EMOR 5777
TO WEEP – TO REJOICE
May 10, 2017
14 Iyar 5777
The torah portion opens with the detailed restrictions placed upon the Kohanin (Priests) following the death of one of their family. Since a body, once dead, was rendered ritually impure, a Kohen who was to guard himself from contact with anything impure was generally not permitted even to be in the presence of a corpse. Exceptions, however, were made when he personally suffered a loss. The Torah being aware of the mourner's need to mourn and to be involved in the burial, dictates specific guidelines on procedures that are acceptable. While these verses deal with mourners who are Kohanin, it is also a discussion about bereavement and mourning.
Yet tucked away in this discussion of loss and mourning is the procedure to be followed by anyone who offers a thanksgiving sacrifice. It was mandatory to consume its meat on the day of the sacrifice; nothing was permitted to remain overnight. Leftovers or planned overs (as they were called in our home!) were strictly forbidden. This text is a clear reminder how fleeting are the joyous moments that inspire this particular sacrifice.
We all know from our own experiences that a simcha (a joyous celebration) passes all too quickly. More often than not, months are devoted to planning a wedding or a Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration. The "to do" list of caterers, menus, bands, flowers, clothes, invitations, seating arrangements, hotel reservations is seemingly endless. Then the day dawns and the simcha begin. We rejoice with family and friends–we eat, we drink, we visit, we toast, we dance, but it all passes so very quickly. The simcha, once over, is over, with normalcy beckoning almost at once. These precious joyous events, much like sand, quickly seep through our fingers.
Our Torah portion is brilliant in intertwining a reminder of the limited shelf life of a simcha with a guide on how to respond to bereavement and grief. Our Tradition has wisely guided us not to linger overmuch in the grip of grief. Be it a simcha or a shiva, we must never lose the perspective of the importance of getting on with life.
The Psalmist beautifully and cogently articulated this hope and faith in his assertion that"weeping may tarry for the night but joy comes in the morning." (Psalm 30:5)
Obviously the death of a dear one opens a gaping wound in our hearts. Yet with time the wound will close, albeit leaving behind no small amount of scar tissue. The clear challenge is to recognize and accept that both joy and sadness will enter our lives, and that both are evanescent. Getting on with life is not born of the desire to forget our beloved or to diminish their memory. It is rather an acceptance of the life force that inspires us to carry on.
We rightfully pray that we shall be spared excessive grief, even as we pray that the joyous moments in our lives will blessedly proliferate.
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From Newton, my best wishes for a Shabbat Shalom u'Mevorach – a Shabbat of peace and of blessing.
I look forward to my forthcoming visit to Atlanta and to the Synagogue in another week, May 19-21. It's always a delight to see old friends and to be introduced to new ones.
Rabbi Arnold M. Goodman
ACHAREI MOT KEDOSHIM 5777
THE DEAD, THE LIVING, THE DREAM
May 4, 2017
8 Iyar 5777
In all of my sacred mount nothing evil or vile shall be done for the land shall be filled with devotion to the Lord as waters cover the sea [Isaiah 11:10].
Aaron's two oldest sons had perished for bringing a strange fire before the lord, and almost immediately he was instructed to resume his role as Kohen Gadol (High Priest). There were sacrifices to be offered, rituals to be performed, and other tasks that demanded his attention. Aaron had suffered a devastating loss, but he was expected to carry on with his duties and his life. This was no easy task, but Aaron very bravely did stay the course.
This past Sunday evening, Israel began the annual observance of Yom Hazikaron, its Memorial Day. It's a somber day when Israelis flock to cemeteries to visit the graves of sons and daughters, parents and siblings who were casualties of the country's far too many wars or the myriad of terrorist attacks.
The 24 hour commemoration began with the ceremony at the Western Wall. In the presence of many of the bereaved families, President Reuben Rivlin lit the official torch of remembrance and addressed the nation.
He reflected that when a child, his father's generation served in the IDF and saw combat. As a young adult, he and his peers were in uniform and experienced combat first hand. As a parent he sent his own children and their friends to serve in Israel's armed forces. Now as a grandparent he sees his grandchildren and their peers being mobilized to defend the State.
Following this somber trip down memory lane, the President emphasized the human price of Israel's independence. It is a price exacted in the 1947-48 War of Independence, and in subsequent wars against enemies that are adamant in their refusal to accept the existence of a Jewish State in our ancient and historic homeland. Yes, there were far too many wars in his lifetime, and there is little assurance that last war was indeed the last war. Sadly, peace has eluded Israel from its inception, and there is no let up in sight.
The challenge President Rivlin set before the nation is the challenge God placed before Aaron following the death of his two sons.. Mourn your loss. Grieve at the absence of your loved ones; but rise to the challenge of continued life and productivity. Several generations of Israelis have experienced Aaron's trauma and loss, but have amazingly demonstrated the courage and the resolve to continue building the State. The historic words of Lincoln at Gettysburg resonate very clearly in Israel. There is a determination that their beloved dead will not have died in vain.
Thus Yom Ha'Atzmaut, Israel's Independence Day begins with the termination of Yom Hazikaron. On this new day Israelis celebrate another "birthday" of their hard fought independence. It's a day of public festivities and of family barbecues, In synagogues, the daily prayers are supplemented with the joyous recital of the Hallel, the Psalms of joy and deliverance, plus the special chanting of the words of the prophet Isaiah, that proclaim the joy of a Zion living in peace and security.
Our prayer during these days is that the sounds of war will abate and that the peace assured Zion by the Prophet will be shared worldwide. Yet the gift of harmony from God will only be realized through human effort, will and courage. May we and our nation do our part to bring this dream to life.
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From Newton my best wishes for a Shabbat Shalom u'Mevorach– a Shabbat of peace and of blessing.
Rabbi Arnold M. Goodman
