During times of depression, I encourage you to ask someone to read from the Books of Psalms. Of course, avoid reading or listening those imprecatory ones, which probably would add anger to your depression. Read selectively from the words that would inspire you to sing again. There is hope, because there is still a little faith in you; empowered by love.
May the hope of this writer (Psalm 91:15-16) give you also strength for tomorrow:
Here is a beautiful interpretation of segments of Psalm 91 by a singing group from a Christian tradition, Seventh Day Adventists. One of the few evangelical groups that consider the Divine Instruction to be relevant in their own religious tradition. The song is in castellano. Including this recording here does not imply agreement with some of their theological Christian views.
And if the vessel he was making was spoiled, as happens to clay in the potter’s hands,he would make it into another vessel, such as the potter saw fit to make.
O House of Israel, can I not deal with you like this potter?—says the LORD. Just like clay in the hands of the potter, so are you in my hands, O House of Israel!
The Almighty with kindness and patience formed the ancient nation of Israel. Many times instead of destroying it due to its sin as a nation, Israel (and Judah) was formed over and over again, until becoming the reflection of the beauty intended. Although these words of judgement and hope were specifically to the ancient nation of Israel, its principles have implications for everyone. The LORD has patience with each one of us, as our character is formed, developed into a perfect work of art by the Great Artesian. An Artesian that seems so far, who transcends our universe and existence. However, perhaps closer to the work of his hands more than we may realize it.
The same way, we can follow this great example of patience and produce some of the most beautiful items or events in our lives and the lives of others. Do not give up, just start over again.
In the following this artist's patience produced some of the most beautiful pieces from clay. It is a little long; however, take the time to think about your own life as you enjoy watching the talent and amazing pieces of art that comes from the hands of this potter.
A few years ago, in the early 1990’s, HBO and Disney produced a series of
adaptations of classical fairytales and other stories by European writers to
African American, Asian and Hispanic contexts. I wrote to Disney at the time,
complaining and sharing some idea. In reply I got their lawyer’s letter stating
that they were returning the letter because it included original ideas.
Perhaps, if they used any of the ideas, they thought I could claim some
payment, which I did not think of it. Maybe I should have proposed a business
deal. Why I did not think of it? Probably because I was thinking of the ethical
issues instead of the profit.One of
these days I should start thinking about profit too.
My complain was about appropriation of classical work by
European writers, when African Americans, African nations, Asians, and
Hispanics have a great and rich collection of their own stories, legends and
fairytales. There was not need to change the characters of Andersen’s from “white”
to darker skins people in another culture. Especially when the story does not
feet at all the realities of these communities. However, I should mention that
some of the stories by some of these writers were adaptations to their own
communities of stories from other European nations. One example is the Emperor’s
New Clothes (Kejserens nye klæder) by Christian Hans Andersen. The
original story is found in the Spanish classic Libro de los ejemplos del
conde Lucanor y de Patronio (tale numer 32) from 1335 Spain by Don Juan Manuel. The author was also drawing
from tales and stories of Muslim Spain, India, Greece and other Arabic speaking
nations. However, differently from Disney’s versions, the writer left the
stories as they were found, except for the translations or an adaptation to
their own culture, not to someone else’s culture.
There have also been films in which “minority” actors or actresses
have sold themselves for a few dollars to portray negatively a fictitious
character, for an example someone from an Arab country or Greek. Take the film Zorba
the Greek or the opera Carmen. These make woman very low characters
and abused justifying their death and the apathy of the community. Although,
the writer’s intent may have been different, the outcome of these work on the
screen portrays the female very negative. Tragically in the days of the story Greece,
Crete, Spain, and other nations had laws that granted justification to man for
violence against women or prevented proper prosecution of the perpetrators. In
other cases, women are the villains as it was often in Disney’s earliest
cartoons. To rescue them a new series of ridiculous films have been produced to
justify or clarify why these poor villains became so evil.
My advice to Disney et al. was to carefully research stories
and legends from Africa, Ibero America, native and first nations communities,
and Asia. They would find stories that they could present in animation or a
film with actresses and actors from those nations or ethnic groups. To attempt the pseudo contextualization of
European tales to “minority” communities, is condescending and one of the worse
patronizing insults. Just as a “white” man playing a black or Native American
person instead of hiring actors from those communities. This does not happen
often as it did years ago. Nevertheless,
it can still be found in animation, when “white” voice actors and actresses imitate
stereotypical voices of black or Hispanic characters. That seems to be the case
of the Wild Kratts in PBS.
There is a place to adopt ways other cultures dress or how
they play music, as long as it is done with respect and mutual agreement and
understanding. Today there is no much difference of the way a professional
business man dresses regardless of ethnicity (often reflecting whoever is the
majority in that country). However, most of the time, the borrower or thief of
cultures and someone else’s legends is a naked self-deceived emperor and
exposed by a child.
Since the original story is not on film, as far as I know, here
is Andersen’s adaptation of one of the story in Libro de los ejemplos
del conde Lucanor y de Patronio which he titled Kejserens nye klæder. The work of Don Juan Manuel can be heard in castellano at https://youtu.be/bDbN2WPvaxI and Cuento 32 can be read at http://www.cervantesvirtual.com/obra-visor/el-conde-lucanor--0/html/00052e2a-82b2-11df-acc7-002185ce6064_2.html#I_35_
There is so much we can learn from this short tale:
Through history many different groups struggled for equality
and freedom. They have stood against all type of oppression and discrimination,
either ethnic or religious ones. However, when we look at these events we
cannot avoid to ask: Were they struggling for freedom and equality or for power
and money?
In South Africa one of the worse racist systems was called
apartheid. It set limits to the life and “freedom” of non “white.” This system caused some great injustices
against minority as well as “majority” ethnic groups. Eventually Frederik W. de
Klerk and Nelson Mandela dismantled the apartheid system. Instead of freedom
and equality, some groups on both sides of the so called “white” Africans and
the black Africans have sieged power and money. This is leading the nation’s
government into corruption, as it happened in other African nations. The dreams
about equality and freedom have not become a reality yet, except power and
money for a few black leaders. In Cuba, Fidel Castro Ruz together with various other
leaders overcame the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar. This brought
a time of freedom, but eventually led the Castro family to siege power. Fidel’s
mistake was to dogmatize Marxism instead of seeing it as part of an
interpretation and a developing, evolving, ideology of economy. A greater error
was to allow the development a government controlled by families. In that
sense, no too much difference from the previous government. Similarly, the
former Soviet Union, after the victory over the Zar and his dictatorial system
by the Bolshevik and allies, allowed the development of administrations like
that of Joseph Stalin. No, communism cannot be blamed for it, much less
Marxism. Socialists within the Soviet Union as well as in Cuba, and around the
world raised questions and opposition to any type of oligarchy. just as Democracy in the USA cannot be blamed for the power games of its politicians from left or right. When would there be a politician who wants the power to serve the people instead of himself or herself and closest friends?
Classic historical revolutionary events had similar outcomes. Simón Bolívar
y Ponte fought against the Spanish Empire through South America. While he is
praised as a hero of freedom, his fighting empowered more the new aristocracy
of Ibero America. In North America, over a century earlier, the 13 English Colonies
declared independence from England. In their declaration and constitution, they
spoke of equality and freedom, even about something as abstract as the pursue
of happiness. Obviously, their struggle was not for true freedom, rather to
empower the already powerful with freedom from the more powerful King. They
never thought of the slaves, except for a few comments by Thomas Jefferson,
neither about the “first” nations or Native people. They became expansionists
and colonizers invading land where Spanish nations were already settled for
centuries and Native people territories. Of course, many Spanish and French
were guilty of the same crimes. The encounter of the Spanish and the Native
people of the Caribbean region in 1492 and 1493 brought so much good, but also
developed into so much evil. The Civil
War in the USA was supposedly for the freedom of the African slaves and the
abolishment of all type of slavery. However, like in South Africa, racism and
all type of ethnic prejudices are still embedded deep into the political system
of these nations. In 1898 the USA got involved in the Hispanic American War,
the struggle for independence of the Spanish colonies from Spain. That led to
the USA colonizing Cuba, Guam, Philippines, and Puerto Rico. The last remaining
a colonial territory until this day.
In religious circles some people speak of freedom, but often
it is an excuse to avoid obedience to the divine instructions. There are those
in Christianity advocating for the Gospel vs. the Law. The Conservative
evangelicals vs. the Liberal evangelicals, often to avoid their social justice responsibilities.
Nevertheless, there is the fundamentalism of liberalism that do not consider
other views to be valid and accurate, unless they meet their interest. No too much
different from conservative views in religion and politics. In Judaism some
Reform have developed a Rabbinical tradition that replaced the Orthodox
Rabbinical tradition. Just as Karaites rejects Rabbinical tradition for their
own. Orthodox redefined Judaism creating fences after fences that eventually
made the beauty and freedom of Judaism and the Torah something unbearable. Christianity
rejects often the “Laws” of the “Old Testament” while developing their own
canon of laws, at times “stricter” than those from the Hebrew Bible; in popular
religion or the organized institutions, like some Pentecostals, a system of
senseless requirements. Again, the power of tradition.
Christians were a persecuted minority within the Roman
empire, a sect of First Temple Judaism, eventually becoming no the liberator
but the oppressive power of the Roman Empire. Through Europe, centuries later, nations
would adopt some type of Christianity as the State Religion, becoming persecutors
of those who may disagree. They became powerful and wealthy, free from the
Roman Catholic Church to oppress others, as Luther did against the Jews and
Anabaptists.
Then, what is true freedom and equality? Is this ever
possible? The French proudly have their revolutionary slogan: Liberté, Égalité,
Fraternité. These words have become the motto of many people struggling for
freedom and equality. No, I am not a pessimist. Many good things happened due
to all the events I listed above. However, something went wrong. Perhaps, the order
in the slogan that in one form or another was in the minds of people long time
before the French revolution, needed to change to: Fraternité, Égalité, Liberté.
Seeing each other as true brethren and sisters, as equal is the way to lead
into freedom. It is the way to avoid that a few anywhere in the world will
control the power and money and become the new oppressors. It is not the left neither the right, it is human selfishness.
In the modern State of Israel there is still conflicts and struggles
for freedom and equality. This is happening within the people called today as Palestinians
as well as among all Israeli citizens, including Jews, but especially the Domari
people (the Gypsies of the Middle East). Some administrations of the Israeli
government have been good while others have been horribly bad, just as we had “good”
kings and bad kings in ancient Israel and Judah. Today is not that much
difference, regardless of the romanticism of some politicians and even Rabbis,
and the Evangelical Christian right-wing preachers around the world. This
tragic reality is happening even among Palestinians in the territories under
their administration.
Fraternité is the fundamental part to build a true
society of equality and freedom. A society where chauvinists still are powerful
or where feminists reject any male leadership, or where “minorities” become powerful
oppressive “majority,” that is not freedom, neither equality. It is just the
recycling of the same human selfishness and narcissist tendencies. again, we must remeber the words from the Psalm (133:1):
The hope for true freedom and equality was expressed during
the Franco’s dictatorship in Spain by Waldo de los Ríos and interpreted Miguel
Ríos, in the song Himno a la Alegría. The lyrics they gave to Beethoven’s
Ode to Joy (last part or movement of the 9th symphony, music written
for the original work of Friedrich Schiller). The song starts by addressing the listeners as
“hermano” (hermana is implied). It starts on the right direction,
Fraternité. Miguel Ríos interpreted this song at a concert of RTVE against the
wishes of the dictadura franquista.
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
Jorge (George) Agustín Nicolás Ruiz de Santayana y Borrás, wrote in The Life of Reason, 1905
“One thing I know as an historian: every previous pandemic
has ended”: wrote a friend in an e-mail.These words should be on the front pages of the newspapers. In Spanish there is a popular
saying: “No hay mal que dure cien años ni cuerpo que lo resista.” However,
there is hope that evil or illnesses will be overcome. It may take another year
or even seven more years for this pandemic to be under control or over, but it
will come to an end. Tragically until it is over, so many people have suffered
this horrible illness or have lost their lives. The worse part of this story is
that it could have been prevented if was not for the arrogance and political
games of a few demagogues around the world. Politicians that all they care is
about their ratings, hence their popularity. Self-worshiping narcissists. This
type of mental illness is as bad as the current pandemic. It empowered the epidemic
to become a pandemic. Just as their narcissism led them to become demagogues
and dictators (not in the technical Roman sense, but in the worse practical
way).
After every storm there is a beautiful shining day, although
a lot of work to recover. Nevertheless, there is hope, there is the strength
and resiliency to live and make a better future for the next generations. Germany survived the horrible experience of
one of the worse dictatorships. Japan did not let the horrible tragedy of the
war crime against Hiroshima and Nagasaki stop them. London was rebuilt.
Manhattan did not let stop its people from striving for a better NY after
September 11th terrorist attacks. Palestinians and Israelis are
striving to build a better life for everyone, regardless of their politicians’
power games. African Americans and other “minority” ethnic groups in the USA
are becoming all they can be regardless of systematic institutionalized racism.
The Jewish people strived for the best
out of the suffering and ashes of the Inquisition and the Holocaust. Racism,
antisemitism, bigotry, prejudices, ignorant and arrogant politicians, neither
this pandemic will stop humanity to live as a reflection of the image of the
character of its Creator. There is hope. Regardless of what anyone else says,
there are good people in this world. There is still love and compassion. There
are still many more beautiful songs to write and sing. There is still many more
great paintings and sculptures to be done and bring beauty to overcome the
ugliness of the pseudo contemporary art. There are more people who want peace
than war. There are many more peaceful homes than homes where domestic violence
is worse than the pandemic. There is hope for changes in those homes that are
suffering domestic violence. So, do not give up. Never surrender. There is
hope. It will be over soon. Needless to say, do not just seat there to wait for
change. It is time for action. Time to be an instrument of change. Follow
health guidelines to protect yourself and others. Vote for candidates who are
in fact people who care and have the knowledge and commitment to serve your
communities. Learn, study, understand, acquire knowledge, become wise, full of
understanding for your sake and the future of your own children and others. Do everything
in your power to contribute to a better future and what you cannot accomplish the
next generation will take care of it. However, set a good foundation.
The Holy One of Israel, through the prophets, promised a new
earth, a new world full of justice, peace, free from illness, free from pain
and sorrows. It is up to us to see that new world. We must build that new world
today as instruments of the Creator.
In 1492 there was a new world “discovered.” An unknown world
for the Europeans. The native communities encountered another civilization.
What a beautiful day when nations so apart from each other encountered each
other, discovered each other, found each other. What a beautiful future was
ahead. Suddenly all those dreams were destroyed by selfishness, envy, hunger
for power, racism, prejudices, religious bigotry, and so much evil. We should
not let that happen again. Only unselfish attitudes and a commitment to find the
best for everyone can overcome the evil in this world, illness, wars and all
the ugliness of violence and poverty. Selfishness will hinder the creation of a
new society. Pessimism and the low view on the human nature is only another stumble
toward a better humanity. We can do better than our ancestors, who tried their
best and better than those who did not care enough. Do not give up, the storm
will be over soon.
You are blessed if you
have friends. I mean real friends. Those who call you in time of joy as well as
in moments of sorrow, or illness. They remember you and have done all they are
able to stay in touch with you. Now with all the technology at our hands, it is
easier to stay in communication with friends. I am talking about true
friendship, not the Facebook or any other social media popularity contest
friendship. Real friends, people you know since childhood or became friends as
adults. Those who you know their names, family, joys and sadness. Those who
laugh with you and you rejoice with them. The kind that will cry with you and
you will feel their pain too. The ones that their love for you move them to forgive
an unintended offense. The friend you will quickly forgive and tell him when
you feel hurt.
Often, those friends are
found outside the family. Very few people find their friends among their
siblings and even less within their own parents. There are those who would
never consider some of their siblings or parents to be friends if they were not
related. Obviously, we do not choose our relatives. You are born within that
family. A mystery of human existence: to be born and born within a specific
family. Sometimes people wish they would have been born somewhere else or not
born at all. However, the reality is you are here. So, choose your friends carefully.
Menandros (Μένανδρος) wrote: μη πλανασθε
φθειρουσιν ηθη χρηστα ομιλιαι κακαι.
There
the LORD ordained blessing, everlasting life.
Psalm
133:1, 3
Unity
must go beyond cultural differences (Sephardic, Ashkenazi, Mizrahi, Falasha), national origin (Spain, Portugal, Turkia, Germany, Russia, Ethiopia), religious traditions (liberal or traditional), political views (Likud, Avodah, Mapam, Republican, Libertarian, Democrat, Comunist, Socialist, Social-Democrat), theological interpretations,
and denominational affiliations (Orthodox, Conservative/Masorti, Reform/Progressive,
Reconstructionist, Hasidic with all its branches, Karaite, Samaritan). To be a People, One People,
in unity does not require to dress the same way, speak the same language
(Ladino/Spanish, Yiddish/German, Hebrew, Judaeo-Arabic, Judaeo-Farsi, Aramaic),
or attend the same synagogue/temple.
When
an act of antisemitism is experienced by one group, the cultural or religious
differences are forgotten (there is always a few that will hold to those
differences even if it cost the destruction of the Nation). Why a tragedy must
happen to be inclusive of Jews who otherwise are not consider to be Jews? Jews in
the ethnic sense, children of Israel, or Jewish in the religious sense.
Others
make emphasis on Jewishness as a religious status. Yes, there are Jewish people
who identify themselves as such due to their affiliation with the Jewish faith
regardless of denomination. Some were born within a Jewish family (observants
or not) while others joined by conversion (gerut) and conviction. However, there are those who are secular, but
identify themselves as culturally Jewish or as ethnic Jews. The old question,
who is a Jew? In the religious sense no everyone who claim to be Jewish is a Jew, but he/she is still part of the People.
Let’s
set aside that question. The question is who is a human? The unity of the
Jewish people depends on the unity of humanity. In our faith we recognize every
human being to be a creation of the Almighty. We, Jews and non-Jews, belong to
the same humanity. To strive for the unity of the Children of Israel is to work
toward the unity of humanity.
The
presence of God is where there is unity and unity brings the blessings of the
Almighty. Contrary to it, “do not look, it is so ugly and unpleasant when
brethren and sisters live in disunity; there, is a curse and death.” God is not
present at all.
The
Unity of humanity is the hope for the Jewish people and the whole world. It is
the hope of peace. The unity of the jewish people is the Light of the World.
If
your enemy (MT ketiv: אויביךyour enemies) falls, do not exult; If he trips, let your heart not rejoice.
True
heroes change enemies into friends, it was said. The death of an enemy must be
lamented. During the seder of a Pesach celebration many years ago, the Rabbi
paused during the reading of the plagues list: “This is a time to mourn for the
people of Egypt.”
In
Christian writings Jesus of Nazareth is attributed the proverb: “Love your
enemies.” A profound statement we should admit. After Anwar el Sadat and
Menahem Begin signed the peace accords a group of Israelis marched saying: “What
they need is love.” Peace accords without “love” (for example mutual respect)
is not peace at all. Love is the power that can change how we respond to the
enemy. Islamic thinkers have often argued that the same way God (Allah) is full of compassion and mercy, so every Muslim should be toward others.
The
horrible stories of warriors and violence in our Sacred Writings, even praised
as heroes in the Christian writings (Hebrews 11:34), cannot set the norm for who
we are today and how to respond to the enemy. The Prophets vision of a world of peace is our goal. The understanding of a God who
created every human being and loves humanity, is enough for us to seek true
peaceful solution to conflicts instead of rushing to the use of violence.
Let us build the world on the foundation of the Divine Instruction found within the Torah (and other sacred books), and honouring God by showing compassion to humanity.
‘Now then, if you will indeed accept my instruction, and keep my covenant which I made with the Patriarchs, then you shall be my chosen treasure from among all the nations: for all the earth is mine, but you alone have I chosen to be a light to the nations.
I the LORD have called you in righteousness, and have taken hold of your hand, and kept you, and set you for a covenant of the people, for a light of the nations;
I am the LORD, that is my name; and my honour will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
Isaiah 42:1-8
The Almighty selected among the nations the smallest of all, to liberate them from slavery and all type of injustice: the children of Israel. The history of Israel is not unique. God had done this before. The prophet Amos (9:7) wrote that the Holy One of Israel liberated earlier “the Philistines from Caphtor and the Arameans from Kir.” Israel was not the only one the Eternal brought to freedom. The complete records of the experiences of these two nations have not been preserved as ancient Israel held to its documents. We do not know what happened to these two other nations and why, by the time Israel enter the Land, these nations were far from anything that could describe them as People of God. Perhaps, they failed to be a Light to the Nations.
The purpose of election was to make a covenant people that would become a Light to the Nations. A people empowered by the Spirit of God (cf. Isaiah 61) to be instruments of justice. A humble nation that loves mercy (cf. Micah 6:8). Israel was not chosen to become an ethnocentric and exclusive religious group, rather a people that with words and actions proclaim liberty through the land (no just at the special time of Jubilee, Leviticus 25:10). A nation called to be a Light wherever we are and whatever we do, as workers in factories, as owners of factories, as staff in an organization or a member of its board, as citizens casting their ballots or as the politicians, as members of the community of faith or the secular society (yes, being secular is not an excuse to be an instrument of peace, mercy, justice, love, compassion, and freedom). We have a responsibility as a people and as individuals. Seeking the best for the other, including health. The priest Jeremiah (29:7) said:
The history of the children of Jacob in Egypt is one that
raises many questions. No so much about what is historical fact and what may be
legends and historiography, rather how this literary work tells us the story of
complacency. A group of elderly men with wives, children and grandchildren
encounter a brother who they sold as slave, now a prominent Egyptian leader. The story is very emotional. My grandaunt told me that her father always cried when telling Yosef's story. Why? We would never know. There are many details in the story that can make us cry.
First, the Hebrew Yosef became fully assimilated to Egyptian
culture and religion, while struggling to hold to the faith and traditions of
his youth. Second, his siblings show up making things a little more difficult.
You know the story: he “forgives” them and they live happily after. Well, not
exactly. Instead of returning to the Land, which was understood to be the home
promised to Abraham, they find themselves very comfortable in Egypt. Over four
hundred years. By then, the Egyptian way of life was assimilated and the emancipation
led them to slavery instead. The politicians of their days held prejudices
against the Hebrews and similar groups. They became afraid that this people
would become powerful due to their fast-growing population. Pharaoh attempted
to stop them by committing a horrible crime against their children. The Hebrews
have become slaves or servants to the aristocrats of Egypt. Their work was
needed to sustain the life style of ancient Egypt. A story very similar to the
experience of modern Jewish groups in Europe and of so many ethnic groups,
immigrants, in the USA.
Attempting to become like everyone else led to becoming
under worse circumstances. Yosef asked that his body be taken from Egypt when
they leave. Apparently, he knew Egypt would become such an attractive place to
live that his siblings would settle for some time, just as he did. Others claim
Abraham knew of this and predicted the 400 years plus of slavery. Yes, slavery
started as soon as they settled in Egypt. Perhaps, no as servants, but becoming
slaves of their own desire to be just like the Egyptians.
Ancient Israel struggled with this desire or temptation then
and now. After they settle in the Land with Yehoshua, they became a military
power like anyone else. Later they want a king, followed by the king wanting a
temple, like everyone else. They were never satisfied to be the people God
wanted them to be. They wanted to be like everyone else.
Going back again into our story, Moses seems to be the first
one to leave the ways of Egypt. In the wilderness the Almighty speaks to him
and sent him back to bring Israel and others out of the way of life that led
them to slavery. They were too comfortable and, in their comfort, never saw it
coming until it was too late. There were those who did not want to leave Egypt
and rather be slaves than free people to enjoy a little of the pleasures of
Egypt.
The message to Pharaoh was an order to let the slaves free
so they could celebrate in the wilderness. It was a call to justice. A call to
the oppressors to stop oppression, and a call to the oppressed to wake up from
their “comfort.” Now, after 400 years plus, there were other people in the
Land. It would be a long walk from Goshen to Jerusalem (we are still walking).
Modern political Zionism replaced the voice of God (Biblical Pacifist Zionism),
and we are still attempting to be like everyone else.
The people of ancient Israel were not the greatest nation on
Earth (Deuteronomy 7:7ff). However, it pleased God to choose them to make
Israel a light to the nations.
Israel is a unique nation because its unique God. Religious Zionism
strives to listen to the divine voice, but again, they want to become like the
others. Power and “comfort” led them and us to ignore who we are and what God
wants us to be. We become slaves again of the ways of this world away from the Way
of God, from the Way of Light into the halls of darkness. No, the story was not
an allegory, but the historical tragedy experienced by our ancestors is today a
spiritual tragedy often experienced as individuals and at times as a nation.
Regardless of the country where we live, we must strive to
be a Light. True Zionism is a call to “Let my people go” from every nation and
tongue to build a new world everywhere and now. We should not adopt the life
styles corrupted by selfish desires. It is so painful to read the words of the
prophet Isaiah (chapter 1); however, it is also afull of hope. It is a description of Modern Israel as it was
ancient Israel. So many in our communities are still worshiping the golden
idol. So many let their desire for money, power, and self-gratitude to fall
into all type of immorality. Becoming slaves of their passions. They wanted to
be like the other nations. Instead of becoming a Light to the nations we become
entrapped and lost within the darkness of these nations. Like them, we trust
militarism and financial power instead of God.
“Let my people go” is still a call to the powers of this
world. “Let yourselves go free” although into the wilderness for a while,
perhaps, but celebrating the festivals of the Lord in freedom. May God hear our
voices today as we pray and make us free from the darkness in which we often
find ourselves and make us again a Light to Israel and the nations.
Because he who
made you is your Master—
His name is “LORD of Hosts.”
The Holy One of Israel will redeem you—
He is called “God of all the Earth.”
Isaiah
54:5
The God
of Israel, its Master, the Holy One, is also the God of the whole Earth. The
books of Isaiah proclaim One Sovereign God. No one else equal to him (I will
follow the grammatical use of the male in reference to God as the Hebrew text
does. This does not imply that God is like a human male, neither ignores that
God at times is described with female adjectives).
In
Deuteronomy (6:4) and through the teachings of Moshe it is taught that there is
Only One True God In the Christian
tradition, Jesus of Nazareth followed these same Jewish teachings. He
acknowledged and proclaimed the Reign of the Only
One True God. In a prayer attributed to him (John 17:3) he says: αυτη δε
εστιν η αιωνιος ζωη ινα γινωσκωσιν σε τον μονον αληθινον θεον (obviously he
would not have added in a prayer speaking to God the phrase following this
statement in many NT translations). Paul is attributed with the statement (1
Cor. 8:6) saying that "even if there were many other gods (or divine
beings) for us (meaning the Jewish people who like him were followers of Jesus
of Nazareth) there is One God, the Father" (A phrase stating that Jesus is
a master or leader or lord follows it, added by a scribe just like the one at
the end of John 17:3 in some editions). Perhaps a note from the scribe or could
be original of Paul. But, he makes clear that only the Father is the true and
only God. In the first letter to Timothy, he praises the Holy One of Israel by
saying:
τω δε βασιλει των αιωνων αφθαρτω αορατωμονω
θεωτιμη
και δοξα εις τους αιωνας των αιωνων αμην
My interpretation:
"To the Eternal King, who never dies, no one has seen, the Only
True God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen."
Other ancient religions, like Zoroastrism, recognizes and
confess only one God, although absolut monotheism is taught only in Judaism and Islam. One of the most beautiful statements is found in the
Qur'an, sura 112. The Baha'i
Faith gathering everything good from every religion, it has helped humanity see
the common connection, the Only One True
God. There is only one God and one humanity.
The prophet Zechariah (14:9) says that the day will come when all
nations will recognize the Holy One of Israel as the Only One True God:
We conclude with this verse after the chanting of Aleynu.
This closing prayer in our liturgy was converted in a song by the Jewish composer Julius Chajes, z"l, and heard not only
in our Reform Jewish temples, but among some Christians. Here is a version recorded by a Christian choir:
Let us worship the Almighty with our acts of mercy and compassion toward humanity.
This beautiful song of creation, a poetic statement of faith, proclaims the
Almighty, Elohim (or Elouim as Samaritans pronounce it), as the Creator of this
amazing world. Although Elohim is in a plural form, the context, especially the
singular verb conjugation states that it is speaking about One God. While the
Eternal's messengers (angels) and other "divine" beings may have
taken part in the creation, maybe some of them assigned to work on different
parts of it, there is Only One Creator and Source of life.
The mythological poem is composed of four different perspectives or stories
about how and when this world and humanity were created. Regardless of such a
diversity of theological understandings preserved within these first two
chapters, it is clear that humanity was created male and female in the image of
God.
And God created man in His
image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
You don't create a beautiful painting and then destroy it,
unless you are John Baldessari (I don't understand conceptual art at all). Why
the Almighty would create humanity with all its beautiful colours, languages,
cultures, traditions, etc. to let it die? The Qur'an refers to death as
something already in the plans of Allah. The writers of the various books of
the Hebrew Bible as well as in the Christian Canon of the New Testament speak
of death as a curse due to disobedience. In the chapter on the "Good News
of Resurrection" attributed to Paul (1 Cor. 15), death is an enemy soon to
be destroyed. The prophet Isaiah similarly wrote:
The hope of resurrection is mentioned for the first and only time in the
Hebrew Bible by the writer of the book of Daniel (12:2-3). Death is a more
common theme. In the Qur'an and the NT resurrection is a common topic, as it is
in apocalyptic literature. Death is not the last experience a human would face,
rather a new life in the world to come. Hinduism and similar traditions rather
speak of reincarnation, a concept becoming more and more acceptable in Judaism
due to the Kabbalah. In Christianity santeros and followers of Alan Kardec’s spiritisms
have incorporated this concept in their religious syncretism.
There is so much mystery in life as there is about death and much more that we do not know about after death. If there is life
after death or a time of resurrection, I hold to that hope, but if there isn't,
I am grateful for every minute I had on this beautiful world. Therefore, let us
celebrate life; regardless of your views on death and the "after
life," enjoy life here today.
French Belgian poet, the great singer Jacques Brel wrote and interpreted the song Le moribond. The French lyric was about a very dying man concerned (?) for his (unfaithful?) wife. The English version, by Rod McKuen, which I share here, sang by Terry Jacks, in my view is more meaningful than the original French. I guess, I can relate to it better. A translation and interpretation better than the original!!! It should never be that way.
Here is the lyrics of the original song and the original recording:
Adieu l'Émile, je t'aimais bien Adieu l'Émile, je t'aimais bien, tu sais On a chanté les mêmes vins On a chanté les mêmes filles On a chanté les mêmes chagrins
Adieu l'Émile, je vais mourir C'est dur de mourir au printemps, tu sais Mais je pars aux fleurs la paix dans l'âme Car vu que t'es bon comme du pain blanc Je sais que tu prendras soin de ma femme
Je veux qu'on rie Je veux qu'on danse Je veux qu'on s'amuse comme des fous Je veux qu'on rie Je veux qu'on danse Quand c'est qu'on me mettra dans le trou
Adieu Curé, je t'aimais bien Adieu Curé, je t'aimais bien, tu sais On n'était pas du même bord On n'était pas du même chemin Mais on cherchait le même port
Adieu Curé, je vais mourir C'est dur de mourir au printemps, tu sais Mais je pars aux fleurs la paix dans l'âme Car vu que t'étais son confident Je sais que tu prendras soin de ma femme
Je veux qu'on rie Je veux qu'on danse Je veux qu'on s'amuse comme des fous Je veux qu'on rie Je veux qu'on danse Quand c'est qu'on me mettra dans le trou
Adieu l'Antoine, je t'aimais pas bien Adieu l'Antoine, je t'aimais pas bien, tu sais J'en crève de crever aujourd'hui Alors que toi t'es bien vivant Et même plus solide que l'ennui
Adieu l'Antoine, je vais mourir C'est dur de mourir au printemps, tu sais Mais je pars aux fleurs la paix dans l'âme Car vu que t'étais son amant Je sais que tu prendras soin de ma femme
Je veux qu'on rie Je veux qu'on danse Je veux qu'on s'amuse comme des fous Je veux qu'on rie Je veux qu'on danse Quand c'est qu'on me mettra dans le trou
Adieu ma femme, je t'aimais bien Adieu ma femme, je t'aimais bien, tu sais Mais je prends le train pour le Bon Dieu Je prends le train qui est avant le tien Mais on prend tous le train qu'on peut
Adieu ma femme, je vais mourir C'est dur de mourir au printemps, tu sais Mais je pars aux fleurs les yeux fermés, ma femme Car vu que je les ai fermés souvent Je sais que tu prendras soin de mon âme
Je veux qu'on rie Je veux qu'on danse Je veux qu'on s'amuse comme des fous Je veux qu'on rie Je veux qu'on danse Quand c'est qu'on me mettra dans le trou
In times of sorrow, i.e., the death of a beloved person, we recite the Kaddish. This is mainly in Aramaic with conclusion prayers in Hebrew. It is a blessing, words praising God even in times of pain, in moments we cannot find words to comfort others or to express our pain. We stand and praise God. Concluding these words of prayer, we ask that the Maker of Peace will bless Israel and humanity with peace.
Reciting it, we hope to be the instruments of Peace in times of sorrow. Instead of blaming God, we praise and surrender ourselves to the Eternal Mystery.
When earthquake shakes the Earth somewhere in the world and a
tornado causes horrible tragedies somewhere else. “Acts of God” is the common expression
to describe what is out of our control, beyond our power. On Galician
television a group of comedians took this phrase and made it into a parody. In
it a group of investigators approach the “divine being” to present their
claims, making the “divinity” responsible for all the catastrophic events and
demanding that “he” fix the world. Some may be alarmed and offended by that
type of comedy (of course, we must be very careful with that approach to a very serious matter). However, how often the same people speak of those tragic events
as “normal”? Implying, at times, that God is in control of it or interpreting it as a
punishment from the Almighty (often quoting out of context Isaiah 45:7). They dismiss “global warming” as something “aceptable,”
hence, in the order sat by the Creator, making the Eternal Mystery responsible for
everything we do not understand or cannot control.
God created everything perfect. We, humans, have corrupted
it. Everything was done beautiful, but we have made it ugly. The troubles with
the environment are not an “act of God,” it is the fruit of our own actions and
decisions and mismanagement of this beautiful world.
Blaming the Almighty for every “natural” event or even
crediting ‘him’ for wining a football game (as we see often in sports where a
winner acts like God was on his/her side – what about the one who did not win?
Some times he/she is a more devoted religious person than the winner), as if
the Eternal One cares more about a silly game than the troubles humanity faces!
These are responses that do not reflect reality. The sun shine for everyone so
the rain falls on everyone. Some people win while others are “the almost-winner”
(el casi ganador), as a children television show host used to say.
He called the one who lost “el casi ganador.” Giving
the gift to the winner, he turned to the “casi ganador” (the kid who
lost the game) and asked him to choose a toy from what was left. You can see
the expression on the face of the “winner” silently screaming: “Why I did not lose?”
The “looser” choose the toy he wanted. Isn’t that how some times is in life?
Some win, some loose, and looser some times end in a better situation than the
winners. A tragedy suddenly happens to good people while some no so good people
made a fortune in their investments. How much is God to be responsible for the
good or the evil that happens to humanity? Others simply ask the classic theodicy
question: Why if there is an all-mighty good God there is so much evil,
tragedies, in the world? Something we learn from Qoheleth is that there are
questions for which we will never have an answer. We need to learn to live with
the reality of unanswered questions. Stopping blaming God for everything is
where we should start in order to have a little understanding.
The transcendent Eternal Mystery empowered humans to build their
own destiny. Humanity has the power to do good and rebuild a world free from
nuclear weapons, or any other weapon of mass destruction. We can change the
future and the path to self-destruction by letting all the good within us make
a new and better world. The future is not written on scrolls neither on stones.
However, the prophets warn us about the future and the tragic consequences of
our choices and actions unless we do a drastic change. Prophecy is not
something that must happen rather a warning to prevent it from happening.
Let us take responsibility for our own decisions and actions
and stop blaming others or referring to everything we think was out of our
power to prevent as an “act of God” when often was the outcome of how we
neglected this world: destroying the forest, hunting for fun, waging violence
for selfish reasons (not that there is ever a good reason), denying just salary
to the workers, and similar evil actions. Actions that lead to natural disasters
or to human conflicts and insane wars.
We can make this a better world for everyone. Start today. A
little contribution, a small act of kindness to others and the environment by
everyone can become a powerful instrument of change.
The following is a beautiful song by John Michael Talbot.
Its words are from a prayer popularly attributed to Giovanni di Pietro di
Bernardone, a.k.a. Francesco d'Assisi. Although no one knows who wrote it, the
origin of this prayer is found on a card during WWI. The principles the prayers
we read in our siddur on Shabbath and especially in the Mahzor of Yom Kippur
are embedded in this beautiful poem.
Lord make me an instrument of your peace
Where there is hatred,
Let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is error, truth;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, Joy.
O Divine Master
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled
As to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying (to ourself) that we are born to eternal life.
While the term used here, havel,
is often translated vanity; it refers to the brevity of everything, especially
human life. However, pessimism and experience of depression lead people to see
life and even themselves as meaningless. Nevertheless, Qoheleth sees life to be
too brief, and it is, but never describes it as meaningless. That does not take
away the fact that the feelings or lack of it in those who suffer depression,
who see life as meaningless are not real. These emotions and at times the
absence of them should not be ignored by the one experiencing it or those
around him/her. Tragically, ignoring it by them and others had led too many
people to stop living.
Seeing yourself worthless or no finding meaning to your life or circumstances in which you
live, can lead to that pessimistic view about your life and even about life in
general. Questioning human existence at all. Why humans are born and then die
after such a brief life? “Is there anything else after this brief meaningless
life?” some may ask. How can we bring meaning to our life or the life of
others? Wait, that is a good question to explore, because thinking that way can lead
out of that horrible dark moment of depression or the hopelessness of
pessimism. At times our selfish world environment contributes to these circumstances. Needless to say, the reality
of depression empowered by negative thoughts concerning one’s own life or even
about life in general is not that easy to overcome. Thinking that tomorrow may
be better, that such an experience will not be forever, does help.
It is not easy to face
depression. Apparently, Qoheleth experienced a deep depression that led him to
write his/her reflections in the book by the same name. So, what could we learn
from him/her? First, contrary to Qoheleth, we must acknowledge that we have a
mental health problem. Nothing to be ashamed. Perhaps, Qoheleth was not able to
recognize this specific detail, but recognized other aspects of the experience
that helped him/her to eventually overcome. In the process discern if the
mental health trouble is cause, for example, by a thought or memory of an
experience. Why is that thought making us feel unworthy, meaningless, destroying
us? What power the individual who said that or was involved in that experience has
or had upon you? Second, look for help. Do not fight depression
by yourself. Many times, this mental health issue does not have its source in
experiences or anything anyone ever said. It can be a clinical problem or
linked to a physical illness. Consulting with a professional counsellor, your
family physician, a Rabbi, your pastor, or priest, or psychologist and
psychiatric doctor (or all of them) is wise. Sadly, many religious approaches by pastoral
counsellors, especially nonprofessional, tend to be condemnatory, hence,
unhelpful. Making things worse. Blaming your decisions or choices does not
help. If that is the case, do not give up. Seek counselling from someone else. Of course, if a drug addiction or alcoholism
may be part of the experience of depression, then start looking for help to
overcome this addiction. That’s a good step.
Depression is one of the main
obstacles to enjoy a meaningful life, obviously. But it can be treated and, in
many cases, we have seen people becoming healed from this mental
illness. While it is important to follow medical instructions and use the
proper medicines, in many cases. Be careful not to become addicted to the
prescription drugs. Keep in communication with your physician or mental health
practitioner.
Third: Do not give up.
Think of those who love you and even when sometimes depression leaves you
without feelings, no emotions at all, remember that you do love them too. Look
up from this deep ocean where you feel drowning and let love empower you to
swing back for life, to enjoy life in its fulness. To find happiness. To
experience joy again. Even if those who you love are not there to help, because
they do not understand what you are going through during depression.
Fourth: During times of deep
depression, still trust God’s love and faithfulness. Yes, God seems so
far away, as Qoheleth experienced. Yes, God is a transcendental being. Beyond
our imagination and this universe. The Source of life, the Eternal Living
Being, who cannot be described by our words in any language. The One who
remains for eternity a mystery. To the point that there are times when we ask
if there is such a Being. However, with our small faith, believe, believe
one more time. Don’t give up. Trust God, even within your doubts. Following
the current book of Qoheleth, although these words were probably not in the
original speech, I must conclude:
