When I was in graduate school, I took a course on the works of John Milton. In addition to the weeks we spent on “Paradise Lost,” we spent a little time on some of Milton’s other poetry and prose. We know from “Paradise Lost,” in particular, that free will was a favorite topic. The basis of freedom was also something that concerned Milton, and in his tract, Second Defense of the English People, he said “[k]now that to be free is the same thing as to be pious, to be wise, to be temperate and just, to be frugal and abstinent, and lastly, to be magnanimous and brave.” Now, I don’t know about the frugal and abstinent part, but the rest is something a scholar like Milton could readily find in his study of Torah.

This week’s parashah, Mishpatim, is the real beginning of the code of laws given by God to Moses and the Israelites. Although, many of the commandments may seem restrictive, Torah is not at its core a confining code of conduct. Rather, it is a framework for living in freedom. Remember, that the individuals receiving these laws were recently slaves in Egypt, having lived their entire lives in bondage. And so, at its heart, Torah is a code of moral conduct, a new model for a just society. “You shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the feelings of the stranger, having yourselves been strangers in the land of Egypt.” 23:9.

The new found “freedom” of the Israelites is not to do anything that they wish, but to act responsibly, justly, and morally. It is a valuable lesson for us and for those across the world who are just now finding themselves “free.” Whether for the Israelites over 3,000 years ago, Milton in the 17th century, or us today, freedom is just another word for having Torah (apologies to Kris Kristofferson).

Shabbat Shalom

Lee I. Sherman
President & CEO

Two weeks ago, while I was in Israel, I had the pleasure of meeting with the professional and volunteer leadership of NAMAG (Association of AMD Patients in Israel). Gideon Naor and Ed Fineberg, volunteers from that organization, contributed the inspiration and discussion for this week's Torah thoughts. To find out more about Age-related Macular Degeneration, you can look here.

We often discuss the idea of inclusion in our communities. This month is Jewish Disability Awareness Month featuring much information about inclusion for the many among us with a variety of disabilities. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly, reaching over 40% of those 80 and above. Although there is no known cure for AMD, there are a number of promising new treatments and early detection can arrest the development of this disease.

This week we read in parashah Yitro about the gift of Torah to the Jewish people at Mt. Sinai. Our teachings tell us that there were no blind people among those standing at the foot of Mt Sinai. They all saw, they were all able to participate equally. In preparation to receive the Torah, each individual had been healed from any disabilities developed during the crushing labor in Egypt.

Thus, at the base of that lowly mountain, and at that rare peak of national unity, all of the people together received The Ten Commandments. All were included. In one of its central statements, we are commanded to honor our parents. Through this commandment, the Torah stresses the importance of showing gratitude to those who have given us the gift of life. Once young, now aging, they may need us, just as we once needed their help. Despite all the odds, dispersion and exile, we as a people have survived and have retained this sensitivity to care for our aging seniors so they may continue to be fully among us.

May we enjoy a Shabbat of joy and happiness with our families.

Lee I. Sherman
President/CEO

Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of being at the Kotel in Jerusalem for Kabbalat Shabbat. In the moments before the sun set, the plaza before the Kotel filled with people. On both the men’s and women’s sides, a number of minyanim were formed and the singing to welcome the Shabbat began. One particular large group of chairs in the back part of the plaza on the men’s side sat in a circle awaiting its occupants. And then, a boisterous group of soldiers seated themselves in the chairs to begin their service. They were addressed by a senior officer, and then they began to sing and dance to welcome the Shabbat. Although there were many competing voices all around the plaza, this group created the most energy. Their enthusiasm attracted men and boys to share in their circle as they belted out “Am Yisrael Chai.” No one could keep from joining the “ruach” they spread.
 
In this week’s parashah, B’shallah, the flight from Egypt begins. This Shabbat is known as “Shabbat Shira,” the Shabbat of song. For it is this Shabbat that we read of the parting of the Sea of Reeds, the crossing of the Israelites, and the drowning of their Egyptian pursuers. And, just after this miraculous, magnificent, and horrific event, the Israelites in unison burst into song. It is a song of thanks and triumph.  One can imagine the sheer joy and wonderment of the people who have just witnessed this miracle. On Shabbat morning, as we read this passage of Torah, the congregation will rise and join together in song, as if we too had just made a successful crossing of the Sea of Reeds.
 
What is it about music that can be so universal and transcend the generations? Certainly, at least in part, it is the raising of the spirit that we hear in the songs of the Israelites at the sea and of the IDF soldiers at the Kotel. Moreover, it is the unifying nature of song. The Children of Israel sang in unison; we rise in unison as a congregation; the masses at the Kotel sang as one; whether singer or listener, child or adult, we feel the spirit of music.
 
Have a festive Shabbat.   

Lee I. Sherman
President/CEO

Over the past several years, I have written these Shabbat thoughts from many different geographic locations. I have even written a few from Israel, but never before as I was looking out at the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem. I am looking at those walls as I write these words. It makes this Shabbat even more special. In this week's parashah we read of Moses' pleas with Pharaoh to "Let My People Go."  This city is where they dreamed of going and where their descendants would ultimately build a nation. It has never been easy over the centuries, but here I am today, able to spend a peaceful Shabbat only a short walk from the Temple Mount, connected to over 3000 years of the Jewish people in this city. Truly, we go from generation to generation, from strength to strength.

Have a peaceful and meaningful Shabbat.

Lee I. Sherman
President/CEO