My Words Fill The Sky With Flame; And Might and Glory Gonna Be My Name (John Barlow & Bob Weir - "Estimated Prophet")

          The province of Ontario finally declared a state of Emergency as it began the process of breaking up the occupation at the Ambassador Bridge connecting Windsor to Detroit and connecting Canada and the U.S. with approximately $50 million dollars a day in trade. Yet despite the ongoing removal of the trucks, many people remained protesting. The protesting has continued in Coutts, Alberta where protesters closed that bridge between the two countries. The protests have spread to France, Australia and there is concern that a convoy has left California heading towards Washington. Organizing and funding these protests have come from the same right-wing organizations that fueled the pro-populist, anti-democratic message of politicians that supported the January 6th Washington D.C. uprising. Each of these protests and demonstrations represent a minority of each country’s respective population. Despite representing a minority opinion, each reflects the dangers of the mob or populist movements.

          This week’s Torah portion is entitled Ki Tissah. Parsha Ki Tissa is divided into several parts. The first part is the command to take a census of the population and collect a half-shekel for each person counted. The second part is the final blueprints for the Mishkan, the spices that are to be used, as well as the oil that is to be processed prior to burning. God then designates two men, Betzalel ben Uri from the tribe of Judah and Ahaliav ben Achisamach from the tribe of Dan to be the Master Builder and Designer of this national project. God reiterates the commandment of the Shabbat and reminds Moshe that anyone who violates it will be put to death and his/her soul will be cut off from the people.  In the next part, B’nai Yisroel commits the sin of the Eigel Zahav (Golden Calf): they built and then worshipped an idol. God wants to wipe out the people but Moshe urges God to reconsider. Moshe then descends the mountain and becomes just as upset as God, and he throws down the Shnei Luchot HaBrit – the Two Tablets of the Covenant. After a day or two when calm has been restored, Moshe re-ascends the mountain in order to pray for national forgiveness. Moshe then has an opportunity to experience another personal revelation even more powerful than the Burning Bush; Moshe has the opportunity to witness God’s passing before him. Dictated by God, Moshe chisels the Aseret Diberot into two new Tablets. He then goes back down the mountain. This time he descends with the light and glory of God emanating from him.

          During the moment when Moshe re- ascends the mountain seeking forgiveness for the people and Moshe experiences a personal revelation and watched God pass by; God re-iterates the covenant.  VaYomer Hinei Anochi Koreit Brit Neged Kol Amcha E’eseh Niflaot Asher Lo Nivre’u V’Chol Ha’Aretz U’VeChol HaGoyim - God said, ‘Behold, I seal a covenant: Before your entire people I shall make distinctions such as have never been created in the entire world and among all the nations.; and the entire people among whom you are will see the work of Hashem – which is awesome - that I am about to do with you. HiShameir Lecha Pen Tichrot Brit L’Yosheiv Ha’Aretz Asher Atah Ba Aleha Pen Yiheyeh L’Mokeish B’Kirbecha- Be vigilant lest you seal a covenant with the inhabitant of the land to which you come, lest it be a snare among you. (Ex. 34:11-12)The lesson of the Eigel Zahav, (the Golden Calf) was that B’nai Yisroel mimicked the indigenous idolatrous people that were living in B’nai Yisroel’s covenanted land.  God reminded Moshe and by association reminded the people that they must not weaken the nature of the covenant. They must not deal with these nations for fear that B’nai Yisroel becomes ensnared (L’Mokeish), trapped, and weakened. How could these idol-worshipping nations ensnare B’nai Yisroel? The fact is these nations cannot trap or ensnare B’nai Yisroel unless B’nai Yisroel ceases its vigilance, if they start dealing with these nations, or if they think that peace with these nations will lead to the perpetuation of B’nai Yisroel. From God’s perspective is to remind Moshe that the desire to make peace with those who want to destroy B’nai Yisroel, is not peace but rather will lead to B’nai Yisroel’s destruction.  According to Talmudic Sages, each Yom Kippur allows each generation to atone for that tragic mistake.

          It takes great courage to stand up for one’s beliefs. It takes even greater courage to confront leaders when standing up for one’s beliefs. B’nai Yisroel’s leaders succumbed to the mob. Their desire to mimic Egyptian idolatrous practices is a manifestation of succumbing to those who were most anxious and fearful of Moshe’s absence and led B’nai Yisroel down a dangerous path for which the Jewish People people continue to atone on Yom Kippur.  In watching the leadership of the Conservative Party, and the Provincial leadership’s attempt to cater to and side with the mob instead of the law, order, and democracy; they make the same mistake other leaders do when trying to placate the mob, and they are led down a dangerous path that could ensnare and damage democratic institutions form many generations to come.

Peace,
Rav Yitz  

I Know It's Just Another Trick She's Got Up Her Sleeve (Jerry Garcia - "Cream Puff War")

Our university daughter made an unscheduled return home this week. She should be in the middle of midterms and watching college basketball in New York where she attends university. Because of the Coronavirus, U.S. universities  have closed for the two weeks including Columbia, Princeton, Ohio State, Stanford, Washington St. and a variety of others totaling approximately 100,000 students. Our daughter’s school is one of them. So we flew her home and we will wait and see if the school re-opens as scheduled. Earlier this week, Israel declared that anyone, Israeli or non-Israeli, entering the country will automatically enter a 14 day quarantine period before resuming their time in Israel.  Italy has essentially closed down. There is a genuine concern about the spread of this virus. Yet information remains scant, there seem to be too few tests and the number of tests given has been compared to South Korea, another hard-hit area has been minuscule. The concern has been that widespread testing would mean that far more people are infected than currently reported. However without having all the information, without knowing who may or may not be infected, then diminishing the intensity of the virus’ spread becomes more and more difficult. This lack of information, this lack of transparency has become a snare or a trap that has paralyzed universities, school systems, numerous public events as well as financial markets.

This week’s Torah portion is entitled Ki Tissah. Parsha Ki Tissa is divided into several parts. The first part being the commanded to take a census of the population and collect a half-shekel for each person counted. The second part is the final blueprints for the Mishkan, the spices that are to be used, as well as the oil that is to be processed prior to burning. God then designates two men, Betzalel ben Uri from the tribe of Judah and Ahaliav ben Achisamach from the tribe of Dan to be the Master Builder and Designer of this national project. God reiterates the commandment of the Shabbat and reminds Moshe that anyone who violates it will be put to death and his/her soul will be cut off from the people.  The next part B’nai Yisroel commits the sin of the Eigel Zahav (Golden Calf): they built and then worshipped an idol. God wants to wipe out the people but Moshe urges God to reconsider. Moshe then descends the mountain and becomes just as upset as God, and he throws down the Shnei Luchot HaBrit – the Two Tablets of the Covenant. After a day or two when calm has been restored, Moshe re-ascends the mountain in order to pray for national forgiveness. Moshe then has an opportunity to experience another personal revelation even more powerful than the Burning Bush; Moshe has the opportunity to witness God’s passing before him. Dictated by God, Moshe chisels the Aseret Diberot into two new Tablets. He then goes back down the mountain. This time he descends with light and glory of God emanating from him.

During the moment when Moshe re- ascends the mountain seeking forgiveness for the people and Moshe experiences a personal revelation and watched God pass by; God re-iterates the covenant.  VaYomer Hinei Anochi Koreit Brit Neged Kol Amcha E’eseh Niflaot Asher Lo Nivre’u V’Chol Ha’Aretz U’VeChol HaGoyim - God said, ‘Behold, I seal a covenant: Before your entire people I shall make distinctions such as have never been created in the entire world and among all the nations; and the entire people among whom you are will see the work of Hashem – which is awesome - that I am about to do with you. HiShameir Lecha Pen Tichrot Brit L’Yosheiv Ha’Aretz Asher Atah Ba Aleha Pen Yiheyeh L’Mokeish B’Kirbecha- Be vigilant lest you seal a covenant with the inhabitant of the land to which you come, lest it be a snare among you. (Ex. 34:11-12)The lesson of the Eigel Zahav, (the Golden Calf) was that B’nai Yisroel mimicked the indigenous idolatrous people that were living in B’nai Yisroel’s covenanted land.  God reminded Moshe and by association reminded the people that they must not weaken the nature of the covenant. They must not deal with these nations for fear that B’nai Yisroel becomes ensnared (L’Mokeish), trapped, and weakened. How could these idol-worshipping nations ensnare B’nai Yisroel? The fact is these nations cannot trap or ensnare B’nai Yisroel unless B’nai Yisroel ceases its vigilance, if they start dealing with these nations, or if they think that peace with these nations will lead to the perpetuation of B’nai Yisroel. From God’s perspective is to remind Moshe that the desire to make peace with those who want to destroy B’nai Yisroel, is not peace but rather will lead to B’nai Yisroel’s destruction.

Yes, it has been wonderful having our daughter home for this past week. However, the circumstances for her return raise troubling concerns. We are a highly interconnected society. Individuals are incredibly connected but institutions are also highly connected to each other. The strength of that connection is only as strong as there are immutable facts, trust, and transparency. The snares and the traps are clear and obvious. Financial markets, public health, and welfare can easily be trapped when trust and transparency diminish. While such concern may seem too distant, the concerns are quite immediate. The lack of trust affects all those who have been advised to stay home, all those who have been quarantined, all those university and high school students who will now have to take classes online, all those who have lost portions of their retirement to the market decline and all those who have a loved one at risk. The result is that numerous aspects of daily life will become snared and trapped. In the meantime, we behave responsibly.

Peace,

Rav Yitz

Since It Cost A Lot To Win; And Even More To Lose (Robert Hunter & Jerry Garcia - "Deal")

Our children had an opportunity to watch a powerful moment of political theater when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke in front of a joint session of U.S. Congress on Tuesday.  In stating his concern about the viability of any deal with Iran and its nuclear capabilities, Prime Minister Netanyahu reminded the United States of the risks of a nuclear armed Iran. A nuclear armed Iran is a threat to not only Israel and all the Arab Nations in the Middle East but Iran is a threat to Europe and the United States as well.  Netanyahu invoked Purim as he reminded us that more than 2000 years ago, a Persian Vizier wanted to destroy the Jewish people much like Iran leadership (formerly Persia) also wants to destroy the Jewish people. The Prime Minister also reminded the world that the United States and Israel has a very close relationship that transcends party allegiance. He didn’t offer an alternative plan; only to not negotiate the current plan. Netanyahu believes that it is possible to negotiate a stronger deal that favors the west as opposed to Iran; and perhaps would be better to start over as opposed to take this deal. Of course we won’t know what the deal with Iran is until the end of March. While many criticize the Prime Minister for not offering another plan; that criticism misses the point. The Prime Minister was focused upon one idea; not promoting his plan, but rather warn the West about the dangers of making deals that weaken the West.

This Shabbat, the Shabbat following Purim, we read from Parsha Ki Tissah. Parsha Ki Tissa is divided into several parts. The first part being the commanded to take a census of the population and collect a half shekel for each person counted. The second part is the final blue prints for the Mishkan, the spices that are to be used, as well as the oil that is to be processed prior to burning. God then designates two men, Betzalel ben Uri from the tribe of Judah and Ahaliav ben Achisamach from the tribe of Dan to be the Master Builder and Designer of this national project. God re-iterates the commandment of the Shabbat and reminds Moshe that anyone who violates it will be put to death and his/her soul will be cut off from the people.  The next part B’nai Yisroel commits the sin of the Eigel Zahav (Golden Calf): they built and then worshipped an idol. God wants to wipe out the people but Moshe urges God to reconsider. Moshe then descends the mountain and becomes just as upset as God, and he throws down the Shnei Luchot HaBrit – the Two Tablets of the Covenant. After a day or two when calm has been restored, Moshe re-ascends the mountain in order to pray for national forgiveness. Moshe then has an opportunity to experience another personal revelation even more powerful than the Burning Bush; Moshe has the opportunity to witness God’s passing before him. Dictated by God, Moshe chisels the Aseret Diberot into two new Tablets. He then goes back down the mountain. This time he descends with light and glory of God emanating from him.

During the moment when Moshe re- ascends the mountain seeking forgiveness for the people and Moshe experiences a personal revelation and watched God pass by; God re-iterates the covenant.  VaYomer Hinei Anochi Koreit Brit Neged Kol Amcha E’eseh Niflaot Asher Lo Nivre’u V’Chol Ha’Aretz U’VeChol HaGoyim - God said, ‘Behold, I seal a covenant: Before your entire people I shall make distinctions such as have never been created in the entire world and among all the nations.; and the entire people among whom you are will see the work of Hashem – which is awesome - that I am about to do with you. HiShameir Lecha Pen Tichrot Brit L’Yosheiv Ha’Aretz Asher Atah Ba Aleha Pen Yiheyeh L’Mokeish B’Kirbecha- Be vigilant lest you seal a covenant with the inhabitant of the land to which you come, lest it be a snare among you. (Ex. 34:11-12)The lesson of the Eigel Zahav, (the Golden Calf) was that B’nai Yisroel mimicked the indigenous idolatrous people that were living in B’nai Yisroel’s covenanted land.  God reminded Moshe and by association reminded the people that they must not weaken the nature of the covenant. They must not deal with these nations for fear that B’nai Yisroel becomes ensnared (L’Mokeish), trapped, ensnared and weakened. How could these idolatrous nations ensnare B’nai Yisroel? The fact is these nations cannot trap or ensnare B’nai Yisroel unless B’nai Yisroel ceases its vigilance, if they start dealing with these nations, or if they think that peace with these nations will lead to the perpetuation of B’nai Yisroel. From God’s perspective is to remind Moshe that the desire to make peace with those who want to destroy B’nai Yisroel, is not peace but rather will lead to B’nai Yisroel’s destruction.

No, the Prime Minister did not offer an alternative plan. Rather we were all reminded that we should be very careful, very cautious when seeking peace with enemies. The Prime Minister was warning us to avoid entrapment, to avoid our urge to be satisfied with any deal just to say there is a deal. When dealing with evil, the Prime Minister reminded us, that we must avoid becoming trapped. We avoid entrapment by focusing upon Iran’s current behavior and linking it to their desire for nuclear capabilities. Stop state sponsored terrorism, cease anti-Israel and anti-American vitriol, cease exporting Jihad around the world and then as a reward for better behavior Iran can have nuclear power without nuclear weapons.

Peace,

Rav Yitz  

Tax Me To The Limit Of My Revenues (John Barlow & Bob Weir - "Money Money")

As we are just a few weeks from Pesach, it suddenly dawned on me that I need to start gathering all my income tax information and getting everything complete. Admittedly it is not just that Purim ended and Pesach preparations have begun which have reminded me of my legal obligations. We watch a lot of news in our house. When our children actually sit with me they will frequently ask questions. They don’t realize it, but it is a great way to educated young people in current affairs. In any case, the other morning I was drinking coffee and watching my favorite news show, when my son came bounding down the stairs and sat with me. It just so happened that the there was a discussion about the President, Congress, the Sequester, and the automatic budget cuts that were about to lop of some 85 billion dollars from a bloated budget.  As my son watched, the discussion turned towards the role of taxes. Could the budget deficit be eliminated by “taxing their way out?”, or by “cutting spending” only. As my son listened to the “talking heads”, my son asked me, why not do both, that would make the problem go away faster.  A few seconds later, the “talking heads” confirmed what my son said. Needless to say, he was rather excited that “experts” validated what he said. During the commercial, I explained that some political leaders think that when the government collects taxes, it is infringing upon our welfare and our freedom. I smiled and told him that I don’t normally vote for those kinds of leaders.

This week we read from Parsha Ki Tissa. As mentioned, we are a few weeks away from Pesach; we take note of that by reading the special Maftir Aliyah which focuses upon the Laws of the Red Heifer (Num. 19:1-22). The reason has to with the Pesach Offering. The ashes of the Red Heifer were sprinkled such that all of B’nai Yisroel would be deemed as purified and therefore able to bring the Pesach offering. Parsha Ki Tissa is divided into several parts. The first part being the commanded to take a census of the population and collect a half shekel for each person counted. The second part is the final blue prints for the Mishkan, the spices that are to be used, as well as the oil that is to be processed prior to burning. God then designates two men, Betzalel ben Uri from the tribe of Judah and Ahaliav ben Achisamach from the tribe of Dan to be the Master Builder and Designer of this national project. God re-iterates the commandment of the Shabbat and reminds Moshe that anyone who violates it will be put to death and his/her soul will be cut of from the people.  The next part Bnai Yisroel commits the sin of the Eigel Zahav (Golden Calf): they built and then worshipped an idol. God wants to wipe out the people but Moshe urges God to reconsider. Moshe then descends the mountain and becomes just as upset as God, and he throws down the Shnei Luchot HaBrit – the Two Tablets of the Covenant. After a day or two when calm has been restored, Moshe re-ascends the mountain in order to pray for national forgiveness. Moshe then has an opportunity to experience another personal revelation even more powerful than the Burning Bush; Moshe has the opportunity to witness God’s passing before him. Dictated by God, Moshe chisels the Aseret Diberot into two new Tablets. He then goes back down the mountain. This time he descends with light and glory of God emanating from him.

There are many powerful moments, and deep theological issues raised in this Parsha. Certainly it seems that the Census has very little to do with the rest of the Parsha. Yet the Census and the Machatzit HaSHakel, the half Shekel tax, is vital. V’Natnu Eish Kofeir Nafsho L’Adoshem Bifkod Otam V’Lo Yiheyeh Bahem Negef Bifkod Otam – Every man shall give Hashem atonement for his soul when counting them, so that there will not be plague among them when counting them. Zeh Yitnu Kol HaOveir Al Hapkudim Machatzit HaSHekel B’Shekel HaKodesh Esrim Geirah  HaShekel Machatzit HaShekel Trumah La’Adoshem – This shall they give, everyone who passes through the census, a half shekel of the sacred shekel, the shekel is twenty geras, half a shekel as a portion to HaSHem (Ex. 30:12-13). It is not enough to just take a census by counting people as “one, two three…” Counting in such a manner merely relegates the individual to a numbered status. However contributing something, in this case a half shekel, the individual is not relegated to the status of number, but rather a contributor, an equal contributor to a cause like the next person. Poor or wealthy, it doesn’t matter. Everyone contributed the same amount. As a result everyone had an equal stake in the welfare of the community and the maintenance of the Mishkan. By casting individual gain and personal interest aside, and instead focusing upon the welfare of the entire community, every individual’s spiritual merit is merged into every other individual’s spiritual merit; the community becomes unified and thus able to withstand divine judgment and retribution.

            Certainly none of us takes great joy in watching our hard-earned income leave our pockets and go to the state/Federal government. Certainly none of us takes great joy in paying our dues or our “Voluntary Contribution” to the Synagogue. However when something goes awry in our lives, or we need help we want the government to be involved and helping. Imagine for a moment where we would be without a place to gather, to learn, to pray, or to educate our children. We would be swallowed up the larger more secular community and our collective Jewish identity would be greatly diminished.

Peace,

Rav Yitz