Adas Israel - Mason City, IA

Torah Thoughts - Yom Kippur

For over 100 years Adas Israel of Mason City has held Yom Kippur Services. First in private homes then in the old synagogue south of downtown and for the past 78 years in our current shul at 7th & Adams. This is the first time, in all of that time, we will not be gathering at our shul for Yom Kippur.  Think of that for a moment. It is truly remarkable where we find ourselves at this time. (Image of Adas Israel, South)

But, gather we will by using the technology of ZOOM. We'll meet for a brief service at 7PM Sunday the 27th for Kol Nidre and then again on Yom Kippur on the 28th at 10AM.  The services will be greatly shortened as we realize that it is difficult to contain people for such a long time in front of their phones and computers.

Tonight we mark Shabbat Shuva the sabbath that falls between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It means the "Sabbath of Returning". During the past several days I've received calls from many of our friends and members who have just called to talk. It's almost like they long to return. Return to their faith and their friends.

But, what is this day Yom Kippur? 

It is the anniversary of the day Moshe brought the second set of Ten Commandments down from Mount Sinai. This signified that the Almighty forgave the Jewish people for the transgression of the Golden Calf. This day was thus decreed to be a day of forgiveness for our mistakes.

However, remember that  this refers to transgressions against the Almighty. Transgressions against our fellow man require us to correct our mistakes and seek forgiveness. If one took from another person, it is not enough to experience regret and ask the Almighty for forgiveness; first, one must return what was taken and ask for forgiveness from the person and then ask for forgiveness from the Almighty. G-d does not forgive a person for sins committed against another person unless the injured party offers forgiveness first.

That is a powerful reminder that we truly are to look out for each other...and be kind.

This Shabbat we read what is called Ha'azinu, Deuteronomy 32:1 - 32:5. It is a song, a poem taught to the Jewish people by Moses. It recounts the trials and tribulations of the Jewish people during the 40 years in the desert. Jewish consciousness, until the present generation, was to teach every Jewish child to memorize Ha'azinu. In this manner we internalized the lessons of our history, especially the futility of rebelling against the Almighty.

The portion ends with Moses being told to ascend Mount Nevo to see the Promised Land before he dies and is "gathered to his people." By the way, this is one of the allusions to an afterlife in the Torah. Moses died alone and no one knows where he is buried. Therefore, "gathered to his people" has a higher meaning.

May we all be inscribed into The Book of Life!

Be watching your email for our ZOOM connection for Sunday Evening and for Monday Morning. It is the SAME address for both.

Shabbat Shalom!

Rosh Hashanah 5781 Remarks

Following our virtual service on the first day of Rosh Hashanah I was asked if I would share these remarks with each of you. I truly hope you are having a blessed start to the New Year and even though we are not able to gather in person the Zoom event run by Tracy Smith was outstanding and thank you again.  From this past Shabbat and First Day of Rosh Hashanah:

It can be overwhelming...this past year we have had more than our share of death and discord.  We have seen political and religious unrest like this nation has not seen since 1968.  We have a raging worldwide pandemic that science tells us will not be beaten or controlled until we unify in a common effort to defeat this unseen enemy.

We have seen cities and towns turned to ash from protests and from wildfires...the protests are the result of angry and disenfranchised people who have had enough of the systemic racism that is the original sin of this nation.  The wild fires are the result of our caviler attitude regarding the gift we have been given...this...amazing earth and our unwillingness to protect it.

And, last night as we sang Kiddush over the holiday and Shabbat wine a woman of valor departed our world...and now we say Kaddish for Ruth Bader Ginsberg...a champion of equality for both men and women.

So, today we gather on this New Year of 5781...and with all that we have seen...how can it be that we can look to this year with a sense of optimism for the future.

Dr. Robert Fox from the Portland Campus of St. Francis Care Behavioral Health says that by digging in and helping others helps us build optimism.

It seems that loving your neighbor as yourself isn’t only good for your neighbor...it is a powerful medicine for you as well.

“Optimists, according to FOX “discover that cooperation is better than competition.”

There are many, many who agree...and tell us that if we focus on positive qualities rather than faults we and others grow in hope.

Most important, according to all social scientists, is attaching yourself to a belief system that inspires and gives meaning to your life.   A spiritual boost...in times of trying circumstances.

So...what do we do? How do we move ourselves from dread to positive action?

The first thing is to start making a list of the things we are grateful for...and build on that sense of hope.

We start with small steps...

I believe we can...and we must because it is exactly what G-d expects.

It is not a choice to be optimistic but it is a mitzvah...it is mandatory.

So...what about the Creator...is G-d an optimist or a pessimist?

If we believe in the words of the Torah...we can find the answer.

In the opening chapter that we read as we begin this new year we are told that every day G-d created something different and then he stepped back from his work to evaluate what He had brought into being.

What He saw pleased him greatly, and from day to day he gave his verdict that “it was good”.

Then, when he finally completed His work with the creation of Adam and Eve...the Bible tells us, “And G-d saw everything that He had made and, behold...it was Very GOOD..." (Gen. 1:31).

So...in light of the current events that can drag us down...the question is...can we create optimism?

The simple answer is...yes.

So...what do we do? How do we move ourselves from dread to positive action?

The first thing is to start making a list of the things we are grateful for...and build on that sense of hope.

It was the winter of 1944 and a very young rabbi was hiding in the woods of Poland with three of his students. They had been on the run from the Nazi death machine for some time and it was now Rosh Hashanah. One of the students lamented that they were alone and because there was not a minyan specific prayers for the holiday could not be said let alone there was no Torah to read and no shofar to blow.

The rabbi gathered them together and said, "Ah, but look what we do have. We are alive. We are free. We have this woods to protect us and we have been able to gather food from friendly non-Jewish families. We should be dancing with joy!"  Just days later, before Yom Kippur they were found by a partisan force that also contained many Jews. The people survived. I know this to be true because that young rabbi became my rabbi in Fort Dodge some 45 years later.

I am married to a woman who has an abundant amount of optimism even though she has encountered tragedy in her life. That sense of hope and optimism is everywhere with her. And, yes, she reminds me of that...daily.

If you were to look at her Facebook Feed you would think she is the happiest person on the planet...she exudes positive energy.

That does not mean that she is ignorant of the issues we all face...but she chooses to share good messaging...rather than depressing words. And that has served her well both personally and professionally.  Me?  I need to do better...

Finally...a word about Justice Bader Ginsberg.

You hear much about the need to have a Liberal Justice or a Conservative Justice.  A liberal court vs. a conservative court.

Both  are wrong...

We need not a liberal or a conservative...we need, as the Torah says...a Righteous Judge.

There is a vast difference...America is not a “conservative” nation...nor is it a “liberal” nation.  We strive...or we should strive to be a righteous nation.

And where do we get that direction?

In the Torah...  Not by cherry picking a verse here or there but by engaging in the real study of what G-d  wants from us...

What we are told to do...and that if we do those things...we will be...blessed.

Look, I get it...times are difficult...but you and I on this New Year have within ourselves to stop complaining and turn to the work that will create a more righteous nation. A nation that cares for the widow and orphan, that does no harm that engages in the truth that lifts up the encouraging words of the Torah and then puts them into practice. 

We have...in front of us...the road map.  All we need to do is to follow it. And, like the fish we spoke of last night we then continue to swim in the only direction a fish can swim...forward.

May you have a blessed and hopeful Rosh Hashanah and let us say, "Amen."  

Rosh Hashanah - It's Personal

Welcome to Torah Thoughts from Adas Israel the Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa and based in Mason City.  Glad you came by for a brief visit.  Let's talk about Rosh Hashanah...and being at home.

This year is so different than in the past. We'll not be gathered together in the shul. We'll not be able to hear lofty sermons...well...maybe not so lofty.  We'll miss the opportunity to gather around a festival table, drink a little wine, share some New Year thoughts...  Not this year.

And, for some that may be sad.  But, let's think of how the times we are living in give us the opportunity to be working on our selves and not distracted by what is going on out there.

You see Rosh Hashanah is really a personal day.  It's a day of introspection and a look at what we've done and what we hope to do into the future. And, truly, we can do that in our homes.

We can embrace the opportunity of the High Holidays at home by utilizing the prayers in a more reflective, deeper way than we are perhaps used do. On Rosh Hashanah, we accept G-d’s sovereignty. In shul, the communal prayer services bring these themes to life. This year will be different. At home, it will just be us and G-d. We’ll have the quiet time to slowly read the words, in any language, and contemplate them: What do they mean to us? How can we bring these ideas into our own lives?

We can ask ourselves and our family some questions.  Things like:

What does G-d mean to me and to my family?

What does my faith teach me about kindness and truth?

What is my relationship with the rest of the world?

How am I living a Jewish life in a way that helps me grow?

We can also take this time to clarify our goals.  What is it that you can do...better? What do you want to commit to accomplishing this year? What spiritual goals are you ready to take on? Be specific, and be very practical. Take on small action steps that you know you can do and make a genuine change, and stay clear from huge undertakings that are pipe dreams that have very little chance in fulfilling.

This very well could be the best Rosh Hashanah of your life...

And, remember...today we celebrate the day G-d created the world.  Let that sink in for just a bit...and let us be grateful.

We'll be on a ZOOM service late this afternoon about 5:30PM Central and then again tomorrow at 10:00AM Central.  

Shabbat Shalom and Shana Tova! 

Torah Thoughts 11 September 2020

Welcome to Torah Thoughts from the Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa and based in Mason City. Each week we, together, look at the Torah Portion (Parsha) and consider the impact it has on our lives. This week we read two sections Parsha Nitzavim (Hebrew: "You are standing..") and Parsha Vayeilech (Hebrew: "...went out...") Let's get started as we review the Torah Portion for this final Shabbat of the year 5780. Oh...and read to the bottom.  We are attempting to create a ZOOM service this Friday evening BEFORE Shabbat. 

Parsha Natzavim (Deut. 29: 9 - 30:20)

It is the final day in the life of Moses and he has some words for the Jews gathered at the Jordan. Every leader, woman, man and child are there and Moses reminds the people of the Covenant saying, "...He spoke to you and as He swore to your forefathers, to Abraham, to Issac and to Jacob. Not with you alone do I seal this covenant...but with whoever is here, standing with us today, before Hashem, our G-d, and with whoever is not here with us today."

Powerful words and it is clear they are meant for each of us, here, today. 

This past year has been one of the most difficult we have faced in our lifetime. Millions around the world have died due to COVID19. Here in the United States we are losing a thousand people a day. There is racial and political upheaval that would rival 1968. There are millions of people without a job, without health care.  Those of us who are fortunate to have jobs have altered our work schedule in an attempt to be a student, teacher while being...separated from other humans and our loved ones.

As a Jew we are not strangers to "difficult times".  It is during times like this that we get to draw on centuries of wisdom that we hope will offer a perspective to the times we're in.

Last week we had a Midrash and discussed Parsha Ki Tavo along with the 53 verses that spell out the suffering the Jews will face should we turn our back on our faith and the commandments. It was quite sobering and it is meant to be that way.  Why is that?

In the Talmud (Megillah 31b) we are informed that Parshat Ki Tavo is purposefully read annually prior to Rosh Hashanah. The Talmud states that Ezra the Scribe (who lived circa 450 BCE) instituted the practice of reading the terrible punishments and afflictions that appear in Parshat Ki Tavo prior to Rosh Hashanah: “So that the year would end along with its curses.”

In other words, Ezra the Scribe enacted a powerful mechanism to remind the Jewish people that Rosh Hashanah is a time to turn the page. Yes, the past year had its difficulties, and perhaps on a personal level many things didn’t go our way or we are not proud of how we reacted to certain situations. However, Rosh Hashanah is the time to turn the page and recreate our reality.

The message is clear, yes, we have messed up. Yes, we have not done our best yet we are given this reminder that we can do better. The very fact that you are reading Torah Thoughts today is a testament that you desire knowledge and a deeper relationship to our faith. And, that, my friends, is a great start.

The great commentator Rashi said that when the Jewish people heard all the horrific consequences that would be visited upon them if they strayed from G-d and failed to follow the Torah, their faces turned white with fear. Moses comforted them by saying, “Although you have angered the Almighty quite often, you are still standing before me today. G-d has promised that you will endure as a people, that no matter what travails may come, you will survive.”

In this week’s Torah portion we find the origins to the strength and longevity of the Jewish people. Most nations are an amalgamation of people bound together and defined by geography. The Jewish nation has an entirely different national definition.

The Jewish people were founded on the vision of our shared forefather Abraham; that the purpose of mankind is to bring G-d and His truths into this world. The Jewish people are bound together not by geography but rather by a set of beliefs. This unified vision raises the Jewish nation to the status of a single entity; it is a unified body made up of many millions of cells.

And, that, during these times is comforting. And yet there is a sobering reality. We have been called to bring the ultimate revelation of G-d and His Torah to the world. We are charged with the responsibility of bringing the world to it’s completion, to the day when the entire world accepts G-d as the true king and the world and all of His creations will be unified.

May that happen soon and in our time.

Parsha Vayeilech (Deut. 31:1 - 30)

Moses is about to die at the age of 120 (Now you know why it is common on a persons birthday that we say, May you live to 120!). Moses then begins by passing the torch of leadership to Yehoshua (Joshua). Moshe then gives Yehoshua a command/blessing, which applies to every Jewish leader: "Be strong and brave. Do not be afraid or feel insecure before them. G-d your Lord is the One who is going with you, and He will not fail you nor forsake you."

Moses then writes the entire Torah and gives it to the Cohanim and Elders. He then commands that in the future at the end of the Shmita (Sabbatical Year) the king should gather all the people during the Sukkot festival and read to them the Torah so "... that they will hear and learn and fear the Lord your G-d and be careful to perform all the words of the Torah."

We are commanded to never forget.

Shabbat/Erv Rosh Hashanah

OK...since our Midrash went so well last week we are going to try something next Shabbat which is also the first day of the New Year. Tracy Smith has agreed to create a ZOOM event for us.  If you follow Adas Israel on Facebook we will also share the link there. Also, watch your email next week. I realize that this is very, very different and there are no prayer books for Shabbat or Rosh Hashanah but we'll make every effort to create something that will be both uplifting and responsive.  Wish us luck...this will be quite the adventure.

Shabbat Shalom! 

 

 

 

 

Ki Tavo Midrash 5 September 2020

Hello Friends!  I've been asked to share my Midrash Notes from our online learning. While reading these leave out so much of the commentary and the input of others it's yet another way to do Torah Study and Learning.  My thanks to Rabbi Yitzchak Zweig, Rabbi Yehuda Appel and Rabbi Aaron Swartzbaum for their continued teaching of your teacher.

Let's get started:

We have, in the opening of this week’s Parsha an act of being grateful.  Grateful for The Land that we have been given and we are given a specific task in how to show our gratitude.

Before we go there...what is gratitude?  How do we often show it and what does it mean.  Once upon a time...before email and Facebook people would often write a “thank you note” in gratitude.  That practice is today so rare that studies have shown that when a person actually receives a handwritten note they will keep it for a very long time realizing that the task of writing a thank you note, addressing an envelope, putting  on a stamp and placing it in the mail...takes a bit of effort.

Here in this opening of the Parsha we are given such a task in which we show gratitude to G-d for the gift of the Land of Israel.

READ

When you come to the land that God, your Lord, is giving you as a heritage…you shall take the first of every fruit of the ground... You must place it in a basket and go to the place which God will choose... [Thus] you shall rejoice with all the good that God has granted you and your family... (Deuteronomy 26:1-2, 11)

So what were the “First Fruits” and how was this done?

The first fruits, the Bik-ku-rim, were brought from the seven species for which the Land of Israel is praised: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates.

The Mishnah describes the actual practice of this mitzvah: when a famer saw the first fruits had ripened, he would tie a thread around them and say, "Behold, these are Bikkurim," thus devoting the first fruits to God. This produce later would be placed in simple baskets made from peeled willows and reeds, then brought to the Holy Temple, with gratitude for these gifts of the land.

It takes...effort to be grateful.

Let me share yet another story about being grateful that I’ve always found so interesting.  There is an attorney in Des Moines by the name of Bud Hockenberg. His real first name is Harlin...but he has always gone by Bud.

For decades Bud makes it a point to go through his vast contact list and make two to three phone calls each weekday to people he has encountered, done business with or has as friends. 

Bud, by the way, is now 83 years old...and, while he may be reminding people that he is still around and still an attorney...he is also reaching out...just to check on people and listen...and say, “Thank You”.

What a mentch...and yes, it takes...effort.

We are being told in the opening portion of this Parsha to be mindful of the gifts we have been given.  That what we are given is not just a random act...but they are intended.

READ again Deut. 26:11

We now move on to the act of the Tithes.  Duet. 26: 12 – 15. The basis of this is to affirm our act of tithing. We are told that our tithes must go to the Levite (Think of...this as, perhaps the Shul) the Proselyte... think of this as, perhaps the community. And also the Widow and Orphan...think of this as those who are less fortunate...and those who need/require assistance.

Again...we are told what is the reward for acting with compassion?  Deut. 26:15. “Gaze down from Your holy abode, from the heavens, and bless Your people Israel, and the ground that You gave us, as You swore to our forefathers, a Land flowing with milk and honey.”

G-d and Israel

We then read starting at Deut. 26:16 that The Land and G-d are inseparable.

And who is to occupy Israel? 

The very people who have received these commandments. Israel without the Jew is simply land. Over the years we've seen how Jews have transformed what was a wilderness to an exporting nation. Sure it took work and sacrifice but look at Israel today vs. 100 years ago. Transformed.

I'm often asked why there are so many people in Israel who spend their day in study and prayer and not on some job. You will often see these old Orthodox men on the street begging for a shekel or five.  Why is that?  The answer is that these people do have a job and it is to study and pray.  It is said that when the Jew ceases his prayers the world will come to an end.  That's a hard concept to understand but it is rooted in the notion that it is our responsibility to follow the commandments and to honor G-d in every way possible.

Deut. 26:18-19 READ

There is a blessing...and yes, a curse.  Follow the commandments and goodness will come to you. How often do we read this...yet, we doubt...  Why?  Because we are human and we think we know...better.

Deut. 27: 1 – 10

We now come to a very interesting portion of this Parsha... Moses tells the people that once they cross the Jordan and enter Israel they must write the entire Torah on twelve stones...and in seventy languages.

Why?  What is the purpose?

The rabbi’s say there are two reasons for this commandment...

• The first is that this is such a monumental endeavor that to accomplish this mission...there must be a miracle. How do you write the entire Torah on large rocks in 70 languages without the hand of G-d.  This was meant to teach the people that G-d was still with us...even in Israel.
• Note verse 8: “You shall inscribe on the stones all the words of the Torah, well clarified.” What does that mean and why?  Sure they must be legible...but more importantly they must be clear to Jew and Gentile.  You see, this is about not just the Jew but a gift to the entire world...

Blessings and Curses

We now come, once again, to a section that deals with blessing and curses. (Deut. 27: 11) is where this begins...

A lengthy passage stretching over 53 verses describes all the horrific things that may befall the Jewish People if they act improperly.

Such punishments as confusion, anxiety, depression, ignorance, starvation - and worse - may befall them. Remarkably though, the Torah emphasizes that this would come about only because "You did not serve the Lord your God with joy and goodness of heart" (Deut. 28:47).

What does that mean? 

Let me illustrate with a story:

Rabbi Levi Yitzhak of Ber-dit-chev was a great Chassidic leader of 18th century Europe. It is well-documented that his love of God was so great that he lived in constant state of ecstasy. At his Shabbos table, as he recited prayers to God, no one ever knew what would happen. He might throw his Kiddush cup up in the air, start dancing on top of the table, or break into an hour-long bevy of song.

The story goes that Rabbi Levi Yitzhak longed to share a Shabbat meal with Reb Baruch, another Chassidic master. There was, however, one difficulty: At Reb Baruch's table, everything was done in a dignified, royal manner - and any wildness on the part of the Rabbi Levi Yitzhak would not be welcome.

A deal was struck between the two. Rabbi Levi Yitzhak felt he could control himself if he would but remain silent and not say anything more than "amen" during the meal.

When the appointed time arrived, much to everyone's surprise, everything went smoothly. That is, until Reb Baruch's servant asked Rabbi Levi Yitzhak whether he preferred his fish sweet or sour.

"Fish?! Do I like fish?! I love G-d!!" he shouted and, overcome with ecstasy, he tossed the fish plate high into the air. To everyone's horror, the plate landed squarely on Reb Baruch's Tallis, staining it all over. Tension filled the air, as everyone awaited Reb Baruch's response.

Reb Baruch calmly announced: "These stains are holy - they were caused by a Jew who really loves G-d." Afterwards, Reb Baruch refused to have the stains washed out -because of the great enthusiasm they represented. And that treasured, stained Tallis was passed down through the generations!

What is the POINT?

Proper service of G-d does not simply consist of observing the mitzvot. It involves doing them with joy!

The Sfat Emet a book written by one of the great Hasidic masters, Yehudah Aryeh Leib Alter provides us with a guideline for what constitutes sufficient joy in serving the Almighty. He states that one's joy for spiritual matters should be equal (if not greater) than one's joy in partaking of the physical and material realm.

The way you run for pizza or a candy bar, is the same way you should run to the synagogue or to Torah study. Ultimately, it is the direction toward which we focus our passions that tells us who we really are.

Moses Final Charge to the People

We now come to the end of this Parsha...and some very strong words from Moses.

He again is reminding the people of what they have been through and all the blessings that they received during their wandering years and ends with, "You shall observe the words of this covenant and you shall perform them, so that you will succeed in all that you do."

Why is there such a focus on remembering, observing and doing?

Yes, we are blessed when we do what we are told...all true.

However, Moses realizes that temptation lies just around every corner.  Every time a Mitzvah is broken a crack opens in our world.

Every time a Jew becomes enamored by a faith that is not his or hers...a crack appears in our lives and in our family.

Moses realizes that, in reality, the people are weak...even when they were witness to the great miracles that came to them in the 40 years in the wilderness...

Now they are about to be set free...free to choose, free to follow their own way.  However...the challenge is that to truly live a life that fulfills our destiny as a people...the study of the Torah and the following of the Mitzvot is critical to not only saving ourselves but also the world.

I realize this is very long.  Thank you for reading and we HOPE to do a Erv Rosh Hashanah Virtual Service on the 18th before sundown.  We'll let you know. 

 

Torah Thoughts and Midrash News

Welcome to Torah Thoughts from Adas Israel the Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa and based in Mason City. Here we'll not only look at this week's Torah Portion Ki Tavo, Deut. 26:1 - 29:8 which is Hebrew for "when you enter" we'll also share with you how to connect for our online, virtual, Midrash scheduled to Shabbat (Saturday the 5th of September at 10:00AM).  Let's go!

Being Grateful for the Gift

The opening line this week is, "It will be when you enter the Land that Hashem, your G-d fives you as an inheritance, and you possess it and dwell in it, that you shall take of the first of every fruit that you bring in from your Land that Hashem your G-d gives you and you shall put it in a basket..." (Deut. 26 1-2) 

We have been give this gift of Israel and now we are displaying our thanks to G-d for this gift. It's a pretty common way folks live, right? On a joyous occasion we often receive gifts and the etiquette tells us that it is proper to acknowledge that gift and make it a point to thank the person who sent it.  Same here. But, here G-d reminds us of what it was like in Egypt and why we should be so grateful for The Land. (Deut. 26 5-10). Why would it be that we should be reminded of how lousy it was in Egypt?  Because we easily forget when things are going well.

So often people put their faith on a shelf reaching for it only when they "need" it. In trouble, sickness or pain we take up our faith and plead for a soothing balm. And, then, when that emergency or issue passes...we're right back to our old ways. Forgetting that every day we are receiving a blessing.  That is why this commandment is here.  A reminder to be grateful.

Israel, G-d and the Jews

We then read starting at Deut. 26:16 that The Land and G-d are inseparable. And who is to occupy Israel?  The very people who have received these commandments. Israel without the Jew is simply land. Over the years we've seen how Jews have transformed what was a wilderness to an exporting nation. Sure it took work and sacrifice but look at Israel today vs. 100 years ago. Transformed.

I'm often asked why there are so many people in Israel who spend their day in study and prayer and not on some job. You will often see these old Orthodox men on the street begging for a shekel or five.  Why is that?  The answer is that these people do have a job and it is to study and pray.  It is said that when the Jew ceases his prayers the world will come to an end.  That's a hard concept to understand but it is rooted in the notion that it is our responsibility to follow the commandments and to honor G-d in every way possible.

Blessings & Curses...What? Again?

Once again we are reminded...we often need reminding...that if we follow, obey and live the Commandments given to us that we will prosper as a nation and that Israel will be blessed. (Deut. 28: 1-14)  You want to argue with that?  It's not up to interpretation no matter how we turn ourselves into pretzels with logic.  If we believe that the Torah is a roadmap for life how can it be that we say, "Oh, that? Nah doesn't apply to me!"  It all matters.

Moses and His Final Challenge

The parsha ends with Moses, once again, reminding the people of what they have been through and all the blessings that they received during their wandering years and ends with, "You shall observe the words of this covenant and you shall perform them, so that you will succeed in all that you do." (Deut. 29:8) Do we really need...more? Well, maybe!  And for that read this week's Haftorah Isaiah 60: 1-22 you'll get yet another jolt.  Enjoy!

Midrash on Shabbat

Thanks to Tracy Smith we'll hold yet another virtual midrash!  Here is how this works:

If you have a computer with speakers and a camera and a microphone (usually laptops have this) so too do iPads and some desktops. At 10:00AM on Saturday the 5th follow this LINK:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6414251282?pwd=czM5aE1hUXIyWTJ1TkplZEhnc2ptUT09

If you must copy and paste it in your browser...do so.  You will then be asked to OPEN ZOOM.

Or, if you CLICK HERE this should take you to the Zoom Meeting Page.  Don't worry it's safe. IF you are asked for a PASSWORD type in CGCC.  That is CGCC.

I hope this works for you...look forward to our visit.

Shabbat Shalom!