The great rabbis of the Talmud would frequently start the day's study sessions with some humor.
Regarding life at home during Corona-Isolation:
“Finally, I know what it’s like to live in a socialist paradise: no theaters, no restaurants, no traveling, the supermarkets are empty... it’s like living in Cuba but coughing!'
OR: its like being Orthodox... but every day is Shabbas!
Here's one I liked:
Israeli actress Gal Gadot hosted a sing-a-long of fellow celebrities, including Sarah Silverman and Natalie Portman, performing John Lennon's "Imagine" from wherever they appear to be sheltering in place. The Instagram post attracted over 4 million views in 15 hours. See if you recognize the original “Wonder Woman”!
Click here to watch the sing-a-long! (If the video does not automatically start, click on the actress' face to play it)
Torah Thought for Today:
Rabbi Benjamin Blech was one of the most popular rabbis at Yeshiva University when I studied there, and he shared an appropriate teaching yesterday.
One of the most successful parenting techniques for a child who is not behaving is called a “timeout.” The child is restricted from enjoying pleasurable activities. The child has his normal life disrupted. By doing so, the child is forced to contemplate their actions and behaviors.
Rabbi Blech proposes that today, our world needs to re-evaluate our behaviors and virtues that may have led us to questionable attitudes and commitment to G-d's designs for us. This virus has forced millions into a “timeout” of quarantine and seclusion.
Let's use this timeout for some self-reflection!
The Ten Commandments, the justification of our continued existence, were inscribed by G-d on the two tablets with exactly 620 Hebrew letters.
What is the significance of 620 letters? The number of mitzvot in the Torah is 613. However, 7 Commandments were given to the Descendants of Noah (all of humanity). There, 613 plus 7 = 620.
The word “CORONA” – as in coronavirus – comes from the Latin word for “crown”. Crown in Hebrew is “KETER” which has the Gematria of 620.
The keter – the crown – is the most powerful symbol of our connection with G-d. There are three crowns in Jewish thought: The Crown of Kings (G-d's anointed political leaders), The Crown of the Kohanim (G-d's anointed ritual leadership) and The Crown of The Torah.
Rabbi Blech concludes with the thought:
“Perhaps we need to consider the world’s present affliction not just in the context of a disease caused by pathogens but as a divine message reminding us that we have been given our lives to invest them with meaning and virtue as defined by G-d and the Ten Commandments”.
May we all use this time in seclusion to recommit to our true Jewish values!
Amen!!!
With great love,
Rabbi Eliot
Temple Menorah 620 75th Street Miami Beach, FL 33141 info@menorahmail.org
