Realizing our Dreams

December 19-20, 2014 / 28 Kislev 5775

Shabbat Miketz - Chanukah

Torah Reading: Genesis 41:1-44 & Numbers 7:30-41

Haftarah Reading: Zechariah 2:14-4:7

"Realizing our Dreams"

Dear Friends,

Dreams are an important theme throughout Joseph’s life.  He told his dreams of future power and success to his jealous brothers, which only earned him being sold into slavery.  He interpreted dreams while in prison in Egypt, which eventually got him freed. In this week’s Torah portion Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams, which brought him to an exalted position - the fulfillment of those childhood dreams.

On this Shabbat in the midst of our Chanukah celebration, our thoughts and hearts turn towards the Land of Israel, the birthplace of our people and the site of the Maccabees’ revolt against and victory over the Syrians.  Israel is the land of our people’s dreams.  It’s where Jacob dreamed of a ladder rising to heaven.  It’s where Joseph dreamed.  It’s the land to which countless generations of our ancestors dreamed of returning.  It’s the land where the Zionist dream became a reality with the establishment of the modern state only 66 years ago.

We Jews in America feel so comfortable and independent that we could easily take the existence of Israel for granted. However, it is important to note that the remarkable success, respect, and security that we American Jews have enjoyed over the past decades are due in large part to the remarkable achievement of the State of Israel.  World admiration for Israel has translated in part into the amazing vibrancy, creativity and dynamism that defines American Judaism - something that was but a dream of previous generations.

Each Shabbat, we give thanks for the delight and privilege of living proud Jewish lives by singing “Shir Hama’alot” (Psalm 126) which celebrates our people’s miraculous return to the Land of Israel.  It begins: “A song of ascents.  When God brought about our return to the Land of Zion, we were like dreamers...”  On this Shabbat, as we celebrate the power of Chanukah’s lights, miracles, hopes, and dreams, may we remember how connected we are to our fellow Jewish brothers and sisters in the Land of Israel and throughout the world.  May we remember that through working together as one people, our dreams for blessing, healing, peace, love and splendor can be fulfilled.  We are living them right now.

Shabbat Shalom and Happy Hanukkah.

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

Becoming Our Best Selves

November 12-13, 2014 / 21 Kislev 5775

Shabbat Vayeshev

Torah Reading: Genesis 37:1-40:23 / Haftarah Reading: Amos 2:6-3:8

“Becoming Our Best Selves”

Dear Friends,

Sometimes, we encounter difficult or unfamiliar situations during which we do things or say things that, at the time, seem right or justified, but later we regret.  The Torah tradition understands this and recognizes that we constantly walk a road of trying to do our best.  At times we make errors, then realize where we went astray, and pledge to do better next time.  We are flawed beings.  We are human.  But, through study, prayer and community we persistently seek to improve ourselves and overcome our faults.

The week’s Torah portion begins the story of Joseph and his eleven brothers, a story fraught with unfortunate mistakes and terrible misbehavior.  First, father Jacob favored Joseph above his brothers.  Next, Joseph began to tell his dreams of grandeur in which the eleven sheaves of wheat belonging to his brothers bowed down to Joseph’s sheaf.  In another dream, the sun and moon and eleven stars bowed down to Joseph’s star.  That was enough for the brothers.  Soon after, they conspired to have him sold into slavery and then lied to their father, saying that Joseph had been killed by wild animals.

One of our core values at Shir Hadash is Derech Eretz - Thoughtfulness – “We commit ourselves to mentschlichkeit - behaving with kindness, compassion, respect, dignity and sensitivity.”  It is a fundamental Jewish value.  For through derech eretz, we are taught to be honest with each other and honest with ourselves.  Through derech eretz, we may be able to avoid going astray and, possibly, hurting others in the first place.  Through derech eretz, we find a way to correct and atone for wrongdoing when it is revealed and understood.

For Joseph’s brothers, it would be many years before they would meet Joseph in Egypt and reconcile to reunite their family once again.  It was Joseph who would recognize that all things happen for a reason.  Understanding would come. Growth would come. Forgiveness would come.

As we celebrate Shabbat and prepare for Chanukah, think of those you have hurt and wronged.  Think of those with whom some relationship repairs are needed.  Think of situations in which you have not acted your best.  Make some phone calls or, better yet, meet and sincerely try to work things out.  Take a risk for honesty.  Take a risk for atonement.  Take a risk for healing.  Take a risk for peace.

Shabbat Shalom.

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

Overcoming Adversity

December 5-6, 2014 - 14 Kislev 5775

Shabbat Vayishlach

Torah Reading: Genesis 32:4 - 36:43 / Haftarah Reading: Obadiah 1:1-21

“Overcoming Adversity”

Dear Friends,

Captain Derek Herrera was born into a military family and followed that tradition by joining the Marines, where he served three tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan and did relief work in Haiti. On his third tour as commander of an elite force with the Marines, his team came under attack and he was shot in the back, paralyzing him from the chest down. Yet, despite being wounded, Captain Harrera got on the radio and coordinated the team’s rescue.

Determined to still live the fullest life possible, Captain Herrera researched options for a paralyzed person to walk again and learned about the ReWalk robotic exoskeleton, developed in Israel, that allows the paralyzed to stand and move on their own. When ReWalk was approved for private purchase, money was raised to help him be the first U.S. purchaser of the device.

Because of ReWalk, Captain Herrera walked up to his commanding officer at Camp Pendleton in San Diego in front of 300 of his fellow Marines, and stood as he was awarded the Bronze Star for his heroism in Afghanistan. 

There’s another part of this story. Having experienced the power of this innovation from Israel, Captain Herrera travelled to Israel to meet the inventor, and see the university where the product was developed. There he learned more about how Israel is helping people world-wide. He is now an Israel advocate. He has joined the Board of the American Technion Society and is working with them on the development of new products for the paralyzed. He’s also committed himself to sharing his story and helping others like him overcome the challenges that they face.      

Our forefather Jacob represents the biblical figure best known for overcoming adversity. During his lifetime he overcame exile, animosity, physical threats, and a night-long struggle with a celestial angel. Yet, these challenges forged his personality and gave him the strength to father a nation. Jacob was complete when he overcame the challenge of facing his brother Esau and making peace with him.

Just as Jacob overcame great obstacles on his path to greatness, others have followed in his footsteps, setting powerful examples for us to emulate. Captain Derrek Herrera’s strength, spirit, and desire to give back to others follows in the footsteps of our forefather, Jacob, and serves as an inspiration for each of us to follow in our own lives.

Shabbat Shalom.

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow