"These are the names of the participants who shall assist you:" (Numbers 1:5)
As we begin the new book of Numbers, the text reminds us of the people who were to help conquer the land of Israel. The opening words of the portion beg us to ask the question, after you are long gone, how would you like to be remembered, what name would you like to be called? My father’s headstone reads, “devoted husband, loving father, adoring grandfather and passionate activist.” How do you want to be remembered and what do you call those people you love? This ought to be an active project for each of us, not something with which we just leave to the imagination of the next generation. We must participate in creating our own legacy. Shavuot: The Holiday of Receiving the Torah will be observed Tuesday evening June 11 and Wednesday June 12 (Yizkor). Our congregation’s custom is to gather on Tuesday evening June 11 and learn from each other. This year that observance will take place at 8:30pm. The theme will be Healing/Resilience: What helps us get through hard times? If you would like to share a text, please let me know.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“I will grant peace in the land, and you shall lie down untroubled by anyone;” (Leviticus 26:6) Each week we recite this line as part of a prayer we say pleading with God to bring peace to the world. Each week we beg God to do something because we are incapable of realizing the answer to conflict is never war. War has never solved anything. Sure, it brought about the end of the dictator Benito Mussolini but the world birthed the heinous Hitler. Yes, it brought about the demise of Osama bin Laden but Ismail Haniyeh has been propped up by Hamas. And the lists go on and on and on. We can’t get it right and wars seem inevitable. Since October 7th we have asked ourselves with extraordinary urgency, “how can we change the paradigm?” What can we do to change the approach? Many answers have been proposed. New education. New leadership. New partnerships. New thinking. I don’t know if the land of Israel will ever find peace. However, that does not stop me from praying and working for it.
Shavuot: The Holiday of Receiving the Torah will be observed Tuesday evening June 11 and Wednesday June 12 (Yizkor). Our congregation’s custom is to gather on Tuesday evening June 11 and learn from each other. This year that observance will take place at8:30pm. The theme will be Healing/Resilience: What helps us get through hard times? If you would like to share a text, please let me know.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Giving Begins At Home "If one of your kin is in straits and has to sell part of a holding, the nearest redeemer shall come and redeem what that relative has sold." (Leviticus 25:25)
The requests for donations are many. Everyday I receive both electronically and through snail mail requests for support. Some are for political purposes, some are for the arts, some for the environment and some for people in need. There are far more worthy causes than I can possibly support in any significant way. Therefore, I have to prioritize and make choices..
This text suggests, begin at home. If someone close to you needs help, give to them. If someone in your community has needs, give to them. Put a couple of single dollar bills in the arm rest of your car and the next time you are driving and dee someone homeless, roll down your wqindow and give them a dollar.
Shavuot: The Holiday of Receiving the Torah will be observed Tuesday evening June 11 and Wednesday June 12 (Yizkor).Our congregation’s custom is to gather on Tuesday evening June 11 and learn from each other. This year that observance will take place at 8:30pm.The theme will be Healing/Resilience: What helps us get through hard times? If you would like to share a text, please let me know.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Identity Should Be Motivation for Good “You shall not profane My holy name, that I may be sanctified in the midst of the Israelite people—I יהוה who sanctify you,” (Leviticus 22:32)
Have you ever heard a crime reported and held your breath hoping the name of the criminal didn’t sound Jewish? Madoff? Epstein? Weiselberg? Each time one of their names came across the screen I cringed and could hear antisemites saying, “see I told you the Jews are all about money.” Identity is a two way street.
We can either through our associations bring honor or shame. It is true of our families, our alma maters and of course our people. Thinking through how our behavior reflects not just on ourselves but on the people with whom we associate should motivate us towards good or at least be one more protection against making poor decisions.
Shavuot: The Holiday of Receiving the Torahwill be observed Tuesday evening June 11 and Wednesday June 12 (Yizkor).Our congregation’s custom is to gather on Tuesday evening June 11 and learn from each other. This year that observance will take place at 8:30pm. The theme will be Healing/Resilience: What helps us get through hard times? If you would like to share a text, please let me know.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“And he shall place lots upon the two goats, one marked for יהוה and the other marked for Azazel.” (Leviticus 16:8)
This is the source of the "scapegoat." This quote is origin of placing all of our sins on the head of a goat and sending it out to die and it is cruel. However, it isn't all scapegoating?
Life is hard enough without blaming others for our own problems. Few in our society take responsibility for their own mistakes. We rush to point fingers at others and then spread those accusations far and wide on the internet. Conspiracy theories abound and take hold because of the echo chamber in which we have chosen to live.
The brutality of this ritual ought to awaken in us the injustice in the world and the contribution we are making.
Shavuot: The Holiday of Receiving the Torah will be observed Tuesday evening June 11 and Wednesday June 12 (Yizkor). Our congregation’s custom is to gather on Tuesday evening June 11 and learn from each other. This year that observance will take place at 9:00pm.The theme will be Healing/Resilience: What helps us get through hard times?If you would like to share a text, please let me know.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"The Torah relates to four types of children – one who is wise, one who is wicked, one with a simple nature, and one who does not know how to ask."
It has often been said that each of the children is an aspect of each of us. Sometimes we are the wise one and sometimes we are the wicked, sometimes we are the simple one and sometimes we are just unable to even formulate a question. This year I ask you to look at the world and specifically the situation inIsrael and ask yourself not who is the wise, the wicked, the simple or the one who is just so befuddled that they can understand what is going on. Rather ask what the response of each would be to the situation. How might the wise, wicked and simple person respond? Then ask, how does each of your instincts respond? With our best self, how do we respond? With our most vengeful self, how do we respond? With our self who is humble enough to not truly know, how do we respond? And with yourself who doesn’t even know where to begin?
Maybe the wise child asks, will there ever be an end to this cycle of violence and how can we get that started? Maybe the wicked child asks, who is the right people to blame and how can we punish them ruthlessly? Maybe the simple child asks, why is this happening? And to the side of self that can’t even formulate a question, we initiate the conversation by suggesting a wide swath of places to do more research and encourage them to listen to a variety of different opinions.
During the last six months I most certainly have been thoughtful and vengeful, confused and lost. This year maybe we should add to the sentence "Next Year In Jerusalem" if not for us, at least the hostages and may there be peace.
Last chance to sell your chametz: Just respond to his email with you name and address. Fast of the First Born: Services tomorrow morning at 8:00am
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Personal Invitation Then Moses said to Aaron: “Come forward to the altar and sacrifice your sin offering and your burnt offering, making expiation for yourself and for the people; and sacrifice the people’s offering and make expiation for them, as יהוה has commanded.” (Leviticus 9:7) The Rabbis explain, after the sin of the Golden Calf, a sin in which Aaron was a participant, Aaron is reluctant to enter into the service of the Tabernacle. That is why Moses invites him in. Sometimes we are embarrassed, sometimes we feel guilty, sometimes we feel inadequate and in those moments we need people to offer us encouragement. Many don’t come to services because they feel like and outsider, or they feel they don’t know enough, some explain the barriers to entry are too great to overcome. To you I say, I hear you and I promise to make you feel right at home and if it is not me, I promise someone else will. So here is you personal invitation. Please come to Shabbat morning services. It starts at 9:30am and will end by 12:00pm. Come for as long as you like. You can even be a JFKer (Just for Kiddush). We would love to see you. SPEAKING OF INVITATIONS... Come celebrate with Sharon and me the engagement of my daughter Mia to Sammy Newman at Kiddush on Shabbat morning, April 20. Since they will be married in Israel, this will be our only opportunity to celebrate with our community. Please RSVP to this email to let us know you will be attending. To sell your Chametz just repsond to this email with your address.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"He shall then take off his vestments and put on other vestments, and carry the ashes outside the camp to a pure place." (Leviticus 6:4) Cleanliness is next to Godliness is really paraphrased from a great Mussar teacher Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato. In his very interesting work about how to live a more moral life entitled The Path of Righteous he explains the role of discipline in our lives. In a subsection in that part of the book he explains the importance of hygiene and cleanliness. How we care for ourselves is an indication of how we value ourselves. In fulfilling the principle of love your neighbor as yourself, we must first love and care for ourselves. When we learn to respect ourselves, we will respect others. When we see our own purpose, we will see the purpose in others.
Sell Your Chametz If you would like me to sell your chametz, please 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
“So they impaled Haman on the stake which he had put up for Mordecai, and the king’s fury abated.” (Esther 7:10) The parallels between Haman and Hamas abound today. The irrational desire to see the demise of our people can be heard in the chants of “from the river to the sea.” So let’s be clear about what that chant means so we can set the record straight. It comes from the Hamas charter calling for Jews to be eradicated from the Jordan river to the Mediterranean sea. It is not about freedom for all. It is not about establishing democracy. It is about the slaughter of our people. I only wish that like the story of Esther, there might be a fairy tale ending to this horrible war.
Special Learning Opportunity at FinishStrong with Phil Karmel and myself. Saturday, March 23 after kiddush. Please join us for Megillah Reading on Saturday night, March 23rd at 8:00pm and Sunday morning at 9:00am for minyan and Megillah reading.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Nature Can Be Cruel “For over the Tabernacle a cloud of יהוה rested by day, and fire would appear in it by night, in the view of all the house of Israel throughout their journeys.” (Exodus 40:38) The very last verse of the book of Exodus, after a long description of the building of the Tabernacle, the Torah reminds us that protection comes from God not from buildings. Many of us have placed our hope and yearning in buildings, in fortresses and material possessions. However, we have seen how nature can wipe them away in seconds. That is why the force of nature is utilized (cloud and fire) here to remind us of how fragile life really is. Rather we ought to put our faith and energy into God and people. Those relationships will help us rebuild when tragedy strikes.
Upcoming Programs Book Club - Wednesday, March 13 at 10:00am The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride Click here Aging with Wisdom - March 14 at 11:30am Click here to join Adults with Aging Parents - Thursday, March 14 at 8:00pm Click here to join
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"He made the lampstand (Menorah) of pure gold. He made the lampstand—its base and its shaft—of hammered work; its cups, calyxes, and petals were of one piece with it." (Exodus 37:17) The Menorah has long been the preeminent symbol of the Jewish people. It stands outside the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. It was transformed into the Hannukiyah, the candelabra used on Hannukah to represent the small amount of oil that sparked a Jewish revival. In almost every synagogue in the world there is a depiction of the Menorah. All for the sake of making one statement and that is where there are Jews there is greater light in the world. When the Romans sought to destroy the Temple and exile the Jewish people, they carried away the Menorah (as depicted in the Arch of Titus - see below) as if to suggest the Jewish people could be snuffed out. That was not meant to be. Our task was and will always be to bring greater light to the world. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, your job is to bring greater light to the world.
Please join me this Thursday night on Zoom to hear about “Israel in Real Time: Reflections on my recent trip to Israel” Topic: Israel in Real Time Time: Mar 7, 2024 8:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting Click here for the link.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"He made the lampstand (Menorah) of pure gold. He made the lampstand—its base and its shaft—of hammered work; its cups, calyxes, and petals were of one piece with it." (Exodus 37:17) The Menorah has long been the preeminent symbol of the Jewish people. It stands outside the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. It was transformed into the Hannukiyah, the candelabra used on Hannukah to represent the small amount of oil that sparked a Jewish revival. In almost every synagogue in the world there is a depiction of the Menorah. All for the sake of making one statement and that is where there are Jews there is greater light in the world. When the Romans sought to destroy the Temple and exile the Jewish people, they carried away the Menorah (as depicted in the Arch of Titus - see below) as if to suggest the Jewish people could be snuffed out. That was not meant to be. Our task was and will always be to bring greater light to the world. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, your job is to bring greater light to the world.
Please join me this Thursday night on Zoom to hear about “Israel in Real Time: Reflections on my recent trip to Israel” Topic: Israel in Real Time Time: Mar 7, 2024 10:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting Click here for the link.
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 27:20) I bring you a message from Israel this week. As I speak with Israelis, the common quote I hear is, “We will dance again.” I’m not sure if it is a direct response to the dancing that was happening at the Nova festival when the massacre of October 7th happened or just a basic life approach to the war, it reminds me of the resiliency of our people. The Rabbis teach, the Jewish people are like the olives. Though we are beaten, we still bring light to the world.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"But if the slave declares, “I love my master, and my wife and children: I do not wish to go free,” (Exodus 21:5)
An inability to imagine a better future can enslave us. In turn, this causes extraordinary emotional distress. The solution is to remember we have choices. We get trapped in a vortex of negativity and forget that each day is a new day with new opportunities and decisions. The first step is always the most difficult and that is imagining life differently than it is or always has been. Great Opportunities at GHC(or on Zoom) Blood Drive Sunday, February 11 at beginning at 9:30am-2:30 to register Click here World Wide Wrap - Come and Learn the ancient ritual of putting on Tefillin and the power of prayer while wearing them. Sunday, February 11 at 10:15am B'nei Mitzvah Family Program- Come and Learn the ancient ritual of putting on Tefillin and the power of prayer while wearing them. Sunday, February 11 at 10:15am
Aging with Wisdom - a Unique conversation for people over 80 on Zoom Thursday, February 15 at Noon Click here
Adults with Aging Parents - February February 15 at 8:00pm on Zoom Click here
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)
We must place ourselves in our own generation never believing we are responsible only for ourselves. If there is one message our community is all about it would be commitment to each other. We take care of each other in difficult times and celebrate with each other in joyous moments. It gives us a sense of grounding and wards off the isolation that can come living in a digital world.
The Torah goes further. God through the Torah teaches a commitment to future generations and to past generations. By placing ourselves in our community we gain a sense of meaning. Commitment to previous generations and the future of our people gives us purpose.
Commitment to the next generation and commitment to the previous generation places us historically in the narrative of our nation.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
As Shabbat is almost here I suggest something to think about and something to do. There is a Conservative (Masorti) synagogue in Israel called Eshel Avraham in Beer Sheva. Like our community they have a Preschool and like our community, those little lives are incredibly precious. They have seven (7) classes, covering children from three months old to four+ years old.
Beer Sheva is in the South. Since the war started, various areas of the South have received rocket fire almost daily, and sometimes several times a day.
Unlike our community we don't need a bomb shelter. However, they do.
The school is short two shelters. We need to fundraise for them to be constructed, since it is a critical need. The total cost for the two shelters is 300,000 shekels, or approximately $85,000.
As Shabbat is almost here I suggest something to think about and something to do. There is a Conservative (Masorti) synagogue in Israel called Eshel Avraham in Beer Sheva. Like our community they have a Preschool and like our community, those little lives are incredibly precious. They have seven (7) classes, covering children from three months old to four+ years old.
Beer Sheva is in the South. Since the war started, various areas of the South have received rocket fire almost daily, and sometimes several times a day.
Unlike our community we don't need a bomb shelter. However, they do.
The school is short two shelters. We need to fundraise for them to be constructed, since it is a critical need. The total cost for the two shelters is 300,000 shekels, or approximately $85,000.
As Shabbat is almost here I suggest something to think about and something to do. There is a Conservative (Masorti) synagogue in Israel called Eshel Avraham in Beer Sheva. Like our community they have a Preschool and like our community, those little lives are incredibly precious. They have seven (7) classes, covering children from three months old to four+ years old.
Beer Sheva is in the South. Since the war started, various areas of the South have received rocket fire almost daily, and sometimes several times a day.
Unlike our community we don't need a bomb shelter. However, they do.
The school is short two shelters. We need to fundraise for them to be constructed, since it is a critical need. The total cost for the two shelters is 300,000 shekels, or approximately $85,000.
“No leaven shall be found in your houses for seven days. For whoever eats what is leavened, that person…shall be cut off from the community of Israel.” (Exodus 12:19) “The Egyptians urged the people on, impatient to have them leave the country, for they said, “We shall all be dead.” So the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneading bowls wrapped in their cloaks upon their shoulders.” (12:33-34) Long before the Israelites left Egypt (14 verses) they were instructed in the laws of Passover and in particular the requirement of making and eating matzah. Long before the exodus, God was already framing the story of the exodus. The nature of our people is to tell the story of our nationhood over and over again. Sometimes we consciously change elements and sometimes we subconsciously alter elements of the story. Sometimes the modifications occur immediately and sometimes they creep in over time. Sometimes people are recast and places become confused. For the Jew, the details are not as important as the lesson. Who did what to whom is significant but the impact the story has on us is indispensable. The personal transformation that results from the story is far more valuable.
Join me tonight for a discussion for Adults with Aging Parents. Look, no one is going anywhere tonight. The roads are icy, the temperatures are dropping. Grab a glass of wine, log on and whine a little. I'm listening and so are others going through the exact same thing. 8:00 pm on zoom. The link is righthere.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“I have now heard the moaning of the Israelites because the Egyptians are holding them in bondage, and I have remembered My covenant.” (Exodus 6:5) We must learn to listen to the still small voice. This quote comes without a request. In the text of the Torah we know the Jewish people are suffering but this sentence does not follow any indication that the Jewish people are crying out. Yet, they must have. Here we see God listens in such a way that even the inaudible is heard. So, too, we must learn to listen carefully.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
And when the time approached for Israel to die, he summoned his son Joseph and said to him, “Do me this favor, place your hand under my thigh as a pledge of your steadfast loyalty: please do not bury me in Egypt. (Genesis 47:29)
At the end of his life, Jacob is reduced to relying on his children for help. There are times in all of our lives when we need to ask for help. Rather than thinking of those as moments of weakness, we should think of them as opportunities for connection. Nothing brings us closer to others than recognizing our own vulnerability and asking for help. Asking for help sends the clear message that I trust you and I need you. Those are the building blocks of deep of relationship.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
But think of me when all is well with you again, and do me the kindness of mentioning me to Pharaoh, so as to free me from this place. (Genesis 40:14)
Wilson Mizner once said, “Be nice to people on your way up because you might meet them again on your way down.” Or just be nice to people because you have no idea what they are going through. Or better, just be nice to people.
People do all sorts of things that annoy, frustrate, even anger us. At that moment we all have a choice to make. As Joseph reminds those with whom he is incarcerated, we are all in this together. Our circumstances may vary a bit, yet we are all in this same rat race. Understanding our commonality is the first step to recognizing our shared humanity.
Unfortunately, due to lack of attendance the workshop in developing your own personal philosophy is looking for a new time and platform. Please let me know if you would prefer a different time and if you would prefer it to be held on zoom.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"Esau said, “I have enough, my brother; let what you have remain yours.” (Genesis 33:9) On Thanksgiving so many sat around bountiful tables surrounded by family and friends and we counted our blessings. Immediately, many Americans went on line and rushed to stores in order to buy more stuff.
Today is Giving Tuesday. This is an opportunity to recalibrate our priorities. Finding balance in our lives is difficult and when we can’t, may the scale tips towards giving and gratitude.
Sunday, December 3, 10, 17 at 11:00 - Developing and Articulating Your Own Personal Philosophy We need to pass along more than material wealth, we need to share with our children what we believe, think and feel. This is will be a chance to begin to formulate thwe why of how we live. Bring your notebooks and get ready to write and rewrite and we explore the big issues of living.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
When morning came, there was Leah! So he said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? I was in your service for Rachel! Why did you deceive me?” (Genesis 29:25)
“What goes around comes around” means you get what is coming to you. Somehow everyone gets what they deserve. While we know this isn’t really the way the world works, we do delight in the moments when we think it does. The key is in letting the universe do its thing without trying to force it ourselves. Some say, “revenge is best served cold,” that is it is best not to respond immediately. I say, revenge is best not served at all. I hope you have a wonderful and gratitude filled Thanksgiving and everything you serve will be served with love.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"Isaac pleaded with יהוה on behalf of his wife, because she was barren; and יהוה responded to his plea, and his wife Rebekah conceived. "(25:21)
Doing something for someone else can make you feel good, doing something good for someone else makes the world a better place. In these difficult times, when there are so many horrors being committed it is hard to see any good in the world. Be the good you want to see in the world. I know it is cliche but at times like this it is worth a reminder.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
The maiden was very beautiful... She went down to the spring, filled her jar, and came up. The servant ran toward her and said, “Please, let me sip a little water from your jar.” “Drink, my lord,” she said, and she quickly lowered her jar upon her hand and let him drink. (Genesis 24:16-18)
On Broadway (not the road on which our synagogue resides) there are actors who are called a triple threat. They can sing, dance and act. However, the show A Chorus Line, in a colorful way, points out looks are important as well. With finding a partner, there must also be an initial attraction. Yet our reading tells us there must be more. Chemistry is important but character is invaluable.
For some it is intellect, for some it is a sense of humor. In our story the characteristic of kindness and compassion reign supreme. Recognizing where others have been and what they are going through is the foundation of a sustainable relationship. Honestly, looks come and go. The true nature of a person rarely changes. So look for the kind people in the world and then surround yourself with them.
Finish Strong This week after Shabbat Services please join me for an open conversation about Israel. We all need a safe place to share our thoughts and feelings about the war in Israel right now. Our synagogue is that place and after services on Shabbat is that time. Please join us.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Then יהוה said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I in truth bear a child, old as I am?’ (Genesis 18:13)
We often make excuses for why we are unable to do something. “I am too old” is one I hear myself saying more and more. I am too old to learn X. I am too old to climb Y. I am too old to play Z. While it is true that our bodies do become more limited and in many cases it might be dangerous to try certain activities, there is so much we are capable of doing. God has so much in store for us, as long as we don’t close our eyes to the possibilities. For some, there are infinite reasons for not trying new things. To you, I say, maybe it is time to try something new. Just be careful.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
With these words I began my talk to my son and daughter in law under the chuppah htis past Sunday. If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand wither; let my tongue stick to my palate if I cease to think of you, if I do not keep Jerusalem in memory even at my happiest hour. Psalm 137
Jews have been singing this song at weddings. On a day that is really all about celebrating you - remember you are part of something much bigger, something eternal. Today, you realize that there will be times of celebration and days of suffering. Our prayer for you is to share in your joys and sorrows together. Joy can quickly turn to sadness and today I say we must with all of our power turn the sadness into joy because the two of you deserve this day.
Israelis teach us that life must go on. Living in sadness is part of living but setting it aside is a victory for us not them. We have all seen the many weddings on army bases in Israel. We all must compartmentalize.
The name of the Jewish national anthem is Hatikvah, translated as The Hope. Our imagination is a national superpower that gives birth to hope. In every moment of our people’s struggle to survive we have understood that this too will pass. Hope is a creative endeavor.
And with these words I closed my advice.
Today you stand under this chuppah while so many in Israel rush to safe rooms. Both provide shelter. This chuppah is extraordinary in the support it provides. Constructed of my father’s tallis, and both of your grandfathers’ tallisim. As we are all able to look into this chuppah and you can feel everyone here, we hope you will always feel the safety of knowing that everyone here is invested in you and you can always count on us.
“Please join us for an Interfaith Vigil for Peace tomorrow, Wednesday, October 25 at 7.00pm on the front lawn at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 15 N Broadway, Irvington. All are welcome.”
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Genesis 6:11 וַתִּשָּׁחֵ֥ת הָאָ֖רֶץ לִפְנֵ֣י הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים וַתִּמָּלֵ֥א הָאָ֖רֶץ חָמָֽס׃ The earth became corrupt before God; the earth was filled with lawlessness. (JPS translation) Now the earth had gone to ruin before God, the earth was filled with wrongdoing. (Everett Fox translation) The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. (Koren translation) The earth was corrupt before Elohim, and the earth was filled with violent crime. (Metsuda translation)
Today I have provided four different translations of this one sentence in the Torah. It is the reason the Torah gives us for why God had to destroy the earth and start over with Noah after the flood. The strange thing about the verse is it ends in the Hebrew word “Hamas.”
“I know when I see it” is a phrase made famous by Justice Potter Stewart in 1964. While he was talking about a different topic, the phrase could easily be used when describing barbaric, inhumane behavior.
Israel did not choose the name of its enemy in this war. Hamas did. However, when we see it, it is our job, our sacred obligation to name it and call it out. Hamas brought on the flood. Hamas brought on this war. Unfortunately, since creation it has been the enemy of civilization.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
[Referring to the etrog] Rabbi Abahu says: “Do not read hadar [majestic] but ha-dar [that dwells], for it is a thing that dwells on its tree from year to year. ( b. Sukkah 35a)
After the High Holidays are over we get back into the regular rhythm of our lives. Schools are back in session, time at work becomes consistent. Just like the perennials, we get used to the way life has always been.
Being able to count on the natural order of things gives us a sense of security. While that may not always be true of nature, we can strive to be that way for others. Showing up for others consistently is a great gift we can give no matter our talents.
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).
