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

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

Of the 17 students and faculty murdered at the Parkland, Florida school shooting, 5 were Jewish. Four of the five were students and one was a teacher.  Our children noticed that two Jewish fathers, Andrew Pollack and Fred Guttenberg’s responses have been most impactful upon them. Both fathers are devastated, both fathers lost daughters.  It would have understandable had these fathers chose to mourn their devastating loss amid the privacy and the quiet of family and friends. It would have been understandable if these two fathers were too sad, too enraged, too broken, and too full of tears to speak about their daughters or to speak about the need to devise some type of meaningful gun control legislation.  Rather than being overwhelmed and perhaps understandably numbed and paralyzed by their tragic losses, both fathers stood side by side with the high school students.   Both fathers have been outspoken, not only about their grief and their anger but also about making sure that their daughters’ tragic deaths will not become another meaningless, empty hopeless statistic. Both fathers have had confrontations with Senator Marco Rubio of Florida and President Trump criticizing their lack of resolve to stand up to the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the cult of Guns.

  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 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)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.

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. Perhaps it takes the most courage and strength to channel that anguish, pain and suffering into the integrity required to prevent a loved one from becoming just another statistic. Each father has passionately confronted elected officials, Senators, Governor and President. Each father passionately and articulately expressed their commonly held belief that society must protect its children from the fires Molech, and the culture of death perpetrated by politicians and the NRA leadership. From these two fathers, our children understood that no matter the sacrifice, every parents’ most primitive inclination is to protect the lives of their children; and if their lives can’t be protected, the next child’s life must be protected.

Peace,

Rav Yitz 

As Well To Count The Angels Dancing On A Pin (John Barlow & Bob Weir -"Weather Report Suite II -Let It Grow")

While celebrating Purim and participating in a festive meal; between platefuls of food and shots of Scotch, a few of the husbands began an interesting conversation. Being the only American at this Purim Seudah, someone asked “why does it appear impossible for the most powerful country in the world to provide universal health care for its citizens?” This was not exactly the question I was prepared for on Purim. I assumed we were would talk about Haman, Mordechai, Esther and Persia. I thought we would talk about The Mentsche on The Bench, or the fact that they read the Megillah in the dugout of the Israel National Baseball Team’s batting practice prior to its game against Cuba. Maybe we would have agreed that it is too bad that Iran didn’t have a baseball team in the World Baseball Classic so that Israel could beat them just like they defeated South Korea, Chinese Tai Pei, and Cuba. No, it appears that when our friends have lots of Scotch and an American sitting at the table they like to take their jabs at the United States, and health care and health insurance seemed to be the topic. Maybe they had been hearing the mantra of Repeal and Replace. Maybe they heard about Trumpcare. Maybe they heard about “exploding premiums”, or that millions of a nation’s poorest will lose their health insurance. Whatever the case, I had to offer an answer. I answered the question with a question. How is health care viewed in all of the other industrialize countries where national coverage exists, including Israel and Canada? Is health care a right of each citizen or is health care a marketplace item like a car, phone, and milk or internet service? If it’s the latter, then each citizen pays (or not) for insurance based upon need and affordability. If it’s the former, then each citizen must accept the premise that he/she pays into a system that helps the greater good. Americans are just beginning to realize that it is advantageous to be part of something bigger than just themselves as their health insurance is about to be eliminated.

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 geira, 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 Federal government in order to pay for a variety of goods and services including health insurance. However, living in Toronto; I hear the criticism of Canadian Health Care and American Health Care. Canadian society seems so much more civil. The federal government makes transfer payments to the Province, a payroll deduction tax contributes to funding OHIP as does a percentage of income tax. Everyone contributes because everyone derives a benefit. As a result, the linkage between citizenry and the social fabric of society is strengthened. Thousands of years ago, Moses understood this with the Machatzit HaShekel as a way of financing the Mishkan. Nowadays every industrialized country including Israel and Canada understand this importance of making a commitment to its citizens. Hopefully the leaders south of the border can figure it out, despite President Trump’s tweet: “nobody knew that health care could be so complicated!”

Peace,

Rav Yitz 

The Chrome Gleam On My New Mercedes All Shiny And New (John Barlow & Bob Weir - "Heaven Help the Fool")

Our son is going through a phase that reminds me that he is very typical of most boys here in North America. This phase became quite apparent during our recent visit to Los Angeles for a niece’s Bat Mitzvah. Whenever we walked (a rarity for Los Angelinos), and our son noticed an expensive sports car, or classic car, he insisted that we take a picture. Needless to say he accumulated quite the collection of pictures: Porsche, Lamborghini, Maserati, Ferrari, Rolls Royce, Mercedes, Mustang Shelby, Jaguar XS8 just to name a few. In some he actually posed next to these cars, in some the car stood alone. When he saw the car, our son had the same look of awe. When he saw the car, he would always say: “maybe someday”. I would always remind him that it’s just a car, and while certainly an automotive thing of beauty, it is something to be idolized. Yet idolatry, does exist. People worship all types of false gods. Those false gods may be the God of money, the God of secularism, the God of status, the God of Power. We know that these false Gods are not particular to North American consumerism. In Israel, the Knesset is attempting to pass a law that attempts to outlaw dangerous cults. Currently there are nearly 100 cults in Israel to which nearly 20,000 Israelis belong. Even Israel struggles with idolatry.  

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 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’s idolatrous behavior; Moshe experiences a personal revelation God passes by.  During this moment of apology and this moment of revelation, 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.

No matter the country in which we live, no matter the neighborhood in which we reside, we must all be vigilant “lest we become ensnared”; and begin engaging in idolatry. Whether it was B’nai Yisroel constructing the Golden Calf, or our son “drooling” over the myriad of sports cars he encountered, idolatry is directly related to emotion and inversely related to thinking. Idolatry is the result of our passions, wants, and desires. When passion and emotion overwhelm our ability to think, and to reason for ourselves, we become L’Mokeish, ensnared. So the Torah’s call to vigilance is really a call to keep emotion and passion in check by through our intellect.

Peace,

Rav Yitz