Page 3 - The Jewish Voice - March '20

The Jewish Voice, Page 3

From the rabbis

The Importance of Purim over the body. But on Purim, after a few drinks and while have an extra Le’chayim drink.
dressed up in costume, it is a much harder challenge to There are of course many paths to holiness. Some take us
By Rabbi Paul Arberman maintain our dignity. In this way, Purim is greater. Literally away from the world; we “refrain” from things; while other
Why do people say that translated, Yom Ha Kippurim is only “a day like Purim.” paths lead us to “engage.” Of course I believe that different
Purim is one of the most The Vilna Gaon (18th-century Lithuania) explains that paths are legitimate. However, one who attains holiness
important holidays in Purim and Yom Ha Kippurim are actually opposite sides of through indulgence, happiness, and pleasures of the world
Judaism? If you were to the same coin. Each has connection to God as its goal. On while trying to do right by God and people is greater, for the
compare Purim and Yom Purim we accomplish this with our physical selves, and on attainment of holiness through engagement with people and
Kippur, it would be natural to Yom Kippur we accomplish this with our spiritual selves. the world requires greater dedication.
conclude that Yom Kippur is In fact, most of our Jewish holidays are described as being Paul Arberman is the spiritual leader at Temple Beth
the more important and holier half spiritual and half physical — meaning, we spend part of David in Palm Beach Gardens.
holiday. But in one sense, the day praying in the synagogue and the remainder of the
Purim is even greater. day eating good food and relaxing at home with family and What You Wish Your
This issue was addressed friends. The two exceptions to this rule are Yom Kippur, when
by Rabbi Eliyahu Kitov (20th-century Poland and Israel) who both halves are spiritual: We spend most of the day praying in Spouse Would Know, But
explained: Of course we feel spiritual elevation on a day like the synagogue with no food and no physical pleasures. And
Yom Kippur, when we pray and have no time for forbidden the second exception is Purim, when both halves are physical: You Simply Can’t Tell Them
activities. By fasting, we show that the soul has dominance We feast, visit friends, dress in costumes, and maybe even
By Rabbi Dovid Vigler
Do you argue with your
spouse? Wouldn’t life be so
great if you could just get
along all the time?
The Talmud reveals to us
the secret to a happy marriage
from the Torah portion
Beshalach: “Maintaining
wholesome relationships is
as challenging as splitting
getinvolved 2a). The reference is to the miracle of the splitting of the sea
the Red Sea” (Tractate Sotah

during the Jewish people’s Exodus from Egypt, which we
mention during the Pesach seder.

What’s the connection between healthy marriages and
splitting the sea?
While the nature of water is to flow to the lowest point
explore your path in the Jewish community possible, when the sea split, the water formed solid walls. This
miracle required the water to completely change its nature.
in a way that’s meaningful to you And this is exactly what is required for healthy marriages
— to swallow your pride and step out of your comfort zone. In
sharp contrast to contemporary wisdom that extols the virtues
volunteer israel connections of self-promotion, the Torah is telling us that the only way
you’ll find peace and harmony is by putting your spouse on
Good Deeds Day Partnership2Gether a pedestal and steering clear of your personal positions and
Sunday, March 29, 2020 25th Anniversary Celebration agendas.
Though it seems counter-intuitive to reach peace through

Service projects throughout the Wednesday, March 25, 2020 overlooking one’s own needs, we see living proof of this truth
community for international day Mandel JCC, Palm Beach Gardens embedded within the universe all around us.
of volunteerism. Community-wide celebration of the Last month we celebrated the peculiar festival of Tu
Palm Beaches’ 25 year partnership
Homebound Mitzvah with Israel’s TZAHAR region B’Shvat, the New Year of the Trees. No other non-human
Program for Passover (Tzfat, Hatzor HaGlilit and Rosh Pina). creation has merited a human holiday like the beautiful tree.
One of the reasons for this is the profound wisdom, so
March 30 – April 7, 2020 vital to our happiness and success, that the trees impart with
Packing and delivery of meals and holiday IsraelDays: Community Events us. A tiny seed can create a virtually limitless supply of fruits
items for local homebound seniors. Holocaust Remembrance Day,
Israel Memorial Day and when planted in the earth. But in order for this metamorphosis
Literacy Program Israel Independence Day to take place, it must first decay and rot under the ground!
and Reading Express April 2020 Only through letting go of its identity can the humble seed
Opportunities throughout 2020 Discussions, ceremonies and celebrations rise to become the majestic fruit-bearing tree!
The most powerful Jew who ever walked the face of this

Volunteering to read with children throughout the community. earth was undoubtedly Joseph, who served as prime minister
at local schools.
Contact the Israel Program Center of Egypt 4,000 years ago, the sole provider of food for the
Contact the Jewish Volunteer Center at 561.209.2611 to learn more. known world. In his teenage years he was arrogant and self-
at 561.242.6653 or visit absorbed. It was only when he suffered the horrors of being
jewishvolunteer.org to learn more. learn sold into slavery by his own brothers and being allowed to
rot in an Egyptian dungeon for 12 years that his ego was
advocate Family Programs and Events completely crushed and subsequently, like the seed that has
rotted beneath the ground, was he able to rise to such a lofty
Combating BDS: Training Events throughout 2020 position of power!
for families to celebrate Jewish life,
So, the next time you get into an argument with your

with Israel Action Network traditions and holidays. spouse, stop for a moment and ask yourself if you’d like to
Tuesday, March 17, 2020 become a butterfly or stay a worm.
Full day training for standing up to Melton School for Adult Rabbi Dovid Vigler is spiritual leader at Chabad of Palm
antisemitic and anti-Israel activity. Jewish Learning Beach Gardens and host of the Jewish Schmooze Radio Show.
Courses throughout the year
To learn more contact the Learn more at jewishpalmbeach.org/melton Email him at gardensrabbi@gmail.com.
Jewish Community Relations Council
at 561.242.6686. Contact the Friedman Commission From the Rabbis on page 4
for Jewish Education (CJE) at 561.640.0700
ATTENTION READERS

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