Our Chametz

Every year before Passover, Jews across the world scour their homes searching for chametz- anything leavened- and give it away or otherwise get rid of it. We are commanded to eat unleavened bread (matzoh) during these seven days.

At the Women’s Seder, held during Passover at Temple Beth-El, we have a ritual to rid ourselves of the metaphorical leavening inside our hearts. Have we been judgmental of others? Have we gossiped? Have we been too hard on the ones we love? On ourselves? Have we given too little? Or have we given so much to others we’ve neglected our own families? We take time to consider our chametz and write it down on a sheet of paper, which we then rip into tiny pieces and toss into the air. Symbolically, we get rid of our chametz with the hope that we’ll do better in the days and months to come.

There is something refreshing about this ritual- for me, even more so than the cleaning of my home. Spending time with other women, praying, singing and breaking matzoh together makes the evening a special one all the way around. When we leave one another at the end of the Seder, we also leave our chametz behind. Our hearts feel lighter, our burdens are lessened for awhile, and we go home uplifted.

What chametz would you like to rid yourself of this Passover?

V'yirdu

I remember some years ago listening to one of our rabbis read the section of Genesis where Adonai grants humans "dominion" over all of the creatures of the earth, sky, and seas. Afterward, Rabbi said something that has stayed with me-that some of the commentators look at this as "stewardship" instead. I've wondered for a long time about the thinking behind this idea because these two words, at least on the surface, have very different meanings. Recently, I asked Rabbi Block about the Hebrew word and how he would translate it. He said the word is "v'yirdu." Technically the root, y-r-d, means, "to come down," which is usually translated as "to rule from above," making it much closer to "dominion" than "stewardship." Yet, might one also "come down" to be among the creatures of the earth as a caretaker? One could "come down" to make a difference in this world of ours by helping to preserve nature for future generations to enjoy. Or one might "come down" to stand up for what he/she believes is right. Many look at dominion as permission to use up all of our resources. They look at the words in Torah as an excuse to take over the lands of the earth for their benefit, without giving much thought to the other creatures who inhabit it, nor to the future when the earth's non-renewable resources will be gone. With dominion, some people consistently put their desires for money or power above the other animals by doing such things as drilling for oil and destroying habitats, too often for irresponsible reasons. I've been thinking about this lately due to the recent news’ stories denigrating scientists who weren't completely forthcoming with their global warming research. Here's yet another excuse for continuing on the path we've been on for so long. Even if global warming isn't the imminent threat we thought it was, shouldn't we be doing our best to take care of this Earth God so generously gave to us? Shouldn't we be actively working to develop renewable sources of energy instead of squeezing out every last drop of oil on our planet? If we indeed have dominion, isn't it also our charge to dominate wisely? And in that wisdom, doesn't taking care of what we have make much more sense? That sounds a whole lot more like stewardship to me. What do you think?

One of the most valuable assets, if not THE most valuable asset of Temple Beth-El is its members.

People join Temple Beth-El for many different reasons – to support Judaism, to foster connections with other Jews, to be with family, to find oneself spiritually, to give children a Jewish education, you name it. There are about as many reasons why people join the Temple as there are members.

I ask myself all the time, “How can I, as Member Services Coordinator, serve such a diverse group of people? My answer always has something to do with connection. People want connections. Sometimes the connections come with other members on a Friday night, sometimes through those we serve in Social Action projects, and sometimes when you least expect it, via email!

Lately, I’ve been concentrating on fostering connections by asking members to usher and greet at Shabbat Eve Services. Not only is this a mitzvah to perform for one’s congregation, it is also fun, and uplifting, as smiling and saying “Shabbat Shalom” or “Good Shabbos” would put anyone in a great mood! I’ve asked new members, Board members, longtime members, families, singles, and couples, and all who have responded and served have asked to do it again!

If I haven’t asked you yet, I probably will, so be prepared! You could beat me to the punch, however, and send me an email (geri@beth-elsa.org) with the dates you are able to usher and greet, and I will happily schedule you. You’ll be glad you did!

Geri Gregory

Member Services Coordinator