Don't Lie!

The whole world, not just the USA, is living in an age in which lies, misinformation, deception and rumors (gossip under the cover of an acceptable conspiracy theory) is rampant. It is not a new evil behaviour. According to the Torah false witnesses against innocent victims and lies and rumours, i.e., gossip, are a very ancient evil among us. In what is commonly called the Ten Commandments we read the instruction to do not let a false witness speak. While saying lies is obviously wrong, the commandment is concerned not with saying a lie per se rather speaking a lie that will hurt an individual or a whole nation. This ancient evil seems to be more common today, because it is a lot easier to write, speak or post anything anyone wants through the various media systems available via the internet. Centuries ago only the rich were able to control the limited new printing press. Later photocopiers made it easier for almost anyone to print and distribute a newsletter or even a full magazine. Of course, this was positive. To broadcast via television or radio it took a lot of businesses to sponsor it. Now anyone with a mobile telephone or a laptop can broadcast or stream almost anything, especially lies and misinformation. That's not positive. There are those who do it for "fun" without concern of who may be hurt. There are others who do it with evil intentions knowing the damage they are doing by manipulating others to react with anger or even violence. Politicians from any spectrum between the extreme right to the extreme left have made use, in one way or another, of defamation and other forms of misinformation, that is with half-truth, full lies, gossip, and twisting a little the facts or exaggerating them. Very few have said a lie without knowing the facts or shared by mistake something that was not true. Too often, these false witnesses know very well the facts, the truth, but intentionally they lie. Sadly many of them advocate for the display of the Ten Commandments or proudly stand holding a Bible on their hands, while ignoring a very clear instruction:

לֹֽא־תַעֲנֶ֥ה בְרֵעֲךָ֖ עֵ֥ד שָֽׁקֶר׃

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

Exodus 20:13

ISRAEL, LIGHT OF THE NATIONS

The tragic events of January 6th, 2021, in the Capitol of the USA, is a reminder that Israel, meaning those of the Jewish faith, whatever tradition that may be (including those with roots within ancient Judaism, e.g., Islam and Christianity) must be a light to the nations. Including in the Modern State of Israel, where so many people, even Jews, have become secular and assimilating to the point that racist gangs can be found in the streets of Tel Aviv. We must never forget the words from the Torah (Exodus 19:5)

וְעַתָּ֗ה אִם־שָׁמ֤וֹעַ תִּשְׁמְעוּ֙ בְּקֹלִ֔י וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֖ם אֶת־בְּרִיתִ֑י וִהְיִ֨יתֶם לִ֤י סְגֻלָּה֙ מִכָּל־הָ֣עַמִּ֔ים כִּי־לִ֖י כָּל־הָאָֽרֶץ׃

In the Torah Yasharah, translator Chas Kahane interprets it: ‘Now then, if you will indeed accept my instructions, 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.

cf. Isaiah 49:6

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר נָקֵ֨ל מִֽהְיוֹתְךָ֥ לִי֙ עֶ֔בֶד לְהָקִים֙ אֶת־שִׁבְטֵ֣י יַעֲקֹ֔ב וּנְצוּרֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לְהָשִׁ֑יב וּנְתַתִּ֙יךָ֙ לְא֣וֹר גּוֹיִ֔ם לִֽהְי֥וֹת יְשׁוּעָתִ֖י עַד־קְצֵ֥ה הָאָֽרֶץ׃ 

For He has said: “It is too little that you should be my servant In that I raise up the tribes of Jacob And restore the survivors of Israel: I will also make you a light of nations, That my salvation may reach the ends of the earth.”

Judaism and Christmas

 

A Canadian musical documentary, "Dreaming of a Jewish Christmas," explores the contribution of Jewish song writers to Christmas celebration in the USA. The press release summarizes the documentary saying: "Set almost entirely in a Chinese restaurant, Dreaming of a Jewish Christmas is an offbeat, irreverent musical documentary that tells the story of a group of Jewish songwriters, including Irving Berlin, Mel Tormé, Jay Livingston, Ray Evans, Gloria Shayne Baker and Johnny Marks, who wrote the soundtrack to Christianity’s most musical holiday. It’s an amazing tale of immigrant outsiders who became irreplaceable players in pop culture’s mainstream - a generation of songwriters who found in Christmas the perfect holiday in which to imagine a better world, and for at least one day a year, make us believe in it."  https://dreamingofajewishchristmas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/DreamingofaJewishChristmas-PressKit-Nov2017.pdf

While it makes a good contribution on Jewish music history, it is misleading by claiming that Jewish song writers, like Berlin, contributed to the secularization of Christmas in the USA. This is incorrect. Christmas in the USA as well as in Europe was becoming a secular event centuries before. This was one of the reasons Puritan churches refused to celebrate Christmas. Only the Orthodox and Catholic churches kept it as a mass in memory of Jesus (called Christ), therefore Christmas. No, Jewish people did not make the traditional Christian religious celebration remembering the birth of Jesus of Nazareth (although anachronistic). The film is available at https://vimeo.com/483748540/dd3e49c4ec 

Our concern is not so much with the secularization of other religious traditions. We must be concerned with the secularization of our religious festivals. Many of these ancient festivals were secular traditions which on the hands of ancient Israel became an opportunity of worship and honouring the Holy One of Israel. Today there is a tragic trend of secularization of many of these festivals, especially in Israel. We must remember the words from Leviticus 23, which starts with these words:

וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יי אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר׃

The LORD spoke to Moshe, saying:

דַּבֵּ֞ר אֶל־בְּנֵ֤י יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ אֲלֵהֶ֔ם מוֹעֲדֵ֣י יי אֲשֶׁר־תִּקְרְא֥וּ אֹתָ֖ם מִקְרָאֵ֣י קֹ֑דֶשׁ אֵ֥לֶּה הֵ֖ם מוֹעֲדָֽי׃

Speak to the Israelite people and say to them: These are My fixed times, the fixed times of the LORD, which you shall proclaim as sacred occasions.

Rest physically and renew spiritually

Psalm 92 תהלים

א  מזמור שיר ליום השבת	1 Mizmor, song for the day of Shabbath.
ב  טוב להדות ליי ולזמר לשמך עליון	2 It is good to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing to your name, O Most High;
ג  להגּיד בבקר חסדּך ואמונתך בלילות	3 To declare your mercy in the morning, and your faithfulness in the night.

ELOHIM completed the creation of this beautiful world by the seventh day, according to the poetry of Genesis. Therefore, the seventh day, when ELOHIM rested from the work of creation, was called Shabbath. It was Moshe, according to the Book of Exodus (20:8), that instituted the seventh day as a time of rest from all work. 

זָכ֛וֹר אֶת־י֥֨וֹם הַשַּׁבָּ֖֜ת לְקַדְּשֽׁ֗וֹ

The commandment is quoted later (attributed to Moshe) in the long speech of Deuteronomy (5:12). There it says:

שָׁמ֣֛וֹר אֶת־י֥וֹם֩ הַשַׁבָּ֖֨ת לְקַדְּשׁ֑֜וֹ כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוְּךָ֖֣ ׀ יי אֱלֹהֶֽ֗יךָ

Notice that in Exodus says remember (זכור) while in Deuteronomy says guard  (שמור). In the Kabbalistic poem Lekha Dodi (לכה דודי) in reference to these two verses Shlomo Halevi Alkabetz wrote, following the Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 27a:2):

שמור וזכור בדבור אחד

This legend developed obviously to explain the differences in these verses. Instead of accepting that perhaps the speaker did not remember the exact words or simply was instructing everyone to keep what was taught earlier. Of course, no one knows which text was first. Chronology within the Torah as well as in the rest of the biblical text is very complex. However, the instruction is very clear: remember to keep the seventh day as a sacred day. A day to set aside to rest and renew both physical and spiritual life.

Shabbath is a gift from Heavens. Accept it into your life. It will make a difference. Set aside this beautiful day for prayer. Read those wonderful prayers of ancient times in both the biblical text and the siddur. Write your own prayers or spontaneously speak to the Holy One. Read devotionally or study carefully and academically the parasha of the week. Abstain from work. Rest, relax and take time for meditation on the Haftarah of this day. Rabbis have debated what work should not be done (cf. Talmud, Shabbath 49b). The basic prohibited work, by rabbinical understanding, is any task done during the construction of the Mishkan. There are still some debates about it. 

Take time and think carefully and ask yourself: What distracts me from physical rest and spiritual renewal this sacred day? Then be sure not to do that. Everything and anything you do on Shabbath must enhance your spiritual life and will contribute to your mental and physical health. Obviously buying and selling or making any financial profit during Shabbath is prohibited (cf. Isaiah 58:13-14). You have six days to make all the profit you need. 

Resting on Shabbath without spiritual renewal  or insist on spiritual renewal and neglect physical rest, does not fulfill the command to observe the Shabbath. Neither selecting another day during the week. It is an eternal covenant between the Almighty and Ancient Israel, inherited by its descendants and everyone of any nation who join the House of Israel. The day will come when all nations will celebrate this day, as it was set at the Creation. In the third book of Isaiah (66:23) says:

וְהָיָ֗ה מִֽדֵּי־חֹ֙דֶשׁ֙ בְּחָדְשׁ֔וֹ וּמִדֵּ֥י שַׁבָּ֖ת בְּשַׁבַּתּ֑וֹ יָב֧וֹא כָל־בָּשָׂ֛ר לְהִשְׁתַּחֲוֺ֥ת לְפָנַ֖י אָמַ֥ר יי

 

Let us be Light: An Interfaith Reflection

Let us be Light: A brief Interfaith Reflection 

The writer  of  the Book of Genesis (Bereshyt) included a beautiful song on the Creation. The author wrote like he or she was witnessing it. The details and logical order make the two first chapters some of the best Hebrew Poetry found in the Torah. Through centuries scholars have debated if these songs can be understood literally, instead of enjoying the sublime experience of reading it. 

The description of ELOHIM amazed by what was created reflects the love of GOD for everything on this perfect and beautiful Creation. Planet Earth, the perfect home for humanity. A man and a woman, the perfect friendship. Without light nothing could be seen and enjoyed. Therefore early in the song (1:5) it is written:

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֖ים יְהִ֣י א֑וֹר וַֽיְהִי־אֽוֹר׃

Let there be light and the light just brighten the Creation. Adam and his wife Hava are commanded to be good administrators of this beautiful world. They themselves, therefore humanity, were the image of the Eternal Light, ELOHIM.  It is written in the Qur'an (24:35):

اللَّهُ نُورُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ

In chapter 3 that light is almost overcome by darkness. This light is renewed in the call of the nation of Israel. In the second Book of Isaiah (49:6 cf. 42) it is written:

וּנְתַתִּ֙יךָ֙ לְא֣וֹר גּוֹיִ֔ם לִֽהְי֥וֹת יְשׁוּעָתִ֖י עַד־קְצֵ֥ה הָאָֽרֶץ׃

The Prophet proclaims that Israel is chosen to be a light to all the nations. The nations will know the Eternal Light. These words(Matthew 5:14-16) are attributed to the preacher Jesus of Nazareth: υμεις εστε το φως του κοσμου ... ουτως λαμψατω το φως υμων εμπροσθεν των ανθρωπων οπως ιδωσιν υμων τα καλα εργα και δοξασωσιν τον πατερα υμων τον εν τοις ουρανοις  (cf. Isaiah 58).

Each one of us are called to be a light to each other. People of faith, of any faith tradition, are called to overcome evil with acts of righteousness, overcome hatred with acts of love and mercy. Overcome the darkness of greed, lies, and selfishness with compassion, justice and truth. Overcome violence and wars with love. Be instruments of peace. Be a light in a world full of darkness. Bring the light of the Torah to humanity. It is the light in our journey of faith. The song (Psalm 119:105 cf. Proverb 6:23 ) says: 

נֵר־לְרַגְלִ֥י דְבָרֶ֑ךָ וְ֝א֗וֹר לִנְתִיבָתִֽי׃

Let us celebrate Hanukkah, let us be a light! Let our words and actions brighten this world. Bahá’u’lláh taught: "A kindly tongue is the lodestone of the hearts of humans... it is the fountain of the light of wisdom and understanding."

Happy Hanukkah!  חג חנוכה שמח

כִּֽי־עִ֭מְּךָ מְק֣וֹר חַיִּ֑ים בְּ֝אוֹרְךָ֗ נִרְאֶה־אֽוֹר׃

Psalm 36:10

Let us build a Temple

בְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר הִתְהַלַּכְתִּי בְּכָל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל הֲדָבָר דִּבַּרְתִּי אֶת אַחַד שִׁבְטֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אֲשֶׁר צִוִּיתִי לִרְעוֹת אֶת עַמִּי אֶת יִשְׂרָאֵל לֵאמֹר  לָמָּה לֹא בְנִיתֶם לִי בֵּית אֲרָזִים

2 Samuel 7:7

The writer of the Book of Shmuel presents the prophets' perspective on the Temple (Mikdash/Sanctuary). First, the nation of ancient Israel wanted to have a king like the other nations around them. This was rejected by the Almighty, who gave the Prophet a list of the things a king would do, for example, sacrificing their children in his own interest wars. The nation would be sacrificing their children to molok or molekh (king), contrary to the divine instruction (Leviticus 18:21). Nevertheless, they choose a king. To place restrictions to the leadership of this king, new guidelines were added later in the Torah; perhaps, in the days of Ezra.
The second king of Israel, David, now wants to build a temple like the one other nations have built for their idols and gods. This idea is rejected by the Holy One of Israel, who states that a temple was never required neither ordered in the Torah. The Tabernacle (Mishkan) was a practical and portable sanctuary to protect sacred items and where rituals could be performed. GOD will dwell among the people (Exodus 29:45). The sanctuary (temple) at Shilo, apparently, was a modest place compared with the place built later by Shlomo. David wanted, probably to enhance his reputation or maybe from an honest devotion, to build a temple. An idea that got the attention and favour of Nathan, the court prophet. While the idea is rejected by the Eternal One. The prophet Nathan is ordered to return to the king with the disapproval message. Instead GOD promise to build a Temple. This by a future descendant of David. The kingdom will be forever. It is understood that this is the beginning of the Messianic Age hope. The promonarchy writers in ancient Israel misunderstood it to be about Shlomo, instead of an Anointed One (Mashiach) in a distant future. The tension with the anti-monarchy prophets and others developed further in Israel history. A matter to address somewhere else another time.
Shlomo builds the Temple in Jerusalem. It was not by order from the Heavens. However, to avoid it to become a sanctuary for idols, the LORD sanctifies it, hence Mikdash, as a place to worship the Only True GOD. To avoid an ethnocentric religion, the Temple is also called a House of Prayer for all nations. Tragically through history the Temple became itself the idol. It was during the division of the kingdom, Israel to the north and Judah to the south, that the debate concerning the proper place of worship develops. When Israel is conquered and deported by the Assyrians, and later Judah by the Babylonians, they learned that GOD is not bound to a temple made by human hands. Regardless of it, as a political symbol, more than religious, those who returned from the galut to Jerusalem rebuilt a Temple, which later was enhanced by the Romans. Again, as a tool of political strategy. This second temple was also destroyed by the Romans. Again, we learned that GOD is not bound to a building (cf. Isaiah 66:1). Shlomo realized it after building the Temple (1 King 8:27).
Today people from all faith traditions are learning that to worship we do not need temples, mosques, synagogues, or churches. GOD is not bound to any of these places, neither to any nation or religion. The synagogue developed in ancient times as a house of study. A place to gather and learn from the Torah as a community. The study of the Torah is an act of worship. Needless to say, at times even these small temples we call synagogues or house of prayer or house of study, have become almost an idol. To the point that people at times have been more concerned with the building than with the purpose of it. We have seen that in other religions' communities of faith. One more time through these tragic and sad circumstances we all are facing, we remember that GOD is not bound to buildings or rituals. GOD dwells among the people that faithfully seek to make themselves a Temple. Yes, our synagogues are important, as long as they meet its purpose, as we wait for the time of the Messianic Age. Until then, make your home a Temple for the glory of GOD.

הוּא יִבְנֶה בַּיִת לִשְׁמִי וְכֹנַנְתִּי אֶת כִּסֵּא מַמְלַכְתּוֹ עַד עוֹלָם

2 Samuel 7:13

Shabbat Shalom umevorakh

שבת שלום ומבורך

May you have a Shabbath of peace and blessing!

Shabbat is a sign between GOD and those who follow the faith of ancient Israel; also a gift from the Heavens to humanity.

Enjoy it!

אִם תָּשִׁיב מִשַּׁבָּת רַגְלֶךָ עֲשׂוֹת חֲפָצֶךָ בְּיוֹם קָדְשִׁי וְקָרָאתָ לַשַּׁבָּת עֹנֶג לִקְדוֹשׁ יי מְכֻבָּד וְכִבַּדְתּוֹ מֵעֲשׂוֹת דְּרָכֶיךָ מִמְּצוֹא חֶפְצְךָ וְדַבֵּר דָּבָר If you turn away your foot because of the sabbath, from pursuing your business on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, and the holy of the LORD honourable; and honour it, not doing your own ways, nor pursuing your business, not even speaking of it; אָז תִּתְעַנַּג עַל יי וְהִרְכַּבְתִּיך עַל בָּמֳתֵי אָרֶץ וְהַאֲכַלְתִּיךָ נַחֲלַת יַעֲקֹב אָבִיךָ כִּי פִּי יי דִּבֵּר Then delight yourself in the (day of) LORD, and I will make you to ride upon the high places of the earth, and I will sustain you with the heritage of Jacob your father; for the mouth of the LORD spoke. Isaiah 58:13-14

Keep the Commandments

בְּנִי תּוֹרָתִי אַל תִּשְׁכָּח   וּמִצְוֺתַי יִצֹּר לִבֶּךָ	My child, do not forget my teaching; but let your heart keep my commandments (mitzvot);
כִּי אֹרֶךְ יָמִים וּשְׁנוֹת חַיִּים    וְשָׁלוֹם יוֹסִיפוּ לָךְ	Because length of days, and years of life, and peace, will they add to you.
חֶסֶד וֶאֱמֶת אַל יַעַזְבֻךָ קָשְׁרֵם עַל-גַּרְגְּרוֹתֶיךָ כָּתְבֵם עַל לוּחַ לִבֶּךָ	Let not kindness and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them upon the table of your heart;
וּמְצָא חֵן וְשֵׂכֶל טוֹב בְּעֵינֵי אֱלֹהִים וְאָדָם	You will find grace and good favour in the sight of GOD and man.
בְּטַח אֶל יי בְּכָל לִבֶּךָ    וְאֶל בִּינָתְךָ אַל תִּשָּׁעֵן	Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not upon your own understanding.
בְּכָל דְּרָכֶיךָ דָעֵהוּ וְהוּא יְיַשֵּׁר אֹרְחֹתֶיךָ	In all your ways acknowledge GOD, and the LORD will direct your paths.
אַל תְּהִי חָכָם בְּעֵינֶיךָ יְרָא אֶת יי וְסוּר מֵרָע	Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

Proverbs 3:1-7

In a world full of so much mystery, paradoxes, things we do not know; when we feel powerless and circumstances are beyond our understanding, trust in the LORD, and show reverence to the Almighty by  keeping the commandments.

סוֹף דָּבָר הַכֹּל נִשְׁמָע

אֶת הָאֱלֹהִים יְרָא וְאֶת מִצְוֺתָיו שְׁמוֹר

כִּי זֶה כָּל הָאָדָם

Qoheleth (Ecclesiastes) 12:15

(This series of reflections follow the chapter and verse divisions on the printed Massoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible.)

Love your enemies?

אִם רָעֵב שֹׂנַאֲךָ הַאֲכִלֵהוּ לָחֶם וְאִם צָמֵא הַשְׁקֵהוּ מָיִם	If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
כִּי גֶחָלִים אַתָּה חֹתֶה עַל רֹאשׁוֹ וַיי יְשַׁלֶּם-לָךְ	Because you would build heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD will give you peace.

Proverbs 25:21-22

The teaching about showing love and mercy to an enemy, is part of the ethics of ancient Israel. Mercy can change enemies into friends. Today as we all, friends and enemies, face the tragedy of a pandemic we are learning to show compassion to everyone, even to the enemies. May we be empowered to be instruments of peace in times of conflicts and instruments of comfort in time of suffering.

עוֹשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם בִּמְרוֹמָיו הוּא בְּרַחֲמָיו יַעֲשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם עָלֵֽינוּ וְעַל כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן

May the Maker of peace in t he high heavens may in his mercy, make peace for us and for all Israel, and say amen.

Let us be free

שַׁלַּח אֶת עַמִּי

"Let my people go" is central to the story of the liberation of the Hebrews from the injustice of slavery and oppression under the Egyptian empire. The GOD of the Hebrews, the Only True GOD, orders the empire to do justice, to let the people free from all type of oppression. The outcome of this story: the freedom of the Hebrews and many other nations. The Exodus of the Hebrews from Egypt was not the only act of liberation. The same GOD brought forth liberation to the Ethiopians, Philistines, and Arameans (cf. Amos 9:7). Even today the GOD of the Hebrews is still speaking to the oppressors in every nation saying: Let my people go. The greatest freedom is found in been servants of the GOD of the Hebrews.
This week we will celebrate Pesach (Passover). Many Jewish thinkers, scholars and sages, have said that we are not free until everyone is free. Free from injustice and any form of bigotry in the world. Let us be free from prejudices, racism, sexual immorality, materialism, violence, verbal and physical abuses at homes, etc. Let worship, serve, as free men and women, the GOD of Israel.

וַיֹּאמֶר יי אֶל מֹשֶׁה בֹּא אֶל פַּרְעֹה וְדִבַּרְתָּ אֵלָיו כֹּה אָמַר יי אֱלֹהֵי הָעִבְרִים שַׁלַּח אֶת עַמִּי וְיַעַבְדֻנִי

Then the LORD said to Moses:  'Go in unto Pharaoh, and tell him: The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: Let my people go, that they may serve me. Exodus 9:1

Continue praying

מוֹדֶה אֲנִי לְפָנֶֽיךָ
מֶֽלֶךְ חַי וְקַיָּם
שֶׁהֶחֱזַֽרְתָּ בִּי נִשְׁמָתִי בְּחֶמְלָה
רַבָּה אֱמוּנָתֶֽך

I give thanks to you living and everlasting King because you have restored my soul with mercy. Great is your faithfulness.

Every morning these are the first words recited as soon as we awake. All religious traditions have a similar liturgy. It is an act of worship to recognize the Source of Life. To live knowing or with the faith that it is the Faithful GOD, the Only True GOD, the Heavenly Father who cares for us like a Mother loves her children. The reasons to doubt this are many, but the reasons to believe, to have a little faith for the day, are many more. There is so much love and compassion in this world. Too often we dwell looking at the evil and so much hatred around us. Perhaps, we cannot use mathematics or any formula to calculate the percentage of love vs. hatred in this world. Any conclusion is abstract and subjective. However, according to the faith of our prophets, the Faithful GOD will transform this world to its original intention: a world where love and justice will reign. How? You and I are the instruments of the Almighty to rebuild this beautiful planet. Our home, with the sky as the roof and the ground as its foundation. Overcome evil with acts of compassion and love. Overcome hatred with forgiveness. Immerse yourself within worship. Immerse yourself in the devotional and academic study of the Torah; this is also worship. Stand humbly before the Creator in your prayers, with the knowledge that the LORD is Faithful. There is so much about the mystery of prayer I do not understand, but I have a little faith that sustains me and moves me to believe and pray. 

וְיכָּנְעוּ עַמִּי אֲשֶׁר נִקְרָא שְׁמִי עֲלֵיהֶם וְיִתְפַּלְלוּ וִיבַקְשׁוּ פָנַי וְיָשֻׁבוּ מִדַּרְכֵיהֶם הָרָעִים וַאֲנִי אֶשְׁמַע מִן הַשָּׁמַיִם וְאֶסְלַח לְחַטָּאתָם וְאֶרְפָּא אֶת אַרְצָם

If my people, upon whom my name is called, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

2nd Book of Chronicles 7:14

Keep LIVING!

גַּם כִּי אֵלֵךְ בְּגֵיא צַלְמָוֶת לֹא אִירָא רָע כִּי אַתָּה עִמָּדִי

Psalm 23:4

"The LORD is my shepherd." These words are often remembered in times of death. By reciting the full Psalm 23 we hope to comfort the mourners with hope and faith. But there are times when words are not enough. Perhaps, it is better to be silent. After all there are no words that could take away the pain caused by death. However, the writer of this Hebrew song invites us to reflect in the presence of the compassionate Shepherd as we face suffering. Regardless of our questions on theodicy, our doubts and so many unanswered questions, have a little faith. Keep living! 

אַךְ טוֹב וָחֶסֶד ירְדְּפוּנִי כָּל יְמֵי חַיָּי
וְשַׁבְתִּי בְּבֵית יי לְאֹרֶךְ יָמִים

Psalm 23:6

Be grateful

הוֹדוּ לַיי כִּי טוֹב

כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדוֹ

Psalm 118:1

Be grateful for every day. Our behaviour can either cause sadness or joy to others. Let us be a source of joy. Often others imitate what they see, especially if the see it too often. Let them see in us that we are a grateful people. 
Be thankful for every minute we share, for life, friends, teachers, the professionals of the health care systems and everyone involved in keeping our habitat healthy. For the teachers, government leaders committed to the actual and essential needs of the community. Be thankful for the religious leaders searching for ways to walk with those who are suffering. Do not just be thankful, let them know with a call, a card, a text message or e-mail. Above all be grateful to the Giver of Life. Show your gratefulness to the Source of Love with words and your behaviour toward others. 

אֵלִי אַתָּה וְאוֹדֶךָּ

אֱלֹהַי אֲרוֹמְמֶךָּ

Psalm 118:28

Do not be afraid

חָנֵּנִי יי כִּי אֻמְלַל אָנִי רְפָאֵנִי יי כִּי נִבְהֲלוּ עֲצָמָי

Psalm 6:3

Around the word so many people are suffering, no only illnesses, also other tragedies. Circumstances that have caused fear. Fear of death, the current main concern among so many today. Perhaps, it is not the fear of the answer to: what is beyond this life? Rather caused by the pain of dying away from family and friends. Others with the fear of no been able to see them one more time and in many cases never be able to do the liturgies appropriate of their religious traditions. Fear about the future of those left behind. Just fear of the future. Would the next generations learn from our mistakes and avoid them? After all, although so often the words of George Santayana have been quoted, calling us to remember the past with the hope of preventing doing the same errors; over and over we have fallen into the same mistakes. Nevertheless, there is hope. Do not be afraid. Do not let fear take away from you peace and joy. Of course, face with wisdom and at least with spiritual strength whatever is causing fears. Hold to the faith in the Almighty, as expressed by the writer(s) of the Books of Isaiah:

אַל תִּירָא כִּי עִמְּךָ אָנִי אַל תִּשְׁתָּע כִּי אֲנִי אֱלֹהֶיךָ אִמַּצְתִּיךָ אַף עֲזַרְתִּיךָ אַף תְּמַכְתִּיךָ

Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your GOD; I will strength you, I will help you; I hold you...

Isaiah 41:10

שָׁמַע יי תְּחִנָּתִי   יי תְּפִלָּתִי יִקָּח

Psalm 6:10

Keep singing

עַד אָנָה יי תִּשְׁכָּחֵנִי נֶצַח עַד אָנָה תַּסְתִּיר אֶת פָּנֶיךָ מִמֶּנִּי

Psalm 13:2

How often have you found yourself thinking words like these? Very few people would say a prayer like this and  a lot less would write it to be read centuries later. Who are we to speak to the Almighty with words like these? The LORD knows we are humans. People full of all type of emotions. Men and women with strong faith, but often without any faith at all. The Merciful One understands humanity better than we could ever understand ourselves. We are fragile. 
It does not matter how strong, healthy or wealthy you may be; when an illness touches, you are weak, obviously sick, and no money can buy back health. Then your doubts overwhelm you. In tears, on your knees you look up to heavens and ask: "Where are you?" However, somehow, deep within your spirit a little light of hope breaks through your darkness and screams with all your strength, standing on your feet: "I will sing! I will sing to the LORD!" Keep singing.

אָשִׁירָה לַיי כִּי גָמַל עָלָי

Psalm 13:6

Keep Good Companions

הוֹלֵךְ אֶת חֲכָמִים יֶחְכָּם וְרֹעֶה כְסִילִים יֵרוֹעַ

The one who walks with the wise shall be wise; but the companion of fools will look like them.

Proverb 13:20

Conversation must be meaningful, not mean neither foolish. In this Age of Internet, this international telecommunication network is often misused for meaningless chats. Perhaps, in the attemp to escape the tyrany of loneliness and its pain, a person could fine herself or himself at the service of the slander. We must avoid the company of those who gossip. Regardless of who he or she may be. Such a person could be a beloved relative. Of course, always show love, respect and compassion to that person, but avoid his or her friendship. No, do not become enemies, but do not welcome neither entertain their conversation as you would do with true friends. Because a person who gossips is not a friend of anyone. It is very easy to become like them. They are bad influence in your life. If you see that this type of person is not open to change and to listen to wise counsel, avoid them. If they are relatives, feel free to stop any gossiping that starts around the dinner table during a family reunion. It does not matter who starts the gossip. A comment like: "That may not stand before a court of law" could be enough to stop the gossip or the foolish conversation. Meaningless conversations often lead to sinful behaviour or foolish words. Feel up your mind, your intellect, with those things that are beautiful, full of honour, and good thoughts. Then your speech will be a blessing and your days full of joy. Of course, when you stand for what is right, unfortunately those slanders et al. may attempt to take away your peace.
Surround yourself with those who are wise. Grow each day in the knowledge of the LORD, and you will become full of wisdom and understanding. It is written (Psalm 1:1_2):

אַשְׁרֵי הָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר לֹא הָלַךְ בַּעֲצַת רְשָׁעִים וּבְדֶרֶךְ חַטָּאִים לֹא עָמָד    וּבְמוֹשַׁב לֵצִים לֹא יָשָׁב כִּי אִם בְּתוֹרַת יי חֶפְצוֹ   וּבְתוֹרָתוֹ יֶהְגֶּה יוֹמָם וָלָיְלָה

Happy is the one that did not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stood in the way of sinners, neither sat in the seat of the scoffers, rather delights in the instruction of the LORD; and in GOD's law will meditate day and night. שבת שלום ומבורך

Bless others with your words

לֹא-תַעֲנֶה בְרֵעֲךָ עֵד שָׁקֶר

Exodus 20:12

לֹא נָאוָה לְנָבָל שְׂפַת יֶתֶר

אַף כִּי לְנָדִיב שְׂפַת שָׁקֶר

Book of Proverbs 17:7 ספר משלי

The Divine Instruction exhorts to always avoid stating a lie against others.  A lie can destroy nations, mislead countries to war, turn friends into enemies, brake a home, therefore, hurting families. Our speech can build or destroy. It can protect and prevent suffering or become the cause of the problem. So, what is a lie? Anything that is said to hurt others is considered in some codes of laws a defamation, even if it is true. Unless a statement that is truthful is required even if it hurts the image of another person. Well, what is a lie? Exaggerating statements about something, unless is an obvious figure of speech, can mislead people to suffer. The ODE defines lie (lyge in OE)  as "an intentionally false statement" (lēogan). Therefore, the only thing that can overcome a lie or protect a nation from misinformation is the truth.
We must always have good intentions in our speech. The desire to bless those who listen. Only then we can avoid words that could destroy each other. Lies, like gossip, destroy the subject of it, the listener and the person saying it. May the words from our mouth be pleasing before GOD.

  יהיו לרצון אמרי פי והגיון לבי לפניך יי צורי וגאלי

Psalm 19:15

It is beautiful

יב וַיַּרְא אֱלֹהִים כִּי טוֹב

12 And GOD saw that it was good!

Genesis 1

When Creation was developing (evolving, some of you may prefer), the Creator saw that everything was beautiful. Everything has its place, as Rabbi Yaacov Khuli wrote (Ma'am Lo'ez). When we disrupt the habitat of animals or destroy the magnificent forests, the consequences are painful for humanity. The misuse and exploitation of minerals without any sense of responsibility and respect, brings forth tragic events. Protecting our environment as well as the habitat of other members of Creation will have, obviously,  great benefits for us and future generations. Farming in ways that are healthy for the ground and eating what is allowed by biblical principles can prevent illnesses.  You may believe that GOD created everything and gave instructions on how to administrate it or perhaps, you have doubts. Regardless of your views, faith or doubts, the facts is that here we live in a beautiful planet. Like the Creator, let us feel this world with beauty, with what is good. Today, in a world full of sorrow and pain, we need beautiful songs, poetry, paintings, words of encouragement and comfort. We must protect the beautiness of Earth, our home. 

יא  אֶת הַכֹּל עָשָׂה יָפֶה בְעִתּוֹ	11  GOD made everything beautiful in its time. Qoheleth 3 (Ecclesiastes)

The LORD is Faithful

ב  לָמָּה תִשְׁקְלוּ כֶסֶף בְּלוֹא לֶחֶם וִיגִיעֲכֶם בְּלוֹא לְשָׂבְעָה שִׁמְעוּ שָׁמוֹעַ אֵלַי וְאִכְלוּ-טוֹב וְתִתְעַנַּג בַּדֶּשֶׁן נַפְשְׁכֶם

2 Why do you spend money for that which is not food and your gain for that which does not satisfie? Listen diligently to me, and you will eat that which is good, and your soul will be satisfied with abundance.

Isaiah 55

These days we all have been challenged to stop and carefully think on what is really essential and important in life. Obviously life and whatever will help to preserve it and achieve happiness. Redefining what is a joyful life. Too often there are those that even today are thinking of profit instead of saving lives. In their financial power than in ensuring what is needed for a healthy community. Yes, work with a just salary is needed, but without health our economy is meaningless. Society is discovering that  there is a great difference between wanting something (often a luxury) and what we really need.
Emotional, mental and spiritual health is also essential to function well in society. We can prevent illnesses by following the wisdom of those who have faced it and survived. We can also learn from those who have struggled in this journey and are still standing firm. Above all, listening (reading) carefully to the voice of GOD within the sacred text. Trusting in the Almighty. The LORD provides, especially the gift of life. Hold to the hope in the Faithful GOD. Do not give up.

יג  מַלְכוּתְךָ מַלְכוּת כָּל עֹלָמִים וּמֶמְשַׁלְתְּךָ בְּכָל-דּוֹר וָדֹר

13 Your Kingdom (LORD) is a kingdom for all eternity, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. (The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.)

Psalm 145

Trust the LORD

ב  בְּקָרְאִי עֲנֵנִי אֱלֹהֵי צִדְקִי בַּצָּר הִרְחַבְתָּ לִּי חָנֵּנִי וּשְׁמַע תְּפִלָּתִי

2 Answer me when I call, GOD of my righteousness, You who did set me free when I was in distress; be gracious unto me, and hear my prayer.

Psalm 4

Prayer is an important part in our journey. Rabbi Moshé ben Maimón said that in prayer we must recognize before who are we standing, the Almighty. Our prayers must be addressed only to GOD and in a humble attitude. To pray is to understand our limitations and spiritual needs. It is to know that there is so much we do not know and understand very little from what we know. The Greatest Eternal Mystery is GOD. How GOD relates to humanity and the universe which the Almighty created is also a mystery. Our sacred books as well as those of other faith traditions have attempted to understand. Our Theological Philosophy is limited,  after all our human intellect is limited regardless that there is not a computer system that could gain and process information as the human brain does. However, we can say: The LORD is with me, I will not be afraid (אֲדֹנָי לִי וְלֹא אִירָא).

ט  בְּשָׁלוֹם יַחְדָּו אֶשְׁכְּבָה וְאִישָׁן כִּי אַתָּה יי לְבָדָד לָבֶטַח תּוֹשִׁיבֵנִי

9 In peace will I lay down and sleep; for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4

Do not walk this path alone

קה  נֵר לְרַגְלִי דְבָרֶךָ   וְאוֹר לִנְתִיבָתִי

105 NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path

Psalm 119

Loneliness is one of the most difficult experiences. It is probably one of the links between depression and anxiety. Many people have experienced the pain of loneliness even in places sorrounded by many others.
One of many ways to overcome loneliness is by looking for the other. In times when health emergencies do not allow us to experience the company of friends and relatives, this age of advanced communication devices can allow us to keep in contact with others. Perhaps there is someone in your family or among your friends or a neighbour across the street who will gladly hear from you today.
Our sacred books are a very important companion for the way. Someone wrote that everyone should make a book his/her friend. The Torah, the Divine Instruction, is our best companion in this journey of faith and doubts. It is a light as we walk through darkness. It is a source of hope. It's message is life.

י  כִּי עִמְּךָ מְקוֹר חַיִּים    בְּאוֹרְךָ נִרְאֶה-אוֹר

10 Because with you (LORD) is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

Psalm 36

Proclaiming Peace

ז  מַה נָּאווּ עַל הֶהָרִים רַגְלֵי מְבַשֵּׂר מַשְׁמִיעַ שָׁלוֹם מְבַשֵּׂר טוֹב מַשְׁמִיעַ יְשׁוּעָה אֹמֵר לְצִיּוֹן מָלַךְ אֱלֹהָיִךְ

7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messanger that announces peace, the proclaimer of good news, that announces salvation; who says unto Zion: 'Your GOD reigns!'

Isaiah 52:7 ישעיהו

Humanity needs today more proclaimers of peace, compassion, mercy, and love . However, we need more who proclaim the fullness of the ethics of peace (shalom) with actions. Comforting those who are suffering illnesses, social injustices like poverty, and feeling hopeless. By helping to bring people out of poverty and all other forms of suffering.
This ethic, for the writer of Isaiah, has its source in ethical monotheism, which recognizes the reigning of the Only One True GOD. To believe and love and worship the True GOD is shown in our acts of mercy toward humanity. Transforming enemies into friends, so we all can walk together in this journey of faith and doubts in times of prosperity as well as in times of suffering. Today we see a beautiful example of what means to be an instrument of love, hope, peace and comfort in the professionals serving as physicians, nurses, et al.

ח  הגיד לך אדם מה טוב ומה יי דורש ממך כי אם עשות משפט ואהבת חסד והצנע לכת עם אלהיך

8 It has been told you, humanity, what is good, and what the LORD requires of you: to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your GOD.

Micah 6:8 מיכה

The Way of Peace

הִנֵּה מַה טּוֹב וּמַה נָּעִים שֶׁבֶת אַחִים גַּם יָחַד

Psalm 133:1

"Am I my brother's keeper?" (הֲשֹׁמֵר אָחִי אָנֹכִי) is still too often a common question. When crisis touches directly or indirectly the lives of everyone, then we learn that we all are keepers of each other. In seeking the best for others, in it we find blessings. The prophet Jeremiah spoke with wisdom when he said: 

ז  וְדִרְשׁוּ אֶת שְׁלוֹם הָעִיר ...  כִּי בִשְׁלוֹמָהּ יִהְיֶה לָכֶם שָׁלוֹם

7 And seek the peace of the city ... for in its peace thereof shall you have peace.

The call is to seek the peace (shalom) of everyone within our communities. To care for others, including the enemy, as we care for ourselves. When nations ignore the needs of other nations, the consequences of such a behaviour can be chaotic. The suffering of illness by one person can eventually cause suffering to others; so caring for the health of someone else is also protecting our health and the health of our communities. To be keepers of our brethren and sisters of our communities, to ensure their peace, is to ensure the peace of our children, relatives, and ourselves. After all we are part of the community. Clean and healthy environments, also neighborhoods free from noise pollution, for them and ourselves: for us. For your sake choose the way of peace: choose to be your brother's and sister's keeper. Seel their peace.

As it si written (Ps. 34):

טו  סוּר מֵרָע וַעֲשֵׂה טוֹב בַּקֵּשׁ שָׁלוֹם וְרָדְפֵהוּ

15 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

Psalm 34

The Way of the Prophets

The teaching of any Hebrew prophet is an exposition of Theological Philosophy. Their main message is on ethics. The main character in their writings is an ethical GOD, ADONAY. Contrary to the common stories of their days, the GOD of Israel is concerned about the behaviour of humanity toward each other. The ethics of the prophets (Derekh haNeviim) is a way of living. Its moral  has the foundation on an ethical monotheism. There is One GOD who cares for humanity and humans are expected to care for each other. This principle is found in different statements in many other religions. However, strict ethical monotheism is found only in the teachings of the Torah. Only Islam, the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, and the Baha'i are the closest to it. In contemporary Judaism every denomination and their "sekten" (using the term in its technical definition) are concerned with ethics. The difference are found in the interpretation; therefore, in the application and implications. Regardless of these differences they all seek to honour GOD in our relationship toward and with others. Hebrew philosophy, like Qoheleth,* is a Theological Philosophy that seeks to understand what GOD expects from humanity and how humanity can be an instrument of the LOVE, MERCY, PEACE, and JUSTICE of ADONAY. An instrument of HOPE. There is Only One True GOD and one humanity. Words that we have heard so often, but that today nations are learning this fact again: may we never forget it.

שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל  יי אֱלֹהֵינוּ יי אֶחָד

Deuteronomy 6:4  דברים

הִנֵּה מַה טּוֹב וּמַה נָּעִים שֶׁבֶת אַחִים גַּם יָחַד

Psalm 133:1

שִׁמְעוֹן הַצַּדִּיק הָיָה מִשְּׁיָרֵי כְנֶסֶת הַגְּדוֹלָה הוּא הָיָה אוֹמֵר עַל שְׁלשָׁה דְבָרִים הָעוֹלָם עוֹמֵד עַל הַתּוֹרָה וְעַל הָעֲבוֹדָה וְעַל גְּמִילוּת חֲסָדִים

Pirke Avot 1:2 פרקי אבות

רַבָּן שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן גַּמְלִיאֵל אוֹמֵר עַל שְׁלשָׁה דְבָרִים הָעוֹלָם עוֹמֵד עַל הַדִּין וְעַל הָאֱמֶת וְעַל הַשָּׁלוֹם שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר אֱמֶת וּמִשְׁפַּט שָׁלוֹם שִׁפְטוּ בְּשַׁעֲרֵיכֶם

Pirke Avot 1:8 פרקי אבות

*https://www.academia.edu/9567117/Qoheleth_The_Theology_of_a_Hebrew_Philosopher

© 2020 Frantz

Faith for the Journey

This is a journey of faith and doubts. In this Way (Derek), we make all type of ethical decisions. Decisions that affect our own life and often everyone else around us, even beyond our close circle of friends and relatives. When doubts overwhelm us in the way, it is time to stop and get a little faith for the journey. Many of us have found that little faith within the reflections and stories found in the Torah. I invite you to take a few minutes each day or weekly, to read these or other reflections on faith and life; thoughts from the readings of the writings of the Hebrew prophets.
May our lives in action and words bring glory to the Heavenly Father who loves us like a Mother cares for her children. May we be a blessing bringing hope to others in this journey of faith and doubts.

Psalm 1 תהלים

א  אַשְׁרֵי הָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר לֹא הָלַךְ בַּעֲצַת רְשָׁעִים וּבְדֶרֶךְ חַטָּאִים לֹא עָמָד וּבְמוֹשַׁב לֵצִים לֹא יָשָׁב	1 Happy is the man (and woman) that has not walked in the counsel of the wicked, nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the seat of the scornful.
ב  כִּי אִם בְּתוֹרַת יי חֶפְצוֹ    וּבְתוֹרָתוֹ יֶהְגֶּה יוֹמָם וָלָיְלָה	2 But his (and her) delight is in the Torah of  ADONAY; and in his (her) Torah does he (she) meditates day and night.
ג  וְהָיָה כְּעֵץ שָׁתוּל עַל-פַּלְגֵי-מָיִם אֲשֶׁר פִּרְיוֹ, יִתֵּן בְּעִתּוֹ--וְעָלֵהוּ לֹא-יִבּוֹל וְכֹל אֲשֶׁר-יַעֲשֶׂה יַצְלִיחַ	3 And he (she) shall be like a tree planted by streams of water, that bringeth forth its fruit in its season, and whose leaf doth not wither; and in whatsoever he (she) does he shall prosper.
ד  לֹא-כֵן הָרְשָׁעִים כִּי אִם-כַּמֹּץ אֲשֶׁר-תִּדְּפֶנּוּ רוּחַ	4 Not so the wicked; but they are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
ה  עַל-כֵּן לֹא-יָקֻמוּ רְשָׁעִים בַּמִּשְׁפָּט וְחַטָּאִים בַּעֲדַת צַדִּיקִים	5 Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
ו  כִּי-יוֹדֵעַ יי דֶּרֶךְ צַדִּיקִים וְדֶרֶךְ רְשָׁעִים תֹּאבֵד	6 For the ADONAY regards the way of the righteous; but the way of the wicked shall perish.