Lynching

Shabbat Shalom from Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

 

July 29-30, 2022 / 2 Av 5782

Shabbat Matot-Masei

Torah: Numbers 30:2-36:13 / Haftarah: Jeremiah 2:4 - 2:28; 3:4

 

“Lynching”

 

Dear Friends,

 

What is to be done for someone accused of committing murder? This week’s Torah portion takes up this difficult topic noting that there will be those who wish to seek immediate vengeance though a lynch mob. The Torah, however, recognizes that the accused must be allowed to plead a defense.  Thus, cities of refuge were to be set up to which one accused of murder might flee.  While under the city’s protection, tempers could cool and a trial arranged.

 

The Torah does not allow for rash actions or lynching regardless of the circumstances.  The law must be followed, and justice pursued for all involved.

 

Zay a mentsch – Be a good person!

 

Shabbat Shalom,

 

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

Fighting City Hall

Shabbat Shalom from Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

 

July 22-23, 2022 / 24 Tammuz 5782

Shabbat Pinchas

Torah: Numbers 25:10 - 30:1     Haftarah: Jeremiah 1:1 - 2:3

 

“Fighting City Hall”

 

Dear Friends,

 

“You can’t fight City Hall,” goes the old saying. Is that true?  In this week’s Torah portion, an Israelite named Tselofehad died leaving no male heir.  Thus, his five daughters sued for the right to inherit from their father. With no tradition of women inheriting, what was to be done.  The Torah tells us of how Moses consulted with God and a new rule was created allowing women to inherit in this situation.  The daughters won their case!

 

We Jews are change agents.  We are constantly identifying areas in life where things can be improved.  Old laws can be rewritten, and new laws enacted.  Customs and traditions can evolve to meet contemporary times.  New situations, unimaginable by previous generations can be considered and addressed.

 

The story of Tselofehad’s daughters teaches us that indeed you can fight City Hall in the pursuit of justice.  In fact, you must!

 

Zay a mentsch – be a good person.

 

Shabbat Shalom,

 

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

Community

Shabbat Shalom from Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

 

July 15-16, 2022     17 Tammuz 5782

Shabbat Balak

Torah Portion:  Numbers 22:2-25:9 / Haftarah Portion: Micah 5:6-6:8

 

“Community”

 

Dear Friends,

 

What is the most important value for our Shir Hadash synagogue? Have you ever noticed the three words beneath the name of our synagogue name in our logo  - Community, Creativity, Caring?  These values set the tone for our synagogue family, and first and foremost is “Community.”  Our Jewish tradition teaches us to pray together, celebrate together, mourn together, and go through life together.  We have no tradition of asceticism. Rather, we come together as a community for spiritual growth, repentance, and learning.

 

In this week’s torah portion, the Moabite prophet Bil’am was hired to curse the Children of Israel.  Upon looking down from the heights at the Israelite encampment, Bil’am saw the beauty of their community.  Instead of cursing them, He blessed Israel with the words, “How beautiful are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel.”

 

Even though the COVID pandemic kept us apart physically for more than two years, let us continue to build and maintain our Jewish community and go from strength to strength.

 

Zay a Mentsch – Be a Good Person.

 

Shabbat Shalom,

 

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

Keep Calm and Carry On

Shabbat Shalom from Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

 

July 8-9, 2022 / 10 Tammuz 5782

Shabbat Hukat

Torah Portion: Numbers 19:1 - 22:1 / Haftarah Portion: Judges 11:1 - 11:33

 

“Keep Calm and Carry On”

 

Dear Friends,

 

 

What happens when a leader loses his or her temper? What happens when a leader shares an unprofessional comment on a ‘hot’ microphone?  It has been noted that when one loses temper, whatever the issue was that caused the outburst is quickly forgotten.  People only talk about the loss of control.  In this week’s Torah portion, Moses had had enough.  The Children of Israel complained one time too many.  Miriam had died and they were frightened that the water would dry up.  Death loomed.  In anger and desperation, Moses lost his cool. While God told him speak to and touch a rock to bring forth water, Moses smashed it instead with his staff. Water flowed, but everyone, including God, was shocked by his rage.

 

Leadership presents many challenges. Often, we are tested to our breaking point and like Moses, even the best of us boils over.   As punishment, Moses was not permitted to enter the Promised Land and was to cede leadership to Joshua. Our tradition teaches us that a leader can set the path forward only when keeping unruffled and confident. Otherwise, new leaders must take over. Keep calm and carry on.

 

Zay a Mentsch – Be a good person.

 

L’Shalom,

 

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow