Registration for GHC's Religious School and for our Early Childhood Center, Fall 2025, is open now! See Below.
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"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
“About that time Judah left his brothers and camped near a certain Adullamite whose name was Hirah.” (Genesis 38:1) According to the narrative, this happens after Joseph’s brothers sell him into slavery.
One of the basic principles of Alcoholics Anonymous is that the addict must find new friends. Finding new people with whom to engage changes our sphere of influence resulting in a change in behavior. Falling in with a bad group of people or falling in with a good group of people dramatically changes how we behave. While it may be difficult to do, finding people who bring out the best in you is a lifelong process and doesn’t end when you leave high school.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
The Whole Truth The messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau; he himself is coming to meet you, and his retinue numbers four hundred.” (Genesis 32:7) We watch the news and read the papers because we want to know what is going on in the world. In reality, we are only getting part of the story. In most cases we are only getting a slanted opinion of what is going on. Therefore, we must dig deeper into what we hear. We need to evaluate for ourselves based on facts that we can gather on our own. It takes effort but that effort will produce results that are far closer to the truth than the original sound bite we may have heard.
In this Biblical story the messengers only report about numbers not intention. Had they let Jacob know that Essau had no ill intentions, Jacob would have never panicked about their meeting. He could have saved himself many sleepless nights. Getting the full story can ease the anxiety that only our minds produce. Join me and Reverend Gareth Evans today, Tuesday at 11:30pm at the Shames JCC of on Zoom for an interfaith conversation about Abraham’s visitors who announce the birth of Isaac.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“and I will make you swear by יהוה, the God of heaven and the God of the earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I dwell,” (Genesis 24:3)
For most, there will come a time when we need to rely on someone else. Trusting another to help us is difficult. Maybe they won’t do it exactly the way we want them to do it. Maybe they won’t follow through. No matter, we must learn to trust. It is a leap that makes life easier. Even if they disappoint, trusting is a better way to live. Trust me. (See what I did there?)
Please join me and others of faith as we host this year the Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. Tuesday November 22, at 7:30pm at Greenburgh Hebrew Center
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Quick, three seahs of choice flour! Knead and make cakes!”"(Genesis 18:6)
If only good people would rush to do good things with the same zeal bad people rush to do bad. For whatever reason, there seems to be an energy to do what is wrong, while there seems to be a lethargy to do what is right. Maybe we just believe the arch of history bends towards justice. However it doesn't mean it happens on its own. We must participate in making the world a better place ans we must do so with vigor.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"Abram went forth as God had commanded him," (Genesis 12:4)
Sometimes we do what we are told and sometimes we don’t just because we are told to. The way each of us reacts to instructions, guidance or direction has a lot to do with how we were raised and the type of person we are. The way we react in any given circumstance has much to do with a pattern we have set for ourselves. Taking a moment to be conscious of that will go along towards helping make better decisions.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“But I will establish My covenant with you, and you shall enter the ark, with your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives.” (Genesis 6:18) Noah’s ark is famous. It is a story of how one person saved humanity from extinction. Our community is our ark. Building it, rebuilding and reimagining is the task of each and every one of us and it begins with connecting with one another.
Rabbinic Connections - In Person and on Zoom Rabbijaystein@gmail.com RabbiStein@ghcny.org
1. Genesis 2 ways a. The stories of Genesis you know or thought you knew on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 8:00 pm. This week on Wednesday, October 26th. Zoom link for Class: https://zoom.us/j/96603944928?pwd=VnJBbXYzSm5ieEdqa0lXQUkzajRiUT09 b. Project Genesis - with my friend Pastor Evan Gareth of Irvington Presbyterian Church will explore key stories and how our traditions read them. December 6th 10:00 am at The Shames JCC - in person
3. FinishStrong - join me every shabbat after services for a conversation about some of the most provocative issues of the day. We provide lunch and your drink of choice - in person Starting Saturday, October 30
4. Book Club - each month we join to discuss a book (3rd Tuesday of each month) This week October 25th at 10:00am. Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81007702781?pwd=R2I1RDkyZ1BRMWZUdkdpMjE0Ymptdz09
5. B’nai Mitzvah Family Program 5783 every 3rd Sunday of the month at 10:00am - in person next meeting November 20th
6. Blessings of the Animals Sunday the 30th at 1:00pm - in person in the parking lot.
I really miss you - so let’s get together!
7. Home visits - If you are homebound, I’d love to come to your house. Send me an email to find a time that works for you. (Sorry, this is limited to those members living in NY State) - in person
8. Ice Cream with the Rabbi - I’d love to meet your family for ice cream (I’m paying) send me an email to find a time that works for you. In person at Carvel.
9. Night In. Your home, you pick the date and time, invite your friends and together we can pick the activity. This is a great alternative to a night out. Minimum of 8 people required. I have a ton of ideas of how we can entertain ourselves. Games, plays, discussion. It is all fair game (see what I did there). Oh, you provide the refreshments. - In person at your house.
10. - Kabbalat Shabbat - each week take 25 minutes to wrap up your week with song and one thought. (Times change each week, check ghcny.org or GHC News) on Zoom - https://zoom.us/j/95417257214?pwd=NjFENloxOEpGSGhrc1M5dWQ
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“But I will establish My covenant with you, and you shall enter the ark, with your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives.” (Genesis 6:18) Noah’s ark is famous. It is a story of how one person saved humanity from extinction. Our community is our ark. Building it, rebuilding and reimagining is the task of each and every one of us and it begins with connecting with one another.
Rabbinic Connections - In Person and on Zoom Rabbijaystein@gmail.com RabbiStein@ghcny.org
1. Genesis 2 ways a. The stories of Genesis you know or thought you knew on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 8:00 pm. This week on Wednesday, October 26th. Zoom link for Class: https://zoom.us/j/96603944928?pwd=VnJBbXYzSm5ieEdqa0lXQUkzajRiUT09 b. Project Genesis - with my friend Pastor Evan Gareth of Irvington Presbyterian Church will explore key stories and how our traditions read them. December 6th 10:00 am at The Shames JCC - in person
3. FinishStrong - join me every shabbat after services for a conversation about some of the most provocative issues of the day. We provide lunch and your drink of choice - in person Starting Saturday, October 30
4. Book Club - each month we join to discuss a book (3rd Tuesday of each month) This week October 25th at 10:00am. Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81007702781?pwd=R2I1RDkyZ1BRMWZUdkdpMjE0Ymptdz09
5. B’nai Mitzvah Family Program 5783 every 3rd Sunday of the month at 10:00am - in person next meeting November 20th
6. Blessings of the Animals Sunday the 30th at 1:00pm - in person in the parking lot.
I really miss you - so let’s get together!
7. Home visits - If you are homebound, I’d love to come to your house. Send me an email to find a time that works for you. (Sorry, this is limited to those members living in NY State) - in person
8. Ice Cream with the Rabbi - I’d love to meet your family for ice cream (I’m paying) send me an email to find a time that works for you. In person at Carvel.
9. Night In. Your home, you pick the date and time, invite your friends and together we can pick the activity. This is a great alternative to a night out. Minimum of 8 people required. I have a ton of ideas of how we can entertain ourselves. Games, plays, discussion. It is all fair game (see what I did there). Oh, you provide the refreshments. - In person at your house.
10. - Kabbalat Shabbat - each week take 25 minutes to wrap up your week with song and one thought. (Times change each week, check ghcny.org or GHC News) on Zoom - https://zoom.us/j/95417257214?pwd=NjFENloxOEpGSGhrc1M5dWQ
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“But I will establish My covenant with you, and you shall enter the ark, with your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives.” (Genesis 6:18) Noah’s ark is famous. It is a story of how one person saved humanity from extinction. Our community is our ark. Building it, rebuilding and reimagining is the task of each and every one of us and it begins with connecting with one another.
Rabbinic Connections - In Person and on Zoom Rabbijaystein@gmail.com RabbiStein@ghcny.org
1. Genesis 2 ways a. The stories of Genesis you know or thought you knew on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 8:00 pm. This week on Wednesday, October 26th. Zoom link for Class: https://zoom.us/j/96603944928?pwd=VnJBbXYzSm5ieEdqa0lXQUkzajRiUT09 b. Project Genesis - with my friend Pastor Evan Gareth of Irvington Presbyterian Church will explore key stories and how our traditions read them. December 6th 10:00 am at The Shames JCC - in person
3. FinishStrong - join me every shabbat after services for a conversation about some of the most provocative issues of the day. We provide lunch and your drink of choice - in person Starting Saturday, October 30
4. Book Club - each month we join to discuss a book (3rd Tuesday of each month) This week October 25th at 10:00am. Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81007702781?pwd=R2I1RDkyZ1BRMWZUdkdpMjE0Ymptdz09
5. B’nai Mitzvah Family Program 5783 every 3rd Sunday of the month at 10:00am - in person next meeting November 20th
6. Blessings of the Animals Sunday the 30th at 1:00pm - in person in the parking lot.
I really miss you - so let’s get together!
7. Home visits - If you are homebound, I’d love to come to your house. Send me an email to find a time that works for you. (Sorry, this is limited to those members living in NY State) - in person
8. Ice Cream with the Rabbi - I’d love to meet your family for ice cream (I’m paying) send me an email to find a time that works for you. In person at Carvel.
9. Night In. Your home, you pick the date and time, invite your friends and together we can pick the activity. This is a great alternative to a night out. Minimum of 8 people required. I have a ton of ideas of how we can entertain ourselves. Games, plays, discussion. It is all fair game (see what I did there). Oh, you provide the refreshments. - In person at your house.
10. - Kabbalat Shabbat - each week take 25 minutes to wrap up your week with song and one thought. (Times change each week, check ghcny.org or GHC News) on Zoom - https://zoom.us/j/95417257214?pwd=NjFENloxOEpGSGhrc1M5dWQ
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“But I will establish My covenant with you, and you shall enter the ark, with your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives.” (Genesis 6:18) Noah’s ark is famous. It is a story of how one person saved humanity from extinction. Our community is our ark. Building it, rebuilding and reimagining is the task of each and every one of us and it begins with connecting with one another.
Rabbinic Connections - In Person and on Zoom Rabbijaystein@gmail.com RabbiStein@ghcny.org
1. Genesis 2 ways a. The stories of Genesis you know or thought you knew on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 8:00 pm. This week on Wednesday, October 26th. Zoom link for Class: https://zoom.us/j/96603944928?pwd=VnJBbXYzSm5ieEdqa0lXQUkzajRiUT09 b. Project Genesis - with my friend Pastor Evan Gareth of Irvington Presbyterian Church will explore key stories and how our traditions read them. December 6th 10:00 am at The Shames JCC - in person
3. FinishStrong - join me every shabbat after services for a conversation about some of the most provocative issues of the day. We provide lunch and your drink of choice - in person Starting Saturday, October 30
4. Book Club - each month we join to discuss a book (3rd Tuesday of each month) This week October 25th at 10:00am. Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81007702781?pwd=R2I1RDkyZ1BRMWZUdkdpMjE0Ymptdz09
5. B’nai Mitzvah Family Program 5783 every 3rd Sunday of the month at 10:00am - in person next meeting November 20th
6. Blessings of the Animals Sunday the 30th at 1:00pm - in person in the parking lot.
I really miss you - so let’s get together!
7. Home visits - If you are homebound, I’d love to come to your house. Send me an email to find a time that works for you. (Sorry, this is limited to those members living in NY State) - in person
8. Ice Cream with the Rabbi - I’d love to meet your family for ice cream (I’m paying) send me an email to find a time that works for you. In person at Carvel.
9. Night In. Your home, you pick the date and time, invite your friends and together we can pick the activity. This is a great alternative to a night out. Minimum of 8 people required. I have a ton of ideas of how we can entertain ourselves. Games, plays, discussion. It is all fair game (see what I did there). Oh, you provide the refreshments. - In person at your house.
10. - Kabbalat Shabbat - each week take 25 minutes to wrap up your week with song and one thought. (Times change each week, check ghcny.org or GHC News) on Zoom - https://zoom.us/j/95417257214?pwd=NjFENloxOEpGSGhrc1M5dWQ
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Where Are You? God called out to the human and said to him, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9)
The High Holidays are over. The roller coaster ride has now come to a end and we might be thinking about all that has happened over the past few weeks weighs in on choices we make going forward. For some, we just made it through and back to things as usual. For others, we might have decided to take on one improvement in our lives. For a very few, there will be wholesale changes in our priorities. As we begin to read the Torah from the beginning and as we begin the new year, we must ask ourselves Where are we? We are given many opportunities to pause and reflect and make changes. So where are you?
Personally, I hope one of those places is in the synagogue.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Remembering all this you will have ample reason to be grateful to the One Who has provided you with all of your present wealth and comfort. (Rashbam about building a Sukkah)
Like the story of the three pigs and the wolf, we try to construct buildings that can protect us from the varied dangers that exist in the world. If Hurricane Ian hasn’t taught us enough about our place in nature, the holiday of Sukkot reminds us of how fragile life really is. Lest we think we are self sufficient, we go outside and see the vast and devastating capacity of the natural world and we are humbled.
Join Us! SANGRIA IN THE SUKKAH! Saturday, October 15th 8:00pm. Adults are invited to spend an evening of wine, cheese, snacks, laughter and great conversation. Click here to Register!
PIZZA IN THE HUT! Sunday, October 16th at 4:00pm. This is a family event, complete with Pizza, games, laughter and fun! Click here to Register!
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
God said to Moses the time is drawing near for you to die. (Deuteronomy 31:14) Is that a good thing to know or not?
We are often told to live every day as if it were your last. It is an exhortation to live your best life, live life to the fullest. However, most of our lives are spent doing the mundane. Making payments. Going to work. Eating dinner. Sleeping. Most of our conversations are about meaningless things. Who’s picking up the dry cleaning? Who’s making dinner? Where do you want to go on vacation? Every moment can’t be significant. Every conversation can’t be meaningful. But some can and when they happen take a moment to appreciate them. Take a mental picture. Cherish it. May we all be inscribed in the book of meanigful living.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
they turned and starting walking to the service of other gods and worshiped them, gods whom they had not experienced*whom they had not experienced (Deuteronomy 29:25)
Just because you are going down the wrong road doesn’t mean you have to keep going in that direction. Each of us arrives at a fork in the road in our lives and we must make a decision. We look around, contemplate the pros and cons of each path and sometimes we still get it wrong. Sometimes, we just make poor decisions.
Yes, there will be time for regret later. We all replay the bad choices we have made. But standing on the wrong road, going in the wrong direction doesn’t mean that commitment will get us where we need to go. In that moment, regardless of what our ego is telling us, turn back. Go back to the fork and try the other path. Just because you are going down the wrong road doesn’t mean you have to keep going in that direction.
I am available in half hour slots to speak with you about what is going on in your life. We can do this on the phone, in person, or on zoom. Just reply to this email to set up a time. Call it a spiritual check up.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Speechless "You shall then recite as follows before your God" (Deuteronomy 26:5) Sometimes the events of life leave us without words. In those times it is probably better to say nothing. However, certain circumstances require us to say something. In those moments, it is best to rely on the words of others. Ask, what has someone said to you that was meaningful? What have others said that has brought you comfort or inspiration? Then use those words. Check Up/Check In I am available in half hour slots to speak with you about what is going on in your life. We can do this on the phone, in person, or on zoom. Beginning at 10:00am and going through until 2:00pm on the hour and half hour, September 13, 14 and 15th I’d love to connect. Call it a spiritual check up.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“when he wills his property to his sons, he may not treat as first-born the son of the loved one in disregard of the son of the unloved one who is older.” (Deuteronomy 21:16)
Negotiating the many and varied relationships in our lives is challenging. So many different needs and desires, so many highs and lows, so many different personalities. Some people in our lives must be heard, others are painfully quiet. This is intensified within each family as the obligations are amplified. Each and every person is unique. What one requires may be irrelevant to another. Learning to ask for what you want is only half of the challenge, learning to give what others need, is the other half. May we have the insight to be able to do both of our parts with patience.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Law and Order You shall appoint judges and officers for your tribes, in all the settlements that your God is giving you, and they shall govern the people with due justice. (Deuteronomy 16:18)
As they say on the tv show Law and Order “In the criminal justice system, the people are represented by two separate yet equally important groups: The police, who investigate crime, and the district attorneys, who prosecute the offenders.”
We understand for the judicial system to work many people have to do their specific jobs. We need controls in order for society to work. Internally, we need that as well. Each of us have been endowed with a brain and a heart that regulates how we behave. We make choices every day that require us to use reasoning and use impulse. Finding the balance will help us to find a true and moral path in life.
FinishStrong is back and better than ever. Come back to the great conversation about whatever you want (even though I have some great topics) right after services on Shabbat each week.
As part of our effor to offer our members new and exciting opprtunities we are partnerign with the Jewish Theological Seminary of America to make avaible very interesting classes. Today, at noon is the first. In the future we will be making the information avaible much earlier so you can plan accordingly.
"Questioning the Unquestionable God: A Heart to Heart Mono/Dialogue with God"
"Do not Worship your God in like manner" (Deuteronomy 12:4)
"Just because your friend decides to jump off a bridge doesn't mean you should," is an admonition designed to prevent catastrophe from blindly following others. The flip side of that same idea is find your own path. The great discoveries are made when trying something new. Try something new and you might even discover soemthing new about yourself.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Before the real craziness of going back to school, I wanted to offer a few suggestions from our tradition. We know transitions are difficult and we know that school in a post pandemic age has been particularly challenging. So here are a few suggestions to help ease you and your family back. You don't need to do them all, just pick a few that work for your family. Tips for going back to school Something new - get something new for you. Your child will get new sneakers or a backpack or a new first day of school outfit. Make sure not to forget yourself in the process. Set aside time to connect - make sure you srty aside a fixed time to connect, with your partner, yourself and of course your kids. Asking how was school today on the ride home is important, but they may not be open to talking at that time. Maybe before bed, maybe at dinner is a better time. Learn their language - I have often heard kids use words I never heard before. Words like Bruh, Slaps, Bet, Slay seem to have meanings I don't get. Learning to listen to their language will save you time in trying to figure out how you can help. Learning when they are hungry or sad, or anxious is really what we ought to be working on. Cut back on activities - our kids are over programmed. Make some choices for them. Now is the time for kids to remember they have down time or I used to call it in my day, "time to veg out." Add family activity - no matter the make up of your family, family time is critical to feeling safe and secure. They may fight this at first but they will come to appreciate it. Maybe a game night, or a movie night or a craft night or just make your own Sunday. The effort will pay huge benefits in the long run. Find a consistent routine and stick to it - our children find safety in routine. They thrive when they know what is coming. Whether it is bedtime, dinnertime, homework time, knowing what is coming is critical to development. Regular repsonsibilities also create structures, making their bed, taking out the garbage, folding their clothes, are part of gaining a sense of ability and accomplishment. Be honest and positive - we have no idea what is around the corner. We have endured so much. The kids see things, they hear things. Be honest with them, in and at an age appropriate, about what is going on in the family and the world. Tell them how it might affect them or that it won't at all. Always remain positive, the energy you bring to every conversation is often more important that what you actually say. Expectations should be about kindness not grades - remind your children that grades aren't what is most important. The type of human being they are is. Tell them to be kind to others. Tell them to be respectful of their teachers. Tell them to share and be grateful for what they have. Make a commitment to come to synagogue - Community is important. it grounds us, it gives us a sense of belonging of being part of something bigger. Our synagogue is a safe place whether it may be from COVID or other security concerns. We work hard to make sure this is a place everyone feels comfortable. Get out of the house and come to the synagogue for a service, for a program or for a class. It is an adventure. We will greet you with open arms or with a fist bump if that is more comfortable for you. Finally, call me anytime. I want to be part of your family. I want to help you on your journey. I am a resource you might not think will be of any help, but who knows? I might be.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Less is More “When you have eaten your fill, give thanks to your God for the good land given to you.” (Deuteronomy 8:10) “When you have eaten your fill, and have built fine houses to live in, and your herds and flocks have multiplied, and your silver and gold have increased, and everything you own has prospered, beware lest your heart grow haughty and you forget your God —who freed you from the land of Egypt, the house of bondage;” (12-13)
For some no matter how much one has, it will never be enough. For others less is more. If there is one thing the recent fluctuations in the market and the post pandemic world has taught us is material possessions will never make us happy. Be grateful for what you have. As Epicurus wrote, “Don’t spoil what you have by desiring what you have not.”
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Remember Your “P’s” and “Q’s "Let me, please, cross over and see the good land on the other side of the Jordan, that good hill country, and the Lebanon.” (Deut, 3:25)
The origin of “Remember your p’s and q’s” comes from teaching a child to be careful when writing to make sure to be careful in the differences between a “p” and a “q” as they are so similar. Another theory is it came from bartenders when serving people beer who were getting a little tipsy. He was reminding about the difference between pints and quarts of beer. We have come to use the term in reminding people to mind their manners. That os why I thought the “p” stood for “please.”
I would say this to my kids when they went to a friend's house because I wanted them to behave properly. I would tell them to make sure they said please and thank you at the appropriate time.
This one word can be the difference between a request and order. No matter our position in life, common courtesy can be achieved with one word. Whether you are the boss, or the patron in a restaurant, the word “please” can go long way for how we treat others and what their response is going to be. It changes our attitude and theirs. So please remember your “p’s” and “q’s."
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"Our God יהוה spoke to us at Horeb, saying: You have stayed long enough at this mountain."(Deut. 1:6)
How do you know when you are in a rut? How do you know when it is time to move on? Unlike this verse in the Torah, rarely do we get a clear sign of the right moment to take leave or start something new. Sometimes we are bored and sometimes there are those who antagonize but when we are content, it is difficult to know when we should try something new. In our lives we should try and remain curious. It is the antidote to becoming stagnant. Creativity whether in our hands or our minds helps us remain vibrant. Be curious and creative.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“Moses recorded the starting points of their various marches as directed by יהוה. Their marches, by starting points, were as follows:” (Numbers 33:2) Moses’ farewell is long and drawn out. It begins here with him writing down his version of Jewish history. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks points out that one of the greatest innovations in human evolution comes in the technology of writing. Then he continues, “Technology gives us power, but it does not and cannot tell us how to use that power.” We must recognize how we chose to tell our story is important. It is what makes our history, both personal and national, meaningful. Remember in your story you are the winner. Tisha B'av begins onSaturday night August 6 @ 9:00pm We will be doing Eicha on zoom this year. Would you like to read this year?
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Before you can Look Forward, You Must Look Back “To Aaron were born Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. Nadab and Abihu died when they offered alien fire before יהוה.” (Numbers 26:60-61)
Before the Israelites begin another census they stop and recognize the loss of Nadav and Avihu. We cannot bury the past. We must remember before we can look ahead we must remember the trauma. Before we can move on we must realize what we have been through. In our haste to move on with our lives we neglect the importance of recognizing the losses we have had. Those losses cannot be ignored or worse denied. Before we can move one we must first look back.
Now that we are in the middle of summer and things have quieted down, if you want to get together and talk please just send me a note. I'd love to connect.
Welcome to Rabbi's Corner. This is a stream of Rabbi Stein's דברי תורה (divrei torah, words of Torah).
