to observe only that which I enjoin upon you: neither add to it nor take away from it.” (Deuteronomy 13:1)
The Torah enjoins us not to make the commandments so onerous that people decide to walk away from the system entirely. On the other side, the Torah reminds us that a system without any standards becomes meaningless. We all know that every Jew no matter movement affiliation or level of connection choses what he/she wants to follow. For each of us we decide which commandments are more or less meaningful. For some the meaning comes first and for others the practice comes first. However, no matter the goal is to engage everyone at a level that works for them. Judaism should have a low barrier for entry but not so low it no longer looks like Judaism. As the summer draws to a close and a new year is about to begin, we should make the right choices for each of us and we should do that intentionally.
Wednesday evenings from 8:00-9:00 September 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2024 This four-week course is for individuals of all experience levels. Throughout the course, we will learn the most commonly recited Jewish prayers and blessings. The class will be conducted using transliteration, which means the Hebrew text will be presented alongside phonetic pronunciation for ease of learning. The essential prayers and blessings we will cover include the High Holy Day blessings, Shabbat blessings, Aliyot for Torah reading, and core prayers like the Shema and V’ahavta. By the end of this course, you will be able to actively participate in Jewish rituals and ceremonies with confidence. Registering is a must by rsvping to Rabbistein@ghcny.org so I know if we have enough interest to run this course. Additionally, you can let me know what you are most interested in. This course will be held on zoom. I will be providing t
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Little by Little Your God יהוה will dislodge those peoples before you little by little; you will not be able to put an end to them at once, else the wild beasts would multiply to your hurt. (Deuteronomy 7:22) If you have ever felt overwhelmed it is because there is too much going on all at once. When we have demands of family, work, health and friends, we can easily find there is nothing left for ourselves. The words מְעַ֣ט מְעָ֑ט mean little by little is good advice. When you have too much ahead of yourself to accomplish, use the phrase מְעַ֣ט מְעָ֑ט - little by little, to take a minute to compose yourself. You might even decide to make a list and take on each item one by one.
Wednesday evenings from 8:00-9:00 September 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2024 This four-week course is for individuals of all experience levels. Throughout the course, we will learn the most commonly recited Jewish prayers and blessings. The class will be conducted using transliteration, which means the Hebrew text will be presented alongside phonetic pronunciation for ease of learning. The essential prayers and blessings we will cover include the High Holy Day blessings, Shabbat blessings, Aliyot for Torah reading, and core prayers like the Shema and V’ahavta. By the end of this course, you will be able to actively participate in Jewish rituals and ceremonies with confidence. Registering is a must by rsvping to Rabbistein@ghcny.org so I know if we have enough interest to run this course. Additionally, you can let me know what you are most interested in. This course will be held on zoom. I will be providing the link when you register.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"We will dance again.” These are the words that Mia Schem had inked onto her arm, above the date 7.10.23, following her release from Gaza after 55 harrowing days in captivity. The sentiment of eternal hope for a better future is resonant from the national anthem of the The State of Israel, Hatikvah - The Hope. Today is Tisha B'av, the day set aside recalling the many tragedies in Jewish history, first and foremost the destruction of the Temples in 586 BCE and 70 CE. While the reasons for the destruction have long been laid out before us from outside enemies to internal division. And no doubt those lessons still apply. Yet we are still here. We are resilient. We survive against all odds. While we are living right now through our own Tisha B'av experience beginning on October 7, 2023, we yet hope and pray that healing is at hand.
This Shabbat Discussion will be: "There is Enough Blame to Go Around"
Wednesday evenings from 8:00-9:00 September 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2024 This four-week course is for individuals of all experience levels. Throughout the course, we will learn the most commonly recited Jewish prayers and blessings. The class will be conducted using transliteration, which means the Hebrew text will be presented alongside phonetic pronunciation for ease of learning. The essential prayers and blessings we will cover include the High Holy Day blessings, Shabbat blessings, Aliyot for Torah reading, and core prayers like the Shema and V’ahavta. By the end of this course, you will be able to actively participate in Jewish rituals and ceremonies with confidence. Registering is a must by rsvping to Rabbistein@ghcny.org so I know if we have enough interest to run this course. Additionally, you can let me know what you are most interested in. This course will be held on zoom. I will be providing the link when you register.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
אֵיכָ֥ה אֶשָּׂ֖א לְבַדִּ֑י טׇרְחֲכֶ֥ם וּמַֽשַּׂאֲכֶ֖ם וְרִֽיבְכֶֽם׃ "How can I bear unaided the trouble of you, and the burden, and the bickering!" (Deuteronomy 1:12) The first word of this sentence in Hebrew is Eicha. In English there is a book of the Torah known as Eicha, which means Lamentations. It is read on the Tisha B’av which will be observed beginning August 12th at night and going through August 13. It commemorates the destruction of both the first and second Temples and is considered one of the worst days in the Jewish year. Here, Moses recalls a time when it was too difficult to lead the Jewish people by himself. It is interesting to note that until this moment he wasn’t leading the Jewish people by himself, he had Miriam and Aaron to help. However, it was still too much and so he assigns judges from every tribe to assist him. This verse, therefore, teaches two important lessons.
When you become overwhelmed, you sometimes forget there are those already in your life ready to help. You may have just lost sight of them in your emotions.
When you become overwhelmed, ask for help.
This week’s Shabbat discussion will be about “The Triangulated Relationship.”
Wednesday evenings from 8:00-9:00 September 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2024 This four-week course is for individuals of all experience levels. Throughout the course, we will learn the most commonly recited Jewish prayers and blessings. The class will be conducted using transliteration, which means the Hebrew text will be presented alongside phonetic pronunciation for ease of learning. The essential prayers and blessings we will cover include the High Holy Day blessings, Shabbat blessings, Aliyot for Torah reading, and core prayers like the Shema and V’ahavta. By the end of this course, you will be able to actively participate in Jewish rituals and ceremonies with confidence. Registering is a must by rsvping to Rabbistein@ghcny.org so I know if we have enough interest to run this course. Additionally, you can let me know what you are most interested in. This course will be held on zoom. I will be providing the link when you register.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“It would be a favor to us,” they continued, “if this land were given to your servants as a holding; do not move us across the Jordan.” (Numbers 32:5) After winning the war against Midian, two and a half tribes turn to Moses and say, we have had enough. We would like to stay here right here. We don’t really need to go into the land of Israel. Knowing when you have arrived at the best place for you is hard to do. In a world that encourages us to never be satisfied, Judaism says, know when you have enough. The Rabbis of the Talmud teach, when you seek to hold on to too much you end up dropping everything.
Our Shabbat monring conversation has gotten quite lively. This week the topic will be "What Interupts Our Journey"
Wednesday evenings from 8:00-9:00 September 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2024 This four-week course is for individuals of all experience levels. Throughout the course, we will learn the most commonly recited Jewish prayers and blessings. The class will be conducted using transliteration, which means the Hebrew text will be presented alongside phonetic pronunciation for ease of learning. The essential prayers and blessings we will cover include the High Holy Day blessings, Shabbat blessings, Aliyot for Torah reading, and core prayers like the Shema and V’ahavta. By the end of this course, you will be able to actively participate in Jewish rituals and ceremonies with confidence. Registering is a must by rsvping to Rabbistein@ghcny.org so I know if we have enough interest to run this course. Additionally, you can let me know what you are most interested in. This course will be held on zoom. I will be providing the link when you register.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Welcome to Rabbi's Corner. This is a stream of Rabbi Stein's דברי תורה (divrei torah, words of Torah).
