There Is A Road, No Simple Highway Between The Dawn And The Dark Of Night (Robert Hunter & Jerry Garcia- "Ripple")

            As part of our son’s gap year of study in Israel, he is currently spending the week in Poland. While there, he and his cohort, are studying Jewish life in Poland before The War and the destruction of that life during  The Holocaust. His first full day happened to be on the first day of the Hebrew Month Shevat, known as Rosh Chodesh Shevat. It also happened to be the day that he and his cohort spent some time at the Treblinka death camp. There, in the Treblinka, our son and his classmates prayed the Morning Service (davened Shacharit) and read from the Torah because it was the first day of the month. How incredibly spiritually powerful! In the midst of a place that was synonymous with death, a place of darkness and evil,  a place where so many souls were exterminated and then went up in ashes, sacred words of Torah were read, and for a brief moment that place became just a bit more holy.  The light of the Torah words, for a brief moment, shined through the darkness and bleakness of death.  Perhaps, those souls that were consumed by the fires of the crematorium knew just a bit of peace.

           This week's Parsha is Bo.  The ten plagues culminate with locusts, darkness, and finally the killing of the firstborn. 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 eaten entirely 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 commandment to sanctify the firstborn, remember this night, remember what God did for B'nai Yisroel, and remember that 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. (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 be 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, (18th 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 its 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 the 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 with 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.

          Each day our son has been in Poland has been a day in which they learned about the darkness that consumed Poland and Europe from 1939-1945. Each day our son has seen the light that existed in Poland prior to the war, the vibrancy of Jewish life, culture, and education prior to the war. With each day, our son and his fellow classmates have come to learn and appreciate how important it is for them to lead lives that bring light and goodness into the world, into the dark places of their respective communities.

Peace,
Rav Yitz

Light The Song With Sense And Color; Hold Away Despair (Robert Hunter & Jerry Garcia - "Terrapin Station")

           Eighty-one years ago, a leader of a democratic nation, while under attack from a  strong fascist country bent on conquering his small nation, risked his life to travel to Washington D.C. in order to speak before a joint session of Congress. Winston Churchill arrived in Washington D.C. on December 26, 1941, and stated his case that while the English had courage, will, and determination to fight but they needed weapons and financial support to withstand the Nazi onslaught. Now eighty-one years later, on the first day of winter, the day with the least amount of light, during Chanukkah, The Festival of Lights, another leader from a democratic country fighting for its very life against a larger country bent on its destruction, has arrived in Washington D.C. to speak before a joint session of Congress. Vladimir Zelenskyy spoke of his nation’s indomitable spirit, will and determination. He reminded all of North America, that his nation is a beacon of light against the dark forces of fascism, terrorism, and authoritarianism of a large nation bent on destroying his nation. While his nation’s energy infrastructure continues to be bombed by Russia, President Zelenskyy reminded us that the candle of his faith still requires the help of more weapons and financial support in order to insure that the light of his nation continues to burn brightly and defeat Russia.

          This Shabbat, we read from Parsha Mikeitz. This Parsha is always read during Chanukah. While the Parsha has no explicit relationship to Chanukah, also known as Chag Urim “The Festival of Lights”; the implicit relationship is quite powerful. The Parsha begins with Yosef hurriedly brought from the dungeon to meet Pharaoh after Pharaoh is troubled by two seemingly different dreams. Yosef, he has been told, is able to interpret dreams. So Yosef begins to interpret but not before he credits his gift as coming from Hashem. Yosef not only interprets the dreams he offers solutions for Pharaoh. As a result, Pharaoh appoints Yosef as Viceroy, the second most powerful man in Egypt and perhaps the Second most powerful man in the world. While managing an economic program to ensure Egypt’s survival during the seven years of famine as foretold in Pharaoh’s dream, Yosef made sure to build up storehouses with grain.  However, the famine affected the whole region including Canaan and Yosef’s father, Jacob and Yosef’s brothers. Eventually, Yosef’s brothers head down to Egypt in order to buy food. Joseph recognizes them, but they do not recognize him. Wanting to see his youngest brother Benjamin and his father Yaakov, Joseph arranges for the brothers to return home. One brother must remain in Egypt. Then, in order to redeem their brother, all the brothers including Benjamin must return to Egypt. After that, Joseph frames Benjamin, keeping him in Egypt. The Parsha concludes with the brothers returning to their father and conveying what happened to Benjamin.

            We can understand the concept of darkness both figuratively and literally; physically, intellectually, or even spiritually. Of course, we can understand the concept of light in the same way. VaYehi VaBoker VaTipaem Rucho – and it was morning; His spirit was agitated, VaYishlach VaYikra et Kol Chartumei Mitzrayim V’Et Kol Chochmeha – so he sent and summoned all the magicians of Egypt and all its wise men (Gen. 41:8). Pharaoh had the dream about the seven cows and the seven ears of corn. Why do we need to know that it was the morning after his dream? How bad could the dreams be? Based on the Torah, Pharaoh slept through the night. Granted he didn’t sleep well. After all, we are told that in the morning, his spirit was agitated. In a sense, his spirit was still “in the dark” even though the morning light was upon him. He brings Yosef out of the dungeon, a place of physical darkness. However, Yosef, because of his relationship with Hashem, is the embodiment of light. Pharaoh asks the Egyptian Magicians and the Egyptian wise men, symbols of intellectual and spiritual light, to interpret the dream; to cast light upon Pharaoh’s troubled/darkened spirit. They are unable to bring light or offer a solution. However, Yosef, the embodiment of Hashem’s light, is capable of casting light upon Pharaoh’s darkness. To Pharaoh’s credit; his fear is not directed at Yosef. Instead, Pharaoh’s fear is directed at the ramifications of famine upon Egypt and how a famine would affect his authority.  Even though Yosef conceals his identity from his brothers, he remains in the darkness so to speak while his brothers are unable to conceal their identity from him.  Yosef is the embodiment of spiritual and physical light as he always knows what is happening and what will happen.  Despite Yosef being in a pit, and in a dungeon, Yosef is light. He is able to transmit his light, his knowledge, and his spiritual strength to those around him without being diminished; much like a candle transmits a flame to another candle. 

          After listening to the inspired words of President Zelenskyy, and re-reading the words of Winston Churchill, one couldn’t help but be aware of each leader speedily leaving the darkness of their respective battlefields just as Yosef left the darkness of his prison. In a sense, each shared a vision. Yosef explained and shared with Pharaoh, the meaning of Pharaoh’s vision. Churchill shared his vision about the requirements for fighting against the darkness of a tyrannical authoritarian force from the east. Zelenskyy shared his vision about the requirement for fighting against the darkness of a tyrannical authoritarian force from the east. Indeed, during the darkest times, there are moments when we see individuals provide a source of light for the rest of the world.

Peace,
Rav Yitz

And There's Nothing Left To Do But Count The Years (Robert Hunter & Jerry Garcia - "Black Muddy River")

            There is a concept in Judaism called Cheshbon HaNefesh, an accounting of the soul. Cheshbon HaNefesh tantamount to analyzing a balance sheet examines the soul's assets and liabilities its virtues and shortcomings. Cheshbon HaNefesh forces the individual to engage in analysis of “where they are in their lives”. How far astray have they wandered from the most sacred and holy aspects of themselves? How far astray have they wandered from the best version of themselves? It is not a process that leads to a request for forgiveness although it is a process that may lead to an apology. It is not a process that leads to a request for mercy; although it is a process that may inform and direct others to avoid the mistakes that the individual made. It is not a process that generally occurs in public; rather it is a deeply personal and spiritual endeavor. After watching the events of the past week unfold in Ukraine, and seeing how unified Europe, Canada, and the United States are against Putin; I wonder if a country and a society’s collective historical memory motivates a nation and a society to engage in a type of Cheshbon HaNefest. Does a country or a  society ask itself: “How far have we drifted from the ideals of our nation?”  “Can we, as citizens, find a better path?”   

        This week's Parsha is Pekudei. It is the last Parsha of Sefer Shmot. The Parsha, in a very matter-of-fact way, provides us with an accounting of all the material that was used for the Mishkan. The Parsha, in a very matter-of-fact way, tell us all that Bezalel and Oholiab had done while inspired by God and their art. We derive this idea of "taking stock" from the first Pasuk. Eilah F'kudei Ha'Mishkan Ha'Eidut Asher Pukad Al Pi Moshe Avodat Ha'Leviim - These are the countings of the Tabernacle, the Tabernacle of Testimony, which was reckoned at Moshe's bidding (Ex.38:21). What follows is essentially a ledger of all materials that were used in the Mishkan's construction.  With full transparency, Moshe engages in a full accounting of the materials used by Bezalel, Oholiab, and supplied by B'nai Yisroel in order to eliminate any possibility of corruption and instead, to prove that these materials were used to construct the Mishkan. Why do we need this accounting? We have been reading about the Mishkan for the last four Parshiot. However, it was not until now, that Moshe and B'nai Yisroel were able to look back at the process and see exactly how far along they have come. For a lengthy period of time, B'nai Yisroel, as told to us in the Torah, had experienced an individual, communal and spiritual revolution. They watched Ten Plagues destroy Egypt, fled Egypt, and experienced the miracle of the Crossing of the Yam Suf. They witnessed the revelation at Sinai, received the Ten Commandments, panicked, and built the Golden Calf. They began the T'shuvah process by bringing a half Shekel as a means of expressing atonement. They willingly brought their precious jewels and raw materials for the construction of the Mishkan. They came together as a community and they successfully constructed "God's dwelling place."

            Certainly, there were specific events that we would deem as vitally important, including the actual exodus from Egypt, the Crossing of the Reed Sea, and the Revelation at Sinai. However, in each of these three pivotal moments, B'nai Yisroel behaved as individuals. During each of these three pivotal moments, one could argue that B'nai Yisroel was more reactive than proactive. After the Tenth Plague, following God's direct command, B'nai Yisroel left Egypt. After God opened the Reed Sea, B'nai Yisroel began to cross it. It is the Midrash that explains that B'nai Yisroel took the first steps into the water prior to God's miracle. The revelation at Sinai was a more reactive experience than a pro-active one. Even the Golden Calf fiasco could be argued as B'nai Yisroel's response to the fact that Moshe delayed his descent from the mountain. However, Tshuvah (Repentance)  helps explain why in last week's Parsha (VaYakheil), B'nai Yisroel brought so much more material and so many participated. Regarding the construction of the Mishkan,  it wasn't built out of fear and anxiety as was the Golden Calf. Instead, the construction of the Mishkan demonstrated a genuine desire, a choice to have God dwell among the community.  Constructing and completing the Mishkan, for this generation was perhaps its greatest achievement. They were finally, at least for the time being, pure of soul and pure of heart. They understood what it meant to be a community, a holy community, and the Mishkan was an expression of that. Therefore when B'nai Yisroel completed this transition to “people-hood” culminating in the completion of the Mishkan; it makes sense that an accounting of the Mishkan's construction would occur.

            From Moshe's "accounting", we learn something very important about human nature. As individuals, as part of a team, and as part of the community; we need to do Cheshbon HaNefesh, an accounting of our souls. While it is certainly important to do Cheshbon HaNefesh at prescribed times with the community (Yom Kippur for example); it is also vital that we engage in this process when we have survived and successfully or unsuccessfully navigated through the transition.  These transitions and changes are not necessarily confined to lifecycle events or the calendar but as a part of life in general; and certainly when about to begin a new and difficult phase of life. Parsha Pekudei reminds us that we must possess the self-awareness to step back and look back at the process and own it, and if it is appropriate, mourn it, celebrate it, or learn from it. Perhaps society and a country’s collective historical memory can also engage in Cheshbon HaNefesh. Countries that were neutral 80 years ago when another European dictator invaded other countries are no longer neutral. Where once the Western World took years to debate, placate, dither, and finally called out a dictator; this time it took the world less than a few weeks to come together, to begin supplying Ukraine and announce and enforce economic sanctions against a corrupt brutal dictator. Maybe the thousands of Russians who have had the courage to protest and speak out against its corrupt brutal dictator illustrates the first steps of national accounting.

Peace,
Rav Yitz

Built To Last Till Sunshine Fails And Darkness Moves On All (Robert Hunter & Jerry Garcia - "Built To Last")

Its’s final exam season in our home. Needless to say the stress level is unbearable. The slightest noise or parental request to put something away or empty the dishwasher is greeted a curt, frustrated response. One of the finals this week had to do with World History.  So in lull, when my knowledge and understanding of World History was sought I offered a brief lesson, with the aid of film clips from YouTube about the significant of the past week. Three historical events were commemorated this past week. The first historical event occurred 72 years ago this week and stopped the spread of Fascism, the cult of personality, authoritarianism and brought together the combined forces of four nations to battle evil. Seventy two years ago this week, D-Day (“The Longest Day”) brought together Canadian, British and American forces and the successful invasion of Normandy and the final allied offensive that would end the war in Europe nearly eleven months later. The second historical event occurred 50 years ago this week and stopped the aggression of three nations whose intention was to eliminated the state of Israel and push the Israelis into the sea. The Six Day War culminated in an Israeli victory that tripled the size in area, now controlling the Golan Heights, Gaza, The West Bank and Re-unification of Jerusalem. The third historical event did not involve a military victory. However all military victory’s mean that soldiers die.  Nearly 4500 allied soldiers died on that first day of the Invasion of Normandy. Far fewer Israeli soldiers were killed during the Six Day War: approximately 775. In the first week of June in 1968, while the Viet Nam war raged on in the jungle of South East Asia, one man was assassinated in Los Angeles: Bobby Kennedy. I suggested that in all these deaths, men were killed laying down their lives for their country, and for their beliefs. Then I asked my history students (our children) one question. In which of these events was the world saved from entering a period of protracted human darkness and evil?

This morning we read from Parsha BeHalotcha. This Shabbat we read from Parsha Behalotcha. For the previous two Parshiot, Bemidbar and Naso, B’nai Yisroel has counted and prepared for their journey from Sinai to Eretz Canaan. This week, the final preparations are ordered and executed and the departure from Sinai begins. Aaron, Moshe’s brother and the Kohen Gadol, lights the lamp for the Mishkan, the entire Levite tribe is purified, offerings made and their service for maintenance of the Mishkan begins. Final instructions for observing Pesach under these new conditions, (they were not leaving Egypt anymore nor had they arrived in the land) were offered, including the case of coming into contact with the deceased and becoming spiritually impure. The narrative tells us the manner in which B’nai Yisroel traveled: sheltered by a cloud during the day, and protected by a pillar of fire at night. Then the complaining begins. They complain about the Mannah. They complain about the food. They complain about Moshe’s leadership. Moshe’s sister complains about his wife.

As B’nai Yisroel finally begins its trek from Sinai towards Canaan, the Torah makes the following statement.  Vayehi Binsoah Ha’Aron VaYomer Moshe, Kuma Adoshem VeYaFuTzu Oyavecha, VeYaNuSu Misanecha MiPanecha. U’vNucho Yomar Shuva Adoshem Rivvot Alfei Yisroel – When the Ark would journey, Moshe said: ‘Arise Hashem, and let Your foes be scattered let those who hate You flee from before You. And when it rested, he would say, ‘reside tranquilly, O Hashem, among the myriad thousands of Israel. (Num. 10:35) Today we say the first part of the verse while we take the Torah out from the Aron before we read the Torah, and we say the second part of the statement when we have finished reading from the Torah and are returning it to the Aron.  In the Torah, this verse is enclosed by two brackets. The bracket is really an inverted letter, the letter “Nun”.   The Talmud in Shabbat 116a Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi teaches Mipnei Sh’ Sefer Chashuv Hu Bifnei Atzmo – Because it constituted a book on its own. His a rather cryptic statement since it suggests that there are more than 5 books comprising the Torah. We normally think of the Torah as comprised of 5 Books or Scrolls: Breishit- Genesis, Shmot –Exodus, Vayikra – Leviticus, Bemidbar-Numbers, and Devarim-Deuteronomy.  However Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi considers the fourth Book to really be three smaller books: Numbers A (chaps1-10:34); Numbers B (10:35-36) and Numbers C (10:37-36:13); for a total of seven boos of Torah. R’ Yehuda’s understanding of seven books of Torah seems to correspond with a verse from Mishlei (Proverbs (9:1): Chachmot Banta Veitah Chatzvah Amudeha Shiva- With all forms of wisdom did she build her house; she carved out its seven pillars. Perhaps this bracket of the Hebrew letter Nun and the enclosed verse; tells us something about the Lamp that was lit at the beginning of the Parsha. The word for lamp HaNeirot; that is to say “illuminate the lights” of the tabernacle. B’nai Yisroel for the first time was taking God’s light, this wisdom and carrying it amongst themselves, using it to create light within its camp and using it to ward off all the negative forces that would otherwise seek to destroy them. For the first time, B’nai Yisroel would now have to use its wisdom, its understanding of Torah, in order to bring light and holiness to the world.

One only needs to listen to the speeches of Bobby Kennedy, hear is idealism through his Boston accent, and his desire to make the world a better place. One only needs to appreciate that fact that he was the victim of Palestinian terror like so many Israelis because he tried to bring light to those who lived in darkness not only in the United States but throughout the world. One only needs to walk through gates into the Old City to appreciate the miracle that Israel manage to reclaim the Old City of Jerusalem. One only needs to stand at the Kotel to realize that Jerusalem, the City of Gold was now belonged to the descendants of King David and appreciate the spiritual light that emanates from this city. One need only stand at the beaches of Normandy and see row after row of those who died and look out at the waters of the English channel to not only appreciate the miracle that transpired but to also understand how all these men who fought on that day saved the world from darkness.  With the conclusion of the study break, our kids could see where and how events spanning several decades are intertwined and connected.

Peace,

Rav Yitz

Ship Of Fools On A Cruel Sea; Ship Of Fools Sail Away From Me (Robert Hunter & Jerry Garcia - "Ship of Fools")

It's not every day you get to watch the world change before your eyes. Yet, late last week and onto this week, the world has watched as seventy years of an organizing principal has started to unravel.  Since the conclusion of WWII, it has been assumed that a closely knit Western Europe would serve as a preventative from any one European nation from becoming too overly nationalistic, overly aggressive, and overly domineering. Also a closely knit Western Europe would serve as a counterbalance to Stalin and the Soviet Union’s Iron Curtain.  As a result NATO, the European Common Market and eventually the European Union came into being. Well NATO still exists; however after BREXIT, the European economic alliance has been severely diminished because of Great Britain’s desire to leave the economic union.  It has been fascinating to watch the immediate fall out. Pound Sterling has lost more than 10% of its value.  The British Prime Minister has announce his resignation; the Labor has lost a  “no confidence” vote, British business  whose market is the Continent is in a state of paralysis, and non British who were able to move freely to Britain with only a European passport, sit in “immigration” limbo. Scotland and Ireland want to remain part of the EU and now will plan a referendum about remaining part of Great Britain. When the week began, there was enough “buyer’s remorse” that more than three million signatures signed a petition calling for a revote.

This Shabbat we read from Parsha Shlach Lecha. The Parsha is highlighted by the narrative of Moshe’s sending twelve spies into Eretz Canaan and then to report back to him. The spies scout out the land, they return with a negative report. The people challenge Moshe’s leadership. God gets angry and wants to destroy the people. Moshe defends the people and God decides upon a less severe punishment.  Following the narrative God instructs Moshe regarding the Mitzvot of the Libations Offering, taking Challah, public atonement for unintentional idol worship, an individual’s idol worship of an unintentional and intentional nature. There is the brief narrative of a man gathering sticks on Shabbos and the ensuing punishment. The Parsha concludes with God giving Moshe the Mitzvah of Tzitzit.

The punishment that results from the narrative of the Twelve Spies is particularly troubling. The spies return and offer a report not only to Moshe and Aaron but to the entire assembly.  The people are scared and a wave of national hysteria sweeps over the community. They beg to be returned to Egypt. God’s anger is not so laser focused. God’s anger is aimed at everyone except for Joshua and Caleb, the two spies who issued a positive report. The other ten spies and the entire community are threatened with extinction.  Essentially this punishment would have meant that there would not have been a viable community to inherit God’s covenant. Moshe convinces God to rethink the punishment and now God issues a formal decree. The generation of adults that left Egypt would be prohibited from entering into Eretz Canaan; meaning there would be forty years of wandering until that generation died out. Upon hearing the decree, VaYashkimu VaBoker VaYaalu El Rosh HaHar Leimor Hinnenu V’ALinu El HaMakom Ahser Amar HaShem Ki Chatanu – They awoke early in the morning and ascended toward the mountain top saying: “We are ready and we shall ascent to the place of which Hashem has spoken, for we have sinned.” Moshe tells them to stand down, that it is too late and the punishment has been meted out.  VaYapilu LaAlot El Rosh HaHar Va’ Aron Brit Hashem U’Moshe Lo Mashu MiKerev HaMachaneh – But they defiantly ascended to the mountaintop, while the Ark of Hashem’s covenant and Moshe did not move from the midst of the camp. The Amalekite and the Canaanite who dwelled on that mountain descended; they struck them and pounded them until Hormah (Num. 14:40-45). They had already voted. They had already violated the sanctity of their relationship to God by expressing a desire to return to Egypt. They can’t take back their words. This is a group of people that will always express spiritual weakness and will not be able to make it in Eretz Canaan. They express their own “buyer's remorse” and decided to begin journeying towards Eretz Canaan. However without the Ark of the Covenant and without Moshe, the people cannot and will not survive.  The organizing principal is the Ark of the Covenant, and Moshe's leadership and the peoples Emunah, their faith.  Even with their expression of buyer’s remorse God understand that the people are not equipped for the relationship and the covenant.

It will be months if not a few years before we see all the ramifications for Great Britain’s historic vote. However, one thing is clear. The world has just become a little more unstable. The world has just become a little more dangerous. The rise of nationalism, the fear of immigrants, the rise of demagogues not only bodes ill for the future but it serves as a reminder of Europe’s very troubled past  before its enlightened attempt to create a more unified Europe where no one European nation became too large that the entire world was threatened.

Peace

Rav Yitz