This week there is discussion of sacrifices and rituals. Sacrifices for sins and for certain situations that require recognition of divine intervention in everyday situations are all discussed.
These rituals create links between the spiritual requirements, real world actions and real world expectations. It is very important in Judaism to know that we have actions in the real world that are core to our code and that the powers to perform these acts are in our control. These rituals underscore that there is something bigger out there directing our actions and events and gives us the tools to recognize that in our daily lives.
These sacrifices are the foundation of the prayers and blessings we say to this day and create a way to thank god in a spiritual way for an everyday occurrence. We must never forget that the divine must be expressed in everyday occurrences but conversely everyday occurrences are also and expression of the divine. When our parsha makes us have rituals relating to everyday realities it is reminding us of the connection.
We are heading into Passover which is heavy in everyday ritual. It is a special chance to think with every bite about our history and covenant. It is a wonderful expression of divine belief in everyday action. Our offering to ourselves, our family and to HaShem should be to take a moment this week and this holiday to remember how our life has a holy connection to our everyday actions and appreciate that a little more with our family and celebration this upcoming week.
Shabbat Shalom
Summary of The Weekly Torah Reading:
1st Aliya: Additional instructions regarding the Olah - ascent offering, and the Mincha - meal offering are detailed.
2nd Aliya: The special meal offering of the Kohain Gadol and the special inaugural meal offering of the regular Kohain is described. This was the same offering in both cases; however, the Kohain Gadol brought his offering every day while the regular Kohain did so only on the day of his inauguration into the service of the Bais Hamikdash. Additional laws of the sin offering, and the guilt offering are detailed.
3rd Aliya: Additional laws of the peace offering are detailed along with those portions of the offering that must be shared with the Kohain.
4th, 5th, 6th, & 7th Aliyot: The remainder of the Parsha describes the first seven days of the inaugural process for Aharon and his four sons. Moshe functioned as the Kohain Gadol to officiate over the inaugural process, and Aharon and his sons were forbidden to leave the Mishkan the entire time.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Weekly Shabbat Parsha Thoughts – Vayikra – 3.19.2010
This week we hear a lot about offerings and sacrifices. What relevance does this have for today? One thought that kept on coming to me was the order of description of the first sacrifices - particularly when it talks about sins.
The initial sins that are highlighted deal with the sins of leaders. A sin of leader is addressed specifically, including judgment. And these initial sins are for unintentional sins. I love the idea that the system of repentance (and by that standard it also defines expectations) builds in the necessity of leadership holding itself to a higher standard. This week we remind ourselves that in order to be chosen people, a light unto the nations and lead that we must hold ourselves to a higher standard than we hold others. In order to lead we can do no less. And if we are leading that is what will be expected of us if we want people to follow.
This basic leadership principle is highlighted this week. We must hold ourselves to this higher standard and be willing to admit it and act when we do not live up to that ideal. In fact, recognizing these moments and recovering from them is also a key component of a leader. As people we all have the opportunity to lead. Whether it is ourselves, our careers, families and of course larger groups, we all have moments where we are the leader. This week the Torah reminds us of the responsibilities included with this task, as well as the tools to recognize when we fall short and have to get going again. That too is part of the leader’s journey and part of being Jewish.
So may we all take this week to reflect on the opportunities we have had to lead and look over them and hope that we have lived up to a higher standard than we asked the people who followed us. And when we do we can know that we are living in on of the ultimate ideals of Jewish leadership and when we do not get there we should know that there is a special place in the Torah for us to recognize and recover and as with all things in Judaism – get back to the work we are committed to.
Shabbat Shalom
Summary of The Weekly Torah Reading:
1st & 2nd & 3rd Aliyot: The instructions for offering a "Oleh" - burnt offering (fully consumed on the Alter) is detailed. This offering could be brought from a bull, or male sheep or goat. The less expensive "Oleh", using a Turtle Dove or common dove, is described. The Mincha, an offering made from baked, fried, or deep fried matzoh type crackers is detailed.
4th Aliya: The Korban Shlomim - the peace offering, brought from male or female cattle, sheep, and goats is described.
5th Aliya: This aliya describes this Korban Chatas - the sin offering. Three unique sin offerings are described:
1. When the High Priest sinned
2. If the King sinned
3. If the entire nation sinned because of a wrong ruling by the Sanhedrin - High Court. Note: A Korban Chatas could only be offered if the sin was unintentional.
6th & 7th Aliyot: The Korban Chatas of a commoner is detailed, as well as the specifics of the Korban Asham - the guilt offering. This Korban was offered in instances where intentional wrong doing was implicated; such as not fulfilling an assumed oath, or doing something questionable without first ascertaining the law. Additionally, a type of Asham was offered in instances of dishonesty and swearing falsely.
The initial sins that are highlighted deal with the sins of leaders. A sin of leader is addressed specifically, including judgment. And these initial sins are for unintentional sins. I love the idea that the system of repentance (and by that standard it also defines expectations) builds in the necessity of leadership holding itself to a higher standard. This week we remind ourselves that in order to be chosen people, a light unto the nations and lead that we must hold ourselves to a higher standard than we hold others. In order to lead we can do no less. And if we are leading that is what will be expected of us if we want people to follow.
This basic leadership principle is highlighted this week. We must hold ourselves to this higher standard and be willing to admit it and act when we do not live up to that ideal. In fact, recognizing these moments and recovering from them is also a key component of a leader. As people we all have the opportunity to lead. Whether it is ourselves, our careers, families and of course larger groups, we all have moments where we are the leader. This week the Torah reminds us of the responsibilities included with this task, as well as the tools to recognize when we fall short and have to get going again. That too is part of the leader’s journey and part of being Jewish.
So may we all take this week to reflect on the opportunities we have had to lead and look over them and hope that we have lived up to a higher standard than we asked the people who followed us. And when we do we can know that we are living in on of the ultimate ideals of Jewish leadership and when we do not get there we should know that there is a special place in the Torah for us to recognize and recover and as with all things in Judaism – get back to the work we are committed to.
Shabbat Shalom
Summary of The Weekly Torah Reading:
1st & 2nd & 3rd Aliyot: The instructions for offering a "Oleh" - burnt offering (fully consumed on the Alter) is detailed. This offering could be brought from a bull, or male sheep or goat. The less expensive "Oleh", using a Turtle Dove or common dove, is described. The Mincha, an offering made from baked, fried, or deep fried matzoh type crackers is detailed.
4th Aliya: The Korban Shlomim - the peace offering, brought from male or female cattle, sheep, and goats is described.
5th Aliya: This aliya describes this Korban Chatas - the sin offering. Three unique sin offerings are described:
1. When the High Priest sinned
2. If the King sinned
3. If the entire nation sinned because of a wrong ruling by the Sanhedrin - High Court. Note: A Korban Chatas could only be offered if the sin was unintentional.
6th & 7th Aliyot: The Korban Chatas of a commoner is detailed, as well as the specifics of the Korban Asham - the guilt offering. This Korban was offered in instances where intentional wrong doing was implicated; such as not fulfilling an assumed oath, or doing something questionable without first ascertaining the law. Additionally, a type of Asham was offered in instances of dishonesty and swearing falsely.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Weekly Shabbat Parsha Thoughts – Vayakhel and Pekudei – 3.12.2010
This week we have a double parsha. It goes into great detail about the design and costs of the mishkan. The Jewish people are asked to bring materials for the building and the response is overwhelming. In this first community capital campaign the Jewish people provide the materials for construction of the mishkan. In fact the response is so overwhelming that Moses requests that the people stop bringing the donations in.
Then the torah goes on to detail much of the building process and then it does something that sends a remarkable message to us as a people. They go through a full accounting of the materials used. What a wonderful message about the vital nature of transparency and integrity. The Torah teaches us here that community resources even when committed to holy work must have a full accounting. It is stating that leaders must understand the importance of their followers and show them that they are treated with respect and integrity.
If HaShem and Moses must show a full accounting for the work on the mishkan than certainly everyone else must be willing to do the same when they are trusted with the resources of other people, whether that is time, talent or treasure. What a wonderful lesson about “walking the walk”.
To lead and make a difference we must try to operate with openness, transparency and integrity. It is a wonderful example and standard for us to live up to.
Shabbat Shalom
Summary of The Weekly Torah Reading:
Parshas Vayakhel / Pekudei
1st Aliya: The Parsha begins with the Mitzvah of Shabbos and the penalty for her transgression. Note that Pasuk 35:5 is classic proof of the Oral Law. Those who deny the Oral Law must explain the literal translation of this verse to prohibit having any burning flame on Shabbos. This would forbid the use of lights, heat, and even Shabbos candles! It is the Oral Law which teaches us that the G-d's prohibition was directed at lighting a fire, not having a fire. Moshe asked the Bnai Yisroel to donate the time, talents, and materials for the construction of the Mishkan. The Bnai Yisroel responded with unbridled enthusiasm.
2nd Aliya: Talents and materials were donated and Betzallel and Oholiav were appointed as chief architects and artists. The response to Moshe's appeal was so great that Moshe had to command the people to stop their donations! The outer coverings of the Mishkan and the inner tapestries are detailed. The beams of the Mishkan, the Aron Hakodesh, and the Shulchan - Table are described.
3rd & 4th Aliyot: The Menorah and the inner Golden Altar are described. The outer ramped Altar, the Washstand, and the Mishkan's surrounding enclosure are detailed. Pekudei begins with an accounting of the materials used in the construction of the Mishkan. (gold = 4,386.5 lb./ silver = 15,088.75 lb./ copper = 10,620 lb.)
5th & 6th Aliyot: The Kohein Gadol's breastplate and vest are described. The remaining garments of the Kohein Gadol and the other Kohanim are detailed, and Moshe inspects the completed Mishkan. Moshe certifies that the entire project followed the exact details of Hashem's instructions. Moshe blesses the workers.
7th Aliya: On the 1st day of Nissan, 2449, the Mishkan was assembled. After every vessel was properly in place, the presence of Hashem, the Shechina, descended in a cloud and filled the Mishkan.
Then the torah goes on to detail much of the building process and then it does something that sends a remarkable message to us as a people. They go through a full accounting of the materials used. What a wonderful message about the vital nature of transparency and integrity. The Torah teaches us here that community resources even when committed to holy work must have a full accounting. It is stating that leaders must understand the importance of their followers and show them that they are treated with respect and integrity.
If HaShem and Moses must show a full accounting for the work on the mishkan than certainly everyone else must be willing to do the same when they are trusted with the resources of other people, whether that is time, talent or treasure. What a wonderful lesson about “walking the walk”.
To lead and make a difference we must try to operate with openness, transparency and integrity. It is a wonderful example and standard for us to live up to.
Shabbat Shalom
Summary of The Weekly Torah Reading:
Parshas Vayakhel / Pekudei
1st Aliya: The Parsha begins with the Mitzvah of Shabbos and the penalty for her transgression. Note that Pasuk 35:5 is classic proof of the Oral Law. Those who deny the Oral Law must explain the literal translation of this verse to prohibit having any burning flame on Shabbos. This would forbid the use of lights, heat, and even Shabbos candles! It is the Oral Law which teaches us that the G-d's prohibition was directed at lighting a fire, not having a fire. Moshe asked the Bnai Yisroel to donate the time, talents, and materials for the construction of the Mishkan. The Bnai Yisroel responded with unbridled enthusiasm.
2nd Aliya: Talents and materials were donated and Betzallel and Oholiav were appointed as chief architects and artists. The response to Moshe's appeal was so great that Moshe had to command the people to stop their donations! The outer coverings of the Mishkan and the inner tapestries are detailed. The beams of the Mishkan, the Aron Hakodesh, and the Shulchan - Table are described.
3rd & 4th Aliyot: The Menorah and the inner Golden Altar are described. The outer ramped Altar, the Washstand, and the Mishkan's surrounding enclosure are detailed. Pekudei begins with an accounting of the materials used in the construction of the Mishkan. (gold = 4,386.5 lb./ silver = 15,088.75 lb./ copper = 10,620 lb.)
5th & 6th Aliyot: The Kohein Gadol's breastplate and vest are described. The remaining garments of the Kohein Gadol and the other Kohanim are detailed, and Moshe inspects the completed Mishkan. Moshe certifies that the entire project followed the exact details of Hashem's instructions. Moshe blesses the workers.
7th Aliya: On the 1st day of Nissan, 2449, the Mishkan was assembled. After every vessel was properly in place, the presence of Hashem, the Shechina, descended in a cloud and filled the Mishkan.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Weekly Parsha Message - Ki Tisa - 3.5.2010
So this week has the infamous story of the golden calf. After two weeks of description of structure and appearance for community and leadership the torah reminds us that we as leaders have to act and be a part of that leadership. We learn this week that our actions are an integral part of being Jewish. That without those actions the covenant cannot happen. So as the story goes Moses is late, the people revolt and Aaron helps build the golden calf. What is interesting here is that HaShem does not lose faith with Aaron or the Israelites.
We should remember this episode that there is a cost of not playing our part of covenant we are also given the opportunity to recover from those mistakes. It is not an accident that the laws for repentance follow the golden calf in the story. We must use this story to remember what we can impact positively, to know that we will make mistakes and that when we do we must know that it is expected and if we use the process established by HaShem to repent there is a structure for forgiveness. It is the balance of obligation, justice and forgiveness that gives our faith much of its complexity, comprehensiveness and compassion.
And this parsha starts off with a story that reminds us of the impact we can have if we are focused on the results we can achieve instead of our shortcomings. There is a census of the Jewish people. But it is not a direct count of heads it is a count of an offering brought by everyone. In fact it is considered a sin to a direct count of the Jewish people. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks (the Chief Rabbi of London) offers an wonderful reason for this. The Jewish people’s strength comes not from their numbers … but from their contributions.
This week we are reminded of our potential for failure and mistakes. It is part of the human condition and the covenant does not exempt us. But we are given a code and system that allows us to recover and we are reminded that we as a people are to be counted in this world not just as people but as our giving, our impact on civilization and tikun olam. We may not have the numbers to “rule the world” but through our impact and covenant we have the ability and obligation to change it and make it better. Our impact has been large and can continue to change the world and that is how we should be counted and we should count ourselves.
Shabbat Shalom
Parshas Ki Tisa
1st Aliya: This first Aliya concludes the details of the Mishkan's construction. The Bnai Yisroel are commanded to give the half Shekel toward a national census and the purchasing of the public offerings. The copper washstand, the Kiyor, is described along with the ingredients and laws of the anointing oil and the Ketores - the incense. Betzallel, the grandson of Chur and great-grandson of Miriam, is identified as the chief artisan and architect of the Mishkan. (Note: he was only 13 yr. old!) The Mitzvah of Shabbos is commanded. Its juxtaposition to the details of the Mishkan provides the Gemara with the source for determining the 39 categories of Melacha prohibited on Shabbos.
2nd Aliya: The story of the Golden Calf is told. Moshe ascended Sinai on the morning of Sivan 7, and remained 40 days and nights. The 7th didn't start with a night, so it wasn't included in the total of 40. The Jews mistakenly assumed that it was to be included and expected Moshe back on the morning of Tamuz 16. Instead, he returned the morning of Tamuz 17. By midday of the 16th, the Jews were already desperate. Chur attempts to reason with them and is killed. They approach Aharon who attempts to redirect their terror which results in the Golden Calf. Moshe appears the next morning, breaks the Luchos, marshals the tribe of Levi, and 3000 people are killed. Moshe demands Hashem's forgiveness for the people, but moves the Ohel Moed out from the midst of the camp. Yehoshua is proclaimed the main student of Moshe.
3rd & 4th Aliyot: Moshe requests to understand Hashem's system of justice. He is granted a greater understanding of Hashem than any other person in history, but is denied the ability to comprehend divine justice.
5th Aliya: Moshe is instructed to cut two new Luchos and ascend Sinai. Moshe is taught the secret formula for Teshuva (the Thirteen Names of G-d as He Manifests His Mercy) (34:6) and G-d forgives the Bnai Yisroel.
6th Aliya: Hashem establishes a new covenant with the people. He forewarns them against the influences of assimilation and intermarriage and forbids them to make any treaties with the inhabitants of Canaan. The holidays of Pesach, Shevout, and Succos are reviewed, as well as Shabbos and the basic law of Kashrus.
7th Aliya: Moshe remains on Sinai another 40 days and nights and returns on Yom Kippur carrying the second Luchos. The people see that the very being of Moshe had been transformed and that his face radiated with a inner light. Moshe fashions for himself a veil that he would wear at all times, except when receiving a prophecy and when transmitting the word of G-d to the people.
We should remember this episode that there is a cost of not playing our part of covenant we are also given the opportunity to recover from those mistakes. It is not an accident that the laws for repentance follow the golden calf in the story. We must use this story to remember what we can impact positively, to know that we will make mistakes and that when we do we must know that it is expected and if we use the process established by HaShem to repent there is a structure for forgiveness. It is the balance of obligation, justice and forgiveness that gives our faith much of its complexity, comprehensiveness and compassion.
And this parsha starts off with a story that reminds us of the impact we can have if we are focused on the results we can achieve instead of our shortcomings. There is a census of the Jewish people. But it is not a direct count of heads it is a count of an offering brought by everyone. In fact it is considered a sin to a direct count of the Jewish people. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks (the Chief Rabbi of London) offers an wonderful reason for this. The Jewish people’s strength comes not from their numbers … but from their contributions.
This week we are reminded of our potential for failure and mistakes. It is part of the human condition and the covenant does not exempt us. But we are given a code and system that allows us to recover and we are reminded that we as a people are to be counted in this world not just as people but as our giving, our impact on civilization and tikun olam. We may not have the numbers to “rule the world” but through our impact and covenant we have the ability and obligation to change it and make it better. Our impact has been large and can continue to change the world and that is how we should be counted and we should count ourselves.
Shabbat Shalom
Parshas Ki Tisa
1st Aliya: This first Aliya concludes the details of the Mishkan's construction. The Bnai Yisroel are commanded to give the half Shekel toward a national census and the purchasing of the public offerings. The copper washstand, the Kiyor, is described along with the ingredients and laws of the anointing oil and the Ketores - the incense. Betzallel, the grandson of Chur and great-grandson of Miriam, is identified as the chief artisan and architect of the Mishkan. (Note: he was only 13 yr. old!) The Mitzvah of Shabbos is commanded. Its juxtaposition to the details of the Mishkan provides the Gemara with the source for determining the 39 categories of Melacha prohibited on Shabbos.
2nd Aliya: The story of the Golden Calf is told. Moshe ascended Sinai on the morning of Sivan 7, and remained 40 days and nights. The 7th didn't start with a night, so it wasn't included in the total of 40. The Jews mistakenly assumed that it was to be included and expected Moshe back on the morning of Tamuz 16. Instead, he returned the morning of Tamuz 17. By midday of the 16th, the Jews were already desperate. Chur attempts to reason with them and is killed. They approach Aharon who attempts to redirect their terror which results in the Golden Calf. Moshe appears the next morning, breaks the Luchos, marshals the tribe of Levi, and 3000 people are killed. Moshe demands Hashem's forgiveness for the people, but moves the Ohel Moed out from the midst of the camp. Yehoshua is proclaimed the main student of Moshe.
3rd & 4th Aliyot: Moshe requests to understand Hashem's system of justice. He is granted a greater understanding of Hashem than any other person in history, but is denied the ability to comprehend divine justice.
5th Aliya: Moshe is instructed to cut two new Luchos and ascend Sinai. Moshe is taught the secret formula for Teshuva (the Thirteen Names of G-d as He Manifests His Mercy) (34:6) and G-d forgives the Bnai Yisroel.
6th Aliya: Hashem establishes a new covenant with the people. He forewarns them against the influences of assimilation and intermarriage and forbids them to make any treaties with the inhabitants of Canaan. The holidays of Pesach, Shevout, and Succos are reviewed, as well as Shabbos and the basic law of Kashrus.
7th Aliya: Moshe remains on Sinai another 40 days and nights and returns on Yom Kippur carrying the second Luchos. The people see that the very being of Moshe had been transformed and that his face radiated with a inner light. Moshe fashions for himself a veil that he would wear at all times, except when receiving a prophecy and when transmitting the word of G-d to the people.
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