Ha izinu - Torah With A Twist - Walk The Walk

Ha izinu - Torah With A Twist - Walk The Walk

 About 8 years ago, my SMART phone was with me on the dinner table while (I wasn’t being so smart) having dinner with my family, and my sweet little daughter politely asked me, “Daddy isn’t that rude of you to have your cell phone on the table when it’s family time!?”   I always preach it!   I started to say, “Do as I…….”  I STOPPED right there, and said, “Mia, you’re so very right!”  I removed my phone from the area and focused on what I should be focusing on.  I was being a hypocrite and not leading by example, and not just hurting myself, but my children as well……NO!  NO more do as I say, NOT as “I” do!   Who am “I”? Have a turned into a different generation? 

It is true that one who goes astray, or deviates is not just harming oneself, but that he/she is also harming others, be it silently or otherwise.  I should have honestly realized and thought, as other parents, I must set the pace, the rules, and proper actions with in and out of my own home!   My children’s perception is directly related to my own actions and behaviors.  Do I want a blemish on my own report card, or on theirs?  No, of course not!   The mind and thought process of a child, and even an adult is very sensitive and has a difficult time accepting insincerity or stories.

 My Mom used to say, and might be why I say it, “Actions speaks LOUDER than words.”  She’s always……., well is/was usually right!   In fact, my folks were visiting for the High Holy Days last week, and my mom made a statement about MY health (I am absolutley fine) and even prefaced it by saying, “Not that I am, but ……”I never heard an “I told ya’ so….”  She and my dad really did lead by example, thankfully!  Very few, “do as I say, not as I do…” ……. Very moralistic, honest, true and loving parents that lead by a true example.

The Torah teaches us that a person who expects his/her children to grow into good, upstanding, solid people, while he/she walks and continues to follow a deviated path, that at times might even seem lackadaisical, should honestly realize that he/she is NOT just acting for him/herself, but for his/her own child, and those persons they surround!  Even if a parent sent his/her child to the finest school in town, he/she MUST also augment the most correct behaviors to set an example and be a fine teacher in their own environment as well.  Lead by example!

This same love and affection & lofty expectations which he/she has for his/her child can be paralleled to your own relationship with humanity and the world that surrounds you!    Set an example, be the example, even when nobody's looking!

We all fall from perfect, and we must always remember our true obligations, not just as a parent or that of a human being, but as a loving and endearing person and understand and take ALL the responsibilities that go with the position.

History must repeat itself - Equality

Acharei Mot/Kedoshim

May 6/7, 2017

History must repeat itself - Equality

This Shabbat we have a double Parsha (Two Torah readings/portions). In a nutshell, it shares the history and story of sin to that of goodness, and the Mitzvahs/Commandments/Directives to all the people.

Throughout history, we were to abide by rules, suggested regulations, directives, or Commandments; 613 in all, as it is read, with many of us being very familiar with “THE” 10 Commandments and Charlton Heston.

Over the years, nothing has really changed; we still have rules, laws, and regulations in our modern-day society, although updated and adapted, that we need and or should abide by.

There are two “Commandments”, I’d like to focus on, and BOTH REALLY need ALL OUR focus, our sincere attention, and proactive participation;

·        One shall obey the principles of equality

·        One shall partake in the Mitzvah/Giving/helping of Charity

These two commandments SHOULD show passion, compassion, and love and respect for one another, and NO MATTER if someone is purple polka-dotted or Yellow and Blue striped, they’re Human-beings and part of the big Congregation that Leviticus 19-2 states: “Speak to the entire assembly………..”.  It did not say, just to the few……

So, no matter if one is African American, Of European Decent, Asian, Middle Eastern, from another country other than the one they were born in, owns a huge home, rents a small place that they call home, or a homeless human-being, a bit heavy or a tad too thin, and yes, if they’re Green Polka-dotted with 5 eyes, WE ALL NEED AND MUST PRACTICE EQUALITY! 

Do we have to share everything evenly? Not quite, but allow the opportunity to ALL, and open our eyes, our ears to hear and listen, and treat one another with the utmost respect, love, and true openness.

Be part of the BIG CONGREGATION – The Human ONE!

History really needs to repeat itself now!

Ki Tisa - Take Responsibility for Change!

Ki Tisa -  Take Responsibility for Change!

March 17 & 18, 2017

It is read in this week’s Torah Portion, that within just a few weeks after Moses presented The Torah to the people, the masses descended to a deeply disturbing behavior when Moses was not among them and gone back to Mt. Sinai; the sinful behavior of worshipping idols! – The Golden Calf.

There was extreme upheaval, disturbing behaviors, but Moses stepped up and pleaded with such sincerity, love and thoughtfulness, and shares that benign attitude and talks to the people! He made a choice. He chose to not create even more disturbing behavior, but made the decision to try to create a positive environment and build up, and with the people through the "hiccup". 

Does this mean, we as people can practice disturbing behavior, commit a crime, tell a blatant lie, hurt another life, etc. and then immediately pray for forgiveness or just have good thoughts and all is gone, all is fine and move on?   Obviously, the answer is, of course not! Not even close!!!! 

It was the action of Moses and how HE reacted and communicated.  It was Moses who transformed/changed by his actions; he could have easily yelled and raised such havoc, but, he made the choice; if he did raise an upheaval, he would have been just like the masses….. With the action of his own sincerity and deep thought, trust from within himself, he became somewhat of a different being as did the people who also changed, transcending themselves of sins and failures.  It’s NOT just one prayer and or thought (in the instance of Moses and the Nation’s sins), but it is one’s constant choices of making the most correct decision, day in and day out, not just on Shabbat (The Sabbath).

It’s one’s own growth that plays an integral part, like that of Moses’ choice through-out his life!  It’s being loyal, reverent, faithful, honest, and standing for the right thing day in and day out, not only when your being observed and watched by the masses!  We, as human beings can observe and repeat others actions, mimic their words, and this is good, bad and indifferent!  Do we as Humans trip and stumble sometimes?  Yes, we do – that’s part of the process; it’s our own growth; we are developing and becoming more in tune, and setting our own unique and our own beautiful imprint and solid impact!

It’s true, honest, and devoted work to progressively build yourself, fully grow and accept change in one self and within his/her friends and groups! It takes deep self-refection, and effective and constant communications within your own mind, and within your group, and a sense of determination and that of sincere purpose.  We all have choices; we all make choices, we all should live happily with our choices!   

We need to choose to understand and accept the responsibility and the ability to see the entire picture and how to act or react, and how to make your impact with your own growth and within your circle. Moses most definitely did!

Tetzaveh - You Are The Light

Tetzaveh -  You Are The Light!
March 10/11, 2017
   

27:21   Aaron and his sons shall set them up in the Tent of Meeting, outside the curtain which is over (the ark of) the Pact, (to burn) from evening to morning.  It shall be due from the Israelites for ALL time, throughout the ages.

 Aaron, his sons, and the Kohanim were obligated to tend to the lights of the seven-branched Menorah every morning and evening; THE LIGHT!  They were to light the wicks in the following order: working from the last light on the right side toward the center, and then working the last light on the left side toward the center.

 Here’s a little history and side track:  Italian Rabbi and scholar, Obadiah ben Jacob Sforno (1474ce to 1550ce), had this interpretation;

‘………No matter what direction, the central point means UNITY, no matter their position, be it right, or be it left, must convene and rally.’ …… "A UNITED FRONT or that of unison, and that of harmony"  (Barry Fineman).

 In today’s modern era, so many good things depend on light- Let us look at life itself.  We look at light as reason, as of knowledge, as of growth, a new idea, and of redemption, and that of darkness of superstition, of ignorance, and death, and it seems rather easy to view this as conflicting power, and some religions in-fact do;  Judaism has always stood firm by its convictions and laws that exist.

“I see the light”; it is such a metaphor in today’s modern language and seems so natural to describe our life experiences. We can feel that the action of Darkness vs. to that of Light is metaphorically speaking or implying of Non-change, rigidness, uniformity, slow action, invariability, indifference vs.  growth in humanity, happiness, openness, progressiveness, learning, and positivity.  Simply, the task at hand……...To diffuse the bitterness, the darkness of others, and share OUR OWN Light with others!  Help another, build up the world, lend a hand, share a smile, love another………

Throughout Torah, felt in our thoughts, written in our books, and most definitely throughout, we see repeatedly, LIGHT.

“For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching is light.”

…..Oh house of Jacob, come let us walk by the light…….”

……………….is like that of the light of dawn………..”

 Metaphorically speaking once again, our ancestors, and we as humans can be viewed as that very olive oil that Aaron, his sons, and the Kohanim used in that very 1st Menorah, as that very oil provided the absolute light of hope and array of what needed to transpire for growth and successes.  We give and receive light from our love to one another, hand in hand!  I believe, that every heart and within ourselves, there is a Ner Tamid, an eternal light that burns from within, not just when we are in deep thought, but also out and about in daily life (or at least it should indeed), in our actions, in our words, in our feelings, in our manner, and is very deeply embedded within each and everyone one of us, but not always practiced!  Discover it, practice it, utilize it, share it, comprehend it, AND put it into action! 

Terumah - Build A Community, Build A Sanctuary

Terumah - Build A Community, Build A Sanctuary

March 2 and 3, 2017

“Let them build a sanctuary…………….”

25: 3    And this is the offering which you shall take from them: gold, silver, and bronze;

4    blue, purple, and scarlet thread, fine linen, and goats' hair;

5    ram skins dyed red, badger skins, and acacia wood;

6    oil for the light, and spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense;

7    onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod and in the breastplate.

8    And let them make a sanctuary/tabernacle,

9    According to all that is what is shown to you, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it………

This is quoted from the first part of Terumah, this week’s Torah portion about the ornate construction and building of the “HOLY SANCTUARY”.   It seems that a sanctuary in a synagogue today presents itself in such a manner that it might change one’s behavior. Upon entering, the stained-glass windows, the beautiful Ner Tamid forever burning brightly, the rows and rows of seats, especially during Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are so present, as well as the large Bima (Stage & Podium), and the wooden or shining metal Ark housing the Torah(s).  This truly is a sanctuary in the religious and holy sense.  Sanctuary according to Merriam Webster (the 1920-90’s version of Wikipedia), “a place that is considered sacred (as within a religion) by law, anyone who sought refuge in a religious sanctuary was safe from arrest by the civil authorities; a sacred place/dwelling.” “something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger.”  Upon entering the modern day Sanctuary, we lower our voices almost in pure silence, and basically STOP talking, and cease engaging with one another! 

Can a physical place, such as a sanctuary present itself as a welcoming and open place to have sincere thoughts and or one’s self expressive words?  Was this the thought upon construction of the very first Mishkan/sanctuary? Yes, and most definitely holds true for many today. What also holds very true is the very fact that before the building and the construction of the first indoor, enclosed and ornate sanctuary, the people shared Torah, Sincere Thoughts and worship under the sky, near trees, by the running streams and oceans, nature abound!  Issac and Abraham traveled, as did Jacob and all outside with in the desert and river to the mountain tops!  They found their own sincere sanctuary, and with them, were their communities!

Wikipedia defines “Terumah”, Hebrew for "gift" or "offering."  Isn’t the real gift the building up, the forming of, the construction of the communities together?  So, is it that of the physical space that is so very sacred that was and is being offered, or is it the communities that are coming together to share amongst the group, to participate together in a loving manner and can effectively share Torah Thoughts and deep discussion?  The outdoors and nature allowed that as well and is always inviting still today!

The real construction of the sanctuary defined then should be something like- construction of, building up a loving and sincere community that shares and incorporates……

It is the people that form communities, that become friends, that grow as families, and indeed grow together with one another, hand in hand, loving and understanding, sharing in our actions, and being there for….. We are one, Love one another!

Mishpatim - Construction should Function

Mishpatim - Construction should Function 

In this week’s Torah Portion, Mishpatim , we continue to see the introduction of Laws, and the building of a strong foundation based upon Ethics, a person’s Civil manner, and Moralistic values.

The ethical, moral, and civil aspect are a great teaching in Judaism, as it has given each person an important uniqueness and a possible proactive impact on him/herself, and to the group. To have a relationship, a healthy one at least, you must strive for that of being ethical, and very civil, and have a moral DNA..  This is speaking of human dignity, preserving our own feelings and that of others, and understanding them, having self -worth, and continuing our own focus, as well as consideration for others that allows growth and accepts a proactive change.

We must not be critical, so very, very critical of everything and so sensitive!

“In the classical Greek language ("kritos" means judge, and "kritikos" means able to make judgements, or the critic). Related Greek terms are krinein (separating out, deciding), krei- (to sieve, discriminate, or distinguish) and krisis (literally, the judgement, the result of a trial, or a selection resulting from a choice or decision).”

Instead of being critical, and tearing apart, destructing, discriminating, making distinguishing decisions, we must build up!  We must CONSTRUCT! 

“Construction is a general term meaning the art and science to form objects, systems, or organizations,[4] and comes from Latin constructionem (from com- "together" and struere "to pile up") and Old French construction.[5] Construction is used as a verb: the act of building, and a noun: how a building was built, the nature of its structure.”

We must be people who comprehend and put into action that of ‘CONSTRUCTION”.  We A-L-L must build up, put together a structure; our structure for our society.

We all must always strive and especially today and now, as we live in a world full of deviations, and it's not so easy at times. Each and every one of us has choices, and if we strive for that ethical, civil and moralistic decision within us, we'll be in a better place!  Takes sincere work.  You're the architect, and it's YOUR partnership that determines YOU and YOUR impact! Build well!

Yitro - Teach Me, Feel Me

 Yitro -  Teach Me, Feel Me 

February 17, 18, 2017

In this week’s Torah Portion, we are introduced to Mose’s father in law, Yitro (translated “Jethro”).   Upon introduction, Moses approaches him, and kisses his father in law, and starts to share what has been going on w/ his people.  Jethro hears, and Jethro more importantly listens to his son in law with great intent.   Jethro starts to coach and advise his son in law, Moses,  as not to bite off more than he can chew, and for the good of all:

18:14

So when Moses's father-in-law saw all that he did for the people, he said, "What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you do this alone, and all the people stand before you from morning until evening?"

15 And Moses said to his father-in-law, "Because the people come to me to inquire and have questions.”

16 When they have a difficulty, they come to me,;

17 So Moses's father-in-law said to him, "The thing that you do is not good……

18 Both you and these people, who are with you will surely wear yourselves out. For this thing is too much for you alone; you are not able to perform this by yourself.

19-22 ……”And you shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and show them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do.

Moreover, you shall select from all the people, the able people, such people that have 

understanding and compassion unto…………

And let them judge the people always, and NOT just you. Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge. So, it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you.

If you do this thing, then you will be able to endure, and this entire people will also go to their place in peace."

This is very meaningful and powerful!  It inevitably helps Moses feel better,as well as all the people! 

Moses has supposedly already established himself as a leader, a teacher, and a strong person, and is well into very own his life, when he first meets his father in law, and shares with him, based on love, trust and Jethro’s own position of the land, but what really is meaningful to me, is Moses shows the utmost love and respect and adheres to Jethro’s advice, and I see the beauty in this because of  Jethro being Moses’s wife’s father; Unconditional love and respect!

The Hebrew word ‘moreh’ is derived from the verb ‘yarah’, "to teach," "to direct," and indicates one who directs, or gives answers to…... So, Jethro is sort of a “Moreh” in a fatherly manner to Moses, and Moses follows his father in law’s teachings.

Like Moses, we ALL have people who teach us, hear and advise us, befriend us and love us in such a healthy manner and when one of my ‘influencers’ offers a word of advice to me, I most definitely hear, but more importantly, I listen! The ability to hear and listen to sound advice is not always an easy task, but it is vital as part of our very own growth at any age, and those that really love us, just might teach, lead ‘n listen, and offer a helping and loving hand to you!  That's Love!

Who is your Yitro/Jethro?