Words From Rabbi White

On the 10^th of Adar, Shulamit Foxman observes yahrzeit for her father, Rabbi Mordecai Singer.

Also, on that day, Charles Stein observes for his mother Giza. 

May their memories be for a blessing.

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Parashat Terumah discusses the building of the mishkan, which was the forerunner of the Temple, which in turn was the forerunner of the synagogue, which indeed was referred to as “miqdash me`at,” a. miniature Temple, by the prophet Ezekiel.

Synagogues are served by rabbis. So, let me tell you a news item about rabbis that was publicized last week, and that bothered me personally very much.

Background to what I want to tell: Growing up in Boston, I received my Jewish/Hebrew education in an institution known as the “Hebrew Teachers College” or HTC for short. Although not what we would call a day school, it was an intensive 5 day curriculum where we learned Talmud, Bible, Rashi, Hebrew Lang and Lit, and Jewish History. Everything was taught in Hebrew, and it was inconceivable to speak to a teacher, even in the hallways, in English. So, I am indebted to the school for having given me a solid background.

The school was founded around 1920, in order to provided teachers for future generations of students.  Hence the word “Teachers” in the name.

Some time after I graduated, the “T” was dropped from the school’s name. Perhaps they realized that most students nowadays had no desire to become teachers.

Around 20 years ago, they created a “non-denominational” rabbinical school. That is, you could take courses, without committing to being Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, or Reconstructionist. At least, the school held on to one requirement: in order to be admitted, or to graduate, your spouse, or boy/girl/they/friend, must be Jewish.

Last week, after much deliberation, the school announced that that requirement had been lifted. Now, according to new policy, it is not only acceptable for a “Rabbi” to officiate at a mixed marriage, but the rabbi him/her/they/self can be married out of the faith.

Sadly, this is an example of “wokeism” carried to the extreme. I am, of course, upset at the sharp left turn my alma mater has taken.

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Since we are already in Adar, and soon will be celebrating Purim, let’s conclude on a lighter note:  There was the man whose doctor told him last month that he was going deaf. He hasn’t heard from the doctor since.

And the man whose landlord complained that the heating bill was too high. He told the landlord: “thank you for telling me. I always keep an open door.”

And the doctor who pointed out that cosmetic plastic surgery used to be a taboo subject, but now no one raises an eyebrow!

I hope you don't think that I am PUNishing you with these "marbim be-simcha" comments.

Shabbat shalom, Rabbi Menahem White