parshat Shemini

19 Adar 2, 5768

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Judaism 101 Class Starts
Wednesday, March 26 6:30 PM

Next Beginning Hebrew Class
Sunday, March 30 Noon

Family Kabbalat Shabbat & Dinner
Friday, April 4 6:00 PM

Self Defense Classes
Sundays: April 6,13 and May 18
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Congregational Meeting
Sundays April 13 6:00 PM

Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class Forming!
We've got Six! Call Rabbi Art

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Parshat Shemini

Torah Reading:  VaYikra 9:1 to 11:47  Haftorah Reading: Ezekiel 36:16 to 36:38

This Shabbat is also Shabbat Parah. The Maftir is read from BaMidbar 19:1 to 22, and a special Haftorah is read.  Shabbat Parah is always the first Shabbat after Purim. The significance of the reading is not related to Purim which has just passed, but Pesach while will soon arrive.  The maftir reading describes a purification procedure that makes it possible for the Israelites to journey to Jerusalem to offer the Pesach sacrifice. The key ingredient of the ceremony is an untamed, unblemished red heifer.  You can read more about the ceremony here.

Meanwhile, back in the regular Torah reading cycle...For two weeks and eight chapters we have been reading details of the sacrificial rites. VaYikra described sacrifices to be brought by the Israelites. Tzav described sacrifices to be brought by Aharon and his descendants. Finally, in the sixth verse of this week's Parshah, we get to the payoff! Hashem will manifest HaShem's presence to the Israelites.

"Moshe said: This is the thing which Adonai commanded you to do, so that the glory of Adonai may become apparent to you."  What was done in the Mishkan; what we do in synagogue, is to help us sense the presence of G-d in ourselves and in each other.

A close reading of the text shows the connection between the Israelites and their anointed representatives. In verse seven, Moshe speaks directly to his brother.  Therefore we infer that in verse six, which is prefaced only with "Moshe said", that Moshe is speaking to all the Israelites, and that (a) the priests are acting on behalf of all Israel; and, (b) that once Aharon and his sons do as instructed, HaShem will appear to all of Israel.

Also in the parshah (chapter ten) we have the mysterious incident of Nadab and Avihu, two of Aharon's four sons. They take their copper fire pans and put fire and incense in them together and offer up aish zarah (strange fire) which had not been commanded. They are immediately consumed by fire from HaShem. We wonder what it was they did that was so wrong that they were immediately consumed by fire and their family told not to observe the usual mourning customs.  What was so terrible about a couple sons of Aharon making a voluntary offering?

Davar Acher (Another Interpretation) Perhaps this parshah is a metaphor for living in the real world; the world of history. The world was created in seven days, and went into ongoing operation on the eighth.  The Mishkan was dedicated for seven days and went into operation on the eighth. Sure enough, things started going not according to plan.

Shabbat Shalom

Join us Shabbat morning as we read the parshah and struggle to discern what the Torah is teaching us!

Section 613

This week we cover Mitzvah 33: To honor father and mother.

This mitzvah is of course one of the "Ten Utterances" and occurs in both the Shemot and Devarim versions. It is one of the few mitzvot that is accompanied by a reason.  We read that we should give kavod (honor, respect, "weight") to our parents as we are commanded by Hashem in order that "your days will be lengthened, that it will be good for us on the land that HaShem your G-d gives you." Devarim 5:15.  See also the shorter version in  Shemot 20:11.

In Rabbinic Judaism honoring our parents is not a vague notion about being nice to them, or acting in a respectful manner. We are instructed that we should provide food and drink, clothing, to spend time with them and to provide them transportation when they require it.  This mitzvah is incumbent on both sons and daughters. As we might expect, the purpose of the mitzvah is not only to instruct us in proper treatment of those people who are the cause of our very existence in the world, but also to help us recognize the goodness of HaShem, who is the ultimate cause of our being.

In thinking about this mitzvah, difficult questions arise.  Not all people have the good fortune to have loving and caring parents. Without saddening the reader by giving specific and unpleasant examples, are we called upon to perform this mitzvah even in cases where parents have behaved in ways that would make it seem they are not entitled to the benefits of this mitzvah?

Share your thoughts or ask a question

Want to learn more about the traditional mitzvot? Start here.

Question: Why is this FAQ different from all other FAQs?
Answer: Because this FAQ is being guest authored by Rebbezin Robinson.

Question: What is chametz?
Answer: Chametz is any food that's made of grain and water that have been allowed to ferment and "rise." The five grains that can become chametz are wheat, rye, oats, barley and spelt. Obvious examples of chametz are bread, cake, pizza and beer. Chametz also includes any prepared products that contain grain or grain derivatives.

Question: What is kitniyot?
Answer: Kitniyot refers to grains and grain like products such as rice, millet, beans, lentils, and others. Even though these items cannot become chometz, Ashkenazim do not eat them because they are easily confused with grains that can be become chometz and may even be mixed together with them. Sephardic Jews generally do not refrain from eating kitniyot. Possession of kitniyot is permitted according to all customs.
For more than you ever wanted to know about kitniyot, here is a link to a translation of the Masorti movement in Israel response about kitniyot: http://home.earthlink.net/~bbenbaruch/qitniyot-kitniyot.htm

Question: What are ways to get rid of chametz?
Answer: This is the Jewish version of spring cleaning. One generally starts early and works in toward the kitchen, which is cleaned last. Cleaning includes vacuuming, washing and other fun techniques to eliminate residual food crumbs. You can donate any usable chametz (unopened packages of food, for example) to the IFM food pantry.  You should also arrange to have Rabbi Art sell your chametz using the form included in the monthly newsletter.

Bonus Section: Judaism and the Messiah: This question has come up at the last two Ask the Rabbi lunches and time constraints prevented a discussion of it.

Question: Given that Judaism did not accept the Christian messiah, how will Jews recognize the Messiah, should he (or she) arrive?
Answer: Judaism actually has a specific list of criteria for determining if someone presenting himself as the Messiah,, should be accepted as the Messiah.  The criteria include:

• the word moshiach means anointed with olive oil, therefore the messiah must be anointed by valid Jewish authorities
• the messiah must come at "the end of days" i.e. things should really be different, especially that swords should be beaten into plowshares and there shall be no more war nor the study of war
• the messiah must be a completely human male descendant of King David, and, able to prove it
• the messiah must be able to gather all Jews from the four corners of the earth and re-establish the national sovereignty of the Jewish people

Got more questions? Good!! Submit your questions for the weekly CBS Jewish F.A.Q.

• Beginning Hebrew: Sundays from Noon to 1:00, starting March 9. Next class on Sunday, March 30. You can still join this class if you attend on Sunday, March 30.
• Judaism 101: Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:00, starting March 26. Please RSVP to Rabbi Art if you plan to attend.
• Pesach Recipes and Cooking Practice: Second evening session: April 9 at 6:30 PM

• Torah for our Time: The Torah has been around for over 3,000 years and yet, unlike yesterday's newspaper, we continue to read and re-read this sacred text. Our ancestors gleaned the Law from its words and we, today, can continue to discover lessons for living each day with our mission in mind. If you are interested in joining a group of soon-to-be Torah scholars who want to live life with kavanah, please email Andra Greenwald at ibbach81@yahoo.com and indicate the days and times for study that would best fit into your schedule.
• Saturday Night Jewish Culture Club  Contact Joyce Gandelman about your interest and about future events.
• Getting ready to make your family Seder Contact Laura Skolnick if you're interested.
• Three sessions on self-defense organized by Mike Loeffler. April 6 and 13. May 18. 10:00 to 11:00 AM

Exciting News about Hindu Jewish Relations

An amazing dialogue between Hindu and Jewish religious leaders took place in February. As a result of this dialogue, the Jewish understanding of Hinduism has been radically altered.  We now understand that Hindus, like Jews, worship one Supreme Being. You can read the text of the declaration issued by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel here.

Interfaith Ministries Needs Our Help to Help Those Who Need Food

CBS member Andra Greenwald brings us a request for immediate help. The IFM pantry is low, and precisely at a time when people need more help than ever. Anytime you come to shul, please bring what you can from this list of items. Rice, Breakfast cereal, Canned pears, Canned apple sauce, Canned tuna, Canned stewed tomatoes, Canned green beans, Canned vegetables, Ramen noodles, Canned fruit, Beans (canned or dry), Tomato sauce, Macaroni and cheese, Peanut butter, Hamburger helper.

Please also note this message from Andra and the IFM board. "Additionally, as the time approaches during which we are going through our own pantries in preparation for Pesach, the Board is asking that, once again, we bring non-perishables to the synagogue for an April delivery to IFM. In advance, and on behalf of IFM and those we serve, a deep and sincere todah rabbah to you and our generous congregants."

Members in need of prayers for healing

Frances Asher, Irene Coleman, Marc Colton, Maxine Cox, Dawna Cramer, Mary Drabkin, Sandy Drabkin, Bernice Goldman, Manuel Gonsalves, Marvella Graham, Laurie Greenwald, John Hall, Robin Holt, Kay Huse, Judy Israels, Dorothy Jones, Millie Jung, Larry Krackov, Izzy Kurland, Shirley Martinez, Eli Melcer, Brenna Au Miller, Bob Norem, Gary Pezzoni, Reva Pinkas, Jon Poole, Anne Porteous, Evelyn Reese, Nancy Shapiro, Mitch Steinberg, Mort Steinberg, Frieda Tsoller, Manny Trauring, Larry White, Evan Wolozin, Irving Woods and all others who are not well at this time.

Special Announcements

• Cafe Shalom baking sessions under the leadership of Victor Messonier, are 10:00 AM to Noon every Sunday morning.
• Beginning Hebrew class. The beginning Hebrew class will meet  Sundays Noon to 1:00 PM. Contact Joann Betschart to sign up. Its not too late! Class  resumes this Sunday, March 30.
• Judaism 101 Class Announced: Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00. Class begins March 26 and meets through the end of April.

• Inter-Faith Ministries food pantry is in desperate need of non perishable foods. As a member, CBS has been contacted to help.  As always, we have a donation basket in the foyer.

• There is no Hebrew school on March 27th.
• Sunday Afternoons at CBS will conclude with Perla Batalla on Sunday, March 30th at 3:00 p.m. This artist has been mesmerizing audiences with everything from traditional Gershwin to Leonard Cohen to Mexican lullabies, Latino melodies to bluesy ballads. She has also performed with such greats as k.d. lang and the Gypsy Kings.

• We will have a  Kabbalat Shabbat Service on Friday, April 4th at 6:00 p.m. followed by a Family Dinner afterward. Please RSVP to the CBS office for dinner.
• CBS semi-annual general meeting is moved to Sunday, April 13 at 7:00 PM in order to avoid conflicting with our celebration of Pesach.

Regularly Scheduled Activities

• Lunch and Learn is now Ask the Rabbi (at lunch of course). The Ask the Rabbi lunch will be the fourth Tuesday of each month. Bring your Questions for Rabbi Art for lunch on April 15.
• Friday evening 7:30 PM and Saturday morning 9:30AM. Davening led by Rabbi Gould and members in the CBS sanctuary.

CBS Wish List
Not one but two coffee makers have been anonymously donated.  Thank You!!
New Basketball Hoop for Playground
Upgrades for our Office Computers: Thank You to  Ed and Nancy Blankenship for their generous donation of:

• New computer for our Office Manager
• Uninterruptible Power Supplies
• Photo Printer
• Flat Bed Scanner
• Standalone Backup Drive

"Below the Fold"