These past couple of weeks we have been treated to several juicy or “Jewcy” stories from the Torah portions. From Chukat we learn of the death of Miriam and Aaron and the new challenges to leadership in the Israelite community. From Balak we learn of the efforts to stop the Israelites from reaching the Land of Promise and the surprise blessing they receive from the desert prophet Bilaam.

From BaMidbar “ 1. And the Ineffable spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai in the Tent of Meeting on the first day of the second month in the second year from their departure from the land of Egypt, saying: 2. Raise up the heads of all the congregation of the children of Israel.” (BaMidbar 1:1-2)

Many translators translate the second verse as “count or take a census of the heads…”. But the Hebrew, Se’u, has greater depth. The Ishbitzer Rav and other commentators teach us that each person is unique and that each person will be lifted up or spiritually elevated in their relationship to self, others, God and life.

Creating Conscious Community is the overriding theme of the Book of Leviticus.

Each Parsha takes us to a new level of understanding in building a community and a society that is based upon personal and collective accountability before the Source of All, with ourselves, with each other, with animals and with the land.

First of all, our Hanukat HaBayit was a wonderful event. Fifty plus folks celebrated the opening of the new Am Kolel Judaic Resource Center in Rockville. Many of us have not seen each other in years. The new Center represents the newest chapter in Am Kolel’s history serving the community. In addition to a hamish davenning space, we house the Rae Alice and Bernard Cohen Library of some 2000 volumes. We’re very grateful to librarians Susan Freiband, Ellen Sher and volunteers for setting it up. Most of the art in the house is art created by local Jewish artists and the room has been designated as a rotating gallery. We hope the new Center will be a place of meeting and learning for the artists and others. Several old timers from the Jewish Folk Arts Festival were present including Avrum Ashery, Nessa Spitzer and Danny Siegel, the poet. Theo Stone and Frank Sparber, of the Fabrangen Fiddlers, Rosana Azar and Janeane Marks lead singing.

Today and tomorrow are Rosh Chodesh Adar. Our sages teach us that “when the month of Adar arrives, our joy increases.” We can all use more joy, Simcha, in our lives. The month of Adar encourages us to go in that direction. In two weeks, we celebrate Purim, when we are also called to find joy in providing for those in need, Matanot L’Evyonim, and to bring gifts of goodies, Shaloch Manos, to our neighbors and friends. Astrologically, we’re in Pisces, and fish are a sign of blessing and fruitfulness. During this month we begin planting bulbs and early spring vegetables and we, increasingly, witness the rebirth of life all around us. Simcha, joy!

In this Parsha, Mishpatim, we learn of the Sefer HaBrit, the Book of the Covenant, that describes with great vision and detail the civil, human rights, animal rights and judicial requirements of the new nation.

Finally, the Israelites are freed from slavery. However, their freedom does not come without great anxiety and challenges. As the people, including non Israelites, make their way into the Sinai toward Canaan, they are pursued by Pharoah's army. The people are stuck at the Sea of Reeds, in a place called Pi HaChirot, the Mouth of Freedom. They cry out to Moses, to God. They are told stop complaining and to move forward into the sea. Lead by Nachshon, they take the steps that lead to the parting of the sea. They show their resolve, their courage and their faith. After a Song of Rejoicing with Miriam and the women leading the people in celebration, they continue on their way. But the yearning to be free is once again met with difficult challenges. Why? Didn’t they deserve a better break? But in order to be truly liberated they need water. They find water but the water is bitter. Moses instructs them to throw a certain tree into the water. They do so and the waters become sweet. Our sages teach us the “tree” was the Tree of Life, the Torah. But still, there are more challenges. They need to eat! So, we learn about Manna. But the people get tired of the Manna - rather than express gratitude they complain bitterly. This people has a lot of growing to do.

The opening verses of Parshat Vaera are worth checking out. God, once again, the first time having been at the Burning Bush, addresses Moses.  Moses is reminded of the Promise YHVH gave to the ancestors, the blessings and hopes for the future. God’s passion and core drive is directed to the freedom of the enslaved Israelites.  God is the ultimate freedom fighter. The Ineffable’s passion to free the people from bondage is at the core of Moses’ identify as well.   Moses is the instrument for making it happen.

Many of you have heard or read about the horrible display of antisemitic graffiti in Bethesda this past Monday. Using swastikas, hangmen and the words “no mercy to Jews” on a large wall by the new Trolley Trail in red paint was another shocking reminder of the rise in hatred toward Jews and of a general rise in hate crimes and acts of violence throughout America.

This Parsha, Ki Tetze, is a continuation of Moses’ teachings to the people on how to create a just, compassionate and peaceful society. The range of concerns is amazing.

It begins with the treatment of women captives and the care provided foreign women in sexual and familial relationships. It’s worth noting that women captives were not considered slaves or to be sold as slaves. Nonetheless, women’s rights were terribly limited even though the Torah tries to take some leaps forward.

Dear hevre,

I am on vacation this week.

Janeane Marks will be leading our Shabbat services this week.

This week's Parsha, Pinchas, addresses the response to Pinchas’ radical act of violence to stop the Israelites from moral corruption.

This week’s Parsha, Naso, continues to lay out the duties of the Levites in caring for the Mishkan, the portable Sacred Meeting Place, which will accompany them through their journey. As with last week’s Parsha, the second verse also uses the root word “Sa” to emphasize the idea that each person is "lifted up" and counted. The wording is also an invitation to lift up one’s mind and spirit, in service.

The Parsha this week, Kedoshim, comes to us at a critical time. Kedoshim Tih’yu, “…you shall be holy…” is at the heart of the Torah, the center of the scroll in actual literary placement and at the center of Jewish life in spirit and action. The first 18 verses of chapter 19 zero in on the essence of what it means to become a conscious or holy community. Many of the verses mirror the Ten Commandments. But the order and the emphasis is different.

I offered the following message today, March 16, at the Taanit Tzibor Gathering across the street from the Russian Federation Embassy. A little over 100 people came out.

"Welcome. Thank you all for taking time today to be here. Across Wisconsin Ave. is an embassy whose leaders are guilty of heinous crimes against the people of Ukraine. Millions of Ukrainians, 1/2 of them children, are displaced, homeless refugees. Many have been killed. This embassy desecrates the soil of this city and the soul of the Russian people it is supposed to represent.

This Shabbat is called Shabbat Zachor, the Sabbath of Remembrance. What are we remembering? Coming just a few days before Purim, we recall the story from Deuteronomy describing the ruthless attacks by Amalek on the women, children, and elderly in the Sinai wilderness.

Our hearts are with the people of Ukraine. We pray that Putin cease this outrageous aggression. It is an aggression against humanity and democracy and the earth on which they also trample. It is a threat to all of us and, also, to Russian citizens themselves. A new Haman desecrates life and continues to hold onto the Golden Calf.

Welcome to Parshat Bo. Many of us have been troubled by God’s devastating decrees in the biblical story of our people’s liberation from enslavement. Many of us have wondered about the people of the land, Egyptians and others, who suffered economically and physically. It doesn’t seem right. Last Shabbat, one of our members, remarked how, when she was a youth, hearing about the slaying of the first born of Egypt turned her off to Judaism. It seemed so cruel. Someone else in our community asked if this was a kind of revenge for the Pharoah’s killing of new born baby boys. Does Judaism teach revenge?

Parshat Miketz begins by describing Joseph’s emergence from the depths of imprisonment and aloneness. In his aloneness he reaches a level of maturity of wisdom and it is noted on high. The text reveals that “God is with Joseph.” What does that mean? Inner strength? Wisdom? Hopefulness? Caring for others in need? Going beyond borders? Encouraging acts of Teshuvah, reconciling?

Most Americans revere Thanksgiving as a time to be with loved ones, a final harvest festival that connects most Americans in a spirit of common national identity. To have a day that brings Americans together in a time when we are so divided seems to be a really good thing. Sadly, and tragically, Thanksgiving is not celebrated by most Native peoples in the United States. While the Pilgrims and the local Wampanoag people celebrated in Massachusetts in 1621, exactly 400 years ago, this was for many the beginning of a painful history for indigenous peoples.

This past Sunday, I joined Rabbi Arik Ascherman of Torat Tzedek, Torah of Justice, the human rights organization that he founded a few years ago in Israel on an eye opening visit to the Shetachim, the Palestinian Territories. Picking me up at 5:30am, we drove from Jerusalem to the southern Bik’ah Jordan valley on the the beautiful Allon Road through the Judean Hills. A most youthful 83 year old activist and writer, Batia Makover, also joined us.

One thing about the tragedy of what’s happening in Afghanistan is that few agree on who is to blame. The role of the US since 9/11 has a lot of folks wondering. But nearly everyone agrees that our government, and other governments, must do whatever is possible to save the lives of thousands of Afghani men, women, children, journalists and others.

By the time you receive this newsletter I will have returned from a demonstration on the Mall near the Capitol. I’m not planning on getting arrested this time. This gathering of more than 100 faith leaders called on Congress to pass the American Jobs Plan. As you know, the Plan has bold investments in energy & transportation, a 100% clean energy standard, and a commitment to environmental justice.

Today is Rosh Chodesh Sivan. On the Muslim calendar it is Eid al-Fitr, the last day of Ramadan and, traditionally, a joyous festival. Both religions follow the lunar calendar. A new moon is about to emerge. But, today, the sky is dark, especially darkened by the war clouds, fighting and deaths in Israel and in the Palestinians territories.

I just returned from a few days In Florida visiting family and friends. It was awkward being in airports and flying on airlines, but, all in all, it felt safe to see loved ones again.

There is a terrible spiritual malaise afflicting our country. News of racism, gun violence, and human suffering is increasing. This is a spring of great struggle and, also, one of great opportunity.

Ever since I was a kid, I was enamored by the meaning of Passover. I loved its celebration of family, history and the spring. For many, Pesach is primarily about gathering with loved ones for the Seders.

Another great Parsha! Called Terumah, it’s about creating The Mishkan, the Tabernacle, the indwelling space for the Divine Presence.

This Parsha is a radical departure from the previous sedrah which outlines in detail the social covenant within the community.

Fifty years ago tomorrow, on the eighth night of Hanukah in 1970, twelve men and one woman, mostly members of Jewish for Urban Justice, were arrested at the former Soviet Union Embassy. We were protesting the trial of some 16 Jewish Refuseniks faced with capital punishment and/or many years of imprisonment for attempting to hijack a plane to escape from Russia. They had been refused exit visas.