08/19/11 Rabbi's Weekly Teaching

Weekly Teaching By Rabbi Mitchell M. Hurvitz rabbimitch@templesholom.com
Rabbi's Weekly Teaching Parashat Eikev Friday, August 19th, 2011 I had the joy of teaching at a recent gathering of the UJA-Federation of Westchester Women's Philanthropy Leadership group, the theme of which was "Family Values." Throughout the past decade, the notion of family values has shaped our national conversation about politics, education, and the system of ethical and moral behaviors that we hope, as parents, to transmit to our children. We readily accept the idea that morally grounded children, who understand the difference between right and wrong, and who fully comprehend the expectations of the society in which they live, are happy children. And thus, I made the point that in secular society if you ask a parent what they most want for their children, the most common answer received is that they would like their children to be happy. But if you ask a Jewish parent what they want most for their child, the answer is somewhat different. It is not that Jewish parents don't want happiness for their children, but what they do want most is for their child to become a mensch -- a Jewish individual who, with every act, value, and ethical behavior, embraces and embodies our full humanity. We believe that with menschlikeit comes happiness, but it begs the question: can one be happy even without being a mensch? Parents who proudly display the school bumper sticker that "My child is an Honor Student at [name of school]" should undoubtedly be proud of their child's academic achievement. But when we consider success in Jewish terms, when a person succeeds, but does so without a solid grounding in ethics or morals, any and all success -- whether academic, economic, or measured in any other terms that we would label as "fame and fortune" -- is meaningless. Of course, like every group, and every individual, Jews hope to succeed within the material world so as to enable us to take care of ourselves, our loved ones, our Jewish family, and our human family. We also understand that taking care of others is not defined just in economic terms, but framed by our attitudes of love and kindness as pervasive in everything we are, and everything we do. What we think, and how we live, can be defined in terms as essential as our body posture, language, and actions. These make it easy to see how certain people can move through the world, blind to the needs of others, involved only satisfying their own desires and drives. In other words: selfishness shows. The core value of how we live a life of menschlikeit is by cultivated the practice of Derech Eretz. This term literally means "the way of the land," but we understand this way as how we define our respectful, thoughtful, and loving behavior to all with whom we have contact. Like God, who "created order from chaos," we are responsible for bringing ethical and loving order to any circumstance of potential disorder. The mitzvah of Derech Eretz includes, but is not limited to, our respectful treatment of the elderly, showing honor to our teachers, and being loving children to our parents. Derech Eretz is also about demonstrating kindness to all living things, seeking opportunities at all times to do good, modeling good behavior for others, and integrating charity into our daily lives. Living Derech Eretz elevates us from the mundane to the menschlik. It enables us to be better people, and do what God expects of us. The golden rule of Judaism, like the golden rule of all the great religions of the world, is to love others as you wish to be loved. This fundamental teaching is understood as a core value of humanity, because all human beings are created equally in God's image. Children are not born with an implicit understanding of this core value, and so parents need to work on creating an environment that nurtures the need to possess constant compassion and concern for others. There are many steps we can take, but as with all demands on our time and attention, we have to schedule our opportunities for implementation. As you look to the days and weeks ahead, with all of the busy tasks that mark the beginning of the school year, consider making time for menschlikeit. Take a moment to schedule time in your calendar for acts of loving kindness: dropping the coins in our tzedakah boxes before going to sleep at night, setting aside food for the hungry and delivering it to a food pantry, visiting a home for the elderly to bring cheer to those who need it, or volunteering to serve food - and compassionate communication - at a soup kitchen. The best of intentions often fall to the wayside, simply because we don't concretize our intentions into a defined time and space. Family values can take shape in many different ways, but one thing unites them all: parents and grandparents are the best teachers, and the most crucial transmitters of what is important to a family. As those who teach the next generation, we can be the most effective role models when we remember that our children are always watching, always looking to us to learn how to be a mensch. Children notice how we speak to others, when we smile at someone who has done something for us, how we express gratitude to others - and they also notice when we do not make these important human contacts. If we want our children to be menschlik, we have to work as hard on this as we do to make our kids successful in school, on the athletic fields, on stage and in their daily lives. Just as importantly, we have to remember that we are their role models, and when we see our children acting in a way that we may not like, we should perhaps look to ourselves to see where they are getting their values. When push comes to shove, what do we really want for our children? If we are teaching them to aspire to greatness, then it is up to us to teach them what greatness truly is. Shabbat shalom, Rabbi Mitch
Temple Sholom 300 E. Putnam Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830 203-869-7191

Temple Sholom | 300 East Putnam Avenue | Greenwich | CT | 06830

08/19/11 The Old Greenwich Topix News Message Board: Over 800 attend National Jewish Retreat in Old Greenwich

Old Greenwich - News August 19, 2011 See Old Greenwich Weather Over 800 attend National Jewish Retreat in Old Greenwich (NewsTimesLive) As the smell of Kosher cooking wafted from the hallway, a silent audience sat captivated while political pundits Mark Mellman and William Kristol, a frequent commentator on Fox News, joined Rabbi Levei Shemtov at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich to discuss the effect of American news on the Jewish community. Family Fun This Weekend (Patch) St. Catherine of Siena Carnival ofA Fun - St. Catherine of Siena Church A - 4 Riverside Ave., Riverside, CT; 203-637-3661 When: Now through Saturday, August 20;A Tuesday - ThursdayA 6 - 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 6 - 11 p.m. Why go: Annual festival with music, rides and food.

08/18/11 The Raw Old Greenwich News Feed

News Reports About Old Greenwich, CT

Five days of fun at St. Catherine of Siena Greenwich Time Photo: Bob Luckey / Greenwich Time | Buy This Photo Maeve Carey of Rivrside, left, holds hands with Samantha Pascale of Old Greenwich as the pair head ...

Greenwich residents reflect on outgoing schools chief Greenwich Time ... Cos Cob School; Christina Russell, International School Dundee; Blakely Stinebaugh, Eastern Middle School; and Wendy Yu, Old Greenwich School. ...

Reality Is Setting In: Summer Is Slip-Sliding Away … In A Hurry CBS New York Not one day," said Rachel Traylor of Old Greenwich, Conn. "[We] weren't able go on vacation. It just went too fast," added Erin Egan of Hartsdale, ...

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08/18/11 The Old Greenwich Topix News Message Board: Patch Picks: Six Great Date-Night Destinations

Old Greenwich - News August 18, 2011 See Old Greenwich Weather Patch Picks: Six Great Date-Night Destinations (Patch) Looking for a great spot to take your date on Saturday night? Some of the best eateries and activities are just around the corner.... ....... and mains (curry seafood hot pots) if your date isn't a sushi fan.A Binney Park (Sound Beach Avenue, Old Greenwich): Looking for an inexpensive date idea? Head to this idyllic nature haven in Old Greenwich for a stroll or a picnic. Though ...

08/17/11 The Raw Old Greenwich News Feed ....

News Reports About Old Greenwich, CT

Greenwich Man Charged with Chickahominy Burglary; Town Woman Faces ... Patch.com By Barbara Heins A 33-year-old Greenwich man was arrested on burglary and larceny charges within hours of a theft of an X-box electronic game from an ...

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08/16/11 The Raw Old Greenwich News Feed

News Reports About Greenwich, CT

Greenwich Eagle Scout remembered at funeral Greenwich Time The father of a 23-year-old Greenwich man who died last week in a single-car crash on Interstate 95 ...

Police Log: Local Woman Arrested For Shoplifting Patch.com Gregory H. Maddigan, 23, of 50 Hillcrest park Rd. in Old Greenwich, Conn. was arrested for first-time possession of marijuana on Sunday, August 14 around ...

Zarrilli captures 6.8-miler The Hour She was trailed by Sharon Vos of Old Greenwich (22nd, 47:27) and Emmy Stocker of Cos Cob (29th, 50:29). Age group winners among the men were 14-year-old ...

08/13/11 The Old Greenwich Topix News Message Board: Stamford Neighbors Notes

Old Greenwich - News August 13, 2011 See Old Greenwich Weather Stamford Neighbors Notes (The Daily Stamford) Professional and family celebrations are in order for long-time Springdale resident Angelo Natalie... ...... family celebrations are in order for long-time Springdale resident Angelo Natalie . The Presbyterian Church of Old Greenwich recently honored him for 20 years of music ministry. "I was brought on board as a 'congregational worship leader' to ...

08/13/11 The Raw Old Greenwich News Feed

News Reports For Old Greenwich, CT

Test scores: How Greenwich schools stack up Greenwich Time The schools in Old Greenwich, Riverside and backcountry Greenwich jockey for the top spots, while on the west side of town, performance lags by 20 percentage points or more. Based on results of this year's Connecticut Mastery Test, the story is no ...

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08/12/11 Temple Sholom Weekly E-Bulletin

Temple Sholom E-Bulletin August 12th, 2011 Friday, August 12th Beach Service at Tod's Point Seaside Garden Sunday, August 14th The Art of Prayer with Cantor Asa Wednesday, August 17th Youth Ice Cream at Gofer with Rav David and Reb Allison Thursday, August 18th Talmud Study: Radical Rabbis with Rav David Join us tonight for Temple Sholom's Shabbat on the Beach at Tod's Point, Greenwich Town Beach Wine & Cheese pre-oneg at 6:00pm Services at 6:30pm Don't forget to bring beach chairs! Also, please feel free to bring along a (dairy) picnic dinner to stay after and socialize with your Temple Sholom friends! Click here for directions. Please note: this will be the only Shabbat service taking place this evening. Candle Lighting Friday, August 12th 7:49pm Temple Sholom's Worship Schedule Friday, August 12th 6:30 - 7:15pm Saturday, August 13th 9:30am - 12:00pm Sunday, August 14th 8:30 - 9:15am Weekly Teaching by Rabbi Mitch At a time of year when we are beginning to think about the new Jewish year, and about tasks ahead for the fall season, when some of us are relishing those last few days of vacation, and considering, ever so reluctantly, the upcoming demands of work, school and life in general, I've been pondering a new look at the idea of a "job description." At seminary, as a young student, I don't know that a job description ever would have realistically prepared me and my colleagues for the rabbinic life that lay ahead... Click here to see the full version of this teaching. Temple Sholom Simcha Corner Mazel Tov To: Sheri and David Gellman, on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Sarah. Julie and Doug Ostrover, on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Olivia. Last chance! Don't miss our final Summer Study programs of the season: Radical Rabbis Rav David studies the most controversial debates, stories, and figures in the Talmud. Thursdays 7:00 - 8:30pm The last two classes will meet on August 18th & 25th The Art of Prayer There's more than one way to sing L'cha Dodi! Join Cantor Asa and get to know the weekly prayers that celebrate Shabbat. Sundays: 9:30 - 10:30am The last class will meet on August 14th. AJC Westchester and Temple Sholom present Turmoil and Transformation in Israel and the Middle East Thursday, September 15th, 7:30pm Featuring David Harris, AJC National Executive Director American Jewish Committee Executive Director David Harris offers an insider's perspective on the current climate of change in the Middle East, and its impact on our Jewish homeland. Do not miss this opportunity to hear a compelling and charismatic speaker discuss issues crucial to the life of our Jewish state. Reserve your spot now by contacting Alice Schoen at alice.schoen@templesholom.com or call (203) 542-7165. This event is co-sponsored by AJC Westchester and Temple Sholom in partnership with the Westchester Jewish Council, the UJA-Federation of NY, and the UJA-Federation of Greenwich. Informational Meeting Temple Sholom's Israel Mission Tuesday, September 20th, at 7:00pm Temple Sholom leads a mission to Israel every year. This year's trip will take place in association with The Sholom Center in February 2012. Spaces for the trip are filling up quickly - so don't miss out on this chance to be part of a fascinating and timeless exploration of the Holy Land. If you're interested in finding out more about the mission, please come to our Israel Mission Informational Meeting on Tuesday, September 20th, at 7:00pm. Click here to find out more about Temple Sholom's Israel Trip - February 9th - 19th, or contact Lori Baden at (203) 542-7172 or Lori.Baden@templesholom.com. Last Summer Youth Event Wednesday, August 17th, 4:30 to 6:00pm Calling all 2nd to 8th graders! Join Rav David and Reb Allison at Gofer Ice Cream on East Putnam Avenue on Wednesday, August 17th from 4:30 to 6:00pm. They will treat you to a scoop of ice cream - as we look forward to welcoming you back to Temple Sholom in just a few short weeks! For more info or to RSVP, email Rav David at RavDavid@templesholom.com. In and Around the Community... Florence Melton Adult Mini School in Greenwich, CT is now open. Classes are held on Tuesday mornings, beginning on September 13th, 2011. For further information call 203-552-1818 or register on line at JCCGreewwich.org. Jewish Committee on Scouting - Open House for Cub and Boy Scouts, Sunday, September 18th at 7:00pm, at Hebrew Institute of White Plains, 20 Greenridge Avenue, White Plains. Let your son join in the fun, adventure and skill-building of the Scouts in an environment supportive of Jewish values and traditions from Westchester's only Jewish Boy Scouts Troop and Pack. For more information, visit at www.westchesterscouts.org. Bamitbach means "in the kitchen" and is a kosher food and recipe blog by Irene Saiger, mother of our very own Rav David Saiger. Featuring delicious, seasonal kosher recipes (and some truly delightful writing), Bamitbach is a great resource for cooks and foodies who want to create healthy and delectable dishes for the kosher table. Find out more at http://bamitbach.wordpress.com.

Temple Sholom | 300 East Putnam Avenue | Greenwich | CT | 06830

08/12/11 The Old Greenwich Topix News Message Board: There's Nothing to Be Chicken About ...

Old Greenwich - News August 12, 2011 See Old Greenwich Weather There's Nothing to Be Chicken About ... (Patch) Meet the newest addition to the menagerie at animal control, a rooster named Cluckster.... ... know is: How does a rooster wind up homeless on the streets of Greenwich? Cluckster was found in a backyard in Old Greenwich and animal control surmises he may have escaped during transport. It's anyone's guess really. Maybe someone thought ...

08/12/11 Rabbi's Weekly Teaching

Weekly Teaching By Rabbi Mitchell M. Hurvitz rabbimitch@templesholom.com
Join us tonight for Temple Sholom's Shabbat on the Beach at Tod's Point, Seaside Garden, Greenwich Town Beach Wine & Cheese pre-oneg at 6:00pm Services at 6:30pm Don't forget to bring beach chairs! Please feel free to bring a (dairy) picnic dinner to stay after and spend time with your Temple Sholom friends! Click here for directions. Please note: this will be the only Shabbat service taking place this evening.
Rabbi's Weekly Teaching Parashat Vaetchanan Friday, August 12th, 2011 At a time when we are beginning to think about the new Jewish year, and about tasks ahead for the fall season, when some of us are relishing those last few days of vacation, and considering, ever so reluctantly, the imminent demands of work, school and life in general, I've been pondering a new look at the idea of a "job description." At seminary, as a young student, I don't know that a job description ever would have realistically prepared me and my colleagues for the rabbinic life that lay ahead. A rabbi's job can be as diverse and varied as the seasons, ranging from pastoral work, counseling, and synagogue administration on one day, to visiting the sick, teaching learners of every age and background, and studying and preaching the next. Additionally, on any given day, a rabbi travels the full gamut of human experience, moving from place to place, and from person to person, confronting the joys and fears, celebrations and crises of those who face life's moments through the lens of faith, and also in the moments we all experience, when our hold on faith slips from our grasp. In the context of these faith questions, I also think about how we share the task of upholding our Jewish peoplehood, and defining our place in a world that we, as Jews, are supposed to leave just a little bit better than we found it. It made me wonder: what exactly is a Jew's "job description?" Obviously, there are many possible answers, but the one I like best is that a Jew must cultivate the ability to effectively look inward so then we can then, both as a people and as individuals, productively look outward. The primary mechanism, by which we look inward in a Jewish context, is through engaging in and with our traditional liturgy. When we truly hear words of Torah, prayer, and sacred song within our hearts, minds and souls, we try to better understand who we are, and what God expects of us. Through the contextual elements of translation from Hebrew to English (and vice versa) and by listening to sacred melodies ranging from the ancient tunes that have come down through the generations, to the modern songs our children bring home, like new friends, from summer camp, we can experience our liturgy in both old and new ways that connect us both with our Jewish past and our people's future. And finally, with our kavannah (prayerful intentionality) we can learn how to utilize the words of prayer to focus our gaze inward, and prompt ourselves to change for the better. There's a story of a young rabbi who arrived in a town to become a prophet. He stood in the town square and yelled his message out at all the people: "Repent and return to God!" For decades the rabbi took his position in the town square, and shouted out the same words: "Repent and return to God!" One day, a young child came to the rabbi and said to him: "Why do you bother with this? No one ever listens to you." The rabbi smiled at the young boy and gently replied: "When I first came to this place, I had hoped to change the world. After many years, I hoped to change the town. Then, I hoped to change just a few people. Now, I preach here only in the hope to effectively change myself." Much of our disappointment in life can result from the notion of a "job description." Without realizing it, in our minds, we often create job descriptions for all of the people in our lives. We all live with the idea of the ideal spouse and perfect children, colleagues who never make mistakes, and friendship without flaws. And when the very human people around us don't live up to the expectations we set forth for them in our minds, we end up like the rabbi in the town square, yelling our messages of change to an audience that remains unmoved by our pleas. Even when we have another person's best interest at heart in our idea of what they should be, it is too easy to get caught up in the idea of fixing someone else's faults when we don't think we need to do anything to fix our own. We spend too much wasted energy on trying to change others, and not enough spiritual energy on attempting to change ourselves for the better. I think that the rabbi who was intent on becoming a prophet was on to something very important: he knew that in the effort to ultimately change himself, he could impact the world. He narrowed his job description from the goal of changing others - a goal that comes with the probability of unmet expectations - to the goal of strengthening his own faith in himself. The fact that he could answer a child's question with wisdom and understanding signifies his potential influence on that child, and through that child, the future. Rabbinic tradition teaches that each of us "stands on the cusp between salvation and destruction." Each and every action we choose to perform - or not -- can tip the Divine scale of Judgment one way or the other: not just for ourselves, but for the entire world. Consider the impact that you may have on that Divine scale of Judgment! This Shabbat, take a moment to check in on how you are doing - as a person, as a peer, as a parent, as a partner. Clearly, our individual choices, our questions and our answers have the power, according to Jewish tradition, to not only change us, but change the entire world. We can make a positive difference only when we are unafraid to commit to careful daily self-examination - checking in to see how we are measuring up to our own job description - and making sure that we engage in appropriate follow-up with those whose lives we impact - and, of course, ourselves. As we look to a new season, may we find the courage to look inward and take a sacred self-inventory, and may we allow life and love's sweetness to help us re-write our own job descriptions, and guide us in how we wish to better perform more acts of loving kindness in the days and years to come. Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Mitch
Temple Sholom 300 E. Putnam Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830 203-869-7191

Temple Sholom | 300 East Putnam Avenue | Greenwich | CT | 06830

08/12/11 The Raw Old Greenwich News Feed

A Recently Updated Web Page About Old Greenwich, CT

Old Greenwich art takes over Flinn Gallery | Greenwich Post The Flinn Gallery in Greenwich Library is featuring the work of the Art Society of Old Greenwich through Aug. 12. Each summer the Flinn committee takes a ... www.greenwich-post.com/.../98495-old-greenwich-art-takes-o...

08/11/11 Save the Date: David Harris at Temple Sholom - September 15th

SAVE THE DATE: SEPTEMBER 15th, 2011 at 7:30pm AJC's David Harris at Temple Sholom

Temple Sholom | 300 East Putnam Avenue | Greenwich | CT | 06830