Adas Israel - Mason City, IA

Torah Thoughts 29 July 2021 - Ekev

Spend a few moments with Adas Israel and Torah Thoughts. Each week the Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa, based in Mason City, offers up some thoughts on the weekly parsha (portion). This week we read from Parsha Ekev (Deut. 7:12 - 11:25) and we start out with defining the word "ekev". The word is Hebrew for "the reward" and is in the first sentence of this week's reading, "This shall be the reward when you harken to these ordinances and you observe and perform them..." So what is the other meaning of the word "ekev"?

The Heel

Now we get to the other meaning of the word "ekev". The rabbis tell us that this also mean "heel" and it alludes to the sort of commandments people might regard as unimportant so the then figuratively "tread on them with their heels".  So, what sort of commandment might some consider to be "unimportant"?  How about the blessing when seeing lightening or hearing thunder. Yes, there are blessings "for that, "Blessed are You, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe, Who performs the work of creation." when seeing lightening. And for thunder: Blessed are You, G-d our L‑rd, King of the universe Whose power and might fill the world." It's pretty easy to think of these as minor blessings...but they are not.  Like the blessing when we put on a new piece of clothing or experience something for the first time, "Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d Who has granted me life, sustained me and enabled me to reach this occasion."

So, what's the deal? The Torah is trying to tell us that if we are careful to observe even those "neglected commandments" we can be certain that G-d will reward us with his kindness (Rashi).

The careful reader will know that those blessing are not really "commandments" however we are commanded to honor G-d at all times and by giving Him credit for...everything we do just that.

Prosperity

As we read further we are warned against the "lure of prosperity". Far too often when we are blessed with material things we might think we are responsible for gaining them. Worse yet our prosperity may distance ourselves from those who are in need. We are reminded (Deut. 8:11 - 18) that what we acquire is a gift from G-d.  Now, some may say, "Well, I have made thousands of dollars because I am a successful doctor/lawyer/business person...." But we forget that the talents we have forged all started with Hashem giving us that ability. Look, there are many things I can do that another person may not have the ability to do...and...others have talents that I can not (or won't) acquire. Those talents are truly gifts and our job is to always remember the goodness of G-d and then do what we can to make other lives...better.

Time Management

Moses warns us against idolatry and against self-righteousness. He then details our rebellions against G-d during the 40 years in the desert and the giving of the Second Tablets (Moses broke the first Tablets containing the Ten Commandments during the sin of the Golden Calf). If only the people would have had a better handle on time they would have realized that Moses was not late but that they had the times messed up.  Oy...and he gets to lead these people?

You Want What?

The Torah then answers a question that every human being has asked of himself: What does G-d want of you? “Only that you remain in awe of G-d your L-rd, so that you will follow all His paths and love Him, serving G-d your L-rd with all your heart and with all your soul. You must keep G-d’s commandments and decrees […] so that all good will be yours” (Deut. 10:13).

You see the requirement isn't much but it can be daunting. How are we to "love" when there is pain? How can we "keep" those commandments if we don't know them?  And, if we fail will the goodness fall away from us?  The answer to those questions isn't easy but we are promised in this Parsha and in others that should we remain faithful...G-d will keep His end of the bargain. 

The Shema Part Two

We finish this Parsha with the second part of the Shema and you can find that in Deut. 11: 13 - 21. Once again we are told how and what to do to remain at one with G-d  It's pretty simple...but, again, can be difficult. Our hope is that by learning just a little each week we will become not only better people but also better Jews.

Shabbat Shalom! 

 

Torah Thoughts 22 July 2021 - Va'Eschanan

Time for Torah Thoughts from Adas Israel the Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa, based in Mason City. But, before we get into this week's lesson a reminder that we'll be holding in person services on Friday (Erv Shabbos) the 23rd at 7:00PM and then our Midrash (Study Group) on Shabbos starting at 10:00AM. Hope to see you in shul!

This week we ready Parsha Va'Eschanan (Deut. 3:23 - 7:11). The word Va'Eschanan is Hebrew for "I pleaded" and it's the first word in this week's Torah Portion as Moses says, "I pleaded Hashem at that time, saying, My L-rd Hashem, You have begun to show Your servant, Your greatness and Your strong hand, for what power is there in the heaven or on the earth that can perform according to Your deeds and according to your mighty acts." If you remember G-d punished Moses and said he would not enter the Land of Israel because he struck the rock to bring water rather than speaking to the rock. Hey, the first time Moses hit the rock water flowed...this time...not so much. But, because of his service Moses thought it wouldn't hurt to try once again to ask G-d to let him enter Israel.  No dice but there is a great lesson here.

Be A Mentor

G-d says that Moses will not enter the Land but he will be able to see it and then this very important lesson for us all. Hashem says, "But you shall command Joshua (the successor to Moses), and strengthen him, and give him resolve, for he shall cross before this people and he shall cause them to inherit the Land that you will see."

There are people in your life who have deeply touched you and guided you and given you strength and resolve. They may have been your parents, grandparents or other relatives. Or they could have been your rabbi or spiritual leader or a close friend or business partner. What greatness there is in being that person who moves us on to greater things.

I am often reminded of Dr. Herbert Jonas z"l who became my mentor when I wasn't looking for one...or frankly...wanted one. But he persisted. He wouldn't give up. He would call, almost weekly, about something I should do or a place where we should go to visit a Jew in prison or on a sick bed. He would urge me to go with him to attend some conference for the Conservative Movement. To visit with learned rabbis who we would meet along the way or just come to his house for a drink...and a lesson next to his pool.  More than once, when the phone rang, I would say, "If that's Herb tell him that I can't take his call right now." But I would call back...maybe a day later...and off we would go. It was that way for years until he called me from his own hospital bed to say, "Can you come by? I need to see you." I knew Herb had a heart condition but I was not ready for what he told me that day. He said, "I'm dying and you've got to take over the shul..." It was then that I realized exactly what he had been doing for those years.  (Photo of Beth El in Fort Dodge, Iowa)

Now, the good story is that Dr. Jonas left Fort Dodge and went to Minneapolis where he got a "new heart" and lived for another 17 years. He was truly a mensch and much of what I have learned about so much came directly from him.  Why am I sharing this story?  Because you never know who YOU might touch.  Who you might mentor and help and educate and give meaning to?  Here in this parsha we learn how important it is to "strengthen" others and give them "resolve". YOU truly do matter...become that mentor. 

The Big Ten

It's interesting that in this parsha we are also reintroduced to the Ten Commandments. While in slightly different form they are preceded by Moses saying to all the people that they should learn all of the commandments and do them and reminded them that G-d sealed a covenant with each of the people standing there on that day. And, if the people follow the commandments G-d will always be with them...us. 

How is following the commandments insure that Hashem is always with us? Because the commandments cause us to stop and reminds us that everything we have comes from G-d. We say a blessing when we wash our hands, before we eat, after we eat, when we get something new. Each time we thank G-d or are mindful of His commandments we are doing our part of the great bargain.

The Shema

There is not a better known prayer among the Jews than the Shema. It is the first prayer we are taught as a child and the last we say at the end of our lives. It is our call to duty. It is something to live by...no, really LIVE by. (Deut. 6:4) "Hear, O Israel; Hashem is our G-d. Hashem is the One and Only. You shall love Hashem, your G-d with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your resources." We are told to love these commandments, to teach them to our children to speak of them everywhere and at all times. We remember them when we wake up and when we go to sleep and as an outward sign we are commanded to actually wear them on our arm and between our eyes. And, finally we are commanded to write them on our doorposts...yes, the Mezuzah. 

We are then reminded that we should not think that we are responsible for all we have because all we have is a gift.

It is a stunning promise and if we honestly take it to heart...our lives will, as the Torah says, be lengthened and blessed.

Teach the Children Well...

If Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young is now running through your head...that's a good thing. Toward the end of the parsha we are commanded to teach our children and talk about the signs and wonders and what it was like living in slavery and what the promise is if we follow these commandments.  We are told to do this because our children are truly the future of our people. While they may stray...and many do...they still, from time to time, know what it was they were taught and our hope is they will return to the path.

The parsha ends with what has become both a blessing and a curse. You will find it in Deut. 7:6: "For you are a holy people to Hashem, your G-d, Hashem, your G-d, has chosen you to be for Him a treasured people..." Jealousy is a great evil and a great motivator. For centuries others have sought to destroy us because they think we think we are better than they.  Oh, but how wrong that is.  G-d says all righteous people shall have a share in the world to come. What they do not understand is that we are not simply picked to be a treasure there are responsibilities that come with the deal. Just as fast as G-d might bless us...so to might he turn his face away when we forget our role.

This is a beautiful parsha and one that I look forward to discussing on Shabbat.

Shul News

First we'll meet on Friday the 23rd at 7:00PM for our Erv Shabbos service and then on Shabbos the 24th at 10:00AM for our Midrash (study group).

Second, I was asked to sit for an extended interview with the Iowa Jewish Historical Society this past week. It is a video project they are doing to capture the essence of who we Iowa Jews...are.  While they have audio recordings that go back into the 1960's this video project is rather new.  I would like to invite you to consider sharing your story. Something that will be here for other for many, many years. Please consider doing a video...it does matter.  You can learn more by following this link.

Shabbat Shalom...see you soon!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Torah Thoughts 15 July 2021 - Devarim

Let's spend some time with Torah Thoughts from Adas Israel the Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa, based in Mason City. This week we start the "Fifth Book" of the Torah. (Deut. 1:1 - 3:22)  The parsha (portion) and the entire "book" is called Devarim which, in Hebrew means "words". We get that name from the very first sentence"  "These are the words that Moses spoke to all of Israel..." (Deut. 1:1) The sages also call this "book" the Mishneh Torah or the "Repetition of the Torah". Why? It is because these "words" had to be told to the people. You see, once they crossed over into Israel G-d's daily Presence and daily miracles as they had in the wilderness. Now they must plow, plant and harvest. There was more work ahead and they would need their strong faith to guide them. And so, Moses reminds them of that...and more. Devarim is all from Moses and delivered in the final five weeks of his life. So, where does the name "Deuteronomy" come from? It is Greek meaning “Second Law” – from deuteros “second” + nomos “law”. See what you learn here?  Let's go!

The Veiled Rebuke

Like any good leader, Moses knows his people. He has heard them grumble, wish to turn back to Egypt and has seen some revolt. And so he begins his words reminding them of the long string of sins and rebellions that took place during the forty years since the Exodus. Think of it. If the people who witnessed all the wonders of G-d could sin and, from time to time, turn their back on Him what would it be like once they were not under His "wing".  So Moses, knowing his people, also did not call out each sin but in a very wise way simply alluded to them by naming the places in which they happened. Anybody paying attention would be able to understand that what Moses was doing was not issuing a travelogue but reminding them of some weakness that must be turned away if they are to continue to receive the blessings of Hashem.

So, why do this now toward the end of his life?  The rabbis say that giving reproof right before one dies is often the most effective time to offer advice and correction; people are more inclined to pay attention and to take it to heart.

A Life in Review

So, if you start to read this Parsha you'll come to understand all of the places where Israel went and the actions of the people and the actions of G-d. It is all a vivid reminder of where we were and, now, where we are going.  This portion ends with a reminder that it is Joshua who will carry on as the leader of Israel. It is a wonderful reading. Please take some time to review.

Tisha B' Av

If you remember, last week I reminded you about the "Three Weeks" that time when observant Jews refrain from weddings, joyful occasions and entering into contracts. The "Three Weeks" ends on Tisha B' Av or the Ninth of the Hebrew Month of Av (Starting on Saturday night the 17th of July).  So, why?  What is the connection to a date in history.  The answer is compelling.

Over the last 3,500 years, many of the most horrific events in Jewish history occurred on the ninth of Av. Rabbi Kalman Packouz, of blessed memory, compiled the following list to recount some of the many tragedies of this day:

1. The incident of the spies slandering the land of Israel with the subsequent decree to wander the desert for 40 years.
2. The destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon in 423 BCE.
3. The destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 CE.
4. The fall of Betar and the end of the Bar Kokhba revolt against the Romans 65 years later, 135 CE.
5. Pope Urban II declared the First Crusade. Tens of thousands of Jews were killed and many Jewish communities obliterated.
6. The Jews of England were expelled in 1290.
7. The Jews of Spain were expelled in 1492.
8. World War I broke out on Tisha B’Av in 1914 when Russia declared war on Germany. German resentment of the Treaty of Versailles set the stage for World War II and the Holocaust. In fact, many believe it was merely the continuation of World War I. Thus, the Holocaust also has its roots in Tisha B’Av.
9. On Tisha B’Av, deportation began of Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto.

Stunning...yes?

The Day is Remembered...

Tisha B’Av is a fast day (like Yom Kippur, from sunset one evening until the stars come out the next evening) and culminates a three week mourning period by the Jewish people. On this day, one is forbidden to eat or drink, bathe, use moisturizing creams or oils, wear leather shoes, or have marital relations. The idea is to minimize pleasure and to let the body feel the distress the soul should feel over these tragedies.

Like all fast days, the objective is introspection; disconnecting from our physical distractions and taking a spiritual accounting and correcting our ways. In Hebrew this is called teshuva – returning to the path of good and righteousness, to the ways of the Torah.

Tisha B’Av is a very somber time; at night the lights in the synagogue are dimmed (many synagogues distribute candles to those in attendance) and everyone sits on low stools or on the floor, similar to mourners in a shiva house (house in mourning). The book of Lamentations, which was authored by the prophet Jeremiah who witnessed the destruction of the First Temple and the subsequent exile of his people, is read in a hushed and mournful tone.

So, what do we hope to learn here? The lesson is that through repentance and living the commandments and doing good we will usher in the time of the Messiah and when all will come to understand that G-d is...truly...the one G-d and peace will envelope the earth.

Judging from what we see...it's going to take a lot of...work.

Shul News

We will meet for services on Friday the 23rd at 7:00PM and then our Midrash (Torah Study) will take place on Shabbat (Saturday) at 10:00AM also at the shul. May you have a Good Shabbos...

Shabbat Shalom.

 

 

 

Torah Thoughts & Matot/Masei 9 July 2021

Welcome back to Torah Thoughts from Adas Israel, the Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa and based in Mason City. Glad you are back with us as we study this week's Torah Portion together.  This week we ready two sections, Matot and Masei which can be found in Numbers 30 - 36. In addition tomorrow evening begins the month of Av. Since June 27th we have been in what is known as "The Three Weeks" that time between the 27th of June (the 17th day of Tammuz) and the 18th of July (or the 9th of Av).  Historically these have been days of misfortune and calamity for the Jewish people. Over the course of history, the Jewish people have endured many tragedies during these three weeks.

It is a time when we minimize joy and celebration by not holding weddings. We attempt to refrain from entering into contracts or obligations. There is also the custom of not shaving or getting haircuts. These expressions of mourning take on even greater intensity as we approach the 9^th day of Av (18 July), which is the anniversary of the destruction of both the first and the second Holy Temples in Jerusalem, roughly some 2500 and 2000 years ago respectively. Many other tragedies occurred on this day as well – which we will discuss in further detail next week.   

Oaths and More

We open up our reading by learning about something called a nedar. While there is no English word that we might use to explain it the best we can do is call it a vow.  A nedar is when a person pledges to do something. Here is an example: One might prohibit him/her self something that the Torah permits. For example, "The produce of such and such country is forbidden to me for thirty days."

That is different than an "oath". A nadar actually changes the status of an object. We all know that an apple is not a forbidden fruit. However an individual may make it "forbidden" if he/she makes a nadar that it is forbidden to him/her.  An oath, by contrast, places an obligation on the person making it. For example, one may make an oath that he/she will eat an apple three times a week. That does not change the status of the apple but it does require the person making that oath responsible for doing so.

I know...difficult...right?

And There Is More

We now learn about the obligation to make war against the Midianites and it will be a surprise attack. So, yes the 1967 War was not the first time the Jewish people performed a surprise attack on our enemy. This was in retribution for the devastation the Midianites wreaked upon the Jewish people. We then witness the purification after the war of people and vessels, dedicating a portion of the spoils to the communal good (perhaps the first Federation campaign), the request of the tribes of Reuben and Gad for their portion of land to be east of the Jordan river (yes, Trans-Jordan/Jordan is also part of the Biblical land of Israel). But here Moses objects to the request because he thinks the tribes will not take part in the conquering of the land of Israel; the tribes clarify that they will be the advance troops in the attack and thus receive permission.

Let's Turn The Page

Parsha Masei includes the complete list of journeys in the desert (the name of each stop hints at a deeper meaning and a lesson learned there). G-d commands the Jewish people to drive out the land’s inhabitants, to destroy their idols, and to divide the land by a lottery system.

G-d then establishes the borders of the Land of Israel. New leadership is appointed, Levite cities and Cities of Refuge (where an accidental murderer may seek asylum) are designated. Lastly, the laws are set forth regarding accidental and willful murder as well as inheritance laws only for that generation regarding property of a couple where each came from a different tribe.

My deep thanks to Rabbi Yitzchak Zweig for so much that is included in this week's Torah Thoughts. 

Shul News

Once again we're excited to announce our next in-person service and Midrash. We'll gather at the Shul on Friday the 23rd for services starting at 7PM and then our Midrash (Study Session) which will be held on Shabbat the 24th starting at 10AM.  Hope to see you in shul!

Shabbat Shalom and thank you for learning. 

  

 

Torah Thoughts 2 July 2021 - Pinchas

Welcome back to Torah Thoughts from Adas Israel the Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa and based in Mason City.  First of all it was wonderful to be with so many of you last week for Shabbat! It has been a very long time since we've been together. That being said we've scheduled our next in person service and Midrash for July 23 and 24.  Services on Friday evening at 7PM and then our Midrash at the shul at 10AM on Shabbat.  Hope to see you there.

Parsha Pinchas

This week we read from Numbers 25:10 - 30:1 it is known as Pinchas as we read, "Hashem spoke to Moses, saying: Pinchas son of Elazar son of Aaron the Kohen turned back my wrath from upon the Children of Israel, when he zealously avenged My vengeance among them..." If you remember from last week it was Pinchas who drove a spear into the two people engaged in sexual activity and thereby ending the plague that killed 24,000 people. His reward? He becomes a Kohan by decree.

What? Another Census?

We then get into another long census portion. Why? Well, it was after the plague and it had been thirty-nine years since the last census. And so, G-d wanted to count His children who had survived the plague and since the land was to be divided according to the populations of the twelve tribes we need to know numbers.  Finally we needed to know how many fighting men there were because of the impending battles as Israel conquers the Land.  So you know,  the new census reveals that there are 601,730 men available for army duty.

A Legal Question 

We then come to an interesting section of the Torah (Num. 27:1 - 11) that has to do with a legal question. relates the quandary of the daughters of Tzelofchad who wished to receive their father’s portion in the Land of Israel even though he died prior to the division of the land and had no male heirs to inherit. They argued that it wasn't fair that his portion should be taken away from his family just because he had no male heirs.

Moses defers the judgement to the Almighty who sides with the daughters and so we find something that many of us are familiar with...the distribution of an estate.

Moses Sees The Land

If you remember, Moses disobeyed G-d when he struck the rock to bring forth water...he was supposed to "speak to the rock". For that sin G-d tells Moses that he will not enter the Land of Israel. However he may look at it. Seems like pretty tough love huh? 

What is interesting is that none of this happens at this time. G-d is telling Moses that on the day of his death he will climb the mountain and be able to see the land. Knowing that G-d will not allow him to enter Israel, Moses then asks for a successor. Somebody to take over when he dies. G-d tells Moses that it will be Joshua and gives Moses the commandment to do the deed in public before the entire congregation.  The reason?  G-d wants to make sure that there is no question as to the role Joshua is about to take on.

The Sabbath and Holidays

In Chapter 28 we begin to learn about the additional offerings or the Mussaf. Even today in services there is the "additional service" which is called the Mussaf.

One of the interesting things about Jewish life is Rosh Chodesh or the New Moon. Each month, even today, there is the service of the New Moon where we mark the beginning of the month. This is so central to us because it orders all of the holidays. And, this is why, during the exile, Jews were forbidden to observe Rosh Chodesh because, it was believed, that the Jews would lose track of the holidays and would more easily assimilate into the ruling culture.  Sound familiar?

The Torah now sets out the holidays of Passover, Shavout, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Succot and Shemini Atzeret. If you ever wondered when and why we celebrate these holidays read all about it in Num. 28:11 - 39 it's all right there...we didn't (like so many other holidays celebrated by others) make them up.

Shul News

Once again a reminder that we'll meet for services on Friday the 23rd at 7:00PM and then again for our Midrash on Shabbat the 24th starting at 10:00AM.

Have a wonderful Shabbat!