Who is Heroic?

Shabbat Shalom From Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

November 29-30, 2019 / 2 Kislev 5780

Shabbat Toledot

Torah: Genesis 25:19 - 28:9

Haftarah: Malachi 1:1 - 2:7

“Who is Heroic?”

Dear Friends,

The Talmud, in Pirkei Avot, asks, “Who is heroic; who is truly strong?”  The answer: “One who can take control of his own evil impulses.” This week’s Torah portion helps us to explore this teaching through the story of Jacob and Esau.  Esau, the first-born son of Isaac and Rebecca, is a strong, burly, and fierce hunter.  He is a man of the field and the forest with a hot temper.  Jacob, the second-born son, is a mild mannered, intellectual shepherd.  He is a man of the camp who carefully and calmly plans.  When Jacob cleverly takes the birthright and blessing of the first born from Esau, Esau flies into a rage and Jacob fears for his very life.

The Torah teaches that the Jewish people descends from Jacob.  Thus, through Jacob’s example, we are taught to be thoughtful, calm, and deliberate in how we go about life. Who is powerful, strong and heroic? The one who conquers his evil and wicked impulses.

Zay a mentsch – Be a good person.

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

Paying to Make Peace

Shabbat Shalom From Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

November 22-23, 2019 / 24 Heshvan 5780

Shabbat Chayei Sarah

Torah Portion: Genesis 23:1-25:18 / Haftarah Portion: I Kings 1:1-31

“Paying to Make Peace”

Dear Friends,

How much should we pay when buying an item?  As much as we love a good deal, is it fair to expect to pay less than expected?  On the other hand, is it fair to pay more than the market price?

In this week’s Torah portion, Abraham purchased a burial cave in a field near today’s Hebron in which Sarah would be laid to rest.  The Torah account goes into great detail explaining how much the Hittite seller was willing to give Abraham the cave at no cost.  Nevertheless, Abraham insisted on paying the full fair market price.  What was going on?

Two principles were in play. 1) Abraham wanted to make sure that his purchase of the cave would not be challenged by anyone.  Therefore, he insisted on paying full price so that no one could say that the seller was deceived. 2) The Hebrew word for “to pay” is “L’shalaym,” which is derived from the word “Shalom.”  Literally, it means to make peace between seller and buyer.  Thus, the Torah is telling us that both the seller and buyer should always come away from a deal feeling whole and at peace.

In our consumer economy, make sure that these two fundamental Jewish principles are operating in your buying and selling. “L’shalaym” is about paying a fair price in order to make peace amongst all the parties involved.

Shabbat shalom.

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

Hospitality

Shabbat Shalom From Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

November 15-16, 2019 / 18 Heshvan 5780

Shabbat Vayera

Torah Portion: Genesis 18:1-22:24 / Haftarah Portion: II Kings 4:1-37

“Hospitality”

Dear Friends,

In this week’s Torah portion, three weary travellers came within sight of Abraham’s tent.  The story tells how upon seeing the men, Abraham jumped up and ran towards them to invite them into his tent. We gave them a shady place to rest, washed their feet, and served them a hearty meal.

From this story we learn the important Jewish value of hospitality.  Furthermore, Abraham’s example teaches us to be zealous in our efforts to help those in need.  When possible, offer help even before we are asked for assistance.  Be kind and gracious when aiding others.  It’s a mitzvah – a righteous act!

Zay a mentsch – Be a good person.

Shabbat shalom.

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

The Land

Shabbat Shalom From Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

November 8-9, 2019 / 11 Heshvan 5780

Shabbat Lech Lecha

Torah Portion: Genesis 12:1-17:27 / Haftarah Portion: Isaiah 40:27-41:16

“The Land”

Dear Friends,

In this week’s Torah portion, Abraham is called upon by God to leave his home in Mesopotamia and go west to the land of Cana’an, which would become known as the land of Israel. The Hebrew word for “The Land” which God would show Abraham is “ha’aretz.” Ha’aretz has come to mean not just any piece of land, but rather The Land, the holy land, the Land of Israel.  That is why one of Israel’s leading newspapers is called “Ha’aretz.”  The title refers to only one area of land – The Land – our Jewish homeland.  In everyday Hebrew conversation, when talking about the land of Israel, one would refer to “Ha’aretz.”

Ha’aretz – The Land – is the homeland of the Jewish people.  It is where our Jewish foundations were laid, where our Biblical history took place. It is where Jews have lived continually from Abraham up to the present time.  It is the place to which we direct our prayers. It is the source of our Jewish inspiration for all Jews everywhere.

For those who have never been to Israel, I urge you to make plans and go visit soon.  Those who have visited already, go again.  It is a great and meaningful experience to walk in the footsteps of Abraham in The Land – Ha’aretz.

Shabbat shalom.

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow