Adas Israel - Mason City, IA

Torah Thoughts 5 May 2023

Hello Friends and welcome back to Torah Thoughts from Adas Israel the Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa, based in Mason City. Following a two week vacation it's great to be back with you.  Like Shabbat a vacation is designed to recharge and relax and we did both.  I'm writing this as the United States, this past week, celebrated the National Day of Prayer which followed a congressional action back in 1952.  What struck me about this event is that, for a Jew, it seems odd that we would dedicate one day a year for...prayer. Not that I'm against it but as a Jew who prays multiple times each day it strikes me as, well...different.  As you know Jews offer a prayer when we see lightening, when we eat or drink anything, when we experience something new and even when we exit the restroom. Three times each day, we get to pray with an organized minyan...and even without a minyan...nothing stands in our way of formal prayer. Anyway, just a random thought to kick this edition off.

Parsha Emor

This week we read Emor (Lev. 21 - 24) which is Hebrew for "Speak" as in the first line: "Hashem said to Moses; Speak to the Kohanim, the sons of Aaron..." In the previous Sidrah we learned about the commandments the entire House of Israel needed to do in order to become a "holy people". Now we turn our attention to the laws of the Kohanim, the priestly class. and there are plenty. Each is directed to how the priests must have an even higher sense of standards.

The Holidays

Beginning with Chapter 23 we read about the Jewish Holidays. Starting with Passover (Pesach) we are told exactly when to celebrate the holiday: "In the first month...and on the fifteenth day is the Festival of Matzos..."  Then we read about the Counting of the Omer or the seven weeks between the end  of Passover until Shavous. And then Hashem tells us about charity: "When you reap the harvest of your land you shall not remove completely the corners of your field as you reap and you shall not gather the gleanings of your harvest; for the poor and the proselyte shall you leave them; I am Hashem, your G-d."  In other words caring for others is a duty and an obligation.

Then we learn about Rosh Hashanah, Succos, Shemini Atzeres and reminded these are "eternal decrees"...like...forever.

The Lesson

Here we learn a valuable lesson. No matter how far one may stray from our Jewish roots...it is Shabbat and the Festivals that call us back. While some may miss services, or fail to come to the Midrash or shy away from dietary laws it is the Biblical Holidays that call to us to remember who we are and what we are called to do. And, in the end, it is our eternal hope that Shabbat and some holiday will stir a yearning to learn more and honor our family members who came to this nation. You see, they came here with the knowledge of our faith, we would do well to also remember.

Shabbat & Midrash

A reminder that we'll hold services at the shul on Friday the 19th of May at 7:00PM and then hold our Midrash (Study Session) on Shabbat the 20th starting at 10:00AM.

Thank you for reading and Shabbat Shalom!

Torah Thoughts 14 April 2023 - Parsha Shmini

What a great Seder we had last week. Thank you to our chef Cynthia Lewerke for creating, yet another, amazing dinner. There were so
many people that thought the entire event went well and commented on how much they learned.  Thank you all for being with us.  Welcome back to Torah Thoughts from Adas Israel the Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa and based in Mason City. We're so grateful you are with us. Another "thank you" to David Samson and his family for helping clean the shul and to Denise Swatsenbarg who not only cleaned before the Seder but stayed with us to help clean up after. And, of course, Shawn and Lacy Soifer and the kids for setting a beautiful table and helping in the kitchen!  Good folks all!  Some additional news: The Board has approved a website for the shul.  This will be yet another way in which we can communicate with others who may be interested in our history, leadership and more.  Thank you for making that happen.  

Parsha Shmini

This week we are studying Lev. 9 - 11 or Parsha Shmini (which is Hebrew for "eighth").  As we read, "It was on the eighth day that Moses summoned Aaron and his sons and the elders of Israel." What is going on? Last week we read that Aaron and his sons were to wait in the Tabernacle for a full seven days and now, on the eighth day marks the start of the Priestly Service. What follows are directions about the various offerings and how the service was to be structured. 

This is also the Parsha that speaks to the death of Nadab and Abihu the two sons of Aaron who, while filled with the spirit of the event performed an unauthorized service and lost their lives. What happened?  Most commentators say the two brothers erred in bringing their own incense into the Holy of Holies. The place where only the Kohen Gadol (the high priest) may enter on Yom Kippur. Others say that while they knew that there was a commandment to bring fire and incense each day.  Moses had not yet instructed how...so they "jumped the gun" so to speak. The lesson here is that it is always wise to ask for direction before taking on a task. That is why every rabbi has a...rabbi.

The Laws of Kashrus

It is here in Lev. 11: 1 - 47 where we learn about food that is kosher and food that is not. The Torah goes to great lengths outlining what is permitted and what is not permitted.  This section of the Torah can be, to some, very confusing and it is often misrepresented. Over the years I have heard so many "excuses" as to why these laws don't matter in our modern civilization. Those who do not attempt to keep kosher or know nothing about the Torah have told me, "The reason you can't eat specific food is because there was no refrigeration." Or, "These are simply suggestions and don't matter...am I not to have free will?" 

No...these are the laws for all time and by eating kosher and understanding that it is a commandment from G-d. Even that gets some "push-back". Some will ask, "How do you know these laws came from G-d and were not just written by some guy?"  

That is a powerful question and if proven could put the entire Torah in question. If one law could be proven incorrect than what about the rest of the Torah?  For this I have an answer.

In Lev. 11: 1 - 8 the Torah goes into great detail about the fact we may eat the meat of an animal that has both a split hoof and "brings up the cud".  But then the Torah tells us exactly which animals may chew the cud but not have a split hoof and which animal has a split hoof but does not chew the cud. For example: "...and the pig for its hoof is split and its hoof is completely separated, but it does not chew its cud - it is unclean to you." Think about this for a moment. These Mitzvot were given long before anybody could do a Google search so how can you explain that there is no other animal that has a split hoof but does not chew the cud?  Yet the Torah names...names.

So, you're about savor a BLT?  Nope.

The Lesson

The laws of eating kosher are designed to bring us closer to Hashem. In other words by observing these laws the Jew continues to rise above base interests. But when ignored the Jew starts to build a barrier between him/herself that blocks out a degree of holiness.  We are called to become a "holy people" and because eating is something we must all do...what we eat...matters.  When we make a conscious decision to not eat treif food (unclean) we elevate ourselves.  And, today it is so much easier to eat kosher or "kosher style" than ever before. Everyday more and more food companies opt for a kosher symbol on their products...not only is it good for the soul but it's good for business.

Services & Midrash

Mark you calendar for May 19 and 20 for services and our next Midrash...Torah study.  

Shabbat Shalom and thanks for reading!

 

Torah Thoughts 31 March 2023 - Tzav

Hello Friends! This week we're going to change things up a bit. I've several unexpected meetings today (hiring a police chief) so this will have to be brief. Our Community Seder will take place on Saturday the 8th starting at 7:00PM. So we can plan please call or text your reservations to 515-570-2220 by the 5th of April. We need a count so Cynthia can make sure we have enough for everyone. The cost for Guests of Adas Israel (non-members) is $25 for adults, $15 for 12 -18 year old folks and $10 for kids under 12. This is always a wonderful and educational event for people of all faiths and ages. Please remember to call or text your reservations.  Thanks and a reminder that we'll also hold Erv Shabbat Services on the 7th also at 7:00PM. AND, our Midrash (Study Session) is on Shabbat starting at 10:00AM.  Lots of "Jewish Stuff" going on next week.  Hope to see you. 

Parsha Tzav

This Shabbat is Shabbat HaGadol or the Great Sabbath which is celebrated the Shabbat before Passover which begins at nightfall on the 5th of April.  The Torah Portion this week is Tzav (Lev. 6 - 8). This week’s Torah portion begins with Moses being charged to prepare his brother Aaron and Aaron’s children with the responsibilities of being the priestly caste of the Jewish people – the Cohanim. The great medieval commentator known as Rashi comments that the Hebrew word “tzav” (“command”) means to enthusiastically encourage (the Cohanim) both this generation and succeeding generations of Cohanim.

Command...Really?

But wait! How do you "enthusiastically encourage" by...commanding? This is an important concept to understand. When G-d first chose Moses to go lead the Jewish people out of Egypt, a week long conversation ensued. Strangely enough this consisted, primarily, of Moses arguing with the Almighty. This would seem very odd; after all, if G-d is telling him to go how can Moses possibly argue?

The answer is that the Almighty was asking Moses to accept a position of leadership and responsibility, both of which have to be accepted willingly. This is why when Moses finally accepted the mission to go with Aaron to Pharaoh the Torah used the same exact language of “tzav.

The Mitzvot

How does this concept of being enthusiastic and encouraged work today? It has to do with...Mitzvot...the Commandments. When it comes to the Torah and the mitzvot (which is also a derivative of the Hebrew word tzav). The mitzvot are much more than action items for us to fulfill, they represent a responsibility and acceptance of G-d’s vision for the world. The responsibility of management can be quite stressful and onerous, and this requires buy-in.

This is why G-d had to ask the Jewish people if they were willing to accept the Torah. Ordinarily, a king can order his subjects to do whatever he wants. In fact, the seven universal Noahide laws were imposed on the world and its inhabitants in this manner. The seven Noahide laws are basically the house rules for living in this world, and G-d being the owner of this “house” imposed His “house rules” on all of mankind.

But the Torah and mitzvot are different; they aren’t merely a collection of rules and obligations we must observe. Instead, they represent a complete agenda for the perfection of the world – and at Mount Sinai the Jewish nation signed on for the responsibility to see this vision fulfilled.

The Lesson

This is what the word tzav means in our Torah portion as well. The Almighty is telling Moses to appoint Aaron and his sons to the permanent role of Cohanim, and to do it in an encouraging and enthusiastic manner so that they would feel the same way. They aren’t being commanded, they are being asked to accept a sacred responsibility. Once they accepted it, they must continuously transmit the enthusiasm and acceptance of this holy responsibility for succeeding generations.

We too are encouraged to do what is right and good and proper by following the Mitzvot how and when we can.  

Thank you for reading!  Remember to call 515-570-2220 for your Community Seder Reservations and Shabbat Shalom!  See you in Shul.

Torah Thoughts 24 March 2023 Vayikra

Hello Friends and welcome to Torah Thoughts from Adas Israel, the Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa, based in Mason City.  Several
announcements before launching into our Torah Portion for this week.  Erv Shabbat services are scheduled for Friday the 7th of April at 7:00PM. Then our Midrash for Shabbat will take place on the 8th at 10:00AM.  And, we’re not done…we will gather for our Community Passover Seder after Shabbat at 7:00PM.  We will mark the end of Shabbat with Havdalah (You must come) and then roll into our Seder. The meal will be catered by the wonderful Cynthia Lewerke. Feel free to bring your own Kosher Wine….but we also will have some with us.  The cost for the Community Seder is $25 for adults (non-members) $15 for kids under 18 and $10 for kids under 12.  Please call for reservations as space is limited. Connect with us at 515-570-2220 before April 5th. We hope to see you!

Parsha Vayikra

This week we begin a new “book” in the Torah.  Vayikra is the third “book” and you would know it as Leviticus. This week we begin the reading in Lev. 1 - 5. You will find that this is the section of the Torah that contains the most Mitzvot (Commandments) and, no doubt the Romans decided to call this Leviticus due to the number of “laws” it contains.

Humility & Moses

If you look closely at the Torah Scroll you will notice that the word Vayikra contains a "small aleph". (Lev. 1:1) Without that aleph the word would be Vayikar which means “He happened upon him,” a rather defamatory term used when God spoke to the villainous Bilaam (Num. 23:4). So, what is going on?  The sages tell us that because of the humility of Moses he wanted to use the word vayikar in regard to how G-d spoke to him. But, G-d commanded him to write vayikra, Moses wrote a diminutive or small aleph.

It should be noted that when G-d gave the Torah to Moses at Sinai G-d called out to Moses several times (Ex. 19:3 - 20) and Moses wrote the word vayikra without a diminutive aleph. Why the difference?

When G-d called to Moses at Sinai, it was in the presence of the entire congregation of Israelites. To have asserted his diminutive status before the eyes of everyone at that time would have been flaunting his humility, which is vanity rather than humility. Moses, therefore, did not make any pretense of humility. When he was called to the, the Tent of Meeting, however, no one but Moses heard the call (Rashi). Here the expression of humility was genuine and sincere.

There are people who try to impress others with their humility. This affected humility is the polar opposite of true humility.

The Lesson

The message of the diminutive aleph is that one can learn only when one is humble. There are some very bright people who do not learn much because they think they already know everything. Vanity is an obstacle to learning.

Interestingly, the mountain of the Sinai range where the Torah was given is the lowest in the range. This was to teach the Israelites that one can acquire Torah only if one is humble.

Repeatedly in Torah literature, Torah is symbolized by water, and it is pointed out that just as water always flows to the lowest level, so Torah flows to those who think of themselves as least. The greatest acquisition of Torah was by Moses, of whom the Torah says was “the most humble of all men on earth” (Num. 12:3)

The diminutive aleph represents both Moses' profound humility and the lesson that only with humility can one gain knowledge.

Thank you for reading, hope to see you soon and Shabbat Shalom!

 

 

 

 

Torah Thoughts 16 March 2023 Vayakhel-Pekudei

Greetings Friends and welcome, again, to Torah Thoughts from Adas Israel, the Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa and based in Mason City. Before we dive into this week's Parsha a reminder that in April we will gather for Erv Shabbat services on the evening of the 7th at 7:00PM. Then on Shabbat (8 April) we will hold a Midrash (study session) starting at 10:00AM. This session will focus on Passover and the many issues that revolve around the holiday. Then, that evening of the 8th we will hold our Community Seder a must attend for friends and family.  The cost for visitors (non-members) is $25 for adults, $15 for child under 18 and $10 for kids under 12. To reserve your spot (we have limited seating) please call 515-570-2220 for reservations. Reservations are due by April 5. COVID vaccines are a must.  Collections will be at the door.  Hope to see you that weekend!

Parsha Vayakhel-Pekudei

This week we read the final two chapters of Shemot (Exodus 35 - 40). In the first we read what is mostly a rendition of the three previous chapters that describe the building of the Mishkan or Tabernacle. Here, again we read of how the men, women and children all contributed to the effort of not only providing materials but also in the making of the various parts of the Mishkan. 

What is interesting is that four times we read the words, "wise-hearted".  See Ex. 35:10, 35:25, 35:35 and 36:8. Something that is repeated four times can not be ignored. What are we to learn from this?

The great sage Ramban comments that none of the Israelites had learned the skills necessary for the work of the Sanctuary and the vestments. However, because they were intensely motivated to do the Divine will, they discovered that they were in fact able to do the skilled craftsmanship. This might be interpreted as a miraculous endowment of skills they had not had. However, the words of Ramban indicate that it was not an endowment of something new. Rather, it was a discovery that they had these skills within them.

What About You?

What hidden skills might you have that are only brought to light when you are motivated, often by a higher power? Many of us have been witness to abilities unimagined until something triggered them. Recently I was at a book reading where the author shared stories about his book. A book that only came to light during the pandemic when he was suddenly given time to create. Or the person who became ill and to pass the time in recovery discovered she had the ability to paint wonderful images that are amazing in their detail. Or the person who "discovered" their Jewish identity only when a long-lost relative made a surprise visit and told the family story...and now he teaches others.

Wise Heart

We usually think of wisdom as associated with the mind and brain rather than with the heart. We associate the heart with emotions rather than with wisdom. The Torah repeatedly refers to the “wise-hearted” to indicate the overriding influence of emotion over intellect, and that only when one's emotions permit can one implement the powers of the intellect.

We have untouched reserves of both physical and mental abilities. Under conditions of stress, people have been known to perform physical feats that they never thought were within their capacities. There is reason to believe that some geniuses were not of such superior intellect, but rather that their emotional investment allowed them to fully utilize their potential.

This is an important principle in education. If we can stimulate interest and desire for knowledge in children, they are likely to excel in their studies. A good teacher is, therefore, one who can reach the students in a way that they become “wise-hearted.”

Remembering Family

Recently Cary and Nancy Rothman came to Adas Israel and Cary placed his Mother's yahrzeit plaque on the memorial board. May her memory be a blessing.

Thank you for reading and Shabbat Shalom!

 

 

Torah Thoughts - 9 March 2023 Ki Tisa

Greetings Friends!  Truly hope you had a great Purim. It is such a fun and meaningful holiday. Here in Mason City we had several students from Postville come and read the Megillah Esther. Meanwhile, after the City Council Meeting I made my way to Tifereth Israel for that reading and party.  Always great to see friends and family there. Speaking of services: Our Erv Shabbat Service will be on Friday the 10th of March at 7:00PM and then our Midrash (Study Session) will be on Shabbat (Saturday) starting at 10:00AM.  Hope to see you in shul!

Ki Tisa

This week we read from Parsha Ki Tisa (Ex. 30:11 - 34:35). The words Ki Tisa are Hebrew for "when you take" as we read in the opening verse: "Hashem spoke to Moses, saying: When you take a census of the Children of Israel, according to their numbers, every man shall give Hashem an atonement for his soul when counting them..." What is going on?  The Torah teaches that it is forbidden to count Jews in the ordinary manner so, when it is necessary to conduct a census it is done by having the people, rich and poor, contribute a half shekel each.  And, then, the shekels were counted.  There is another very wise thing that is going on here. Those shekels went directly to the upkeep of the Tabernacle.  A holy deed.  But there is more. When everybody gives the gift is greater and it truly raises the national goals of Israel. When everybody is in that means there is unity among the people and that bodes well for the nation.

Fit For Duty

We now read about the actually creating the Tabernacle and all it contained. Hashem tells Moses (Ex. 31:1) that He has chosen a thirteen year-old for that job. G-d gave Bezalel all the gifts necessary to create the task starting with a "G-oly spirit".  I will suggest to you that this should be a requirement for any person who goes about their daily task. Do you do what you do with mindfulness of what Hashem would desire?

This week I spoke with a woman who had given up going to church. To be sure she is a faithful person. She acts with faith in her business and with kindness toward all. However when her church, during the pandemic, said that masking was "optional" she left and has not gone back. She asked me, "Michael, where is the kindness and the compassion for others in that act? Where is personal responsibility?"  It's a good question. Do you put everyone at risk because some don't believe a mask will help save lives?  What about that decision was...G-dly?

Also in this Parsha we are told that we must observe the Sabbaths (Ex.31:12). But why is it written in the plural?  The sages say this refers to the two aspects of the Sabbath: "Remember" which refers to the positive commandments of Shabbat and "Observe" which refers to the negative commandments of Shabbat. The positive commandments are that we should pray, rest and enjoy. The negative commandments that we must not desecrate the day by creating...things.

Moses Didn't Believe G-d

There is a remarkable passage in this week's reading, "It happened as he [Moses] drew near the camp and saw the calf and the dances, that Moses' anger flared up. He threw down the Tablets from his hands and shattered them at the foot of the mountain." (Ex. 31:19). The great scholar Rabbi Abraham Twerski, of blessed memory, says this was the day Moses did not believe G-d.  

There is a Midrash which states that when G-d said to Moses, “Go, descend – for your people that you brought up from Egypt have become corrupt,” Moses held on to the Tablets and did not believe that the Israelites had sinned. He said, “If I do not see it, I do not believe it,” for the Torah says, “It happened as he [Moses] drew near the camp and saw the calf and the dances,” hence, he did not break the Tablets until he saw it with his own eyes.

The Midrash continues:  “Woe unto those people who testify to what they did not see. Is it possible that Moses did not believe it when G-d said to him, `your people have become corrupt?' But Moses wished to teach the Israelites proper behavior. Even if one hears something critical from a trustworthy person, one is not permitted to accept his word and take action on it if he does not see it himself”

What's Going On?

The resolution to this is that  Moses did not believe G-d because he knew that G-d did not wish that he believe Him. Moses knew that G-d desires only what is proper, and because it is proper not to believe anything negative about others unless one sees it oneself, G-d did not want Moses to believe Him. Moses did not act “as if.” His example and teaching were factual.

There is a similar incident  when G-d told Moses to go to Egypt to deliver the Israelites from their enslavement. Moses said, “I must first ask permission from my father-in-law, Jethro” (Ex. 4:18). How dare he refuse to follow G-d's command until he received Jethro's permission? Rabbi Chaim Shmulevits explains that Moses understood G-d's will, that because Jethro was hospitable to him when he fled from Pharaoh, G-d would not want him to depart without seeking his permission.

The Lesson

The Torah forbids speaking lashon hara (defamatory speech) and rechilus (talebearing). The Chafetz Chaim says that one who accepts lashon hara or talebearing is as sinful as the one who spreads them. In fact, even when one does see an apparent wrongdoing with one's own eyes, one should still give the person the benefit of doubt and assume that there must be compelling reasons for the person's action (Ethics of the Fathers 1:6).

If we observe Hillel's principle, “Do not do anything to others that you would not want done to you,” we can avoid both speaking and listening to lashon hara and talebearing.

Thanks for reading and Shabbat Shalom!

 

 

 

 

Torah Thoughts 3 March 2023 Parsha Tetzaveh

Greetings Friends and welcome to Torah Thoughts from Adas Israel the Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa based in Mason City. Before we get too far into this a couple of important dates. We are now in the joyous Hebrew month of Adar! Some 2,500 years ago, the miracle of Purim (Think the Book of Esther) which saved the Jewish people from annihilation at the hands of the wicked Haman – a descendant of the mortal enemy of the Jewish nation, Amalek. To celebrate this you are invited to a Purim Party on 6 March at 6:30PM at the shul. If you are coming please call President Alan on the Shul Phone: 641-903-3576.  Also we'll hold services on Erv Shabbat 10 March at 7:00PM and our Midrash on Shabbat the 11th at 10:00AM.  Hope to see you in shul.

Parsha Tetzaveh

This week we've been reading Exodus 27:20 - 30:10. The Hebrew word Tetzaveh means, "and you will command" as in, "Now shall you command the Children of Israel that they should take for you pure olive oil pressed for illumination, to kindle the lamp continually." (Ex. 27:20). The oil had to be so pure that only the first one or two drops from the press could be used. Later we are told that to make the flour offering we could use oil that may not be as pure for the mixture.

The rabbis offer a great lesson here.  For those things that are spiritual use only the best for those things that serve as a food (the flour offering was eaten) you can skimp a bit.  That is why, for example that observant Jews make sure the tallis is of superior quality and the tefillin should also be of high quality as well as the mezuzah on your doorpost. Each of these things bring us closer to G-d and we should take care of them and acquire the best we can afford. Meanwhile any kosher wine is acceptable and there are many kinds. So too with kosher food products. We can choose less expensive products...no worries.

The Vestments

The rest of the Parsha deals with the special vestments worn by the Kohen Gadol, the High Priest.  From the inner clothing to the outer clothing. From the tiny bells on the bottom of the robe to the very top of the head of the High Priest and the tiara. What is interesting about this is that there is a direct order on how the High Priest would dress.  The final item that he put on would be the tiara. In other words the Kohen Gadol was now worthy from the bottom of his robe to the top of his head.

This is also important to each of us. It illustrates the importance of being "whole" in our faith. While sometimes we might falter in our observance the important thing is that we should always strive to become better. To, from top to bottom, understand that we have a duty to perform. That which is to honor G-d and do good by our fellow humans.  In that way, both spiritually and in the world we are doing G-d's bidding.

Thanks for reading and Shabbat Shalom!   

 

 

Torah Thoughts 26 January 2023 Parsha Bo

Greetings friends and welcome back to Torah Thoughts from Adas Israel the Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa, based in Mason City. A reminder that services will be held on Friday the 10th of February starting at 7:00PM and then our Midrash (Torah Study) will take place on Shabbat starting at 10:00AM.  Hope you can make it to one or both!  The Parsha we'll be studying then will be Yitro (Ex. 18:1 - 20:23). See you then!

Parsha Bo

This week we read Parsha Bo (Ex 10:1 - 13:16).  This Parsha is very meaningful to me, on a personal basis. You see this was my Father's z"tl favorite.  In shul he loved to talk about it and during dinner on Erv Shabbat he enjoyed expounding on what all was going on.  By the way,  the word "bo" in Hebrew means either "come" or "go" it denotes action as we read the first line (Ex. 10:1): "Hashem said to Moses, 'Come (or go) to Pharaoh for I have made his heart and the heart of his servants stubborn so that I can put these signs of Mine in his midst."

The first question might be: "So, wait...G-d is making Pharaoh and his servants stubborn and having he and his ministers double down on the evil? Why is that?"  G-d gives the answer in this first sentence. He is doing this to show the Egyptians that he, alone, is G-d. That all of nature obeys his commands and that the idols and the gods of Egypt are powerless the stop what is going on. Egypt was the most powerful nation on the planet yet it and its gods were no match for Hashem.

Respect

One of the interesting points in this reading is what Moses did after he told Pharaoh about the eighth plague...that of locusts.  The Torah says, "And, he (Moses) turned and left Pharaoh's presence."  (Ex. 10:6) Because the Torah does not waste words what is it we can learn from this?

The commentators have several explanations for this. One is that he turned and faced Pharaoh's advisors and said to them to talk to their boss and convince him to let the Jews go.  And, if worked. They go to Pharaoh and plead with him to let the people go.  One of the other commentators said that what it does not mean is that he (Moses) turned on his heel and simply left showing disrespect to Pharaoh. 

Digging Deeper

Early on Moses is told by G-d to show no disrespect to Pharaoh. Why was that?  Because nothing happens unless G-d allows it we now know that the most powerful person on the earth, Pharaoh, was actually placed there by...G-d.  Even if this guy was evil.  So if Moses shows disrespect to Pharaoh he is, in effect, showing disrespect to, you guessed it...G-d.

I was watching a video on this subject and found this story to be impactful. There was a guy talking to others who said something derogatory about the President.  We're not sure if it was the current president or the past president...frankly that doesn't matter.  There was a rabbi among the group who said to the man making the remarks that he should not say bad things about the president. The man said, "Why not?" and then said his derogatory thing again.

The rabbi said, "The President of the United States is the most powerful person in the world. Because nothing happens unless G-d commands it we know that Hashem had a hand in making this person president.  So, by saying bad things about the president you are, in fact, showing disrespect to G-d."

Wow...something to consider. While we may have issues with each other or even the president perhaps we might think first and then respectfully let our feelings and opinions be known. It truly would be a kinder and more peaceful world.

And all of that within the first couple of verses of this portion.

What Else?

This week we conclude the ten plagues with the plagues of locusts, darkness, and the death of the first-born. The laws of Passover are presented, followed by the commandment to wear tefillin, consecrate the first-born animal, and redeem one’s first born son. The Torah tells us that, at some time in the future, your son will ask you about these commandments and you will answer: “With a show of power, G-d brought us out of Egypt, the place of slavery. When Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us leave, G-d killed all the first-born in Egypt, man and beast alike. I, therefore, offer to G-d all male first-born (animals) and redeem all the first-born of sons. And it shall be a sign upon your arm, and an ornament between your eyes (tefillin), for with a strong hand the Almighty removed us from Egypt” (Ex. 13:15). 

Thank you for reading and Shabbat Shalom!

Torah Thoughts 23 December 2022 - Mikeitz

Torah Thoughts is from Adas Israel the Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa and based in Mason City. This week we read from Parsha Miketz ("the end" in Hebrew) Genesis 41:1 - 44:17 . "It came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh was dreaming, and behold, he was standing by the Nile."

Here we begin he story of how Joseph rose to great power in Egypt. It is when Pharaoh has a dream and it is the butler who remembers that a guy sitting in jail has the ability to interpret dreams. Joseph is that person and he correctly interprets the dream and ascends to a position of power.

I've always found it interesting that it was a butler...a servant...who remembered Joseph. It wasn't a royal councilor or a priest of the cult. It was a servant.

It reminds us that discovery isn't reserved for the powerful and elite. We all play a part.

We continue in this Parsha as ten of Joseph's brothers come to Egypt to buy food, Joseph recognizes them, but they don't recognize him. Joseph accuses them of being spies and puts them through a series of machinations in order to get them to bring his brother Benjamin to Egypt. Then Joseph frames Benjamin for stealing his special wine goblet.

The Shamash 

Here is another interesting aspect of the servant. (see above) The candle we use to light the other candles in the Menorah during Chanukah is called the Shamash. That word is Hebrew for...servant. It serves to light the other candles. It is, I believe, a reminder to those in power, be they elected officials or rabbis or the boss, that they are in their position not only to direct and even create...they are there to serve others.  Some might call this "servant leadership". It is when we realize we are in a place where we can truly be a servant to others by listening and lifting them up. To be a Shamash is to be treasured. 

Chanukah

The celebration of "rededication" which is what the word "Chanukah" means.  Here are a couple of facts about Chanukah that you may not know...

• The Chanukah celebration, which began with the rededication of the Temple, took place on the 25th of the Jewish month known as Kislev. The 25th of Kislev was already very significant in ancient Jewish history. The temporary Temple that the Jewish people constructed under the direction of Moses during their 40 years of wandering the Sinai desert was completed on the 25th of Kislev. Additionally, the foundation stone for the Second Temple (515 BCE) was laid on the 24th of Kislev and the celebration took place that evening (the 25th of Kislev);
• The 25th word in the Torah is "ohr - light." This is most fitting for the holiday known as the "Festival of Lights";
• Maimonides (the great codifier of Jewish law and well known doctor and philosopher of the 11th century) writes that the mitzvah of lighting the Chanukah candles is greatly beloved and one must make every effort to fulfill this mitzvah. He ends with the following beautiful sentiment, "Light in the home promotes shalom (peace) and the Torah was given in order to promote peace in the world."

Services and Midrash

A reminder that in January our service will be on Friday the 6th starting at 7:00PM and then on Shabbat we'll hold our Midrash or study session at 10:00AM.  The Parsha we'll be discussing Parsha Vayechi  (Genesis 47:28 - 50:26). Both events will take place at the Shul.

One final item. We don't often ask for donations but if you are moved to assist our little congregation consider doing so. One of the nice things about donating to Adas Israel is that every dollar that is given is matched. So if you give $50 that turns into $100.  Thank you, in advance.  Our address is Adas Israel, Post Office Box 621, Mason City, Iowa 50402-0621

Shabbat Shalom and see you in Shul! 

Torah Thoughts 16 December 2022 - Vayeshev

Hello Friends and welcome back to Torah Thoughts from Adas Israel the Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa and based in Mason City. Before we get started mark your calendars for January 6 & 7 for services on Friday evening at 7:00PM and our Midrash on Shabbat starting at 10:00AM both events at the Shul. Hope to see you and if possible bring a friend to either event.  We won't try to convert anybody we're just interested in teaching about our faith.

Parsha Vayeshev

This week we read from Vayeshev (Gen. 37:1 - 40:23). The word Vayeshev means "he settled". "Jacob settled in the land of his father's sojournings...". We can glean much from that one line. There is a deep contrast between "settling" and "sojourning' , which implies wandering.  Now Jacob was all about settling down and living in peace. But the kidnapping of Joseph jarred him. And what does Rashi say about tranquility? "Are the righteous not satisfied with what awaits them in the World to Come that they expect to live at ease in this world too?"

Four Stories

In this week's portion we find four stories: 1) The selling of Joseph (Yosef) as a slave by his brothers, which eventually positioned Joseph to be second in command in Egypt and enabled him to save the known world from famine 2) The indiscretion of Judah (Yehuda) with Tamar 3) The attempted seduction of Joseph by Potifar’s wife, which ends with her framing Joseph and having him imprisoned 4) Joseph interpreting the dreams of his fellow prisoners, the wine steward (who was reinstated and forgot to put in a good word for Joseph) and the baker (who was hanged).

It's a busy Parsha full of family drama. Take some time to read it...

Chanukah

This Sunday, after dark we will begin to celebrate the eight days of Chanukah. It is truly interesting that  that, after the Passover Seder, the holiday of Chanukah is the second most widely observed Jewish holiday. To many, Hanukah is just a Jewish version of Christmas. I have heard countless parents say some version of the following to their children: “No honey, we don’t celebrate Christmas – we’re Jewish and we have Chanukah.”

In many ways, the Greeks of antiquity were a very open-minded society and their goal was to integrate everyone into it. In order to achieve this, they demanded that everyone conform to their vision. They used both guile and violence to achieve their goals. Unfortunately, for the Jewish nation this meant abandoning Judaism, the Torah, and everything that they stood for. Sadly, many Jews became “Hellenized” and surrendered their religion.

The story of Chanukah celebrates those who maintained their Judaism and the triumph of the holy Torah and its ideals over paganism and secularism. I have often wondered if those who celebrate Hanukah today would have actually chosen Judaism and a Torah way of life had they lived some 2,300 years ago.

The History

Yes, this is an historical holiday and not one found in the Bible.  In 167 BCE, the Syrian-Greek and Hellenistic emperor, Antiochus Epiphanes, set out to destroy Judaism and incorporate the Land of Israel and its inhabitants into his empire. His soldiers descended upon Jerusalem, massacring thousands of people and defiling the city’s holy Second Temple with idol worship by erecting an altar to Zeus and sacrificing pigs within its sacred walls.

However, the evil Antiochus knew that a mere physical attack on the Jews would not accomplish his goal. He therefore mounted an attack on the very structure of Judaism. First, he prohibited studying and teaching the Torah. By prohibiting the study of Torah he was attempting to eliminate the spiritual backbone of the Jewish people.

He then issued a ban prohibiting the practice of three mitzvot (commandments): 1) Shabbat observance 2) Sanctifying of the new month (establishing the first day of the month by testimony of witnesses who saw the new moon) 3) brit mila (entering the Covenant of Abraham through Torah-ordained circumcision).

Why These Three?

Shabbat signifies that G-d is the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe and that His Torah is the blueprint of creation, sharing with the world meaning and values. Without a functioning calendar there would be communal chaos. Brit mila (circumcision) is a sign of our special covenant with the Almighty. These three mitzvot form a foundation for the structure of Judaism. Without them our cultural integrity would quickly deteriorate and dissolve, and we would slowly assimilate and submit to the Greek culture.

Then a family of Jewish priests – Matityahu and his five sons, known as the Maccabees – would not have it. They started a revolt and three years later succeeded in evicting the oppressors. The victory was a true miracle – on the scale of present day Israel being able to defeat the combined forces of all of today’s super-powers (this might also explain why the emblem of the State of Israel is a menorah). Once the Jewish people regained control of the Temple in Jerusalem, they wanted to rededicate it immediately. The symbol of this rededication was to be the lighting of the menorah on the newly recaptured Temple Mount.

It is a fascinating and historical account of "right vs. might". And the word "Chanukah" means "dedication" in Hebrew.

Today

In homes all over the world we place a menorah in a window that faces the street and begin the custom of lighting one candle each night of Chanukah. There are nine candle holders on every menorah. The tallest is the "lighter" candle.  We light that first and use it to light the others.

And then it is the retelling of the Chanukah story, playing games and eating latkes.  And, yes there will be small gifts opened each night.

Thanks for reading, Shabbat Shalom and Happy Chanukah to you all!