Rabbi's Messages

Free Your Mind

On Sunday, March 26, 2017

Shakespeare wrote, “There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.”

When Hamlet says these words, he is trying to convince Horatio to believe in ghosts - specifically, the ghost that has just appeared right before his eyes. But in these words is a lesson for all of us: the universe is a big place, filled with many experiences, phenomena, philosophies, and beliefs. We can’t assume we know it all.

How often do we operate on the assumption that other people’s experience and knowledge bases are essentially the same as ours? How often do we project our own beliefs, understandings, and faults onto others...and then judge them for behaving differently than we might? I know I’m guilty of this, and I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one.

Judaism teaches us to strive to see beyond our own narrow worldview. Abraham became the first Jew by looking beyond his upbringing and adopting a brand new philosophy – the Oneness of God. The Rabbis of the Talmud spent pages upon pages debating every angle of the law, often without ever deciding which one was “right.” And in the Midrash, a voice comes from heaven to settle an argument between Hillel and Shammai by declaring “Both opinions are the words of the living God.”

We are commanded as Jews to open our minds, to try to understand the experiences and beliefs of others, and in so doing, to grow in our knowledge, wisdom, and compassion. This month we have three separate events that are opportunities to do so, each in its own way:

Sharing Values, Building Bridges: This important panel discussion on April 1 is an opportunity to learn more about the experience of Indigenous Canadians, and to build connections between our two communities.

The Passover Seder is, as always, a chance to invite new people into our homes and to incorporate new traditions into our rituals. If you have a spot at your Seder table, please let me know.

Our Carlebach Shabbat Service on April 28 is an attempt to do something new and different on a Friday night. This extremely musical, a cappella style of prayer was developed in the Orthodox world, but transfers really nicely to our setting.

Please see the monthly Voice or contact me for more information on these programs.

“To everything there is a season.” If you’re looking to broaden your Jewish experience through learning, prayer, volunteering, or community, please don’t hesitate to be in touch with me. I look forward to hearing from you.

L’shalom,
Rabbi Micah Streiffer