Yom Kippur Comes Close (3:7)
The mystics inform us that Yom haKippurim (the Day of Atonement) is so called because it is a Yom k’Purim, “a day like Purim. ” This indeed sounds bizarre as one could hardly find two more dissimilar days in the Jewish calendar. Yom Kippur is a most solemn day of soul-searching and repentance; a day on which we connect with the inviolable core of purity within us; a day on which we transcend our very physicality in order to commune with our spiritual essence. Thus we are commanded to “afflict ourselves,” to deprive the body of food and drink and all physical pleasures. Purim, on the other hand, is a most physical day celebrated by lavishing money on the poor,...
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Heavenly Dice (3:7)
Does not the story of Purim teach us how watchful is the superintendence of G-d over the affairs of man? Does it not mock all the cunningly devised plans of the proud and the wicked who wish to harm the weak and the humble?
Follow the career of Haman and let us see how his fate differs from his hopes. Did Haman realize that by ridding the empire of Queen Vashti, whom he imagined was his enemy, his own machinations would install his greatest threat, Queen Esther? Could Haman have ever dreamed that when he was invited to the queen’s feast, he was actually going to his death; or that the scaffold he had erected for Mordechai would be used…
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Haman’s Haste (2:15)
Times are changing. The present winds of financial and political crises are forcing the world to pause and catch its breath. Whereas yesterday the super swift were acclaimed, in today’s climate, caution is being welcomed. From the Torah’s vantage point excessive haste has always been condemned. Indeed, our Sages observed that the passion to achieve results with utmost speed is a form of greed. Lust demands instant gratification.
A prime example of the impulsive opportunist is Haman, arch-enemy of the Jews. The Megillah introduces him under the pseudonym Memuchan, as the least significant of Achashveirosh’s advisors. The King was embroiled in a domestic predicament. While the various ministers judiciously weighed this delicate problem, Haman spoke. Court protocol dictates that only…
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Lessons From Adar, Elephants and Monkeys:
Week #1 ,
1. Jews united; working together is critical.
2. They prayed for a miracle; appreciating Who’s really in charge.
3. They followed Mordechai; we need strong leadership.
4. Esther put a pragmatic plan in motion.
HINT #1: Joy comes from proactive participation, not armchair grumbling.
Talmud: On Purim a Jew is required to drink until one cannot distinguish between Cursed is Haman and Blessed is Mordechai.”
We must put our trust in G-d and avoid the anxiety that dominates the “in-between” state of the problem (Cursed is Haman) and the solution state (Blessed is Mordechai).
HINT #2: Joy comes from trust in G-d that in the end everything follows a plan and that He knows best.
All other…
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Shabbosshekalim -torah & Economic Evaluation
After this week’s customary reading of the Biblical portion, there will be an additional Torah scroll that is unfurled. It is from this second Sefer Torah that we will hear of the ancient requirement that every Israelite was to contribute a half-shekel as “a ransom for his soul.” This mandated donation atoned for the sin of the Golden Calf. In actual practice, the collected monies were used to acquire the public offerings brought upon the Altar and also for the upkeep of the Temple itself.
This special Maftir reading has even entered into the language, and therefore the consciousness, of our people. That is the reason why synagogue-going Jews refer to this weekend as Shabbos Shekolim.
This intimate association of…
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Shabbos Shekalim-jewish Wealth
Parshat Shekolim /which tells of the Temple donations stands as a particularly appropriate time for a discussion of the Jewish meaning of Wealth. The shekel, the standard form of currency in ancient Israel, was the Jewish symbol of wealth, much as the dollar is today.
The Talmud relates that G-d actually showed Moses a shekel/ of fire which He brought out from under His Throne of Glory. This conjures up a powerful image, and an even more significant message. There is absolutely nothing immoral about wealth. Judaism, unlike other religions, does not make a virtue of poverty. There is no spiritual discrimination against the rich. A man need not be ashamed of his shekel. If honestly earned, he can hold…
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Be a Tree
Believe it or not, the Talmud is big on the Zodiac. The sign of this month, Sh’vat, is the Dipper. A dipper is a utensil that enables one to draw water. Without one you could be close to a well and still not be able to obtain this life-giving liquid. While humans must strive to obtain water, plant life soaks it up naturally.
Of course, that brings to mind the Talmudic statement that the l5th of Sh’vat is the Rosh Hashana for Trees, for it is during this time of year that trees in the Holy Land end their winter dormancy and come back to life. The relevance of a New Year for Trees can be found in the verse…
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Planting: Not Just for Trees
You might be enjoying the balmy Florida weather, but in Embarrass, Minnesota, it is 44 degrees below zero. Indeed, all over the country new records have been set for low temperatures, high winds and massive snowstorms. Yet, even as nature paints a picture of desolation, beneath the earth’s surface, the forces of life are already hard at work. This idea is best expressed by the minor holiday of Tu B’Shvat, the Jewish equivalent of National Arbor Day.
This New Year for Trees is celebrated not because man’s destiny depends so much on the tree, but because of the many moral lessons we as individuals can derive from this form of vegetation. In Israel, this day is commemorated by planting new…
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Which Light Will Prevail?
For many centuries man’s sight was limited. Daylight may have allowed his curious eyes the liberty of roaming at will, but come night and man’s vision was enveloped by the darkness. Candles, oil and wood fires were the only means of dispersing the opaque blackness. These, however, were costly, hazardous, unsteady and short-lived. In those days, wax meant wealth, and adequate light was a luxury reserved for the privileged.
Only recently with the invention of the light bulb did man transform this bleak situation. His blindness was now banished by powerful and enduring bulbs. Indeed, artificial light has become so economically feasible that even the poorest can afford to squander it.
The genie of the lamp now unleashed has wrought…
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Leave 'em Puzzled
The last soldier marched through the gates; the heavy wooden doors were swung shut and the iron bolts moved into their sockets. Erect and gloomy, the captain of the Syrian-Greek garrison stood awaiting the report.
“Just outside the walls of the city,” the corporal stated, already feeling trapped.
The captain calculated their chance of holding out until the Syrian army, defeated in the field, could reorganize and come to their aid. He stood there worried, evaluating the tiny Acra fortress and his few pitiful soldiers having to stand up against that army of farmers and their mysterious G-d.
Before the wall of the city, Judah the Maccabee and his army halted. The moment had come. No resistance was expected. The…
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One Candle, One Home
The small candle flickers, feebly trying to prolong its light. Tiny, frail flames so easily extinguished. How different from other festivals bursting with sumptuous meals and inspiring synagogue services.
See the family gathered around the Menorah, attracted by the candles. Where in this scene does one find the timeless message of Chanukah? Perhaps, the answer lies not only in the lights as much as it does in the group clustered around the Menorah.
“Neir Echad Ish U’veiso - One candle for a man and his family.” This law, even this terminology, is not found anywhere else. Camaraderie may bring relatives together for Rosh Hashana and Pesach. On Chanukah however, the law, not circumstance makes necessary the kindling together with kin….
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Before the Light Was Divided
Axiomatic to Judaism is that historical events are rooted in the Bible. This surely holds true for the holiday of Chanukah which has lit up our lives for more than twenty centuries. In fact, already in the first chapters of Genesis, the treasure trove we call Torah, unearths sparkling nuggets that connect the Festival of Lights with the light of Creation.
“In the beginning…G-d said, “Let there be light!”...G-d saw
The Model Rabbi
In case you haven’t noticed, this year’s Chanukah holiday coincides with, “Tis the season to go shopping.” So it should come as no surprise that retailers have now targeted Bubbies and Zaidies, Goldbergs and Cohens. Consequently, when in my mail last week I found the International Torah Toys (I.T.T.) catalogue featuring this year’s hottest festival gifts, I was prepared.
Of course, I wasn’t going to buy anything, but I figured a little peek couldn’t hurt. What can I say, it was an educational, not to mention costly, experience. There were sections for Rebbetzins and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, presents for three parts Jew, one part Italian, and even gifts that would make Aunt Ida kvell.
Quickly, I turned to Items Every Rabbi…
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The Dreidel That Keeps Spinning
It was the last night of Chanukah. My three oldest and their mother had gone to entertain those who would be attending a public Menorah lighting in a prestigious mall. My three youngest were home with me. We lit the Menorah, sang accompanying songs and then they asked “Can you play dreidel with us?”
They are still of the age when their pudgy little fingers cannot spin the dreidel. What can I say? I couldn’t resist the opportunity. I showed off. I spun the dreidel topside up, upside down, racing down the table and every which way. But no matter how hard I tried, the dreidel eventually slowed down, fell down and came to a stop.
Here in the dreidel,...
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A Candle’s Yield
The repository of much of our Oral Law is the Talmud. As previously mentioned, the very first created entity, the light of Genesis, Day One, was hidden. Among the more unexpected spots this Primordial Ray was secreted in was in the 36 candles of Chanukah. Coincidentally enough, the Talmud just happens to consist of 36 volumes of Gemorah. Yet try to find any mention of Chanukah in this overwhelming compendium, and like an olive, you’ll be hard-pressed.
Indeed, the tale of this major event in Jewish history occupies just one Daf (a Talmudic double-sided page). Compare this with Rosh Hashana, Sukkos or Pesach where each of these festivals has an entire volume of Talmud dedicated solely to them. Even the…
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The Soul of a Candle
Several years ago, we quoted the Talmudic statement, “One who is accustomed with a candle will have children who are Talmud scholars.” / This statement, our Sages explain, refers to the candles of Shabbos and Chanukah. (Rashi) What is the connection between lighting Shabbos and Chanukah candles and having children who are scholars of the Talmud? What could the sages have had in mind?
An American Indian had a friend, a city slicker from New York who invited him for a visit to the Big Apple. The Indian spent a day up-town and down, east side and west with his friend in a grand tour. At the end of the day, as the sun was setting, they stood together in…
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Days of Eight
Chanukah, the Festival of Lights has come…and now it is almost gone. What have we gleaned from this holiday? What have we added to our understanding that was lacking a mere eight days ago? Maybe we should examine the eight day number itself to arrive at the crux of the battle between the Hellenists and those who remained faithful to the heritage of their people.
What is Chanukah? The Sages learned that on the 25th day of Kislev the days of Chanukah are eight. That strange sounding phrase is from the Talmud (Shabbos) and later echoed in the lyrics of Maoz Tzur (a classic Chanukah song), as in “Men of Understanding… Days of Eight.”
The Sfas Emes points out that…
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Hod: the Jewish Beauty
Fifteen year old Monica with an I.Q. of 165 was a talented musician blessed with an insightful personality and loving parents. Still, Monica was depressed enough to enter psychotherapy because, “I’m a pimply whale.” Monica is a case study in the best-selling book Reviving Ophelia whose author Dr. Pipher writes: “These last few years my office has been filled by girls with eating disorders.”
The pressure to be beautiful, or to use the book’s terminology, lookism is the main culprit. Dr. Pipher writes: “In early adolescence girls learn how important appearance is in defining social acceptability…This is an old, old problem. Helen of Troy didn’t launch a thousand ships because she was a hard worker.”
Dr. Pipher is right; beauty…
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The Chanukah Frog
Jerusalem: Chanukah, 2006 - In a first in Israel, seven rabbis who view Judaism as a culture will be ordained. These ‘rabbis’ who studied at the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism do not pray to G-d, but believe in man’s humanity. The group believes in G-d “as a literary character,” and will conduct bar/bat mitzvah and marriage ceremonies that will exclude G-d.
Did you hear about the ‘frog’ test? Scientists shouted, “Jump!” at hundreds of frogs. Every frog jumped. They then cut off one leg, and again screamed, “Jump.” It jumped, although not as far. They cut off a second leg and then a third, each time observing that the frog responded, but jumped smaller distances. When they cut…
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Chanukah Drama
Torah Portion: unconventional union between Yehuda and his daughter-in-law Tamar.
“Some three months passed, and Yehudah was told, ‘your daughter-in-law Tamar has…become pregnant by harlotry.’”
She sent word: “I am pregnant by the man who is the owner of these articles…Who is the owner of this seal, this cord (Sechel Tov) and this staff?”
Yehuda: “It is from me [that she has conceived]. She did it because I did not give her to my son Shelah.”
Torah tales reflect spiritual timeless experiences.
Ramban: Torah discusses the physical reality, but it alludes to the world of the spirit. (Shaloh)
Kabbala: Yehuda contains the four letters G-d’s name. Tamar (palm tree) represents the Jewish people’s bond with G-d. Talmud (Chagigah 45b): Just…
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Chanukah Drama
Torah Portion: unconventional union between Yehuda and his daughter-in-law Tamar.
“Some three months passed, and Yehudah was told, ‘your daughter-in-law Tamar has…become pregnant by harlotry.’”
She sent word: “I am pregnant by the man who is the owner of these articles…Who is the owner of this seal, this cord (Sechel Tov) and this staff?”
Yehuda: “It is from me [that she has conceived]. She did it because I did not give her to my son Shelah.”
Torah tales reflect spiritual timeless experiences.
Ramban: Torah discusses the physical reality, but it alludes to the world of the spirit. (Shaloh)
Kabbala: Yehuda contains the four letters G-d’s name. Tamar (palm tree) represents the Jewish people’s bond with G-d. Talmud (Chagigah 45b): Just…
Continue reading Chanukah Drama