Page 2 - The Jewish Voice - April '21

Page 2, The Jewish Voice

From the rabbis
Federation’s “Celebrating Philanthropy” from page 1

to step up. More than a quarter of guests in attendance
increased their gifts to meet growing needs. This The Creative Energy of Words The Talmud speaks of “a covenant made concerning the
leadership inspires the thousands of people of all giving lips.” What a person vocalizes with his mouth has a remarkable
levels who follow their lead and give what they can to By Rabbi Shlomo Ezagui and tremendous impact. The Talmud discusses how, in one
Federation.” The Bible commands us, place, the verse seems to imply that King Yehu was a great
Donors at Celebrating Philanthropy, and all donors “Do not curse a deaf person.” saint; yet, in another verse, it seems to indicate that he was
to Federation, have made a transformative difference If the problem with cursing not. The Talmud resolves the question in the following way.
in the past year to enable the nonprofit to fulfill its someone was strictly the fact Because King Yehu said he would worship idols even more
mission to care for the vulnerable while finding that his feelings are hurt, why than did the wicked King Achav — although it was said only
powerful opportunities to strengthen connections to would cursing a deaf person as a ruse to gather the false prophets and punish them — those
Jewish values, traditions, and identity, educate future be a problem? After all, he words that came out of his mouth affected his standing in the
generations, and lead compassionate — and now virtual cannot hear the curse. I got it eyes of God, casting him in a very negative light.
— service projects. Based on key findings from a major off my own chest. Once, in the times of the Baal Shem Tov, there were two
community study completed in Fall 2020, Federation King Solomon says in fellows who got into a heated argument. One of the fellows
and its partner agencies have focused work in three proverbs, “Death and life are said to the other that if he were able to, he would tear him
key priority areas: addressing financial insecurity in the power of the tongue.” Is this statement true, even if no apart like a fish. The Baal Shem Tov became very serious and
through financial assistance, meal deliveries to food- one hears what I am saying? had all his students sit around the table, each one with their
insecure seniors and Holocaust survivors, and a new The code of Jewish law says we should always send off a hands on the shoulder of the other, forming a circle. As they
career services center; combatting emotional trauma person with the words, “Go to peace” (Lech l’shalom) and not were instructed to close their eyes, they were horrified to see
through virtual counseling, monthly check-in calls, and with the words, “Go in peace” (lech b’shalom). In Hebrew, the the one fellow actually tear his colleague apart like a fish.
programs to enable children to safely connect with each difference is one letter. King David sent off his son Absalom The Baal Shem Tov turned to his students and told them,
other; and overcoming barriers to Jewish life through with the words, “Go in peace” and his end was bitter — Absalom “In the world of spirit, everything we say creates an effect.
free virtual programming, scholarships to participate in was killed. Jethro sent off Moses with the words, “Go to peace,” And in the spiritual realm, which is the general source for
distance learning and children’s programming, weekly and in the end Moses was greatly elevated in status. everything that takes place physically, this fellow actually
virtual Shabbat and high holiday services, and free high Why should it make that much difference whether we hurt his friend with the sharp words he spoke.”
holiday meal deliveries to homebound seniors. use one letter or another Hebrew letter, when our intent is
clearly only good? From the Rabbis on page 3

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