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Defending the dwelling place of God
01/20/2022 12:12:29 PM
Rabbi Brent Spodek
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Like many of us, I was horrified and terrified by the news from Texas this weekend.
- I was afraid for the life of Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker and his congregants,
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afraid about the increasing violence that Jews here in America and around the world are facing and,
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afraid about the future of Jewish communities here and around the world when every gathering requires negotiating the risks of violence and disease.
At a deeper level, I wrestle with what it means to cultivate a religious life praying to a God that cannot save us.
I know full well that there are those, like Texas Governor Greg Abbot, who think that the Texas situation was “prayers answered.”
I am profoundly grateful that Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker and his congregants are safe but that is not the result of “prayers answered.” I have no doubt that many of the six million Jews killed in the Holocaust prayed for their safety, and I have no doubt that the Jews of the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh prayed for their safety. It is an abomination to suggest that the difference between the murdered and the saved is the value of their prayers.
Perhaps Governor Abbot -- and others who believe that prayer works like a vending machine -- think that Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker were deserving in ways that those murdered in Pittsburgh are not. I don’t.
In these times, when the sense of collapse is palpable, I remember that the Jewish people have endured far worse than this, and we inherit their legacy and their strength. I turn again to the words of Etty Hillesum, who was murdered by different antisemites in Auschwitz at the age of 29. She wrote
“Dear God, these are anxious times. Tonight for the first time I lay in the dark with burning eyes as scene after scene of human suffering passed before me. I shall promise You one thing, God, just one very small thing: I shall never burden my today with cares about my tomorrow, although that takes some practice. Each day is sufficient unto itself. I shall try to help You, God, to stop my strength ebbing away, though I cannot vouch for it in advance. But one thing is becoming increasingly clear to me: that You cannot help us, that we must help You to help ourselves. And that is all we can manage these days and also all that really matters: that we safeguard that little piece of You, God, in ourselves. And perhaps in others as well. Alas, there doesn't seem to be much You Yourself can do about our circumstances, about our lives. Neither do I hold You responsible. You cannot help us, but we must help You and defend Your dwelling place inside us to the last.“
May we all defend the Divine dwelling place inside of us. May we defend it from fear and bitterness, from despair and rage. Even in hard times, may we act in such a way that if God acted that way, God would be worth worshipping.
With blessings for a better tomorrow,
Rabbi Brent
Wed, May 25 2022
24 Iyyar 5782
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Thursday ,
MayMay 26 , 2022Masa Ma’agal: Spring Trimester Mystics at the Movies with Education Director Rishe Groner (Grades 4*-7)
Thursday, May 26th 4:00p to 5:15p
Learn Jewish spiritual concepts from Hasidism and Kabbalah through exploring popular kids’ movies from Moana to Frozen 2. -
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MayMay 26 , 2022Masa Ma’agal: Rabbi Brent’s Backyard (Grades K-3)
Thursday, May 26th 4:00p to 4:45p
Gather in Rabbi Brent’s backyard for stories, songs and games around the campfire. -
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Thursday, May 26th 8:00p to 10:00p
The Mens' Fires are opportunities for participants to go deeper into the work we do during our Moonlight Hikes. If you are interested in being involved, please come to the next moonlight hike. -
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Friday, May 27th 4:00p to 5:30p
Kehillah means “community”, and this is our weekly chance to come together in a social environment at the BHA Outdoor Classroom, featuring Mitzvah Labs, a chance to explore Jewish ritual and holidays following the theme of each Hebrew month. Open to all, suggested donation $36 per family, included with Masa. -
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MayMay 27 , 2022The Language of Truth/Sefat at BHA
Friday, May 27th 5:00p to 6:00p
The Sefat Emet (R. Yehudah Aryeh Leib Alter of Gur, 1847-1905) was a Hasidic Rebbe known for his keen insight, spiritual and emotional sensitivity, and accessible Torah. Join Rabbi Brent for a weekly exploration of his Torah commentary and the illumination it can provide us. We will be meeting in person at the BHA.