From The Rabbi’s Study… Shabbatot/Double Torah portions while the Rabbi is away.
Shabbat, May 11, 2024
Torah: Kedoshim: (Leviticus 19:1-20:27) Haftarah: (Amos 9:7-15)
May will have Mother’s Day…Happy Mother’s Day!
Yom HaShoah: (erev 27/28 Nisan) Remembering the Holocaust will be on May 6
Yahrzeit candles are lit on May 5th. Usually they are yellow, however a yahrzeit candle may be used.
The Torah portion, Kedoshim, contains: Ceremonial and moral laws are listed in detail, injunctions against Moloch worship, and punishments for unlawful marriages and immortal practices.
The myriad of concepts and values from Holiness to G-d and Jews, Stealing one’s mind, love your neighbor as yourself, prohibition of talebearing, and respect for the elderly to list a few.
Let us study Geneivat da’at/stealing of one’s mind from Leviticus 19:11 in the Torah which states that we must not steal, deal falsely or lie to one another. Even if one creates a false impression, it is prohibited. Therefore it is forbidden to cheat people in trade or to deceive them. However, it does not apply to business dealing. A deceitful person may be honest in their commercial transactions and yet “steal the heart” of a neighbor. Sometimes you invite someone to be a guest when your heart is not wanting this person to be guilty of deception.
Jewish people when selling a car or house must be truthful on the condition of these items, and not pray the car makes it down the street or the roof will not leak. Business dealings with contracts and money, one should have legal and finance people aiding in the transactions. While the tradesmen may have a weight on the scale, or a fake gem to sell, Jews are prohibited from this behavior. The actions of deceiving may also cost a person’s livelihood. Talebearing is more related to gossiping.
Another one to study is “Respect for the Elderly” as stated in Leviticus 19:32 that “you shall rise before the hoary head.” The Jewish people are taught to have feelings and respect for the elderly. The elder person may have knowledge, intellect, and experience.
In ancient cultures elderly were killed or left in the wilderness to perish. Judaism teaches how all life is holy. Today, laws are for cruelty to children, spouses, and the elderly. As a teacher, rabbi or professional dealing with people, one is to report such actions. The professional may make an error, however if they do not report they will be charged. Living in New York I would have been charged with a felony, if I did not report the incident. Judaism takes the value of a human being’s life. Today, there are people and groups that have lost their ethical and moral ways of living.
The Book of Leviticus deals with laws and contains nearly fifty mitzvot in this Torah portion alone!
Since Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are celebrated in our country, know that in (Leviticus 19:3) states: Reverence for your mother and father.
Tzedakah, of leaving a portion of a field un-reaped so the poor may glean comes from (Leviticus 19:10).
If one works for someone or a specific job, the owner must pay on the same day for their labor or service. (Leviticus 19:13)
One my favorites and final one to drash is the following, “Not putting a stumbling block before a blind person” found in (Leviticus 19:14). On the face value sounds outrageous, however when dealing with various individuals on selling items, safety in buildings (edges of a roof), false information, and so much more examples.
G-d’s gift to the Jewish people is the Torah. The Torah guides one throughout their lives on how to live with ethical and moral behavior. Kindness, caring, and loving all people is the Jewish way of living. However, the Jewish people when attacked and have to go to war, the instructions for war is not to kill the innocent, elderly, take advantage of women, and yes…do not destroy the trees! The enemy, their warriors, and their leaders. For further reading read about King Saul.
It has been over 200 days and our hostages have not been released. We pray for their speedy release and safety to return to their loved ones.
Please keep in mind Hamas and Hezbollah are terrorist organizations and not countries so dealing with these organizations is extremely challenging.
I also realize that many universities and their campuses’ grounds are being used to spread Anti-Semitic rhetoric, Anti-Israel rhetoric, and hate towards America. As Jews we must continue to speak out against these abhorrent actions. One may wish to make donations to the United Jewish Federation of Utah, whose monies help Jews here, Israel and around the world.
May we pray… Hazak, Hazak, V’Nitchazek/ Strength, Strength, and together we are stronger.
Shabbat Shalom v’Am Ysrael Chai,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
