Our nation is engaged in a battle right now...
Our nation is engaged in a battle right now over President Biden’s economic program to redistribute trillions of dollars of resources to address economic disparity, social inequity and to fight climate change. He has been compared to FDR and LBJ in this regard. I also believe his vision is of biblical and prophetic magnitude!
Is it a coincidence that this week’s Parsha, BeHar, also sets forth a program that addresses social inequity and asserts our responsibility for honoring the earth? In this week’s Parsha we learn about the Shmitah year when the land is given a sabbatical, a full year of rest from farming. We learn about the release of servants and the release of debts. We read again the words enshrined on the Liberty Bell “to proclaim liberty to all the inhabitants thereof...” from Leviticus 25. We also learn of Yovel or the Jubilee year and the redistribution of land. Check out Leviticus 25.
This utopian vision has inspired our people and many other utopian thinkers throughout the generations. I suggest reading Martin Buber’s book Path in Utopia written some 50 years ago. A great Yovel read.
Concerning the land, our Sanctuary Retreat Center is open for your enjoyment. It is our piece of the Garden of Eden located on the Agricultural Reserve of Montgomery County. It only takes 25 minutes from Rockville. I’m there almost every day. The Gene LIppman Garden which produces vegetables for some 30 people living in two shelter in Rockville is supported by small CSA of five families. But I need volunteers to come out and help me once in awhile. A.D. Gordon, the early 20th century kibbutz thinker, wrote about how connection with the land heals the soul.
Am Kolel recently held its Annual Meeting. We want to especially thank our outgoing members, President Anne Schwartz-Delibert and Board member Janeane Marks, for their wonderful service these past two years.
Janeane will continue to serve as our Tikkun Olam Chair. Please note the new board below.
Stay in touch.
B’Shalom,
Reb David