Rabbi Arthur Segal

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL: BASELESS HATRED DESTROYS TEMPLES

2012-01-24T18:37:00.001-05:00

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL: BASELESS HATRED DESTROYS TEMPLES

Jewish Spiritual Renewal:



  Derek Eretz Zuta + Rabbah:



Shabbat 2/04/12

(aka Derech Eretz )





Shalom my dear Chaverim, Talmidim, v' Rabbanim, friends, students and fellow rabbis:



An oneg, joy-filled, Shabbat this coming weekend to all.



We continue with our exploration into the Talmudic Tractates of Derek Eretz Zuta and Rabbah. (aka Derech Eretz Zuta, aka Derech Eretz Rabbah. As was mentioned, zuta is Aramaic for 'small', and rabbah is 'large').



Remember that Derek Eretz is not about Jewish ritual. It is about how we are to treat one another and what traits of character, middot, we are to try to develop. The lessons are universal and ecumenical. The development of character traits and Jewish spiritual renewal transformation is called Mussar.



For those new to the class Baruch ha Ba! Welcome! You can access last week's class at   Rabbi Arthur Segal: RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL: WHO IS HONORED?ONE WHO SHOWS HONOR

OR http://rabbiarthursegal.blogspot.com/2012/01/rabbi-arthur-segal-jewish-spiritual_7231.html



From here you will find links to preceding classes in this series. So, together we continue:



TALMUD BAVLI



TRACTATE



DEREk ERETZ ZUTA



(aka Derech Eretz)



Today we will continue and complete CHAPTER 6 of Talmud Bavli Tractate Derek Eretz Zuta Verse  6:3.

6:3  "The first step to sin is in one's thoughts, the second is scorn, the third is haughtiness, the fourth is cruelty, the fifth is idleness, the sixth is causeless hatred, and the seventh is an evil eye; and these were meant by Solomon [Prov. xxvi. 25]: "For there are seven abominations in his heart."

This list of character defects makes an excellent check list when one reviews the day with a cheshbon (chesbon) ha nefesh katan. This is an inventory of our soul that we do before going to sleep to see if we are on the right track for spiritual growth, and to see if there is any teshuvah, amends, owed. We discuss this in Chapter 11 on "Daily Spiritual Growth '' in ''The Handbook to Jewish Spiritual Renewal: A Path of Transformation for the Modern Jew.'' https://www.createspace.com/1000243192

This verse 6:3 of Derek Eretz Zuta also provides a nice check list on our morning prayers of a list of defects we can humbly ask God to keep us from during our day.

Let us look at them one at a time.

"Our thoughts": We have studied in previous classes about being God conscious through out the day, and to be mindful of our thoughts. We need to be focused and get rid of that Monkey Brain, where our thoughts are jumping wildly in our minds, and we cannot get a hold of even one of them, to beat back into rational thinking.

When a silly thought enters our head, let us say, 'so and so doesn't like me,' if we do not catch this thought right away, and substitute rational thoughts in its place, we soon will be thinking of ways to get even with ''so and so.'' Soon we will be doing bad behaviors, perhaps lashon ha ra, gossip, or worse.

The spiritual truth is that what someone thinks of us is none of our business. If we are living a spiritual life our only concern is to be right with God. We will not be doing anything to harm another. God forbid if we did, we owe this person teshuvah. If teshuvah is made and the person still wants to hold a grudge, that becomes his chet, sin, and shows his or her spiritual deficiencies. Hence it is very important to be on top of our thoughts.

Next is scorn. When we scorn, we irrationally believe that someone is worthless, or despicable and worthy of our disrespect. How we judge others, how we treat others, will eventually be how we are judged and treated. The Talmud teaches measure for measure. If some one rubs us the wrong way, the Talmud says we see in them something that reminds us of our own defects to which we won't admit. We end up painting our own defects onto someone else and hating that person. Scorn is a symptom of spiritual illness and disconnection with the Divine. When we scorn, just like with silly thoughts, we are apt to harm someone, even if it seems as silly as black balling them from a club, or speaking motzi shem ra (making a bad name) about them.

Next is haughtiness. It is an exaggerated sense of one's importance that shows itself in the making of excessive or unjustified claims. It is much more than arrogance. Its delusional. One's self esteem is so low, one's spiritual connection is so disconnected, that one cannot see the reality of all the good that God has granted him. One therefore makes up more than he is with lies. One eventually believes these lies which is why haughtiness is delusional. One will lie and exaggerate and do ''resume augmentation.'' We can see this when medics are home from military service and call themselves ''doctor,'' or when one with a masters of social work puts themselves on the same par as a PhD in psychology, on when a prayer leader of a rabbi-less synagogue begins to call himself rabbi.

Cruelty is our next defect of character leading us to sin. Cruelty can be described as indifference to suffering, and even positive pleasure in inflicting it. It is a from of perversion. Sadism can also be related to this form of action or concept. One can write volumes on this and many have. No amount of Torah study, prayer, or Rabbinic nagging can correct the truly cruel. Only intense psychotherapy, with medicate and in-patient treatment, can keep a truly cruel person from harming another.

Our fifth defect is idleness. I have seen what happens first hand when retired folks, who used to be 'somebody,' have too much time on their hands. Synagogues, churches, organizations, and board rooms turn into wrestling arenas. It is not a pretty site. When we are idle our monkey brains start to dwell on our selves. Idleness is the yetzer ha ra's, the evil inclination's, petri dish. When we dwell on ourselves we become prisoners in a bondage of self. We are the jailors of our own Mitzraim , our own narrowness. This will lead to bad behaviors. The best cure for this is to actively help others, and do so anonymously. Let someone else be president of the local symphony board. You can set up the chairs for the concerts.

Next is causeless hatred...sinat chinam. The Talmud teaches us that sinat chinam was one the of the major causes of the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 CE. The sages were not talking of Romans hating Jews. They were talking of Jews hating Jews for no reason. They were talking of cliques, of terrible lashon ha ra, or different groups hating one another, of rabbis disrespecting one another. Along with lashon ha ra, I believe , along with the sages, that sinat chinam, especially in many synagogues, keeps good potential Jews away, and allows bullies and those who have massive egos to cover their low self esteem, to run rampant. In the same way the Rabbis of the Talmud said the Shekinah, God's Holy Presence, did not exist in Ezra's Temple in Jerusalem, It does not dwell in many houses of worship. The Talmud teaches that God and an arrogant person, a hateful person, or a gossipy person, cannot abide in the same Universe. By kal va- chomar, an a fortiori deduction, God and these people cannot dwell in a synagogue together.

Lastly we have the character defect of those who have the evil eye, the ayin ha ra. This is not folk lore superstition in Judaism. In Pirkei Avot, Chapter 2, Rabbi Eliezer says an evil eye is worse than a bad friend, a bad neighbor, or an evil heart. Judaism believes that a "good eye" designates an attitude of good will and kindness towards others. Someone who has this attitude in life will rejoice when his fellow man prospers; he will wish everyone well. An "evil eye" denotes the opposite attitude. A man with "an evil eye" will not only feel no joy but experience actual distress when others prosper, and will rejoice when others suffer. A person of this character represents a great danger to our moral purity.

Like some of the others above, having an evil eye, far worse than jealousy or coveting, shows a major disconnect with the Divine and one's fellows. It show that this person not only thinks that God does not help provide his basic needs, but actually wishes harm to one whom he thinks is doing better than he is. This definitely will lead to untoward actions. ''Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?''( Prov.27:4)

The rabbis end Chapter 6 of Talmud Bavli Tractate Derek Eretz Zuta by stating that the above seven character defects are what King Solomon was referring in his Proverbs 26:25. In fact they are called abominations. They are well beyond defects of character. In fact Solomon has defined the sociopath: ''Though his speech is charming, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart.'' While we are to love all, there are some people from whom we need to stay far away. As the Talmud says: " Stay way from an evil neighbor."

We discuss these defects of character and avoiding getting involved with people who are beyond the pale with severe spiritual illness, throughout the majority of chapters in ''The Handbook to Jewish Spiritual Renewal: A Path of Transformation for the Modern Jew'' ' (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.net/ ) as well as in most chapters of ''A Spiritual and Ethical Compendium to the Torah and Talmud''

(http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.net/index.html#Compendium2 ) .



What are your ideas about  these seven ''abominations.'' Can you see how each one can be had in small quantities by any of us? How has learning Talmud's Derek Eretz helped you in your interpersonal relationships? How has understanding the spiritual and ethical teachings of Judaism helped you live a more joyous life?



Next class, Baruch ha Shem, we will start with Derek Eretz Zuta, Chapter Seven. Thank you for joining me.

For those who want a d'var Torah on Parasha BeShalach   from '''A Spiritual and Ethical Compendium to the Torah and Talmud'' please click on

Rabbi Arthur Segal: RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: CHUMASH CANDESCENCE PARASHA BESHALACH EXODUS 13:17 TO 17:16 / Tu B'Shevat    or http://rabbiarthursegal.blogspot.com/2008/02/chumash-candescence-parasha-beshalach.html

Shabbat Shalom:

Rabbi Arthur Segal_

www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org_ (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/ )

Jewish Renewal_

www.jewishrenewal.info(http://www.jewishrenewal.info/ )

Jewish Spiritual Renewal

Jewish Spirituality

Eco Judaism

Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

If visiting SC's Low Country, contact us for a Shabbat meal, in our home by the sea, our beth yam.

Maker of Shalom (Oseh Shalom) help make us deserving of Shalom beyond all human comprehension!!

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL :BESHALACH: BLESS, DON'T KVETCH

2012-01-24T18:36:00.003-05:00

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL :BESHALACH: BLESS, DON'T KVETCH

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: CHUMASH CANDESCENCE PARASHA BESHALACH EXODUS 13:17 TO 17:16/ Tu B'Shevat

CHUMASH CANDESCENCE
PARASHA BESHALACH
EXODUS 13:17 TO 17:16
SHABBAT SHIRAH (SABBATH OF SONG)
and the Holiday of Tu B'Shevat

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL

www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org_ (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/ )

Jewish Renewal_

www.jewishrenewal.info(http://www.jewishrenewal.info/ )

Jewish Spiritual Renewal

Jewish Spirituality

Eco Judaism

Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

"SONGS OF JOY, LAMENTS OF BLUES"

"Moses stood at da Red Sea sho,
Smotin' dat wadah wit a two by fo."

So sang the African American slaves during our country's shameful
"peculiar institution," echoing Miriam as she sang more than three
thousand years before: "Sing to God for He is exalted above the arrogant,
having hurled horse and rider into the sea" (Ex 15:21).

Only a mere seven days after their triumphant leaving of Egypt, our
ancestors found themselves on the shore of the sea of reeds with the
army of Pharaoh approaching. We "were very frightened ...and we cried to
Moses: Were there no graves in Egypt that you took us to die in the
wilderness?" (Ex 14:10-11). And then God said to Moses "Why do you cry
out to me?" (Ex 14:15). This implies according to the fifteenth-century
rabbi Ovediah Sforno, that Moses was praying to God for help. And God says to
Moses, "stop moaning, and do something!"

Israel and Moses are told by God not to pray at this time as prayer is
not the proper response when people are facing danger. According to
Rashi, God commanded that the prayers be stopped and our ancestors show
they had faith not only in God, but in themselves, by taking action to
escape Pharaoh's legions.

When we were safely on dry land, we gave thanks to God in wondrous song,
which is how this Shabbat gets in special name, Shabbat Shirah, the
Sabbath of Song (Ex 15:01-21). But only three days later after
witnessing the miracle of the splitting of the sea and the drowning of
their pursuers, the children of Israel are singing a different tune.

"Muddah n sistah sittin in da shade
talkin bout da money dat I aint made,"

goes the second verse of the aforementioned Gullah song. It sure is easy
to sit comfortably in the shade and complain about the entitlements that
you are not receiving, it implies.

Our people came upon the waters of Mirah, which tasted bitter, and we
complained. Note that the water was drinkable, it just was not sweet. So
Moses threw a tree into the water and flavored it (Ex 15: 22-25). We did
not take action for ourselves, but sat down, sang the blues, hoping for
a quick fix and a rescuer.

Only a few weeks later, instead of searching for our own food by hunting
or foraging, we complained some more. We were given manna each morning,
except on Shabbat ( Ex 16:01-05). This lasted for forty years as we
wandered the desert. We had forgotten so quickly about our songs of joy, and we
learned well the laments of the blues.

In contrast, this Shabbat we celebrate the new year for trees, Tu
B'Shevat, the Jewish earth day. This holiday exemplifies what modern
Liberal Judaism is about: Action. We Jews celebrate this holiday by resolving to
improve ourselves and the world around us. The rabbis say that this is
the day that trees begin to form new fruit. The trees need proper nurturing
and so do our souls.Take lessons from trees in these dispiriting times

We as Jews always did best when we were proactive and not reactive. We
fared the worst when we expected divine intervention without our working
hand in hand with God as a partner for change.

The concept of Tikun Olam, repair of the world, involves us in a
partnership with God. In this week's Haftarah (Judges 4:04 to 5:31) we
see plainly how Jews can take action and change events. Deborah and Jael,
two brave women, did not wait for permission from the male hierarchy to
act. When the Canaanite king Jabin and his general Sisera were dominating
our people after Joshua's conquest of Canaan, Deborah and Jael acted by
luring and drugging General Sisera and hammering a tent peg into his
head. This Haftorah has an equally famous song: Israel "ceased
living...until I, Deborah, arose, as a mother of Israel!" (Judges 5:07).

We as individuals need not feel powerless to change our lives and improve
our world. We need not feel incapable of feeding ourselves or sweetening
our pools of water. We can on a daily basis remember to sing daily
praises and brachoth for all that we have. We can feed ourselves with
wisdom and drink from the words of our ancestors. We can amend and adapt
our traditions to liberate ourselves and become closer to God and to each
other.

Ezra decreed that because just three days elapsed from the miracle and
the song at the sea, to the blues at the pool of bitter waters, that we
should not go more than three days without nourishing our souls with
Torah study. This is why Ezra, after the return of our people from
Babylon, instituted the public reading of Torah on Mondays, Thursdays,
and Shabbats.

We as individuals and as a holy congregation can do so much to help each
other and our community. Become involved with your temple this year,
study Torah or other Jewish spiritual texts. Volunteer at your child's
religious school or a your community's Boys/Girl's Club. Sing a New Song
this Shabbat. Plant a tree of life. We will find others to join with
us!!

"Serve God with Gladness, come before Him with Song...Give Thanks to Him,
Bless His name. For God is Good, His Chesed (kindness) endures
forever!" (Psalm 100 1-5)

Shabbat Shalom!
RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL

Shabbat Shalom:

Rabbi Arthur Segal_

www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org_ (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/ )

Jewish Renewal_

www.jewishrenewal.info(http://www.jewishrenewal.info/ )

Jewish Spiritual Renewal

Jewish Spirituality

Eco Judaism

Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

If visiting SC's Low Country, contact us for a Shabbat meal, in our home by the sea, our beth yam.

Maker of Shalom (Oseh Shalom) help make us deserving of Shalom beyond all human comprehension!!

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL:DEREK ERETZ: EVIL EYE: AYIN HA RA

2012-01-24T18:36:00.001-05:00

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL:DEREK ERETZ: EVIL EYE: AYIN HA RA

Jewish Spiritual Renewal:



  Derek Eretz Zuta + Rabbah:



Shabbat 2/04/12

(aka Derech Eretz )





Shalom my dear Chaverim, Talmidim, v' Rabbanim, friends, students and fellow rabbis:



An oneg, joy-filled, Shabbat this coming weekend to all.



We continue with our exploration into the Talmudic Tractates of Derek Eretz Zuta and Rabbah. (aka Derech Eretz Zuta, aka Derech Eretz Rabbah. As was mentioned, zuta is Aramaic for 'small', and rabbah is 'large').



Remember that Derek Eretz is not about Jewish ritual. It is about how we are to treat one another and what traits of character, middot, we are to try to develop. The lessons are universal and ecumenical. The development of character traits and Jewish spiritual renewal transformation is called Mussar.



For those new to the class Baruch ha Ba! Welcome! You can access last week's class at   Rabbi Arthur Segal: RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL: WHO IS HONORED?ONE WHO SHOWS HONOR

OR http://rabbiarthursegal.blogspot.com/2012/01/rabbi-arthur-segal-jewish-spiritual_7231.html



From here you will find links to preceding classes in this series. So, together we continue:



TALMUD BAVLI



TRACTATE



DEREk ERETZ ZUTA



(aka Derech Eretz)



Today we will continue and complete CHAPTER 6 of Talmud Bavli Tractate Derek Eretz Zuta Verse  6:3.

6:3  "The first step to sin is in one's thoughts, the second is scorn, the third is haughtiness, the fourth is cruelty, the fifth is idleness, the sixth is causeless hatred, and the seventh is an evil eye; and these were meant by Solomon [Prov. xxvi. 25]: "For there are seven abominations in his heart."

This list of character defects makes an excellent check list when one reviews the day with a cheshbon (chesbon) ha nefesh katan. This is an inventory of our soul that we do before going to sleep to see if we are on the right track for spiritual growth, and to see if there is any teshuvah, amends, owed. We discuss this in Chapter 11 on "Daily Spiritual Growth '' in ''The Handbook to Jewish Spiritual Renewal: A Path of Transformation for the Modern Jew.'' https://www.createspace.com/1000243192

This verse 6:3 of Derek Eretz Zuta also provides a nice check list on our morning prayers of a list of defects we can humbly ask God to keep us from during our day.

Let us look at them one at a time.

"Our thoughts": We have studied in previous classes about being God conscious through out the day, and to be mindful of our thoughts. We need to be focused and get rid of that Monkey Brain, where our thoughts are jumping wildly in our minds, and we cannot get a hold of even one of them, to beat back into rational thinking.

When a silly thought enters our head, let us say, 'so and so doesn't like me,' if we do not catch this thought right away, and substitute rational thoughts in its place, we soon will be thinking of ways to get even with ''so and so.'' Soon we will be doing bad behaviors, perhaps lashon ha ra, gossip, or worse.

The spiritual truth is that what someone thinks of us is none of our business. If we are living a spiritual life our only concern is to be right with God. We will not be doing anything to harm another. God forbid if we did, we owe this person teshuvah. If teshuvah is made and the person still wants to hold a grudge, that becomes his chet, sin, and shows his or her spiritual deficiencies. Hence it is very important to be on top of our thoughts.

Next is scorn. When we scorn, we irrationally believe that someone is worthless, or despicable and worthy of our disrespect. How we judge others, how we treat others, will eventually be how we are judged and treated. The Talmud teaches measure for measure. If some one rubs us the wrong way, the Talmud says we see in them something that reminds us of our own defects to which we won't admit. We end up painting our own defects onto someone else and hating that person. Scorn is a symptom of spiritual illness and disconnection with the Divine. When we scorn, just like with silly thoughts, we are apt to harm someone, even if it seems as silly as black balling them from a club, or speaking motzi shem ra (making a bad name) about them.

Next is haughtiness. It is an exaggerated sense of one's importance that shows itself in the making of excessive or unjustified claims. It is much more than arrogance. Its delusional. One's self esteem is so low, one's spiritual connection is so disconnected, that one cannot see the reality of all the good that God has granted him. One therefore makes up more than he is with lies. One eventually believes these lies which is why haughtiness is delusional. One will lie and exaggerate and do ''resume augmentation.'' We can see this when medics are home from military service and call themselves ''doctor,'' or when one with a masters of social work puts themselves on the same par as a PhD in psychology, on when a prayer leader of a rabbi-less synagogue begins to call himself rabbi.

Cruelty is our next defect of character leading us to sin. Cruelty can be described as indifference to suffering, and even positive pleasure in inflicting it. It is a from of perversion. Sadism can also be related to this form of action or concept. One can write volumes on this and many have. No amount of Torah study, prayer, or Rabbinic nagging can correct the truly cruel. Only intense psychotherapy, with medicate and in-patient treatment, can keep a truly cruel person from harming another.

Our fifth defect is idleness. I have seen what happens first hand when retired folks, who used to be 'somebody,' have too much time on their hands. Synagogues, churches, organizations, and board rooms turn into wrestling arenas. It is not a pretty site. When we are idle our monkey brains start to dwell on our selves. Idleness is the yetzer ha ra's, the evil inclination's, petri dish. When we dwell on ourselves we become prisoners in a bondage of self. We are the jailors of our own Mitzraim , our own narrowness. This will lead to bad behaviors. The best cure for this is to actively help others, and do so anonymously. Let someone else be president of the local symphony board. You can set up the chairs for the concerts.

Next is causeless hatred...sinat chinam. The Talmud teaches us that sinat chinam was one the of the major causes of the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 CE. The sages were not talking of Romans hating Jews. They were talking of Jews hating Jews for no reason. They were talking of cliques, of terrible lashon ha ra, or different groups hating one another, of rabbis disrespecting one another. Along with lashon ha ra, I believe , along with the sages, that sinat chinam, especially in many synagogues, keeps good potential Jews away, and allows bullies and those who have massive egos to cover their low self esteem, to run rampant. In the same way the Rabbis of the Talmud said the Shekinah, God's Holy Presence, did not exist in Ezra's Temple in Jerusalem, It does not dwell in many houses of worship. The Talmud teaches that God and an arrogant person, a hateful person, or a gossipy person, cannot abide in the same Universe. By kal va- chomar, an a fortiori deduction, God and these people cannot dwell in a synagogue together.

Lastly we have the character defect of those who have the evil eye, the ayin ha ra. This is not folk lore superstition in Judaism. In Pirkei Avot, Chapter 2, Rabbi Eliezer says an evil eye is worse than a bad friend, a bad neighbor, or an evil heart. Judaism believes that a "good eye" designates an attitude of good will and kindness towards others. Someone who has this attitude in life will rejoice when his fellow man prospers; he will wish everyone well. An "evil eye" denotes the opposite attitude. A man with "an evil eye" will not only feel no joy but experience actual distress when others prosper, and will rejoice when others suffer. A person of this character represents a great danger to our moral purity.

Like some of the others above, having an evil eye, far worse than jealousy or coveting, shows a major disconnect with the Divine and one's fellows. It show that this person not only thinks that God does not help provide his basic needs, but actually wishes harm to one whom he thinks is doing better than he is. This definitely will lead to untoward actions. ''Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?''( Prov.27:4)

The rabbis end Chapter 6 of Talmud Bavli Tractate Derek Eretz Zuta by stating that the above seven character defects are what King Solomon was referring in his Proverbs 26:25. In fact they are called abominations. They are well beyond defects of character. In fact Solomon has defined the sociopath: ''Though his speech is charming, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart.'' While we are to love all, there are some people from whom we need to stay far away. As the Talmud says: " Stay way from an evil neighbor."

We discuss these defects of character and avoiding getting involved with people who are beyond the pale with severe spiritual illness, throughout the majority of chapters in ''The Handbook to Jewish Spiritual Renewal: A Path of Transformation for the Modern Jew'' ' (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.net/ ) as well as in most chapters of ''A Spiritual and Ethical Compendium to the Torah and Talmud''

(http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.net/index.html#Compendium2 ) .



What are your ideas about  these seven ''abominations.'' Can you see how each one can be had in small quantities by any of us? How has learning Talmud's Derek Eretz helped you in your interpersonal relationships? How has understanding the spiritual and ethical teachings of Judaism helped you live a more joyous life?



Next class, Baruch ha Shem, we will start with Derek Eretz Zuta, Chapter Seven. Thank you for joining me.

For those who want a d'var Torah on Parasha BeShalach   from '''A Spiritual and Ethical Compendium to the Torah and Talmud'' please click on

Rabbi Arthur Segal: RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: CHUMASH CANDESCENCE PARASHA BESHALACH EXODUS 13:17 TO 17:16 / Tu B'Shevat    or http://rabbiarthursegal.blogspot.com/2008/02/chumash-candescence-parasha-beshalach.html

Shabbat Shalom:

Rabbi Arthur Segal_

www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org_ (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/ )

Jewish Renewal_

www.jewishrenewal.info(http://www.jewishrenewal.info/ )

Jewish Spiritual Renewal

Jewish Spirituality

Eco Judaism

Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

If visiting SC's Low Country, contact us for a Shabbat meal, in our home by the sea, our beth yam.

Maker of Shalom (Oseh Shalom) help make us deserving of Shalom beyond all human comprehension!!

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL :TIME FOR PRAYER-TIME FOR ACTION

2012-01-24T18:33:00.001-05:00

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL :TIME FOR PRAYER-TIME FOR ACTION

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: CHUMASH CANDESCENCE PARASHA BESHALACH EXODUS 13:17 TO 17:16/ Tu B'Shevat

CHUMASH CANDESCENCE
PARASHA BESHALACH
EXODUS 13:17 TO 17:16
SHABBAT SHIRAH (SABBATH OF SONG)
and the Holiday of Tu B'Shevat

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL

www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org_ (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/ )

Jewish Renewal_

www.jewishrenewal.info(http://www.jewishrenewal.info/ )

Jewish Spiritual Renewal

Jewish Spirituality

Eco Judaism

Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

Shabbat Shalom:

Rabbi Arthur Segal_

www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org_ (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/ )

Jewish Renewal_

www.jewishrenewal.info(http://www.jewishrenewal.info/ )

Jewish Spiritual Renewal

Jewish Spirituality

Eco Judaism

Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

If visiting SC's Low Country, contact us for a Shabbat meal, in our home by the sea, our beth yam.

Maker of Shalom (Oseh Shalom) help make us deserving of Shalom beyond all human comprehension!!

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL :JAEL TENT PEGS SISERA'S HEAD

2012-01-24T18:31:00.001-05:00

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL :JAEL TENT PEGS SISERA'S HEAD

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: CHUMASH CANDESCENCE PARASHA BESHALACH EXODUS 13:17 TO 17:16/ Tu B'Shevat

CHUMASH CANDESCENCE
PARASHA BESHALACH
EXODUS 13:17 TO 17:16
SHABBAT SHIRAH (SABBATH OF SONG)
and the Holiday of Tu B'Shevat

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL

www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org_ (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/ )

Jewish Renewal_

www.jewishrenewal.info(http://www.jewishrenewal.info/ )

Jewish Spiritual Renewal

Jewish Spirituality

Eco Judaism

Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

"SONGS OF JOY, LAMENTS OF BLUES"

"Moses stood at da Red Sea sho,
Smotin' dat wadah wit a two by fo."

So sang the African American slaves during our country's shameful
"peculiar institution," echoing Miriam as she sang more than three
thousand years before: "Sing to God for He is exalted above the arrogant,
having hurled horse and rider into the sea" (Ex 15:21).

Only a mere seven days after their triumphant leaving of Egypt, our
ancestors found themselves on the shore of the sea of reeds with the
army of Pharaoh approaching. We "were very frightened ...and we cried to
Moses: Were there no graves in Egypt that you took us to die in the
wilderness?" (Ex 14:10-11). And then God said to Moses "Why do you cry
out to me?" (Ex 14:15). This implies according to the fifteenth-century
rabbi Ovediah Sforno, that Moses was praying to God for help. And God says to
Moses, "stop moaning, and do something!"

Israel and Moses are told by God not to pray at this time as prayer is
not the proper response when people are facing danger. According to
Rashi, God commanded that the prayers be stopped and our ancestors show
they had faith not only in God, but in themselves, by taking action to
escape Pharaoh's legions.

When we were safely on dry land, we gave thanks to God in wondrous song,
which is how this Shabbat gets in special name, Shabbat Shirah, the
Sabbath of Song (Ex 15:01-21). But only three days later after
witnessing the miracle of the splitting of the sea and the drowning of
their pursuers, the children of Israel are singing a different tune.

"Muddah n sistah sittin in da shade
talkin bout da money dat I aint made,"

goes the second verse of the aforementioned Gullah song. It sure is easy
to sit comfortably in the shade and complain about the entitlements that
you are not receiving, it implies.

Our people came upon the waters of Mirah, which tasted bitter, and we
complained. Note that the water was drinkable, it just was not sweet. So
Moses threw a tree into the water and flavored it (Ex 15: 22-25). We did
not take action for ourselves, but sat down, sang the blues, hoping for
a quick fix and a rescuer.

Only a few weeks later, instead of searching for our own food by hunting
or foraging, we complained some more. We were given manna each morning,
except on Shabbat ( Ex 16:01-05). This lasted for forty years as we
wandered the desert. We had forgotten so quickly about our songs of joy, and we
learned well the laments of the blues.

In contrast, this Shabbat we celebrate the new year for trees, Tu
B'Shevat, the Jewish earth day. This holiday exemplifies what modern
Liberal Judaism is about: Action. We Jews celebrate this holiday by resolving to
improve ourselves and the world around us. The rabbis say that this is
the day that trees begin to form new fruit. The trees need proper nurturing
and so do our souls.Take lessons from trees in these dispiriting times

We as Jews always did best when we were proactive and not reactive. We
fared the worst when we expected divine intervention without our working
hand in hand with God as a partner for change.

The concept of Tikun Olam, repair of the world, involves us in a
partnership with God. In this week's Haftarah (Judges 4:04 to 5:31) we
see plainly how Jews can take action and change events. Deborah and Jael,
two brave women, did not wait for permission from the male hierarchy to
act. When the Canaanite king Jabin and his general Sisera were dominating
our people after Joshua's conquest of Canaan, Deborah and Jael acted by
luring and drugging General Sisera and hammering a tent peg into his
head. This Haftarah has an equally famous song: Israel "ceased
living...until I, Deborah, arose, as a mother of Israel!" (Judges 5:07).

We as individuals need not feel powerless to change our lives and improve
our world. We need not feel incapable of feeding ourselves or sweetening
our pools of water. We can on a daily basis remember to sing daily
praises and brachoth for all that we have. We can feed ourselves with
wisdom and drink from the words of our ancestors. We can amend and adapt
our traditions to liberate ourselves and become closer to God and to each
other.

Ezra decreed that because just three days elapsed from the miracle and
the song at the sea, to the blues at the pool of bitter waters, that we
should not go more than three days without nourishing our souls with
Torah study. This is why Ezra, after the return of our people from
Babylon, instituted the public reading of Torah on Mondays, Thursdays,
and Shabbats.

We as individuals and as a holy congregation can do so much to help each
other and our community. Become involved with your temple this year,
study Torah or other Jewish spiritual texts. Volunteer at your child's
religious school or a your community's Boys/Girl's Club. Sing a New Song
this Shabbat. Plant a tree of life. We will find others to join with
us!!

"Serve God with Gladness, come before Him with Song...Give Thanks to Him,
Bless His name. For God is Good, His Chesed (kindness) endures
forever!" (Psalm 100 1-5)

Shabbat Shalom!
RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL

Shabbat Shalom:

Rabbi Arthur Segal_

www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org_ (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/ )

Jewish Renewal_

www.jewishrenewal.info(http://www.jewishrenewal.info/ )

Jewish Spiritual Renewal

Jewish Spirituality

Eco Judaism

Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

If visiting SC's Low Country, contact us for a Shabbat meal, in our home by the sea, our beth yam.

Maker of Shalom (Oseh Shalom) help make us deserving of Shalom beyond all human comprehension!!

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL :BESHALACH: DEBORAH + MIRIAM SING

2012-01-24T18:30:00.001-05:00

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL :BESHALACH: DEBORAH + MIRIAM SING

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: CHUMASH CANDESCENCE PARASHA BESHALACH EXODUS 13:17 TO 17:16/ Tu B'Shevat

CHUMASH CANDESCENCE
PARASHA BESHALACH
EXODUS 13:17 TO 17:16
SHABBAT SHIRAH (SABBATH OF SONG)
and the Holiday of Tu B'Shevat

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL

www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org_ (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/ )

Jewish Renewal_

www.jewishrenewal.info(http://www.jewishrenewal.info/ )

Jewish Spiritual Renewal

Jewish Spirituality

Eco Judaism

Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

"SONGS OF JOY, LAMENTS OF BLUES"

"Moses stood at da Red Sea sho,
Smotin' dat wadah wit a two by fo."

So sang the African American slaves during our country's shameful
"peculiar institution," echoing Miriam as she sang more than three
thousand years before: "Sing to God for He is exalted above the arrogant,
having hurled horse and rider into the sea" (Ex 15:21).

Only a mere seven days after their triumphant leaving of Egypt, our
ancestors found themselves on the shore of the sea of reeds with the
army of Pharaoh approaching. We "were very frightened ...and we cried to
Moses: Were there no graves in Egypt that you took us to die in the
wilderness?" (Ex 14:10-11). And then God said to Moses "Why do you cry
out to me?" (Ex 14:15). This implies according to the fifteenth-century
rabbi Ovediah Sforno, that Moses was praying to God for help. And God says to
Moses, "stop moaning, and do something!"

Israel and Moses are told by God not to pray at this time as prayer is
not the proper response when people are facing danger. According to
Rashi, God commanded that the prayers be stopped and our ancestors show
they had faith not only in God, but in themselves, by taking action to
escape Pharaoh's legions.

When we were safely on dry land, we gave thanks to God in wondrous song,
which is how this Shabbat gets in special name, Shabbat Shirah, the
Sabbath of Song (Ex 15:01-21). But only three days later after
witnessing the miracle of the splitting of the sea and the drowning of
their pursuers, the children of Israel are singing a different tune.

"Muddah n sistah sittin in da shade
talkin bout da money dat I aint made,"

goes the second verse of the aforementioned Gullah song. It sure is easy
to sit comfortably in the shade and complain about the entitlements that
you are not receiving, it implies.

Our people came upon the waters of Mirah, which tasted bitter, and we
complained. Note that the water was drinkable, it just was not sweet. So
Moses threw a tree into the water and flavored it (Ex 15: 22-25). We did
not take action for ourselves, but sat down, sang the blues, hoping for
a quick fix and a rescuer.

Only a few weeks later, instead of searching for our own food by hunting
or foraging, we complained some more. We were given manna each morning,
except on Shabbat ( Ex 16:01-05). This lasted for forty years as we
wandered the desert. We had forgotten so quickly about our songs of joy, and we
learned well the laments of the blues.

In contrast, this Shabbat we celebrate the new year for trees, Tu
B'Shevat, the Jewish earth day. This holiday exemplifies what modern
Liberal Judaism is about: Action. We Jews celebrate this holiday by resolving to
improve ourselves and the world around us. The rabbis say that this is
the day that trees begin to form new fruit. The trees need proper nurturing
and so do our souls.Take lessons from trees in these dispiriting times

We as Jews always did best when we were proactive and not reactive. We
fared the worst when we expected divine intervention without our working
hand in hand with God as a partner for change.

The concept of Tikun Olam, repair of the world, involves us in a
partnership with God. In this week's Haftarah (Judges 4:04 to 5:31) we
see plainly how Jews can take action and change events. Deborah and Jael,
two brave women, did not wait for permission from the male hierarchy to
act. When the Canaanite king Jabin and his general Sisera were dominating
our people after Joshua's conquest of Canaan, Deborah and Jael acted by
luring and drugging General Sisera and hammering a tent peg into his
head. This Haftarah has an equally famous song: Israel "ceased
living...until I, Deborah, arose, as a mother of Israel!" (Judges 5:07).

We as individuals need not feel powerless to change our lives and improve
our world. We need not feel incapable of feeding ourselves or sweetening
our pools of water. We can on a daily basis remember to sing daily
praises and brachoth for all that we have. We can feed ourselves with
wisdom and drink from the words of our ancestors. We can amend and adapt
our traditions to liberate ourselves and become closer to God and to each
other.

Ezra decreed that because just three days elapsed from the miracle and
the song at the sea, to the blues at the pool of bitter waters, that we
should not go more than three days without nourishing our souls with
Torah study. This is why Ezra, after the return of our people from
Babylon, instituted the public reading of Torah on Mondays, Thursdays,
and Shabbats.

We as individuals and as a holy congregation can do so much to help each
other and our community. Become involved with your temple this year,
study Torah or other Jewish spiritual texts. Volunteer at your child's
religious school or a your community's Boys/Girl's Club. Sing a New Song
this Shabbat. Plant a tree of life. We will find others to join with
us!!

"Serve God with Gladness, come before Him with Song...Give Thanks to Him,
Bless His name. For God is Good, His Chesed (kindness) endures
forever!" (Psalm 100 1-5)

Shabbat Shalom!
RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL

Shabbat Shalom:

Rabbi Arthur Segal_

www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org_ (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/ )

Jewish Renewal_

www.jewishrenewal.info(http://www.jewishrenewal.info/ )

Jewish Spiritual Renewal

Jewish Spirituality

Eco Judaism

Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

If visiting SC's Low Country, contact us for a Shabbat meal, in our home by the sea, our beth yam.

Maker of Shalom (Oseh Shalom) help make us deserving of Shalom beyond all human comprehension!!

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH SPIRITUALITY :BESHALACH: BLESS, DON'T KVETCH

2012-01-24T18:27:00.003-05:00

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH SPIRITUALITY :BESHALACH: BLESS, DON'T KVETCH

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: CHUMASH CANDESCENCE PARASHA BESHALACH EXODUS 13:17 TO 17:16/ Tu B'Shevat

CHUMASH CANDESCENCE
PARASHA BESHALACH
EXODUS 13:17 TO 17:16
SHABBAT SHIRAH (SABBATH OF SONG)
and the Holiday of Tu B'Shevat

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL

www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org_ (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/ )

Jewish Renewal_

www.jewishrenewal.info(http://www.jewishrenewal.info/ )

Jewish Spiritual Renewal

Jewish Spirituality

Eco Judaism

Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

Shabbat Shalom:

Rabbi Arthur Segal_

www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org_ (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/ )

Jewish Renewal_

www.jewishrenewal.info(http://www.jewishrenewal.info/ )

Jewish Spiritual Renewal

Jewish Spirituality

Eco Judaism

Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

If visiting SC's Low Country, contact us for a Shabbat meal, in our home by the sea, our beth yam.

Maker of Shalom (Oseh Shalom) help make us deserving of Shalom beyond all human comprehension!!

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH RENEWAL : TU B'SHEVAT :BESHALACH: BLESS, DON'T KVETCH

2012-01-24T18:27:00.001-05:00

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH RENEWAL : TU B'SHEVAT :BESHALACH: BLESS, DON'T KVETCH

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: CHUMASH CANDESCENCE PARASHA BESHALACH EXODUS 13:17 TO 17:16/ Tu B'Shevat

CHUMASH CANDESCENCE
PARASHA BESHALACH
EXODUS 13:17 TO 17:16
SHABBAT SHIRAH (SABBATH OF SONG)
and the Holiday of Tu B'Shevat

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL

www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org_ (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/ )

Jewish Renewal_

www.jewishrenewal.info(http://www.jewishrenewal.info/ )

Jewish Spiritual Renewal

Jewish Spirituality

Eco Judaism

Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

Shabbat Shalom:

Rabbi Arthur Segal_

www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org_ (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/ )

Jewish Renewal_

www.jewishrenewal.info(http://www.jewishrenewal.info/ )

Jewish Spiritual Renewal

Jewish Spirituality

Eco Judaism

Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

If visiting SC's Low Country, contact us for a Shabbat meal, in our home by the sea, our beth yam.

Maker of Shalom (Oseh Shalom) help make us deserving of Shalom beyond all human comprehension!!

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL:ECO-JUDAISM: TU B'SHEVAT :BESHALACH: BLESS, DON'T KVETCH

2012-01-24T18:26:00.001-05:00

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: ECO-JUDAISM: TU B'SHEVAT :BESHALACH: BLESS, DON'T KVETCH

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: CHUMASH CANDESCENCE PARASHA BESHALACH EXODUS 13:17 TO 17:16/ Tu B'Shevat

CHUMASH CANDESCENCE
PARASHA BESHALACH
EXODUS 13:17 TO 17:16
SHABBAT SHIRAH (SABBATH OF SONG)
and the Holiday of Tu B'Shevat

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL

www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org_ (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/ )

Jewish Renewal_

www.jewishrenewal.info(http://www.jewishrenewal.info/ )

Jewish Spiritual Renewal

Jewish Spirituality

Eco Judaism

Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

Shabbat Shalom:

Rabbi Arthur Segal_

www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org_ (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/ )

Jewish Renewal_

www.jewishrenewal.info(http://www.jewishrenewal.info/ )

Jewish Spiritual Renewal

Jewish Spirituality

Eco Judaism

Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

If visiting SC's Low Country, contact us for a Shabbat meal, in our home by the sea, our beth yam.

Maker of Shalom (Oseh Shalom) help make us deserving of Shalom beyond all human comprehension!!

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL:ECO-JUDAISM: TREE'S NEW YEAR :BESHALACH: COMPLAINING HEBREWS

2012-01-24T18:25:00.001-05:00

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL:ECO-JUDAISM: TREE'S NEW YEAR :BESHALACH: COMPLAINING HEBREWS

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: CHUMASH CANDESCENCE PARASHA BESHALACH EXODUS 13:17 TO 17:16/ Tu B'Shevat

CHUMASH CANDESCENCE
PARASHA BESHALACH
EXODUS 13:17 TO 17:16
SHABBAT SHIRAH (SABBATH OF SONG)
and the Holiday of Tu B'Shevat

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL

www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org_ (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/ )

Jewish Renewal_

www.jewishrenewal.info(http://www.jewishrenewal.info/ )

Jewish Spiritual Renewal

Jewish Spirituality

Eco Judaism

Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

Shabbat Shalom:

Rabbi Arthur Segal_

www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org_ (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/ )

Jewish Renewal_

www.jewishrenewal.info(http://www.jewishrenewal.info/ )

Jewish Spiritual Renewal

Jewish Spirituality

Eco Judaism

Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

If visiting SC's Low Country, contact us for a Shabbat meal, in our home by the sea, our beth yam.

Maker of Shalom (Oseh Shalom) help make us deserving of Shalom beyond all human comprehension!!

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH RENEWAL :BESHALACH: COMPLAINING HEBREWS

2012-01-24T18:24:00.001-05:00

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH RENEWAL :BESHALACH: COMPLAINING HEBREWS

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: CHUMASH CANDESCENCE PARASHA BESHALACH EXODUS 13:17 TO 17:16/ Tu B'Shevat

CHUMASH CANDESCENCE
PARASHA BESHALACH
EXODUS 13:17 TO 17:16
SHABBAT SHIRAH (SABBATH OF SONG)
and the Holiday of Tu B'Shevat

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL

www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org_ (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/ )

Jewish Renewal_

www.jewishrenewal.info(http://www.jewishrenewal.info/ )

Jewish Spiritual Renewal

Jewish Spirituality

Eco Judaism

Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

Shabbat Shalom:

Rabbi Arthur Segal_

www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org_ (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/ )

Jewish Renewal_

www.jewishrenewal.info(http://www.jewishrenewal.info/ )

Jewish Spiritual Renewal

Jewish Spirituality

Eco Judaism

Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

If visiting SC's Low Country, contact us for a Shabbat meal, in our home by the sea, our beth yam.

Maker of Shalom (Oseh Shalom) help make us deserving of Shalom beyond all human comprehension!!

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH SPIRITUALITY :BESHALACH: COMPLAINING HEBREWS

2012-01-24T18:23:00.003-05:00

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH SPIRITUALITY :BESHALACH: COMPLAINING HEBREWS

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: CHUMASH CANDESCENCE PARASHA BESHALACH EXODUS 13:17 TO 17:16/ Tu B'Shevat

CHUMASH CANDESCENCE
PARASHA BESHALACH
EXODUS 13:17 TO 17:16
SHABBAT SHIRAH (SABBATH OF SONG)
and the Holiday of Tu B'Shevat

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL

www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org_ (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/ )

Jewish Renewal_

www.jewishrenewal.info(http://www.jewishrenewal.info/ )

Jewish Spiritual Renewal

Jewish Spirituality

Eco Judaism

Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

Shabbat Shalom:

Rabbi Arthur Segal_

www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org_ (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/ )

Jewish Renewal_

www.jewishrenewal.info(http://www.jewishrenewal.info/ )

Jewish Spiritual Renewal

Jewish Spirituality

Eco Judaism

Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

If visiting SC's Low Country, contact us for a Shabbat meal, in our home by the sea, our beth yam.

Maker of Shalom (Oseh Shalom) help make us deserving of Shalom beyond all human comprehension!!

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL: BESHALACH: COMPLAINING HEBREWS

2012-01-24T18:23:00.001-05:00

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL: BESHALACH: COMPLAINING HEBREWS

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: CHUMASH CANDESCENCE PARASHA BESHALACH EXODUS 13:17 TO 17:16/ Tu B'Shevat

CHUMASH CANDESCENCE
PARASHA BESHALACH
EXODUS 13:17 TO 17:16
SHABBAT SHIRAH (SABBATH OF SONG)
and the Holiday of Tu B'Shevat

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL

www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org_ (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/ )

Jewish Renewal_

www.jewishrenewal.info(http://www.jewishrenewal.info/ )

Jewish Spiritual Renewal

Jewish Spirituality

Eco Judaism

Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

"SONGS OF JOY, LAMENTS OF BLUES"

"Moses stood at da Red Sea sho,
Smotin' dat wadah wit a two by fo."

So sang the African American slaves during our country's shameful
"peculiar institution," echoing Miriam as she sang more than three
thousand years before: "Sing to God for He is exalted above the arrogant,
having hurled horse and rider into the sea" (Ex 15:21).

Only a mere seven days after their triumphant leaving of Egypt, our
ancestors found themselves on the shore of the sea of reeds with the
army of Pharaoh approaching. We "were very frightened ...and we cried to
Moses: Were there no graves in Egypt that you took us to die in the
wilderness?" (Ex 14:10-11). And then God said to Moses "Why do you cry
out to me?" (Ex 14:15). This implies according to the fifteenth-century
rabbi Ovediah Sforno, that Moses was praying to God for help. And God says to
Moses, "stop moaning, and do something!"

Israel and Moses are told by God not to pray at this time as prayer is
not the proper response when people are facing danger. According to
Rashi, God commanded that the prayers be stopped and our ancestors show
they had faith not only in God, but in themselves, by taking action to
escape Pharaoh's legions.

When we were safely on dry land, we gave thanks to God in wondrous song,
which is how this Shabbat gets in special name, Shabbat Shirah, the
Sabbath of Song (Ex 15:01-21). But only three days later after
witnessing the miracle of the splitting of the sea and the drowning of
their pursuers, the children of Israel are singing a different tune.

"Muddah n sistah sittin in da shade
talkin bout da money dat I aint made,"

goes the second verse of the aforementioned Gullah song. It sure is easy
to sit comfortably in the shade and complain about the entitlements that
you are not receiving, it implies.

Our people came upon the waters of Mirah, which tasted bitter, and we
complained. Note that the water was drinkable, it just was not sweet. So
Moses threw a tree into the water and flavored it (Ex 15: 22-25). We did
not take action for ourselves, but sat down, sang the blues, hoping for
a quick fix and a rescuer.

Only a few weeks later, instead of searching for our own food by hunting
or foraging, we complained some more. We were given manna each morning,
except on Shabbat ( Ex 16:01-05). This lasted for forty years as we
wandered the desert. We had forgotten so quickly about our songs of joy, and we
learned well the laments of the blues.

In contrast, this Shabbat we celebrate the new year for trees, Tu
B'Shevat, the Jewish earth day. This holiday exemplifies what modern
Liberal Judaism is about: Action. We Jews celebrate this holiday by resolving to
improve ourselves and the world around us. The rabbis say that this is
the day that trees begin to form new fruit. The trees need proper nurturing
and so do our souls.Take lessons from trees in these dispiriting times

We as Jews always did best when we were proactive and not reactive. We
fared the worst when we expected divine intervention without our working
hand in hand with God as a partner for change.

The concept of Tikun Olam, repair of the world, involves us in a
partnership with God. In this week's Haftarah (Judges 4:04 to 5:31) we
see plainly how Jews can take action and change events. Deborah and Jael,
two brave women, did not wait for permission from the male hierarchy to
act. When the Canaanite king Jabin and his general Sisera were dominating
our people after Joshua's conquest of Canaan, Deborah and Jael acted by
luring and drugging General Sisera and hammering a tent peg into his
head. This Haftarah has an equally famous song: Israel "ceased
living...until I, Deborah, arose, as a mother of Israel!" (Judges 5:07).

We as individuals need not feel powerless to change our lives and improve
our world. We need not feel incapable of feeding ourselves or sweetening
our pools of water. We can on a daily basis remember to sing daily
praises and brachoth for all that we have. We can feed ourselves with
wisdom and drink from the words of our ancestors. We can amend and adapt
our traditions to liberate ourselves and become closer to God and to each
other.

Ezra decreed that because just three days elapsed from the miracle and
the song at the sea, to the blues at the pool of bitter waters, that we
should not go more than three days without nourishing our souls with
Torah study. This is why Ezra, after the return of our people from
Babylon, instituted the public reading of Torah on Mondays, Thursdays,
and Shabbats.

We as individuals and as a holy congregation can do so much to help each
other and our community. Become involved with your temple this year,
study Torah or other Jewish spiritual texts. Volunteer at your child's
religious school or a your community's Boys/Girl's Club. Sing a New Song
this Shabbat. Plant a tree of life. We will find others to join with
us!!

"Serve God with Gladness, come before Him with Song...Give Thanks to Him,
Bless His name. For God is Good, His Chesed (kindness) endures
forever!" (Psalm 100 1-5)

Shabbat Shalom!
RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL

Shabbat Shalom:

Rabbi Arthur Segal_

www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org_ (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/ )

Jewish Renewal_

www.jewishrenewal.info(http://www.jewishrenewal.info/ )

Jewish Spiritual Renewal

Jewish Spirituality

Eco Judaism

Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

If visiting SC's Low Country, contact us for a Shabbat meal, in our home by the sea, our beth yam.

Maker of Shalom (Oseh Shalom) help make us deserving of Shalom beyond all human comprehension!!

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH DESTINATION WEDDINGS: INTERFAITH :HILTON HEAD,SC

2012-01-24T18:20:00.001-05:00

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH DESTINATION WEDDINGS: INTERFAITH :HILTON HEAD,SC

RABBIASEGAL@AOL.COM

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: CHUMASH CANDESCENCE PARASHA BESHALACH EXODUS 13:17 TO 17:16/ Tu B'Shevat

CHUMASH CANDESCENCE
PARASHA BESHALACH
EXODUS 13:17 TO 17:16
SHABBAT SHIRAH (SABBATH OF SONG)
and the Holiday of Tu B'Shevat

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL

www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org_ (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/ )

Jewish Renewal_

www.jewishrenewal.info(http://www.jewishrenewal.info/ )

Jewish Spiritual Renewal

Jewish Spirituality

Eco Judaism

Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

Shabbat Shalom:

Rabbi Arthur Segal_

www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org_ (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/ )

Jewish Renewal_

www.jewishrenewal.info(http://www.jewishrenewal.info/ )

Jewish Spiritual Renewal

Jewish Spirituality

Eco Judaism

Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

If visiting SC's Low Country, contact us for a Shabbat meal, in our home by the sea, our beth yam.

Maker of Shalom (Oseh Shalom) help make us deserving of Shalom beyond all human comprehension!!

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH DESTINATION WEDDINGS: INTERFAITH :BLUFFTON,SC

2012-01-24T18:19:00.003-05:00

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH DESTINATION WEDDINGS: INTERFAITH :BLUFFTON,SC

RABBIASEGAL@AOL.COM

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: CHUMASH CANDESCENCE PARASHA BESHALACH EXODUS 13:17 TO 17:16/ Tu B'Shevat

CHUMASH CANDESCENCE
PARASHA BESHALACH
EXODUS 13:17 TO 17:16
SHABBAT SHIRAH (SABBATH OF SONG)
and the Holiday of Tu B'Shevat

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL

www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org_ (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/ )

Jewish Renewal_

www.jewishrenewal.info(http://www.jewishrenewal.info/ )

Jewish Spiritual Renewal

Jewish Spirituality

Eco Judaism

Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

Shabbat Shalom:

Rabbi Arthur Segal_

www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org_ (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/ )

Jewish Renewal_

www.jewishrenewal.info(http://www.jewishrenewal.info/ )

Jewish Spiritual Renewal

Jewish Spirituality

Eco Judaism

Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

If visiting SC's Low Country, contact us for a Shabbat meal, in our home by the sea, our beth yam.

Maker of Shalom (Oseh Shalom) help make us deserving of Shalom beyond all human comprehension!!

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH DESTINATION WEDDINGS: INTERFAITH : PALMETTO BLUFF,SC

2012-01-24T18:19:00.001-05:00

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH DESTINATION WEDDINGS: INTERFAITH : PALMETTO BLUFF,SC

RABBIASEGAL@AOL.COM

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: CHUMASH CANDESCENCE PARASHA BESHALACH EXODUS 13:17 TO 17:16/ Tu B'Shevat

CHUMASH CANDESCENCE
PARASHA BESHALACH
EXODUS 13:17 TO 17:16
SHABBAT SHIRAH (SABBATH OF SONG)
and the Holiday of Tu B'Shevat

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL

www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org_ (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/ )

Jewish Renewal_

www.jewishrenewal.info(http://www.jewishrenewal.info/ )

Jewish Spiritual Renewal

Jewish Spirituality

Eco Judaism

Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

Shabbat Shalom:

Rabbi Arthur Segal_

www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org_ (http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/ )

Jewish Renewal_

www.jewishrenewal.info(http://www.jewishrenewal.info/ )

Jewish Spiritual Renewal

Jewish Spirituality

Eco Judaism

Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

If visiting SC's Low Country, contact us for a Shabbat meal, in our home by the sea, our beth yam.

Maker of Shalom (Oseh Shalom) help make us deserving of Shalom beyond all human comprehension!!