Adas Israel - Mason City, IA

Torah Thoughts - Chukat - Num. 19:1 - 22:1

We are Adas Israel the Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa and based in Mason City. While small we still remain active in our community and in the state. Welcome! Let's take a look at this week's Torah Portion, Chukat.

If you look at the reading the word chukat is the 9th Hebrew word in the first sentence and it means "decrees". "Hashem (G-d) spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, This is the decree of the Torah which Hashem has commanded..." and then we get into the most mysterious of laws, the Red Cow.

So much has been written about the Law of the Red Heifer. How it makes no sense because that something that is to purify also contaminates. But a sense of what is means or does not mean is found in that first sentence, "...this is the decree of the Torah..." meaning, as Rashi states, "is beyond human understanding". But how can that be? What would be the purpose to put into existence a law that we can not understand?

The answer is this: It causes us to dig deeper. It causes us to debate and study the rational. It causes us to engage in study of the Torah with others.  Are there more complex issues. Of course but even if we start with study and debate we are performing a great mitzvah. While we may not always understand the "reason" we are compelled to do and know that G-d has set commandments not to harm us but to help us.

As we read we realize that the Jews are now in their 38th year of wandering in the wilderness. In this parsha we read that Miriam, the sister of Moses, dies. The result is the portable well that accompanied her goes away. (For those of you who come to our Community Seder you might remember the Cup of Miriam that holds water....) The people, once again rebel against Moses and Aaron. Moses is told to "speak to the rock" to get water but in his frustration he hits the rock and water rushes out.  And his punishment? He will not be allowed to cross over into Israel.

Stunning.

What can be the message here? First of all, it's important to listen when G-d speaks to us. And, he does that on a daily basis and we can hear and obey only if we are listening. The next practical message here is that withholding anger is important.

There are so many interesting lessons in this weeks Torah Portion. Spend some time reading and in discussion. If you have a Chumash read the commentary it is enlightening! 

Our next Shabbat Service is July 20 at 7:15pm and our Midrash is on the 21st at 10:00am. Of special note, Tish b' Av begins at sundown on the 21st. We'll have much to discuss and all are welcome.

Candle lighting Friday the 22nd is at 8:36. Have a wonderful Shabbat and see you in Shul!

 

Torah Thoughts - 14 June 2018 - Korach

Welcome to Adas Israel the Jewish Congregation of North Iowa. We're located in Mason City and proud to have been serving Jews and non-Jews here for over a century. Thank you for coming by.

This week's Torah Portion is Korach (Numbers 16 - 18) and is so called "Korach" because that is the first word in this week's Torah reading. "Korach, son of Izhar son of Kohath son of Levi separated himself, with Dathan and Abriam..." What this means is that they led a rebellion against Moses but they did it in a sly way by saying, "It is too much for you!" Implying that Moses needed help as he led the people through the wilderness.

To be clear a rebellion is pretty hard to sell so Korach and his 250 "holy men" were saying they were there to help. However, they were not. You see,  Korach, a Levite, was passed over for the leadership of his tribe and then challenges Moses over the position of High Priest. No good rebellion can be "sold" as a means for personal gain, so Korach convinces 250 men of renown that they must stand up for a matter of principle -- that each and every one of them has the right to the office of High Priest (which Moses had announced that G-d had already designated his brother, Aaron, to serve).

Fascinatingly, all 250 followers of Korach accept Moses's challenge to bring an offering of incense to see who G-d will choose to fill the one position. This meant that every man figured he would be the one out of 250 to not only be chosen, but to survive the ordeal. Moses announces that if the earth splits and swallows up the rebels it is a sign that he (Moses) is acting on G-d's authority. And thus it happened!

The next day the entire Israelite community rises in a second rebellion and complains to Moses, "You have killed G-d's people!" The Almighty brings a plague which kills 14,700 people and only stops when Aaron offers an incense offering.

To settle the question once and for all, Moses has the head of each tribe bring a staff with his name on it. The next morning only Aaron's staff had blossomed and brought forth almonds. The people were shown this sign. Aaron's staff was placed in front of the curtain of the ark as testimony for all time.

It is a powerful Torah reading that has so many messages. Have you ever been approached by someone who "says" they have your best interest at heart but they are really looking out after themselves? Have  you ever been part of an action, that at first seems cruel, but in the end it is kind? 

For example, think of an adult finding a child playing with matches. The adult take the matches away from the child causing the child to cry. That would seem cruel. However a cruel person would simply allow the child to play with the matches. Make sense?

Moses offers a great lesson in leadership and faith. 

Services will be held Friday evening the 15th at 7:15PM at the synagogue and our Midrash, or Bible Study, will take place on Saturday (Shabbat) starting at 10AM.

See you in Shul!!