Hakol FEB-MARCH 2011 rfs.pdf - Bethtikvahtoronto.org

RABBI
JARROD GROVER
The Chain of Jewish
Tradition
Most scholars tell us that the first
edition of the Mishnah, the Jewish
legal code upon which the Talmud
is based, could not have been edited later
than the year 218 CE. Scholars were able
to determine this date because we know
that in the same year a rabbi named Abba
bar Ayvo (aka Rav) left Rabbi Judah’s academy
at Sepphoris with the Mishnah in
hand.
Rav was originally from Babylonia and
came to Sepphoris to study with Rabbi
Judah. In time, he became one of Rabbi
Judah’s chief disciples, the latter ordaining
him a rabbi. But Rav did not stay in
Sepphoris forever. He returned to his native
country and established in Sura one of the
great Babylonian academies.
I would like to think that Rabbi Judah
made a special effort to complete the
Mishnah before Rav left to return home to
Babylonia. While we lack evidence, it’s
plausible to imagine that Rabbi Judah foresaw
that his disciple desired eventually to
return home to Babylonia. Therefore,
Rabbi Judah, the responsible teacher,
worked to ensure the Mishnah’s completion
so that Rav would be well-equipped.
Thus, another link is added to the chain of
Jewish tradition. A rabbi is only as effective
as his ability to pass on his knowledge.
Rabbi Judah was fully conscious of this,
and Rav was the beneficiary.
In the same way, I feel privileged to have
inherited much wisdom from my predecessor.
And we should all feel the same way.
Rav based his Talmudic commentary on
the foundation laid by Rabbi Judah, and
we similarly are able to build Beth Tikvah
on the solid foundations laid by Rabbi
Allen and those that came before him.
I join with the congregation in wishing
Rabbi Allen success in his future endeavours.
Not only are we grateful for his many contributions,
but we thank him for ensuring
that we’re prepared to continue our tradition
of excellence.
Thoughts, Mitzvot, and Times for Purim at Beth Tikvah
Adapted by Rabbi Grover
“There is one nation scattered and separated among
the nations whose customs and actions are different,
and they are not worthy of your tolerance.”
–Megillat Esther 3:8
Haman tries to convince Ahashverosh, the
King of Persia, that this different nation
should not be tolerated. Haman succeeds in
winning over the heart of the king and were
it not for the change of events, his plan
would have been actualized. Our sages
teach us that within each of us there resides
an aspect of Haman, of evil, which whispers
to us that the one who is different should
not be tolerated. The mitzvot of Purim are
aimed at deconstructing these perceived differences
and silencing that whisper.
Both men and women are obligated to
observe four unique Mitzvot on Purim.
Megillah - Hearing the reading of the
Megillah enables us to re-live the story
recounting its messages. One is obligated to
hear the Megillah twice; once at night and
once during the day. One must hear every
word of the Megillah read from a “kosher”
parchment. Here at Beth Tikvah we will
read the Megillah: Saturday night, March
19th at 7:05 p.m. (Megillah reading at
8:15 p.m.) and Purim day, Sunday morning
March 20th at 8:30 a.m. (Megillah reading
begins at 9:30 a.m.).
Matanot L’Evyonim - Gifts to the poor,
reminds us that our possessions are in truth
not fully ours. One has a responsibility to
find two poor people and provide each, at
the minimum, enough money for a meal.
In addition to this halakhah, on Purim one
should give to anyone who asks for a donation.
The total giving should ideally be
equivalent to or surpass the amount that one
spends on his/her own Purim Meal. Money
collected by Beth Tikvah this year will be
distributed to the Carmel Fire Crisis Relief
Fund.
Mishloah Manot – Gifts of food to one
another, allows us to reach out to share our
celebration of the day, and to increase love
and friendship with others in the community.
There is a custom to send Mishloah
Manot to those who one has had particularly
strained relations with over the past year.
One is obligated to send two kinds of ready
to eat foods to a fellow Jew to enhance their
Purim meal. We do not send Mishloah
Manot to those who are in mourning.
Seudat Purim - Celebratory Purim Meal.
From a minimalist perspective, one is obligated
to have a meal with bread; however ideally
the meal should be a joyous festive meal,
with meat (for those who eat it), and wine in
an effort to help us blur distinctions that we
often hold fast to. When one drinks wine
he/she easily learns that what distinguishes
him/her from a babbling fool is often only a
few ounces of chemical. This year we will
have a communal seudah with dancing on
Purim Day, March 20th. The program
begins at 6:00 p.m. with meal taking place
before sunset. Minhah and Ma’ariv services
will follow the meal at 7:30 p.m.
With the exception of Megillah, which is
read also at night, all of the mitzvot should
only be performed during the day of Purim.
Note: In the Birkat Hamazon as well as in
the Shemoneh Esrei one should include the
Al Hanisim insertion for Purim; if forgotten
one does not repeat the prayer. Please also
note that preparations for Purim may not
occur on Shabbat. Members may store their
costumes in the synagogue before Shabbat.
In addition, the Fast of Esther begins
Thursday morning March 17th at 6:14 a.m.
and ends at 7:46 p.m. The only restriction
of the fast is eating and drinking. One may
bathe, shave and enjoy live entertainment as
usual. However, as with all fasts, it should
be used as an opportunity for introspection
and personal growth. Our sages have taught
that only one who experiences the Fast of
Esther can truly celebrate on Purim.
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