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  

Look Through Time, It's For Sure, It's The Greatest Gift To Man (Willie Dixon, Bob Weir, & Rob Wasserman - "Eternity")

          I remember when I was a college student (approximately 35 years ago) the end of January and the beginning of February marked the time of year that my father made arrangements for the payment of 2nd-semester tuition. Also, this was always the time of year that I told my parents and grandparents about my 2nd-semester courses. Twenty-one years after I graduated,  our eldest daughter headed off to University. The pattern continued. Around this time of year, I made arrangements for 2nd-semester tuition to be paid. Thankfully, we set aside a portion of savings for college/university. Our eldest daughter would dutifully call me, her grandparents and great-grandfather, and tell us about her 2nd-semester courses.  Back then, when I would speak to our eldest daughter’s grandparents, and great-grandfather, they would kvell with pride, saying “it is money well spent to see our grandaughter/ great-grandaughter thrive at university.” Despite the U.S. dollar price tag, I agreed with them.  Now, thirty-five years after I graduated from college, the grandparents have grown older and the great grandfather has been deceased for nearly ten years.  Two more daughters both attend university and the family has been setting aside a portion of savings. Once again, as January concluded and February began I made arrangements for two 2nd semester tuitions to be paid.  Both daughters routinely call and speak with us (the parents) and their grandparents, telling us about their classes and college life. Whenever I speak to our kids' grandparents and we talk about how their college-age granddaughters, both grandfather, and grandmother “kvell”, beaming that “it is money well spent to see their grandaughters intellectually and emotionally thrive. Despite the steep price tag, I agree with them. 

          This Shabbat we read from Parsha Terumah. In it, Moshe has re-ascended the mountain in order to receive the laws, and the blueprint, if you will, for the construction of the Mishkan, the portable tabernacle that will eventually permit B’nai Yisroel to gather, to make offerings to God, and to provide a physical dwelling for God. If you are an architect, or if you are an interior decorator, this Parsha goes into tremendous detail about Mishkan’s construction and decoration. More than anything, this Parsha is all about fundraising, financial development, and a  community getting behind a concrete common cause as opposed to the shared experience of revelation or shared words of the law.

          Before all the detail are presented for construction and decoration, God commands Moshe to tell B’nai Yisroel that the funding for this vital public works project will come from each individual V’Yikchu Li Terumah Mei’eit Kol Ish Asher Yidvenu Libo Tikechu et Terumati – They shall take for Me a portion, from every man whose heart motivates him, you shall take my portion (Ex. 25:2). The holiest spot within the community, the most sacred area is based upon each and every individual apportioning a percentage of their assets to the construction of, decoration of, and maintenance of the Mishkan. How incredibly equitable! Everyone is involved and everyone has a stake in the outcome. All this fundraising success occurs as a result of Yidvenu Libo- literally, he will donate according to his heart. This is not a tax. These funds were to be raised by voluntary donations. The Or Hachayim (Rabbi Chaim Ibn Attar 18th century Moroccan Talmudist, Torah Commentator, and Kabbalist) explains that three phrases, three expressions correspond to three degrees of “gifts”/ “donations”.  He explains that the phrase: Mei’eit Kol Ish, from every man, appears superfluous. The verse could have easily been written without it so that the new verse would have read: They shall take for me a portion from anyone whose heart motivates (from anyone willing to donate), you shall take my portion. Why is the phrase necessary? The verse speaks of “Terumah -gift” and “Terumati – my gift.” The term “my gift” cannot be used except when the donor has done so willingly. The donor could not have been coerced. According to the Midrash, this Mishkan, this “mobile worship station” was a form of atonement for Golden Calf (Jerusalem Talmud Shekalim 1:5). This phrase “from every man” indicates that each individual person made a donation (an offering) above and beyond the designated “atonement tax”.  “From every man” also indicates that economic station and social status were irrelevant. The motivation was based upon “one’s heart” and not some external authority.

          The value of setting aside “a portion” was meant as a mechanism for B’nai Yisroel to participate in the relationship with God.  For a family, setting aside a portion as a gift towards children and grandchildren’s college education was instilled by my grandfather. He never went to college. He barely went to high school since he had to help support his family. He used to explain that the greatest gift he received was witnessing and listening to his children and grandchildren become educated adults. I think he would be proud to know that his legacy continues. Parents and grandparents continue to experience nachas, (joy and pride) in witnessing and listening to children and grandchildren become university-educated adults. Indeed, the ability to give them “their” gift has been an incredibly meaningful gift for us.  

Peace,

Rav Yitz

   

The Holy On Their Knees, The Reckless Are Out Wrecking, The Timid Plead Their Pleas (Robert Hunter & Jerry Garcia- "Days Between")

           Last week, there was a gathering in Orlando, Florida. Fascinatingly enough, this particular gathering had nothing to do with Disney World and Mickey Mouse. Instead, Orlando was the sight of a C-PAC, Conservative Political Action Committee, a gathering of the politicians and supporters of ex-president Trump. At the entrance to the large ballroom, was a gold bust of Trump. Supporters stood next to the gold bust, supporters took pictures alongside the gold bust, supporters gazed, gawked, and fawned over the gold bust,  they respectfully touched it and acknowledged it as if it was a sacred likeness to their idol. Inside the ballroom, these supporters heard political leaders publicly pledge their fealty and loyalty and blind allegiance to Trump and Trump policies. Indeed, there was idolatry outside that ballroom and there was idolatry inside that ballroom.

          This  Shabbat is the third of the four special Shabbatot that precedes Passover, It is known as Shabbat Parah. The weekly Torah portion is entitled Ki Tissah. Parsha Ki Tissa is divided into several parts. The first section of Ki Tissah focuses upon the commandment of the half-shekel. God commands Moshe to take a census of the population and collect a half-shekel for each person counted. By taking the census and collecting the half-shekel tax, Moshe was able to finance the construction of the Mishkan. The second part of Ki Tissa discusses the final details for the Mishkan, including the spices that are to be used,  the oil to be processed prior to burning, and the designation of 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.  The last section and perhaps the most theologically difficult is the narrative of B’nai Yisroel’s construction of and the sin of the  Eigel Zahav (Golden Calf), the resulting punishment, national repentance, personal revelation and the Second Set of Tablets.

           When Moshe re- ascends the mountain seeking forgiveness for the people’s idolatrous behavior; Moshe experiences a personal revelation. God passes by him, However, Moshe is only permitted to see God’s back as God passes by, not God’s face.  During this moment of apology, repentance, and personal revelation, God reiterates 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) Certainly, building and worshipping the Eigel Zahav (the Golden Calf) was a grave violation of Bnai Yisroel’s covenant with God. However, from God’s perspective, the more serious concern was B’nai Yisroel’s emulating the indigenous idolatrous tribes that B'nai Yisroel would encounter in Eretz Canaan. God reminded Moshe and the people that they must not weaken the nature of the covenant. They must not emulate these nations for fear that B’nai Yisroel becomes L’Mokeish - ensnared, trapped, and weakened. How could these idolatrous nations ensnare B’nai Yisroel? The fact is these nations cannot trap or ensnare B’nai Yisroel. However, if B’nai Yisroel becomes spiritually weak, spiritually less vigilant, and begins emulating these idolatrous tribes, then B’nai Yisroel will become L’Mokeish, ensnared, trapped, and weakened. Only B’nai Yisroel can allow itself to become ensnared.  

          No matter the country in which we live, no matter the neighborhood in which we reside, we must all be vigilant of the idolatry around us.  “lest we become ensnared”; and begin engaging in idolatry. Idolatry comes in numerous forms: ancient or modern.  a  Golden Calf or a Golden Bust,   a cult of personality, the crass materialism of a consumer society, money and status. Whatever the form, whatever the mode of Idolatry, it is a result of our passions, emotions, fears, wants, and desires. When passion and emotion overwhelm our ability to think, and reason for ourselves, we become L’Mokeish, ensnared. So the Torah calls B’nai Yisroel to remain vigilant, keeping emotions and passions in check. Rather, God reminds Moshe that the survival of B’nai Yisroel and the covenant requires that we ground ourselves, protect ourselves, and keep our covenant by relying upon our minds, our ability to reason, and our ability to connect to the holiness within our souls and to study God's Torah. 

Peace,

Rav Yitz

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

Close The Gap Of The Dark Years In Between (John Barlow & Bob Weir - "Cassidy")

Earlier in the week, our kids had a few days off and visited their grandparents in Rochester, NY. The plan was for my parents to drive the kids back to Toronto and spend the night, see their granddaughter play in her volleyball match and return to their home the next day. The day before they were to drive back to Toronto, I received a phone call from my father. His stomach was bad, he wasn’t feeling well, and he anticipated that driving on the designated day was problematic. Rather than listen, I grew incredibly impatient and told him that I would drive down to pick up my kids have dinner and drive back. He then asked me to spend the night and head back the next morning. I gave my father an earful as I shared by aggravation with him. He must have been feeling quite ill because he said that he didn’t feel well enough to yell back at me. I may have yelled a few other choice words, hung up, and prepared for an afternoon and evening of driving. When I arrived at my parents, my mother thanked for schlepping. In fact, she thanked me far too much. My father was lying in bed, I checked in on him. Again, he asked me to spend the night. I reminded him that if he felt too sick to fight with me, why would he keep asking me such a question and start a fight? After some more choice words, I told him I planned on eating dinner and returning to Toronto. As I sat with my mother and my two kids and ate dinner, my father sat down at the table. He looked pale and drawn. He smiled weakly and started to say something. I am not sure what he said, all I know is that I became acutely aware that both my parents are aging and that I want them to see their grandchildren whenever possible. Then I apologized for the way I spoke to my father and my impatience with him.

In this week’s Parsha, Ki Tisa, we read about Moshe and a nation entering into the apology process. We read about T’shuvah. The parshah begins with God telling Moshe to conduct a census and each adult should make a donation. Meanwhile, B’nai Yisroel had been getting quite worried while Moshe was up the mountain for 40 days and nights. So they had Aaron build a Golden Calf. Well needless to say, B’nai Yisroel’s idolatry (avodah zarah) did not exactly go unnoticed. God says “Let my anger flare up against them and I shall annihilate them…” (Ex. 32:10). Moshe was just as angry. “Moshe’s anger flared up, He threw down the tablets from his hands, and shattered them at the foot of the mountain” (Ex. 32:19). Moshe chastised the people and then went back up the mountain to placate God’s anger. After everyone calmed down, punishments were meted out.  As God and Moshe began the re-issuing of the two tablets. Moshe pleads for forgiveness on behalf of the people and then descends with the second set of tablets.

 God and Moshe grew closer. God had a new found respect for Moshe and his people, and Moshe had a new found closeness with God. So much so, that Moshe uttered the words “Hodi’eini nah et D’rachecha V’Eda’acha -Make your way known to me so that I may know You…Show me Your Glory” (Ex. 33:13:14). God re-issues his covenant with Moshe, and reveals himself to Moshe. What an incredibly powerful moment! Moshe sought forgiveness, and learned how to do so in a thoughtful and honest manner. Certainly, there was punishment. Certainly, there was fear. Yet the process lent itself to a closer, more loving, respectful, meaningful and deeper relationship. Rashi clarifies Moshe’s request. “Moshe said that he had failed to understand sufficiently what God had told him and he wanted God to accompany him and Israel not God’s angel”. Moshe wanted to understand God’s way of bestowing reward. Reward was a function of spiritual proximity. Moshe’s apology was expressed in the form of a request. How do I attain greater spiritual proximity? “How do I find favour in your eyes” (Ex. 33:12)?   This closer, more awesome relationship is a product of doing T’shuvah, repentance. As a nation we had never sought repentance. As a nation, we did not even know what repentance was. As a nation, as children, we were just told to behave.  We had not tested the ramifications for not obeying. Now, B’nai Israel had made a grievous mistake. This mistake emanates from a maturing group.  However part of the spiritual maturation process, like any growth process is falling down, making mistakes, and then knowing enough to seek repentance, to do T’shuvah. Moshe did this on behalf of B’nai Yisroel. Moshe wanted to apologize not only to protect the people but also to gain a deeper comprehension in order to become spiritually closer.

            Perhaps there is no experience more humbling than asking for forgiveness.  To truly seek forgiveness, one must put aside one’s own ego, as well as one’s feeling of shame and embarrassment.  If our egos are too large, if we are too ashamed and too embarrassed then we will prevent ourselves from humbly seeking forgiveness and we remain distant As children, adults, and as a people, we all need a way to apologize in a meaningful, honest and thoughtful manner. We all need a safe haven to issue such an apology. Then when punishment is meted out, we understand that it is a result of behavior and not for being. No matter how long we remain negligent in our behavior and observance there is a way back towards God and Torah. However the impetus is upon us. We must take the first steps. We must go through some introspection, some tough honesty, and some self-reflection because that formula demands it. Otherwise the words are rather empty. Only then can we achieve meaningful repentance and stand in close proximity to God. Only then can we achieve a sense of self-contentment, inner peace and spiritual radiance. “When Moshe descended from Mount Sinai… Moshe did not know that the skin of his face had become radiant” (Ex. 34:29).

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Lipson