VAYAKHEL SHABBAT SHEKALIM 5779
PLEASING WORKS OF OUR HANDS
February 28, 2019
23 Adar I 5779
And Moses said to the Israelites: See, the lord has singled out Bezalel … (whom) He has endowed with a divine spirit of skill, ability and knowledge in every kind of craft and has inspired him to… work in every kind of designer's craft… (Exodus 35: 30-33)
The designs of the Mishkan (sanctuary), its dimensions and the materials to be used were ordained by God. The information was given to Moses who was to pass it on to Bezalel, the superb craftsman who would brilliantly execute the plans. The Bible hails him as being blessed with the gift to transform various raw materials into works of art. His name is kept alive not only in the verses that extol his talent, but in the name given to Jerusalem's great art school (Bezalel Academy of Art and Design).
In every field of endeavor there are the gifted men, women and children who demonstrate extraordinary talent. The composer with perfect pitch, the artist blessed with both imagination and amazing physical abilities; the athletes whose skill and strength enable them to rise above their competition. We admire – and perhaps envy – those so blessed with amazing God – given talent.
Yet great talent, to be worthy of admiration, must be yoked to morality. Being a genius does not entitle one to be dismissive of less talented people. Having a very high IQ is often sadly vitiated when accompanied by a low EQ (emotional quotient). Genius, to be deservedly applauded, must somehow serve the common good and not become a negative or evil force.
The mission of American scientific intelligence officers assigned to accompany our troops in the war against Nazi Germany was to search for any advanced weaponry developed by the German scientists. Of particular interest was the space engineering program headed by Werner von Braun, who together with many of his colleagues, was brought to our shores with their part whitewashed by intelligence agency heads.
The brilliant Von Braun's Nazi affiliation could not be continually camouflaged; yet, even after it was revealed, he was defended as having engaged in pure research. There was ample evidence, however, that this outstanding scientist, while developing rocketry weapons for the Third Reich, willingly and knowingly used slave labor to carry on his work. This was also true of many German scientists and medical researchers who conducted their experiments with the abundant human subjects at their disposal.
This moral failure has a contemporary ring in many fields. Great talent in itself can become a drug that leads gifted individuals to believe that they are above the common folk, the law, and moral strictures.
We should not, however, overlook the latter day Bezalels, the many very talented people in every field of human endeavor, who do abide by a moral code and whose achievements are appropriately recognized and celebrated. Let us happily and gratefully direct our praises to all who use their great God-given talents in ways that are pleasing to Him and beneficial to us.
Similarly, may we all channel our talents and energies so that the works of our hands are pleasing not only to ourselves but to God and to all humanity.
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From the holy city of Jerusalem my best wishes for a Shabbat Shalom u'Mevorach, a Shabbat of peace and blessing.
Rabbi Arnold M. Goodman
* This Shabbat, Shabbat Shekalim, is the first of the five special Shabbatot leading first to Purim and then to Pesach. The portion read from the second Torah (Exodus 30: 11-16] is the command to assess each Israelite five shekalim for the upkeep of the Holy Temple. In our day it reminds us of the need to maintain and support our Synagogues even as we anticipate celebrating Pesach within seven weeks.
KI TISSA 5779
ALL POLITICS ONLY LOCAL?
February 21, 2019
16 Adar I 5779
Before Moses ascends the mountain to receive the tablets of the Ten Commandments, he instructs the Elders, "Wait here until I return to you. You have Aaron and Hur with you; anyone who has a legal matter may approach them" (Exodus 24: 14).
Moses was delayed in his return, and the people feared they were abandoned not only by their leader but also by God. They thus turned to Aaron, demanding, in clear violation of the Second Commandment, he aid them in creating a graven image that they could worship. Aaron accedes to their demand and together they fashion the golden calf that immediately becomes the focus of frenzied worship.
Shortly thereafter, Moses descends from Mount Sinai with the tablets lovingly embraced in his arms. Aghast at the sight of this idol worship, he shatters the tablets and confronts Aaron, "What did this people to you that you have brought such a great sin upon them? (ibid 32:21)
Aaron reminds Moses that the Israelites are a difficult people, and in Moses' delay, they demanded that we fashion a graven image for them to worship. Moses apparently accepts this rather lame excuse, but Aaron's willingness to accede to the people's demand goes to the heart of what is expected of a responsible leader. Under what circumstances, if any, may a leader compromise his/her standards? It's obvious that he must be above bribery, but what of other possible lapses in integrity?
A Midrash notes that while Aaron was to be aided by the Elders and Hur, when confronted by the agitated community, he was alone. The Midrash contends that Hur and the Elders did attempt to dissuade the people from lapsing into idol worship, but were then slain by the mob. It was thus self-preservation that motivated Aaron to accede to the people's demands.
Which leads to the question, when are there other circumstances justifying lowering or relaxing leadership standards?
A democratic society is governed by elected leaders. Is self-preservation, taking the steps to assure election or reelection a valid reason to lower standards? It's hardly a moot question since national interests can conflict with local community concerns.
Tip O'Neill, for many years the House Leader, would remind his colleagues, "all politics is local." When local needs conflict with the national interest, it's reasonable for the political leader to tend to the former even at the expense of the latter.
A powerful and currently relevant challenge now before our current Representatives and Senators is whether to prioritize local interests to assure their re-election and, hence, political survival or the broader national interest.
We rightfully expect, even demand, that our leaders adhere to the highest moral standards. Yet, as human beings and as Jews, such standards are equally binding upon each of us. Honesty in business, keeping our word, striving to do no harm to others, are among the basic values that should inform our lives. We are all prone to compromise our values, but, in the final analysis, do we have the courage to judge our own behavior? Assuredly, we, no less than our leaders, know right from wrong and should act accordingly.
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From the holy city of Jerusalem my best wishes for a Shabbat Shalom u'Mevorach, a Shabbat have peace and blessing.
Rabbi Arnold M Goodman
