Words From Rabbi White

Dear Chevra Shaas/Spanish

HIGH SCHOOL ENGLISH

I have told you before about my 9th grade teacher in Boston, Mr. Russo, who was very strict about not beginning a sentence with a conjunction (such as "and" or "but." ) I always remember the time when I had a composition returned with a big red mark, and a point deducted, because I had begun a sentence with the word "and." I went over to him after class and complained "Sir, I was just quoting a verse from the Bible." He answered "if so, you should have put 3 dots in front of the sentence!" Who knew?

If you will ask anyone what is the name of the last parasha in the Torah, they willl probably answer "zot ha-beracha." Actually, if you look carefully at the Hebrew, you will see that it is: "VE-zot ha-berakha", usually translated "AND this is the blessing. Oops! A verse beginning with "and."

Actually, it is most appropriate that it begins with VE. For this comes down to something my first-grade Hebrew teacher said. She had taught us that VE means "and." Actually, that's not always true. It is a conjunction, and often should better be translated as "but."

You see, this parasha follows the parasha "ha'azinu." Now, "ha'azinu" has some beautiful, inspiring verses, but it is basically a song of rebuke: very strong rebuke!

So, after giving the song of rebuke, Moshe says, BUT this is the blessing, and he continues with beautiful words towards each of the tribes indivudually.

As I write these words on Thursday morning, we are all awaiting to hear words of rejoicing about genuine peace, and the return of the hostages.

******

Simcha Foxman observes for his uncle Donald Cherry on Wednesday 23 Tishrei. May the neshama have aliya.

Mo'adim LeSimcha, Shabbat shalom, a "gute kvittel,"

Rabbi Menahem White, Chevra Shaas