"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
"After the ingathering from your threshing floor and your vat, you shall hold the Feast of Booths for seven days." (Deuteronomy 16:13)
Most every Jewish holiday has a (A) historical recollection, (B) an agricultural understanding and (C) spiritual purpose. For Sukkot (A) we recall the time when the Jewish people wandered through the desert and lived in tents. (B) The holiday takes place in the fall with the final harvest before winter. And (C) We recognize the fragility of life and the importance of partnering with God for a fulfilling life in which we care for our souls as much as we care for the body. As should be our goal, our tradition is always moving towards deeper and more powerful meaning. To view any of my sermons from this past year please go to my Youtube channel Click here.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“When the Most High gave nations their homes and set the divisions of humanity, [God] fixed the boundaries of peoples in relation to Israel’s numbers.” (Deuteronomy 32:8) “Good fences make good neighbors.” Understanding personal space is critical to living alongside each other and it extends to personal information. In this day and age we can find out all sorts of things about each other through online searches. However, just because you can doesn’t mean you should. While it may be good business practice to “Google” someone before hiring them, it is not a good way to begin other types of relationships. Conversation and genuine interest will build a better connection. This way a person can share what they would like to share and keep private that which they want to be kept private. Boundaries are important and each of us should get to maintain whatever boundaries we want.
In these hours before Rosh Hashanah, we are all engaged in important activities. The tasks of shopping, cooking meals, picking up people from the airport, cleaning the houseand so many other things can overwhelm us. Let us take a moment to be grateful for the bounty of blessings in our lives. I look forward to seeing you over the next few days. I recognize there are those who are unable to come to the syangogue and I will miss seeing you. It is our prayer that this year brings your dreams to realization and good health to your life and to the lives of all whom you love. I have attached three of my sermons from the past month that were designed to get us ready for these coming days. https://youtu.be/lbdlT5v_65E?si=HM3H7RPyKCddtBj7 https://youtu.be/SkedwRJVae0 https://youtu.be/qVHk_pK8deY Sharon joins me in wishing you a Shana Tova
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“By loving your God, heeding God’s commands, and holding fast to [God].” (Deuteronomy 30:20)
Buddhism teaches that the source of suffering is attachment. Judaism says, “better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all.” We can try to move through life avoiding pain brought on by people who hurt us. Or we can understand that pain is inevitable and what we need are people to walk that path with us. When you have a connection to God, you are never alone. So rather than avoiding connection because of the disappointments, it is better to embrace a connection with God and each other. God is referred to as The Healer of Broken hearts. In moments of pain it is hard to believe we will survive. Holding on to God and others at that time is the best approach.
Please join the Cantor and me for one more zoom meeting 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: Wednesday, 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
When you enter the land that your God is giving you as a heritage, and you possess it and settle in it, (Deuteronomy 26:1)
When I grow up I’m going to be a… When I make more money I am going to… When I retire I’m going to… There are any number of reasons we put off until tomorrow what we can do today. For some, procrastination is a way of life. Putting off tasks that you don’t want to do makes perfectly good sense. The question is why do we put off those things we actually enjoy? Are there things you enjoy and have not made time for them? Are there people you enjoy being with and have not spent time with them? Whether it is a hobby or a friend life is too short to not make time for them.
Please join the Cantor and me for 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: 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
“You shall appoint judges.” (Deuteronomy 16:18) No doubt every society needs a system jurisprudence in which people are employed by society to maintain order and uphold the rule of law. Then there are people in our lives who are self appointed judges. It is their opinion we can ignore. And it is easy to discern the difference between the two.
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
"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
Welcome to Rabbi's Corner. This is a stream of Rabbi Stein's דברי תורה (divrei torah, words of Torah).
