One of the beautiful moments of daily prayer by our students in both Sinai Akiba Academy and Sinai Temple Religious School is when they sing the prayer ozi vzimrat yah, an essential verse in the Song of The Sea, that the Israelites sang as they went from slavery to freedom. Onkelos, who translates the Torah from Hebrew to Aramaic, explains it means, “God is my might and my praise.”
Honorable Mensch-ion
Sacred Time
The first mitzvah for the collective Jewish people–sanctifying the moon–is found in this week’s parsha. This law is followed by the rituals of the Seder; in particular the maror, bitter herbs.
As Seen Through These Eyes
As we begin to read the first of the ten plagues, we see a contradiction in the Torah. At the start of Parashat Vaera, God tells the people that they will be taken out of the depths of slavery. It is hard to imagine during the most difficult times of one’s life that they will one day see and experience freedom.
Tragedy and Triumph
An unfathomable week. Utter devastation. This is what we experienced in Los Angeles. At the same time, we were treated with love, kindness, empathy, and unbounded generosity that I have never witnessed in my life. For so many disasters around the world, it was our community who would send help into harm’s way. Yet, this was different. This time, we have been the receivers of help. Last night, at a press conference hosted by Sinai Temple, Los Angeles Fire Chiefs and Police Chiefs all told the gathered crowd that while the world has seen tragedy appear before their eyes, we have also seen many signs of triumph.
Let Us Strengthen Each Other
I write these words on the way to Jerusalem from Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, having just witnessed the devastation of kibbutz Kefar Azzah firsthand—and having just heard the news of the fires devastating Los Angeles secondhand. Suffice it to say, my heart aches for our families and our Family, our people and our People. I pray that you and your homes are safe and intact. I pray that those who have been evacuated and displaced return home soon—to Pacific Palisades, to Kefar Azzah, to communities across the North of Israel. I pray that the hostages still in captivity return home now.
I am Here
We know the word Hineni, “I am here,” from the well known narrative of Abraham. Yet, we hear this word again after Jacob learns that his son Joseph is alive, and Joseph learns that his father is alive as well.
Bright Candles
I have lit the Chanukah candles in places all around the world. I have recited the blessings in Jerusalem and Eilat, New York and Los Angeles, in my home and in hotels.
White Elephant
At the end of each calendar year, the Sinai Temple staff gathers for a festive lunch. Each individual is recognized as being part of this sacred team that brings light to our community. Beyond the formal thanks yous, there is also an interactive piece. This year, we played “White Elephant.” Each person brought a small gift to the table. One by one, you choose a gift from the table, and if you like a gift that has already been taken, you can “steal” it from another person, and that person chooses a new gift. It was a fascinating experience. At first, the participants were timid to take a gift from someone else. Yet, as the game unfolded, it became more comfortable to take what you wanted and not what you were given.
Make Our Communities Better
The Torah tells us that Jacob came in peace into the city of Shechem. The Talmud elaborates that when Jacob entered the city, he instituted something for the welfare of the city. Rav said he minted coins. Shemuel said he established markets. Rabbi Yochanan said he set up bathhouses. The Midrash explains that whenever we benefit from a place, we must show our gratitude by doing something for its welfare.
Spiritual Roof
While Jacob dreams of a ladder leading to heaven, he recognizes that he is in a sacred place. The midrash explains that the Temple Mount was uprooted and brought to Jacob in order that he could pray there. This short teaching gives us permission to open the gates of prayer wherever we may find ourselves. The Talmud explains that Abraham called the Temple a mountain, Isaac called it a field, and Jacob called it a house.
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