Dear Friends,
At the end of Deuteronomy, a Book largely known for its severe and demanding character, and God being just as severe and demanding, we find a sweet and inspiring little moment. The ancient Israelite brings his basket of first fruit to the Priest in Jerusalem and makes a brief statement that he has been generous to his family and the needy, has not violated certain commandments, and: “…I have done just as You commanded me.” (Deuteronomy 26:14)
Now, commonly, we might bristle at the idea of one declaring before God, “I have done just as You commanded me.” It seems controlling and doctrinaire. It seems like one is making an oath of loyalty, and somewhat belittles both the Israelite and God. It might even sound manipulative.
But, note how our Medieval sage, Rashi, understood the statement by the Israelite. He interpreted the saying as meaning, “I have rejoiced and caused others to rejoice with it.”
Rashi sees this not as controlling or manipulative, but an expression of having made joyfulness, and moreover, having shared joyfulness. This is what fulfills God, and this is what is intended in each Israelite bringing one’s offerings and tithes! We are to enrich and empower others, not merely satisfy the simple commands and dictates of the 613 commandments.
This weekend we begin the formal services of the High Holy Days with our Slichot Service on Saturday evening. The Slichot Service follows after a lighter evening, highlighted by our watching the Bill Murray classic movie, Groundhog Day. In Groundhog Day, a movie about days and behavior repeating themselves until they and we change – a wonderful metaphor and teaching of High Holy Day values – we see a narcissistic curmudgeon who discovers the joy in rejoicing and causing others to rejoice, and thus fulfilling the deeper meaning of our commandment.
Perhaps, Bill Murray – or his writers – had read a little Torah and Rashi, too! Join us on Saturday evening!
Shabbat Shalom and Shanah Tovah,
Rabbi Douglas Kohn
At the end of Deuteronomy, a Book largely known for its severe and demanding character, and God being just as severe and demanding, we find a sweet and inspiring little moment. The ancient Israelite brings his basket of first fruit to the Priest in Jerusalem and makes a brief statement that he has been generous to his family and the needy, has not violated certain commandments, and: “…I have done just as You commanded me.” (Deuteronomy 26:14)
Now, commonly, we might bristle at the idea of one declaring before God, “I have done just as You commanded me.” It seems controlling and doctrinaire. It seems like one is making an oath of loyalty, and somewhat belittles both the Israelite and God. It might even sound manipulative.
But, note how our Medieval sage, Rashi, understood the statement by the Israelite. He interpreted the saying as meaning, “I have rejoiced and caused others to rejoice with it.”
Rashi sees this not as controlling or manipulative, but an expression of having made joyfulness, and moreover, having shared joyfulness. This is what fulfills God, and this is what is intended in each Israelite bringing one’s offerings and tithes! We are to enrich and empower others, not merely satisfy the simple commands and dictates of the 613 commandments.
This weekend we begin the formal services of the High Holy Days with our Slichot Service on Saturday evening. The Slichot Service follows after a lighter evening, highlighted by our watching the Bill Murray classic movie, Groundhog Day. In Groundhog Day, a movie about days and behavior repeating themselves until they and we change – a wonderful metaphor and teaching of High Holy Day values – we see a narcissistic curmudgeon who discovers the joy in rejoicing and causing others to rejoice, and thus fulfilling the deeper meaning of our commandment.
Perhaps, Bill Murray – or his writers – had read a little Torah and Rashi, too! Join us on Saturday evening!
Shabbat Shalom and Shanah Tovah,
Rabbi Douglas Kohn
