"And you shall rejoice before your God" (Deuteronomy 12:12) We must find reasons to celebrate. Life is hard. We all have challenges and struggles. The past few years have been difficult and the losses have been many. So whenever you have a chance, find a way to rejoice. Make up a reason to have friends over. Get dressed up and go out. You have earned it. And even if you don't feel like you have, do it any way. Turn the music up and dance like no one is watching.
Please join the Cantor and me for two Shabbat discussions and two zoom meetings to prepare for the High Holidays. "One Essay Four Sessions" This will be a way to make your high Holidays more meaningful. Mark your calendars: Saturdays, August 19 and 26 at 12:30pm, Wednesdays August 30 and September 6 at 8:00pm on Zoom https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87533058006?pwd=V3FWYjNuYU9TdU04ZDJNVUpvVDdRQT09
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"beware lest your heart grow haughty and you forget your God (Deuteronomy 8:14)
We have all met a self absorbed person. Everything is about them. You tell them something that is going on in your life and they have to one up you. You share a painful circumstance and while you are talking they they interrupt and tell you how bad things are for them. You share something that is wonderful in your life and they change the subject. It is as if they aren’t even listening.
In those circumstances, you need to stop and ask yourself if the relationship is worth it. If it is, then you must stop and in a kind way tell them what they are doing. Be prepared with an example. And tell them the relationship is important but you need to feel heard.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Accepting Reality Go up to the summit of Pisgah and gaze about, to the west, the north, the south, and the east. Look at it well, for you shall not go across yonder Jordan. (Deuteronomy 3:27)
Rip off the bandage means that a second of pain is all that is necessary. Dragging out the inevitable seems to prolong the agony. In order to make sure healing is happening you must look under the bandage and see. Sometimes just looking is difficult but necessary. What may seem cruel to you may be closure for someone else. Just seeing, though painful, is the best way to accept reality.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"You have been skirting this hill country long enough; now turn north." (Deuteronomy 2:3) Avoidance is a tactic we all employ at some point or another. Some avoid tasks and some avoid people and some avoid situations. There are parts of life that are simply unpleasant. Things we have to do at work, people who are toxic and conflict can lead us to look for work-arounds so we never have to confront the situation. Sometimes the effort required to avoid the situation can take much more work than just jumping in and facing it head on. Most of the time we all will have to have those difficult conversations or do what we have been avoiding. Eventually, we will learn that had we just done it in the first place, we would have made room in our lives for those things and people we enjoy.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“If a householder makes a vow to יהוה or takes an oath imposing an obligation on himself, he shall not break his pledge; he must carry out all that has crossed his lips.” (Numbers 30:3)
There is reasonable concern that artificial intelligence can get us to believe that people are saying things they never said or would never say. The reason for that is we value what people say. If we see someone say something we tend to believe them. A.I. can create images of real life people saying things they didn’t say. This might be confusing for some. We may not be able to determine if something we see is real or computer generated.
However, you can make sure that what comes from your own mouth is true and that you remain committed to the promises you make.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Friendship “Phinehas, son of Eleazar son of Aaron the priest, has turned back My wrath from the Israelites by displaying among them his passion for Me, so that I did not wipe out the Israelite people in My passion. Say, therefore, ‘I grant him My pact of friendship." (Numbers 25:11-12)
Friendship is not just the cessation of violence. Friendship is knowing someone has your back and will stand up for you. Friendship is shared and valued. Friendship is not something that happens by clicking a button on an app. Friendship means sometimes having to forgive and being grateful for being forgiven. Friendship takes effort and energy, time and commitment. May this week bring us an appreciation for the people in our lives we call our friends.
P.S. GHC is great place make new life long friends.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
It's Not About the Material Gifts "The Israelites arrived in a body in the wilderness of Zin on the first new moon, and the people stayed at Kadesh. Miriam died there and was buried there. The community was without water, and they joined against Moses and Aaron." (Numbers 20:2-3) People sustain us in ways other than putting a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs and food in our stomachs. People we love and who love us in return give us more than what is material. They stand by us when times are difficult and support us emotionally. Our loved ones give us strength in trying times and celebrate us in joyful times and when they are gone we feel a gaping hole in our lives.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Take it Personally Now Korah, son of Izhar son of Kohath son of Levi, betook himself, along with Dathan and Abiram sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—descendants of Reuben — (Numbers 16:1) Criticism hurts most from those closest to you. Whether the disapproval is warranted or not, words from people we love enter us deeply. Often we hear the comment, it isn’t personal, it is just business. That phrase usually comes when it is clear that what has been said or done is hurtful. Telling someone “it's not personal” only makes the circumstance worse.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Do It Yourself “Send agents to scout the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelite people;"(Numbers 13:2)
I say, never send someone to do something, you can do yourself. There is a role for delegating responsibilities and teaching our children the value of partnership. However, when it comes to the really important things in life, don’t leave it to someone else. We need to step into the opportunity and not shy away from challenges. It is easy to just shirk our responsibilities and use the excuse that others will do it. To paraphrase the musical Hamilton, "take your shot" and do something great.
As the summer is upon us, I would like to invite you to come and visit with me. I would love to go out to coffee or just sit and catch up. Just respond to this email with a time that works for you and what kind of beverage I can get for you. (Or we could meet at Carvels with the entire family.)
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“Take the Levites from among the Israelites and purify them.” (Numbers 8:6)
Rav Kook -- the first chief rabbi of what would become the State of Israel -- taught the task of the Jew is, "the old shall be made new, and the new shall be made holy."
John Corrigan in his book, Jews Christians and Muslims: A Comparative Introduction to Monotheistic Religions wrote about the Torah, New Testament and Quran, “They enjoy special prestige as “holy” or “sacred” texts only because human communities have at some point agreed to treat them in certain ways.”
We have the power to determine what is holy and special. Each of us has the authority to determine what is sacred. Whether it is a sentimental attachment to a family heirloom, or a relationship with someone in our life, we get to decide the place they hold in our lives. Elevating something or someone to the level of holy, assigns it or them to a sacred place in our lives.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“And Moses went up to God. God called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus shall you say to the house of Jacob and declare to the children of Israel:” (Exodus 19:3) “Its meaning is, and the Lord had already called him. For Moses would not have ascended without permission.” (Ibn Ezra)
We need to take the initiative in our lives. Some will wait to be asked and some even after they are asked will still wait for further encouragement. Some will wait for a sign, while others will see the sign and deny its importance. Moses sets for us an example of being proactive in our lives. Sometimes we must reject paralysis by analysis and decide doing nothing is not an option. Now all you have to do is decide in which areas of your life you need to act.
Join us for cheesecake and learning at our evening of learning, our Tikkun Layl Shavuot. Thursday night, May 25th at 9:00pm. “Israel in Song, Prayer and History”
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“And you shall hallow the fiftieth year. You shall proclaim liberty throughout the land for all its inhabitants.” (Leviticus 25:10) This famous quote, written on the Liberty Bell is supposed to inspire Americans to respond to those oppressed to find freedom on our shores. It is an ideal we aspire to but have great difficulty achieving. It is time to expect more from our leaders in working together to create a pathway to citizenship. It is a complicated problem and I have no doubt that with the correct motivation and attention, we can solve this humanitarian crisis.
“You shall not work at your occupations.” (Leviticus 23:7) “The Jewish festivals challenge us: Do we define ourselves primarily by our work? Or do we define ourselves primarily by our total humanity, our ability to celebrate, to sanctify time, to share special moments with our families?” (Etz Hayim Humash page 725) This week I challenge you to find something to celebrate and find someone with whom to celebrate. The difficulties in life come. The obstacles will be there. You don't have to look for them. However, if we don’t take the time for joy and happiness they will pass us by without even noticing them.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
I answered, “I see a solid gold lampstand with a bowl at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven channels to the lamps. Also there are two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.”...So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty. (Zachariah 4:2,3 and 6)
As the prophet describes the Emblem of the State Israel, he calls on us to call on the spirit of God to protect her. Join me Wednesday morning at 7:00 am for a quick service (30 minutes) and donuts to celebrate her 75 years. We will have donuts!!!
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
I answered, “I see a solid gold lampstand with a bowl at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven channels to the lamps. Also there are two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.”...So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty. (Zachariah 4:2,3 and 6)
As the prophet describes the Emblem of the State Israel, he calls on us to call on the spirit of God to protect her. Join me Wednesday morning at 7:00 am for a quick service (30 minutes) and donuts to celebrate her 75 years. We will have donuts!!!
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
No Obstacle to Connection “If, however, one is poor and without sufficient means, that person shall take one male lamb for a guilt offering,” (Leviticus 14:21)
In the world of synagogue life we often talk about obstacles to engagement. You can probably name them better and faster than I can. We all recognize the many challenges preventing people from being more connected to our community.
Around the high holidays many synagogues are accused of “Pay to Pray.” And while that might be true 3 days a year, there is no such requirement for the other 362 days and in fact, on Shabbat there is a free lunch.
Here are three free opportunities, one of them you don’t even have to leave your home or office.
Mark your calendar. Comparative Religion - April 27, May 4, 11, 18 at 12:00 noon (Click here) The Lost Shtetle - Author to speak on April 23 at 11:00 am Special minyan - for Israel's Independance Day - April 26th at 7:00am .
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“You shall lay a hand upon the head of the burnt offering, that it may be acceptable in your behalf, in expiation for you.” (Leviticus 1:4)
Laying of hands is a term we often associate with Christianity. In the New Testament the laying on of hands was associated with Jesus healing the sick (Luke 4:40) and has been utilized today for healers, be they evangelical or otherwise. The rabbis have long engaged in s’micha (also meaning laying of hands) as ordination because earlier rabbis would pass their authority on to the next generation by laying their hands on them. Through touch we convey many things. A gentle touch shows affection. A rough touch is abusive. Touching is intimate and shows a connection. Telling the priest to lay his hands on the animal was a way of establishing a connection with the animal that is about to be slaughtered. This ensured the act was not taken lightly. We, too, should be careful in the way we touch others whether it be physically or emotionally.
This Shabbat Morning March 25 my sermon will be "Israel: Is It Really the Only True Democracy in the Middle East?" This is an opportunity to launch a communal conversation about Israel. I hope you will put the date on your calendar and I hope we can grow together.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"Moses then convoked the whole Israelite community and said to them: These are the things that יהוה has commanded you to do." (Exodus 35:1)
Coming together as a community is critical accomplishing great things. No one is an island. That is why the rabbis regularly implore us to remain part of the community. It is easy to opt out and try to go it alone. Of course, there are differences of opinion. Of course, there are disagreements because the Jewish community is not monlithic in its thinking. However, we must continue to do the hard work of remaining committed to each other.
On Shabbat Morning March 25 my sermon will be "Israel: Is It Really the Only True Democracy in the Middle East?" This as an opportunity to launch a communal conversation about Israel. I hope you will put the date on your calendar and I hope we can grow together.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“Thus you shall consecrate them so that they may be most holy; whatever touches them shall be consecrated.” (Exodus 30:29) Holiness is piety, kindness, and gratefulness. Holiness is generosity, love and thoughtfulness. Holiness is non judgemental and curious. Holiness is difficult to achieve and it is contagious. When we see or experience someone being or acting holy we are inspired to follow their lead. Paying it forward happens consciously and by design. Holiness is contagious.
Join us as we read one book as a community. “The Lost Shtetl” by Max Gross is “A remarkable debut novel—written with the fearless imagination of Michael Chabon and the piercing humor of Gary Shteyngart—about a small Jewish village in the Polish forest that is so secluded no one knows it exists . . . until now.”
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Humility, Modesty, Arrogance and Nobility כיון דמצאנו דמלבושי כבוד שיש לאהרן אינם שוים למלבושי כבוד של בניו, "The clothing of Aaron was even more modest than that of his sons." (28:42 Gur Aryeh)
In describing the clothing of the priesthood, the Maharal of Prague highlights the characteristic of modesty. By suggesting there are different levels of modesty he draws our attention to the idea that there are levels of modesty.
More than a discussion about the manner of dress, modesty, in our tradition, is best associated with humility. Conversely, nobility is associated with arrogance. Might we rather think of the clothing ourselves in humility rather than arrogance?
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
There I will meet with you, and I will impart to you—from above the cover, from between the two cherubim that are on top of the Ark of the Pact—all that I will command you concerning the Israelite people. (Exodus 25:22)
In a famous Hasidic saying, the Kotzker Rebbe was once asked: “Where does God dwell?” to which he replied, “Wherever you let Him in.”
We must never fall prey to the idea that Judaism is what one group says it is. We must continue to strive to find the creativity, the imagination and the flexibility to keep our faith alive and vibrant.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
לֹ֥א תִשָּׂ֖א שֵׁ֣מַע שָׁ֑וְא אַל־תָּ֤שֶׁת יָֽדְךָ֙ עִם־רָשָׁ֔ע לִהְיֹ֖ת עֵ֥ד חָמָֽס׃ You must not carry false rumors; you shall not join hands with the guilty to act as a malicious witness: (Exodus 23:1)
Rumors and gossip are often a social lubricant. We love to talk about other people. People are so willing to engage in it. It is unhealthy. It drags us down and it demeans ourselves. Clearly, we have the intellegence to find other topics to discuss. Obviously, we are capable of so much more but we still sink to this lowest common denominator. Here is my challenge, from today (Wednesday) through Shabbat (Saturday night at 6:15) try not to speak about another person. Just half a week - see if you can do it. See how it changes your mindest. See how it changes the way you feel about yourself. And when someone begins to take you down that path say, "my Rabbi asked me not to listen to gossip for one week - let's connect next week." I bet by then you will have found something better to talk about.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
וַיַּעֲנ֨וּ כׇל־הָעָ֤ם יַחְדָּו֙ וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ כֹּ֛ל אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה נַעֲשֶׂ֑ה וַיָּ֧שֶׁב מֹשֶׁ֛ה אֶת־דִּבְרֵ֥י הָעָ֖ם אֶל־יְהֹוָֽה׃ "All those assembled answered as one, saying, “All that יהוה has spoken we will do!” And Moses brought back the people’s words to יהוה." (Exodus 19:8)
Just because you say something doesn't mean it is true and just because you say you will do soemthing doesn't mean you will. However, it does increase your chances. I remember my children saying to me, "but you said you would." Saying it aloud brings you to a place of commitment you might otherwise not feel. Verbalizing solidfies both internally and externally your intention to follow through.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"The Egyptians gave chase to them, and all the chariot horses of Pharaoh, his riders, and his warriors overtook them encamped by the sea, near Pi-hahiroth, before Baal-zephon." (Exodus 14:9)
"But they that wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings as eagles; They shall run, and not be weary; They shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)
There is more to running the marathon of life than building up endurance. We are physical beings, yes. However, we are also emotional, intellectual and spiritual beings. Remember when you are tired, you have many resources to call upon to see you through.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“For if you refuse to let My people go, tomorrow I will bring locusts on your territory.” (Exodus 10:4) There are consequences to most of our actions and if we pause for just a moment before we act, we can most likely see what they will be. Parents tell children if you do “X” your punishment will be “Y.” That gives the child a choice. This becomes a great life lesson. In the vast majority of cases, thoughtful decision making will result in the outcomes we desire. Choose wisely. Sermon this Shabbat "Be the Light You Want to See" Finish Strong This Shabbat Join us after services when our Rabbinic Intern, Sara Birnbaum will bring us a beautiful teaching.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Age is An Attitude Not a Number "Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three, when they made their demand on Pharaoh." (Exodus 7:7) "It is not about the years in your life, it is about the life in your years." (Lincoln, Stevenson or possibly Stieglitz) "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." (Angelou) Some say, they are too old and that may be true of learning to ski, it is not true about making a difference in another person’s life. Volunteer and make a change in someone else’s life.
Genesis for Adult Only discussion, Wednesday, January 18 at 8:00 pm click here for link Sermon this week: Fake Famous: Why the Pursuit of Fame is Meaningless
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
I Don’t Know “The midwives, fearing God, did not do as the king of Egypt had told them; they let the boys live.” (Exodus 1:17)
There are things we just don’t know. Admitting that is so hard to do. Sometimes we have no choice but to put our lives in another’s hands. There are the rare occurrences when we must force ourselves to trust someone else. There are times when others simply are better equipped for a certain moment than we are. Realizing that is the hard part. Once we have arrived at this perspective, life does become easier. However, our egos often stop us before we ever get to giving ourselves over. In moments when we find ourselves at odds with someone else, pausing to ask ourselves, “is it possible they know more than I do?” can change our perspective.
This week's sermon "Building Character" many of my sermons are available on on my YouTube Channel
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
It’s Alright to Cry "And Joseph was in tears" (Genesis 50:17, 50:1, 44:2, 14, 15, 43:30 - 6 times the Torah tells us that Joseph cried)
It’s alright to cry. I can’t believe I’m still writing this but it needs to be said. Some like an arm around them when they are crying, some prefer to be left alone. Some weep silently and some wail. No matter how you do it, it is ok. It doesn’t matter if you are a man or a woman, adult or child, it is perfectly normal and healthy to cry. It doesn’t matter if the cause seems silly or even far in the past, it is good for you to cry. You don’t have to explain it and you don’t have to compare the pain to other difficulties, it makes sense to cry. It can be for happy things or for sad things, crying helps.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
My lord asked his servants, ‘Have you a father or another brother?’ (Genesis 44:19)
Asking about someone’s family is a great way to move a conversation from small talk to significant connection. Cocktail parties and kiddush after services on a shabbat morning are great places to talk about the weather and sports but our connections to each other can be so much deeper and meaningful. Finding a way to have important conversations about who we are and what is important to us adds so much more. Finding ways to have intentional conversations can change the way we feel about the people who are most significant in our lives.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"The chief cupbearer then spoke up and said to Pharaoh, “I must make mention today of my offenses." (Genesis 41:9) Admitting to a mistake is the first step towards disrupting a pattern of behavior. Even if we just admit it to ourselves, recognizing the misstep is difficult. However, once we verbalize the error we feel the weight lifted. Carrying the wrongs we have done is a drain on our energy, on our focus on our relationships. Naming them releases us. Happy Hannukah!!
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Welcome to Rabbi's Corner. This is a stream of Rabbi Stein's דברי תורה (divrei torah, words of Torah).
