Articles in Spanish without translation: (see:
MAYO 2003)
May 2003 - Nisan/Iyar 5763
The Torah commands that on the day after Pesach we begin counting a measure of wheat each day in preparation for the harvest festival of Shavout. In Hebrew a measure of wheat is called an omer, and thus this period is called sphirat ha-omer, counting the omer. We count seven groups of seven, or seven weeks from Pesach to Shavout, each day our anticipation rises towards this holiday.
Why all the counting? Tradition teaches that forty nine days passed from the going out of Egypt, yetziat mitzrayim, to the reception of the Ten Commandments at Mt. Sinai. Just as we say at the Seder, “It is because of what Adonai has done for me,” as if each one of us left Egypt, we also say on Shavout that we personally received God’s teachings. Each day of counting brings us closer to that goal of receiving Torah on Shavout.
Torah means a different thing to each of us, but as we approach Shavout at the end of this Month (June 5, 2003 this year), we might want to consider what Torah might mean in our lives. When I say the word, Torah, most of us picture the beautiful, but old, scrolls we have in the aron hakodesh (the Ark). This definition is true, but limited. All of Jewish tradition can be considered Torah, not only the five books of Moses. Torah is the Talmud, the Midrash, the poetry of the middle Ages, the writings of Kabbalists, the speeches of Theodor Hertzl, the essays of Ahad Ha-am, and even the novels of Philip Roth or Anita Diamant. When you and I sit down to discuss one of these texts, or we sit down to write a prayer or poem, we take our place in the tradition of Torah.
That is what Shavout is meant to teach us. Just as Moses received Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai, we are meant to receive a bit of Torah on that holy day. We should evaluate our way of learning from Jewish tradition and giving something back like Moses.
This year the sphirat ha-omer holds powerful personal meaning for me and my family. While we count the days toward receiving Torah, we also count the days towards our move to Costa Rica. (I will not be able to write in next month’s bulletin because we will be in transit.) We move not only physically, but also spiritually, continuing our Torah with a new community, and learning Torah with you. As each day passes, we come closer to our departure and arrival, closer to a big move, and closer to receiving our Torah with B’nei Israel.
Erev Rav Michael Holzman
These titles would seem to be independent subjects, distant from one another; each one by itself deserves its own period of study and reflection. Nevertheless, there are moments in life in which, without wishing or looking for it, special situations or actions occur and you have no other choice than to become involved in them. I wanted to refer to these issues because lately some people have not dealt with them with the necessary clarity.
Recently, there was a publication in a national newspaper, where a syndic leader enumerated a series of “relationships” between the “national two-party system” and the Jewish influence in Costa Rica’s doings. In his article, he vehemently rejects all accusations of his being anti-Semitic, in spite of his comments about the matter, comments of a very worrisome nature for us.
First of all, the word “anti-Semite” means going against the descendants of Sem, who belonged to an ethnographic and linguistic family that included many different peoples who spoke languages with special flexion characters, such as Aramean, Syrian, Chaldean, Assyrian, Hebrew, Arab, etc. So, it would be fair to say that the three occidental faiths – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam – have Semitic roots. However, this seems to have no degree of importance when the wish is to despise, point at, and stereotype. The truth of our reality is that there has been hate against the Jews in the past and in the present. In the past, they were accused by the nationalists of promoting communism; by the communists of promoting capitalism. If they live in non-Jewish countries, they are referred to as the power behind the throne; if they live in the Jewish country, they are called racists. When they spend their money, they are accused of being ostentatious; when they don’t, it is said that they are cheap. If they assimilate, they are accused of “infiltration”, and if they keep to themselves, they are pronounced secluded.
The irrationality of some, like in this case, sometimes goes by without notice. But this same irrationality took place in the past.
More than sixty years ago, my father’s family lived in Germany. As any common family, they fulfilled their daily duties. My grandfather had been able to study odontology and, through hard work, had gained a social position that permitted him and my grandmother to pay the rent of their house in Hamburg and educate their two children in private schools (I trust this is not a crime). In those days, austerity was commonplace; simplicity and functionality in everyday life was the common rule. Just as any other family, their wish was to see their children grow up and develop in that land, as their fathers and forefathers had done before them. In spite of this, they were witnesses of the ascent of the Nazi party, who with systematic and bureaucratically organized power persecuted the Jews. They were to witness my father’s expulsion from the University for being Jewish. They were to witness the disappearance of their savings. They were to witness the human irrationality. My grandfather was incarcerated for around a month, while they checked to verify that he did not belong to any anti-Nazi organization.
After Kristallnacht, my grandfather decided to leave Germany, asking his mother and sisters to come with him. My grandmother did the same and asked her brothers, Sigmund and German, to leave Germany with their respective families.
My grandparents left Germany by the end of 1938 and arrived in Costa Rica, by fate, on December 31st of the same year. My grandparents, my aunt and her husband, my cousin Jimmy, and my father, all came to live here.
The Holocaust had begun from the very first moment that the Nazi party reached power. They thought Germans were a “superior race” and Jews an “inferior race”, which did not deserve to live. During the Holocaust, Nazis had also in their target other groups pf people, for their “racial inferiority” – such as gypsies, handicapped, a few Slavic groups – and others for political reasons, and even because of their sexual orientation.
Irrationality reigned.
Uncle German and his wife tried to escape to Spain, but they were captured and killed in the gas chambers. Uncle Sigmund disappeared while trying to reach Czechoslovakia. Meanwhile, my great-grandmother was executed with her two daughters in the gas chambers; she had left a letter for my grandfather, where she said that “old trees cannot be transplanted”. My grandmother’s cousins also disappeared, and so did many other relatives.
Iom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. Six million Jewish souls were exterminated.
I ask myself: Is ignorance an excuse for irrationality? When will human beings understand that there is only one World and only one mankind? When will we stop fearing the unknown? When will there be respect toward things and situations different from our individual environment?
These questions let us meditate; nevertheless, I am unable to find the answers.
The only thing I understand is that we all have equal rights. I understand that we want to live in freedom and peace, and that just as any other non-Jewish family, we want to see our children grow up and develop, with their own individual capacities and limitations.
This week we celebrate the 55 anniversary of the Independence of the State of Israel, Iom Haatzmaut, and I would like to quote some of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s words: “Fifty-five years ago, the State of Israel was forged in struggle. Since then, we have built an independent Jewish democracy, making great strides in fields …, while simultaneously fighting for our existence.” He goes on to say: “The future of the Jewish people rests on our combined shoulders.” Words speak for themselves.
In the name of my family and in my own, I say good-bye.
Chag Sameach
Eduardo Keibel
Dear Friends,
On the 55th Independence Day of the State of Israel, we are still fighting for the basic issues in the life of the nation and the country: the struggle for the status of the capital of Israel is continuing; our main border in the East has not yet been determined; we are still combating Palestinian terrorism, and Arab countries and organizations are still calling for the destruction of Israel.
The security situation is influencing the economic and social conditions. Nevertheless, despite the difficult challenges we are facing, on Independence Day, we are proud of the great achievements made. We have a sovereign, democratic, Jewish, liberal, developed and progressive country with international achievements in science, agriculture, technology, and culture. We have a country which succeeds in providing its citizens with health, education, and housing services, a country which continues to absorb Jewish immigrants from all over the world, a state which has become a model and example to be emulated by many other countries in the world.
I feel that recently the people of Israel have become more united than in the past. The tension between the various sectors in Israeli society has lessened. I also feel a great rise in the solidarity expressed by the Jewish people in the Diaspora towards Israel. Many leaders of world Jewry have been visiting Israel and a large number of Jewish communities have sent solidarity missions this past year. These visits strengthen our relations and contribute to mutual enrichment.
The free world's campaign to eliminate international terrorism is of great necessity. The fear in the hearts of humanity must be eradicated. Human beings have a basic right to live without fear of terror.
We are all one big family. We all have the same destiny and tradition. We can be proud to belong to the Jewish people.
May every one have a happy Independence Day and may we see the fulfilment of all our national and sovereign aims. I wish the Jewish people and the State of Israel quiet and tranquillity, peace and security, economic stability and social justice.
Yours sincerely,
Moshe Katsav
On the occasion of Yom Ha'atzmaut, it is my great pleasure and privilege to send you greetings from Jerusalem, the eternal and undivided capital of the State of Israel and the Jewish people.
Fifty-five years ago, the State of Israel was forged in struggle. Since then, we have built an independent Jewish democracy, making great strides in fields such as medicine, technology, agriculture, and the arts, while simultaneously fighting for our existence. Our cities have flourished, and we have absorbed millions of immigrants - from 102 countries - who conduct their lives in Hebrew, the ancient language of the Bible. From these accomplishments we derive the strength and resilience to persevere, even in the face of challenge and adversity.
The future of the Jewish people rests on our combined shoulders. With our common history, heritage and mission as our guide, we are certain to achieve even greater heights in the future. I call upon each of you to personally take part in the Zionist enterprise - by making Aliyah and joining us here. Aliyah is vital to the continued existence, growth and prosperity of Israel. Together, we will succeed in bringing peace and security to our nation and homeland.
Mazal Tov and Chag Sameach.
Ariel Sharon
B´nei Israel has been celebrating Pesach within the Congregation for 17 years. This year we decided to join with B´nai Brith in their effort to bring all the Jewish communities of Costa Rica; Orthodox and Reform, together.
The event took place at the San Jose Palacio Hotel; there were 160 people present. And what a treat it was! The leader was Baruch Ruggovich, who was brought in from Argentina, especially for this night. He is an educator and has lead Pesach ceremonies for many years, with up to 1,000 people in attendance.
There were magic moments with the singing of Myiriam Lipszyc, who has a marvelous voice and vibrant delivery. There were the children of both communities singing under the direction of Deborah Singer of B´nai Israel. There were readings throughout the services.
Moises Fachler, President of B´nai Brith, deserves a lot of praise for his unstinting efforts and faith that this could happen. He also had an able and devoted Committee who worked with representatives from the various communities.
Many thanks to Patricia Goldberg and Nora Weiss who were responsible for the arrangements of the hotel, food, and programming.
The reputation of B´nai Brith as a uniting force in the world of Judaism was strongly reinforced by this wonderful Seder.
Marvin Sossin
For many years, the Jennifer Sossin School for Jewish Education has made its students lead a Shabbat service, at least one time each semester. This year, we have enjoyed two times the presence of our children at the bimah; it is a real pleasure and pride to see our children, the future of B’nei Israel, in front of the community, with big smiles on their faces, singing or reading, sometimes what they themselves have written. And let’s not say anything about their families faces! We could say it is a sort of rehearsal for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah, but with the assistance of their Morah and fellow classmates.
April 4th was the Mitzvah Group’s turn, which this year is formed by seven students, all boys. Ariel Bar-Tal just made his Bar Mitzvah (you can read his Divrei ha Torah in this same issue), so Morah Hilda only has six boys left for the rest of the year. On Friday, May 2, was the Tzedek-Emet Group’s turn to lead the service, alumni of Morah Elena. With the help of Morah Flor, this group published a beautiful and small Siddur, decorated with a cover made by each one of the eight children. Morah Tamara and Morah Jody accompanied them at the bimah.
We would like to share with all of you some of the writings and drawings made by our children.
To the question “Who is God for me?”, the children answered:
Since all the children of this group wrote in Spanish, we will only share with you their drawings.
If you want to read their Psalms and Thoughts, please go to our Spanish version:
MAYO 2003
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WELCOMING SHABBATShabbat is a custom that Shabbat is when we thank God; - Miriam Pérez and Ivana Kicildor |
PSALMThanks to God we have received - Matías Rodríguez |
CREATIONCreation is something marvelous.
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The earth was created by an explosion. From that the universe was created. |
ABOUT THE SHEMAI think that the Shema is |
We must love God. - Gaby Mizrachi |
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I believe that God does exist. - Daniel Zango |
PRAYER FOR THE SICKTo be sick is to feel badly, oneself, and those around one. - Sofía Elkin and Rebeca Koss |
BEFORE THE KADISHDeath is something terrible because lives are lost that were important. - Sofía Elkin and Rebeca Koss |
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Taken from “Women in Green”
In 1899 Anti-Semitism was widespread in the US. Large companies did not hire Jewish people. Universities either did not admit Jews or limited their numbers with strict quotas. Respectable people like Ford and Edison expressed their anti-Jewish feelings openly. Mark Twain had this to say on the subject.
"If the statistics are right, the Jews constitute but one percent of the human race.
It suggests a nebulous dim puff of star dust lost in the blaze of the Milky Way. Properly, the Jew ought hardly to be heard of, but he is heard of, has always been heard of.
He is as prominent on the planet as any other people, and his commercial importance is extravagantly out of proportion to the smallness of his bulk. His contributions to the world's list of great names in literature, science, art, music, finance, medicine, and abstruse learning are also way out of proportion to the weakness of his numbers.
He has made a marvellous fight in the world, in all the ages; and has done it with his hands tied behind him. He could be vain of himself, and be excused for it.
The Egyptian, the Babylonian, and the Persian rose, filled the planet with sound and splendor, then faded to dream-stuff and passed away; the Greek and the Roman followed, and made a vast noise, and they are gone; other peoples have sprung up and held their torch high for a time, but it burned out, and they sit in twilight now, or have vanished.
The Jew saw them all, beat them all, and is now what he always was, exhibiting no decadence, no infirmities of age, no weakening of his parts, no slowing of his energies, no dulling of his alert and aggressive mind.
All things are mortal but the Jew; all other forces pass, but he remains. What is the secret of his immortality?"
Taken from How to Survive a Jewish Mother, by R. Steven Arnold
Contrary to what many may believe, the Jewish lexicon is not a small fellow with large, pointed ears, who runs around in green tights yelling “Top of the mornin’ to ya, rabbi.” Rather, it is the Yiddish language. Hebrew is also the language of the Jewish people, but I haven’t spoken a word of it since I was 13. Yiddish, on the other hand, I speak almost every day. That is mostly because my boss is such a schmuck. The Yiddish lexicon has become so imbedded in American speech that most people say some Yiddish words regularly. That is because most people have a boss who is a schmuck.
Yiddish, which is a concoction of Hebrew, German, Slavic, and a number of other European languages, is pronounced best by someone with a bad head cold. Listed below are a Jewish mother’s English definitions of Yiddish words used in this book. Spelling of words may vary depending on whether she is using a milchedika or a flayshedika spell checker.
