From the Rabbi's Desk...
 
Rabbi Irwin Huberman
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May 28, 2010
Hallachah: Jewish Law and Order
Have you ever wondered why, in many Jewish traditions, driving and use of electricity is either forbidden or curtailed during Shabbat?
And what in particular makes wine and cheese kosher?
The answer to these and other questions will be revealed Sundays during June, in a four week series titled Hallachah: Jewish Law and Order.
We will begin on Sunday, June 6 with a discussion about driving on Shabbat. Who decided that use of motor vehicles should be forbidden, and where in the Torah did they get their examples?
That will be followed on June 13 with a lesson on kosher wines and cheese. What was the real reason wines had to be certified kosher, and what was the secret ingredient in some non-kosher European wines that had rabbis worried?
That will be followed by a discussion on electricity on Shabbat and, finally, about the history and misconceptions concerning the wearing of a Kippa.
Watch next week for more information about this series, and some rabbinical rulings from recent and ancient times that you will be able to download.
The series will begin at 10:15am each Sunday, except for the final June 27 class which will be held at 7:30pm. A light breakfast/evening meal will be provided.
Shabbat on the Beach
Shabbat services “hit the road” on Friday, June 25 as Cantor Gustavo and I will lead a program specially tailored for pre-nursery school families in Sea Cliff, Glen Head, Glen Cove and the surrounding communities.
“Shabbat on the Beach” will take place at Tappan Beach in Sea Cliff at 4:30pm.
Last year’s event attracted about fifteen young families from a variety of communities and religious backgrounds.
This is a wonderful opportunity to meet other young families in the area. Stay tuned for more details.
Israel Trip
The list of people signing up for next summer’s trip to Israel is growing.
CTI’s second Israel tour will run from Wednesday evening, June 29 to Sunday, July 10, 2011, and will be led by Tikva Levine, one of Israel’s most eminent archeologists.
We are also considering a youth program for those wishing to include children.
Please let me know if you would like to be included on the separate Israel e-mail list.
You need not be a member of the congregation, nor Jewish to be part of the group. As was the case in 2008, we are expecting a small contingent from Canada. This trip will also include a visit to Petra, Jordan.
The itinerary is currently being worked on and will be released late next month.
Journies/Conversion Class
A Jewish Journeys class will be offered this fall for those either interested in converting, or wanting to know more about the basics of Judaism.
Each week, we will study Jewish ethics, holidays, and customs, and will be examining important Jewish teachings.
Our class two years ago attracted about 10 regular attendees.
While Jewish tradition forbids pursuing anyone for conversion, this is an excellent
Opportunity for those considering this move to begin this important journey. Those members of the congregation who wish to learn or review the basics of Judaism are also welcome.
Please contact me if you would like more information.
Funeral Study Continues
Rabbi Regina Sandler-Phillips will return to CTI on June 27 to continue her series on Jewish burial and funeral rituals.
Rabbi Sandler-Phillips’ talk in April stimulated many questions and conversations, and she will be returning to discuss the first step that we can take in our community as we consider re-establishing this important Jewish ritual.
Her topic will be Vigil-Keeping for Mourning: The Significance of Shmirah.
Does God Heal Or Not?
One of the greatest Jewish debates that has existed for thousands of years is “does God directly intervene in our lives?”
For example, if there is illness in your life, does a prayer to God direct affect the health of a person?
There are many across all religions who believe that prayer is powerful, and that prayer works.
Meanwhile, there are others who are not so sure. Many ask how an all loving God could be less attentive to someone who does not have anyone to pray for them.
This is one reason why five simple words which are chanted in this week’s Torah portion, Beha’alotcha, are of interest to our rabbis.
The Torah teaches that soon after Miriam criticizes her brother for marrying a Cushite woman, Miriam develops a skin disorder. The rabbinical commentators attribute this to Lashon Harrah, or gossip.
Our tradition tells us that when we engage in gossip, the act literally gets under our skin.
While Miriam heals from her affliction, she is quarantined and banished to the edge of the camp.
Moses becomes so concerned about Miriam’s health that he utters three simple words to God; one of the few examples of prayer in the Torah.
Moses pleads with God, el nah refah nah lah (“Oh God, pray heal her.”).
Rabbis ask why was this prayer so short and so simple. When one of our own family members becomes ill, we often pray from deepest parts of our soul.
First, the rabbis tell us that Moses was careful not to show favoritism to his own family.
But more significantly, I feel the text is telling us that while prayer is important and effective, God does not work alone. Moses’ five short words remind us that God works in partnership with humanity when a person suffers an illness.
A visit to the hospital, a phone call, or even an e-mail can remind someone that we are thinking of them. This helps heal the soul. We also pray and thank nurses, doctors, and other caregivers who, in the end, may play just as important healing roles as divine intervention.
Our text reminds us that ethical and effective living is not always found in the heavens, but rather on the ground through “hands on” acts of lovingkindness, compassion, and care.
It’s a lesson to us that while God does play a part in the healing process, it is the interaction and support provided by family, friends, and caregivers that is equally important.
Let us remember as Shabbat approaches to reach out to someone who may be sick or isolated.
Let us remember them in our prayers, but more importantly let us act. In the end, Moses’ prayer of refah na lah may be less about calling out to God, than a reminder to our selves that our actions and our compassion can make a real difference.
Best wishes to everyone for a peaceful Shabbat and a safe long weekend.
Shabbat shalom, kol tuv (with all goodness).
Rabbi Irwin Huberman
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