Adas Israel - Mason City, IA

Torah Thoughts - Parsha Shelach - 24 June 2022

This is Torah Thoughts from Adas Israel, the Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa based in Mason City. Grateful you are hear to learn together. This week's Torah Portion is one of the most monumental when you consider the outcome of making decisions. Parsha Shelach can be found in Numbers 13:1 - 15:41. The word "shelach" means "send forth" as in, "Hashem spoke to Moses saying; Send forth, if you please, and let them spy out the Land of Canaan that I give to the Children of Israel. One man each from his father's tribe shall you send, every one a leader among them."

Notice Something?

Hashem gives Moses an option to send the spies into the Land of Israel and does not command it, "Send forth, if you please,..." What is troubling here is that G-d had already said he would give the land and all that is in it to the Jews. They had the promise that everything would be OK. So, why send spies to check out The Land?

It is quite astonishing that a nation which was barely a year removed from miraculously leaving Egypt – a country that had enslaved them for hundreds of years - now (again) has doubts about their ability to enter Israel. But, as we have seen in prior readings the people are a complaining lot and Moses knows this so, perhaps, he makes the decision based on his past experiences.

Off They Go

Having named the twelve spies they head out to see that this Land is all about. While there they decided to gather some souvenirs. What they brought back tells us an interesting story. You see the spies cut a cluster of grapes, so large where the grapes they had to carry them on a pole. They also harvested pomegranates and figs so large that it took eight men to carry the load. Where they doing this to bring back bounty or was there another reason. A reason that Joshua and Caleb saw through so they did not take part in the "harvest".

The Two Theories 

The rabbis tell us the reason some of the spies decided to take back these huge grapes, pomegranates and figs was to show Moses and the people that the Land was abnormal and and dangerous. True they tell Moses and the people what they saw...or thought they saw...but they needed "proof" that something was seriously wrong with Israel.

The other theory is that what the spies did bring back those grapes, pomegranates and figs tend to be deserts. Something one would enjoy after a meal. What is telling is what they did not bring back.  The spies failed to bring back samples of wheat. They did not bring back barley and they failed to bring back olives which, when pressed, give oil to be used in lighting and...cooking. What is the message here? In a way they are telling the people that Israel is a nice place to visit but it's not a place where we can live because there is nothing there to create the "main meal"...only the desert.

Astounding...right?

The Punishment

The people choose to hear only what eight of the spies have to say and they shout down Caleb who told the crowd, "We shall surely ascend and conquer it (the land), for we can surely do it!" (Num. 13:30). The other spies double down and say there is no way they can go up into Israel because it is too dangerous and there was too much to overcome.

Of course the people believed the naysayers and they then turned on Moses and Aaron saying, "If only we had died in the land of Egypt, or if only we had died in this Wilderness! Why is Hashem bringing us to this Land to die by the  sword? Our wives and young children will be taken captive! Is it not better for us to return to Egypt?" (Num. 14: 2-3)  Oh yea of little faith...

Hashem is not pleased by all of this and gets really angry. He says to Moses that he is fed up with the people and their complaining and their whining even in the face of all the wonders He has done for them.  He tells Moses that he will, "...smite them with the plague and annihilate them, and I shall make you a greater and more powerful nation than they."  Yep...pissed off.

But, once again, Moses begs Hashem not to do this and to forgive the people of their sin.  Which, of course, G-d does but there is a punishment that they shall wander in the Wilderness for forty years until the sinners are then gone.

Too Late To The Party

Now the people realize they are in a hot mess so they decide that they will, after all, go up into Israel. But Moses tells them they will be killed. However, they don't listen and those that make the decision to go are killed by the Amalekites and the Canaanites. Sometimes we learn too late.

The Lesson

Maybe we should enjoy more and complain less? No doubt you will take some time this summer and, perhaps, travel. You might go see the Grand Canyon or perhaps take in a Broadway play in New York. You might even make the decision to visit our homeland in Israel.

While gone you will see and experience some amazing things but you will also complain a little. Maybe it was too hot or too crowded or too expensive. Or, while in Israel, you are put off by no cabs on Shabbat or that during the week there is a constant honking of car horns. (It's true...no, really. Israelis love to honk their car horns...all the time.)

What stories will you bring back? The lesson here is to be grateful for the positive things in our lives. Sure there are things to complain about but if we tend to focus on the good things the experience of new places, new friends, new lives and share those...how much better off might we be? 

Midrash & Services for July

I've been in touch with President Alan and we've decided to meet for services on Erv Shabbat the 29th of July and then our Midrash will take place on Shabbat the 30th at 10AM both at the shul.

May you have a peaceful and meaningful Shabbat...  Shabbat Shalom!

 

 

 

 

Happy Father's Day & More

Happy Father's Day Weekend!

This weekend we'll be celebrating Father's Day. It's a big deal being a father. Of all the things that men get to do or have to do, being a father is the most important of all jobs. 

So, what does it take to be a good father?

We've got to listen. Listening is one of those great methods of truly connecting with our children.  Taking the time to listen, really listen to what is being said shows we care.  Sure, when the game is on and the kids come through asking a question or making a statement it's sometimes aggravating. But, the father who takes the time to listen is also doing this.

We've got to teach. Being a good father requires us to teach our children so many things.  Sure, when to cross the street and what to wear to a party are all part of it.  But we also teach skills.  How to talk, how to listen, how to interact with others.  The father who takes the time to teach is also doing this.

We've got to coach. Teaching is one thing but coaching is special. Coaching requires us to to encourage our children to grow and to learn. Encouragement is critical which leads us to.

Being a role model. If our young children see us acting out of anger or getting upset at the call of the umpire or using poor language we shouldn't be surprised if our children start to act in the same manner. If we model positive behavior.  If we are respectful of others. Those are ways in which we build character in our kids.

Being a father is pretty cool.  If we try our best and work at being a good father we'll be able to stand back and launch our children into the world confident of their success in life.

We wish each of you a Happy Father's Day! 

This Week's Torah Portion Beha'alosecha, Numbers 8:1 - 12:16

There is so much going on in this weeks Parsha:

Aaron is commanded in the lighting of the Menorah, the Levites purify themselves for service in the Tabernacle (they trained from age 25-30 and served from age 30-50). The first Passover is celebrated since leaving Egypt. The Almighty instructs the Jewish people to journey into the desert whenever the ever-present cloud lifts from above the Tabernacle and to camp where it rests. Moses is instructed to make two silver trumpets to be sounded before battle or to proclaim a yom tov (a holiday).

The people journey to the wilderness of Paran, during which time they rebelled twice against the Almighty’s leadership. The second time they complain about the boring taste of the maneh and the lack of meat in the desert. The Almighty sends a massive quantity of quail and those who rebelled died.

Moses asks his father-in-law, Yitro (Jethro) to travel with them in the desert, but Yitro returns to Midian.

Miriam, Moses’ sister, speaks lashon hora (defaming words) about Moses. She is struck with tzora’as (the mystical skin disease which indicated that a person spoke improperly about another person) and is exiled from the camp for one week.

Take a few minutes this Shabbat and enjoy this amazing Parsha.

Remembering Peter Children

Last week, just after Shabbat, I learned that our friend Peter Children had died of a massive stroke. I had been to the Hospice House to see him on Friday and then again after our Midrash on Shabbat. At 86 Peter loved to work in his business, Universal Products. We would visit several times each week about what he was doing and who he was pitching. And, oh the stories. Peter would often tell me about his Jewish friends in Mason City from retailers to bankers to lawyers. He would tell me how they worked with him and for him and of his relationship with our benefactor Charles Wolf.  For many, many reasons Peter adopted Adas Israel as his congregation and we...him. I will dearly miss those chats and his stories during Midrash.  May his memory be a blessing. We'll keep you posted as to a memorial.

Service and Midrash

We've yet to set a date for July but as soon as we do...you'll know.  

Be well and Shabbat Shalom!

 

 

We've got to listen. Listening is one of those great methods of truly connecting with our children.  Taking the time to listen, really listen to what is being said shows we care.  Sure, when the game is on and the kids come through asking a question or making a statement it's sometimes aggravating. But, the father who takes the time to listen is also doing this.

We've got to teach. Being a good father requires us to teach our children so many things.  Sure, when to cross the street and what to wear to a party are all part of it.  But we also teach skills.  How to talk, how to listen, how to interact with others.  The father who takes the time to teach is also doing this.

We've got to coach. Teaching is one thing but coaching is special. Coaching requires us to to encourage our children to grow and to learn. Encouragement is critical which leads us to.

Being a role model. If our young children see us acting out of anger or getting upset at the call of the umpire or using poor language we shouldn't be surprised if our children start to act in the same manner. If we model positive behavior.  If we are respectful of others. Those are ways in which we build character in our kids.

Being a father is pretty cool.  If we try our best and work at being a good father we'll be able to stand back and launch our children into the world confident of their success in life.

We wish each of you a Happy Father's Day! 

This Week's Torah Portion Beha'alosecha, Numbers 8:1 - 12:16

There is so much going on in this weeks Parsha:

Aaron is commanded in the lighting of the Menorah, the Levites purify themselves for service in the Tabernacle (they trained from age 25-30 and served from age 30-50). The first Passover is celebrated since leaving Egypt. The Almighty instructs the Jewish people to journey into the desert whenever the ever-present cloud lifts from above the Tabernacle and to camp where it rests. Moses is instructed to make two silver trumpets to be sounded before battle or to proclaim a yom tov (a holiday).

The people journey to the wilderness of Paran, during which time they rebelled twice against the Almighty’s leadership. The second time they complain about the boring taste of the maneh and the lack of meat in the desert. The Almighty sends a massive quantity of quail and those who rebelled died.

Moses asks his father-in-law, Yitro (Jethro) to travel with them in the desert, but Yitro returns to Midian.

Miriam, Moses’ sister, speaks lashon hora (defaming words) about Moses. She is struck with tzora’as (the mystical skin disease which indicated that a person spoke improperly about another person) and is exiled from the camp for one week.

Take a few minutes this Shabbat and enjoy this amazing Parsha.

Remembering Peter Children

Last week, just after Shabbat, I learned that our friend Peter Children had died of a massive stroke. I had been to the Hospice House to see him on Friday and then again after our Midrash on Shabbat. At 86 Peter loved to work in his business, Universal Products. We would visit several times each week about what he was doing and who he was pitching. And, oh the stories. Peter would often tell me about his Jewish friends in Mason City from retailers to bankers to lawyers. He would tell me how they worked with him and for him and of his relationship with our benefactor Charles Wolf.  For many, many reasons Peter adopted Adas Israel as his congregation and we...him. I will dearly miss those chats and his stories during Midrash.  May his memory be a blessing. We'll keep you posted as to a memorial.

Service and Midrash

We've yet to set a date for July but as soon as we do...you'll know.  

Be well and Shabbat Shalom!

 

 

Torah Thoughts 10 June 2022 - Naso

Welcome back to Torah Thoughts from Adas Israel, the Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa, based in Mason City. A reminder that we'll hold services on Friday evening the 10th at 7PM and our Midrash will take place on Shabbat starting at 10AM. Hope to see you.

Parsha Naso

This week we read Parsha Naso (Numbers 4:21 - 7:89) and it happens to be the longest Torah reading of the year.  The last seventy-two verses in Naso describe the gifts contributed by each tribe to the Mishkan (Tabernacle) on the day of the inauguration of the altar. Oddly enough, even though each tribe brought exactly the same offering, the Torah saw fit to recount, in repetitive detail, each tribe’s contributions. These seventy-two verses are a big part of the reason that this week’s portion is the longest in the Torah.

This week's portion includes further job instructions to the Levites and Moses is instructed to purify the camp in preparation for the dedication of the Mishkan, the Portable Sanctuary.

Laws of the Cohanim

Then four laws relating to the Cohanim are given: 1) Restitution for stolen property where the owner is deceased and has no next of kin goes to the Cohanim. 2) If a man suspects his wife of being unfaithful, he brings her to the Cohanim for the Sotah clarification ceremony. 3) If a person chooses to withdraw from the material world and consecrate himself exclusively to the service of the Almighty by becoming a nazir (vowing not to drink wine or eat grape products, come in contact with dead bodies, or cut his hair), he must come to the Cohen at the completion of the vow. 4) The Cohanim were instructed to bless the people with this Priestly Blessing: “May the Lord bless you and guard over you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up His Countenance upon you and give you peace.”

Finally the Tabernacle 

The Mishkan is erected and dedicated on the first of Nissan in the second year after the Exodus. The leaders of each tribe jointly give wagons and oxen to transport the Mishkan. During each of the twelve days of dedication, successively each tribal prince gives gifts of gold and silver vessels, sacrificial animals, and meal offerings. Every prince gives exactly the same gifts as every other prince.

This is a short Torah Thoughts this week as I'm traveling but looking forward to seeing you on Friday Evening and then again on Shabbat for our Midrash.

See you in Shul!

Torah Thoughts - Shavous 2022

Welcome back to Torah Thoughts from Adas Israel the Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa and based in Mason City. This is a BIG WEEKEND!  It is not only Shabbat but it also marks the Birth of a Nation. For weeks (like seven) we have been counting up the days until Shavous. So, what's the big deal and what does it all mean.  Let's dig in a bit.

Such a Big Deal

This year Shavous (Festival of Weeks) takes place at sundown, after Shabbos, on the 4th and ends in the evening on Monday the 6th of June. This is the day that celebrates Israel receiving the Torah at Mt. Sinai. After 49 days or 7 weeks since Passover we at last reach Shavous on the 50th day.  This year, as in past years, we read the story of the Revelation at Sinai in which G-d descended to the earth and communicated directly with the Children of Israel.  He gave soul to the nation in not only the "Ten Commandments" but the entire Torah. In addition he directed us in our unique mission that honors G-d and mankind.  We also read from the Book of Ruth which tells the story of one of the first Jewish converts.

So, What Do We Do?

There are a number of customs associated with Shavous. First, and directed toward our passion for eating. It's not uncommon that many Jews enjoy a fine brisket meal at the start of Shavous (Saturday evening). Then many stay up very late studying Torah...munching along, of course. On the first day, which would be Sunday this year, there is a short service where we focus on the Ten Commandments and what they mean for our lives today. Following services we enjoy a huge dairy meal. We're talking kugel, cheesecake, cheese...some even get macaroni and cheese.  Then, later in the day, we break out the pastrami sandwiches. (There is nothing better than a good pastrami!). Between meals it is considered wise to continue to study and talk about our role in the Universe.  Oh, and then we eat again.

On day two there is another short morning service followed by...you guessed it...a big lunch...and then we spend the rest of the day in play, study and relaxing until nightfall.

Dance? Shall We Dance?

I forgot. This is also a day of...dance. The joy of receiving the Torah is matched with dancing with the Torah. In the Orthodox community men dance with men, clutching the Torah close as they whirl round and round the room.  Then pass off the Torah to the next dancer who makes the circuit. In some shuls it's not uncommon to have a tray of "adult beverages" close by so that after making the round with the Torah everybody gathers for a "round of l'chaim". 

It is a wonderful and joyful holiday that comes with plenty of responsibility. Enjoy!

Why A Jew?

In the world of multi-culturalism there is often a call for us, no matter our faith, to join in the celebration of others from different religions and cultures. All good. But often Jews back away from truly celebrating, in full,  our faith and culture. I'm reading a tremendous book by Ze'ev Maghen who is a professor of Islamic Studies at Bar-Ilan University in Israel.  While in Florida my Bride picked up "John Lennon and the Jews" thinking I might enjoy.  And, because NOTHING happens by accident it was the most amazing choice.

The basis of the book is that the song "Imagine" and what it pontificates is the worst idea in the world.  Sameness is not worth living or dying for. But, don't take my word for it. If you are Jewish, or just wondering, buy the book and learn.  It is amazing! 

Services and Midrash

Services will be at Adas Israel on Friday evening the 10th at 7:00PM and the Midrash (Study Session) on Shabbos the 11th starting at 10:00AM.  Hope to see you in shul...

Shabbat Shalom! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are no specific mitzvot to fulfill on Shavuot, but some common customs are decorating the synagogue with plants (just as Mount Sinai blossomed), staying up all Shavuot night studying Torah, and eating dairy foods such as cheesecake.