The Four Weeks of Elul 5778. Week 3: Personal and Professional Relationships

Dear Friends,

I write this message shortly after hearing the news that Senator John McCain has died. The outpouring of grief, the tributes from colleagues on both sides of the political spectrum and world leaders all attest to the fact that Senator McCain was a man of principle who, despite his fervent and often controversial statements and positions, had the ability to disagree – sometimes fervently – with his opponents, while retaining the respect and friendship of most of the people with whom he came in contact. While we would hope that his example would be the norm, not the exception in our nation’s capital, his ability to cross the sectarian, ideological and political divides that are plaguing our national discourse was unique. His strength of character and willingness to speak his truth to power while separating politics from personality can serve as a model for our personal and professional relationships as we enter into this third week of Elul.

This time of Cheshbon Ha-nefesh (taking an inventory of our souls) during the month of Elul gives us an opportunity to examine the central relationships in our lives. Almost everything we do involves other people. We have different kinds of relationships: personal, professional, romantic and platonic. And yet, all our dealings with others have the potential for holiness. The Torah teaches that every person is created in the image of God. How we treat others must reflect this awareness. In our modern, technology filled, and cloistered worlds, all too often, relationships that are challenged by opposing world views can become disposable when conflicting values and belief systems emerge. It is easy to cut off those who make us uncomfortable – sometimes with the click of a mouse. As a result, we are rapidly losing the ability to disagree – and to move beyond our disagreements. This is a dangerous trend which poses a severe challenge to our society and the institutions upon which it is built.

The month of Elul is all about asking for and receiving forgiveness. The Mishnah teaches that on Yom Kippur the sins we have committed against God will be forgiven if we are truly repentant. The sins we commit against others, however, cannot be forgiven unless and until we have asked those whom we have wronged to forgive us. In many ways, this is one of the most difficult aspects of Cheshbon Ha-nefesh. It means that we have to take risks by reaching out to others. We may encounter resistance, anger, or resentment. Sometimes it is impossible to reach out – and yet, it is our duty to do all that we can to assess whether reconciliation is possible. If there is a slightest hope – then we need to try – even if we fail. In addition, we are taught that when others come to us asking for our forgiveness, we should do everything in our power to grant their requests.

The following questions are designed to make us think about the current status of the many different relationships in our lives. Again, this is by no means a complete list. Hopefully it will provide you with a starting point for improving the relationships in your lives.

1.       Are there any relationships in my life that are damaged? Have I done all that I could to repair them?

2.       Are there people I have wronged that I need to ask to forgive me?

3.       Will I be able to forgive those who come to me to ask for my forgiveness?

4.       Have I taken part in any business or personal transactions this past year that were against my religious, moral or ethical principles?

5.       Have I taken time recently to let the most important people in my life know how much I care about them?

6.       Are there people who feel that I have wronged them – even if I don’t think that I have? Have I reached out to them to try and come to an understanding?

7.       Have I shut out the pain of others in other parts of the world? In my country? My City? My congregation? My neighborhood? My family?

Again, I welcome your comments and suggestions for additional questions and formats that we can use.  If answering them causes you to want to speak to one of the Temple clergy, Rabbis Hyatt and Baskin, Cantor Sacks and I would welcome the opportunity. These materials will also be available in hard copy at the Temple Office. They also will be posted on my blog and linked to both the Temple website and Facebook page. If you know of anyone else who might want to receive these mailings – whether or not they are members of the congregation - please contact the Temple office and we will be happy to send them out.

L’shanah Tovah U’metukah – may you have a good and sweet new year,

Rabbi Joseph R. Black

The Four Weeks of Elul 5778. Week 2 - Our Spiritual Selves

The month of Elul provides us with an opportunity to examine and evaluate our spiritual selves.  The word, “spirituality” has a different meaning to many of us. It can used to both elevate and denigrate. Some traditions teach that there is only one pathway to enlightenment. For those who accept their particular teaching, there can be no deviation. Salvation is based on acknowledging weaknesses and flaws and accepting that we are powerless to fight or question. Access to enlightenment is black and white. Outsiders are mistrusted and even condemned. While everyone is entitled to their own perspectives, there is a danger when those in power feel the need to impose their beliefs on others. When faith becomes a litmus test, we can cause great harm to both society and human dignity.

While there are certainly fundamentalist pathways within Judaism, much of Jewish Spirituality revolves around exploring the mysteries that surround us. It also is not exclusively external. We find God’s presence in celebrating the uniqueness and diversity of Creation. The pathway to enlightenment is not only the province of the faithful - it can be found in giving thanks, helping others and performing daily mitzvot.

For the purposes of this list of questions, I want to broaden our focus. Let us define spirituality as referring to those aspects of our lives that help us to feel connected to something greater than ourselves. We grow spiritually when we feel that our lives have meaning and purpose and we are open to the possibility of the miraculous around us.

During this time of Chesbon Ha Nefesh, one of our tasks is to examine the status of our relationship with God, Torah, and our own mortality. As always, the following questions should not be perceived as a complete listing – they are merely a beginning. If you have other questions that you think may help others in our community, I would love to receive them.  I will post them on my blog – which is linked to both Facebook and our Temple Emanuel website.

QUESTIONS – WEEK TWO – SPIRITUAL SELVES

1. What events have caused me to question my faith during the course of the past year?
2. When/where was the last time I felt close to God (however you define God)…?
3. Jewish tradition teaches that all of us are created in the Divine Image.  When was the last time I looked for holiness in the people that I love the most? What about those with whom I fundamentally disagree?
4. What aspects of my personality reflect the values that I have inherited from my family? From society? From Popular culture? From my own inner holiness?
5. When was the last time I was able to pray without any distraction?
6. How often, during the course of the past year, have I been able to set aside my own needs for something bigger than myself?
7. During those moments when I did feel close to God (however you define God…) this past year, was I able to hold on to those feelings and share them with others?

Again, these lists are in no way complete.  They are designed to help us as we prepare for the High Holy Days.  Again, they will be posted on my personal blog (www.rabbijoeblack.blogspot.com), on the Temple Facebook page and in hard copy at the Temple Office. If any of these questions has caused to you want to speak to me or any of the other clergy at Temple Emanuel, please do not hesitate to call us at 303-388-4013.  You can also send me an email at Black@EmanuelDenver.org.

May you utilize these and all of your questions to help you gain a better understanding of your spiritual selves.

L’Shanah Tovah,

Rabbi Joseph R. Black

The Four Weeks of Elul 5778 - Week 1, Communal Selves.

The Four Weeks of Elul 5778 – Week One

My Dear Friends,

Sunday, August 12th marks the first day of the Hebrew month of Elul – the month preceding the High Holy Days. It is customary during this holy month to begin intensive personal preparations for the New Year. This process, called Cheshbon Ha-Nefesh – ‘an inventory of our souls’ – requires that each of us engage in a process of self-examination. During this sacred season we look closely at our relationships, thoughts, deeds, fears and dreams. We do this so that we can enter into the Yamim Noraim – the Days of Awe – spiritually and personally refreshed and prepared for the process of teshuvah (repentance/returning). Our tradition teaches that the month of Elul compels us to ask those around us whom we have wronged to forgive us for our actions if we have wronged them. We are also commanded to forgive those who ask us as well.

As we reflect back over the past year, it is important that we put every aspect of our lives into perspective. As is my tradition, during the month of Elul, I will be sending out weekly lists of seven questions (one for each day of the week) to members of our community and to all who wish to receive them. These questions are designed to help us examine our lives in all of the varied aspects and arenas in which we live: Communal Spiritual, Physical, and Interpersonal. Hopefully, by answering these questions we will be better prepared to enter into the New Year. The purpose of these questions is not to make us feel bad or unworthy, but rather to “nudge” us into looking at these vitally important aspects of our lives. There will be seven questions in each list – one for every day of the week.

I welcome your comments and suggestions for additional questions and formats that we can use.   If answering these questions causes you to want to speak to one of the Temple clergy, Cantor Sacks, Rabbi Hyatt, Rabbi Baskin and I would welcome the opportunity.  Note that all of these materials will also be available in hard copy at the Temple Office.  They also will be posted on my blog and linked to both the Temple website and Facebook page. If you know of anyone else who might want to receive these mailings – whether or not they are members of the congregation, please contact the Temple office and we will be happy to send them out.

Week One: Communal Selves

The past year has been filled with divisiveness – from within and without. I write this post on the one year anniversary of the tragic Charlottesville, Virginia march where our nation watched with horror as a violent display of racist hatred - culminating with the brutal murder of a young woman named Heather Heyer (z”l) - became a rallying cry for extremists. This all took place in an environment where, increasingly and alarmingly our national level of discourse has plummeted to the point where politicians and elected officials have discarded any pretext of civility as they scream at each other on television and social media. 

The relationship between the State of Israel and the diaspora communities has never been more tenuous. Recent statements and actions by the current Israeli Government have alienated and isolated progressive Jewish communities to the point where many American Jews-especially young people - are questioning the entire Zionist enterprise altogether. 

I firmly believe that one of the most important ways that we sustain and strengthen ourselves and our souls is through consistent and meaningful participation in the life of the Synagogue. It is here that we connect with and affirm our relationships with God and one another. Now is the time to evaluate how we both support and participate is sacred community. No congregation or community is perfect. There will always be areas in which we fall short. The real question is: Are you willing to both accept our shortcomings and work to make Temple Emanuel a better place?

One of our tasks, as we approach this New Year, is to find pathways of recognition and understanding that will allow us to have differing viewpoints, but maintain our relationships and shared values.

The following are a few questions designed to help us explore our communal selves as we begin the process of Cheshbon Hanefesh:

1. Have I taken advantage of all that my congregation and community have to offer?
2. Have I taken my own comfort for granted and “looked the other way” when I saw poverty or despair in my community?
3. Have I allowed my political perspectives to color my relationships with those with whom I disagree?
4. Regardless of political perspective, have I been vocal in my support of the State of Israel?
5. When I am at synagogue, have I done all that I can to make others feel welcomed in the same way that I want to feel welcome?
6. Have I explored ways to address the conflict and tension that have become commonplace in everyday discourse?
7. How have I worked to strengthen the many communities of which I am a part?

These questions are in no way complete.  They are designed to help all of us to begin the process of looking deep within ourselves and our souls as we enter into the month of Elul.  Again, we want to hear from you. If you have thoughts, questions or comments about anything we encourage you to let us know.  

May you utilize these and all of your questions to help you gain a better understanding of your communal selves.

L’Shanah Tovah,

Rabbi Joseph R. Black

"You Shall Not Oppress the Stranger."

Imagine, if you will, that you work for the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the United States of America. Your job, until a few months ago, was to deal with immigrants who have come to our country illegally and were caught by your coworkers in the process. You have been expertly trained to deal with the exhausted men, women and children who made the difficult decision to leave everything they know, spend all of their savings, expose themselves to unspeakable danger at the hands of ruthless criminals who would think nothing of robbing, raping, or murdering them, trek through blistering heat and bone-chilling cold, and arrive at our border - hoping against hope that by some, miraculous occurrence they might gain entry into a country that they saw as a beacon of light; a place where humanitarian values held sway; a place where they would be able to work very hard and, in the process gain a foothold for a better life - far from the desperation and desolation they left behind. Every day, you see the fear in their eyes and understand their hopelessness, frustration and determination, even though you also were sworn to do your job. You may have children at home whose dependence and trust are the reason you go to work every day- they are the foundation of your gratitude, hope and love.

While you were sworn to defend our borders and prevent unlawful entry, you also have a sense of compassion for your charges’ plight. As a patriot and a loyal American, you can understand why those with nothing left to lose would want to enter into our beautiful nation. Nonetheless, you are also proud of your ability to serve your country and provide a legal, consistent and fair process of law.

Now, I want you to imagine how you might have felt when you learned that the focus of your job had changed overnight. Instead of merely processing these families and ensuring that justice would be served in an orderly fashion, you were now also tasked with being an agent of disruption - ripping children away from anguished mothers and fathers and sending them away to hastily constructed “holding” camps where, after having enduring the unthinkable together, they would now be confronted with cruel separation behind wire fences and armed guards.

You hear their cries:

A dónde llevarás a mis hijos?  (Where are you taking my children?)

And you cannot answer. You hear the desperation of young children calling for their parents. You feel the paralyzing fear of mothers and fathers who cannot help their little ones. You sense their despair and you are sickened and ashamed. You cannot sleep. You look at your own children and cannot avoid seeing their faces superimposed on upon the faces of the little ones whose lives you had just upended earlier in the day.

Suddenly, the job that had given you so much pride just a few days ago has become a nightmare. Instead of being a symbol of hope and promise, you have become an agent of brutality. This is not the America you knew and loved. This is not what you signed up for.

In last week’s Torah portion, Korach, we learn of how a small band of rebels used demagogic rhetoric to attempt a coup against Moses and Aaron. “Is it a small thing that you have taken us out from a land flowing with milk and honey so to kill us here in the wilderness….?” (Numbers 16:13) Korach had the audacity to take the description of the promised land and superimpose it on the bondage of Egypt.

Korach and his minions were adept manipulators. They used hatred, fear and uncertainty to disrupt the people and justify their lust for power. By creating a false sense of nostalgia for a non-existent past, by “making slavery great again” they were guilty of forsaking values for power lust.

This past week, when I heard members of the administration attempt to justify their policy of disruption and cruelty towards immigrants by quoting the Bible, my stomach turned. We have seen this before. Slave owners and Nazis used the exact same verses to justify their evil.

I would recommend that those who seek to find Divine acceptance by cherry-picking from sacred scripture also turn to the words: “You shall not oppress the stranger, for you know the heart of the stranger, having yourselves been strangers in the land of Egypt...” which appears no less than 36 times in the Bible.

I understand that illegal immigration is an important issue. Nonetheless, as a Jew, a patriotic American and as the child of an immigrant who fled from Hitler’s evil, I  am repulsed by what our nation is becoming. I feel for the souls of those tasked with carrying out an inhumane and brutal policy. Their pain, however, is nothing compared to the damage that our government is inflicting on the thousands of traumatized asylum seekers and immigrants – men, women and children - languishing in camps and tent cities established in the name of “safe” borders.

I cannot be silent when I see all that I love about our country being trampled by demagogues whose immoral policies are antithetical to all that I hold dear.

Can you?

A View From Israel: 3 days In

May 25, 6:00 AM. Kibbutz Sasa, Northern Galilee 

Dear Friends:

A few initial impressions of our journey thus far. 

This week, Sue and I traveled to Israel ahead of our group to spend time with family and dear friends, as well as saving up energy and acclimating before what we know will be a very full and stimulating “Wine, Food and Culture” tour with beloved members of our community. 

We spent the first day (my 59th birthday) in Tel Aviv with our dearest friends , Eddie and Noa Goldfine. We had a wonderful dinner at a beach restaurant in Jaffa which was perfect except for the fact that an overly zealous Bazouky player with a PA system loud enough to fill Mile High Station was playing for the 5 patrons who were attempting to dance at the Greek restaurant next door. Since we were all on the beach, and the fore mentioned “musician” (and I use that term loosely...) was not at our restaurant, we were at his mercy and became the unfortunate recipients of his mediocre talent that no amount of Ouzo could have drowned out. (End of rant...welcome to Israel...)

Nonetheless, the food was superb, the ocean breezes were enchanting and the company was first rate. 

As things tend to do when sitting with friends over wine, coffee and after dinner birthday cake in Israel, our conversation soon turned to politics. Both Eddie and Noa have a history of falling on the Left side of the Israeli political spectrum. They have been active in multiple left-wing demonstrations over the years and are no fan of Bibi. Thus, when discussions evolved into the US relationship with Israel,  I expected them to be, at best, suspicious of Trump’s motivations and involvement in moving the Israeli Embassy and seemingly walking lock step with Netanyahu.  I was wrong.

Eddie shared (and I paraphrase):  “I have no illusions that Trump is a genius.  He’s not. He does what his advisors tell him to do.  And yet, its refreshing to see a US administration that is not lecturing us on how to run our country.  Moving the Embassy to Jerusalem gave us hope that we are not alone.  Trump is a bully, that’s true - but maybe the world needs a bully right now to deal with all of the other bullies that are out there.”

In other words, most Israelis don’t care about internal American politics.  Russian hacking, attacks on immigrants, people of color, eviscerating Women’s right to choose what to do with their own bodies , the NFL, gun control, corruption, bribes, Stormy Daniels, Fake News and all of the other red flags that have consumed so many of us who have been Stateside over the past 17 months.  All of these things mean little, if anything to Israeli parents who will be sending their children into the army to fight a terrorist enemy who’s main goal is to destroy the Jewish State and the Jewish people.  Israelis want to know if, when push comes to shove, the United States Government will support Israel’s legitimate right to exist. Period. Everything else is secondary.  Politics aside; the optics of Right-Wing Fundamentalist Christian triumphalism broadcast around the world at the Embassy opening aside; the apparent lack of a long-range game plan aside; this decision appears to send the message that many, if not most Israelis want to hear.

Understanding Middle East politics has been likened to drinking from a fire hose.  There is simply too much to take in at once.  Certainly, not all Israelis share the opinions of my dear friends in Tel Aviv.  And yet, it behooves us, as American Jews, to avoid looking for black and white solutions to extremely complex problems.

I write this while watching the sun rise in the Galilee at Kibbutz Sasa - less than a mile from the Lebanese Border.  Sue’s Aunt, Manit Tsoran (z”l) was one of the founders of this kibbutz and her  children live here to this day.  Sasa is one of the most beautiful and tranquil places I have ever experienced. The idyllic kibbutz lifestyle is both spiritually and physically renewing.  Reconnecting with the three generations of cousins who continue to thrive in this special place is a true delight and we look forward to what have become our annual visits with great joy.

And yet, as beautiful as Sasa is, there is also a constant reminder that, less than a mile from where I sit there are over 120,000 Hezbollah missiles trained on Jewish settlements.  The border is relatively quiet today - and there is no sense of immediate danger - but it always lurks beneath the surface. Such is the reality of living in Paradise. 

We, who do not face existential threats on a daily basis, have the luxury of debating fine points of policy - and we should. Nonetheless, a good dose of perspective is often needed to help balance out the differences between our societies. As Jews, as lovers of Israel, we are inextricably linked through geography, genealogy, history, theology and time. But it behooves us as well to take a moment to walk in each others’ sandals

An "Acceptable" Prayer for the US House of Representatives (Satire)

With the news that outgoing Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan has asked the Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives, Father Patrick Conroy to resign due to the "unacceptable" nature of his prayers on the House floor, I humbly submit this invocation as a potential substitute that may be more in keeping with the religious values of those who were uncomfortable with his prophetic bent....

------------------- 

Heavenly Father who watches over us.

On this sacred day of deliberation, we pray that You guard our nation and its patriots.

Secure our borders and keep away those who seek our shelter.

Protect the rights of all who seek to defend themselves against the ugliness we do not wish to see.

Arm us as we arm ourselves against the onslaught of our enemies:

·         Those who dare to challenge our conscience

·         Those who cannot rise up out of the despair they have created for themselves

·         Those who see the holiness in the unwashed, the discarded and the degraded.

Lord – we have been blessed with a nation that we know is far superior to all others.  Protect us from harsh words and policies that challenge our destiny. 

Let us build a fortress of prayer that will shield us from things we do not want to confront.

We know that You love us and we thank you for Your many blessings.

May the wealth and prosperity that we have inherited allow us to live in continued comfort while we deny those who would dare to ask our help.

In this way we can affirm our faith and continue to reap the benefits of Your blessings.

And let us say:  AMEN

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OR perhaps, the words of the prophet might be more appropriate:
Isaiah 58:3-7:

³ Why, when we fasted, did You not see? When we starved our bodies, did You pay no heed? Because on your fast day you see to your business and oppress all your laborers!

⁴ Because you fast in strife and contention, and you strike with a wicked fist! Your fasting today is not such as to make your voice heard on high.

⁵ Is such the fast I desire, a day for men to starve their bodies? Is it bowing the head like a bulrush and lying in sackcloth and ashes? Do you call that a fast, a day when Adonai is favorable?

⁶ No, this is the fast I desire: To unlock the fetters of wickedness, and untie the cords of the yoke to let the oppressed go free; to break off every yoke.

⁷ It is to share your bread with the hungry, and to take the wretched poor into your home; when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to ignore your own kin."

Opening Prayer for the CO State House on Yom Ha Shoah - Holocaust Memorial Day April 12, 2018

Invocation for the Colorado House of Representatives

Holocaust Memorial Day

April 12,2018

Rabbi Joseph R. Black

Temple Emanuel – Denver, CO

Our God and God of compassion:

In the Jewish Calendar – this day is called Yom HaShoah – Holocaust Memorial Day.

This morning we stand – not merely in prayer – but in remembrance.

We remember the more than 13,000,000 souls destroyed in the nightmare of the Shoah – the Nazi Holocaust.  Among those innocents exterminated by the Nazis were:

·        Intellectuals

·        Communists

·        Socialists

·        Catholics

·        The Mentally and Physically infirm

·        Gypsies/Roma

·        Gays and Lesbians

·        And, of course – 6 million Jews – of whom 1.5 million were children.

These numbers are not new.  I have lived with them all of my life.

My mother passed away this past June at the age of 91.  She was born in Leipzig, Germany.  She lived through Kristallnacht – the night of broken glass that took place on November 9^th, 1938.  She and her parents were able to escape to America and begin new lives here – but the shadows of that night and the months and years that followed, never disappeared from her consciousness until she suffered a stroke on the day after her 91^st birthday.  As devastating as that event was in our lives, in some ways it was a blessing since it allowed her to find relief from the fears and anxieties that plagued her all of her life as she confronted the memories of her experiences as a young girl in Nazi Germany.

Today, Jews and people of faith all around the world remember how hatred and bigotry came together with modern technology to create a machinery of death that had never before been witnessed in human history.

Auschwitz, Birkenau, Bergen Belzen, Dachau, Treblinka – these  and so many other names are forever etched into our consciousness – these places of pure evil that taught  the depths to which human beings will descend in order to deny the Divine Image implanted within each of us….

In trying to understand the enormity of evil represented by the dark period of the Shoah we must accept the fact that in some cases there can be no understanding.  To state that one and a half million children died for a reason is blasphemy.  In a world where we strive to see God’s presence, the reality of evil can eclipse even the brightest flame of holiness.

Our task, in remembering those precious souls who perished, must be to strengthen our resolve to call out and combat evil wherever and whenever it arises. When we are silent, we are complicit.

Elie Weisel – the great writer and teacher wrote:

"The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it's indifference." 

When we turn our backs to the ugliness in our world – we are desecrating God’s presence in our midst.  Let us remember that with the holiness implanted within us comes the responsibility to shine a light on both good and evil – wherever it may find itself.

I now will chant the El Malei Rachamim – the prayer of remembrance for those who perished.