Imagine a new world. Just like a rough draft of a story, God looked at the world that was destroyed by the flood. What could God do to make his covenant real? Promising to never destroy the world and its people means you have to make it right. God decided to choose a patriarch. In Haran, Mesopotamia, a man named Abram was at his father's home. Just like Noah. Abram listened to God and took his wife, Sarai, and his nephew Lot. Together with their possessions they went to the land of Canaan.
Canaan was not just a vast empty land. Many nations of kings lived there. Abram decided to split the land in half with Lot. Abram got the west and Lot got the eastern Jordan valley. A few days later war and oppression among the kinged nations breaks out in the Jordan Valley.
Lot was selfish to choose the Jordan Valley. It was the valued land for anyone with its rivers and fertile soil. Other nations would love this land. Abram and Sarai were alone in the east. No war. The only thing the patriarch wishes for is an offspring, but Sarai was much too old.
Sarai brings her maid to be the "mother of their offspring". Abram and the maid have the child Ishmael who was a fine man, but not Abram's heir. Just then, God makes the second of the two major covenant in the Torah. This one may be larger than the first. God promises, "You shall be father of a multitude of nations." (Genesis 17:4) God changes his name from Abram to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah to show they are the people of God and promises them an offspring. Even though Sarah was quite old, Issac was born 9 months following the covenant. As for the father of a multitude of nations, Abraham is the patriarch of the Jewish faith, which means he is also patriarch of the Christian faith, and some people do not know this, but Abraham is also the patriarch in the Islamic faith.
From this parshat, I thought of the theme of believing in oneself. If we do not believe in God or ourselves all is lost. God believe and protected Abraham. Abraham trusted God. Living in the nation of the Red Sox, being a Yankee fan can cause great oppression come October. People turn on you as the Yankees win the pennant. I call it "Anti-Yankeeism". If I were to stop wearing the hats, and the jerseys. I would stop believing. Stop watching to all hours of the nights, but I do believe. As God and Abraham's belief in each other is mutual, the win in game 2 made me believe in the Yankees 27th World Series title.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Genesis Noah Verses 6:9-11:32
Just like Portion B'reshit, Noah is a parshat we all know. God asks Noah to build him an ark. Why? A flood is going to come over the Earth. Noah has to gather two of each animal and put them on the ark. After the flood, a dove searches for a place to settle and can not. A week goes by and the dove tries again, the ark can be released. When it is all over, God makes the first of two major covenant in the Torah. This first covenant has God promising never to destroy all the living beings on Earth again.
If God promises not to, why does God do it in the first place? Noah was a very special man on the face of the Earth at this time. In my opinion, there is one thing that can stop wickedness:listening. The difference between Noah and the rest of the wicked world was listening. Ignorance is the source of wickedness. Ignorance is merely not listening. Compassion is the opposite of wickedness. To be compassionate you must listen.
In B'reshit, God proves that the first world formed was ignorant. Adam and Eve were told not to eat the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge. A snake sent by God tempted them. Noah does not even question God when God demands him to build an ark.
Listening abilities show up again in the story. Noah and his family have to work together to build this massive ark. Problems between countries in the modern world happen for many reasons, but all roots of ammunition being used in warfare is a result of not accepting what others have to say.
I personally had an inconvenient experience this week. I got hit in my right ear like a crack of a whip. High pitched ringing lasted for 15 minutes. I felt what it felt like to lose that ability. Not to the worst extent, but it was pretty horrible. I felt ashamed to have say what all the time and a little stupid. I did not choose not to listen, but most people do. If we were born not to listen, why do we have ears?
If God promises not to, why does God do it in the first place? Noah was a very special man on the face of the Earth at this time. In my opinion, there is one thing that can stop wickedness:listening. The difference between Noah and the rest of the wicked world was listening. Ignorance is the source of wickedness. Ignorance is merely not listening. Compassion is the opposite of wickedness. To be compassionate you must listen.
In B'reshit, God proves that the first world formed was ignorant. Adam and Eve were told not to eat the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge. A snake sent by God tempted them. Noah does not even question God when God demands him to build an ark.
Listening abilities show up again in the story. Noah and his family have to work together to build this massive ark. Problems between countries in the modern world happen for many reasons, but all roots of ammunition being used in warfare is a result of not accepting what others have to say.
I personally had an inconvenient experience this week. I got hit in my right ear like a crack of a whip. High pitched ringing lasted for 15 minutes. I felt what it felt like to lose that ability. Not to the worst extent, but it was pretty horrible. I felt ashamed to have say what all the time and a little stupid. I did not choose not to listen, but most people do. If we were born not to listen, why do we have ears?
Sunday, October 18, 2009
My Dvar Torah B’reshit
The Torah begins with a story we all know. My Torah portion is Parshat B'reishit which means, " in the beginning". This parsha is the story of creation. It begins with God saying, "Let there be light!" and there was light. A first day. Then, God says "Let one water divide from the next!" and there was water and sky. A second day. The sky's only function is to hold the water in the air from coming down to Earth. After that, God collects the water in one place until there is dry soil. God says, "Let there be vegetation, and seed-bearing plants!" and there was land and plants. A third day. Fourth but not last, God says, "Let there be two great lights in the sky!" and there was a sun and a moon. A fourth day. There were three more days, but I only have four aliyot.
When thinking about this portion, I had to keep in mind it was not a science textbook I was looking at. You cannot look at this portion and say, "Oh God did not create the world in six days, that's impossible, the Torah is useless fiction." The creation story was included in the Torah to show that God does everything for a reason. The first three days are the foundation for the next three. God creates light, water and sky, and vegetation on the first three days. Then God creates the sun and moon – to light the sky on the fourth day, fish and birds- to fill the sea and sky on the fifth day, and land animals –to fill the land on the sixth day. God also does the same thing every day of creation. He speaks, divides, sees that everything is alright, and calls things by their names.
We can all learn something from this portion. God never does things without thinking. God does not tolerate the world to look incorrect for humans. In fact, the setup of the world, according to Genesis, shows it was created for humans. How do we say thank you? God thinks we say thank you by celebrating the seventh day of creation, Shabbat. The Earth would be a better place if we all took one day of the week to put aside work and celebrate the creation of this world we all live in. We take one day out of the week and remove all other work so that people can pray. We can also thank God by doing something with our world. God spoke to create the world. We have to think and speak in our world, it's the only way to make a difference. Every time we speak, we create something. I am creating a thought in our minds right now. The Torah teaches us to think before we speak, because you just might be creating a world.
Friday, October 09, 2009
Deuteronomy Ve-Zo't Ha-Berakah Verses 33:1 -34:7
The Torah's last parshat. Deuteronomy is the last book. V'Zot Ha-Berakah is the last portion. The Jews have entered Israel and God lets Moses bless the people. Moses blesses each tribe of Israelites as he lays on Mount Nebo. Moses committed sin in his lifetime not allowing him to go into the land. Moses did get a glimspe over all of Israel. I personally feel that was very fair of God.
Then, Moses blesses the whole land of Israel. He says, "O happy Israel! Who is like you, A people delivered by the Lord, Your protecting Shield, your Sword triumphant! Your enemies shall come cringing before you, and you shall tread on their backs." (Deuteronomy 33:29). To me this means Moses ordered us to protect the land. Israel is the world's third strongest military. Does Moses keep that going?
To me Israel's strength is the drive. For a small country it is filled with nationalism. To fight for the holy land is something most would consider a great honor.
Did God choose Israel's location on purpose? In my mind, God knows all that has happened and all that will happen. When God was bringing the Israel's people accross the desert I think the future was in mind. To me, God would know that Israel would eventually be surrounded by all prodomately Arab countries. The only thing I think God cannot control is free-will.
We have fufilled the task that Moses gave us. Moses says "Your protecting shield" before Your sword triumphant". This means that peace should always come before the sword. Sword came first and failed to do anything. Israel was attacked almost immediately after it gained independence. Now, the protecting shield of the strong zionist military saved Israel and the smart, progressive leaders pushed Israel into a more peaceful future. I feel that is why Iran has been very hesitent. Is it not amazing what a small country can do with the power and covenent of God?
Then, Moses blesses the whole land of Israel. He says, "O happy Israel! Who is like you, A people delivered by the Lord, Your protecting Shield, your Sword triumphant! Your enemies shall come cringing before you, and you shall tread on their backs." (Deuteronomy 33:29). To me this means Moses ordered us to protect the land. Israel is the world's third strongest military. Does Moses keep that going?
To me Israel's strength is the drive. For a small country it is filled with nationalism. To fight for the holy land is something most would consider a great honor.
Did God choose Israel's location on purpose? In my mind, God knows all that has happened and all that will happen. When God was bringing the Israel's people accross the desert I think the future was in mind. To me, God would know that Israel would eventually be surrounded by all prodomately Arab countries. The only thing I think God cannot control is free-will.
We have fufilled the task that Moses gave us. Moses says "Your protecting shield" before Your sword triumphant". This means that peace should always come before the sword. Sword came first and failed to do anything. Israel was attacked almost immediately after it gained independence. Now, the protecting shield of the strong zionist military saved Israel and the smart, progressive leaders pushed Israel into a more peaceful future. I feel that is why Iran has been very hesitent. Is it not amazing what a small country can do with the power and covenent of God?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Deuteronemy Ha'azinu Verses 32:1-32:52
Ha'azinu is a continuation of the parshat two weeks ago. We ended when God was about to have Moses read a poem to all the Jewish people. The poem sums up pretty much the whole Torah. It does not mention most laws, but it shows you what God can do.
It starts with something that some of us may think is obvious. "Listen, O heavens, and I will speak! And let the earth hear the words of my mouth!" (Deuteronomy 32:1). Although we find this obvious, listening is a skill that most people have lost greatly in the past 30 years. The reasoning being that most people have developed their own opinions and nobody wants to listen to another opinion. Even in ancient times, everybody just wanted to get up and leave for the Promised Land. We can learn from their mistakes. It never hurts to listen.
Now I just want to focus on one verse. "Destruction is not His; it is His children's defect you crooked and twisted generation" (Deuteronomy 32:5). This quote tells us that your job in life is not for you to succeed, but to raise your successers right. That means parent must bring up a successful generation. We are reminded that even though Moses's generation had successful getting out of bondage they brought up a generation of Israelites who had to be punished, wandering in the desert for fourty years.
Let us take a glance at the past two generations. That would be my parents and grandparents. I would say they were pretty successful. Revolusionizing industry and technology. The film, sports, scientific and medical success of the 20th Century is astounding. Jonas Salk, the Jewish man who found a vaccine for polio can not take all credit for his discovery in 1955. His parents are responsible for bringing him up the right way. Any success you here about, you must remember the parents.
This may get you thinking, what are we in for in 20 years. Since 1969, Americans have been involoved in 10 wars. Many of which were started by American government. Honestly, I am worried for my generation. I am concerned because the ideas of the Torah are becoming irrelevent. The television and interenet are turning into bigger influences everyday. Many families like my own are very well bonded, but the world is always on the run and the American family is torn apart trying to catch it.
It starts with something that some of us may think is obvious. "Listen, O heavens, and I will speak! And let the earth hear the words of my mouth!" (Deuteronomy 32:1). Although we find this obvious, listening is a skill that most people have lost greatly in the past 30 years. The reasoning being that most people have developed their own opinions and nobody wants to listen to another opinion. Even in ancient times, everybody just wanted to get up and leave for the Promised Land. We can learn from their mistakes. It never hurts to listen.
Now I just want to focus on one verse. "Destruction is not His; it is His children's defect you crooked and twisted generation" (Deuteronomy 32:5). This quote tells us that your job in life is not for you to succeed, but to raise your successers right. That means parent must bring up a successful generation. We are reminded that even though Moses's generation had successful getting out of bondage they brought up a generation of Israelites who had to be punished, wandering in the desert for fourty years.
Let us take a glance at the past two generations. That would be my parents and grandparents. I would say they were pretty successful. Revolusionizing industry and technology. The film, sports, scientific and medical success of the 20th Century is astounding. Jonas Salk, the Jewish man who found a vaccine for polio can not take all credit for his discovery in 1955. His parents are responsible for bringing him up the right way. Any success you here about, you must remember the parents.
This may get you thinking, what are we in for in 20 years. Since 1969, Americans have been involoved in 10 wars. Many of which were started by American government. Honestly, I am worried for my generation. I am concerned because the ideas of the Torah are becoming irrelevent. The television and interenet are turning into bigger influences everyday. Many families like my own are very well bonded, but the world is always on the run and the American family is torn apart trying to catch it.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Deuteronomy Nitzavim and Vayeilech Verses 29:9-31-30
Although Rosh Hashana is next week, Nitzavim and Vayeilech are NOT the last two Torah portions.(As conveniently explained to me by Rabbi Milder) You got that right folks two portions, one week. That seems to happen every once in a while. We join our Jews on the border of the Jordan River. Moses is 120 years old and is leaving our world to go to the next.
The coincidental thing is this Shabbat falls on the eighth anniversary of 9/11. Where 2,993 (numbers from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_11_attacks) almost all innocent people moved from our world to the next. 6,291 or even more had been injured Fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters. Our neighbors, our friends. 2,993 is just a large enough number that almost anybody knows someone in the accident. I thank God every year that my father and mother did not work in the Twin Towers that day. I am sorry to all those who did lose someone close. In my opinion, the attack is the most horrific thing that has happened since the Holocaust.
The biggest difference is the people of 9/11 died for no reason and Moses could not live to go into the Promised Land for two reasons. 1. He committed murder as an Egyptian abused a slave. 2. He smashed the Ten Commandments into a mountain side. One thing I liked about this particular portion is the role Joshua plays.
The scene depicts the seniority of Levites in the Tent of Meeting blessing Joshua as the Lord appears to them in the form of a cloud. Moses is getting ready to leave the world and gives the advice of his past to Joshua. L'Dor V'Dor! Although they are not son and father, this reminds me of when my parents will advise me as I become a man in the Jewish community on October 17th.
Moses will definitely be missed by the people of Israel as Deuteronomy finishes, but they must remember Moses. One thing I insist you remember from this blog post is that one someone passes the greatest honor you can give them is to remember them. Whether its Abraham, Issac, Jacob, Moses, or even a friend or family member, remember them. If you miss Ted Kennedy, remember him. We remember the Twin Towers every year on this day that shows another year further away from that tragic day. Today in school, we dignified the event by having a schoolwide moment of silence at 9:00 a.m. That is when the planes approximately hit.
The lights that go up tonight reminds me of the scene in the Tent of Meeting. As the holy event happens, the Lord shoots light into the sky and the Israelites remember. (Note, he did not actually do this in the parsha. This is my imagination.) Whether you shoot light above one of the biggest skylines in the world or crossing the Jordan River, remember the dead.
The coincidental thing is this Shabbat falls on the eighth anniversary of 9/11. Where 2,993 (numbers from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_11_attacks) almost all innocent people moved from our world to the next. 6,291 or even more had been injured Fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters. Our neighbors, our friends. 2,993 is just a large enough number that almost anybody knows someone in the accident. I thank God every year that my father and mother did not work in the Twin Towers that day. I am sorry to all those who did lose someone close. In my opinion, the attack is the most horrific thing that has happened since the Holocaust.
The biggest difference is the people of 9/11 died for no reason and Moses could not live to go into the Promised Land for two reasons. 1. He committed murder as an Egyptian abused a slave. 2. He smashed the Ten Commandments into a mountain side. One thing I liked about this particular portion is the role Joshua plays.
The scene depicts the seniority of Levites in the Tent of Meeting blessing Joshua as the Lord appears to them in the form of a cloud. Moses is getting ready to leave the world and gives the advice of his past to Joshua. L'Dor V'Dor! Although they are not son and father, this reminds me of when my parents will advise me as I become a man in the Jewish community on October 17th.
Moses will definitely be missed by the people of Israel as Deuteronomy finishes, but they must remember Moses. One thing I insist you remember from this blog post is that one someone passes the greatest honor you can give them is to remember them. Whether its Abraham, Issac, Jacob, Moses, or even a friend or family member, remember them. If you miss Ted Kennedy, remember him. We remember the Twin Towers every year on this day that shows another year further away from that tragic day. Today in school, we dignified the event by having a schoolwide moment of silence at 9:00 a.m. That is when the planes approximately hit.
The lights that go up tonight reminds me of the scene in the Tent of Meeting. As the holy event happens, the Lord shoots light into the sky and the Israelites remember. (Note, he did not actually do this in the parsha. This is my imagination.) Whether you shoot light above one of the biggest skylines in the world or crossing the Jordan River, remember the dead.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Deuteronomy Ki Teitzei Verses 21:10 - 25:19
Ki Teitzei is not a portion of the Torah with a story, and characters. It has more of just the laws of the Torah. The laws mentioned in this part of the Torah are all about family and dealing with divorce or loss of a loved one. Appropriately I thought about the Kennedy's.
I look at the Kennedy's and I am amazed. They are the American version of the Royal Family. You are born a Kennedy and you are famous overnight. I would like to talk about a few Kennedy's and what they have done in this legendary American family.
It all goes back to Joseph P. Kennedy who never did much in politics. Joe was just a very rich man, but as a patriarch he had very good intentions for his family. Joe is responsible for making the Kennedy name. The ambitions he had for his family remind me of my papa. Ambitions for the next Graubart rabbi (probably me) and as the Kennedy's succeeded and pleased Joe, I hope to succeed and please, ,my papa, Daniel Graubart.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy and Robert Francis Kennedy were the young hopes. There are parts of the family that never got to do what they planned to. Always had good intentions, but could never finish because of a gun. JFK made it to office, but his presidency was cut short. Like his older brother Robert's career was brief. Other than the assassination, my sister and I remind me of Robert and John. Still fresh in the world, have not made their mark yet.
Then, there is Eunice Kennedy Shriver. She was not much in the political side of the Kennedy family, but made a difference in the world. Eunice founded the Special Olympics. She reminds me of my mom who do anything that is caring and nice.
Finally, Ted Kennedy was a fighting man in the Senate. He always stood up for what he believed in and now is cherished for it. Not even brain cancer could stop the drive this man had. Two people resemble Ted for me. My nana and my dad both fight for what they believe in and would do anything for the people they care about.
One generation of Kennedy's is almost gone. Time moves on though. Joe did not consider himself for greatness. He thought of Joe Jr., John, Kathleen, Eunice, Patricia, Robert, Jean, and Ted as his greatness. Just as Daniel and Annette Graubart are proud of Dina, Glen, Beth, Ron, Adam, Rachel, Emma, Ben, and Ruby. How does this all go back to Ki Teitzei? L'Dor V'Dor. From generation to generation.
I look at the Kennedy's and I am amazed. They are the American version of the Royal Family. You are born a Kennedy and you are famous overnight. I would like to talk about a few Kennedy's and what they have done in this legendary American family.
It all goes back to Joseph P. Kennedy who never did much in politics. Joe was just a very rich man, but as a patriarch he had very good intentions for his family. Joe is responsible for making the Kennedy name. The ambitions he had for his family remind me of my papa. Ambitions for the next Graubart rabbi (probably me) and as the Kennedy's succeeded and pleased Joe, I hope to succeed and please, ,my papa, Daniel Graubart.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy and Robert Francis Kennedy were the young hopes. There are parts of the family that never got to do what they planned to. Always had good intentions, but could never finish because of a gun. JFK made it to office, but his presidency was cut short. Like his older brother Robert's career was brief. Other than the assassination, my sister and I remind me of Robert and John. Still fresh in the world, have not made their mark yet.
Then, there is Eunice Kennedy Shriver. She was not much in the political side of the Kennedy family, but made a difference in the world. Eunice founded the Special Olympics. She reminds me of my mom who do anything that is caring and nice.
Finally, Ted Kennedy was a fighting man in the Senate. He always stood up for what he believed in and now is cherished for it. Not even brain cancer could stop the drive this man had. Two people resemble Ted for me. My nana and my dad both fight for what they believe in and would do anything for the people they care about.
One generation of Kennedy's is almost gone. Time moves on though. Joe did not consider himself for greatness. He thought of Joe Jr., John, Kathleen, Eunice, Patricia, Robert, Jean, and Ted as his greatness. Just as Daniel and Annette Graubart are proud of Dina, Glen, Beth, Ron, Adam, Rachel, Emma, Ben, and Ruby. How does this all go back to Ki Teitzei? L'Dor V'Dor. From generation to generation.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Deuteronomy Shofetim Verses16:18 -21:9
Parsha Shofetim has three basic parts. The first part God sets up the Judicial system and how it will be run justly. The second part God talks about punishment for breaking the laws he has set out for the Jewish people. The third part is God telling the Jewish people how to defend and attack to keep their culture alive. I will be talking about a part I found particularly interesting in the first section of this trilogy of commandments.
Once God explains the Jewish Judicial System, He says that the Promised Land will have a king chosen by the Lord. Modern Jews and the modern American world do not even think twice about having a king. Was the author who wrote this a Medieval man? Was it changed by someone from the Dark Ages? The world will never know who wrote each Torah parsha and how it has changed from generation.
Traditionally, we think of three Israeli kings. Saul, David, and Solomon. (Ahasuerus near Purim time, but he was not Israeli). Well to quote the children, "first is the worst, second is the best, third is one with the treasure chest". Saul was blessed by the Lord as long as he obeyed Him. Saul's time of royalty was out shined by David one of Israel's great generals. Jealously loomed Saul to try kill to David. The jig was up and David was king. David led Israel's armies with pride and started the book of Psalms. Solomon had the treasure chest of knowledge, wisest of the kings, and built the First Great Temple of Jerusalem. There were many other kings, but these are the names we remember.
Getting back to the parsha, God wanted his people to have a king. God does everything for a purpose. Maybe God wanted the people to discover democracy. My theory is God just wanted the Temple of Jerusalem built and could not force his people into slavery to build it. The purpose of Saul was to appoint David general, the purpose of David was to have Solomon as a son in Israel's golden age, the purpose of wise Solomon was to build the Temple. God does everything for a reason.
Once God explains the Jewish Judicial System, He says that the Promised Land will have a king chosen by the Lord. Modern Jews and the modern American world do not even think twice about having a king. Was the author who wrote this a Medieval man? Was it changed by someone from the Dark Ages? The world will never know who wrote each Torah parsha and how it has changed from generation.
Traditionally, we think of three Israeli kings. Saul, David, and Solomon. (Ahasuerus near Purim time, but he was not Israeli). Well to quote the children, "first is the worst, second is the best, third is one with the treasure chest". Saul was blessed by the Lord as long as he obeyed Him. Saul's time of royalty was out shined by David one of Israel's great generals. Jealously loomed Saul to try kill to David. The jig was up and David was king. David led Israel's armies with pride and started the book of Psalms. Solomon had the treasure chest of knowledge, wisest of the kings, and built the First Great Temple of Jerusalem. There were many other kings, but these are the names we remember.
Getting back to the parsha, God wanted his people to have a king. God does everything for a purpose. Maybe God wanted the people to discover democracy. My theory is God just wanted the Temple of Jerusalem built and could not force his people into slavery to build it. The purpose of Saul was to appoint David general, the purpose of David was to have Solomon as a son in Israel's golden age, the purpose of wise Solomon was to build the Temple. God does everything for a reason.
Friday, August 07, 2009
Deuteronomy 'Ekev Verses 7:12 - 11:25
This week God was just reviewing what he had done in the first years of the wilderness. I just want to focus on one verse in particular,
"The graven images of their gods you will burn with fire; you shall not covet the silver or gold that is upon them and take it for yourself, lest you be ensnared by it, for it is an abomination to the Lord, your God." (Deuteronomy 7:25)
I feel you can take this two ways. The direct approach where a Jew should never covet or worship another god. Another view is that this is a metaphor. My belief is it is a metaphor. I think it used to be a law, but you if you live in the United States you are not surrounded by the Romans, the Greeks, and the Egyptians worshiping idols.
I will take this verse piece by piece. The first part where, "The graven images of their gods will you burn with fire". That could mean that you can not go against your good judgement. Your common sense is extinguishes that fire within you, but if you go and do something stupid that fire burns everything within you. This is just a silly coincidence, but if you smoke your lungs burn and look like charcoal. My other example is how stupid Anakin was in Star Wars. When he became Darth Vader, he literally burned up in fire.
The second part, "You shall not covet the silver or gold that is upon them and take it for yourself" is telling no matter how fun or daring it looks do not covet the bad boy. We should not sigh when we see our neighbors drive up in their porches. If we complimented instead of envied or tried to what we envy for ourselves the world would be a better place. Some of the cruelest people in our history were simply greedy from their envy. Bernie Madoff probably grew up seeing the wealthy and envied them enough to scam the innocent.
Finally, "Lest you be ensnared by it, for it is an abomination to the Lord, your God." God is not going to accept you after you burned in the fires of envy. You do not want the burnt steak. You want the rare steak. Just like people want the "rare people" who do the right thing, but why do good-doers have to be rare? Anyone can do just as much good as bad.
"The graven images of their gods you will burn with fire; you shall not covet the silver or gold that is upon them and take it for yourself, lest you be ensnared by it, for it is an abomination to the Lord, your God." (Deuteronomy 7:25)
I feel you can take this two ways. The direct approach where a Jew should never covet or worship another god. Another view is that this is a metaphor. My belief is it is a metaphor. I think it used to be a law, but you if you live in the United States you are not surrounded by the Romans, the Greeks, and the Egyptians worshiping idols.
I will take this verse piece by piece. The first part where, "The graven images of their gods will you burn with fire". That could mean that you can not go against your good judgement. Your common sense is extinguishes that fire within you, but if you go and do something stupid that fire burns everything within you. This is just a silly coincidence, but if you smoke your lungs burn and look like charcoal. My other example is how stupid Anakin was in Star Wars. When he became Darth Vader, he literally burned up in fire.
The second part, "You shall not covet the silver or gold that is upon them and take it for yourself" is telling no matter how fun or daring it looks do not covet the bad boy. We should not sigh when we see our neighbors drive up in their porches. If we complimented instead of envied or tried to what we envy for ourselves the world would be a better place. Some of the cruelest people in our history were simply greedy from their envy. Bernie Madoff probably grew up seeing the wealthy and envied them enough to scam the innocent.
Finally, "Lest you be ensnared by it, for it is an abomination to the Lord, your God." God is not going to accept you after you burned in the fires of envy. You do not want the burnt steak. You want the rare steak. Just like people want the "rare people" who do the right thing, but why do good-doers have to be rare? Anyone can do just as much good as bad.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Deuteronemy Va'etchanan Verses 3:23 - 7:11
We join the Israelites in the Valley of the Jordan River waiting to be allowed into the Promised Land. Moses can not go into the Promised Land though. Moses has not trusted God and has not been honest enough to enter the Promised Land. Anyways Moses is talking to the people about God wants. This makes me think of Palin's recent resignation speech.
Deuteronomy really did review this week. The ten commandments were right in the middle of this parsha. What I liked here is that God did not mention what happened in the desert. He did not mention how the fathers and grandfathers of the people before Him had betrayed God, but God mentions the Ten Commandments and all of the sudden the V'ahavta comes up.
The V'ahavta is a prayer that begins with the Sh'ma and ode to how there is only one God in the heavens and the Earth. Is it just a coincidence the prayer is right after God talks about the Ten Commandments. If you remember the Israelites made a fake idol because they were bored of having no Moses when he was getting the Ten Commandments.
As for Moses resigning, it makes me think of baseball. We all do bad things, but not all of us deceive our people. David Ortiz said in February any person that took steroids should be abolished from baseball. Yesterday, a report was released that David Ortiz took steroids himself. Should the A-Rods, the Manny's and the Papi's of the world get to go into the Hall of Fame? Is the Hall of Fame, the chance of being remember for eternity, their Promised Land?
Deuteronomy really did review this week. The ten commandments were right in the middle of this parsha. What I liked here is that God did not mention what happened in the desert. He did not mention how the fathers and grandfathers of the people before Him had betrayed God, but God mentions the Ten Commandments and all of the sudden the V'ahavta comes up.
The V'ahavta is a prayer that begins with the Sh'ma and ode to how there is only one God in the heavens and the Earth. Is it just a coincidence the prayer is right after God talks about the Ten Commandments. If you remember the Israelites made a fake idol because they were bored of having no Moses when he was getting the Ten Commandments.
As for Moses resigning, it makes me think of baseball. We all do bad things, but not all of us deceive our people. David Ortiz said in February any person that took steroids should be abolished from baseball. Yesterday, a report was released that David Ortiz took steroids himself. Should the A-Rods, the Manny's and the Papi's of the world get to go into the Hall of Fame? Is the Hall of Fame, the chance of being remember for eternity, their Promised Land?
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Deuteronomy Devarim Verse 1:1-3:22
We are in a new book of the Torah, Deuteronomy. I have heard that it is a review and wrap-up of the Torah. We will see if that is true. This week however it was not. We are out of the desert! Finally. No more wandering. Last week, I talked about honesty and respect. This week I will focus on trust. Honesty and trust are like Batman and Robin. If one is missing, the other will not work on its own. Once the Israelites are finally out of the desert for betraying God, they blow it. God tells them that over the mountain in Jordan is the Promised Land, but the Israelites do not believe him. They do not trust him.
Since they do not trust God, they send in a few men to inspect the Promised Land. Obviously, if it was promised it will not be too shabby. God gets very upset at his people. He gives them the freedom and they do not trust him. Sometimes as we experience the hardships of life like the Israelites we lose our sense of trust too.
Only a few of the grown Israelites made it into Israel. The innocent children also make it.
When bad things happen to us, we lose our faith. I have a story. One of the days after my sister's bat mitzvah I asked God a favor. I asked him to keep all four of my grandparents healthy for my bar mitzvah three years later. At times things have been shaky, but God-willing they can all come in good health. What I do when I lose trust with God which does happen when I am upset, is simply say I am sorry. If we all just trusted everyone around us including God, we would feel better. If we all were honesty to everyone around us including God, we would trust each other more. Honesty and trust go hand in hand.
Since they do not trust God, they send in a few men to inspect the Promised Land. Obviously, if it was promised it will not be too shabby. God gets very upset at his people. He gives them the freedom and they do not trust him. Sometimes as we experience the hardships of life like the Israelites we lose our sense of trust too.
Only a few of the grown Israelites made it into Israel. The innocent children also make it.
When bad things happen to us, we lose our faith. I have a story. One of the days after my sister's bat mitzvah I asked God a favor. I asked him to keep all four of my grandparents healthy for my bar mitzvah three years later. At times things have been shaky, but God-willing they can all come in good health. What I do when I lose trust with God which does happen when I am upset, is simply say I am sorry. If we all just trusted everyone around us including God, we would feel better. If we all were honesty to everyone around us including God, we would trust each other more. Honesty and trust go hand in hand.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Numbers Matot and Masei Verses 30:2-36:13
Two parshas in one week again! I only had the time to do one, but I thought I should let you know there were two.
Matot-This parsha focused on one thing, how valuble honesty is. It says if a woman breaks her vow while in her father's household and her father has no objection, the father continues to trust the woman. If her father has objection no promises will be trusted again. Does how honest we are depend on our parents? According to the Torah, Honest Abe's dad is the guy that had an objection and Bernie Madoff's dad is the one that let it go.
With honesty comes loyalty. People wonder why God made the Israelites wander in the desert for 40 years. Loyalty. The Israelites did nothing wrong in Egypt, but God felt after being in the desert for a year or two his people had betrayed him. When we leave our mothers and fathers, do we betray them? We have no one telling us rules. Rules our parents were strict about. God, our almighty parent, granted us freedom. Did we betray him? We complained and distrusted God's decisions. We even made a golden idol to replace God. God did not let the same people who crossed the Red Sea into the promised land. He let them wander for 40 years instead. In a way, people who have no respect for their parents after they leave and get involved with drugs or other bad things wander for 40 years too.
Matot-This parsha focused on one thing, how valuble honesty is. It says if a woman breaks her vow while in her father's household and her father has no objection, the father continues to trust the woman. If her father has objection no promises will be trusted again. Does how honest we are depend on our parents? According to the Torah, Honest Abe's dad is the guy that had an objection and Bernie Madoff's dad is the one that let it go.
With honesty comes loyalty. People wonder why God made the Israelites wander in the desert for 40 years. Loyalty. The Israelites did nothing wrong in Egypt, but God felt after being in the desert for a year or two his people had betrayed him. When we leave our mothers and fathers, do we betray them? We have no one telling us rules. Rules our parents were strict about. God, our almighty parent, granted us freedom. Did we betray him? We complained and distrusted God's decisions. We even made a golden idol to replace God. God did not let the same people who crossed the Red Sea into the promised land. He let them wander for 40 years instead. In a way, people who have no respect for their parents after they leave and get involved with drugs or other bad things wander for 40 years too.
Friday, July 03, 2009
Numbers Balak Verses 22:2-25:9
This week's parsha was a story about 2 opposite people. Our first character was Balaam. He is lives by the Euphrates River and must do as the Lord commands. Balak is king of Moab, a land closer to the land of Egypt. He would like to curse the Israelites who are traveling near by to prevent from being conquerred. Balak sends his servants to call Balaam to help with the cursing.
Balaam refuses to go to Moab, relying on his faith. God told him not to go. Balaam's faith is so strong that he would not go for a house full of gold and silver riches as Balak promised. I do not think I would go for a house full of gold and silver riches either.
Then, God tells Balaam he may go. Balak orders Balaam to build seven alters and sacrifice seven rams and seven bulls. Each time God blesses the Israelites, he does not curse them at all. Balak tells Balaam to go home and that he will never get the riches which would have been rewarded to him. Balaam replies that he could not accept the riches unless God would let him. Balaam also tells of the destruction of the city of Ir. As usual,God and faith will conquer any sword.
Think back to the Holocaust. Many people ask how God could of let a thing like that happen. I reply he let it end. One reason I think is because of faith. The Jews of Europe celebrated Shabbat and remained Jewish as much as they could. In turn, the Jews were liberated. The Allies conquered Hitler. Faith conquered the Balak.
Balaam refuses to go to Moab, relying on his faith. God told him not to go. Balaam's faith is so strong that he would not go for a house full of gold and silver riches as Balak promised. I do not think I would go for a house full of gold and silver riches either.
Then, God tells Balaam he may go. Balak orders Balaam to build seven alters and sacrifice seven rams and seven bulls. Each time God blesses the Israelites, he does not curse them at all. Balak tells Balaam to go home and that he will never get the riches which would have been rewarded to him. Balaam replies that he could not accept the riches unless God would let him. Balaam also tells of the destruction of the city of Ir. As usual,God and faith will conquer any sword.
Think back to the Holocaust. Many people ask how God could of let a thing like that happen. I reply he let it end. One reason I think is because of faith. The Jews of Europe celebrated Shabbat and remained Jewish as much as they could. In turn, the Jews were liberated. The Allies conquered Hitler. Faith conquered the Balak.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Numbers Chukat Verses 19:1-22:1
Last night when I read the parsha I felt a connection. Unfortunately yesterday we lost two very monumental members of the pop culture community. Michael Jackson was an amazing performer who could sing and dance like no one business. Farrah Fawcett was a stupendous actress. Chukat losses to very important people of the Israelite community. I could relate.
The first Israelite was Miriam. She was Moses's sister and helped him figure out he was a Jew. She made sure he was safe when they sent him down the river. The people were very sad to see her go. I would compare Farrah to Miriam because they were both not healthy. Farrah was going to die of cancer and Miriam was not the youngest Israelites in the desert. Miriam was the first death and made people quite upset.
I do not know if this is still true about people, but the Israelites were quite cranky after her death. Does the human spirit know how to cope with death? Maybe the passing just opened their eyes because the Israelites realized they are in the desert. They will not live forever. They ordered Moses ands Aaron speed the process up. They did not believe in God.
As a punishment for their loss of faith, God would not allow the brothers to enter the promised land. This got me thinking, do we die from loss of our faith? Faith is always a priority for me.
I would compare Aaron to Michael Jackson because it was a little more spontaneous. Aaron was a bigger name to. Michael Jackson was the king of pop, Aaron spoke for Moses when he faced Pharaoh.
We all deal with death different ways, but however we do it is not the joyous event ever. Whether its an Aaron and a Michael or a Farrah and a Miriam, death is an experience that Judaism or just faith can heal and I think prevent.
The first Israelite was Miriam. She was Moses's sister and helped him figure out he was a Jew. She made sure he was safe when they sent him down the river. The people were very sad to see her go. I would compare Farrah to Miriam because they were both not healthy. Farrah was going to die of cancer and Miriam was not the youngest Israelites in the desert. Miriam was the first death and made people quite upset.
I do not know if this is still true about people, but the Israelites were quite cranky after her death. Does the human spirit know how to cope with death? Maybe the passing just opened their eyes because the Israelites realized they are in the desert. They will not live forever. They ordered Moses ands Aaron speed the process up. They did not believe in God.
As a punishment for their loss of faith, God would not allow the brothers to enter the promised land. This got me thinking, do we die from loss of our faith? Faith is always a priority for me.
I would compare Aaron to Michael Jackson because it was a little more spontaneous. Aaron was a bigger name to. Michael Jackson was the king of pop, Aaron spoke for Moses when he faced Pharaoh.
We all deal with death different ways, but however we do it is not the joyous event ever. Whether its an Aaron and a Michael or a Farrah and a Miriam, death is an experience that Judaism or just faith can heal and I think prevent.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Numbers Behaalotchah Verse 8:1-12:16
When I read the Torah, I always try to have current events in mind. Behaalotchah brought the economy into discussion. God says that an Israelite should work from age twenty to age fifty. I do not know of ANY average American citizen who can retire at age fifty.
Although, there are some things that have changed since these times. Life expectancy was shorter back then. That shouldn't matter as much as it does. The economy may be bad, but I know people who have to work until their seventy just to have a stable retirement. Another change is that ancient Israelites did not have bills. Moses never had an electric bill or an insurance bill. Still, that is not worth twenty years of work. Israelites never paid for college! Aaron never had to think how expensive the ivy league schools were. Inflation also did not exist. There is ONE thing that I find unacceptable about our society.
When the Israelites were in the desert, God did not have celebrities in mind. Actors,athletes, and executives should not be the only ones who could retire by age fifty. God had the teachers in mind. The doctors, the pharmacist, and the single mom!
The reason that this economy is unstable like it is because we worship celebrities. You do not see six-year old talking about our founding fathers. Teenagers do not go home and turn on PBS. It is not a crime to watch television or play sports, but this is what I mean.
If a twelve year old met Derek Jeter, he would cherish that moment forever and RESPECT the athlete. The same child would be bored with a teacher on his first day of classes. It may not be that extreme, but are the baseball player and educator not both adults? All adults should get the same respect. Right?
Although, there are some things that have changed since these times. Life expectancy was shorter back then. That shouldn't matter as much as it does. The economy may be bad, but I know people who have to work until their seventy just to have a stable retirement. Another change is that ancient Israelites did not have bills. Moses never had an electric bill or an insurance bill. Still, that is not worth twenty years of work. Israelites never paid for college! Aaron never had to think how expensive the ivy league schools were. Inflation also did not exist. There is ONE thing that I find unacceptable about our society.
When the Israelites were in the desert, God did not have celebrities in mind. Actors,athletes, and executives should not be the only ones who could retire by age fifty. God had the teachers in mind. The doctors, the pharmacist, and the single mom!
The reason that this economy is unstable like it is because we worship celebrities. You do not see six-year old talking about our founding fathers. Teenagers do not go home and turn on PBS. It is not a crime to watch television or play sports, but this is what I mean.
If a twelve year old met Derek Jeter, he would cherish that moment forever and RESPECT the athlete. The same child would be bored with a teacher on his first day of classes. It may not be that extreme, but are the baseball player and educator not both adults? All adults should get the same respect. Right?
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