From Rabbi Mordecai Miller
June 18, 2010 |
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Mortality is the theme for this week's Torah portion.
We begin with the arbitrary law (chok) concerning the famous Red Heifer. This is a description of the complex process through which an individual is cleansed of the most serious form of tum'ah (spiritual impurity): tum'at mayt - the impurity that is contracted through contact with a corpse. On the one hand the process of purification is the most complex. It takes a full week and besides the usual requirement of laundering one's clothes and immersing in a mikveh, it is the only form of impurity that requires the individual to be sprinkled with ashes of a red heifer on the third and seventh day of purification. On the other hand, the way in which one can contract such impurity is as easy as walking under a canopy under which the corpse is lying.
Returning to the narrative, we read about the death of Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron. Immediately following the Israelite people discover a lack of water and clamor against Moses and Aaron to provide them with this necessity. In the midst of his frustration, Moses fails to carry out the explicit command of God and manages to publicly insult the people and question God's power at the same time!
The result is disastrous. He and Aaron are told that they will never enter the Promised Land. Attempts are made to secure the permission of the tribe of Edon (Esau) to pass through their territory on the condition that the Israelites pay for any food they or their animals consume. The tribe of Esau refuses and the Israelites must make a detour.
At this point we read about the death of Aaron and how all the Israelites mourn his loss for thirty days.
The Israelites have reached the outskirts of he land of Canaan and we read about various hostile encounters with the Canaanites and how God comes to their aid. There's more complaining on the part of the Israelites, specifically about the Manna. God sends fiery serpents and Moses has to come up with a way to intervene.
As they continue their journey, God continues to place his protection over the Israelites; in some cases, without their even being aware of it! Along these lines we read about the attacks of the Amorite Kings, Sichon and Og and how God secures the victories of the Israelites.
We leave our par'sha as the Israelites arrive at the Plains of Moab.
It's my pleasure to introduce our new Shaare Shalom Director, ANITA KRAUS. I believe that the Shaare Shalom Board made a wise decision in hiring Anita. She has "hit the ground running" and is working tirelessly to make sure that our students will experience a year that is filled with stimulating and enjoyable educational opportunities. If you have a child or children between pre-K and tenth grade, I hope you will take the time to examine the details of the curriculum that is being planned, as well as the other information which should give you a good idea as to the content and quality of what we hope to provide our students in the coming year.
While there is no question that supplementary religious education creates challenges, I still believe the experience is capable of giving the students a foundation in their religion. With proper motivation, provided by knowledgeable , experienced and dedicated teachers, we can whet the students' appetites to look into taking a course or courses in Jewish Studies at whatever university they attend. More importantly, there are questions that our Tradition raises -
· What is happiness and how do I achieve it?
· What is 'love' about?
· Is there anything more to reality than what I can see, hear, smell and touch?
· How and why should I pray?
· What are the causes of anti-semitism, and how do I deal with it?
and many, many more which in all likelihood, will never be dealt with in the secular classroom. Yet discussing such questions can make a big difference on a person's outlook on Life.
If you have children of religious school age, I hope that you will give serious consideration to enrolling/re-enrolling them in Shaare Shalom this year. I believe Anita brings energy, commitment and her experience as a Jewish educator in the St. Louis Jewish community to bear on the vision she has for our school. From our conversations I know that she will give close attention to all those areas in our children's education to make sure that it will be of high quality and continue to improve. I believe that offering your child or children the opportunity to attend will help them develop their friendships and stimulate their desire to understand life in the light of our wise tradition. In addition Anita plans to utilize the medium of Family education to ensure that what our students learn in the classroom extends beyond its walls.
I know that Anita would be happy to discuss any questions that you might have in regards to Shaare Shalom, and you should always feel free to contact me personally, too at (314) 725-6230.
I look forward to the coming year with great anticipation. I believe you will agree with me once you have the chance to talk to our new director.
Last Friday, I omitted to mention that Joanne Goldstein was among those members of BSKI who graduated CAJE's Melton Program. Congratulations to you, Joanne! It is a significant achievement to commit to the two years of weekly classes and add a great deal of depth to one's knowledge of Judaism.
Congratulations to Jo Ellen Lewis, professor of practice and director of the law school's Legal Practice Program, who received a Fulbright Senior Specialist Grant to teach at Fudan University in Shanghai, China, during April and May. What an exciting opportunity! We hope to have the chance to hear about her experiences.
Last, and by no means least, we will celebrate the 35th Wedding anniversary of Muriel and Dr. Marvin Beckerman this Shabbat. (They originally met at BSKI in 1974.) It also happens to be their 70th birthdays. The Beckerman's have literally spent decades of dedicated service to BSKI in a variety of capacities. Back in the seventies and following, they taught in our Religious School. Marvin helped reactivate our Social Action Committee when he served as its chairman. In addition he has served as vice-president of Education and is our current chair of Adult Education. Muriel has worked alongside every step of the way and has made numerous contributions in the planning and execution of many of wonderful programs so many of us have enjoyed.
We are so happy to share these wonderful milestones with the Beckerman's and also extend mazel tov to Muriel and Marvin's children Laurie married to Stephen Raskin, Staci Falk and grandchildren Brandon and Ashley Raskin.
...and may this Shabbat bring life to your spirit and light to your soul!
Warmly,
Shabbat Shalom,