Rabbi's Corner

Message from the Rabbi

"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.  

Message from the Rabbi

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.

Message from the Rabbi

“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.

Message from the Rabbi

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 

Message from the Rabbi

"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.

Message from the Rabbi

“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. 

Message from the Rabbi

“Moab was alarmed because that people was so numerous. Moab dreaded the Israelites” (Numbers 22:3)
“And he said to his people, “Look, the Israelite people are much too numerous for us.” (Exodus 1:9)

How the world views us has been at the core of the war with Hamas since October 14th.  The world gave us the benefit of the doubt, gave us the right to defend ourselves one week and then world opinion changed.  Security council condemnation began. At the behest of South Africa, The International Court started criminal investigations.  Protest began on the college campuses. As Dara Horn, the author of the book “People Love Dead Jews” might say, the world just doesn’t like.  People have sought ways and reasons for our destruction.  Yet we stand strong.  We survive and more than merely existing we continue to make the world a better place, through science, technology, art and culture.  Am Yisrael Chai. 

This week’s discussion during the sermon time will be: "Understanding What is Written Between the Lines"

Message from the Rabbi

"They combined (וַיִּֽקָּהֲל֞וּ) against Moses and Aaron and said to them, “You have gone too far! For all the community are holy, all of them, and יהוה is in their midst. Why then do you raise yourselves above יהוה’s congregation?” (Numbers 16:3)

The Hebrew word for "community" is the same as "they combined." In Hebrew the קָּהֲל֞, kahal means community or congregation. Often a synagogue is referred to as a Kahal Kadosh, a holy community. You may have even seen the letters ק"ק.  

The context of this statement is the rebellion of Korach against Moses’ leadership.  Korach “amassed" the people against Moses. The word for coming together is morally neutral.  People come together in protest and in solidarity.  People rally for good and for bad. On rare occasions there “are good people on both sides.” (Certainly not in Charlottesville.) This Shabbat we will be discussing the role of challenging authority.  When is it necessary and when it is simply self serving?  

Please join me for this 15 minute conversation entitled "Challenging Authority in the Abrahamic Religions" at around 11:00 am.

Message from the Rabbi

"On the third day, as morning dawned, there was thunder, and lightning, and a dense cloud upon the mountain, and a very loud blast of the horn; and all the people who were in the camp trembled." (Exodus 19:16)
On Tuesday night at 8:30 pm we will gather to learn together.  Members of the congregation will teach texts that have helped them in difficult times.  Words from our tradition have often been used in challenging times as inspiration and comfort.  Members will share the words that have helped them.  I hope you can spend an hour with us.  
This custom of coming together on the eve of Shavuot is called Tikkun Layl Shavuot and is one of the ways we prepare for the holiday that recalls the moment of receiving the Torah.  The practice of Tikkun Layl Shavuot reminds us that preparation for an event makes that event even more impactful.  It is true in the work place. It is true in family celebrations and it is true in the moment of revelation.  Preparation means you are ready for the experience.  And that is what makes the experience not possible but more meaningful.  

Message from the Rabbi

“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 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.
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Message from the Rabbi

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 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.

Message from the Rabbi

"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
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Message from the Rabbi

"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. 

Message from the Rabbi

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

Message from the Rabbi

"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.