The Shabbat experience and community lunch this week, is dedicated in loving memory of Professor Peter Schotten z"l.
How appropriate than, that this week in the Torah we read the story of Abraham, who upon hearing that G-d planned to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, said the immortal words "Far be it from You to do a thing such as this. . . will the Judge of the entire earth not perform justice?" Like our great and holy ancestor Abraham, I feel that Peter lived the true depth of these words entirely. Each time I had the privilege of studying Torah with Peter, or even a regular conversation, he would stir the direction and pack the conversation with insight and explanation, questions and better questions — always seeking a deeper understanding of the text. How could it be that Hashem, the true judge, would not perform justice!? From the depths of his neshamah, Peter held G-d to a high standard, as we all should. And demanded to understand and see the justice and goodness in G-ds every decision. Which brings us to the next step. What shall one do when we don’t understand G-d's just ways? What is the Torah way when we don’t see things the way we want to see them? Some questions are better than any answers that could be given, and sometimes we need to remember that no matter what the world says or does, you and I must carry on a meaningful and productive life, promote justice and kindness in our surroundings, and indeed, help create a world where there should be no room for any kind of man’s inhumanity to man. As the Rebbe once wrote, that despite the great questions we have, our resolve must be that "I can not slacken in my determination to carry out my purpose in life, which is to serve G‑d, wholeheartedly and with joy, and make this world a fitting abode—not only for humans, but also for the Shechina, the Divine Presence itself." Peter was a loving husband and father, and an accomplished scholar and teacher, who positively influenced and helped shape many students during his career. For many decades, Peter also played important roles in Jewish community life in Sioux Falls, and inspired others as well. We wish Bernice and Cheryl Heike a happy and healthy life, chayim aruchim v'tovim. May the soul of Peter ben Menachem rest peacefully in Gan Eden, together with all the holy souls of our ancestors, all the way to Abraham, who first asked the great question.
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One of the things I learned during the past few years that I've lived in Sioux Falls and met people across South Dakota, is that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. No matter how much time goes by, the first impression always remains, for the good and for the better.
This made me think of the first impression G-d made on Abraham, the father of the Jewish people. When we look at the first instruction G-d gave him, we could have imagined it being something bearing great moral, spiritual or theological significance, perhaps something as consequential as the Ten Commandments. Instead we find a simple instruction, "Lech Lecha" - "Go forth from your land and from your birthplace and from your father's house, to the land that I will show you." What's more, is that even this seems to be lacking basic information like where to go and what this new place would be like. Of everything, why would this be the first commandment, to the first Jew? The Rebbe teaches that in these words in fact lies a foundational theme for Abraham, and by extension for every Jew. Our uniqueness is that even though we live in this physical world and seem constrained by the laws of nature and the norms of society, and even though we each have natural feelings and tendencies, we are each able to rise up and connect with G-d, who is infinite and unrestrained. We got this strength and ability in that first instruction of "Lech Lecha - Go." With these simple words, G-d told Abraham, and through him all the Jews, that our mission is to rise above our natural limitations, connect with G-d who is infinite and unrestrained, and accomplish the impossible. In fact he was called Abraham Haivri because “the whole world was on one side and he was on the other.” Practically, this means that although we are influenced by those around us, although we may face physical, emotional or psychological challenges, we have within us the strength and ability to persevere and rise above those distractions that impede us from living a harmonious life and fulfilling our purpose. We each inherited this special ability from our ancestor Abraham, and the instruction he received from G-d to "Go." This Tuesday we resumed our weekly Torah class after taking a break for several weeks during the High Holidays, Sukkot and Simchat Torah season. Most of this week's Torah portion speaks about Noah and the great flood. But nothing in the Torah is just a story from thousands of years ago, it is all an important and very practical lesson for our lives today.
Like Noah, we too can face a flood. Each one of us can be flooded by the daily hassles of life, be it emotional, mental, and especially the mundanities of earning a living. Any or all of these things can completely drown us, upending our ability to live a life of harmony and fulfillment. To protect ourselves from these waters, like Noah, we too must "enter the ark," that is a space of holiness and spirituality. “Entering the ark” essentially means choosing a time in the day, a day in the week, or even a year in your life, where we surround ourselves exclusively in an environment of Torah and mitzvahs. Only then we can be certain that the hassles of life will leave us unscathed. This idea of "entering the ark" also comes with communal responsibility, and our obligation to care for the physical and spiritual needs of others. It would be inappropriate for any of us to think "I am taken care of, I am living a good quality life in my comfort zone and what happens outside is not my issue." Here too we must look at the verse, in which G-d tells Noah that in addition to himself, he must bring others into the ark with him as well; his wife and sons, their wives, as well as animal life. We are responsible not only for ourselves but also for the material and spiritual well-being of those around us. And just like Noah was commanded to enter the ark, G-d also commanded Noah to exit the ark. You might wonder that it's obvious that he eventually needed to leave the ark, for what reason did Noah need to be told to do so? This is because at times we can get too comfortable in our own little ark of holiness. Sometimes we may forget that our ultimate purpose is to engage with the world completely, and transform it for the better. To do that we must leave the ark, but to leave, we must first enter. Only by entering and giving ourselves a strong foundation of Torah and mitzvahs can we ultimately succeed in living a life of purpose and meaning, with peace, love and true harmony. Just a few weeks ago, at Shabbat service and lunch, we ran into a problem. We ran out of siddurim. But that was the best problem I could have ever asked for. It showed us the direction we were headed in as we approached the High Holidays. So although people had to share siddurim, everyone enjoyed the gourmet Kiddush and lunch. Somehow, with Mussie's magic, there was plenty of food!
This really set the tone for our 6th High Holidays since we arrived in Sioux Falls. And this was definitely the most uplifting and meaningful High Holiday season. From the services and community lunches on both days of Rosh Hashanah, to heartfelt prayers during the Yom Kippur services, and incredible break fast, together as a community we prayed, cried, sang, and ate. Transitioning into the Days of Joy, Sukkot with Lulav and Latte each morning, home visits, traveling Sukkah statewide, the special mitzvahs of the holiday were available to everyone in the community who wished. We were also joined in the Sukkah by a bi-partisan group of state legislators and elected officials who learned more about the Jewish community and our holidays. Capping off the last day of Sukkot with a Sushi in the Sukkah dinner, followed by the traditional Simchat Torah celebrations of Hakafot dancing with the Torahs, the energy in the room that evening, the joyful singing and dancing was uplifting. The many children and young people who joined were the shining highlight! Of course, our tremendous thanks and appreciation goes to each one of our 153 friends who showed their love for the work Chabad does in the community and joyfully participated in our matching fundraising campaign. Together, you raised $39,564 in just 36 hours! This feeling of vibrancy, growth, excitement and pride is palpable. We recently welcomed several new families and individuals to the community. More and more people are participating in the various offerings of Chabad, and as always we look forward to welcoming you. There is a place for you and you will always be a treasured part of this beautiful community. As we conclude this high energy and busy month, I'm reminded of a famous Chabad teaching, that now, after the holidays, is the time for us all to "unpack" the packages of good treasures and great spirituality that we amassed during this season. Throughout the year, we can always look back at this time, be it the solemn prayers of Yom Kippur, the joy of Simchat Torah, or the moments we were surrounded by the Sukkah walls under the sky, and take inspiration from it for our day to day life. It really is a great time to be a Jew in South Dakota, and this is just the beginning! Next week, on Sunday evening, we will be celebrating the holiday of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. This comes on the heels of Sukkot.
Simchat Torah is the one the most joyful holidays in Judaism, and celebrates the annual completion of the Torah reading. Growing up it was always my favorite. Yet, for so many, the main exposure in a Synagogue is to Rosh Hashanah and especially Yom Kippur, which could be very solemn. What do we do on this holiday? We read the last verses of the Torah, and immediately, read the first verses. This is because learning Torah never ends, so the very moment we conclude, we begin once again. No matter how much we think we know, there is always more to learn, new perspectives to understand, and deeper insights to appreciate. And then we dance. We dance with the Torah scrolls like there is no tomorrow. We dance because we are genuinely happy and thankful to G-d for giving us this greatest gift, and for the ability we have each day to learn it and live it. And when one is genuinely happy, they dance and celebrate! What is most interesting about this holiday, is that it is not focused on the scholarly accomplishments of Torah learning. This is not a celebration just for those who have dedicated many hours each day or week to Torah study. It is also not a celebration based on the depth of one's knowledge. On Simchat Torah, we are celebrating the Torah itself. When we dance with the Torah, it’s rolled up and tied closed with a strap and cover. When the Torah is open, each person may relate to it differently. Some people know more than others, some people can learn more than others, so we may not always feel so equal next to an open Torah. But when the Sefer Torah is closed, we’re all the same. On this holiday, every Jew is equal in that we all received the Torah together, and it belongs to each of us. This is why we dance with the Torah while it is covered. During this celebration, every person, no matter their level of knowledge or the depth of their understanding, celebrates and rejoices the same way. We will be celebrating the holiday with a Sushi in the Sukkah on Sunday evening, followed by the Simchat Torah celebration. Whether Hakafot and Simchat Torah is something you grew up with, or it is new to you, please join us as we celebrate together. This will be a highlight of your Jewish year! As I made Havdalah at the conclusion of a most inspiring Yom Kippur, and we all sang the lively holiday song vesamachta as the candle was extinguished into the wine, we could feel the Days of Joy were now upon us.
Sukkot begins on Sunday evening, and one of the very special mitzvahs of this joyful holiday season is the Lulav and Etrog, also known as "the four kinds." The Torah says "you shall take for yourselves the fruit of a beautiful tree, a bound branch of a palm tree, boughs of thick-leaved trees and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the L‑rd your G‑d for seven days.” The midrash describes these four kinds as being symbolic of four types of Jews: an etrog, which possesses both a good taste as well as a fragrant odor, is symbolic of the Jew who possesses both Torah learning and mitzvahs, good deeds. The palm branch has a good taste but no fragrant odor, signifying those who have obtained Torah education but lack in mitzvah observance. Those individuals who perform mitzvahs but are lacking in Torah knowledge are likened to the myrtle, which has a fragrant odor but lacks taste. The willow, which is inedible and lacks aroma as well, represents those people lacking both in Torah and good deeds. When teaching this midrash, the Rebbe shared a beautiful lesson. Just as all four kinds together are necessary for the performance of the mitzvah, and only then can the blessing be made, so, too, must all Jews be united; even if just the “willow” is missing, then Jewry as a whole is lacking an essential component. Similarly, just as the willow need not have its qualities revealed for it to be utilized, so must our approach to the “willow Jew” be without pre-conditions. It wholly suffices that she or he is a Jew. It is only when all four types of Jews are brought together and held together, that we can have a real community. That is why every Jew, no matter background, level of knowledge, commitment, or social status, is valued, welcomed, and very much a treasured part of our community. This message is especially important this year, being that it is a Hakhel year, a "Year of Gathering," when we try to gather as much as possible, to increase and strengthen our Jewish unity and observance. We look forward to welcoming you at the Sukkot Hakhel celebrations! Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins at sundown this evening, September 25 and ends at nightfall, Tuesday, September 27. Dip the apple in honey, hear the Shofar, and take in the awesomeness of the day.
On Rosh Hashanah, we celebrate the creation of the first human being; Adam. We are very familiar with G-d's call to Adam: "Where are you?" This isn't just a story that took place many years ago. Rather, today too, we must understand that G-d asks each of us individually: "Where are you?" Are you fulfilling the purpose for which I created you? Are you making this world a better place? Or are you, unfortunately, letting days, weeks, months and years go by, without any real growth or vitality? This is the foundation of our faith; the belief that each one of us has it in his or her power, regardless of wealth or position, to turn the world into a better place, a force for good rather than evil. Each year, when we celebrate Rosh Hashanah, we are reminded of our ability. Each year, Rosh Hashanah gives us a resurgence of the strength needed to fulfill these goals. This is a time for rejuvenation and commitment. A time to clarify our sense of purpose and fulfillment. This is especially significant this year, as it is a Year of Hakhel - Gathering. During the Temple times, once every seven years, every man, woman and child, would gather to hear words of Torah read by the king to inspire them. Today we don't have a physical Temple, but the spiritual aspects of Hakhel very much apply. Indeed, each one of us can be "a king" in our surroundings, and inspire as many other "men, women, and children" as possible, to increase in acts of goodness and kindness. May you and your loved ones be blessed with abundance of goodness, for a very happy and healthy sweet new year! This Saturday night, we begin saying Selichot, the communal prayers for Divine forgiveness, prior to the High Holidays. Some Sephardic communities have already begun earlier this month. The custom this weekend is that the prayers are said at midnight, and for the next week until Rosh Hashanah, early each morning, from the crack of dawn.
As a child growing up, and into my teenage and adult years, these Saturday midnight prayers have always been very special. Everyone gathered at the Synagogue, had either just woken up, or had been studying, meditating or singing through the night, in preparation for the Selichot service. At the very moment the chazan begins the words Ashrei, we can all feel how the "Days of Awe" are now upon us. Judaism believes in the power of Teshuva, that is the ability and power each one of us has to own up, to apologize and to sincerely repent. And when we do, we can ask G-d for forgiveness, and a new path opens before us. This is described beautifully by Rabbi Sacks in his telling of the story of Judah/Yehudah. "...A young man who sold his brother as a slave. His name was Yehudah. That was a real, real sin and yet he became the ancestor of Israel’s Kings. He became a lot more than that. We bear his name. We are called Jews because we are yehudim, because we are named after Yehudah. Why? Because he was forgiven. And why was he forgiven? Because he owned up, he said, ““Aval asheimim anachnu”, “We were guilty.” He said, (in words we say at Selichos), “Ma-nidaber uma-nitz’tadak” – “What more can we say to justify ourselves?”. He said, “haelokim matza et-ha’avon avadecha”, “God has discovered, uncovered our guilt.” What’s more, he changed: From the person who sold his brother as a slave, he became the person who was willing to spend the rest of his life as a slave so that his brother Benjamin could go free. He became a Ba’al Teshuvah. Joseph, his brother, forgave him. God forgave him, and it is his name we bear..." As Rosh Hashanah approaches, and we ask G-d for forgiveness for our own failures, mistakes and sins, it is worth us also taking a moment to think; How fast are we to judge others? How quickly do we write others off? Do we try to put ourselves "in their shoes"? Do we allow others to repent? Do we have it within ourselves to be forgiving? Do we give them a second chance, as we would want for ourselves? Selichot, and the High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, show us that we can all come back home. I was born and grew up in England, and the Queen was always part of our lives and a topic of discussion. Her face was on all currency and postage. Many Synagogues had a special prayer they would say for her each week, and much has been written about her warm relationship with the Anglo-Jewish community.
In 2001, the Queen honored my grandfather, Rabbi Nachman Sudak, with the title Officer of the British Empire, awarding him a prestigious medal at Buckingham Palace, with all the pomp and ceremony only London is capable of. From 1959 until his passing in 2014, at the request of the Rebbe, he directed the Chabad Lubavitch institutions and activities across Great Britain. It was for those efforts and accomplishments that the Queen awarded him. Many were invited to the palace that day. Amidst the crowd of people there was one man who "stuck out." My grandfather was the only one meeting the Queen that day who was visibly Jewish in the sense that he wore his Jewish attire, hat, tzitzit, and Chasidic garb. He was also the only person at the event with whom the Queen did not share a handshake. By Jewish tradition, and in respect to the sanctity of the genders, beside for one's spouse or immediate relatives, men and women will generally not make any physical contact with one another, including even a simple handshake. The Queen was well aware of these traditional Jewish practices and respected them. Not only did his commitment to Jewish tradition not hinder his standing, the Queen recognized its beauty and she publicly awarded him. After the ceremony at the palace, I rode in the car with my grandfather, and he let me hold the medal. Whenever I think back to that time, I remember how the Queen understood, appreciated and respected my grandfather, along with his religious observances and requirements, even while she lived a very different life. Sometimes we feel that to fit in we need to change who we are. Sometimes we may even feel self-conscious that we may be seen as different, as "too Jewish." The truth is, we each deserve to be proud of our heritage and our sacred traditions that have been part of the Jewish story for millennia. We definitely don't need to change to fit in. On the contrary, what we should be doing is learning more about who we are, what our heritage and traditions mean, and discover the most beautiful, meaningful and harmonious life the Torah teaches us. In 2022, when there is perhaps greater awareness and sensitivity than ever before, about respecting and appreciating the culture and traditions of others, when we applaud and admire minority groups who maintain their lifestyle, some of that can and should also be afforded to Jews practicing Judaism. In a time when prominent newspapers are dedicating front page Sunday space to malign, demonize and maliciously mischaracterize the life of Chasidic Jews, this point is especially potent. This week, as millions of people around the world are remembering the Queen, I join and remember a woman who graciously appreciated the Jews in her country, and as someone who respected Jews who respect their Judaism. Before we jump to judging someone for choosing a lifestyle different from our own - let Queen Elizabeth's memory tap us with a gentle reminder. This week I experienced one of the most special moments I've had since moving to Sioux Falls. Together with a fellow community member, Stephen Rosenthal, we concluded a tractate of the Talmud. We started studying this together several years ago, and endeavored to study once a week.
As a Yeshiva student, I'd spend several hours a day studying Talmud. Some people dedicate their entire life to this. But Judaism, and higher Jewish education and scholarship, is not limited to Yeshiva students, or to the times we go to Synagogue, or Shabbat and religious holidays. Rather, it belongs to every Jew equally, and each one of us can incorporate and maintain a real commitment to Judaism in our daily lives, regardless of our profession, background or social status. Part of the secret of Jewish continuity has always been our commitment to Torah study. It can be done by every woman, man and child, and anywhere. Many times over the past few years, Stephen and I learned during his work hours, while at his office. With zoom and facetime, we also learned on those occasions when one of us was out of town. As we say in the hallowed words of the Shema "when you are at home, and when you are on the road, when you lay down and when you get up." Beyond everything else, studying Talmud is enjoyable and engaging. On a given page we can learn intimate details about the lives of the Sages, read anecdotes they heard from their teachers, explore theology, or delve into the complex laws of mundane matters like commerce, contracts and inheritance, or the religious intricacies of marriage, divorce and prayer. There we also discover the Jewish methodology of preserving tradition, of reasoning, debating, challenging, understanding, and coming to a final resolution. (Indeed, a common misconception is that the Talmud is a book of debates. Nothing can be farther from the truth. The Talmud is complete with resolution, always authoritatively arbitrating and giving the final ruling and its methodology Jews have respected and followed for millennia.) This may very well have been the first time two people studied and completed an entire Talmudic tractate together in South Dakota. But it definitely won't be the last. Let me know if you would like to study Talmud. It is never too late to start! |
Rabbi Mendel Alperowitz BlogServing the spiritual needs of the South Dakota Jewish community. Based in Sioux Falls and travels the state. Archives
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