Shabbat Shalem
Shabbat Shalom
This Shabbat we are participating in the Jewish Federation of MetroWest Able program of Shabbat Shalem, the Sabbath of Inclusion. The Able program has as its goal to work with area congregations to assist them in becoming more inclusive and welcoming to families with needs: the whole range of disabilities and challenges that individuals and families face.
Our Torah teaches “You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind … (Leviticus 19:14). Hence comes our Halakhic and moral imperative to assure all equal access to our congregation. I am proud to say that our temple has been recognized as a Metro West Able Congregation, which does not mean that there is not more that we can do, but we are clearly on the path of greater inclusiveness.
Just some brief examples: We have elevator lifts for those who are wheel-chair bound. In our Early Childhood program we currently have children from 2 hearing-impaired families – the children can hear, the parents are deaf – and, thus, through various grants we utilize cutting edge technologies and sign-language interpreters to help these parents. We also provide screening of the children in the ECP for early detection of learning, speech, vision and hearing issues.
In our Religious School, we have had many students who come to us whom learn differently, therefore, we utilize a multi-discipline approach to include them in our program.
However, in my rabbinate’s philosphy, inclusiveness goes beyond the needs of those challenged in various ways to what I describe as the metaphor of Avraham’s tent. Imagine a Bedouin tent, which has a square like shape with a flat top, such was the shape of Avraham’s tent, and it is taught that the flaps of the tent were always open on all 4 sides. Therefore, no matter from which direction a stranger approached, there was always a portal into it and the ability to make that stranger into a welcome guest.
We embrace this metaphor to create what is called Big Tent Judaism – to create a congregation that welcomes all; we call this Keruv, which means OutReach.
We do Keruv to include those in interfaith relationships – we do not condone intermarriage, but nor do we punish those who have made a partner decision out of love. Therefore, we work to make those in interfaith relationships feel welcome and comfortable and included in congregational life; of course, within certain Halakhic restrictions. I am proud to say that those in our congregation who are intermarried are couples that make a strong commitment to raising their children as Jews, including conversion of the children when required. And, I am extremely proud that we are one of probably very few congregations in our area that have serving as a Vice-President of the temple someone who is intermarried!
Our tent is also open wide to those who are gay or lesbian. Again, I am extremely proud that our temple is one of a very few Conservative congregations where such couples can solemnize their loving relationship with a legal commitment ceremony. You may or may not agree with such a policy; but is part of which makes us the most inclusive Conservative congregation in our area.
All of the above are vital ways that we make our temple more inclusive, more welcoming and more hamish. We do so because not only is it a moral imperative but a clear understanding of what our Torah teaches.
Yes, we open the flaps of our tent because each person must have equal access to our sacred community. Thus, no one that in the past society and religions have scorned are turned away; we believe that every individual is able to make their own significant contribution as the Psalmist decrees: “The stone that was rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone.” (118:22)
In addition, we do not know who might rise up when life is challenging, or when that will happen. The Psalmist cried out, “I lift my eyes to the mountains, from where will my help come?” He went on to answer his own question. “My help comes from God, Maker of Heaven and Earth” (121:1); hence, with faith we can find an answer we might have missed otherwise.
And last, I evoke the anointing of David to become King David: God told Samuel to anoint a man to replace Saul as the next Israelite king with a son of Jesse of Bethlehem. Saul assumed it would be the eldest, but God replied, “Pay no attention to his appearance or his stature, for I have rejected him. For not as man sees does the Lord see; a man sees only what is visible, but the Lord sees into the heart.” (I Samuel 16:7) As a rabbi, as a congregation, as a community, we must follow God’s example and see what is in the heart!
ALUASA
Shabbat Shalem – 2/24-25/12
February 28th, 2012 by admin | No Comments | Filed in SermonsTTT Shabbat Zakhor
February 28th, 2012 by admin | No Comments | Filed in TTTTorah Thoughts for Today
Shabbat Zakhor – Parashat Tetzaveh 5772
Rabbi Mark Mallach
Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael, Springfield, NJ
IMPORTANT NOTES FOLLOW BELOW
PARASHAT TETZAVEH – SHABBAT ZAKHOR
March 3, 2012 – 9 Adar 5772
Annual: Exodus 27:20 – 30:10 (Etz Hayim, p. 503; Hertz p. 339)
Triennial: Exodus 28:31 – 29:18 (Etz Hayim p. 508; Hertz p. 342)
Maftir: Deuteronomy 25:17-19 (Etz Hayim 1135; Hertz 856)
Haftarah: I Samuel 15:2 – 34 (Etz Hayim, p. 1282; Hertz p. 996)
Prepared by Rabbi Joseph Prouser
SUMMARY:
Much of parashat Tetzaveh describes the golden menorah that was placed in the tabernacle, along with the procedure for lighting it. It is a precursor to the ner tamid, the eternal light that is displayed and kept illumined in our own sanctuaries.
The priests, including Aaron, the first of their line, are outfitted with sacral vestments and equipped with a gem-encrusted breastplate and the oracular urim and tummim. The terminology used for the vestments also has been adopted for the appurtenances of the Torah scroll: me’il, choshen, and so on. The bells often attached to Torah crowns and the fringes on Torah mantles also find their origin and inspiration in the priestly vestments described in our chapter. The significance of the vestments may be summarized by the inscription on the gold “tzitz” worn on the priest’s headdress: “Holy to the Lord.”
The priests’ consecration and ordination is described in graphic and dramatic detail. The occasion is marked with an elaborate sacrificial offering, and the new priests undergo a ritual washing. The priests are anointed with oil. Sacrificial blood is dashed on the altar and placed on the priests’ ears, thumbs, big toes, and vestments. The priests eat the flesh of the sacrificial ram, as well as the bread that accompanies the offering. The ordination rites are protracted, conducted over the course of seven days. An expiatory bull is sacrificed each day, and the altar undergoes a daily purification.
The daily sacrificial regimen is prescribed and God offers a consequent assurance that He will dwell among the Israelites. The parashah concludes with instructions about burning incense on the altar.
Historic Note
Parashat Zakhor, read on March 3, 2012, prescribes our obligation “to remember” the genocidal designs of Amalek and, in particular, that nation’s ruthless early attack on the Jewish people. On March 3, 1933, 100 prisoners were taken to a school in the small town of Norha near the city of Weimar. They were interrogated and placed under guard by policemen and students from the school. This is considered the start of Germany’s first concentration camp.
Halachah L’Maaseh
Shabbat Parshat Tetzaveh/Shabbat Zakhor falls this year on 9 Adar. According to the Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 580:1-2, this date is among the “days of misfortune” to be observed as a fast day. The fast is intended to express contrition for the historic pattern of dissension – the philosophical and halakhic rift – between the schools of Shammai and Hillel and their respective followers. Since this year the ninth of Adar falls on Shabbat, no fasting is permitted: on that halakhic point Hillel and Shammai were in agreement! Perhaps the fast is also related to the Talmud’s statement (Sota 47b) that “When the disciples of Hillel and Shammai increased who had not studied with their teachers sufficiently, dissensions increased in Israel and the Torah became like two Torahs.” Even if we must forego the fast, the 9th of Adar is a fitting time to contemplate how we might redress the Jewish communal ills of religious infighting and neglect of Jewish study.
Your thoughts as always are welcome…
REMINDERS:
A. Sunday, March 4, 2012:
1. 9 AM:
a. Religious School
b. Morning Minyan
2. 12 noon – 2 PM: USY’s Purim Carnival!!!!
3. 7:45 PM: evening minyan
B. Thursday, March 1st, 8 PM: Coffee & Clergy Corner – NJ Marriage Equality???? – Barnes & Noble, Rt. 22 W, Springfield
C. Friday, March 2nd, 6:30 PM: SHABBATis4U service in honor of Kitah Bet & Hey – Shabbat dinner to follow – RSVP needed: office@templebethahmyisrael.com – NO LATE SERVICE
D. Wednesday, March 7th, 7 PM: Megillah Readings – Sanctuary & Chapel
E. Thursday, March 8th, 6:30 PM: morning minyan & Purim continues – Megillah Reading in the Chapel
F. Saturday, March 10th, 9:30 AM: Bar Mitzvah of Matthew Nadel
G. Thursday, March 15th, 7:45 PM: Torah on Tap
NEXT CONGREGATIONAL ISRAEL TOUR
1. Depart EWR: December 18, 2012
2. Return to EWR: January 1, 2013
3. The itinerary & application is available: www.israeltours.com/rmallach2012.php
4. INFORMATION MEETING – note date change – SUNDAY, March 11TH – 12:30 PM – IN THE BOARD ROOM – come learn more from our tour company – all questions answered
For updated information go to: http://www.tbaynj.org/
You can also visit my website at http://ridinrebbe.com/
TTT: Terumah 5772
February 21st, 2012 by admin | No Comments | Filed in TTTTorah Thoughts for Today
Shabbat Terumah 5772
Rabbi Mark Mallach
Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael, Springfield, NJ
MINYAN ASSURANCE NEEDED – PLEASE HELP – DON’T ASSUME!
Gene Gorrin has a Yahrzeit beginning this Thursday evening, your help is needed to assure a minyan on 2/23 @ 7:45 PM & 2/24 @ 6:45 AM
ROSH HODESH ADAR!!!!
Please note that for Rosh Hodesh Adar the morning minyan will begin at 6:45 AM on Thursday & Friday, February 23rd & 24th
IMPORTANT NOTES FOLLOW BELOW
PARASHAT TERUMAH
February 25, 2012 – 2 Adar 5772
Annual: Exodus 25:1 – 27:19 (Etz Hayim p. 485; Hertz p. 326)
Triennial: Exodus 26:1 – 26:30 (Etz Hayim p. 491; Hertz p. 330)
Haftarah: I Kings 5:26 – 6:13 (Etz Hayim p. 500; Hertz p. 336)
Prepared by Rabbi Joseph Prouser
“Then set up the Tabernacle according to the manner of it that you were shown on the mountain.” (Exodus 26:30)
Derash: Study
“‘Set up the Tabernacle.’ That is, have your experts do so. Or perhaps it meant that Moses himself was to set up the Tabernacle the first time – with the help of others, for it took many hands to set up the Tabernacle.” (Ibn Ezra)
“The design for the tabernacle came from above, but the wherewithal came from below, freely tendered without a trace of compulsion. The creation of sacred space required the consent of those to be served by it. Holiness cannot be fabricated and foisted in the face of massive dissent. The key to drawing God into the midst of a faith community is the personal engagement of its members. The popular voluntarism that enabled Moses to erect Israel’s mobile sanctuary is the operative paradigm for the American Jewish community.” (Rabbi Ismar Schorsch)
“God showed Moses either ‘blueprints,’ pictures, or a model of the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle is not to be a product of human creativity but must conform exactly to divine specifications (‘One cannot approach God except [by the ways that] He commands [Judah Halevi, Kuzari].’” (Jewish Study Bible/Oxford)
“Although I cannot build a tabernacle with a cover of pure gold and a table of acacia wood, I will try to make my home a tabernacle, suffused with God’s light. I will try to make my life a tabernacle as I try to open myself to God’s blessings every moment.” (Richard Ellis)
Questions for Discussion
Does Ibn Ezra mean that the image of the Tabernacle revealed to Moses was so complex that it required many people working together to assemble it? Or does he mean to say that the process of cooperation, teamwork, and community participation was an integral aspect of God’s revelatory message? How would such a teaching find application in our own experience of Jewish life and community?
In analyzing the Tabernacle, Chancellor Schorsch asserts, “Holiness cannot be fabricated” but relies on our willing engagement. What steps can (or do) we take to achieve holiness, to transform our congregations into “kehilot kodesh” – holy communities – and our synagogues (and homes) into truly sacred centers? How else is the Tabernacle an apt symbol for the American Jewish community?
In what aspects of Jewish life is it accurate to say that we, too, must rely on God’s “blueprint” – on divine commands – and when is personal expression and individual creativity indispensable? Notwithstanding the Kuzari’s comment, how does the description of the Tabernacle provide a balanced and nuanced model for this question?
Both the menorah (see Rabbi Friedman’s statement, above) and the Tabernacle (a la Richard Ellis) have been used as models for personal spiritual refinement and individual experience of God. How do these symbols differ? Which aspects of these models of the individual’s religious quest do you find personally compelling?
Your thoughts as always are welcome…
REMINDERS:
A. Sunday, February 26, 2012:
1. 9 AM:
a. Religious School
b. Morning
c. Yoga in the Ballroom
2. 7:45 PM: evening minyan
–
A. Thursday, February 23rd, 7:45 PM: Torah on Tap
B. Friday, February 24th, 8 PM: Shabbat Shalem
C. Saturday, February 25th, 9:30 AM: Bar Mitzvah of Jason Rubin
D. Thursday, March 1st, 8 PM: Coffee & Clergy Corner – NJ Marriage Equality???? – Barnes & Noble, Rt. 22 W, Springfield
E. Friday, March 2nd, 6:30 PM: SHABBATis4U service in honor of Kitah Bet & Hey – Shabbat dinner to follow – RSVP needed: office@templebethahmyisrael.com – NO LATE SERVICE
F. Sunday, March 4th, 12 Noon – 2 PM: Purim Carnival
G. Wednesday, March 7th, 7 PM: Megillah Readings – Sanctuary & Chapel
H. Thursday, March 8th, 6:30 PM: morning minyan & Purim continues – Megillah Reading in the Chapel
I. Saturday, March 10th, 9:30 AM: Bar Mitzvah of Matthew Nadel
J. Thursday, March 15th, 7:45 PM: Torah on Tap
NEXT CONGREGATIONAL ISRAEL TOUR
1. Depart EWR: December 18, 2012
2. Return to EWR: January 1, 2013
3. The itinerary & application is available: www.israeltours.com/rmallach2012.php
4. INFORMATION MEETING – note date change – SUNDAY, March 11TH – 12:30 PM – IN THE BOARD ROOM – come learn more from our tour company – all questions answered
For updated information go to: http://www.tbaynj.org/
You can also visit my website at http://ridinrebbe.com/