Parshat Miketz

It's time for a story with many dreams. Check out this week's portion - Miketz.

Fun Hanukkah Tune

I love when a cappella groups take on current songs and make them interesting. I especially love when they rewrite the lyrics, especially when it's a Jewish group! Check out YU's (Yeshiva University) group, the Maccabeats, with their song "Candlelight," a take off of Taio Cruz's "Dynamite."

G-dcast Spins Hanukkah!

If you are a regular reader of this blog, or even just pop in once in a while, you know that we love g-dcast - a website that posts weekly cartoon interpretations of the weekly Torah portion. They're smart, funny, and relevant!

I posted this last year in time for Hanukkah, and thought I would post it again. Time to revisit the story of Hanukkah - is it the one you remember from your childhood? Any differences?

Consider these questions once you view the clip:

• What are the four letters on the sides of a dreidel? What do they stand for?
• What sorts of things did the Greeks outlaw?
• What did the Greeks do to the Temple?
• How did people react to the new Greek laws? What were the different reactions?
• What were the different ways in which people rebelled?
• What was the one miraculous thing, according to the narrator?
• What happened when the Maccabees finally won?
• How long did the oil last?

Hanukkah Prep

While its date in the Jewish calendar is always the same (the 25th day of the month of Kislev), Hanukkah falls early in our secular calendar, landing only a few weeks from now on December 1st. While the sales frenzy of this time of year is only starting to get revved up (Black Friday, anyone?), now is the time to take a measured look at what gifts your family will give and receive this holiday.

Books

What a wonderful time to give Jewish books to your family. Last year I wrote about PJ Library, a free program in some communities that will send your child a free Jewish book every month. If you do not happen to live in one of these sponsored communities, you can purchase a subscription. This will extend the giving year-round.

Want to pick some books out for your children? There are a number of good sources for Jewish books - here is Kar-Ben's Hanukkah collection, and you can find a large number of Jewish books on a number of topics.

Behrman House, another Jewish publisher, has a Hanukkah catalog, which you can find here. Use discount code HAN2010 for 20% off.

Shalom Sesame

Brand new for 2010 - Shalom Sesame, a hybrid version of Sesame Street and Rechov Sumsum (Sesame Street in Hebrew, literally), is a fun show that introduces children to Israel and Jewish holidays. Check out the web page for the new show - you can purchase the first two episodes here - #1: Welcome to Israel, and #2: Chanukah - the Missing Menorah (which I will review on the blog next week).

Give Back

Many of us are quite fortunate to have the resources to provide gifts for our children during this fun holiday. Take one evening, and instead of giving gifts (if it is your practice to give gifts each night, or even if it is not your tradition at all), give to others who need the extra boost. Perhaps you can pick an organization together as a family, and take the money you would have spent on gifts and donate it instead. Another option is to go shopping and pick up items that a local food bank, soup kitchen, or other worthy place could distribute. Helping to pick out the items to be donated could be a very meaningful activity for your family.

Check back for more holiday resources coming soon!

Parshat Vayeitzei

Parshat Vayeitzei, the seventh portion in the book of Genesis (Bereisheet), tells of Jacob leaving (va'yeitzei - and he left) Beer Sheva and headed for Haran. Along the way, he stops for the evening, and goes to sleep, using a stone for a pillow. That night he had dreamt of a ladder than stretched up to the heavens with angels ascending and descending the structure. God stands beside Jacob and tells him that the land on which he stands will one day belong to Jacob and his descendants and they will be blessed. Additionally, God promises that Jacob will return safely to his home.

In Haran, Jacob comes to his Uncle Laban's house, and falls in love with Laban's daughter, Rachel. In exchange for Rachel's hand, Jacob agrees to work for seven years. At the end of the seven years, the wedding feast Jacob prepares to marry Rachel, but finds Leah as his bride instead. Understandably upset by this outcome, Jacob confronts Laban, only to be told that it is not Laban's practice to marry off the younger daughter before the older. The agree that Jacob will be allowed to marry Rachel as well, but must work another seven years.

After his many years of servitude and the births of many children, Jacob decides it is time to leave his uncle's home and return to the land of his birth. Jacob and Laban work out an agreement over the payment of Jacob's wages, but Laban's sons are unhappy with the arrangement. With Laban suddenly expressing some doubts as well and the situation becoming increasingly tense, Jacob, Rachel, and Leah decide to leave quickly, not even stopping to say goodbye. On the way, Rachel steals her father's set of idols. When Laban discovers that these important items are missing, he persues his daughters and son-in-law. Laban catches up with the groups, and he and Jacob discuss the matter, eventually resolving a number of issues that had built up between the two of them over Jacob's twenty years with Laban's household. The two reconcile, and Jacob and his family resume their journey.

Questions for your Shabbat table:

• When Jacob awoke from his dream, he sensed God's presence and was changed. Have you ever had a dream experience that had such an effect on you?
• During his time in Haran, Jacob is the victim of tricks and lies. What do you do when you think someone is not being honest with you?
• Have you ever lied to anyone? How does it make you feel? How do you think the other person feels if they discover the truth?
• Is it ever acceptable to lie? Why or why not?
• At the end of the portion, Jacob and Laban discuss their disagreements and are able to resolve some of their differences. Can you think of someone with whom you disagree with whom you could make peace?

Enjoy this week's g-dcast:

Parshat Chayei Sarah

This week we read Chayei Sarah, the parsha that literally means "the life of Sarah," but begins with the announcement of her death. Among other notable details, in this portion we find the first purchase of land in Israel by a Jew (Abraham purchasing the family burial cave called Machpelah) and the love story between Isaac and Rebecca. To read more and find discussion questions for your family's Shabbat table, click here.

For an interesting take on this portion, read Living a Full Life, an article found on myjewishlearning.com.

Another fun website for kids is Torah Tots. Check out their page for Chayei Sarah, which includes information about the portion, some games, and so much more.

Top Ten Rituals for Your Family

The Jewish year is off to a great start now that we have made it through the biggest holidays of the year. I love this list that one of my favorite blogs - Homeshuling: A Jewish Parenting Blog - published a few months back. A compilation of some wonderful holiday-related activities for your family, each can be done in a meaningful and memorable way.

http://blog.beliefnet.com/homeshuling/2010/08/homeshulings-top-ten.html

Parshat Vayeira

This week we read Parshat Vayeira, the portion of the Torah that predicts the birth of Isaac, details the attempted redemption and destruction of Sodom and Gemorrah, and ends with Isaac's birth, the banishment of Hagar and Ishmael, and the binding of Isaac. To read more about Vayeira, including some discussion questions, see this post.

Parshat Ki Teitzei

Justice, Justice You Shall Pursue

Parshat Shoftim

Deuteronomy 16:18 - 21:9

Synopsis

Upon entering the land, the Israelites are commanded to establish courts of law within their settlements. Judges are told to be fair and impartial, never accepting bribes or favoring anyone.

Again, Moses warns the people against idolatrous worship. An individual accused of establishing alien worship is declared guilty only upon the testimony of two or more witnesses. The penalty is death.

A case too difficult for a judge to decide is brought before the Levitical priests or magistrates for a ruling.

Should the people choose to establish a monarchy after they take possession of the Land, Moses provides them with a framework for how this is to be done. The king must be an Israelite. He should not have numerous wives or acquire great wealth. The teaching (Torah law) is to guide him at all times.

Moses instructs the people not to become involved in soothsaying or sorcery, for these are idolatrous practices of other nations.

Moses warns the people against false prophets and tells them how to identify a true prophet. Moses continues his discourse by describing the cities of refuge - three cities on each side of the Jordan set aside for individuals who accidentally kill someone. Moses further instructs the people to increase the number of refuge cities as their territory increases.

As the portion concludes, Moses discusses the rules by which Israel is to conduct its wars, exempt individuals from wars, and deal with unsolved murders.

For your Shabbat table Torah discussion:

• In each of these final portions of the Torah, Moses repeats himself quite often. Why do you think he spends so much time reminding the Israelites of everything that has been told to them?
• This parsha is called Shoftim, which means "judges." In this portion, Moses reminds the people that judges must be fair. Is it difficult to always be fair? What qualities must a judge have that would help to keep him/her fair?
• There are many rules in the Torah, many of which are repeated here. How do rules help to make things fair? What makes a fair rule? What makes an unfair rule?

This week's g-dcast cartoon:

Rosh Hodesh Elul

Today is the first day of the Hebrew month of Elul, the month immediately preceding the High Holy Days and a time of personal reflection. I encourage you to take a look at the Jewels of Elul website - http://jewelsofelul.com/- (you can have them delivered to your email every day, as well!) as a way to begin to prepare yourself for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Additionally, I'd like to reprint a listserve article I received last year from Doron Kornbluth, an educator in Israel. You can sign up for his listserve - many of the articles have proven to be thought provoking. I hope you enjoy this one as my offering for Elul - Keeping Your Family Jewish.

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Keeping Our Families Jewish
By Doron Kornbluth

Yes, You Can

We tell it to our kids. We tell it to our employees or students. We sometimes even tell it to ourselves. One step at a time. Slowly but surely. Small steps. Baby steps. Patience. There are many ways of saying the same thing – the only way to learn is to start slowly, learning each piece of the puzzle one by one. If you try too much too quick you are bound to fail. The Talmud actually has an ancient phrase for it: “Tafasta Meruba, Lo Tafasta” – which means, “If you have grabbed too much, you have grabbed nothing.”

Lurking behind the phrases is the simple notion that we can indeed learn many new skills as long as proceed slowly. In other words, these phrases actually contain two ideas, not one: (1) we CAN learn new things; (2) as long as we proceed slowly.

My wife is a dance instructor. I’m not (to say the least). True, I’m not naturally athletic or graceful. No matter how much I worked at it, it is highly unlikely I would ever be a great dancer. But the main reason that I am not even a competent dancer is that I’ve never actually tried. How many hours have I put into dancing? Zilch, almost.

On the other hand, last week I rented a stick shift car for the first time. First day, near-whiplash. 2^nd day, less painful. 3^rd day, even less painful. Put some time in and you can develop competency in most things in life.

The point is obvious. So obvious that we don’t even pay attention to it and therefore miss its importance. Put simply, we CAN learn new things.

As Jewish parents – indeed, as Jews, we should always be trying to improve. As Rosh Hashana approaches, it is a good time to start thinking about choosing from a number of possible steps to strengthen your family’s Jewishness. Possibilities are endless. Here are a few popular choices:

You CAN learn to say a simple blessing over the wine and bread on Friday night in order to bring some Jewishness into your weekly schedule. It’ll take a few times to get the Hebrew right. Net investment, MAYBE, 20-30 minutes. The biggest challenge for many people is getting over the embarrassment of being a university-educated successful person who can’t pronounce Hebrew. Relax. Most university-educated successful Jews can’t pronounce Hebrew. Modern life. But you CAN learn this short prayer, and making a Friday night Shabbat dinner is SO worth it.

You CAN learn the basic rules of making your home Kosher. Most of the food you buy is probably Kosher already. There are only a handful of symbols. And a few basic rules. Transition? Yes. Doable? Definitely. More and more families are doing it.

You CAN learn Torah. Torah study is the engine that keeps Jews Jewish. When communities and families learn Torah, their survival rates are extraordinary. When communities and families don’t …well, you can guess the rest. Torah study is not just for Rabbis, “the Orthodox”, men, Hebrew speakers, or any other subgroups of the Jewish people. It is for everyone. It is, can and should be exciting, interesting and motivating. One hour, once a week. Ask your local rabbi for classes or ask me and I’ll track something down for you.

You CAN learn to pray. No offense to any readers, but taking G-d out of the Jewish picture is like …removing the picture. Of course there is art and culture and tradition and scholarship etc etc…we are a great civilization, but a religious civilization. We brought the knowledge of G-d into the world, our entire tradition, holidays, etc are all based on developing a relationship with G-d. You may not believe, or believe clearly, or know how to pray or want to pray or know what prayer is, or ..or …or. Just means you are a normal modern person. But you CAN learn to connect to G-d. To pray. To open up your spiritual side. Doing so radically increases the chances that your kids will connect to their identity in a deep (and thus lasting) way. It’ll also touch your heart and life in a more beautiful way then you’ve ever imagined.

These are only a handful of examples of things that you CAN learn to do in order to deepen your (and your family’s) connection to Judaism. Each and every Jewish person, no matter how observant or non-observant they are, should be constantly seeking to strengthen their Jewish identity. It doesn’t mean radical changes – they usually don’t last anyway. But it also doesn’t mean stagnation – that is not inspiring to the next generation.

We should all choose one or two things to add to our Jewish lives this year. A weekly class. Friday night dinner. Kosher meat in the home. Sabbath prayer. There are endless possibilities and variations. Choose something that appeals to you. Something that seems doable. And remember, whatever you choose: Yes, you can!

'Keeping Our Families Jewish' is a free e-newsletter written by Doron Kornbluth. It is designed to help Jewish parents, grandparents, educators and activists keep Jewish identity strong. Sponsorships and Dedications are welcome. To join the list, or contact Doron directly, email info@doronkornbluth.com or visit www.doronkornbluth.com.

Defining a People

Parshat Re'eh

Deuteronomy 11:26 - 16:17

Synopsis

Moses tells the people that he has set before them a blessing and a curse - a blessing if they obey God's commandments and a curse if they choose disobedience. The choice is given to Israel. In order to possess the Land, the people must follow the laws established by God.

Moses continues his speech to the people detailing all the laws the people must observe. First, they must destroy the worship sites of foreign gods. The Israelites must then establish a permanent and central worship site. They may slaughter and consume meat in their settlements, but they are not to eat of the tithes set aside for the sacrifice.

The people are twice commanded in this portion to consume no blood of the animals they slaughter.

Moses admonishes the people to be wary of false prophets who might try to lure them into worshipping other gods. The penalty for such worship is death.

Moses reiterates the laws of kashrut to the people.

Moses instructs the people to put aside a tenth part of what they harvest and the firstlings of their herds and flocks as tithes. These are to be consumed at the central sanctuary. If the people live too far away from the sanctuary, money equal to the tithe is to be brought there in place of the actual harvest. They must then purchase food and provisions for a celebration before God.

A portion of the tithes brought by the Israelites is to be used to support the Levites, the orphaned, and the widowed. Israel is to observe a Sabbatical year every seventh year. Laws concerning Hebrew slaves are repeated.

The portion closes with Moses detailing the observance of the three pilgrimage festivals: Feast of Unleavened Bread - Passover; Feast of Weeks - Shavuot; and the Feast of Booths - Sukkot.

Synopsis courtesy of Teaching Torah, by Sorel Goldberg Loeb and Barbara Binder Kadden

For your Shabbat table:

• In Parshat Re'eh, Moses teaches the Israelites that they should be different from those around them and not copy their ways - they are not to worship other gods and they are to eat differently than their neighbors, observing the laws of kashrut. What are some ways a Jewish home is different from other homes? What makes your home a Jewish home?
• Some commentators have written that the purpose of maintaining kashrut is hygiene; others say it is to achieve holiness. What do you think?
• Rules are detailed telling the Israelites to support people in need - the Torah says widows and orphans, but we can take that to mean anyone who is in need of help and support. What are some ways you and your family help others in need?
• What would you be willing to give up in order to provide food, clothing, and shelter for others?

This week's g-dcast - a music video on Re'eh from Israel!

Jewels of Elul

The Hebrew month of Av, which usually falls during July and August, is mostly known for the holiday of Tisha B'Av. It is immediately followed by the month of Elul, a month in which Jews around the world begin to ready themselves for the solemnity of the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, occurring only a month away in Tishrei. Every day in synagogue, the shofar is sounded, as if this trumpeting sound could awaken ourselves to take stock of the year coming to a close and readying ourselves for the days we spend in prayer and personal reflection.

I have recently become aware of a lovely web-based resourced called Jewels of Elul, started by Craig Taubman (for more information on this very talented musician, see his website - Craig 'n Co: Soundtracks for Life). For the past six years, he has collected short stories, anecdotes, and introspections from some famous and fascinating people, including Natan Sharansky, Rabbi Naomi Levy, Dr. Shelly Dorph, Jeremy Ben Ami, Rabbi Mark Borovitz, and even Lady Gaga! I encourage you to take a look at these Jewels of Elul, found at www.jewelsofelul.com. You can sign up to receive a Jewel a Day to your email or your Facebook - just follow the instructions on their web page.

Reminders for the Future

Parshat Ekev
Deuteronomy 7:12 - 11:25

Synopsis
By following all the rules established by God, Israel will experience great blessings - health, abundant produce, and fertility. All the enemies of Israel will be vanquished with God's help, and Israel is to destroy all signs of their enemies' idolatrous worship.

A second admonition to obey God's laws is followed by a brief description of Israel's wanderings in the desert. Despite the 40 years of hardship, their clothing did not wear out, neither did their feet swell. Manna was provided for food. God disciplined the Israelites, as a father would discipline his son, in order to teach them to keep God's commandments. Now that Israel is to enter a bountiful Land, the people are cautioned to maintain their faith in God. Moses reminds them to give thanks continually to God for the abundance provided. The people should never assume it is by their own hand that they enjoy the fruits of the Land - all that they have is from God.

By not following God's commandments, Israel would doom itself.

Moses recounts to the Israelites all their acts of defiance: the making of the Golden Calf, complaining about the food and the water, and the incident of the spies. He reminds the people how he interceded with God on their behalf. Because of these pleadings, Israel is still able to enter Canaan.

Moses tells the people that all God wants is that Israel remain faithful to God's laws, worship God, and behave appropriately toward orphans, widows, and strangers. Such acts will result in blessings and prosperity.
This synopsis can be found in Teaching Torah by Sorel Goldberg Loeb and Barbara Binder Kadden.

For your Shabbat table:

• In Parshat Ekev, Moses reminds the Israelites to thank God for everything they receive in the new land of Canaan. What are some ways that you thank God for what you have? How frequently do you remember to thank God?
• At the end of the parsha, Moses tells the people that it is important to remember God's laws and to live by them. What are some ways you remember to live by the Torah and God's laws?
• Jews are instructed to behave appropriately towards orphans, widows, and strangers. What do you think this mean? What is special about widows, orphans, and the stranger, and what can that tell us about how we should behave towards others?

Time for some Torah toons!

The Jewish Day of Love

This past Tuesday, Jews all around the world marked Tisha B'Av, the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av and the major day of communal mourning in the Jewish calendar. It is on this day throughout history that a number of disasters have been said to have befallen the Jewish people, the prime example being the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem in 586 BCE and 70 CE, respectively.

This coming Monday is a holiday of a different sort - Tu B'Av, the fifteenth of Av, an ancient and modern holiday. Originally a post-biblical day of joy, it served as a day of matchmaking for unmarried women in the Second Temple period (before the destruction of 70 CE). After this period, it was largely uncelebrated in the Jewish calendar for many years and has been rejuvenated in recent decades, especially in Israel. In modern times, it has become a Hebrew day of love, very similar to Valentine’s Day.

While it is often difficult to commemorate Tisha B'Av with young children (frankly, even some adults have difficulty with how to appropriately mark this solemn time), Tu B'Av contains themes that are very family friendly. Some thoughts on how to add a little Jewish to your coming Monday:

Activities
Largely a modern Israeli holiday, there is much room for creating fun celebrations of love around Tu B’Av. Especially coming so soon after the solemnity of Tisha B’Av, take this time to emphasize the people and things we love in this world. Some possible activities could be:

• Make "Happy Tu B'Av!" cards to send to friends and family, making sure to include short messages of love and appreciation.
• Identify activities you love to do together as a family and make a special point to schedule some around this time.
• Make posters or collages emphasizing those people, activities, and items that your children love. Post them in your home or children's rooms as a reminder of all that is good and loved in our lives.

A Commanding Love

Parshat Va'etchanan
Deuteronomy 3:23 - 7:11

Synopsis
Va'etchanan opens with Moses reminding the people how he had pleaded with God to be allowed to see the Promised Land. God relented and allowed Moses to view the Land of Canaan, but in so doing, God reminded Moses to prepare Joshua to be the new leader of the people in their new Land.

Moses continues in his speech to the people, exhorting them to observe the laws and rules given them so that they may enter and occupy the Promised Land. The people are specifically cautioned to follow the entire law. They must not add or delete from that which God has commanded them.

Moses details the very special relationship that God has with the people Israel and emphasizes that this unique connection should in no way be jeopardized. Moses intersperses his warnings to the people with descriptions of various statutes and commandments. These include:

• The cities of refuge - cities which are set aside to protect individuals who accidentally kill someone.
• A repetition of the Ten Commandments
• The first paragraph of the Shema
• The prohibition against intermarriage between the Israelites and the nations slated to be dislodged from the Promised Land.

Synopsis courtesy of Teaching Torah, by Sorel Goldberg Loeb and Barbara Binder Kadden

Questions for your Shabbat Table:

• Moses reminds the people Israel of their special relationship with God. How is your relationship with God special?
  
• How do you show your love for God? How does your family show their love for God?
• One of the reminders Moses includes at the end is the first paragraph of the Shema, which many Jews recite before going to bed at night. Why do Jews say the Shema before going to sleep?
• Why do you think Moses repeated those statutes? What is important about each of those rules that he wanted the Israelites to remember?
  

This week's g-dcast cartoon:

History, Memory, and the Land

Parshat D'varim
Deuteronomy 1:1 - 3:22

Synopsis
The Israelites now stand ready to enter Canaan. Moses begins to recount the events of Israel's journey from Horeb (Sinai) to the Promised Land. He also discusses the difficulty he had in governing the people. They had grown too numerous for him to administrate, necessitating the creation of a system of tribal chiefs. These chiefs were to function as judges, but if a matter was too difficult for them, Moses would intervene.

Moses continues describing the Israelites' behavior as they approach Canaan. He relates how he instructed them to take possession of the Land. The people insisted that spies be sent ahead to see what the land and people were like. The report, while favorable about the Land itself, still dismayed the people and they lost faith in God. God heard their complaint and swore that no one of that generation would live to enter the Promised Land. God was angry at Moses also and decreed that Moses, too, would not enter Canaan. Of that generation, only Caleb, who had given an encouraging report of the Land, and Joshua, who was to be the next leader, will live to enter Canaan.

Ashamed because of their attitude, the Israelites decided to go up and take the Land. Warned that God was not with them, they went ahead anyway and suffered a cruel defeat at the hands of the Amorites.

Moses continues the retelling of the journeys of the Israelites and begins summarizing the 40 years of wandering. The narrative continues with the Israelites preparing once again to enter the Promised Land. This time they successfully engage in battle with Sihon, King of the Amorites, and Og, King of Bashan. The lands east of the Jordan which the Israelites captured were divided between the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

The portion closes with Moses naming Joshua as his successor.
Synopsis courtesy of Teaching Torah, by Sorel Goldberg Loeb and Barbara Binder Kadden

For your Shabbat table:

• D'varim, meaning "words" or "discourse," is the Hebrew name for the fifth book of the Bible and the name of the very first portion found within. Even in this first portion, there is a good amount of speaking, with Moses recounting everything that happened up until that point. Why do you think there is this repetition? What purpose does it serve?
• During this parsha, Moses helps the Israelites remember their history by repeating much of what had happened up until that point in time - why is it important to remember history? Can you think of any times during the year where we spend time remembering an event in our Jewish history? (Hint: think holidays!)
• Part of Moses' retelling of past events includes the beginnings of a system of tribal chiefs who helped Moses in judging disputes. Do you think it would be easy or difficult to be a judge? What characteristics would make someone an ideal judge?

Please enjoy a brief look at this week's portion from g-dcast.com:

Journey On

Parshat Mattot & Parshat Mas'ay
Numbers 30:2-32:42 & 33:1-36:13

Synopsis - Parshat Mattot:
The special rules concerning women's vows are given. Whereas a man may not break a vow or an oath which he makes to God, a woman's vow may be annulled by her father or husband on the day it is made. Vows made by widowed or divorced women, however, are binding.

God commands Moses to take revenge upon the Midianite people. One thousand men are picked from each tribe to battle the Midianites under the leadership of Pinchas. All the male Midianites are slain in the campaign, including the five kings of the region and the prophet Balaam. Their women and children are taken captive, the towns and encampments are burned, and all the booty is brought to Moses and Eleazar at Moab near Jericho.

Moses is angry with the leaders of the battle for sparing the women who were responsible for drawing the Israelites into sin at Shittim (see Parshat Balak). He orders them slain together with every male child. Eleazar instructs the troops concerning cleansing themselves and concerning distribution of the booty collected. After cleansing, the booty is divided equally among the troops and the rest of the Israelites, with a share being withheld as an offering to God.

The tribes of Reuben and Gad speak to Moses. They desire to settle east of the Jordan River in the lands of Jazar and Gilead, as these lands are suitable for the cattle. Moses permits them to establish their homes there, provided that all the men then join the rest of the Israelites in the battles to be waged west of the Jordan. So the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh establish fortified cities on the east side of the Jordan River.

Synopsis - Parshat Mas'ay:
The route taken by the Israelites from Egypt to the steppes of Moab and the major events that occurred along the way are recounted. At Moab, God tells Moses to instruct the Israelites about settling the land across the Jordan. They are to dispossess all its inhabitants, destroy their gods, and apportion the land among the tribes by lot.

The boundaries of the land are: Edom to the south, the Mediterranean Sea to the west, along a line drawn from Mount Hor to Hazar-enan in the north, and from Hazar-enan to Sepham, and then inward to the Jordan River and the Dead Sea on the east.

The Israelites are to assign, out of their holdings, towns and pasture lands to the Levites. There are to be a total of 48 towns, six of which to be cities of refuge to which a person who has killed another unintentionally may flee. It is the responsibility of the next of kin, literally the "blood-avenger," to put a deliberate murderer to death.

Laws are given citing the circumstances and manner in which murder (both intentional and unintentional) is to be judged and punished.

The descendants of Manasseh appeal to Moses and the Elders concerning the case of the daughters of Zelophehad (see Parshat Pinchas). They allege that if the daughters marry persons from another tribe, their land holdings will be added to those of the tribe into which they marry, thus diminishing the size of the lands of Manasseh. Moses, therefore, rules that the daughters of Zelophehad must marry within their father's tribe. This is based on the general statement that no tribe's inheritance may pass to another tribe.

The Book of Numbers concludes with the statement: "These are the commandments and regulations that the Lord enjoined upon the Israelites, through Moses, on the steppes of Moab, at the Jordan near Jericho" (Numbers 36:13).
Synopses courtesy of Teaching Torah, by Sorel Goldberg Loeb and Barbara Binder Kadden

For your Shabbat table:

• A vow is similar to a promise. It could be considered a special promise to God. What does a promise mean to you? Have you ever made a promise?
• Has anyone ever broken a promise they made to you? How did it make you feel?
• By the time we get to these two portions, the Israelites have been wandering in the desert for nearly 40 years. What do you think would be hardest about spendin that much time in the desert?

These two portions end the book of Numbers/BaMidbar.
Did you know that that when we conclude reading a book of the Torah, we say "chazak, chazak v'nitchazaik" - be strong, be strong and we shall be strengthened. According to Rabbi Hayim Halevy Donin in his book To Pray as a Jew, this is a cry of encouragement for us to continue reading the the next book of the Torah and to return again next year to the one we have just completed. Using the word "chazak" three times symbolizes the past, present and future.

And now, your g-dcast cartoons for these two parshiyot - first, Parshat Matot:

Next up: Parshat Mas'ay

Red, White, and Jew - Celebrating the Fourth

A wonderful educator in our community wrote the following article for the Washington Jewish Week, finding Jewish connections and themes in the Fourth of July. The original article can be found here, but I am included it below as well.

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Red, white and Jew -- celebrating the Fourth
by Avi West

This Fourth of July commemorates 234 years of the noble experiment we call the United States of America. Most Jews recognize as kindred spirits those who founded this nation, and can appreciate their founding documents as sacred texts.

We can hear the echoes from Genesis, where humans are created "in the image of God," in the words from the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

We can hear the echoes of our sages' preoccupation with tzedek, righteousness, and the mission of tikkun olam, repairing the world, within the mandate of the Constitution: "We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty É "

It is enough to make us, the recipients of such great freedom and opportunity as individuals and as Jews, run through the streets in fulfillment of the verse from Leviticus 25:10 (and on the Liberty Bell), "Proclaim liberty throughout the land, for all of its inhabitants!" However, most of us will celebrate by watching parades, listening to concerts, flying the flag, watching fireworks and eating the ritual barbecue in the backyard or at the beach.

But is there another way to celebrate?

We may find some useful models from our own "July 4," the birthday of the Jewish nation, more popularly known as Pesach. It, too, is a holiday celebrating freedom and redemption from tyranny, eventually leading to the establishment of the Israelite state.

The Pesach seder is one of the most choreographed nights of the calendar, and much of it can be adapted for a Fourth of July celebration. Ritual -- hot dogs, hamburgers (and veggie burgers), apple pie, etc. -- can all evoke stories from our youth that illustrate values of family, freedom and community.

The songs and hymns section of the Haggadah can be modeled through the singing of the "Star-Spangled Banner" and "America the Beautiful."

I would also recite the Emma Lazarus poem "The New Colossus" to remember how many "wandering Arameans" found refuge here. You may also challenge the family and friends gathered to create a "Dayeinu" song of thanksgiving appropriate to the history of Jews in America.

The bad news is that it will become more difficult to distinguish the Jewish narrative from the American one; and there are real differences between some of the values that pervade modern America and those of our Jewish heritage. Bill Berkson of Mentsh.com points to two "unbalanced" views of human relations found in American culture and media: one, the Christian tradition equating goodness with selfless devotion to others, and, two, the popular "looking out for No. 1" adage that puts everyone in a competitive relationship.

Berkson contrasts this with Hillel's famous ethical balance beam, "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But when I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?"

The conflict in American traditions, and the contrasts with Jewish traditions, may be the perfect symposium to use as the dialogue/discussion part of a Fourth of July seder.

Coming as it does during the reflective month of Tammuz, kicking off the season of Av, Elul and the High Holidays in Tishrei, we can hope that families would reflect on their behavior and priorities, crafting a plan that lets them pursue their Jewish obligations and freedoms, while enabling others to find life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Avi West directs the Shulamith Reich Elster Resource Center at the Partnership for Jewish Life and Learning.

Leading by Example

Parshat Pinchas
Numbers 25:10-30:1

Synopsis:

Pinchas is the son of the priest Eleazar. Because of his zeal in slaying the Israelite man and the Midianite woman (see Numbers Balak), Pinchas receives a special reward. The high priesthood becomes the possession of his descendants for all time.

At the border of Moab near Jericho, Moses and Eleazar take a census of all male Israelites over 20 years of age, considered able to bear arms. The total is 601, 730. Also counted are 23,000 Levite males from the age of one month. They are counted separately; since they are not eligible for military service; nor are they to receive land. Of those counted, only Joshua, Caleb, and Moses had been counted in the first census in the wilderness of Sinai. All adults who had been a part of the first census after the Exodus died in the desert as decreed by God.

God tells Moses that the land is to be divided among the tribes according to the census. Each section of land, however, is to be assigned by lot.

Five daughters of Zelophehad protest the injustice that land was not given to their family solely because their father had no sons. God advises Moses that the plea of the daughters is just. Moses proclaims a general rule that property is to be inherited in the following order: sons are to inherit first, but if there are no sons, property is to be assigned to daughters. In cases where there are no children, the property of a man is to pass to his brothers, and if there are no brothers, the nearest relative shall inherit.

God tells Moses to ascend the moutnains of Avarim to see the land given to the Israelites. Moses is to prepare to die there. Because of his act of disobedience at the waters of Meribat-Kadaysh, he is not to enter the Promised Land. Moses asks God to appoint a new leader of the community. He is told to ordain Joshua the son of Nun in the sight of Eleazar and the whole Israelite community.

The portion concludes with a detailing of the daily, Sabbath, monthly, and festival sacrifices to be brought before God.
Synopsis courtesy of Teaching Torah, by Sorel Goldberg Loeb and Barbara Binder Kadden

For your Shabbat table:

• During this week's portion, we learn that the next leader of the Israelites will be Joshua. Who are the leaders of Israel's family who come before Joshua?
• What qualities does a good leader possess?
• If you were responsible for picking a leader, what type of person would you look for?
• Moses was the leader of the Israelites for a very long time. How do you think he felt when he had to start preparing Joshua to take over this important role?
• Put yourself in Joshua's place - how would you have felt taking over for Moses? Would it be difficult to take over at the same time as you lost your leader and mentor?

Enjoy a different look at this week's portion via g-dcast:

Doing Jewish During the Summer

Summer is a time to relax, play, rejuvenate and celebrate quality time as a family. Here are some suggestions on ways you can view your summer through a Jewish lens.

Most of these ideas are specific to the Washington DC area - if that is not your locale, check out your Jewish Federation’s website (you can get local contact information for YOUR area by visiting this website) – they often have many community resources, ranging from volunteer resources to cultural highlights.

Visit a Jewish Museum! We have a number of wonderful Jewish museums in our area. Here are a few to check out:

• US Holocaust Museum (www.ushmm.org) – Even if you’ve visited this museum before, there is always something new to see. While the main exhibit is most appropriate for older teens and adults, the children’s exhibit “Daniel’s Story” is appropriate for a younger audience. Don’t miss the special exhibit “State of Deception: The Power of Nazi Propaganda” currently on display – this is perfect for adults and teens.
• Lillian and Albert Small Jewish Museum – First synagogue in Washington DC. The Jewish Historical Society also provides walking tours of Jewish Washington and other related activities. www.jhsgw.org. Visit the “Jewish Life in Mr. Lincoln’s City” exhibit held at Washington Hebrew Congregation through July 20^th.
• Jewish Museum of Maryland in Baltimore (history, immigration) www.jhsm.org
• The Dennis and Phillip Ratner Museum (art depicting bible stories) www.ratnermuseum.com

The Zoo Take your own Jewish adventures through the zoo! Many zoos include animals who are highlighted in the Torah – if you’d like a copy of a zoofari adventure guide (created for a local synagogue program), contact me (efrumkin@bethelmc.org) and go wild!

See a Movie or Read a Book There are so many wonderful books out there with Jewish themes – check out the Association of Jewish Libraries’ website (www.jewishlibraries.org) to see their list of Notable Books of Jewish Content for Children and Teens for 2010.

Want to catch a summer flick? Start your list of favorite Jewish movies – you’ll find a bunch on Netflix or at Blockbuster. Need some ideas? This page has a list of what they consider to be the top 50 Jewish movies – maybe there are more you would add! Leave a comment if you think something should be added.

Study and Discuss Torah Together A favorite weekly activity for Shabbat is to discuss the weekly parshah. For summaries, commentaries, and ideas, visit Jewish Family Living every Thursday for our synopsis and discussion questions.

Want more resources for Torah study? Check out the following websites: USCJ’s Torah Sparks is a great resource(http://www.uscj.org/Torah_Sparks__Weekly5467.html) and the Jewish Theological Seminary has many commentaries on each portion (www.jtsa.edu).

Internet Activities for a Rainy Day:

• http://www.babaganewz.com/ Check out the many child friendly activities, including art activities, games, and so much more.
• http://www.jewishheritage.gov/index.html - Discover this government site that honors National Jewish Heritage Month (May). Read stories about Jewish parachutists, learn about Jewish places on the National Register of Historic Places (maybe visit one!) and much more
• Jewish Women’s Archives – www.jwa.org This website is a wealth of information about Jewish women in American history. Read their stories, listen to their voices. Also find tools for creating an oral history of a family member.

Do a Mitzvah Project!
There is so much we can do to improve the world around us. Raise money for a good cause or spend time helping others. For some ideas of volunteer opportunities currently available, visit the DC Jewish Federation’s website (www.shalomdc.org) – you can find information on volunteering under the “Get Involved” tab.

Dealing with Disagreements

Parshat Korach
Numbers 16:1 - 18:32


Synopsis
Korach, a Levite, and two members of the tribe of Reuben - Dathan and Abiram - lead a rebellion against Moses and Aaron. They accuse Moses and Aaron of raising themselves about the community of Israelites, all of whom are holy. In return, Moses chides Korach for aspiring to privileges above those reserved for the Levites. He tells Korach that God will choose who is holy by accepting or rejecting an incense offering.

When Moses sends for Dathan and Abiram they refuse to come.

In the morning, each of the rebels, together with Moses and Aaron, offer incense in a fire pan to God before the Tent of Meeting. The presence of GOd appears and threatens to destroy the entire community, but Moses intercedes and the Israelites are told to withdraw from the dwellings of Korach, Dathan, and Abiram. Moses tells the people that the rebels died an unnatural death, that will be a sign that Moses is God's chosen leader. The ground opens and all of Korach's people are swallowed up. A fire destroys the 250 rebels in his party. Their fire pans are declared sacred, collected by Eleazar the priest, and hammered into plating for the altar.

But the people then protest that Moses and Aaron bear responsibility for the deaths of the rebels. As God prepares to annihilate the Israelites, Moses tells Aaron to make expiation for them. Those who Aaron reaches are saved from the plague, but a total of 14,700 perish.

God tells Moses to collect the staffs of the chieftains of each tribe and to leave them in the Tent of Meeting. The staff of the man chosen by God will be made to bloom as a further lesson to the rebels. Overnight, Aaron's staff spouts almond blossoms.

Then God speaks to Aaron telling him that he and his sons are directly responsiblef or the Tabernacle, the Levites are to serve under the priests and are to take care not to touch any of the sacred furnishings on pain of death.

All sacrifices and offerings, first fruits and first-born animals, and the redemption price of the firstborn - gifts to God - are given to the priests for all time. The Levites are given the tithes of the Israelites in return for their service in the Tabernacle, but are to receive no share of the land. One tenth of the tithes and the best part of the gifts are to be given by the Levites to God as their donation.
Synopsis courtesy of Teaching Torah, by Sorel Goldberg Loeb and Barbara Binder Kadden

For your Shabbat table:

• What makes a good leader? What qualities do you think a leader should have?
• Why do we need leaders?
• When you are playing with your friends, who usually makes decisions about what and how you play? What happens when not everyone agrees?
• How do you feel when someone tells you to do something you don't want to do? When is it important to go along with the rest of the group, even if you have a different preference or idea of what to do?

And now... your weekly Torah cartoon from g-dcast.com

We Can Do It!

Parshat Shelach Lecha
Numbers 13:1 - 15:41

Synopsis
God tells Moses to send twelve men to scout the land of Canaan. Among the scouts are Caleb from the tribe of Judah and Hosea son of Nun from the tribe of Ephraim. Moses changes the name of Hosea to Joshua and he instructs the scouts to investigate the natural properties of the land and to evaluate the strength of its people.

After 40 days, the scouts return, bearing a branch with a single cluster of grapes so heavy that it must be carried by two men. They report that the land is indeed bountiful, but that its inhabitants are large and powerful.

In the face of the fearsome report of the majority of the scouts and the weeping of the people, Caleb and Joshua argue that if the people have faith in God and God's promise to their ancestors, they will surely overcome the inhabitants of Canaan. As the Israelites converge to stone Caleb and Joshua, the presence of God appears to all.

Moses is told that God will destroy the Israelites because of their lack of faith and make a great nation of the descendants of Moses. But Moses urges God to act with forbearance and mercy and to save the Israelites. He tells God that if the Israelites are destroyed, the Egyptians will say that God was powerless to bring them into the promised land.

God forgives the people, but consigns them to wander 40 years in the desert. With the exception of Caleb and Joshua, none of the generation that was redeemed from Egypt will survive to enter the promised land.

The Israelites hear this and repent. They set out in the morning for the Land. The Amalekites and Canaanites do battle with them and the Israelites are defeated at Hormah.

The portion goes on to detail the sacrifices that are to be given to the Lord. The people are permitted to eat of the bread of the Land, but are bidden to set aside some of it as a gift for God. The sacrifices and offerings to be made in instances of inadvertent sin are describe. A person who purposely sins against God, however, is to be cut off from the people.

In the wilderness, the Israelites come across a man gathering wood on Shabbat. The man is brought before the whole community and stoned to death as God commands Moses.

Finally, God tels Moses to instruct the Israelites to tie fringes on the corners of their garments as a reminder of God and the commandments.
Synopsis courtesy of Teaching Torah, by Sorel Goldberg Loeb and Barbara Binder Kadden

For your Shabbat table:

• Moses sent out twelve scouts to the land of Canaan - they all seemed to see the same things, and yet their reports differed. Why might this be the case?
• If you had been with the Israelites in the dessert, how might you have reacted to their reports? Would you have been swayed by Caleb and Joshua?
• When the scouts return from their appraisal of the land of Canaan, most of their reports were quite frightening to the Israelites, but Caleb and Joshua tried to assuage their fears. Think of a time when you felt scared but someone said something to make you feel brave. What did they say? How did it help you?
• Do you consider yourself to be an optimist or a pessimist? Share a time when being an optimist helped you overcome a difficult challenge.
• The very last lines of the parsha details God's instructions to tie fringes on the corners of the Israelites' garments, which is the reason why Jews wear a tallit today when praying. How do you feel when you wear a special garment - have clothes ever affected the way you feel? How do you feel when you put on special Jewish articles of clothing, like a kippah or a tallit?

This week's g-dcast cartoon of Shelach Lecha: