BELONGING & BECOMING

By Rabbi Niles E. Goldstein

Many of us belong to lots of different kinds of communities, each with its own set of requirements, expectations, and benefits. But what does it mean to be a member of a JEWISH community? Is it just about paying our dues and tuition so that our kids can have a bar or bat mitzvah? Is it so that we will have a place to go for the High Holy Days? Do we want the security of having a rabbi "on call" in the event of a death in the family? Ultimately, is belonging to a shul nothing more than a goods-for-services enterprise, like belonging to Sam's Club?

For too many of us, I think it is. How many of us really place active synagogue participation high on our long list of priorities? How many of us do more than just go through the motions? It's our right, of course, to do whatever we want. But I think a far more mature, altruistic, and historically authentic way of approaching "belonging" to a Jewish community is to see it as more than just a place where our own needs can be met, but as a place where we can help to create a context to provide for the needs of OTHERS. When we get beyond ourselves, in the end, we become our best selves.

And isn't that what religion should be all about?

HOW CAN THERE BE A GOD?

By Rabbi Niles E. Goldstein

Baghdad is soaked in blood. Darfur continues to consume its own. Even Virginia Tech is not immune to the violence and madness of our times. So where is God in all this? How can God exist at the same time that so many innocents suffer and die? According Menachem Mendel of Kotsk, "He who cannot see God everywhere will not see God anywhere." God is right there, right in the heart of darkness. On the same streets roamed by suicide bombers, neighbors show kindness and generosity to one another. In the same camps where refugees crave food, people care for the babies of total strangers. When I worked as a chaplain at Ground Zero after 9/11, I saw acts of love and compassion that I haven't seen since. Humanity can transcend even the most horrific of events.

If we can't see God in this world, maybe it's because we're not looking hard enough.

Check out this gorgeous piece of meat!

by Jill Stern

I went to Florence Butcher today to prepare for the Battle of the Briskets. Ed Levine mentions on his blog that it is the best butcher in the city. As you can see, the meat available is quite impressive, and they were so nice and let me take a ton of photos. Looking forward to the event, may the best brisket win!

The Battle of the Briskets takes place Sunday, April 22 at Cowgirl! With celebrity guest judges including Gail Simmons from Top Chef and Ed Levine from Seriouseats.com., over 15 delicious homemade briskets, great conversation, and all for a good cause... what more could one ask for?!

For last minute details, Check out the flyer.

WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL?

By Rabbi Niles Goldstein

When radio personality Don Imus referred to a team of very talented youngblack women as "nappy headed hos," he lost his job. I wish that God couldfire US for our own ignorance, and for the abusive things we often say aboutother people. I can't tell you how many times I have witnessed people say,in social settings, that so-and-so was a "goy," or a "shiksa," or a "JAP,"as if these words really weren't such a big deal. Well, they are. They're derogatory, infantile, and unethical.

Never mind that the person being mentioned has a Ph.D., or is an engineer,or an artist--to the Don Imuses of the world (which, sadly, many of usprobably know), they are reduced to nothing more than the faith or ethnicityto which they were born. We Jews should know better than most how dangerous and hurtful words can be, as they frequently lead to action. Don't let comments like this pass at dinner parties. Don't let children of God be denigrated in your presence. It's un-Jewish.

I'M PRETTY SICK OF MATZAH.....

.....by this late into Passover. But I do it because I find it meaningful, because it connects me with my community, my ancestors, and Judaism's sacred myths. But half the Jewish world (non-Ashkenazi Jews) eat rice and beans--in addition to the religiously obligatory matzah--at this time of year. Why the difference? Custom. Not halachah, or Jewish law, but cultural custom. I am an Ashkenazi Jew who, after experiencing a seder in Istanbul, now follows Sephardic custom on Passover. Education is the key to our Jewish explorations, and my own studies and experiences have altered the way I practice my Judaism. Not because I'm looking for an easier path, but because I'm looking for relevance.

Which raises a question: Do I have the right to do what I do, even though my grandparents came from Eastern Europe? Why NOT make Judaism as relevant and meaningful as possible for us today?

by Rabbi Niles E. Goldstein

WHY IS THIS NIGHT DIFFERENT.....

...from all other nights? by Rabbi Niles E. Goldstein

Why do 80% of Jews observe some form of thePassover Seder, yet less than 15% attend Shabbat services, and evenless observe Jewish practices? I've posted a lot of content for you guys over the last couple of months, and now I want YOU to teach me. Imay be a rabbi, but I'm also your student. I'd love to hear your responses.

So enjoy your Pesach Seders, but, please, illuminate me on this issue.