"To be a teacher in the right sense is to be a learner.  I am not a teacher, only a fellow student."  (Soren Kierkegaard)

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A FEW PRE-SHABBAT WORDS FROM RABBI AARON

Jews and Difference
In this shul this Shabbat we revisit Moses receiving the second set of tablets.  Moses and God share a remarkable conversation, and we are reminded about the power of reconciliation and second chances. Among the arguments skillfully employed by Moses, a central theme is the enduring relationship between God and the people. Moses continues to circle back to this: You have been with us, we have stuck with You. Don't leave us in the lurch; we need You.

On this Shabbat in the midst of Passover it is worth our while to reflect upon our connections to each other as well as our bonds with God and with tradition. I recently came across two Jewish American stories which made me sad. 

The first piece described a line of bar/bat mitzvah tour packages which featured the personal, intimate, vacation to somewhere exotic and exciting...oh, yes, and this fun vacation would include a "meaningful" nod to tradition as well. Picture the hike in the canyon or the river rafting adventure...add in the rent-a-scroll or rent-a-rabbi - and there you have it. Why blow the money on the building and all those guests? Keep it intimate. It will be quite memorable. And we'll do some Jewish, too.

Seder to Go...or Maybe some Fusion Culinary Experience!
Restaurants can be as creative as tour package professionals. Why jump through the hoops of cleaning house and changing out dishes - you can custom design an intimate dining experience. The chefs will nail the traditional dishes; hey, they'll do it with a new and clever twist. For a premium, throw in the strolling musicians, sing a few tunes from the haggadah for old times' sake. So, a private room, a fantastic wine selection - why not merge the seder experience with some uber-hip fusion cuisine? Probably an app for that.

What's Wrong with this Picture?
OK, my descriptions have some Rubinstein over-the-top edge, but the stories are not made up. They are windows into who we [or, at least, some of us] are. These are portraits of American Jews who have lost all connection to kehilla, to learning, to mitzvot, and to Covenant. The above-described products are the logical [and absurd] commodifying of Jewish identity for Jews who have lost [or ditched] their communal address. The funny part [in a Kurt Vonnegut or T. C. Boyle sort of way] of the story is that an ancient set of traditions can be caricatured and wrapped up in a gaudy gift box - packaged as an experience. Sad, really.

Why did Moses pull on God's collar, so to speak? Because he wanted to keep the family together and he boldly reminded everyone (the Holy One, included) that families are glued together with love and responsibility. And why did our ancestors leave Mitzrayim? Egypt, after all, was uptown and sophisticated - nothing like the dusty boondocks of Canaan. But Egypt was spiritually dark. Sure, there were glamorous Egyptian chariots sporting the equivalent of "He Who Dies With The Most Toys Wins" bumper stickers. But our people left all that for something different. A few nights ago, someone at the table sang: Ma Nishtana - How is this night different? Great question. What makes us different and where are we going?

Shabbat shalom & a sweet Pesach to everyone!
Rabbi Aaron

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