“And on those stones you shall inscribe every word of this Teaching most distinctly.” (Deuteronomy 27:8) As we make our way from one location to another, we too pick up items and they become part of who we are. They become part of our story. Some people call it baggage, some call it experience. No matter, we must decide what becomes sacred to us and what has become an obstacle for further growth. It is this week’s parsha, as we prepare ourselves for the upcoming high holidays that reminds us to consciously decide what moves forward and becomes permanent and what we can finally let go of.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“If a man has two wives, one loved and the other unloved, and both the loved and the unloved have borne him sons, but the first-born is the son of the unloved one…“ (Deuteronomy 21:15)
Insert joke here about one wife being plenty. All joking aside, the pain of living in a loveless marriage or in a home filled with conflict and tension can be unbearable. It is the reason why Judaism has always permitted the dissolution of a marriage.
Our tradition understands that sometimes people who were once in love with each other can no longer live with each other.
The lesson extends beyond the boundaries of marriage to life in general. Through our daily liturgy we grow to understand that we can always change our direction. We all have choices and we can change. It is the work we do now in preparation for the high holidays that we begin to pave a new path.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Pursue Kindness and Compassion Parashat Shoftim "Justice, justice shall you pursue, that you may thrive and occupy the land that the LORD your God is giving you." (Deuteronomy 16:20)
One of the most quoted verses in the Torah, the Rabbis explain that the double use of the word "justice" indicates that in pursuing justice we must be just. It is their way of saying the ends cannot justify the means.
While we would all love to see a judicial system that was perfect, we might agree that what we have leaves us wanting more. Justice is different from revenge. Justice seeks to balance the scales and in some cases that can never be accomplished. Justice doesn't always heal the pain. Maybe we ought to pursue kindness and compassion with the same vigor as we pursue justice.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"But whenever you desire, you may slaughter and eat meat in any of your settlements, according to the blessing that the LORD your God has granted you. The unclean and the clean alike may partake of it, as of the gazelle and the deer." (Deuteronomy 12:15) Some family members stand on ceremony and will only visit when they are invited. Some visit whenever they want. Some call first. Family shouldn’t have these pretenses.
When loved ones want to see each other they should figure how to make it happen. Waiting for an invitation seems not to be the best approach.
Here at GHC you never need an invitation. Now that we have relaxed some of our COVID protocols, you can just show up and we will be happy to see you. If you aren’t comfortable yet, don’t worry God can hear you from anywhere.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"When you have eaten your fill, give thanks to the LORD your God for the good land which He has given you." (DEUTERONOMY 8:10)
“I hate to eat and run” is one the great escape lines of all time.
You recognize the feeling of a attending a never ending dinner party. First, it takes forever to sit down to the meal. Then each course comes out so slowly you have forgotten what you ate in the previous course. You sit there and the conversation is boring or overly political and all you want is for the evening to end. You are even happy to leave before dessert. You simply can’t take it anymore.
Finally there is an end in sight, you place your napkin back on the table. You begin to rise from your seat and while you are half way there the words come out. “I had a wonderful time. Thank you for a lovely evening. I hate to eat and run but…”
Note, you must say thank you. It would be impolite not to. So says our tradition. When you have had enough, make sure to say thank you.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“Hear of Israel, Adonai is our God, Adonai is one.”
This may be the single most important statement for a Jew. Next week we will welcome two new Jews to our beloved religion. At the end of the ceremony, they will declare their faith and recite these words. From that moment, they will be linked with our people irrevocably. Through these words, they will announce their commitment not just to our God but to our people.
As Rabbi Akiva was being burned at the stake, he recited these words. Jewish soldiers whether in the American services or Israel have recited them upon going into battle. Countless generations of children have recited these words before they go to bed. We say them morning and evening, when we take out the Torah and they are embedded within the musaf Kedusha.
As much as these words tie us to God they bind us to each other. As Rabbi Eli Garfinkel writes, “the Shema is both concise and deep.” Please join us this week as we celebrate the naming of Andy and Sharon Weiss' granddaughter and kiddush for the first time since the beginning of COVID
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"These are the words that Moses addressed to all Israel on the other side of the Jordan." (Deuteronomy 1:1) "A healing tongue is a tree of life, But a devious one makes for a broken spirit." (Proverbs 15:4)
As the long trip through the desert to the promised land comes to a close and Moses readies himself to bid farewell to the people he birthed and led, he has a few parting thoughts. As most commentaries indicate, the words aren’t kind. Moses recalls how this stiff necked, belligerent and at times mutinous group of ragtag tribes were molded into an elite fighting army.
Though harsh, it is clear Moses is trying to warn the Jewish people that if this behavior continues, he will not be around to make it right. It is out of love Moses speaks harshly. However, I am left wondering if there is a more effective way to communicate concern. We must always find ways to speak words of criticism in ways that are loving. We must all learn how to speak so we can be heard. Tisha B'av Conservative/Masorti Movement Eicha Reading: On Saturday night, July 17, Camp Ramah Nyack staff will livestream their Eicha reading for all directly to ourRA YouTube account at 9:45 PM ET.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Promises Made, Promises Kept “If a man makes a vow to the LORD 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.” (Number 30:3) We make deals with God all of the time. Whether it is the child about to receive their test results or the adult facing illness, we all make promises. Coming out of this pandemic is the moment when we decide which of the alterations we have made to our lives are going to stay or which we will abandon. How many, hoping to see family and friends again made promises to value others in our lives more, will actually remember to do so? How many, longing for community will recommit to the real work of community building?
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Numbers Don't Lie and They Often Don't Matter ”All who were enrolled came to 603,550.” (Numbers 1:46) “This is the enrollment of the Israelites: 601,730.” (Numbers 26:51) In three different places in the Torah we read of a census. Each time they occur after a catastrophic event. Each time we encounter a harrowing experience we take stock of our lives. We must always remember we can never reduce the story to just being about the numbers. While numbers don’t lie and they do help us quantify our sense of loss, we must remind ourselves that each and every person has value. May we continue to bring healing to all who have suffered loss.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Choose to See Life's Blessings מְבָרְכֶ֣יךָ בָר֔וּךְ וְאֹרְרֶ֖יךָ אָרֽוּר׃ "Blessed are they who bless you, Accursed they who curse you!" (Numbers 24:9)
Raffaello Pantucci has summed up the Arab/Israeli conflict in the title of his book, “We Love Death As You Love Life”. In it he has has written a sober, detailed, and invaluable assessment of Islamist radicalisation in the United Kingdom.
There are always going to be people in life who seek out the worst and those who seek out the best. Those who want death and destruction will try to impose their will on others. The task of the good is to hold steadfast to the blessings of life. In the face of negativity, we must rise to the positive. Challenged by the harsh forces of this world we must respond with care.
SHABBAT at GHC
Join the Cantor and me for Friday night services at the Dobbs Ferry Waterfront. 6:30pm
Sermon: “Seeing Things: Why We Believe the Absurd”
FinishStrong: Let’s Talk Israel
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
To Be Touched Deeply “He who touches the corpse of any human being shall be unclean for seven days.” (Numbers 19:11) We have reached the 70% vaccination threshold necessary to reopening the state. Govenor Cuomo showed a video of all the ways people might consider vacationing in NY State suggesting that investment in NY would help boost the economy, afterall we have a very low COVID positivity rate. In short, Governor Cuomo suggested we are ready to return to normal. Unfortunately, while that may be true physically, many are not quite there emotionally. That will take some time. Not everyone is ready to just go back to the way things are. The reason is we have all been touched deeply by the losses experienced through COVID. We have all been touched deeply by the fear of COVID. The Torah teaches, we all need time. So take it. Don’t force yourself to do what you are not ready to do because if you do, you will only make the process harder and longer.
Capital Campaign Kickoff I remind you about the upcoming virtual GHC Capital Campaign Kickoff event on June 27th at 7:30 PM. Please click the Evite link below to attend this virtual one-hour gathering to learn more about our plans, and to hear from the team that has been supporting this effort. It’s also important that you RSVP, as we have a special party bag for the virtual event that we would like to personally deliver to you! Here is the link for the virtual event. I hope you can join us!
I want to teach you what you want to learn. Please answer these three questions. Do you want to learn texts (like Torah portion, Mishna, Talmud etc.) Do you want to discuss current events including politics, Israel, pop culture Do you want to meet in person or on zoom?
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
It Just Takes a Few “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—to rise up against Moses, together with two hundred and fifty Israelites, chieftains of the community, chosen in the assembly, men of repute.” (Numbers 16:1-2) Every rebellion and coup begins somewhere and with someone and appeals to people of good reputations. In order to validate their mission outsiders will often tap insiders to add value and broader reach to their goal. The anatomy of insurrection is on full display today throughout the world. The message is simple. Be careful with whom you associate. Be ready to call them out when they have crossed the line from valid opposition to violence. Be ready to change course even if you have already gone down the road with them.
GHC CAPITAL CAMPAIGN 2025 KICKOFF Sunday, Jun 27th 7:30pm
We All Grow Tired “The LORD spoke further to Moses and Aaron, “How much longer shall that wicked community keep muttering against Me? Very well, I have heeded the incessant muttering of the Israelites against Me.” (Numbers 14:26-27) Children, on a long car ride will often and repeatedly ask,”how much longer until we get there?” Parents, in return, will become exasperated. Many of us lose our patiences. Life can be trying. Prolonged challenges can be exhausting. So do what God does, say it aloud and move on. (And maybe even say what God says, “we’ll get there, when we get there.”)
Summon Your Best Self "And Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ attendant from his youth, spoke up and said, “My lord Moses, restrain them!” But Moses said to him, “Are you wrought up on my account? Would that all the LORD’s people were prophets, that the LORD put His spirit upon them!” Moses then reentered the camp together with the elders of Israel." (Numbers 11:28-30)
In this moment, Joshua, the future leader of the Jewish people gets a lesson in leadership. Fearful that Eldad and Medad are trying to usurp Moses’ authority, Moses responds, "don’t take everything personally" or better, "don’t get so defensive."
When we are at our best, when we feel most confident we are able to see others more clearly. When we are run down and insecure we see attacks where there aren’t any.
The difficulty when we are tired or feeling vulnerable is summoning our highest self. In those moments it helps to take a breath before responding.
Come Back this Shabbos all you need to bring is this form. No need to sign up in advance. FinishStrong (our post service provocative conversation) is also back and better than ever.
COVID Health Questionnaire
Do you have or have you had in the past 14 days?
Fever
Chills yes or
Sweats
Measured temperature of 100.4 F or greater
Malaise/Fatigue
Loss of sense of smell
Loss of sense of taste
Cough
Chest Pain
Shortness of Breath
Sore Throat
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Have you been in direct contact with someone that tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days?
Have you been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 14 days?
Have you traveled internationally in the past 14 days?
Have you traveled by air, car or train, to and from any states other than New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Vermont, Massachusetts, or Pennsylvania in the past 14 days?
If no, then you can come into GHC
If yes, are you fully vaccinated (that is, are you two weeks past your last vaccination date)?
If yes, then you can come to GHC
If no, then you cannot come to GHC
Do you have anyone staying with you who is visiting from a state other than New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Vermont, Massachusetts, or Pennsylvania in the past 14 days?
If no, then you can come into GHC
If yes, are they fully vaccinated (that is, are they two weeks past their last vaccination date)?
If yes, then you can come to GHC
If no, then you cannot come to GHC
If you answered yes to any of these questions, please call your primary care provider. _______________________________ Printed Name _________________________________ ____________________ Signature Date
Make a Plan and Say It Aloud “Speak to the Israelites: When a man or woman commits any wrong toward a fellow man, thus breaking faith with the LORD, and that person realizes his guilt, he shall confess the wrong that he has done. He shall make restitution in the principal amount and add one-fifth to it, giving it to him whom he has wronged.” (Numbers 5:6-7)
Verbalizing is an important way to live. Whether it is verbalizing our feelings, our wants, our hopes or even our guilt adds a significant starting point to correction. Once we say something, we are making a pact to try and achieve that goal. Sometimes it is not enough to just think about something. We have a strategy and a step by step plan to achieve that goal. Saying it aloud is the first step.
Don’t Look Behind the Curtain “But let not [the Kohathites] go inside and witness the dismantling of the sanctuary, lest they die. (Numbers 4:20) I have often joked that if you want to remain a spiritual Jew, don’t join the board. The reason is because part of synagogue life is a business. Security must be maintained, garbage must be picked up and bills have to be paid. All of this requires mundane activities that can easily turn a person off. That is why another cliche is, if you are enjoying the dinner party don’t go into the kitchen. Sometimes keeping a distance allows us to keep the mythical side of ecstatic experience alive. The lion, the scarecrow and the tin man all had what they needed already inside. They didn’t need to look behind the curtain to confirm it. Spiritual living requires a certain leap of faith and sometimes that jump is easier if you don’t look down.
Shavuot Please join us for our Evening of Learning - Tikkun Layl Shavuot. Our theme is “Community.” If you would like to share some ideas, please let me know. I’d be happy to help give you some perspective. It will take place both in person and via zoom If you would like to present, please let me know by Wednesday. Topic: Tikkun Layl Shavuot Time: Sunday evening, May 16, 2021 08:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/98721597385?pwd=N2d6cDN0SWYrQW5nWklzSDZSalg0dz09 Meeting ID: 987 2159 7385 Passcode: 415552 One tap mobile +16465588656,,98721597385# US (New York)
Regular Shavuot services including Yizkor will take place live and via livestream Monday, May 17, 2021 at 9:30 am.
Don’t Kill the Messenger “If you reject My laws and spurn My rules, so that you do not observe all My commandments and you break My covenant.” (Leviticus 26:15) “Reproof leads to peace; a peace where there has been no reproof is no peace.” (Bereshit Rabbah 54:3) Everything we do has consequences, some positive and some negative. Understanding this is important, reminding ourselves is difficult. That is what friends are for. A real friend steps in and gives perspective and helps us to live the life we want to live rather than living in reaction to the moment. Being a good friend means delivering the good and the bad reminders and comes with tremendous risk. How we deliver the message becomes just as important as what the message is and can only come from a true friend.
Please stay up to date on our new COVID Protocols on our website.
Please join us for our Evening of Learning - Tikkun Layl Shavuot. Our theme is “Community.” If you would like to share some ideas, please let me know. I’d be happy to help give you some perspective. It will take place both in person and via zoom on Sunday evening, May 16, 2021 at 8:00pm It will take place in person and on zoom. click here for link Meeting ID: 987 2159 7385 Passcode: 415552 One tap mobile +16465588656,,98721597385# US (New York) Regular Shavuot services including Yizkor will take place live and via livestream Monday, May 17, 2021 at 9:30 am.
Make Today Count "And from the day on which you bring the sheaf of elevation offering—the day after the sabbath—you shall count off seven weeks. They must be complete: You must count until the day after the seventh week—fifty days; then you shall bring an offering of new grain to the LORD." (Leviticus 23:15-16)
Some get caught up on the idea that you must finish what you begin. I say, just make everyday count. These two verses from Leviticus point to the fact that the period between Passover and Sahvuot must be seven complete weeks. We are supposed to count every day (counting of the omer) trying to never to miss a day.
Rather than focussing on, “They must be complete” I choose to focus on, “you must count.” Keep trying. If you are unsuccessful today, maybe tomorrow will bring great achievement.
This week’s sermon is titled “Be Scrupulous” if you would like to see the text click here.
Please join us for our Evening of Learning - Tikkun Layl Shavuot. Our theme is “Community.” If you would like to share some ideas, please let me know. I’d be happy to help give you some perspective. It will take place both in person and via zoom on Sunday evening, May 16, 2021 at 8:00pm for zoom link click here
Regular Shavuot services including Yizkor will take place live and via livestream Monday, May 17, 2021 at 9:30 am.
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֣ם אֶת־מִשְׁמַרְתִּ֗י “You shall keep My charge not to engage in any of the abhorrent practices that were carried on before you, and you shall not defile yourselves through them: I the LORD am your God.” (Leviticus 18:30)
The Rabbis use this verse as an opportunity to suggest that within their authority to interpret and apply laws from the Torah. Whether it is in the Talmud, the early or even late codes, the Rabbis reserve the right to explain laws and sometimes even explain away laws. We are part of a movement that continues to take seriously the demands of our day to see people over structures, to see the pain of others over a desire to preserve institutions.
I reccomend two important papers: One on Homosexuality click here and one that will add to your understanding of people who are Transgender. To read click here
“It is chronic leprosy on the skin of his body, and the priest shall pronounce him unclean; he need not isolate him, for he is unclean.” (Leviticus 13:11)
This sentence is packed with so many lessons about illness and community. The phrase “need not isolate” is significant. Isolation is something we have all felt in the past year. The pain and suffering of isolation has softened because of a variety of technologies. Yet we still need human contact.
Reports of the rapid decline of religious affiliation in America remain a concern for all in the faith community. We must push ourselves to recommit to our community. Therefore, I invite you back and start with Shabbat morning services.
“Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu each took his fire pan, put fire in it, and laid incense on it; and they offered before the LORD alien fire, which He had not enjoined upon them. And fire came forth from the LORD and consumed them; thus they died at the instance of the LORD.” (Leviticus 10:1-2)
Reading this passage each year brings new meaning and understanding. Some years I feel angry at the two sons of Aaron for not doing as they were told. Some years, I am angry at God for the death of these two young, potential innovators of religious life. This year, in the face of the loss of so many, I just feel sad.
Death brings so many different emotions, anger, guilt, regret. The rabbis show the vast array in their commentaries. Sadness must not be overlooked, discarded or even minimized. This year, we have all lost and we all must take the time to grieve.
Welcome to Rabbi's Corner. This is a stream of Rabbi Stein's דברי תורה (divrei torah, words of Torah).
