Rabbi's Blog

As children grow up, parents grow older. Newlyweds turn into young couples who then have children, becoming young families. Eventually, parents of young families enter their thirties, and then forties, with teenagers now running the household. The turning point of forty to fifty is the mega change to becoming middle-aged. As the young group morph into the middle aged group, the empty nesters reach the age of retirement. The newly –retired, in their late sixties, are all of a sudden facing their mid-seventies, and those ‘young’ retirees are now almost in their eighties. Eighty-year olds are quickly entering their nineties, and all of us look around and wonder where have the years gone? 

When a community loses members, especially active members, there is shock and disbelief. There are certain people who are the bread and butter, the fabric of the minyan, which is exactly the core purpose and role of a Shul - to have services. We know the tradition of a mourner staying home and not being a part of society. Therefore, a minyan gathers in the mourner’s home, allowing the mourner to say kaddish with a minyan. Many small communities don’t have the resources and manpower to maintain multiple services daily, especially when the community is taxed for a Shiva house. No one can blame or have a taaneh/claim or complaint in this situation. On the other hand, frustration grows when there are enough people around to make multiple minyanim and the people either show up late or don’t show up at all! It is difficult to comprehend what many are thinking. Do they expect to have services provided for them yet are unwilling to help others? It is irrelevant whether or not a person knows the individual who needs a minyan... This issue is not limited to fulfilling the need due to a tragedy; it applies to a simcha as well. If someone needs help to celebrate an occasion or to make a minyan, men and women alike should avail themselves, regardless of their relationship to the person(s) in need. 

This issue is connected to this week’s Parsha Bechukosai. In Vayikra 26:42 the Torah states “V’Zaacharti Es Brisi Yaakov, V’Af Es Brisi Yitzchak, V’Af Es Brisi Avraham Ezkor V’Haaretz Ezkor”. “I will remember My covenant with Jacob and also My covenant with Isaac, and also My covenant with Abraham will I remember, and I will remember the Land”. Rashi and other commentators ask why the Patriarchs were listed in reverse order? This happens to be the only place in Tanach that the order is not chronological. Rashi quotes Toras Kohanim 8:6 and explains: “as if to say, Yaakov, the youngest of the Avos, is alone sufficient for this; that the Jews should be redeemed through his merit. And if he is not sufficient, see now that Isaac is with him. And if he is not sufficient see now that Abraham is with him, for he is sufficient”. 

Rav Yakov Lurenbaum in his sefer Nachalas Yaakov questions Rahi’s comment by stating: “wasn’t Yaakov Avinu the choicest among the forefathers”? How can Rashi begin with an assumption that Yaakov Avinu was not worthy on his own merits to help take Klal Yisrael and lead them out of the exile? Rav Lurenbaum explains that the intention of Rashi is based upon a different Rashi in Parshas Ki Sisa, Shmos 33:13. There Rashi explains the mentioning of the forefathers as follows: If the Jewish people are liable to the punishment of death by burning, then we’ve already been absolved because Avraham was thrown into a furnace for us. If we, the Jewish people, are accountable and deserve to die by Hereg/beheading, then Yitzchak Avinu has already offered that by stretching out his neck during the Akeidas Yitzchak. If the Jewish nation is subject to galus/exile, then Yaakov Avinu has already paid the price for his children since he was exiled and paid in full for the future. Therefore, in our verse in Vayikra, the Torah begins with the least severe punishment, exile, then beheading, and finally the worst type of death - burning. Therefore, it is understandable to say that if this, exile by Yaakov – the lightest punishment - doesn’t work ,then and only then should we move up to the next level - the Av/father who is associated with that punishment. So when Rashi uses the words “not worthy” it is not meant that Yaakov was not worthy, but rather that kind of punishment for the Jews would be K’Dai - to enjoy redemption. If we can’t get there with the lightest punishment, we will go one higher. 

We, the Jewish people as a whole, and we as individual Jews, must see to it that we are worthy of helping the Jewish people. It is my investment of time, money, and effort that makes a meaningful difference. It is not only for the community at large, but for each one of us to make a great impression on one’s own family. The best Chinuch, education, to teach our family, our children, our friends, and all members of our community is to set the example of taking the next step. Each one of the Avos stood for the Jewish people; each of them was ready to take the next step of responsibility when it came to communal affairs. They didn’t sit back and rely on the previous generation’s dedication and work. They not only stepped up to the plate, but they started hitting as well. 

Whoever reads this must realize that you are the one to step up and swing. Then you will realize the benefit to you, your family, your Shul and your community. Each and every one of us is essential; together we must meet our responsibilities as members of our community, which, in turn, impacts us all. 

Ah Gut Shabbos 

Rabbi Avraham Bogopulsky