Color-Blind

Shabbat Shalom from Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

June 1-2, 2018 / 19 Sivan 5778

Shabbat Beha’alotecha

Torah: Numbers 8:1 - 12:16 / Haftarah: Zechariah 2:14 - 4:7

“Color-Blind”

Dear Friends,

Does the Torah actually make a comment about racial prejudice?  Indeed it does!  In this week’s Torah portion, Miriam and Aaron criticize Moses from marrying a Cushite woman. The land of Cush is in Africa south of Egypt, essentially northern Sudan and Ethiopia.  So, presumably the woman was of darker skin color.  We cannot be certain who the Cushite woman was.  She might have been Tzipora, Moses’ wife.  However, Tzipora was the daughter of a Midianite priest, who probably came from northern Arabia.  The Cushite woman might have been a second wife, or she may be from a different story tradition regarding Modes’ wife/wives.

Most commentators believe that Miriam and Aaron’s criticism was about the woman’s dark skin color. Because of the outburst Miriam is punished with leprosy.  Both Moses and Aaron intervene with God on her behalf, with the famous words, El na refa na lah– heal her God and she will be healed. Miriam is sent from the camp for seven days and eventually she recovers.

The Torah text is sending us a message from more than 3,000 years ago. We may not judge a person based on the color of their skin, their country of origin, or their marital status. There is a better way. It was the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King who summed it up best, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

Zay a mentsch – be a good person.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

We Are All Nazirites

Shabbat Shalom from Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

May 25-26, 2018 / 12 Sivan 5778

Shabbat Naso

Torah: Numbers 4:21 - 7:89 / Haftarah: Judges 13:2 - 25

“We Are All Nazirites”

Dear Friends,

What does it take to be a Nazirite?  The Torah portion describes that a Nazirite is an Israelite commoner, neither a Kohen/priest or a Levite/assistant, who wishes to take on a vow of holy service. To become a Nazirite, one must not cut one’s hair, not drink wine or eating grapes in any form, and not contact a dead body.  In that state of ritual purity, a Nazirite can assist with the religious and cult worship of the people of Israel.  The most famous Nazirite in the Bible was Samson. Remember his long hair?

While the biblical approach to the Nazirite is no longer applicable to contemporary times, we do have a form of holy service that is still quite relevant – volunteering to assist in the synagogue and Jewish community.  Each time we step up to serve on a Board, lead or join a committee, run a program, teach in a religious school, etc., we are becoming a modern day Nazirite.  The work we do as volunteers in the Jewish community is indeed holy and critical for the ongoing vitality of Jewish life, heritage, and tradition.  While no vows of abstinence from hair cutting and drinking wine are required, all we ask is that you serve with honor, distinction, and do your best to add to strength of our Jewish world.

I extend my hearty Mazal tov and appreciation to our incoming Board and all the leaders, movers, and shakers of Shir Hadash in all your capacities.  Because of your devotion and commitment, Shir Hadash continues to be the unique, vibrant, creative, and caring community that inspires the lives of its members and the community each and every day.

Zay a Mentsch – Be a Good Person.

L’Shalom (In Peace),

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

Counting the People

Shabbat Shalom from Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

May 18-19, 2018 / 5 Sivan 5778

Omer Day 49

Shabbat Bamidbar

Torah: Numbers 1:1 - 4:20 / Haftarah: Hosea 2:1 - 2:22

“Counting the People”

Dear Friends,

As the fourth book of the Torah begins, the Book of Numbers or BaMidbarin Hebrew, Moses calls for a census of the people. There already was a census taken back in the Book of Exodus. So, why count the people again? Why now?  One obvious explanation is that whole year has passed since leaving Egypt and it is important to ‘take inventory’ regularly and find out how many people are on hand.

Torah commentator Yehuda Nachshoni teaches that “the census brings home the message to each and every one.  Each sees that one does not stand alone but is a part of the totality of things. Yet, the entire world is dependent on each individual… By being counted, we know our place in and our worth to the community at large.”

Everyone has infinite worth and immeasurable value. Each person is created “in the image of God.” The message is clear.  Everyone counts, Everyone is important. Do your best to see the beauty in each and every soul, those close and far, those with whom you agree and disagree, those known and unknown.  We are all part of humankind.  We all matter.

Zay a Mentsch – Be a Good Person.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

Treating the Poor

Shabbat Shalom from Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

May 11-12, 2018 / 27 Iyar 5778

Omer Day 42

Shabbat Behar-Bechukotai

Torah: Leviticus 25:1 - 27:34 / Haftarah: Jeremiah 16:19 - 17:14

“Treating the Poor”

Dear Friends,

How are we to treat someone who is poor?  In this week’s Torah portion four times the phrase appears, “and if your brother/sister is reduced to poverty.”  What follows are examples on how we are to act, such as, if one is forced to sell property, neighbors should establish a fund to purchase it all for him.  If one falls into debt, interest may not be charged on funds to assist him as he reestablishes himself.  From these and other commandments, a whole body of discussion arose amongst our sages on how to treat the poor.

Tzedaka, giving to support those in need, is considered amongst the highest of righteous obligations.  Yet, the rabbis urge that support funds be given in a way to preserve the dignity and honor of the poor.  Whenever possible, every effort must be made not to cause embarrassment or shame. Thus, we read in the Talmud, “The person who gives charity in secret is greater than Moses.” (Baba Batra 9b) Sometimes the best way to help is enable the needy to find employment to support themselves.

Yet, most important is to give and assist in ways that will truly make a difference and help those in need, whether through direct aid or through service organizations. Our sages remind us that the more we give, the more we receive.  Exodus Rabba states, “A torch is not diminished though it kindles a million candles. A person does not lose by giving to those in need.”

Zay a Mentsch – Be a Good Person.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow