Parshat Bo

Parshat Bo
(Jeremiah 46:13-28)
January 27, 2007

Jeremiah's message, in this week's haftarah, was shaped for a particular historical context and was intended for a specific nation. Jeremiah lived in the period immediately preceding the destruction of the First Temple, a period which found Judea caught between the two world powers of the day, Egypt and Babylonia. Jeremiah foresaw a Babylonian victory over Egypt at God's behest as punishment for Egypt's mistreatment of the nation of Judea. At one point, Jeremiah describes the expected fate of Egypt's mighty warriors: "Why are your stalwarts (abirekha – also sometimes translated as 'nobles') swept away (niskhaf)? They did not stand firm, for the Lord thrust them down." (Verse 15)

This verse, in its rhetorical tone, seeks to contrast the stalwart image of Egypt's heroes and their unanticipated fate. Only God could sweep them away and cause their much deserved downfall. The prophet sees these events before his very own eyes as if they have already occurred and is astonished at this most improbable result.

A millennium later, rabbinic sages used this same verse, in the context of a description of the fate of the four major civilizations which had enslaved the Jewish nation. This time, however, it was used not to describe the fate of Jeremiah's Egypt. Instead it was brought to portray the much deserved punishment of Rome, the nation which plagued the Jews at the time of the writing of this midrash: "So, too, [God will strike down] Rome and its ministering angel, as it is written, 'Why were your nobles (abirekha) washed away (niskhaf)?' This means that both Rome and its ministering angel were stricken down. In the world to come, the Holy One Blessed Be He will sit in judgment over the Romans and say to them: 'Why did you enslave My children (the people of Israel)? They will reply: 'But didn't you hand them over to us?' The Holy One Blessed Be He responded: 'And just because I handed them over to you, does that mean that you should not treat them with mercy? Isn't it taught: 'upon the elders you have heavily laid your burden?' (Isaiah 47:6) This refers to the Roman treatment of Rabbi Akiva, whom they burdened without end." (Tanhuma Tazriah 11)

The sages in this midrash share the same vision for the Romans that Jeremiah had for the Egyptians in his day. The interchange in this midrash, however, is particularly interesting. It seems to take for granted that Roman domination was God determined. If so, what was Rome's sin? They sinned in not showing mercy upon their subjects. For this, they deserved punishment. The lesson of this midrash probably should not be lost on all who govern others.

This study piece is offered as a service of the United Synagogue Conservative Yeshiva. It is prepared by Rabbi Mordechai (Mitchell) Silverstein, senior lecturer in Talmud and Midrash at the Conservative Yeshiva. He is a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.

With the permission of The United Synagogue Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem, Rabbi Edward S. Romm - Director of Education
© 2005

Henry Ray Wengrow
Ritual Chair
Beth Shalom

Adult Ed Offerings; Class Time Changes

The Adult Education Committee is working with the Rabbi to bring us a series of classes that explore Jewish literature from a traditional and conservative prospectus. Even if you have taken classes from others, join Beth Shalom, Rabbi Siff and the selected teachers in these classes.

Currently there is a class on leading an ethical life at 1:30 on Saturday after the service and the meal. There is a class on Tuesday prior to the Minyan on praying and two classes on Thursday: Beginner's class in Mishna at 5:30, the Zohar right after the Minyan. Minyan is at 6:15.

Other classes are planned and will be announced on Pirkei Avot [Sayings of the Fathers] which is Mishna; Hebrew, both introduction and conversation, as well as others.

Currently classes are clustered around our existing services but if there is a willing class and a willing teacher, classes can be scheduled at any time.

Adult Ed Seminar: How I Came to Choose Judaism

Sunday, January 28
10 a.m.
Beth Shalom - Social Hall

Topic: “How I Came To Choose Judaism”

Personal testimonials by a group of recent "Jews by choice" to Judaism at Beth Shalom Synagogue. Breakfast (bagels, lox and more) - $3 per person

Sisterhood Paid-Up Membership Event

Beth Shalom Sisterhood invites all members and prospective members to an afternoon of fun and friends at their Paid-Up Membership Event. Bring your favorite game. (If you are planning to play Mah Jong, please bring your 2006 card.)

Sunday, January 21, 2007
3:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Beth Shalom Social Hall


RSVP ASAP
Synagogue Office: 782-2500

Membership dues: $28.00
Guest: $5.00

Scholar-in-Residence: Sobibor Escapee & Survivor Philip Bialowitz

Beth Shalom Synagogue & the Jewish Community Center

Welcome
Sobibor Escapee & Survivor: Philip Bialowitz
and his son, Joseph Bialowitz
Scholars-in-Residence
January 12 - 14, 2007

If you have seen the movie, "Escape from Sobibor," you know why you must hear Philip Bialowitz tell the story of his miraculus escape. Philip Bialowitz is one of only eight remaining survivors who escaped from Sobibor where an estimated 250,000 Jews, including most of his family, were murdered. The revolt at Sorbibor was the largest and most successful prisoner uprising of World War II. His story, along with 300 others who escaped, was featured in the highly acclaimed movie, "Escape from Sobibor." He was also featured on the internationally-televised, "Hunt for Stolen War Treasures". Philip Bialowitz and his son Joseph will be featured at Beth Shalom. We urge you to take full advantage of the events of this weekend as listed below, as we renew our collective pledge, "Never Again."

Friday evening, January 12 - 6:30 p.m. Following services and Shabbat dinner (Please RSVP for Shabbat dinner ASAP to reserve your seat!): “A Personal Account of the Resistance and the Escape from Sobibor” - Philip Bialowitz

Saturday morning, January 13 - 9:45 a.m. Shabbat morning Services: “The Power of Resistance to Evil in Jewish Tradition”

• “The Power of Resistance at Sobibor” - Philip Bialowitz, Escapee
• “The Power of Jewish Resistance - A Second Generation View” - Joseph Bialowitz
• “The Jewish Obligation to Utilize the Power of Resistance” - Rabbi David Siff

Saturday afternoon, January 13 - 4:30 p.m. Seudah Shlishit: Informal discussion with Philip and Joseph Bialowitz.

Sunday morning, January 14 - 10 a.m. Adult Education Seminar - At the Katie & Irwin Kahn Jewish Community Center: “The Crucial Importance of Remembrance”

• “The Imperative to Remember Jewish History” - Dr. Leon Spotts
• “The Imperative to Remember Sobibor and the Holocaust” - Philip Bialowitz
• “The Imperative to Remember the Holocaust and Jewish History” - Joseph Bialowitz

Parshat Vayehi

Parshat Vayehi
(1 Kings 2:1-12)
January 6, 2007

The fear of departing the world without some sort of a legacy is a very real human concern. This crisis faced King David no less than any other person. As his days drew to an end, he, too, was concerned with the legacy he would leave. He thought that his legacy would be shaped by the behavior of his son, Solomon. He expressed this concern explicitly in his message to his son: "I am going the way of all the earth; be strong and show yourself a man. Keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in His ways and following His laws, His commandments and rules, and His admonitions as recorded in the teachings of Moses, in order that you may succeed in whatever you undertake and wherever you turn." (Verses 2-3 NJPS)

One Talmudic sage, however, took note of a different kind of legacy which he "discovered" in what he thought was an anomaly in the language of the haftarah's opening words. The New Jewish Publication Society translation ignores the peculiarity of the language, translating: "When David's life was drawing to a close." (Verse 1). The old JPS translation, however awkward its language, better captures the actual Hebrew on which the sage bases his midrash: "Now the days of David drew nigh (vayeekrvu yemei David) that he should die."

"'The days of David drew nigh' – Is it possible for "days" to die? Said Rabbi Samuel bar Nahmani: 'Righteous people, when they die, their days come to an end but they continue to exist, as it is written: 'Let the faithful exalt in glory; let them shout for joy from their graves (literally: beds), with songs to God in their throats.' (Psalm 149:5-6) Thus, we learn that even in their death, they give praise to the Holy One Blessed Be He." (Yalkut Shimoni 1 Kings Remez 169 Heman ed. p. 399)

For Rabbi Samuel bar Nahmani, the unusual phrasing of this verse taught a valuable lesson. The righteous do not die. They live on among the living in a number of ways. It is obvious that one lives on through one's progeny. David wanted to insure this in his final message to Solomon. They also live on through their acts of righteousness which sing God's praises even when they are in the grave. There is no greater way to live in perpetuity than to live a righteous life.

This study piece is offered as a service of the United Synagogue Conservative Yeshiva. It is prepared by Rabbi Mordechai (Mitchell) Silverstein, senior lecturer in Talmud and Midrash at the Conservative Yeshiva. He is a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.

With the permission of The United Synagogue Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem, Rabbi Edward S. Romm - Director of Education
© 2005

Henry Ray Wengrow
Ritual Chair
Beth Shalom

Rabbi Offers Adult Ed Classes

Tuesdays 5:30-6:15 p.m.: Delving into the Depths of Davenning - We will read through the text of the Amida together, in English, discussing its significance as well as its meaning in our own lives. January 16, 23 & 30; Feb 13, 20 & 27.

Thursdays 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Mishna Berachot - We will study the first book of the Mishna, which is the rabbis' outline of a Jewish spiritual life. This is a great way to get your feet wet in studying rabbinic texts. No experience required! Jan 18, & 25; Feb 1, 8, & 15 .

Thursdays 10:30 pm: Zohar Hevraya - Join us as we study the Zohar, the classic work of Jewish mysticism which probes the mysteries of the universe. Not for the faint of heart! This class will meet in a private home. Please contact the office (782.2599) for information. Starts Jan. 11, 10:30 pm.

Saturdays 1:30-2:15 p.m.: "Journey to Virtue" - A study of the Torah laws of Interpersonal Relationships. Please let the office (782.2500) know if you are interested in participating, so we can put together a group book order.