Lulav, Maggid & the Power of Stories

I bet you’re thinking, “Wrong holiday.”  What does the lulav have to do with Pesach?

The Talmud (Sukkah 11b) raises the issue of “lulav tzarich egged,” the lulav needs a handle to bind it together with the hadasim (myrtles) and aravot (willows).  The word “egged” contains the root which means to bring together or to unite.

That root also has a prominent place at our Pesach Seder table during Maggid, the part of the Seder when we recount and try to recreate the story of our exodus from Egypt.

Maggid has two purposes.  One is “egged,” all Jews read the same text containing similar facts and details about a shared experience.  The other is “l’haggid,” to tell stories, to jump off the page and share our own personal understanding and familial experiences.  We all read the story of the rabbis having a Seder in Bnei Brak.  Each of us, though, knows and tells our own personal favorite Seder stories.  What is your favorite Pesach memory?  Where did your great-grandfather celebrate Pesach?  Remember the time we couldn’t fine the afikoman? 

Jews are called “the people of the book,” but one can also say that we are “the people of the story.”  Judaism is about religion, law, and theology, and Judaism is also about transmitting our individual and communal narrative.  Rav Kook notes the role of both stories and law in the Torah. He calls the experiences of the patriarchs and matriarchs, “Torat Avot,” and we learn about our responsibilities and law in “Torat Moshe.”

Pesach, with its sippur yetzias mitzraim obligation of telling the Exodus story, is our annual festival of stories.  We reconnect with our ability to tell, teach, and transmit stories.  We get in touch with our inner child and our ability to get excited over how the story will still end.  We remember that stories have a unique power to inform and to inspire, to fascinate and to educate.

Stories help guarantee our future.

A story is told of two rabbis competing for the position of Rabbi of an important Jewish community in Easter Europe.  One was a famed scholar of halakhah, while the other, while also a scholar, was more well-known for his knowledge of Jewish history.

The scholar made his claim in being the superior candidate by claiming, “I know the whole Torah.  Even if others forget or don’t have the books, I can ensure Torah will be remembered.”  The other rabbi also made his case for deserving the position.  He said, “I am an expert in the telling of the story of the Jewish people.  If we know and teach the story, Judaism will never be forgotten.”

The second Rabbi got the job.  Stories are key to Jewish survival.

Here is another of my favorite stories which demonstrate the power of stories.

The holy Baal Shem-Tov loved his people.  Whenever he sensed they were in danger, he would go to a secret place in the woods, light a special fire, and say a special prayer.  Then, without fail, his people would be saved from danger.  The Baal Shem-Tov passed on and his disciple, the Magid of Mezritch, came to lead the people.  Whenever he sensed his people were in danger, he would go to the secret place in the woods. "Dear God," he would say, “I don't know how to light the special fire, but I know the special prayer.  Please let that be good enough.”  It was, and the people would once again be saved from danger.

When the Magid passed on, he was succeeded by Rabbi Moshe Leib of Sasov, and whenever he heard that his people were in danger, he would go to the secret place in the woods.  "Dear God," he would say, "I don't know how to make the special fire, I don't know how to say the special prayer, but I know this secret place in the woods.  Please let that be good enough."  It was, and the people would once again be saved from danger.

When Rabbi Moshe passed, he was succeeded by Rabbi Israel of Rizhyn, and whenever somebody told him that his people were in danger, he didn't even get out of his armchair.  He could only bow his head and shrug his shoulders.  "Dear God," he would pray, "I don't know how to make the special fire. I don't know how to say the special prayer.  I don't even know the secret place in the woods.  All I know is the story, and I'm hoping that's good enough."  It was, and his people would be saved.

Stories have tremendous value.  As we gather around the Seder table, let’s tell some of the greatest stories ever told.  It may not be enough, but it is an essential step in the right direction for today.

More Mishloach Manot!

What is the first thing you think of when you hear the words Mishloach Manot (Purim gifts of food)?

I have a whole rush of memories of little bottles of grape juice, baskets in cellophane, Purim day delivery runs, and going through baskets looking for the “good stuff” while tossing aside whatever I didn’t like.  The Mishloach Manot operation (or as we call it – Shaloch Manos) was truly a highlight of Purim.  It’s not the same anymore when there are projects for which you check off names, and receive one big basket (no matter how nice it is).

The Rambam teaches (Laws of Megillat Esther 2:15) that it is praiseworthy to send more Mishloach Manot than the obligatory gift to one friend.  At the same time, he writes (2:17):

One should rather spend more money on gifts to the poor than on his Purim banquet and presents to his friends. No joy is greater and more glorious than the joy of gladdening the hearts of the poor, the orphans, the widows, and the strangers…

While the Rambam is absolutely right that helping those in need far outweighs giving more food to friends, I am convinced that, today, we need more Mishloach Manot.

The source of the mitzvah of Mishloach Manot is Esther 9:19:

וּמִשְׁלוֹחַ מָנוֹת אִישׁ לְרֵעֵהוּ

Send portions of food from one friend to another.

The verse states that portions of food (plural) must be sent from one friend to another.  From here, we learn the familiar requirement of sending two kinds of food to, at least, one person.  (The need for the foods to be different blessings is actually not required.)

We might be done with this mitzvah except for the fact that there is an interesting halakhic debate whether the primary purpose of the mitzvah is on the Mishloach Manot, sending the food, or whether the mitzvah focuses on Ish L’Ray-ay-hoo, the friendship between the sender and recipient.

What difference does it make?  Actually, quite a bit.

If the mitzvah is all about the food, what happens if the recipient doesn’t like the food in the package?  If it’s about friendship, does the food even matter?  Or my favorite technicality: If Mishloach Manot is all about the food, then if I receive food but don’t know who it’s from, the mitzvah is fulfilled.  If it’s about creating feelings of friendship, then there is no mitzvah if the sender cannot be identified.

Which is more important? 

I like a nice Purim treat as much as the next person, but, today, we need much more focus on friendship.

The Rambam is correct.  We don’t need to go overboard on Mishloach Manot - sending gifts of food to friends.  Yet, we do need a lot more Ish L’Ray-ay-hoo – we need to increase as much as we possibly can the feelings of friendship between people.  

It’s getting nasty out there.

A recent column quoted a study that found that just over 42% of the people in each party view the opposition as “downright evil.”  This suggests that 48.8 million voters out of the 136.7 million who cast ballots in 2016 believe that members of opposition party are in league with the devil.  Furthermore, some 20% of Democrats (that’s 12.6 million voters) and 16% of Republicans (7.9 million voters) do think on occasion that the country would be better off if large numbers of the opposition died.

It’s getting really nasty out there.

We need more Mishloach Manot. 

We need more gestures of friendship, kindness, and civility.  We need more exchanges of ideas, opinions, and thoughts that don’t devolve into arguments.  We need more opportunities to tone down the very real differences that divide us and gather around a cup of coffee or a meal and find the many things that we do share.

Purim is all about our encounter with others.  We read the Megillah in public.  We gather around the table with others for the Seudah (festive meal).  We give gifts of food to others, and we share with others in need. 

All of Purim is a timely reminder of the need to be strict about Ish L’Ray-ay-hoo – creating genuine bonds between people – even those with whom we have less in common or disagree.

Happy Purim!

This is Not Politics; This is Judaism

Should American Jews weigh in when it comes to the Israeli elections? 

No. 

Citizens of Israel, who defend Israel, who face the risks and pay the price for living in Israel decide who leads the country. That’s the blessing of a democratic State of Israel. 

Can American Jews weigh in regarding moral issues and Jewish values? Absolutely. 

This has become especially relevant in recent days after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu encouraged the merger between Jewish Home, a religious Zionist party, and Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power), an extremist right-wing party led by Kahane’s disciples. The merger will increase the united party’s chances of gaining enough votes to enter Knesset.

Some argue this is politics as usual. It is quite common for elections to bring out unsavory tactics in an effort to win. 

At the same time, this is not “business as usual.” Otzma Yehudit includes voices, views, and personalities that are way outside the mainstream in Israeli life and are anathema to Jewish values. Adherents express and promote such policies as expulsion of Arabs who are not "loyal" to the State and strict segregation between Jews and Arabs. These are policies that do not reflect traditional Torah values as expressed in public life. 

This has elicited strong reactions from across the political and religious spectrum. 

Many in Israel’s religious Zionist camp were outraged. Rabbi Benny Lau wrote:

“As someone who dreams the dream of the return to Zion, I will fight so the doctrine of Kahane doesn’t enter the Knesset because it is a racial doctrine like the Nuremberg Laws.”

Some criticized the harsh comparison between Jews and Nazis. It’s a sign of how charged the issue is.

In the US, AIPAC joined American Jewish Committee (AJC) in condemning the views of Otzma Yehudit as “reprehensible” and “they do not reflect the core values that are the very foundation of the State of Israel.”

Malcolm Hoenlein, head of the Presidents Conference and a prominent leader of the American Jewish community, noted, “For those who follow this, there’s a lot of concern...What we have to deal with is how it is perceived and understood in the United States...And we have to be very careful because it feeds certain tendencies that are very concerning to us...politics can’t dictate everything.”

These are voices which do not criticize Israel lightly - certainly not internal Israeli election politics. It’s unprecedented! That’s a good indication of how important the issue is seen by the mainstream American Jewish and pro-Israel leadership. 

I think the best reason that we cannot remain silent was expressed by Yossi Klein Halevi.    

This situation is a chilul HaShem, a desecration of God’s name. Hate and racist ideology have no place in Jewish politics - even if one thinks it’s necessary for a greater good. 

This is a chilul HaShem. That’s why Jews need to speak out - even if it’s an internal Israeli matter. When there’s a chilul Hashem, we can’t just sit back and let our Israeli brothers and sisters speak up. Yes, Israelis - who by and large reject extremist ideology - will be the ones to decide this issue at the ballot box. At the same time, all who are dismayed, pained, and outraged by this terrible arrangement can - and should - express an opinion. 

Israel will, please God, survive regardless of who wins the upcoming elevation. It will thrive when our connection with and support for Israel are deeply rooted in love and commitment to Kiddush HaShem, sanctifying God’s name, through our dedication to Torah and Jewish values. 

Give the Chanukah Present of Being Present

Have you seen this one about how to explain the Chanukah miracle in contemporary terms?

It’s funny because it’s true. 

We CAN better appreciate what it’s like to have just a little bit of fuel last for a long time through the analogy of our cell phone batteries.  Who among us doesn’t know what it’s like to be searching frantically for a charger or an outlet as the “Battery Low” message appears on the screen?

We’re spending too much time looking at our screens!

Now, screens and devices aren’t all bad.  Don’t know the answer to a question?  Google is there with an instantaneous answer.  At the same time, all of this screen time means less time for reality.

While the scientific data is still evolving, we are well aware of the negative effects of too much time spent on screens and not enough spent living in the moment.  I found it particularly ironic that when I read this article online about the subject, the pop-up ad was for a new T-Mobile phone!

That’s why I thought this initiative was very appropriate:  “This Chanukah, Go Screen Free for 30”

The idea is to put away the phones and avoid screens for (at least) the first 30 minutes after kindling the Chanukah lights.  The 30 minutes comes from the minimum time the candles must remain lit to fulfill the mitzvah.  (Kudos to Ramaz for publicizing this initiative as well!)

Each night, after lighting the candles, we proclaim: "Ein lanu reshut l'hishtameish bahem ela lir'otam bilvad - we have no permission to use the candles for mundane purposes.  Their only purpose is to be watched.  How awesome would it be if the only thing we do after lighting the candles is to be fully focused on the lights of those around us?

The Talmud states:

תנו רבנן מצות חנוכה נר איש וביתו

The mitzvah of Chanukah is for there to be a light kindled for oneself and one’s household

Often, this teaching is the jumping off point for the discussion of how, while the mitzvah requires only one candle, we light more to fulfill the obligation in a more ideal fashion – mehadrin min ha-mehadrin.  I suggest we focus our attention on those three little words – near ish u’veito.  The mitzvah of Chanukah is fulfilled when we focus our attention on the family.

This can be why, even though the ideal is to place the candles where they can be seen by those outside, the Talmud concludes:

מניחה על שלחנו ודיו

            It suffices to light the Chanukah lights on the table

The best, most fundamental way, to celebrate Chanukah is to focus – really focus – on those around us, those sitting around the table.  That’s plenty.

It is not easy to set aside our connection to the wonders of the internet, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and the other portals for information.  I know from experience.  At the same time, the greatest present we can give ourselves as Chanukah ends is to try and be more present – more fully present – for all the great things going on around us.

Take Ten Seconds for Gratitude

I am not shy about loving Thanksgiving!  (See here and here.)  There is something powerful in having a day reinforce the power and importance of gratitude, which is a core value of Judaism.

Many of us are familiar with Fred Rogers.  I admit I loved watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and even had one of those sweater.  The man is a real tzaddik, someone who positively impacted so many through his being our neighbor. 

In 1997, Fred Rogers received a Lifetime Achievement Emmy.  In his acceptance speech – which lasted just over a minute and a half, he provided a powerful model of gratitude and how easy and impactful it can be to spend just 10 seconds being thankful. 

Thank you. Thank you. Oh it’s a beautiful night in this neighborhood. So many people have helped me to come to this night. Some of you are here, some are far away, some are even in Heaven.

All of us have special ones who have loved us into being. Would you just take, along with me, ten seconds to think of the people who have helped you become who you are. Those who have cared about you and wanted what was best for you in life. Ten seconds of silence. I’ll watch the time.

[10 Sec Pause]

Whomever you’ve been thinking about, how pleased they must be to know the difference you feel they’ve made. You know they’re the kind of people television does well to offer our world. Special thanks to my family and friends, and to my co-workers in Public Broadcasting, Family Communications, and this Academy for encouraging me, allowing me, all these years to be your neighbor. May God be with you. Thank you very much.

Since I encountered this story and video, I have been telling everyone I know about it.  We even tried it at our family Thanksgiving table.  You know what?  Ten seconds can feel like a long time.  It has the power to bring out some very powerful memories and emotions.  We need more of that.

Try it yourself.

It is Inspiring When Jews Can Agree on Something

Jews disagreeing is not news.

When the entire organized Jewish community speaks with a similar voice on an important issue, THAT’s news.

In the past week, vocal opposition has been growing to the separation of families at the border. Under the policy implemented in recent months, every illegal migrant who crosses the United States border is prosecuted and detained.  Since children cannot be prosecuted with adults, they are reclassified as unaccompanied minors, separated from their parents, and taken either to mass children’s shelters or foster homes.

Numerous religious groups have opposed the policy.  In recent days, the Southern Baptist Convention and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have criticized these actions.  In the Jewish community, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) spearheaded a letter that was signed by more than two dozen Jewish groups from across the communal spectrum. 

Breaking apart families is just plain wrong, and it is not in accordance with Jewish values.  As the Jewish communal letter states:

As Jews, we understand the plight of being an immigrant fleeing violence and oppression.  We believe that the United States is a nation of immigrants and how we treat the stranger reflects on the moral values and ideals of this nation...

Our Jewish faith demands of us concern for the stranger in our midst.  Our own people’s history as “strangers” reminds us of the many struggles faced by immigrants today and compels our commitment to an immigration system in this country that is compassionate and just.  We urge you to immediately rescind the “zero tolerance” policy and uphold the values of family unity and justice on which our nation was built.

Initially, the letter included only one Orthodox signatory - Uri L’Tzedek, The Orthodox Social Justice Movement.

What about other Orthodox organizations?  Where was the voice of my community on this matter?  This is not an issue fraught with ambiguity.  This is not a question of whether or not one supports President Trump.  This is about families.  This is about children. 

Has our community really reached a point where we can’t find common ground to speak jointly on an issue on which we feel strongly has a Jewish point of view?  Is this another manifestation of our hyper-politicized environment?  Can those who are more favorably inclined towards the Trump Administration not join in criticizing a policy which so clearly goes against our religious values?

Thankfully, it was only a matter of time.  The Orthodox Union (OU) issued a statement expressing concern regarding “any steps taken that affect families and the parent/child relationship” and reported on their raising this issue in a private meeting with Attorney General Jeff Sessions.  The next day, the OU added its name to the letter.  Yesterday, Agudath Israel of America, which represents some of the more traditional elements within the Orthodox community, added its voice of  “deep concern and disappointment over the recently adopted policy of separating the members of families who have entered the United States illegally...We implore that the policy be immediately rescinded, and that affected families be reunited.”

Neis gadol haya po - A great miracle has happened here!  The Jewish world can still unite and speak with moral clarity.

The Jewish community has spoken out together in defense of the sacredness of the family unit.  Regardless of the complexity of addressing the issue of illegal immigration in this country, it is encouraging to see Jewish communal leaders – along with thousands of individual Jews – making a unified statement on an important national issue.

How can we make the moment last?

I wish I had the magic formula.  I do think that a little more humility might help.

The issues confronting the Jewish community and the world today are complex, and our community is more diverse with very little middle ground remaining for genuine discourse.  The battle for the hearts and minds of our community - and our children - will not be won with angry pronouncements. We can be committed to our own views, but we are stronger when we include consideration and discussion with those who maintain an opposing view. Even while disagreeing on other fronts, we need to find the confidence to speak out together when we agree that Judaism has a position that adds to the public discourse.

A Second Day of Yom Yerushalayim!

Shalom from Jerusalem!  I'm here having accompanied the Ramaz 8th grade (once again) on their class trip.  I then stayed an extra day to attend the opening of the US Embassy in Jerusalem. 

From being handed a hi-tech cup of water that was generated from the air (an Israeli innovation) to the police escorting our bus to the cool swag, everyone in attendance was extremely excited and moved by the experience.  Some even came to Israel just for the day. 

Prime Minister Netanyahu exhorted the crowd, “Remember this moment!  This is history!”  When Ambassador David Friedman announced, "Welcome to the US Embassy in Jerusalem, Israel!" the crowd went wild!  It felt like a second day of Yom Yerushalayim!

Why is the opening of the embassy in Jerusalem such a big deal?

Jerusalem inspires us and gives us pride. 

Jerusalem encompasses the past, present, and future of the Jewish people.  It is the place towards which Jews have - literally and figuratively- directed their hearts for millennia.  Jerusalem is the place where we have the strongest possibility for connection with God and Judaism.  (It's like the spot where the WiFi is strongest.)

Jerusalem is the capital of Judaism and the Jewish people.  To borrow Pastor John Hagee’s term, Jerusalem is the heartbeat of Israel. 

Recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and the opening of the embassy makes our heart beat faster. 

The opening of the US Embassy in Jerusalem is a moment of pride in the fact that America has taken a tangible step towards acknowledging what we know in our hearts: Jerusalem is our capital.  We know how important Jerusalem is; it’s nice to see that validated by the world’s lone superpower. 

Today’s embassy opening hasn’t made our lives easier.  At the same time, it reinforces the fact that the Jewish people and State of Israel are making progress. 

Namsich hal’ah!  Let us continue forward in our Jewish mission. 

Happy Second Day of Yom Yerushalayim!