Parashat Naso
Sivan 12 5779 / June 14-15 2019
Torah: Numbers 4:21-7:89
Haftarah: Judges 13:2-25
Dedications and Calendar of Events follow. Full calendar and
lots of other info available at: http://www.bnaihayim.com
Please feel free to pass this on to a friend, and please cite the
source.
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WHAT IS MINE ISN’T MINE – WHAT WAS MINE IS MINE
"Each person's holy things shall be his; whatever a person
gives to the priest, it shall be his." Numbers 5:10
The Talmud (Berakhot 63a), citing this verse, suggests that one who does not donate to the sanctuary ultimately ends up needy, while one who does donate becomes wealthy. There are several ways to look at this. One might read the Talmud literally; it also says that for the one who donates, "much money will be his" (they are talking about more than tax breaks!). Perhaps the Talmud is referring to spiritual need and wealth - the failure to give results in spiritual emptiness, but donating creates spiritual fulfillment.
The Talmud (Berakhot 63a), citing this verse, suggests that one who does not donate to the sanctuary ultimately ends up needy, while one who does donate becomes wealthy. There are several ways to look at this. One might read the Talmud literally; it also says that for the one who donates, "much money will be his" (they are talking about more than tax breaks!). Perhaps the Talmud is referring to spiritual need and wealth - the failure to give results in spiritual emptiness, but donating creates spiritual fulfillment.
Rabbi Y.Y. Tronk of Kutno says that a miser is not the master of
his money; only someone who is willing to part with his money is the master of
it. Only by giving it away does he show that the money is "his";
i.e., it is under his control. Of course, the ability to give up that
which is permitted and desirable demonstrates self-control as well.
Thus, the verse may be read as: “A person’s holy things will be
for his benefit; so that which he gives to the priest benefits the
giver.” Tithes become holy when they are set aside, but do not impart
their holiness, do not benefit either donor or donee, until they are actually
donated.
Judaism does not prohibit the accumulation of wealth, nor does it require self-denial. But it does prohibit the complete retention of wealth and it does require self-control. So, all of the viewpoints are correct. When we make donations to our synagogue, we literally make our community wealthier. We also assure that when we require the synagogue to fill our spiritual needs, it will be there for us. Nor can we deny the inner sense of well-being that comes from donating to an institution we believe in, for we are gaining something of value as well. It feels good to know that we are helping to build and maintain something greater than ourselves. Finally, in doing so, we demonstrate that we truly are the masters of our selves.
When we donate holy things for a holy purpose, we increase our own holiness.
Judaism does not prohibit the accumulation of wealth, nor does it require self-denial. But it does prohibit the complete retention of wealth and it does require self-control. So, all of the viewpoints are correct. When we make donations to our synagogue, we literally make our community wealthier. We also assure that when we require the synagogue to fill our spiritual needs, it will be there for us. Nor can we deny the inner sense of well-being that comes from donating to an institution we believe in, for we are gaining something of value as well. It feels good to know that we are helping to build and maintain something greater than ourselves. Finally, in doing so, we demonstrate that we truly are the masters of our selves.
When we donate holy things for a holy purpose, we increase our own holiness.
Shabbat shalom!
Rabbi Richard A. Flom
Temple B'nai Hayim/Congregation Beth Meier
Visit me on Facebook
"שתיקה כהודאה דמיא"
"Silence in the face of wrongdoing is consent.”
BT Yevamot 88a
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Candle lighting: 7:48 pm
Friday: Shabbat Evening Service – 7:30 pm. Oneg Shabbat follows.
Saturday: Breakfast/Torah Study – 8:45 am. Shabbat Morning Service – 9:30
am. Kiddush luncheon follows.
Tuesday: NO Lunch and Learn – resume June 25.
Sunday, June 23: Education Committee Meeting - 10:00 am
Saturday, June 29: A special Shabbat kiddush
luncheon in honor of Gina Seeman, as thanks for all her work with Sisterhood
and for the TBH/CBM community. RSVP through synagogue office.
This d’var torah is offered for a refuah shleimah for Leah
bat Sarah Imanu, Sarah bat Devorah, Susan Arbetman, Ken Bitticks, Mark
Brownstein, Jerry Daniels, Maya Fersht (Maya bat Esther), Dr. Samuel Fersht
(Shmuel Natan ben Gittel), Annabelle Flom (Channah Bella bat Kreina), Bernard
Garvin, Leah Granat, Carol Herskowitz, Diana Hirsch, Brandon Joseph, Gabor
Klein, Philip Kovac, Tonya Kronzek (Zlata Malkah bat Sarah Imanu), Marilyn Lee,
David Marks, Sandra Raab, Marguerite Rassiner, Debra Schugar Strauss (Devorah
bat Chaya Feiga), Helen Schugar (Chaya Feiga bat Kreina), Bernie
Seeman, William Sragow, and Jonathan Woolf.
Please let me know if there is anyone you would like to add to this
list or if there is anyone who may be removed from this list.
Next time you come to TBH/CBM, please bring some non-perishable
canned and packaged foods and personal items (no glass) for SOVA.
TBH Religious School and TBH Preschool have
open enrollment. Enroll your children now! Contact the TBH office for
information.
And be sure to tell your neighbors, friends, and relatives about
our warm and welcoming community and our programs!
We are looking for volunteers for services: chant Torah
or Haftarah, daven, lead English readings, deliver d’rashot, and have
aliyot and other Torah/bimah honors. Training available! Contact Rabbi Flom by
e-mail for details and to sign up!
My weekly divrei torah are available through free subscription to
the Cyber Torah e-mail list. No salesman will call! Cyber
Torah list management:
To subscribe to Cyber Torah, send an e-mail from
the receiving address to: ravflom@sbcglobal.net with the
heading “Subscribe Cyber Torah”.
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To dedicate a Cyber Torah in honor of a simchah
in memory of a loved one or for a refuah shleimah, send an e-mail to: ravflom@sbcglobal.net with the heading
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