PARSHAT SHEMINI - SHABBAT PARAH
BEYOND WORDS |
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Sometimes, words get in the way of emotions. I see that most often at shiva homes and weddings when people's heightened feelings often translate into a well meant but misused word or thought. Ironically, I have been told by celebrants and mourners, and can share first hand, that the most potent form of expression can be without words. Even rabbis, who are usually in the business of synthesizing feelings and expressions into words can do their best words with silence.
In Parshat Shmini, when Aaron's two sons are killed for offering a strange fire to God, the text teaches us that Aaron was silent - Vayidom Aharon. The Etz Hayyim Humash teaches us that the Torah does not usually call attention to silence. Why then is the focus on Aaron's lack of words in the wake of the death of his kids? Was it because he accepted God's decree without protest? Doubtful for a parent. Was it because his anguish was too great for him to articulate words? Perhaps. Maybe it is because the Torah is reminding us that there are more possibilities and more power in silence than in words.
This is the lesson I bring to heart following the bombing in Israel this past Wednesday afternoon that killed one person and injured 50. This is the lesson I remind myself of, when long range rockets that reach deep into Israel fired from the GAZA strip. Such rockets have been re-raining down on Israeli citizens for the past few weeks, stirring up more pain and anguish for countless Israelis. Sometimes, the pain and challenge of our brethren is beyond words. Sometimes a look, a hug or a touch says more than words could ever justify.
Shabbat Shalom.
David-Seth Kirshner
SENATOR MENENDEZ ON BOMBING IN JERUSALEM
March 23, 2011
NEW JERSEY - US Senator Robert Menendez (D-New Jersey) released the following statement in response to the bombing which took place today in Jerusalem:
"Today's act of brutality is another reminder that we must stand vigilant against terrorism - any and everywhere it exists. Inflicting damage and killing innocent civilians only hurts the prospects for peace in the region. No country would be expected to sit on its hands and simply allow its citizens to endure these kinds of vicious attacks without retaliating against the responsible party. I strongly support Israel's right to self-defense. We all want peace in the region and hope that it will come very soon, but there can be no peace without security and so long as terrorists continue to kill innocents in Israel."
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SATURDAY,
April 2, 2011
28 ADAR II, 5771
83rd. ANNUAL DINNER DANCE
Celebrating 10 Years in Closter
Honoring
Chuck and Susan Silberman
Founders' Award
&
Kevin and Andi Wolfer
Young Leadership Award
To reserve tickets:
please click here
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TA'AM EMANU-EL EVENTS
INTRO TO KESEM
Come get a "Taste of Kesem"
A Visit to our Kindergarten Program
Passover Song & Stories with our Kindergarten teacher Susan Seed,
Meet the Educational Directoror
Jennifer Levine
Participate in Passover Arts & Crafts
Breakfast will be served
RSVP to Tammy Ween at tammy@templeemanu-el.com
May 22, Lag B'Omer
9:30 - 11:15 AM
Lag B'Omer
Celebration & Games
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