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    • Message
      • id1
      • created2008-04-06 04:19:00
      • modified0000-00-00 00:00:00
      • published2008-04-03
      • titleGroup Think
      • message
      • categoryweeklyRabbi
  • 1
    • Message
      • id4
      • created2008-04-18 15:12:39
      • modified0000-00-00 00:00:00
      • published2008-04-18
      • titleLet My Goat Go!
      • message<p>Tomorrow evening, Jews around the world will once again sit down at their festive Seder tables. And while some will argue whether the matzah balls are too soft or too hard, and others will make fun of Uncle So-and-so who always eats so much horseradish that his face turns as red as the substance itself, some will reflect on Passover's enduring message. Without question this holiday is the most celebrated ritual in Judaism. Even Jews who otherwise live on the periphery of Jewish life, who never set foot in a synagogue or otherwise have any contact with the Jewish community, somehow, someway find themselves observing some element of this spring festival.</p> <p>As we sit around our tables tomorrow night, many of us will look around and reflect on who is not there. We will remember parents and grandparents, siblings and perhaps even children who once brought joy to our lives. We will recall conversations we had with them at the Passover table, perhaps even hear their voices as they once led the Seder or asked the Four Questions. That's part of the power of Passover. It's not just about remembering, but about experiencing. We don't just tell that ancient story of our people, we relive it. We use all our senses to put ourselves into history so, as the Talmud says, we can see ourselves as though we personally have gone forth from Egypt.</p> <p>Although Passover is the story of the Jewish people's journey from slavery unto freedom, its message is universal. For thousands of years, oppressed people have looked to our Torah for inspiration and hope. We have been the model of a people that has endured, survived, persevered, and overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. Pharaoh may have been the first to persecute us, but certainly he was not the last. Over and over again, new pharaohs have arisen who have sought to solve all their problems by blaming the Jews. Even today, there are those in our country, some in influential positions and some with the power of the media, who seek to place all of society's ills on one group. If we could or would just get rid of them, the argument goes, all our problems would disappear. This is not a new concept.</p> <p>Perhaps not coincidently, in our Torah portion this week, Aaron the Priest is told to take two goats and to mark one for God and the other for Azazel. The one marked for God is to be sacrificed to the deity. The other is to be sent off into the wilderness. What is the meaning of Azazel? Many theories have been posited. The first great English Bible translator, William Tyndale was apparently the first to coin the term "scapegoat," and that is generally how Azazel is understood. Today, there is no lack of scapegoats, and we Jews are still not immune from that appellation.</p> <p>Passover comes each year to remind us that freedom is not a passive act. Our rabbis were troubled by the story of the Exodus and how the Israelites were seemingly passive participants with God doing all the work and pulling the puppet strings as it were. So they focused their attention not just on God's actions, but more importantly, on the actions of the Israelites who literally took steps towards their freedom. By stepping into the sea up to their necks before it parted, they demonstrated their desire for freedom. Today, we too, have to take positive actions to work for freedom, for ours and for all those who still suffer oppression and bondage, whether physical, spiritual, or emotional.</p> <p>Before we get to our Seder meal, we still have Shabbat, so join us for services tonight with our Kol Tikvah choir and tomorrow morning as usual (no Religious School though, so you can get ready for your seder). Have a joyous and very happy Passover!</p>
      • categoryweeklyRabbi
  • 2
    • Message
      • id5
      • created2008-04-25 14:42:22
      • modified0000-00-00 00:00:00
      • published2008-04-25
      • titleBeing God's Partner
      • message<p>We have all heard the expression, "you can bring a horse to water but you cannot make it drink." There are many lessons that can be gleaned from that statement. First is that our control over other things is limited. Second is that each creature must take responsibility for its own well being.</p> <p>At our Seder tables last week we told once again the story of the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. We focused on God's benevolent actions and God's power in being able to manipulate Pharaoh. We gave all the traditional reasons for the symbols of the Seder plate and we used all our senses to experience this important festival. But the story was not concluded. The story of the Jewish people did not end with the Exodus.</p> <p>In our Torah portion this week, we read the next chapter. The Exodus was only the first step on a very long journey. There were many steps to go and many places along the way. First stop was at the shores of the Sea of Reeds (often mistranslated as the Red Sea). Now certainly God could have divided the sea before or as the Israelites approached but God needed a sign of commitment on the part of the people that they indeed wanted to be free and more importantly appreciated their new-found freedom.</p> <p>Unfortunately, the people lose faith in Moses and God. They bitterly complain about their situation and wax poetic about how good their lives were back in Egypt.</p> <p>Now just as God is to leave them out there to perish, one brave man steps forward to show his desire and determination. According to tradition, Nachshon ben Aminadav walks straight into the sea and just as the water is about to cover his face, the sea miraculously parts. So you might say that you can bring the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage, but you cannot make them accept freedom.</p> <p>The actions of Nachshon are also a paradigm. How often we speak about our partnership with God. God gives us the grapes and we make the wine. God gives us the wheat and we make the bread (or matzah this week!). God has given us this planet to populate and habitat, and it is up to us to be its steward and to care for the air, land, sea, plants, and animals. Today, we know how to be God's partners. For the Israelites who left Egypt, this was a learning experience.</p> <p>Unfortunately today, some people have forgotten about Nachshon. They act too much like the Israelites who were happier and more content being slaves. Too many in our society do not know how to handle freedom and so they become slaves to money or power, to fame or fashion. Our Exodus story and our Passover Festival remind us that freedom is synonymous with responsibility. By taking those brave steps, Nachshon showed us the proper path. He led the way for the other leaders and for the entire Jewish people. He continues to remind us that freedom is all about partnership: partnership with our fellow human beings, and partnership with God.</p> <p>Tonight at Temple will be our Passover Family Service featuring our Jr. Choir. Tomorrow we have Torah Study and the Shabbat/Festival morning service including Yizkor. Religious school will also be in session. On Sunday, join me on the Fullerton Plaza at 12:15 PM for the annual CROP Hunger Walk. Have a great weekend.</p>
      • categoryweeklyRabbi
  • 3
    • Message
      • id24
      • created2008-04-29 13:31:42
      • modified0000-00-00 00:00:00
      • published2008-05-00
      • title
      • message<p>This is our last month of the Religious School year. I think I say it every year, but it&rsquo;s true &ndash; it seems like it was just September and we were being reunited after a long summer vacation. Yet, here we are again, recounting the months of Jewish growth and <em>kvelling</em> at how much our students have grown in their knowledge as well as their pride of Jewish identity.</p> <p>This year ends with the hope of an exciting future for our school. It hopefully won&rsquo;t be too much longer until we begin the long awaited construction of <em>The Asa Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning.</em> We will pack up the books and supplies that have occupied the upstairs building, and we will look forward to helping them find their new home in a <em>real</em> school building that has adequate storage and bookshelves.</p> <p>As much as I can&rsquo;t wait to say good-bye to the old building, I have to admit that those walls hold a lot of good memories for me. As a teen, that building was where I led my first junior congregation service and delivered a &ldquo;sermon&rdquo; during Religious School back when TBT was located in Brea. I served as a teacher&rsquo;s aide for the 5^th grade and then 2^nd grade as a high schooler. Then when we moved to our current location, I had my office there as the Religious School secretary (you may remember our educators Dan Lenchner and then Cantor Eli Cohn z&rsquo;l &ndash; I worked for them).</p> <p>Returning to TBT in 1989 as the director of education, my office again was in the upstairs building until I assumed the responsibilities of temple administrator and moved to the main building. But my resources and school files are still in the upper building, and all that will need to be packed up and stored until our new building is completed.</p> <p>It amazes me that such strong memories and feelings can be attached to a physical structure. It was May 1, 1959 when my family arrived in Orange County from Chicago. I was 6, and after a long week&rsquo;s drive across country, we pulled into my uncle&rsquo;s miniature golf course in Anaheim, and then were introduced to our new home/apartment. It took a few weeks for that place to feel like home. We joined the nearby synagogue, Temple Beth Emet. I started religious school the following September with Rita Mann as my teacher (I recently saw her at a community event &ndash; what a reunion!). I loved my Jewish education, but I never really felt at home in a synagogue until my family came to Temple Beth Tikvah in 1966. I guess it was love at first sight as we walked into our first Shabbat service and I saw choir members in robes with flowing blue sleeves &ndash; I just had to be one of them. From that moment on, TBT has been home, whether our sanctuary was at the YMCA, a renovated fraternity house, the room that now serves as our social hall, or our current sanctuary.</p> <p>As much as the bricks and mortar serve as physical temple, it is important to remember that more than the structure, it is the community that really is what is important. It is the verbal greeting that we receive that is really the welcome mat. And it is the invitation for involvement that keeps us enveloped in the community. For years our theme has been &ldquo;TBT &ndash; The Place to Be.&rdquo; May it continue to be so for generations to come.</p>
      • categorymonthlyReligiousSchool
  • 4
    • Message
      • id23
      • created2008-04-29 19:22:18
      • modified0000-00-00 00:00:00
      • published2008-05-00
      • title
      • message<p>Dear Friends,</p> <p>This month marks the 60^th anniversary of the establishment of the modern State of Israel.&nbsp; On May 14, 1948, Israel declared her independence and the Jewish dream of nearly two millennia finally came true.&nbsp; I have written and spoken numerous times about how fortunate we are to be among the generation of Jews to know, enjoy, and take pride in the Jewish State. I often think of my ancestors living in Poland and Russia suffering cruel anti-Semitism and pogroms.&nbsp; I imagine the thoughts that went through their minds as they prayed that one day Jerusalem should be restored, that Israel should one day be reestablished as a Jewish homeland.&nbsp; If it had only been during all those centuries of persecution and years of Holocaust.</p> <p>We are now 60 years removed from the miracle actually happening.&nbsp; Few of us can remember a world without Israel, and although Israel is still surrounded by enemies and we hear almost daily about threats to her existence, America&rsquo;s support for Israel remains as strong as ever.&nbsp; All three candidates for President have publicly stated their unwavering support for Israel and the Jewish People, and the Congress continues to provide much needed military and economic support.&nbsp; Thus the challenges have clearly changed.</p> <p>I do not believe that we need to be concerned with Israel&rsquo;s existence.&nbsp; Israel can take care of itself and America and other nations remain strong allies.&nbsp; What should now primarily concern us is how Israel might remain meaningful for American Jews.&nbsp; On one hand more teens and young adults go to Israel every year than ever before.&nbsp; On the other hand, there is a continuing and widening gap in the relationship between American Jews and the Jewish State.&nbsp; Thus we must ask ourselves the following questions: <span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;<br /></span></p> <p align="justify"><span style="font-family: ">Why, as an American Jew, should I have a relationship with Israel?</span></p> <p align="justify"><span style="font-family: ">What might such a relationship look like?</span></p> <p align="justify"><span style="font-family: ">Where might Israel &ldquo;live&rdquo; in my Jewishness?</span><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;<br /></span></p> <p align="justify"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: ">Unlike other &ldquo;hyphenated Americans,&rdquo; most American Jews do not have any ethnic or cultural bond with their families&rsquo; countries of origin.&nbsp; On top of that, most American Jews are not of any Israeli heritage.&nbsp; Hebrew is not the native tongue of our grandparents, and what little Israeli culture we grew up with we experienced not at home but at the synagogue. To make this issue even more fuzzy, the word &ldquo;Israel&rdquo; can have many meanings. It can refer to the people, the land, the state, or to its literal meaning of &ldquo;to wrestle with God.&rdquo;</span></p> <p align="justify"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: ">I believe that most American Jews care deeply about Israel and are invested in its future well being.&nbsp; Certainly that is the case with many of our own Temple members who have Israeli ancestry, lived in Israel for some period of their lives, or are engaged in and support one or more of the many organizations that work on behalf of Israel.&nbsp; </span></p> <p align="justify"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: ">I hope that as we approach this milestone anniversary and celebrate throughout the coming year, that you will reflect on some of these questions and issues.&nbsp; One opportunity for you to do so will be on Friday, May 9^th following our early Shabbat service, when our program for the evening will be &ldquo;One Heart, Two Homes: Israel and the Sacred Identity of American Jews.&rdquo;&nbsp; We will discuss and struggle with these question and issues and try to discover exactly what role Israel plays in our lives and exactly what its meaning is for us today.&nbsp; I hope you will join us.&nbsp; </span></p> <p align="justify"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: ">As I reflect on this important anniversary I am reminded once again of those famous words from Theodore Herzl, the founder of modern Zionism: &ldquo;<em>Im tirtzu ein zo agaddah</em>, If you will it, it is no dream.&rdquo;</span><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;<br /></span></p> <p align="justify"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: ">Lech L&rsquo;shalom &ndash; May you go in peace, </span></p>
      • categorymonthlyRabbi
  • 5
    • Message
      • id27
      • created2008-05-28 16:56:30
      • modified0000-00-00 00:00:00
      • published2008-05-00
      • title
      • message<p>I want to express my deep appreciation to all of the reading volunteers who came and read to the children on our first annual &ldquo;Shayna Rosenberg Read-To-Your-Child Day&rdquo; on Friday, April 18. The children were so quiet and attentive as each Volunteer Reader shared their love for reading as they read different stories to the children. <p>There were different little <em>reading oasis</em> areas placed all over the school. In the Chapel you were treated to stories all about dinosaurs with <strong>Suzie Serbin</strong> (also known as Jonathan Manera&rsquo;s grandma). Then crawl into a gauze tent gently blowing in the breeze and be read to about butterflies by <strong>Tanya Jones</strong>. Get lost in space with <strong>Robin Ballon</strong> as she takes you on a journey through our solar system. Sit in our special garden area as <strong>Dani Carlisle</strong> reveals new stories about bugs and creepy crawlies. Go inside and sit with Gabriel&rsquo;s grandma, <strong>Sheila Donenfeld</strong>, and relate to the antics of Curious George. Listen to <strong>Audrey Prezgay </strong>as she tells a tale about tug boats and stinky garbage trucks. Then walk outside again and sit with Winnie the Pooh and friends as <strong>Laura Milhander</strong> reads about your cute and sometimes silly family pets. Swim on over to the sea and hear <strong>Helen Atkinson</strong> read to the children about ugly fish and kind of scary sharks.</p> <p>I saved the best for last &hellip; Our &ldquo;King for the Day&rdquo; <strong>Marvin Rosenberg. </strong>How privileged we and the children are to have a college professor read to the children and explain all about clouds and the weather in such a kind and special way!</p> <p>Brooke Wolfe (one of our 2-year olds) sat next to Marvin, laid her little hand on his knee, looked up into his kind face and said, &ldquo;You are Marvin, aren&rsquo;t you?&rdquo; This moment caught the reason for the entire day J.</p> <p>The whole reason for this special day was to remember a wonderful woman named <strong><em>Shayna Rosenberg</em> </strong>as well as her wonderful life partner, <strong><em>Marvin.</em></strong> He is the link between her and the children. May we never forget the ones who came before us so we can become the people they always thought we could be.</p> <p>Thank you, Marvin, and your entire family, for making this day possible!</p> <p>ow privilaH</p> <p>Shalom, </p> </p>
      • categorymonthlyEclc
  • 6
    • Message
      • id166
      • created2009-06-25 00:45:24
      • modified2009-06-25 00:45:24
      • published2008-05-01
      • title
      • message<p>The Project Legacy committee has had a very active month. The first Town Hall meeting was held on March 24. By all accounts, it was extremely informative to those of you who attended and to the Committee as well. The next meeting was, Monday, April 28. The plan is to continue to have these meetings on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. We hope that congregants with concerns and questions are getting them answered.<br /><br />We are currently working on an incremental operating analysis to project the additional income and expenses for the new building. For the last several months the committee has not been satisfied with the design progress and cost reductions being made by our architectural firm of over a year, GoSom. After months of illness a partner and the lead architect on our project passed away, further impeding satisfactory completion of plans and specifications. At the April Committee meeting, we voted to terminate GoSom and move in a new direction.<br /><br />Our fund raising, though successful, plus our restricted funds were not sufficient to comfortably cover the projected costs of the GoSom design. After an impressive presentation by Shook Builders and their associate Crane Architectural Group of a more economical construction technique coupled with efficient &ldquo;design/build&rdquo; logistics, the Committee decided to contract with them for a Phase 1 redesign.<br /><br />The original footprint of the building will remain essentially the same. The internal structure will be steel rather than wood framing. The roof will be flattened and the shade louvers eliminated for a huge cost savings. The appearance of the building will not change in any meaningful way. We will gain additional storage space underneath the upper floor overhang.<br /><br />The &ldquo;design/build&rdquo; concept means that we, the Construction Sub-committee, in concert with Shook Builders, will choose each subcontractor from at least three bids for a trade&rsquo;s scope of work. Shook Builders has agreed to provide their general contractor services for a 7.5% fee. This compares very favorably to a customary and usual 10-20%. They will not charge us a fee for trade materials and services we obtain from our friends and sources.<br /><br />Rick Crane (the architect who was formerly on the Fullerton planning committee) and Lila had a preliminary meeting with the City Planning Department on April 17. We will be going to the City of Fullerton Planning department on June 25 for a full hearing with our revised plans.<br /><br />In the fundraising department, we are up to close to .8 million in donations and pledges. The remaining capital needed will come from the restricted funds and new and increased pledges and donations. All of these will be identified before the construction phase is started.</p> <p>The Board of Directors of the Unitarian Congregation (UUCF) has tentatively given us approval for a pledge of 0,000. They will give us ,000 when we start construction and will pay ,000 per year for the next 5 years. For this generous commitment we will reserve an office for them and allow them to set a sign at the upper driveway. They will get their congregation&rsquo;s approval at their annual meeting on May 28. For our part, we must get congregational approval for the five-year lease at our TBT congregational meeting on May 14. Right now the church is paying TBT ,800 rent per year. This will not change.</p> <p>The Committee discussed beginning the billing of pledges. The sooner we can bank our funds in anticipation of construction dis bursements, over the one-year construction cycle, the lower our short-term interest expenses will be. It is our hope that those with five-year pledges will start the payment process on receipt of the bills. For those who have not yet designated, please advise the office how you wish to make your payments; monthly, quarterly, or annually.<br /><br />Thank you for your continued support and patience.</p>
      • categoryprojectLegacy
  • 7
    • Message
      • id32
      • created2008-05-05 16:26:26
      • modified0000-00-00 00:00:00
      • published2008-05-02
      • titleThe Central Message of the Torah
      • message<p>The week's Parasha, K'doshim, marks the literal middle of the entire Torah text, a point that has not been lost on our sages, rabbis, and commentators. Indeed, the words form what is known as the Holiness Code, and are so important and central to Jewish life, belief, and practice, that they are read on the holiest day of the year, on Yom Kippur afternoon.</p> <p>The essence of K'doshim is that God is holy and we too must strive towards holiness. Naturally, only God can be completely and wholly holy, but as creatures created in the Divine Image, we have to work to infuse our lives and our world with holiness. It does not happen automatically; we have to actively do it.</p> <p>I hear from parents all the time who say that they don't care who or what their children ultimately become as long as they are good people and as long as they are happy. Many people also argue that religion is not necessary because goodness and morality can be achieved outside of a religious structure. Judaism, and in particular this week's Torah portion, would beg to differ.</p> <p>This week's Torah text reminds us that it is not enough to be good, not enough to be moral and ethical beings, but that we must strive towards holiness. That message and lesson are in the middle of the Torah to impress upon us its centrality to what Judaism has to offer this world.</p> <p>And how does one go about being or becoming holy? Again, the Torah points us in the right direction. Two mitzvot are particularly worthy of note and have been the subject of much discussion and interpretation. First is "do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor." This can be understood in a variety of ways. The essence, I believe, is simple though, to have concern and to care for others. The other mitzvah is known simply as the Golden Rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." These simple words also reflect Judaism's concern others.</p> <p>In addition to those notable mitzvot, there are a number of other important commandments that are&nbsp; later picked up by our sages and pointed to as central and essential to living a Jewish life. Among these is "do not place a stumbling block before the blind." These words, too, have been understood in a variety of ways and extrapolated to apply to a variety of situations, more notably in the area of business ethics, where a merchant cannot deceive a potential buyer in any way.</p> <p>As progressive Jews, we constantly struggle to balance tradition with modernity. This week's Torah portion is a good reminder that when we infuse our lives with mitzvot we move from the profane to the sacred, from the ordinary to the extraordinary, from goodness to holiness. Indeed that is the central teaching of the Torah, and the essence of what it means to be a Jew.</p> <p>Tonight we have our Family Shabbat service with birthday and anniversary blessings for May. Our 1st and 2nd grade religious school classes will also be participating along with our Jr. and 8th Grade choirs. Tomorrow we have Torah Study and our Shabbat morning service which will be led by our Alef and Bet Hebrew School classes. Have a great weekend.</p>
      • categoryweeklyRabbi
  • 8
    • Message
      • id33
      • created2008-05-13 23:09:49
      • modified0000-00-00 00:00:00
      • published2008-05-09
      • titleHappy Birthday Israel!
      • message<p>As you read in my Scroll article this month and as you are no doubt aware, Israel is celebrating its 60th birthday today! It is thus appropriate for us to take a few minutes to pause and reflect on this monumental milestone. Imagine for just a moment what our world would be like without the Jewish state. Forget all the incredible agricultural, technological, scientific, cultural, educational, and military contributions Israel has made to our world. Put aside the fact that Israelis publish and read more books per capita than any other nation on earth. Ignore the fact that Israel is the only true democracy in the Middle East. For Jews around the world, Israel is an incredible source of pride and remains the spiritual homeland for all Jewish people wherever they happen to live.</p> <p>All these accomplishments, of course, have come at an enormous cost. In Israel, the day before Israeli Independence Day is known as Yom Hazikaron, Remembrance Day. Despite the many local and national observances of Memorial Day, for some it is another excuse to have a backyard barbecue and go shopping. In Israel, by contrast, it is a very serous day for virtually the entire nation. We, too, should, pause for a moment and remember the over 22,000 Israeli soldiers who have given their lives for Israel to become, exist, and continue to defend herself.</p> <p>It is truly hard to imagine a world without the State of Israel, yet for most of Jewish history that was not the case. Israel was just a dream, just a hope, just a yearning. Sixty years ago (on the Hebrew calendar, next Wednesday on the Gregorian calendar) that dream became a reality. Indeed, we have much to celebrate!</p> <p>Unfortunately, in recent years, the status of the Jewish State has diminished in the hearts and minds of some American Jews. For some, Israel has become not a source of pride but a source of embarrassment. Several scholars have written books in defense of Israel&rsquo;s existence, and discussion and arguing over Middle East politics dominate the airwaves and Internet. Clearly, in the last twenty years, our relationship with the Jewish State has transformed and changed. Defining that relationship today, I do believe, is more difficult than ever before for many American Jews.</p> <p>Some simply don&rsquo;t want to bother thinking about this difficult issue. Others are challenged by relatives, co-workers, or friends and find themselves in the position of having to defend Israel. Not wanting to be in that position, some find it easier to put Israel out of their minds and out of their hearts. I believe this is the wrong approach.</p> <p>First of all, Israel&rsquo;s right to exist does not need to be defended nor established any more than any other country. No one questions whether or not Canada or Bangladesh or Japan has a right to exist. Those who ask such questions simply do not know or understand history, and unfortunately today anti-Semitism is being veiled in terms of anti-Israel rhetoric.</p> <p>As Jews, we have much to be proud of. We should celebrate Israel&rsquo;s accomplishments and remember that statement from the Talmud: <em>kol Yisrael arevim zeh ba-zeh </em> / all Jews are connected one to the other. So happy birthday, Israel. May you live to 120 and beyond!</p> <p>Tonight is our early service at 6:00 PM followed by dinner (reservations required) and a program on &ldquo;Israel and the Sacred Identity of American Jews,&rdquo; led by me. Tomorrow, we have Torah Study and Shabbat morning services as usual. Happy Mother&rsquo;s Day to everyone as well.</p>
      • categoryweeklyRabbi
  • 9
    • Message
      • id34
      • created2008-05-23 20:22:00
      • modified0000-00-00 00:00:00
      • published2008-05-17
      • title
      • message<p>In 1654, the first Jews arrived from Brazil to the shores of what was to<br /> become the United States. Ever since then, we have interwoven our religion,<br /> culture, beliefs, and practices into the fabric of American life in more<br /> ways than can be counted. Where our Judaism and Americanism intersect we<br /> feel enormous pride. The fact that the United States and Israel have such<br /> strong diplomatic relations is a testament to our stature in this country<br /> and the common bonds of freedom, liberty, and democracy that we share.<br /> <br /> This week's Torah portion contains one such intersection. Leviticus 25:10<br /> states: "you shall proclaim release throughout the land for all its<br /> inhabitants." This comes on the heels of an injunction to mark the jubilee<br /> year by giving one's land a Sabbath rest of one year to regenerate itself.<br /> If those words sound familiar it is because they are engraved on one of the<br /> most important and cherished symbols of America, the Liberty Bell. However,<br /> they are not translated correctly. "Proclaim liberty throughout the land"<br /> is what is engraved on the Liberty Bell (along with the biblical reference),<br /> but the notion of civil rights is certainly not what the Torah had in mind,<br /> at least not in a direct or literal way.<br /> <br /> For the Torah, the jubilee year was a time to basically start over. All<br /> slaves were to be released, all borrowed items were to be returned to their<br /> original owner, all debts were to be forgiven, and the land was to be given<br /> a Sabbath. The word "liberty" as we understand it in the context of living<br /> in a democracy does not appear in the Torah, which of course, did not know<br /> from our form of government.<br /> <br /> We Jews, especially we modern Jews, see the Torah as an eitz chayim, a Tree<br /> of Life, or living, ever-expanding document. We look to history and<br /> tradition for guidance but not governance. We use our text not to restrict<br /> or confine us but as a framework around which to build and shape our lives.<br /> Our tradition is to view our ancient texts in the context of modern times.<br /> And so in that context, there is nothing wrong with extrapolating the<br /> biblical text from this week's Torah portion as an inspiration for the<br /> modern ideas of freedom, democracy, and liberty.<br /> <br /> In that same vein, I would argue that we should interpret our American<br /> Constitution and laws so as to expand rights and to correct the injustices<br /> of the past. If we truly believe in liberty and justice for all, then we<br /> have to not just say it but live it and apply it. Thus I applaud<br /> yesterday's decision by the California Supreme Court that will pave the way<br /> for same-sex marriages. For me, it is simply an issue of civil rights, and<br /> to discriminate and say that the Constitution does not apply to them is the<br /> same as the Constitution not applying to women, racial minorities, or us<br /> Jews. Fortunately, we have corrected many of the injustices of the past<br /> (giving women the right to vote and allowing interracial and inter-religious<br /> couples the right to marry), and this is yet another step forward towards<br /> what I believe is the American ideal of freedom. I can hear now the sound<br /> of that Liberty Bell proclaiming that liberty has finally been proclaimed,<br /> at least here in California, and I hope one day throughout the land.<br /> <br /> Tonight, our Kol Tikvah choir will participate in our Shabbat<br /> service. Tomorrow, Torah Study and Shabbat morning services as usual.<br /> Tomorrow night, join us for a very special concert by well-known recording<br /> artist Cantor Wally (from Leo Baeck Temple in Los Angeles). Proceeds from<br /> the concert support our youth groups and will provide needed funds to send<br /> our kids to the national youth conference later this year. Mazal tov again<br /> to Marilyn Roberts who will be honored on Sunday at the Woman of the Year<br /> luncheon. Mazal tov also to all our graduates who will be celebrating their<br /> accomplishments over the next few weeks. Have a great weekend.</p>
      • categoryweeklyRabbi
  • 10
    • Message
      • id35
      • created2008-05-23 20:23:28
      • modified0000-00-00 00:00:00
      • published2008-05-23
      • title
      • message<p>This Monday it will be my honor to participate in the Memorial Day service<br />at Memory Gardens Memorial Park in Brea. I have done this before and am<br />always deeply touched and humbled standing among the graves of those who<br />served our country valiantly. Although for many Americans this weekend will<br />be filled with fun in the sun and backyard barbeques, I hope we will also<br />take time to reflect on what it means to live in this great land and that<br />each of us will, in our own way, honor all those who have served and<br />continue to serve our country in so many important ways. <br /> <br />Our Torah portion this week, B'chukotai, is a stark reminder that there are<br />consequences to our actions. Living in a society with almost unlimited<br />freedom, we sometimes forget that important lesson. Today, people make<br />choices too hastily and think only about immediate gratification. When<br />signing up for cell phone service, purchasing a car or home, or agreeing to<br />any contract (including marriage), many people can't see beyond their hand<br />holding the pen. There is no thought to tomorrow, the next day, the next<br />year, or ten years down the road. And, of course, there are many ways of<br />getting out of contracts, sometimes with and sometimes without consequences.<br /><br /> <br />It is often said that Americans have a short memory. Perhaps that is a<br />product of the fast-paced world in which we live and all the technology that<br />surrounds us. This Memorial Day weekend is a perfect opportunity to think<br />beyond the here and now - to reflect on the past and honor all those upon<br />whose shoulders we stand, and to look forward and think about how our<br />actions today will affect those who come after us. <br /><br />At TBT tonight we will have our very special Musical Shabbat. We will have<br />the words projected up on a screen so your hands are free to clap and shake<br />your shaker egg! The service will be almost entirely in song with special<br />upbeat melodies featuring three guitars and cantor on piano. Tomorrow, we<br />will have Torah Study and Shabbat morning services as usual. Have a<br />wonderful and safe weekend!</p>
      • categoryweeklyRabbi
  • 11
    • Message
      • id36
      • created2008-07-01 13:27:59
      • modified0000-00-00 00:00:00
      • published2008-05-30
      • titleLost in the Wilderness
      • message<p> In this week's Torah reading cycle we begin the fourth book of<br />the Torah, Numbers. It is called that because the first few verses tell of<br />a census that was taken of the Israelites. Much like today where public<br />policy is based on numbers calculated by the census that is taken every 10<br />years, Moses needed to know how many fighting men he had available should<br />they be necessary to wage war. <br /><br /> To gain a better understanding, you have to know that the Hebrew<br />name for the Book of Numbers, "b'midbar," actually means "in the<br />wilderness." For our sages, the place became a very powerful metaphor.<br />First, they point out that the Torah itself was given in a barren wasteland,<br />not in a city, or even in the Land of Israel. This was to emphasize the<br />universal nature and message of the Torah. The teachings are there for all<br />people who are lost and searching. <br /><br /> Throughout our lives we sometimes feel as though we are lost in<br />the wilderness. Thus the story of the Israelites can be a source of<br />inspiration. The wandering did not last forever. There was the proverbial<br />light at the end of the tunnel, or in this case, a Promised Land at the end<br />of the journey. <br /><br /> Carrying the notion of numbers and wilderness into contemporary<br />Jewish life, it is unfortunate that many Jews desire not to be counted as<br />part of the Jewish community. For some, there is a self-imposed exile, a<br />never-ending wandering, and continual sense of being lost in the wilderness.<br />So many Jews today separate themselves from their heritage, from their<br />traditions, from their history, and from their people. That they do this on<br />their own, willingly and purposefully, makes the realities which we face<br />that much sadder. <br /><br /> Centuries ago, our rabbis taught, "do not separate yourself from<br />the community." They recognized the essential message of this week's<br />parasha, that each and every Jew must be counted and that it is okay to<br />wander around in the wilderness for some time, but sooner or later, it is<br />time to enter the Promised Land, and to come home. I only hope that this<br />lesson should be learned and heeded by more and more in our own community. <br /><br /> Tonight and tomorrow, Shabbat services and Torah Study as usual.<br />On Sunday, I hope you will join me at the annual Orange County Jewish<br />Festival at the JCC in Irvine. Make sure you stop by the TBT booth and say<br />hi to our board members, Miriam, and myself who will each spend some time<br />representing our congregation to the larger community. Our children will<br />also be singing on the main stage around 1:40 PM, so don't miss that either.<br />Have a great weekend.</p>
      • categoryweeklyRabbi
  • 12
    • Message
      • id37
      • created2008-07-01 13:27:52
      • modified0000-00-00 00:00:00
      • published2008-06-00
      • title
      • message<p> June 1 marks the beginning of the 2008-09 fiscal year for Temple Beth Tikvah as well as the beginning of my second term in office. Thank you for making my first year so awesome, so enjoyable and so humbling. I have learned so much, and I hope to do a better job of using that knowledge in this coming year. I could not have done justice to my position without the constant help and input from so many of you. Thank you to Rabbi Milhander and to Miriam Van Raalte for their constant support. A special thanks to Executive Vice-President Mark Filowitz who has used both his leadership skills and his spot-on moral compass to keep me on course. Lila Pesner holds a special place in both my heart and in the heart of TBT for her historical knowledge of our Temple and for her willingness to help with any project, whether it is Project Legacy or making sure the silver on our Torahs is polished for High Holy Days. Thanks to TBT&rsquo;s Board of Directors for working so hard and accomplishing so much this year. Perhaps my biggest thanks go to my wife, Sheri, and my son, Danny, for being so understanding of the many hours I have missed, and will miss, being a husband and father, while attending to my responsibilities at TBT. <br /> For every one person I am remembering to thank, I am remembering dozens more who are also deserving of thanks and I realize I cannot possibly do so on this page. I can only hope that I always remember to be thankful and grateful every time I meet you. I do want to acknowledge those on the Board of Directors whose term has expired and have stepped down from their position. Education Vice-Presidents Dolly Boliver and Mindy Liron completed an important project to survey both the ECLC parents and the Temple congregants on a wide range of subjects. We listened to everyone&rsquo;s thoughts and ideas on how to improve what we do and how we do it. Temple Leadership is in the process of making some changes reflective of those results and we were also very pleased to hear that, for the most part, there is wide approval for the manner in which the Temple operates. Membership Vice-presidents Ann Nanes and Louise Sussman worked hard to find creative ways to make Temple Beth Tikvah even more inviting to prospective and new members than it already is. They instituted our monthly &ldquo;wine and cheese social&rdquo; that has become very popular. With their creative ideas and their knowledge of how to get things done, Facilities Vice-Presidents, Lynda Trachtman, Sherri Chapman, Bob Cohen (continuing), and Joe Bloomfield made significant contributions to the beauty, safety, and integrity of our structure. The new roof, remodeled social hall and kitchen, and the improvements in the sanctuary were the visible parts of the many improvements made this last year. Publicity Vice-Presidents Tom and Tracy Green continued to make what we do at TBT visible to the outside world and they continue to lead our Outreach effort with many creative programs. Religious Practices Vice-Presidents Marilyn Roberts and Ariel Feldman (continuing), facilitated making sure all our religious and High Holy Day services ran smoothly and that the manner in which those services run is in keeping with Reform Judaism and our Temple&rsquo;s own culture. We wish Marilyn and her husband Ken well in their new life in Reno. Ways and Means Vice-Presidents Rachael Wager-LaCross and Sandy Wager made unforgettable successful contributions to our Temple last year. Casino Night was well run and very profitable. We will always be especially grateful for the many, many hours they spent making the &ldquo;Haim and Elaine Asa Dinner and Tribute&rdquo; a wonderful, memorable evening and the most successful one-night fundraiser in our history. The new Board members have large shoes to fill and will be given all the support needed from all of us.<br /> It was, all in all, a good year for TBT. We also left much undone. Our fundraising effort for Project Legacy has been very successful, but not complete. We are certainly more than 80% there, and when our modified plans become finished in the next few weeks, I am sure there will be renewed excitement and new pledges, allowing us to begin construction within the next few months. I have been amazed and gratified by the growing support by our Temple community for this all-important project. Our monthly &ldquo;Town Hall&rdquo; meetings will continue to keep you informed and allow you to voice your comments.<br /> 2008-09 promises to be one of the most eventful fiscal years in our history. Every one of us has an important part to play. I promise to do my best to fulfill my part. I hope every one of you will fulfill yours. Together we can continue to keep Temple Beth Tikvah the warm, caring community that it has always been.</p>
      • categorymonthlyPresident
  • 13
    • Message
      • id38
      • created2008-05-31 17:40:46
      • modified0000-00-00 00:00:00
      • published2008-06-00
      • title
      • message<p>I say this every year, but it&rsquo;s hard to believe another school year has gone by.&nbsp; It literally seems like yesterday we were celebrating our High Holy Days, cooking the latkes, booing Haman, and hiding the afikoman.&nbsp; Now, it&rsquo;s time to prepare for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur once again.&nbsp; I know we have the whole summer ahead of us, but once the calendar turns to June, the real preparation begins.&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />This past year, we have seen a lot of changes here at Temple.&nbsp; We remodeled our kitchen, social hall, and the bima.&nbsp; Everyone is delighted with the changes we have made and how beautiful everything looks.&nbsp; It is a tribute to the many people who worked to get it done.&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />This coming year will bring even more and substantial changes around the Temple.&nbsp; Most significantly, Project Legacy will finally come to fruition and our new school building will finally be built.&nbsp; Temple Beth Tikvah has adopted the new prayer book of the Reform Movement, Mishkan T&rsquo;filah, and this will mean some changes to our worship services.&nbsp; I have previously mentioned that we will institute two new worship opportunities beginning in the fall: Tot Shabbat and Intergenerational Shabbat Service, and we will continue our very popular Musical Shabbat services.&nbsp; I will also offer a new learning opportunity, Lunch with the Rabbi, once a month beginning in September.&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />Many people make note that for a &ldquo;small&rdquo; temple we sure do a lot of activities.&nbsp; &ldquo;Small&rdquo; is only relative, and what we do here is create and build community.&nbsp; Clearly, larger congregations have more staff and a bigger budget and can thus offer even more programs and services.&nbsp; What makes Temple Beth Tikvah unique is the culture of Jewish values we create and the expectations we place upon ourselves.&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />In today&rsquo;s day and age, Temple leadership is a thankless job.&nbsp; Although the rewards can be enormous, the day-to-day tzuris can sometimes seem overwhelming.&nbsp; We owe a great deal of gratitude to those who serve our congregation.&nbsp; This month we begin our new fiscal year and with it a new Board of Directors.&nbsp; We thank those who served us in the past and honor those who have stepped up to assume the mantle of leadership.&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />On Friday, June 13th, at our 6:00 p.m. Shabbat Service, we will install our Board of Directors for the coming year and honor our outgoing board members.&nbsp; Our very special guest that evening will be Rabbi Alan Henkin, Director of the Union for Reform Judaism Pacific Southwest Council.&nbsp; Rabbi Henkin has been here before and we are honored that he will be with us again for that special evening.&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />I hope everyone has a wonderful summer vacation.&nbsp; As I say every year, please remember that God does not take vacation, so we will be here every week.&nbsp; Please join us for Shabbat services, and remember that this is the time that people &ldquo;Temple shop,&rdquo; so invite a friend or neighbor to experience what makes TBT the place to be!</p>
      • categorymonthlyRabbi
  • 14
    • Message
      • id39
      • created2008-07-01 13:29:34
      • modified0000-00-00 00:00:00
      • published2008-06-00
      • title
      • message<p>In May I officially became 50 - the big 5...0...! Now that it is June it is sinking in that there is no going back, and I like it! <br /> <br />I want to thank all those who participated in the awesome CD. It touched my heart in a very deep way. I have always wanted a recording of the children and now I can listen to them whenever I want. Once again, words cannot express how special this gift will always mean to me. I still can't believe that the children kept this from me.</p><p>I want to invite all who would like to come on June 14th, 2008. The school will be celebrating my big 5...0...! The festivities will commence at 5:00 p.m. It will be a great time! In lieu of gifts please think about making a donation to the E.C.L.C. director's discretionary fund. All donations will go towards revitalizing the school!</p><p>The Pre-K Graduation and Kindergarten Celebration will be on June 26th, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. I cannot believe that this year is coming to an end.</p><p>Our wonderful camp will start July 1st, 2008 Last year&rsquo;s art camp was such a success that we are going to do it again and extend on the theme to different realms of art and artists.</p><p>It is not too late to sign up. We will continue registration up until the third week of this June.</p><p>I am looking forward to seeing as many of you as I can at my BIG 5...0...! party. Until then &hellip;</p>
      • categorymonthlyEclc
  • 15
    • Message
      • id40
      • created2008-05-31 17:43:44
      • modified0000-00-00 00:00:00
      • published2008-06-00
      • title
      • message<p>&nbsp;&nbsp; I have seen plaques and coffee mugs that bear the saying, &ldquo;Three reasons to become a teacher: June, July, &amp; August.&rdquo; While the summer months do provide a welcome pause from the routine schedule of the school year, there is nothing like the presence of children to brighten an educator&rsquo;s day. The last day of the 2007-08 school year was a day unlike any other. We all dream of sending our children to Israel, to give them a taste of our collective history and to give them a shot of Jewish identity. Our dedicated team of Religious School teachers took this to heart and created a closing day program that proved to be fun, educational, and inspirational. 4th grade teacher Marilyn Spielberg got the ball rolling, and each staff member then created an activity to give our students an experience to remember.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp; As the students arrived at school, they were given a &ldquo;passport&rdquo; with the picture of one of four Israeli leaders: Golda Meir, Chaim Weizmann, Theodore Herzl, or Moshe Dayan. It was soon time to be led to the &ldquo;plane&rdquo; in the chapel, where seats were set up in rows like a plane (of course no one under 18 was allowed to sit in the emergency row). Once the flight started, we heard all the safety information and were treated to our in-flight movie &ndash; a virtual tour of Israel created by teacher Tara Filowitz. Both entertaining and informational, the children saw the sites of Israel and heard voices and music from our Jewish heritage. <br />&nbsp;&nbsp; It was soon time to leave the plane and divide into groups (according to the Israeli leader on the passports). Students participated in four activities led by our teachers:<br />*IDF training: a physical workout to prepare for defending the State of Israel (led by Tara Filowitz)<br />*Safed artistry: making stained glass pictures of Israeli flags (led by Sammi Jass)<br />*Archaeological dig: in the sandbox of the preschool playground, students unearthed &ldquo;ancient&rdquo; fragments of pottery (led by Bethany Spielberg)<br />*Prayers for the Western Wall: students wrote amazing prayers and placed them in our &ldquo;Wall&rdquo; that was created out of stuffed paper bags.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp; At the end of the morning, we gathered at our own Dizengoff Street caf&eacute; (on the patio) for falafel (thanks to Greg Weitzman for preparing the batter, to Todd Menaker for doing the frying, and to Lysa Bloomfield, Carmen Feldman, Dafna Gutterman, and Joan Wiener for chopping veggies and helping to serve the children &ndash; all under the watchful eye of third grade teacher Emily Wiener). And of course a sidewalk caf&eacute; wouldn&rsquo;t be complete without strolling minstrals and music &ndash; all provided by our songleaders Jonathan Katz and Ben LaCross.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp; While all of the above took place, we culminated a year-long mitzvah project tied in the celebration of Lag Ba&rsquo;Omer, a holiday which provides traditional Jews the only opportunity between Passover and Shavuot to cut their hair. In the social hall we set up a beauty salon, and several adults as well as children got 8-10&rdquo; of hair cut to help make wigs for those suffering from illnesses that cause hair loss. Thanks to beautician Mo Khooban and the students from Marinello Beauty School for donating their time to make this activity possible! We hope to make this an annual event, and I can already see that some of our children are working towards next year&rsquo;s haircutting event!</p>
      • categorymonthlyReligiousSchool
  • 16
    • Message
      • id165
      • created2009-06-25 00:42:06
      • modified2009-06-25 00:42:06
      • published2008-06-01
      • title
      • message<p>Thanks to all of you who attended the Town Hall meeting on the 19th of May. We were delighted to share with you our newly reconfigured plans for The Asa Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning. They have been submitted to the City of Fullerton for the June 25th meeting of the Planning Department. Shortly after that time we will know when we can go forward with the construction drawing phase of the project. Then it&rsquo;s on to the bidding stage, subcontactor selection and finally construction.<br /><br />The main change to the building is in its exterior appearance. Although still very attractive, the roof has been flattened to allow for a pre-engineered metal structural design. It is a more cost-effective construction method resulting in the addition of a large amount of storage space on the main floor that was not on the original set of plans. The footprint of the building is almost the same. This also results in added space for a youth lounge on the upper floor (looking for sponsors to dedicate this space), additional storage space, and a refinement of some hidden doorways.<br /><br />The Fullerton fire department has visited our site. They will require us to add four hydrants on the property. We will have to comply at an additional cost.<br /><br />The building committee met with Shook Builders and Richard Crane, our architect, at the end of May to discuss pricing of the project. We should have a more comprehensive idea of where we stand by the beginning of June.</p> <p>We still have not reached our financial fund raising goal, but we are definitely getting close. We plan to make a second appeal when our new plans and cost projections are on a firmer design footing. We will be starting the billing on pledges early in June and would appreciate you all letting the office know if you wish to pay your five year commitments by monthly, quarterly or annual payments. We are looking forward to setting our &ldquo;ground-breaking&rdquo; date in the very near future. We appreciate all of your help and support in making our &ldquo;Dream a Reality.&rdquo;</p>
      • categoryprojectLegacy
  • 17
    • Message
      • id41
      • created2008-07-01 13:26:55
      • modified0000-00-00 00:00:00
      • published2008-06-06
      • titleSinai
      • message<p> What happened at Sinai? How you approach and answer that question<br />speaks volumes about what kind of Jew you are. Traditional Jews give the<br />traditional answer that God revealed His law to Moses who transmitted it to<br />the People of Israel. Throughout the centuries various interpretations have<br />been given and those too were revealed at Sinai but only discovered or<br />needed at a later time. Those who take a more progressive or Reform<br />approach to Judaism generally believe that "something" happened at Sinai but<br />they are unsure as to exactly what. Reform Judaism teaches a belief in<br />progressive revelation, that God has been revealed to us many times<br />throughout history, not just once at Sinai. God continues to be revealed to<br />us and that is what allows us to apply the tradition to modern<br />circumstances. <br /><br /> Of course there is a huge range of opinions in between those two and<br />even within those two. However you answer that question and whether or not<br />you believe anything happened at Sinai, there is no denying that the story<br />of the Jewish people at Sinai has been central to Jewish life ever since<br />that event happened (or didn't happen). Along with Creation and the<br />Redemption from Egypt, the notion of Revelation completes what I call the<br />"Jewish trinity." These three themes are reflected in every worship<br />service, every Shabbat observance, and virtually every other Jewish holiday.<br /><br /><br /> This Sunday evening marks the beginning of Shavu'ot, traditionally<br />believed to be the day on which Moses actually received the Torah on Mt.<br />Sinai. Shavu'ot comes seven weeks after Passover and was traditionally the<br />deadline for our ancestors to bring their Passover sacrifice to the Temple.<br />After the destruction of the Temple, the holiday was reinterpreted and given<br />the historical significance as the Day of Revelation. <br /><br /> A little over 100 years ago, the Reform Movement created a new<br />Jewish ceremony modeled after the one with the same name in the Protestant<br />Church: Confirmation. Initially proposed as a gender equal substitute for<br />Bar Mitzvah, Confirmation marks the end of our students' formal religious<br />education. In Hebrew, Confirmation is known as Kabbalat Torah, the ceremony<br />of receiving the Torah and in most congregations, the Confirmation ceremony<br />is held on or near Shavu'ot. On the day when we commemorate the giving of<br />the Torah, we ask our young people to likewise symbolically accept the Torah<br />and all that it stands for. We celebrate their accomplishments and send<br />them on their way just as God did with Moses and the People of Israel. God<br />gave them the gift of Torah, but the rest was up to them (and us!). And so<br />it is for our teens. We have given them the gift of a religious education,<br />and now the rest is up to them. I hope you will join us tomorrow morning<br />for our Shabbat Morning Service at 10:00 AM as we celebrate with this year's<br />Confirmation class. <br /><br /> Tonight is our Family Shabbat service with birthday and anniversary<br />blessings for June. On Monday evening at 7:00 PM, we will have a special<br />Yizkor / Memorial Service. Yizkor is said four times a year in memory of<br />our loved ones. Please come and help us make a minyan. Have a great<br />weekend and stay cool!</p>
      • categoryweeklyRabbi
  • 18
    • Message
      • id42
      • created2008-07-01 13:26:32
      • modified0000-00-00 00:00:00
      • published2008-06-13
      • titleMoments of Transition
      • message<p> This past week marked the thirteenth anniversary of my ordination as a rabbi. Every year at this time, I recall that very special and incredibly emotional moment when Dr. Gottschalk, then-President of the Hebrew Union College placed his hands upon my shoulders and proclaimed me to be a &ldquo;teacher in Israel.&rdquo; That had been a moment I had dreamed about and longed for for many years, and it had finally happened. Now, thirteen years have passed, four children have been born, I have served several congregations, and of course, I am a few years older. </p> <p> That this week&rsquo;s anniversary of my ordination would coincide with the festival of Shavu&rsquo;ot is very significant. Shavu&rsquo;ot commemorates the giving, and more importantly, the receiving of the Torah by Moses and the People of Israel. As I became a rabbi on June 10, 1995, I also accepted upon myself certain burdens and responsibilities, just as the Israelites did when they accepted that very special gift from God.</p> <p> This time of years is very special for many people. We celebrate graduations from elementary school, high school, college, graduate school, and even rabbinic school. Many people also choose this month to get married. Given the recent California Supreme Court decision on same-sex marriage, the media is reporting that next week there will be a flurry of activity at county clerk offices throughout the state and those who cater to couples getting married are seeing a boom in business. </p> <p> All of these events are special and meaningful because they are moments of transition. They signify an immediate and drastic change in a person&rsquo;s life. After such an experience, we are transformed and not the same person we were the day before. This can apply to happy events such as a graduation, marriage, or birth of a child, or a sad event such as a divorce or death in the family. </p> <p> I believe that these moments of transition are best celebrated or marked within a religious framework. Religion gives us the scaffolding around which to build our lives, and being a part of a congregation gives us a community to share our lives, the good times and the bad. Like our ancestors in the Torah who were transformed by their experiences, so too are we. Abraham was called to embark on his journey, Isaac wrestled with an angel, and Moses met God at the Burning Bush. Each of these moments of transition, among many others, was symbolized by a change, either physical or emblematic. Our moments of transition are marked in like manner. </p> <p> Mazal tov to all of our graduates, from elementary to graduate school! I wish you all much success in all future endeavors. Tonight at temple we will be honoring our outgoing board members and installing our new board for the coming year. Services begin at 6:00 PM and we are honored to have with us Rabbi Alan Henkin, Director of the URJ Pacific Southwest Council. Tomorrow we have Torah Study and Shabbat morning service as usual. Happy Father&rsquo;s Day to all dads, and &ldquo;Go Lakers!&rdquo;</p>
      • categoryweeklyRabbi
  • 19
    • Message
      • id43
      • created2008-06-27 18:03:25
      • modified0000-00-00 00:00:00
      • published2008-06-27
      • titleImpatience
      • message<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I can vividly remember my grandparents collecting Green Stamps.<br />They had an entire cupboard filled with books they would fill with those<br />stamps, eventually saving up enough to buy some incredible item, like a new<br />toaster!&nbsp; Collecting Green Stamps disappeared decades ago along with 8-track<br />tapes and the Pet Rock, but along with them also disappeared something else,<br />something very important and critical: patience.&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Today, we live in an immediate society.&nbsp; You can have virtually<br />anything right now and pay for it later, or even never at all.&nbsp; My own<br />children probably see hundreds of commercials on television every day and<br />all I hear is "I want that!"&nbsp; They don't understand that everything costs<br />money and that proverbially "money does not grow on trees."&nbsp; They don't<br />understand that when I use a credit card, I eventually have to pay that<br />bill.&nbsp; Unfortunately, most Americans don't understand that either.&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We have lost our ability to have patience, to work for a goal, to<br />have delayed instead of immediate gratification, to save up for something we<br />want, to look beyond right here, right now, and our own needs.&nbsp; But like<br />everything else, this is nothing new.&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In our Torah portion this week, Korach (for whom the Parashah is<br />named) and a band of followers become impatience with Moses' leadership.<br />Out there in the wilderness, he grows tired with desert life and wants to<br />get to the Promised Land.&nbsp; He waxes poetic about life back in Egypt and<br />criticizes Moses and Aaron for leading the Israelites into the abyss.&nbsp; God,<br />however, is very displeased with this rebellion, and for his troubles Korach<br />and his followers are swallowed up whole by the Earth.&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Our Sages have offered up many explanations for this seemingly harsh<br />punishment, and they have tried to justify God's actions.&nbsp; I would like to<br />think that Korach was really swallowed up by his own impatience.&nbsp; He lost<br />the ability to look forward, to set goals, to see the bigger picture, and to<br />see beyond himself and his own needs.&nbsp; Like so many of our children and<br />adults today, he wanted it all and he wanted it now.&nbsp; And also like so many<br />people today, he was overcome by his own needs and desires.&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Now I am not suggesting that we return to the days of Green Stamps<br />when you had to save for a month to buy a toaster, because today we'd have<br />to save for a month just to by a gallon of gasoline!&nbsp; But what I am<br />suggesting is that we try to learn the lesson of Korach . that patience is<br />more than a virtue; it should be part of our mindset and modus operandi.<br />Especially for our children, we need to teach them to set reasonable goals<br />and to work towards those goals.&nbsp; Even though we live in a "have it now"<br />society, we need to teach them that getting it now is not always best, and<br />that working hard and earning something brings much more fulfillment than<br />just being handed something on a silver platter.&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tonight at Temple we will have our Musical Shabbat Service so come<br />and enjoy our special music and shake your very own shaker egg.&nbsp; Tomorrow,<br />Torah Study and Shabbat Morning Service as usual.&nbsp; A reminder that next week<br />we will be having family services on Friday, July 4th.&nbsp; We invite you to<br />come casual (or more casual than usual) and enjoy our potluck dinner<br />followed by an outdoor service if it's not too hot.&nbsp; Have a safe and fun<br />weekend!</p>
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    • created2010-08-27 12:53:34
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