Torah Study

Finding Strength in Times of Transition

By Rabbi Sharyn Henry May 18, 2012 26 Iyar, 5772 This week we complete the reading of Vayikra, Leviticus. In Ashkenazi congregations there is ritual that takes place each time we complete the public reading of a book of Torah. After the Torah reader reads the last words of a book in the Torah, before the recitation of the final blessing of the person doing the aliyah, the entire congregation, followed by the reader, recites aloud, “Chazak, chazak v’nitchazek—Be strong! Be strong! And may we be strengthened.” We have to imagine that the rabbis who originated this tradition had a reason for it, although the closest thing to an explanation I have found is a source. There is a strong link between this phrase and the words spoken to Joshua and to the community by Moses on the last day of his life. Twice on that day Moses charged Joshua in front of all Israel, “Chazak v’emematz—Be strong and courageous” (Dt. 31: 7 and 23). As the mantle of leadership was passed from Moses to Joshua, the people were likely to have felt vulnerable at a moment of so much change. It was a time when the rules weren’t necessarily clear and there was uncertainty about what the future would bring. Moses’ words brought comfort and support to a fearful people.

Embracing Our Imperfections

By Rabbi Joshua S. Taub The chief executive of a large company was greatly admired for his energy and drive. But he suffered from one embarrassing weakness: each time he entered the president's office to make his weekly report he would wet his pants! The kindly president advised him to see an urologist at company expense. But when he appeared before the president the following week, his pants were wet again! “Didn't you see the urologist?” Asked the president. “No, he was out. I saw a psychiatrist instead, and I'm cured,” the executive replied. “I no longer feel embarrassed!” - The Spirituality of Imperfection, Kurtz & Ketchem Imperfection is a reality of our existence. While my mother insists I am perfect, Ralph Waldo Emerson more accurately speaks the truth when he says “there is a crack in everything God has made.” It can be a revelatory moment in our lives when we recognize and embrace our imperfections. After all, it is only through our “cracks” that God's light is able to shine and illuminate the world.

The Importance of Bonding

By Rabbi Alana Wasserman After my daughter was born (a little over four years ago), I remained in the hospital with her for five days. While most people may not relish the thought of spending any time in a hospital, I loved every minute of it. This was my private bonding time with my new baby girl. In a way, I felt as though this time was a divine gift. As it turns out, not only was this a divine gift, but something mothers are commanded to do.

Who is Above the Law?

By Linda Zoll As I explored the varying aspects of this week’s parashah, Shemini (Leviticus 9:1 – 11:47), I found a myriad of interesting and important paths to be examined. I chose to study a path which led me to consider how we teach our children to be the best they can be. The story in this portion tells us that Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, were so impressed with themselves—being the sons of the highest priest among the Jews of that period and the nephews of the greatest prophet of all time—that they presumed to place themselves above the community. The moment that illustrated Nadab’s and Abihu’s fatal flaw occurred as the ritual sacrifices were being offered to God. Adonai’s instructions to the people were quite specific regarding ways to prepare the unblemished animals and to ignite the sacrificial fires. In their zeal to stand above their peers, Nadab and Abihu added incense to their offering. God immediately responded and both sons of Aaron were consumed by fire. Moses and even Aaron remained silent—choosing not to question God’s decision. Aaron recognized that his sons had to bear the responsibility for having ignored the law.

Miriam's Cup

By Daphne Price For so many of us, the seder is a multi-generational event. As I look around my own table, I sit in awe that there are three generations of men and women, boys and girls who participate. For so many of us, the first night of Passover is all about filling the seder plate with symbolic foods, reading from the Hagaddah, drinking wine, eating matzah and partaking in a festive meal.