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Rabbi
Buchwald's
Weekly Message
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"Hewers of Wood and Drawers
of Water"
In this parasha, which contains many cogent Rosh Hashana
messages, Moses calls all the people of Israel together
on the last day of his life to reaffirm the people's
covenant with G-d, making a point of calling the hewers
of the wood and the drawers of water. The Torah, in
effect, warns us never to judge people by their professions
or outward appearances. We hope that in these Days of
Judgment, the Al-mighty will judge us favorably as well.
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"Difficult Transitions"
Transitions are always difficult. In parashat Vayeilech
we learn of the transfer of leadership from Moses to
Joshua. In a Chassidic tale we learn about a Jewish
feudal lord who had converted to Christianity, returning
to the Jewish faith only moments before his death.
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"The Imperative of Joy"
Non-Jewish theologians often promote the misleading
notion that Jewish worshipers pray while trembling
in fear and mortal dread before a vengeful deity.
The truth is that Jews are meant to serve G-d in joy
and happiness. It is on the festival of Sukkot where
joy reaches its peak. Therefore we are mandated on
Sukkot to be joyful, and to reaffirm that joy is intended
to be the natural state of the Jewish people. .
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"The Development of Civilization as Recorded in Genesis"
The Torah is primarily a record of the theological developments and accomplishments of humankind. Only in an indirect manner does the Torah teach about cultural developments and the evolving skills of society. While it is related almost coincidently, the knowledge found in the Torah regarding ancient civilization is invaluable.
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"Nimrod and the Financial Meltdown"
The enigmatic Biblical figure, Nimrod, who is described in the Bible as a “mighty hunter before G-d,” seems to be more than just a historic personage of biblical vintage. It could very well be that Nimrod appears in all civilizations and throughout the ages as the prototype of the wily deceiver who seeks to take advantage of the weak. Nimrod, or the likes of Nimrod, may even have been involved in the recent financial meltdown that the worldwide economy is presently experiencing.
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"Shalom Bayit, Little White Lies"
In parashat Vayeira, when Sarah learns that she is going to have a child at age 90 she laughs skeptically and says, “After I have withered shall I be fertile again, and my husband is old!” When G-d asks Abraham why Sarah has laughed, He omits Sarah’s disrespectful reference to Abraham, saying instead that Sarah referred to herself about being old. Why the change?
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"Mourning and Eulogizing"
In parashat Chayei Sarah, Abraham comes to eulogize Sarah and to weep for her. What is the purpose of a eulogy? Who is it meant to honor, and what is it expected to achieve?
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"The Blessings of a Tzaddik"
Isaac wants to bless his son Esau. Rebecca feels that Jacob is more deserving of the blessing. Does a tzaddik (a righteous person) really have the power to bestow blessings on others? Don't all blessings really belong to G-d?
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"Leah, the Fourth Matriarch"
Our matriarch, Leah, bears six of Jacob’s twelve sons, and is nevertheless depicted as “s’nu’ah,” (literally “hated”). Leah, is a complex figure who earns the title “matriarch” and in some ways, outshines her favored sister, Rachel.
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"What's in a Name? "
First an angel informs Jacob that his name has been changed to Yisrael, then the Al-mighty Himself formally announces the name change. Why is Abraham’s name change permanent, while Jacob’s is not?
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"'Fressing' While Rome Burns"
Were Joseph’s brothers evil gluttons who were totally indifferent to their brother’s fate, or was the Al-mighty orchestrating the events here in order to achieve a greater good?
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"Measure for Measure"
One of the great contributions of the Jewish people to civilization is the idea that a third innocent party may not be punished for the actions of another person. The practice of an “eye for an eye” has always been interpreted in Judaism as monetary compensation for an eye, thoroughly rejecting Lex Talionis, physical retaliation as the ancients practiced. Notwithstanding all this, our rabbis understood the G-d’s heavenly justice does operate on the principle of “measure for measure.” The story of Joseph in particular contains many proof texts to underscore how human beings are indeed held accountable by Heaven for their actions.
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"Deferred Punishment for the Sale of Joseph"
The rabbis attribute the martyrdom of the ten righteous Torah scholars in the time of Hadrian to the sale of Joseph. What is the connection, and why was the punishment so long in coming?
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"Blessing the Children "
There is no greater joy for parents than to bask in the blessings of one’s children. Unfortunately, there is no greater pain that one can endure than the shame brought upon one’s family and on the family of humankind by our children.
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"Does Moses Contradict G-d?"
In parashat Shemot, Moses seems to disagree with, indeed contradict, G-d. Despite G-d’s explicit statement that, “They shall harken to thy voice,” Moses responds, that “They will not believe me, nor harken to my voice.” Our rabbis struggle over whether Moses spoke to G-d unbeffitingly, or whether G-d and Moses were simply referring to different issues when they each spoke.
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"Why Didn’t the Egyptians Rebel Against Pharaoh"
Egypt had already suffered through seven plagues. The Egyptian people were down on their knees. Why didn’t the citizens rebel against Pharaoh? Why did they allow their storied civilization to be destroyed before their very eyes?
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"It's Payback Time!"
In parashat Bo, the Torah states that the male firstling of every donkey must be redeemed with a lamb. If it is not redeemed, then it must be killed by breaking its neck. From this, Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch learns that, "He who selfishly refuses to redeem his donkey, is himself sentencing it [his possessions] to destruction." Are we now witnessing such a period in Jewish life? Is it because of our failure to use our possessions properly during the many years of abundance that we are witnessing the evaporation of massive amounts of Jewish wealth?
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"Pharaoh Sends the People of Israel out of Egypt"
The opening verse of parashat B’shalach is rather challenging. The Hebrew word “Vy’he” is seen as an indication of sadness. Why sadness at such a triumphal moment? Also, the verse asserts that Pharaoh, not G-d, sent the Children of Israel out of Egypt. Can this be true?
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"Ambassadors Needed"
Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses, recommends establishing a Judicial system that can work efficiently to reduce the burdens on Moses and the people. Jethro's advice was not just about a judicial system. It was much more!
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"The Delicate Balance"
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch's interpretation of the difficult to comprehend details and furnishings of the Tabernacle teach us insightful life lessons. Among those lessons is that Israel's material and intellectual well-being stand under Divine protection. When Israel uses both of these endowments properly to further the ideals taught by Torah, then we as a people will be prosperous and safe. There is a grave danger lest prosperity become of primary importance, and intellectual advance be used to modify or reform the Torah.
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"The Urim and Tumim--The Mysterious Priestly Accessory"
One of the special accessories that the High Priest wore is known as the Urim v’Tumim. It is a rather mysterious vestment and apparently had the power to determine Jewish law, and provide guidance for the leaders of Israel and the people. According to Rashi, Urim stands for light and Tumim stands for clarity.
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"The Role of Aaron and the Golden Calf "
The biblical text of this parasha describes Aaron as an apparent collaborator with the Israelites in creating the Golden Calf. How is it that Aaron is not condemned by the Torah, and is, in fact, exonerated by most biblical commentators?
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"All For the Sake of Heaven "
Parashiot Vayakhel-Pekudei are, in essence, repetitions of the instructions regarding building the sanctuary and manufacturing the priestly vestment. The multiple repetitions come to teach that every action in building G-d's dwelling place must be done for the sake of Heaven. So too, must all the actions of every Jew be for the sake of Heaven.
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"Shlamim: Expressing Wholehearted Gratitude"
The Shlamim sacrifice, or Peace offering, plays a central role in the Jewish sacrificial rite. Although sacrifices are no longer offered today, their inherent symbolic meanings are still quite cogent. The ability to express gratitude for no particular reason, but merely because one is satisfied with one’s life, is a feeling that is vitally important for people to articulate.
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"Judaism’s Upbeat View of the Past"
The very first service of the day that the Kohen performed was known as Terumat Hadeshen, the lifting of the ashes. Rabbi Hirsch sees it not as the first act of the service of the new day, but rather as the final act of the preceding day’s service. This optimistic interpretation underscores Judaism’s singularly positive attitude toward life. Yesterday’s frustrations, mistakes, errors and sins are not something to be erased from our consciousness, but rather something to be seen as a way station in our perpetual growth, in our never-ending effort at self-improvement.
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"What is the Prophet Elijah Doing at Our Passover Seder?"
What is Elijah, the zealous and angry prophet of Israel, doing at our joyous Passover Seder? This seemingly inappropriate guest turns out to be a most appropriate visitor who adds important dimensions to our Passover Seder.
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"Aaron’s Response to Tragedy–a Lesson for Yom Hashoah"
On what should have been the most jubilant day of his life, Aaron suffers the tragic loss of two of his sons who bring a strange fire shortly after the Tabernacle is inaugurated. Despite these grievous losses, Aaron and his two remaining sons are determined to go on with the ceremony. It is the commitment to preserve Jewish life, and live as a Jew with great zeal and passion, as taught to us by the High Priest Aaron, that is, unquestionably, the most powerful and appropriate response to the Shoah.
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"And He Shall be Brought to the Priest"
The expression, “And he shall be brought to the priest” is repeated in each of this week’s double parashiot, Tazria and Metzora. This recurring phrase is explained by various commentators as having important contemporary implications and bearing vital lessons for both Israel and American society.
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"Blood–the Essence of Life"
The Torah, on numerous occasions, prohibits eating blood. It also requires that the blood of certain non-domesticated wild animals, such as deer, as well as birds that are slaughtered for food, be covered with earth. What is the reason for this strict prohibition against blood, and why is the blood of only certain animals covered?
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"The Highest Mitzvah of All!"
In parashat Emor, our sages derive from the laws governing the prohibition of the priest from defiling himself to the dead, the special commandment of "Met Mitzvah," the requirement to bury an abandoned body for which there is no one else to care. It is considered by many to be the foremost mitzvah, over which no other mitzvah takes precedence.
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"Impoverishment: In those Days, in these Times"
In parashat Behar, the poor person is described on several occasions as “mach,” crushed. Judaism’s remarkable laws regarding charity not only address the material losses of an impoverished person, but also attempt to heal the emotional losses of those who have lost their life’s possessions.
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"Bringing Order to the Camp of Israel"
When it came to setting up the camp of Israel in the wilderness, two influences were significant. The angels at Sinai who surrounded G-d, and the directives that Jacob bequeathed to his children at the time of his death. Establishing healthy and secure family relationships often requires Divine intervention, but the human role must not be underestimated.
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"Mother of Royalty"
In the book of Kings, it is stated that King Solomon, set a chair for the “king’s mother.” In the Talmud, Rav Elazar explains that this referred not to Bathsheba, but rather to the “Mother of Royalty,” Ruth. It was the Moabite princess, Ruth, who preserved the quality of loving-kindness that had been long lost amongst the children of Abraham, and reintroduced loving-kindness to the world. We now pray that salvation in our time shall also come from an unexpected and remote source, to enlighten us and redeem our world as well.
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"An Extreme Lifestyle"
TAccording to rabbinic interpretation, the Nazirite chooses a path of extreme behavior in order to avoid the temptations that he encounters in everyday life. Maimonides also recommends extreme behavior in order to heal oneself from negative traits. However, the extreme behavior in both instances must never be presumed to be normative. It is the “golden path” and the balanced disposition that must always be one’s goal.
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"Would a Human Author Have Written this?"
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch points out in his commentary that Moses’ request to his father-in-law Jethro to remain with the Jewish people and to serve as a guide for them, underscores the lack of even the most elementary leadership and organizational skills on the part of Moses. On the other hand, the fact that these and other unflattering portions are included in the Bible, clearly establishes that the Torah could not possibly be the work of any human author.
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"Long-Term Consequences"
When the ancient Israelites heard the evil reports of the ten scouts, they stayed up all night and cried. The Talmud states that G-d reacted to this crying by declaring “You cried for no reason, I will give you good cause to cry.” That very day, the 9th of Av, was consequently designated in Jewish history as a day of evil, in which many calamities occurred including the destruction of both Temples. Although G-d forgave the young generation of the wilderness, He still held the people accountable for what they had done. Contemporary Jews must also consider the role that they play and the long-term consequences of their actions.
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"A Controversy with an Ignoble Purpose"
In Ethics of the Fathers we learn what the rabbis regarded as legitimate disputes and illegitimate disputes. The lesson that rabbis in Avot teach, not only clarifies the issue of disputes, but also clarifies much of what took place at the rebellion of Korach.
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"The Ultimate Value of Human Life"
In the first of this week’s double parashiot, a battle takes place. Described in only three verses, it is a battle between Israel and the Canaanite king of Arad. In the battle, the commentators suggest that only a single maidservant is captured from Israel. Israel vows to defeat the enemy, and G-d delivers the enemy into their hands. This obscure battle teaches us about the great lengths that our enemies would go to deceive us and how precious human life is to the people of Israel, regardless of whether Jewish or not.
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"Joshua, the Worthy Successor"
In parashat Pinchas, Moses asks G-d to designate a successor to serve the future generation. Joshua is chosen. Who is Joshua, and why was he chosen to succeed the great Moses?
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"The Lesson of the Journeys"
Parashat Masei contains an account of the 42 locations where the people of Israel encamped during their 40 year journey in the wilderness. While the emphasis on the details seems to be unnecessary, there are many lessons to be garnered from the abundant details.
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"Og Stands Tall on the Stage of History"
In Moses’ recapitulation of the battles that Israel fought during their 40 years in the wilderness, he recalls the defeat of Sihon, the Amorite King, and Og the king of Bashan. Although the biblical text reveals little about Og, the Midrash creates an elaborate biography of the Amorite king.
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"Tisha B’Av: Never Beyond Redemption"
In parashat Va’etchanan we read the portion “Kee to’leed ba’neem,” which is read on Tisha B’Av. It predicts that the Jewish people will stray from G-d and commit horrible sins. And yet, it is one of the most optimistic portions, promising that G-d will welcome us back with open arms no matter how far we stray.
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"Feeding the Animals–Beasts and Humans"
Parashat Eikev includes a reference to eating food and being sated. From this brief reference, we are taught many exalted laws regarding our relationship to food, our relationship to animals, as well as Judaism’s deep understanding of human nature.
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"The Chosen People–Again!"
Four times the Torah reminds the Jewish people that they are a special treasure to G-d. What does this idea mean, and what do the people need to do to safeguard their special status with G-d?
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"The Torah Declares War on Bribery"
Although much of western society considers bribery in judgment to be a perversion of justice, this has not always been the case. The intention of providing equal justice to all citizens is a rather recent development. In the Torah, bribery has always been looked upon as the height of venality.
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"Ben Sorer U’Moreh--The Rebellious Son"
The case of Ben Sorer U’moreh, the prodigal son, is one of the most complex in Jewish law. Whether the Ben Sorer U’moreh actually existed is subject to dispute. Nevertheless, there is much to learn from the rules governing the treatment of the prodigal child.
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"Stretch Those Face Muscles!"
When the first fruits were harvested, they were brought by the farmers to Jerusalem with great fanfare and celebration. The Bikurim ritual teaches us a fundamental life principle of expressing gratitude and joy for the gifts that G-d bestows upon us. How unfortunate it is that so many who live in this most prosperous of times, have lost the ability to smile, to feel happy and to express proper gratitude for all the goodness in our lives.
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"Farewell to a Great Leader"
At age 120, Moses went out to speak to the people of Israel and console them over his impending death. The death of Moses brings to mind the recent passing of a great Jewish leader, Rabbi Zelik Epstein, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivah Shaar HaTorah, who was extremely helpful to NJOP with his courageous decisions and support of our vital work.
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