Adas Israel - Mason City, IA

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.

Torah Thoughts 18 March 2022 - Parsha Tzav

Welcome back to Torah Thoughts from Adas Israel the Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa and based in Mason City. Here is hoping you had a wonderful Purim. The Megillah reading was astounding, kids had fun and it was also St. Patrick's Day. Double your pleasure. Me? I got to wear a green kippah.  

A quick reminder that our Community Seder will take place on Friday evening the 15th of April. Save the date. It's been a very long time since we've celebrated Pesach together.  Note that the first night of Passover is also Erv Shabbat so we're also planning on a Midrash that next morning of the 16th. Know that we are finalizing plans and will get information out to you as soon as we can. But for now...SAVE THE DATE. 

Parsha Tzav

This week we read Parsha Tzav (Lev. 6 - 8) The word "tzav" is Hebrew for "command" as we read, "Hashem spoke to Moses saying, Command Aaron and his sons saying this is the law of the elevation offering..." Here we continue with descriptions of the laws of: Burnt Offerings, Meal Offerings, High Priest’s Offerings, Sin Offerings, Guilt Offerings, and Peace Offerings. It concludes with the portions of the Peace Offerings that are allotted to the Priests and the installation ceremony of the Priest for serving in the Sanctuary. It can be pretty standard stuff until we dig a bit deeper.

The Flame

There is a commandment in the opening portion that has to do with the flame on the alter. Three times we are told to keep the fire burning. Twice in verse two, "...on the flame, on the Alter all night until the morning, and the fire of the Alter should remain aflame on it." Then in verse five, "The fire on the Alter shall remain burning on it it shall not be extinguished; and the Kohen shall kindle wood upon it every morning..."

The Hebrew word for fire is "aish". Here we have what is known as the "Aish Kodesh" the "Holy Fire" that never goes out. There is a lesson here for our time.

Keeping It Alive

Religion is an interesting fact of life. For some our faith is important to us when we need it or need something. For some faith is a constant; it is with us every moment. In this portion Hashem says the fire on the alter must burn at all times, every day and it must be cared for and nurtured. 

So it is with our faith. Look, I get it it is easy not to see the hand of G-d in everyday life but if we take a moment and look around with a clear eye we see the "holy fire" in everything. But, how do we get there?

Today there is no Temple, no alter, no fire, no priests. So it is up to each of us to light that "Aish Kodesh" that "holy fire" in prayer.  Prayer is not something to do in rote. It is not mechanical it is, however, our ability to communicate with G-d. And, the best part of this is that G-d hears your prayer. He has said so.  But to get there one needs to nurture and work on prayer. When you say a blessing, what ever that blessing is, take a moment and really think about what you are saying. 

For example take...bread. It is the staple of life we are told. When we say the blessing, "Blessed are you or L-rd our G-d who has brought bread to the earth" we are recognizing that it is He that made it possible.  That is no small gesture. Once we realize what we are saying we can begin to understand what it really means and that ability lights a fire in us all.

The image here is from the writings of the Piaseczner Rebbe. It is a book that has great meaning as the rabbi presented his lessons about being and becoming a better Jew. The remarkable thing about this book is that these words were originally presented during his Shabbos and Yom Tov addresses in the Warsaw ghetto. The Warsaw ghetto my friends.

In times of crisis we must remember. There is crisis in our midst and there is prayer and there is action. We must do...both.

Thank you for reading and Shabbat Shalom!

David Rubin to Speak in Manly, Iowa

One of the most trusted voices coming out of Israel is that of David Rubin the former mayor of Shiloh and the founder and president of Shiloh Israel Children's Fund.  Mr. Rubin's extensive knowledge about terrorism, Israel, the U.S.-Israel relationship is heart-felt and gripping.

David will be in Manly, Iowa at the Manly City Hall on Tuesday, September 16 at 7PM where he will be sharing the story of the Shiloh Israel Children's Therapy Center and speak on the current events going on in The Land which he has outlined in his new book, "Peace for Peace: Israel in the New Middle East".

This is an event not often seen in our area.