And I'll Call Down Thunder And Speak The Same; And My Words Fills The Sky With Flame (John Barlow & Bob Weir - "Estimated Prophet')

                My kids and my wife know that if I am driving, they will be listening to thirty years’ worth of soundboard quality concerts of the Grateful Dead.  It may be a concert from 1967; it may be a concert from 1995 or the recent shows this past summer or something in between. Every so often I will even chime in and tell them that I was at a particular show.  Yes, I am a Dead Head.  If anyone has ever attended a Grateful Dead Show (the original band played over 2300 concerts from 1965-1995), or had the opportunity to experience the more than 200 shows after the death of Jerry Garcia in August of 1995 (surviving members of the original band performed as Further, The Other Ones, The Dead, and most recently Dead and Company); then understanding the notion of public revelation isn’t so unique nor too difficult to comprehend. Statistically, many more people have not experienced this type of concert. Many more people have seen The Rolling Stones. However whether one has seen one Grateful Dead show or 1000 shows, whether one saw the original band in 1965 or saw the latest rendition of the band during the summer or fall of 2015; make no mistake, those who have experienced a show share a common language, saw similar sights, maybe even heard the similar songs, and were part of a community that is happy to be routinely considered outside the mainstream society. Everyone knows that no two shows are ever the same. Therefore the experience at a show is both communal and individual.  In today’s day and age, the concept of a Revelation is tends to be more individual in nature. Of the three Abrahamic religions, Christianity and Islam are based upon the revelation of the individual. However Judaism, the oldest of the three Abrahamic religions and with the smallest number of adherents is completely based upon a public revelation. Certainly each individual experienced something slightly different, but they experienced some type of revelation while standing at Mt. Sinai.  When learning about another’s revelation, “awe” and “fear” becoming obstacles for those learning about an individual’s revelation. If the person is unapproachable, then it becomes all but impossible to be spiritually close enough to that person in order to learn all that there is to learn from that revelatory experience. However, after three and half hours of a Grateful Dead Show, the experience is so powerful that it any longer would become overwhelming. That’s not to say one might not show up for consecutive shows or even tour with the band, but eventually individual shows, a three night runs in a particular city, and typical six week tour will eventually come to an end. Nobody can experience a constant first hand revelation and be expected to live.

This Shabbat we read from Parsha Yitro. This week's Parsha is Yitro. Named after Moshe father in-law, who happens to be a Midianite priest, the Parsha begins with Moshe leading B'nai Yisroel toward the wilderness of Midian where he meets up with his father in-law, his wife and his two sons. Yitro suggests that Moshe should create a bureaucracy whereby others administer the small everyday rulings required of a judge. Difficult legal issues would be administered by Moshe. Moshe is then commanded by God to bring B'nai Yisroel to Mt. Sinai. For three days they will purify themselves, clean their clothes, not have marital relations, and purify their souls for a revelation. There with the mountain smoking and thunder billowing from the heavens, God begins to speak. B'nai Yisroel is absolutely petrified and fearing death, they beg Moshe to go up the mountain as their Shaliach (appointed messenger). Moshe ascends the mountain and receives the Aseret HaDibrot (the Ten Commandments), then descends. Upon his descent he tells B'nai Yisroel the Aseret HaDibrot.

However the Parsha concludes in a very peculiar way. B’nai Yisroel just shared an absolutely surreal experience; they prepared for three days, they approached the mountain, the mountain looked like it was smoking and full of fire and then they heard the voice of God. Despite this incredibly surreal moment, despite this awesome experience, they were only spiritually capable enough to handle hearing the first commandment. They relied upon Moshe to tell them the remaining nine commandments. Indeed this was an awe inspiring moment, yet simultaneously it was a spiritually overwhelming moment. V’Chol Ha’Am Ro’im et HaKolot V’Et Halapidim V’Eit Kol HaShofar V’Et HaHar Ashein VaYar Ha’Am  VaYanu’U VaYamdu Meirachok The entire nation saw the thunder and the flames, the sound of the shofar and the smoking mountain; the people saw and trembled from afar. VaYomru El Moshe Daber Atah Imanu V’Nishma’ah B’Al Yidabeir Imanu Elohim Pen Namut. They said to Moshe, “You speak to us and we shall hear; let God not speak to us lest we die. (Ex. 20:15-16)  So Moshe goes back up into the darkness of the mountain and God tells Moshe to say to B’nai Yisroel Atem Riitem Ki Min HaSHamayim Dibarti Imachem You (B’nai Yisroel) have seen that I spoke to from heaven. (Ex. 20:19) Normally one hears what is spoken; however because the experience is so surreal, apparently one “sees” what is spoken from heaven. Rashi, the great 11^th century French commentator, explains the phrase “see what was spoken” as opposed to hear what was spoken. Yeish Hafreish Bein Mah Sh’Adam Roeh L’Mah Sheh’Acheirim MSichin Lo Sh’Mah She’ Acheirim M’Sichin Lo Pa’Amim Sh’Libo Chaluck MilHaAmin There is a difference between that which a man sees and that about which others tell him, for about that which others tell him, at times his heart (mind) is doubtful about believing. When one experiences revelation first hand, then there is a minimal chance of “sin”, of having some other God before Hashem. However when one hears about revelation, there is more risk for individual to have another god before Hashem.  

                Revelation is fraught with boundaries and limitations.  Too much revelation can lead to fear, spiritual paralysis and even fear of death -Pen Namut perhaps We Die.  Not enough revelation, that is to say, experiencing it second hand creates a possibility that followers of the individual who had the revelatory experience may elevate that individual to a status of more than just a person, more than just a prophet.   The Revelation at Sinai had one profound purpose. B’nai Yisroel had to see, hear, and acknowledge that there can be no other god before Hashem. That acknowledgement, that communal and national acknowledgement of each person having a first-hand Revelation on that day, at that time, and at that place is what makes Judaism completely unique from the other Abrahamic religions. Always with the fewest followers compared to Christianity and Islam, always considered outside the dominant culture, that moment at Sinai connected a group of people through space and time. From a secular perspective, those who have experienced a Grateful Dead Show understand what it’s like to “See the thunder” and hear the “sound of the smoking mountain.”  Like the bumper sticker says: “There’s nothing like a Grateful Dead concert”.

Peace,

Rav Yitz  

Believe It If You Need It Or Leave It If You Dare (Robert Hunter & Phil Lesh - "Box of Rain")

As many in the West celebrated the return of American prisoners who had been held in Iran, and Iran celebrated its return to the “nations of the world” because it had purportedly fulfilled its first obligation in diminishing its Nuclear program; there are those who are naïve enough to think that the world is a safer place, that our faith in humanity and reason should be restored, and even the most despotic, and evil governments want to live peacefully among the nations.  However despite this “good news” two incidents occurred in Israel that remind us that not only is the world still very dangerous, but left many testing their faith in any kind of peaceful solution in Israel.  Early in the week, two Israeli woman were attacked by Palestinians and stabbed. One woman, Dafna Meir, a mother of six, was slain by a Palestinian in her home in Otniel as she successfully stopped the attacker from murdering her children.  Soon afterwards, and while a police/military dragnet searched for Dafna Meir’s murderer, a pregnant woman was stabbed in Tekoah. For anyone who still thinks a two state solution is the most viable long term solution to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict; that faith continues to erode. I know my faith in a two state solution continues to erode. At this time of turmoil, this time of questioning and during the erosion of faith in a peaceful outcome in Israel, Hadassah Froman has managed to keep her faith. Hadassah Froman is a frum (Orthodox) Israeli. She is the mother in law of the young pregnant woman who was stabbed in Tekoa. Hadassah’s late husband was the late peace activist Rabbi Menachem Froman.  In an interview with Israel’s Army Radio, Rebbetzin Froman said that “Israel was ‘mishandling’ the delicate fabric of its relations with the Palestinian, and needed to make a greater effort to distinguish between those Palestinian who support terrorism and those who want to live in peace. Rebbetzin Froman continued by explaining that Israel needs to reach out to those Palestinians that wan to “Co-Exist”, to live in peace, and by strengthening those Palestinians, by supporting those Palestinians and keeping those Palestinians safe, it would go a long way in promoting a two state solution.

This Shabbat is known as Shabbat Shira (Shabbat of Songs) because of the "songs" or poetry in both the Parsha, Beshallach, and in the Haftarah. In Parsha Beshallach, B'nai Yisroel finally leaves Egypt. Pharaoh sends them out and they hurriedly leave. Three days later, B'nai Yisroel arrives at the Yam Suf, the Reed Sea, which is along the Mediterranean coast. With Pharaoh's army behind them, and the Sea in front, B'nai Yisroel is trapped. Then the sea opens up, B'nai Yisroel crosses through and arrives safely on the other side. The Egyptian army gets caught in the sea - bed as the waters comes crashing down. Out of joy and relief, B'nai Yisroel composes Shirat HaYam, the Song of the Sea. No sooner are they finished celebrating, then they begin complaining about the lack of water and food. God provides water and Manna. However, B'nai Yisroel is still not safe. Now they are attacked by the indigenous tribe, the Amalekites. B'nai Yisroel must put aside its hunger and thirst and fight for their lives. They do, and they are victorious. The Parsha ends with God commanding Moshe to blot out the very existence of the Amalekites.

From the time B’nai Yisroel complains to Moshe about the oncoming Egyptian army and Yam Suf that lies before them, to the lack of water, lack of food and lack of meat, one could understand the entire Parsha as God testing B’nai Yisroel’s faith. With all the complaining, with the refrain of the people cynically asking Moshe if God brought them out of Egypt to have them die in the wilderness, or die on the banks of the Yam Suf; it is very easy to view these newly released slaves as not at all ready to engage in a covenantal relationship with God since they lack faith. However the Midrash in Shmot Rabbah teaches us that Nachshon ben Aminadov from the tribe of Judah went first into the Reed Sea even before it split open. In fact the waters didn’t open up until he was completely submerged. Only then did the waters open due to his faith and the rest of B’nai Yisroel followed.  The sea didn’t part because of Moshe’s praying on behalf of the people; it split because of one man’s Emunah, one man’s faith that taking the next step forward would ultimately prove to be the step that saved a nation.  As a result Nachshon’s faith, the tribe of Judah would have dominion over Israel.

I am always intrigued by those who have the ability to keep faith under the most trying circumstances. I am amazed by the stories of those who questioned yet kept their faith in God during the Holocaust. I am struck by those who have faith in the decency and goodness of humanity when they themselves carry the scars inflicted by those whose souls are infected with darkness of terrorism and extremism. I am amazed by those who have faith in prospect of peace and co-existence despite the pain they have experience by the murder of loved one at the hands of those who don’t want to co-exist. To those people of faith I applaud knowing deep down that I should follow them, fight the terrorist agenda of living in fear.

Peace,

Rav Yitz

What Fatal Flowers Of Darkness Bloom From Seeds Of Light (Robert Hunter & Jerry Garcia - "Blues For Allah")

           We were watching the news the other day, and our kids happen to see a story about U.S. presidential campaign. They showed clips of various candidates giving their stump speeches throughout Iowa, and New Hampshire. In particular the clips showed Donald Trump and Ted Cruz and the reporter commented upon how these candidates have tapped into the anger and dissatisfaction that has affected much of the American electorate. Our kids listened to parts of their speeches, the candidates’ anger, vitriol, negativity and frustration. They were curious as to why the people seemed angry and rather than the candidates trying to make it better they seemed to make it worse. I explained that sometimes, in order to get elected, candidates will use fear and ignorance in order to get themselves elected. Thankfully, they aren’t old enough to be too cynical. So I reminded them of Yoda from Star Wars. In teaching his disciples about the Force and to combat the Dark Side, Yoda teaches that "Fear is the path to the Dark Side. Fear leads to Anger. Anger leads to Hate. Hate leads to Suffering" The Force is light, goodness and purity of soul. The Dark Side is just that; it is the perversion of the soul.  I explained that extremism, the extremism that breeds hate, injustice, and terror exists everywhere; everywhere people feel threatened, paralyzed, or scared or feel as if they lack control over their own lives.  As a result, political extremism, or religious extremism, in any form, breeds closed mindedness, ignorance, fear, and ultimately a flirting with and perhaps a union with the Dark Side.

           This week's Parsha is Bo.  The ten plagues culminate with locusts, darkness and finally the killing of the first born. On the night of the last plague, God instructs Moshe to tell B'nai Yisroel, to declare and sanctify the New Moon, and to slaughter a lamb for each family. Blood should be painted onto the door- post. The sacrificed lamb must be completely eaten that night with no leftovers.  The command continues with God instructing Moshe to reiterate this story to the children of each family. The Parsha concludes with the command to sanctify the first born, remember this night, remember what God did for B'nai Yisroel, and how B'nai Yisroel eventually returned to the land.

           Parts of the Parsha are read on Pesach. Those parts dealing with the Paschal sacrifice, as well as the Mitzvah of "Telling" the child about the impending redemption, are read. However there is one phrase that is particularly interesting and revealing. The ninth plague is Choshech, darkness. VaYomer Adonai el Moshe  N'Teih Yadchah al Hashamayim - And God said to Moshe "Stretch forth your hand toward the heavens,  Va'Yehi Choshech al Eretz Mitzrayim- "And there will be a darkness upon the land of Egypt , Vayameish Choshech - and the darkness will be felt. [tangible] (Ex. 10:21). What does it mean that the darkness will be felt? What will it feel like? Will it be hot or cold, wet or dry? Maybe it will thick like some type of fog. Maybe it will be the horrible emptiness as if one is falling through an abyss with nothing all around. Whatever kind of darkness it is, it can be felt. It is noticeable and therefore extraordinarily different than the standard night -time or even an eclipse. B’nai Yisroel still had light in their dwellings while the plague occurred. Pharaoh could not stand the darkness anymore and told Moshe to take everyone including the children and leave if that would alleviate the darkness in Egypt. The Or HaChaim, (18^th Century Morocco) reminds us that while there was complete darkness in Egypt, there was light where the Jewish slaves lived: Goshen. U’LeChol B’nai Yisroel Haya Or B’Mishvotam – but for all the Children of Israel there was light in their dwellings (Ex. 10:23). Egypt was already in a state of primordial Darkness, a spiritual darkness without the acknowledgment of God’s presence. As a result, Egypt had become a twisted, closed minded, corrupt society whose enslavement of B’nai Yisroel was a function of ignorance and fear - a world devoid of the acknowledgment of HaShem. The plague of Choshech, of Darkness, was merely Egypt becoming aware of their darkness. As a result, Pharaoh all but pleaded with Moshe to take the slaves of Egypt. Eliminated the source of Egypt and Pharaoh’s fear, and then light would return to Egypt.  B’nai Yisroel was already in a state of primordial Light, a spiritual acknowledgment of God’s presence; U’LeChol B’nai Yisroel  Haya Or B’Mishvotam – but for all the Children of Israel there was light in their dwellings. B’nai Yisroel already had a sense of their relationship to God, and a sense of purpose. Moshe had already told them that they would be freed, and they would return to the land that had been promised to their ancestors.

           As our children continue to watch the news, and see stories about Jewish Right Wing extremist being found guilty of murdering a Palestinian child, as they continue to hear about ISIS, as they hear politicians brag about the size of the crowds coming out to hear the "truth"; they are keenly aware that there are lots of angry people out there and lots of fearful people out there. One of our children commented that it seems harder to be thoughtful when there is too much anger. They realized that it seemed much easier to allow oneself to be consumed by anger, and fear, minimize thinking,  move to the Darkness, sit in Darkness, and to remain in a state of Darkness. Moving toward the light, toward the Force, requires more effort, and requires greater vigilance to remain in the Light and part of the Force. Of course Darkness requires less thinking and responsibility, Light requires more thinking and assuming more responsibility for making the world a better place.

Peace

Rav Yitz