B'Seder

Shabbat Shalom from Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

February 28-29, 2020 / 4 Adar 5780

Shabbat Terumah

Torah: Exodus 25:1 - 27:19     Haftarah: I Kings 5:26 - 6:13

“B’Seder”

Dear Friends,

What does it mean when we follow a prescribed order when doing something?  Following a sequence of steps is important to accomplishing a goal.  Thus, this week’s Torah portion tells the Children of Israel to methodically follow a series of steps in building the Mishkan – the portable shrine during the desert wanderings.

We understand the importance of following an order when we prepare a recipe or assemble a piece of furniture.  As Jews, we understand order when we pray or sit down to a Passover meal. In fact, in Hebrew the prayer book is called a siddur and a Passover meal is called a seder. Siddur and seder mean “order.”  In Israel, when we say that something is “OK,” we say that it is “B’seder” – in order.

Judaism gives order and structure to our lives. Following that order assures that we will live meaningful and successful lives.

Zay a mentsch – Be a good person.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

You Shall Not Wrong the Stranger

Shabbat Shalom from Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

February 21-22, 2020 / 27 Shevat 5780

Shabbat Mishpatim - Shekalim

Torah – Exodus 21:1–24:18 / Maftir: Exodus 30:11 - 30:16 | Shabbat Shekalim

Haftarah: II Kings 12:1 - 12:17 | Shabbat Shekalim

“You Shall Not Wrong the Stranger” 

Dear Friends,

This week’s Torah portion reminds us to be kind to those we do not know and to help those in need.  Exodus 22:20 reads, “You shall not wrong the stranger or oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.”  This should have special meaning for us Jews.  Throughout our history, from biblical times to the present, there have been many times when we have been strangers in foreign lands.  There have been many times when we were considered the ‘other.’ Often times, it brought prejudice, persecution, and repression.  Thankfully, we now live in a time of relative security and safety.  Nevertheless, because of our experience, we must help those who are insecure, refugees, and vulnerable.

Zay a mentsch – Be a good person! Respect the Stranger!

Shabbat shalom.

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

In the Wilderness

Shabbat Shalom from Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

February 14-15, 2020 / 20 Shevat 5780

Shabbat Yitro

Torah: Exodus 18:1 - 20:23     Haftarah: Isaiah 6:1 - 7:6; 9:5 - 9:6

“In the Wilderness”

Dear Friends,

Why were the Ten Commandments given in the wilderness? In this week’s Torah portion, the Children of Israel were encamped at Mount Sinai on their way from Egypt to the Promised Land.  After three days of purification, God proclaimed the Ten Commandments from the mountain top.  Some consider the Ten Commandments amongst the most important parts of the Torah story and an essential piece of Jewish tradition and identity.  So, why were they given in the wilderness and not later, when the Israelites arrived in the Land of Israel?

In the Mechilta de Rabbi Ishmael it is taught that the Ten Commandments were given in the wilderness so that they could be given to everyone – all peoples.  Were they given in Israel, the Israelites could have kept them for themselves.  By giving them in public, out in the wilderness, we know that the Ten Commandments belong to anyone who wishes to bring Torah into their life.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

Liberation

Shabbat Shalom from Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

February 6-7, 2020 / 13 Shevat 5780

Shabbat Beshalach - Shira

Torah - Exodus 13:17-17:16 / Haftarah - Judges 4:4-5:31

“Liberation”

Dear Friends,

What is the core message of the Exodus story?  This week’s Torah portion tells of the moment when the Israelites left Egypt and began their march to the Promised Land.  It tells of the miraculous crossing of the Sea of Reeds and the beginning of the travails of desert living

It is said that when designing the one-dollar bill for the newly independent United States of America, Benjamin Franklin had a special idea.  He wanted to see a depiction of the freeing of the Israelites on the back of the bill. For Franklin and all who study the Exodus account, the meaning is clear.  This is the story of how a people can rise up, shake off the shackles of corrupt leadership, and take hold of its own destiny.  It is the story of how ordinary people can fight for freedom and then set up a government of the people.  It is the story of liberty.

As we hear the Torah chanted this Shabbat, think of all the freedom movements that this week’s portion has inspired.  Think of all those to whom our story has given hope and courage.  Think of all who have been encouraged to seek human dignity and self-respect. This is the message of the Exodus – liberation.

Shabbat shalom.

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow