JEWISH FAMILY EDUCATION

Moral Crisis (Philip Ryken), Los- ships across time: Mesopota- that strong, ethical societies are Mishpacha & Menschlichkeit ing Moses on the Freeway: The 10 mian magic texts, the Egyptian formed around common moral The Jewish Family Identity Forum Commandments in America (Chris Book of the Dead, ancient Greek obligations, rather than around Hedges), Shattered Tablets: Why and Roman philosophy, Confu- needs or interests, around giv- We Ignore the Ten Commandments cianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and ing and doing for others rather at Our Peril (David Klinghoffer). more. The Decalogue, however, than getting. The Ten A popular topic, yes. But is unparalleled in its assertion The significance of the Ten when the subject matter is that God commands moral be- Commandments isn’t limited to Commandments moral decision-making, the tone havior, an idea known as ethical prohibitions against idolatry or is pessimistic. monotheism. murder or adultery. Its radical It would appear that the Ten of the hundreds of titles. Why have the command- A second innovation in the messages aren’t just that ethical Commandments have become While these topics have noth- ments become such a popular Decalogue is that religious and societies are formed around quite popular lately. After all, ing to do with morality, the idea theme today? What makes the secular/social obligations are obligations; being religious is you can go into any bookstore of a fixed set of guiding prin- Ten Commandments of biblical inseparable: they all emanate inseparable from being ethi- and find “The Ten Command- ciples for decision-making has a origin so unique? And how can from God. Religious life is not cal; and morality is absolute, powerful appeal. a commitment to them help us relegated to “synagogue on dictated by God. Yet the upbeat tone of titles in our dual missions to become Saturday” but is experienced With principles designed to connecting the commandments better individuals (menschen) and commanded — as we speak bring about the vision of creat- Candace R. with today’s secular pursuits and to repair our world? out against genocide, return a ing moral individuals and just Kwiatek isn’t mirrored in those of a Also known as Aseret haDibrot lost object, or give testimony in societies, it is “…a body of law more religious nature: Whatever (the Ten Statements) or the Dec- court. as revolutionary as the wheel, Happened to the Ten Command- alogue, the Ten Commandments Being religious means acting as influential as the plow, and ments? (Ernest Reisinger), Broken were popular in ancient times as ethically and morally in daily as earth-shattering as any other ments of…” marriage bliss, fund Tablets: Restoring the Ten Com- well. During the Second Temple life as much as it means par- major event in history…the raising, trimming tax bills, posi- mandments and Ourselves (Rachel era, they were recited aloud in ticipating in religious worship. Ten Commandments helped tive thinking, losing weight, and Mikva, ed.), Written in Stone: The the daily prayers and comprised As Thomas reshape not data security, just to name a few Ten Commandments and Today’s one of the passages in tefillin Cahill writes only the Jews (prayer boxes worn on the head in his Gifts of What makes the but all civilized and arm). the Jews, “… Ten Command- peoples (Rabbi Fearing that the command- the Jews were Benjamin Blech, ments would become the only the first people ments of biblical Jewish History part of the Torah so honored, to develop an origin so unique? and Culture).” the early sages discontinued integrated view Reshaped, yes their appearance in the syna- of life and its — in the past. gogue liturgy sometime during obligations… The material and But do the Ten Commandments the first centuries of the com- the spiritual, the intellectual and continue to shape our lives, our mon era. With the development the moral were one…” communities, and our country? of Christianity, the Decalogue A final unprecedented ac- In future columns, I’ll explore — in modified form — became complishment of the Ten Say- the significance of each of the one of the only elements of the ings was to create a community commandments, their influence abrogated “Old Testament” to united by common obligations on us and on our communities become part of the new reli- rather than by common interests. today, and their usefulness as gion’s framework. Security, culture, food guides in our everyday lives. Short and easy to remember production, beliefs, trade, and by counting on one’s fingers, language all have provided the Family Discussion: Can you the Ten Commandments are a basis for forming communities name all Ten Commandments? simple set of rules for relating to throughout time. In order? Which one do you God and people. When the Israelites asserted think is most important and Using a modern business at Sinai, “All the things that the why? What do you think should analogy, Nathan Laufer (The Lord has commanded we will have been included and wasn’t? Genesis of Leadership) explains, do (Ex. 24:3)!” they founded the How would the character of an “God’s dream at creation had first recorded community based individual or society change if been to create beings in God’s on obligation — to God and to one were eliminated? own image who would act with one another — not based on What will sensitivity and responsibility security, nor on economics, nor Candace R. Kwiatek is a writer, toward God and other human on power. educator and consultant in Jewish you do? beings…” What the Ten Sayings teach is and secular education. Left to their own devices, humans did not live up to the dream. So, Laufer continues, Literature to share THE MIAMI VALLEY SCHOOL “the Bible begins to spell out in EARLY CHILDHOOD - GRADE 12 chapter 20 (Exodus) the funda- America’s Prophet: Moses and the American Story by mental strategic values neces- Bruce Feiler – Another winner from the popular Walking sary for achieving that vision…” the Bible author, American Prophet traces the influence of the — that is, the Ten Command- biblical Moses on America’s history and character. From the Contact the Admission Office ments. earliest pilgrims to the latest presidents, from the U.S. seal to In a world of endless com- Superman, Moses has been an endless source of quotation, at (937) 434-4444 or email peting choices, a framework of inspiration, and emulation — a singular influence in the [email protected] commandments identifies key American story. Highly readable and thought provoking. values and provides direction Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman by Marc Nobleman for decision-making. for more information. — With its comic-book art style, this clever biography for But what makes the Ten Com- elementary ages captures the story of Superman’s creation and mandments so unique? After the lives of his creators through picture and word. A window all, many other cultures offer into 20th-century history, the publishing world, and the Jewish wisdom and ethical literature influences on this American hero, Boys of Steel is sure to appeal that have regulated individual www.mvschool.com to Superman fans and create a few more as well. behavior and human relation-

PAGE 22 THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • FEBRUARY 2010 JEWISH FAMILY EDUCATION

Perhaps not. doesn’t need to be commanded combining “I am the Lord your Mishpacha & Menschlichkeit Egypt had no day of rest for its to believe and the non-believer God” with “You shall have no The Jewish Family Identity Forum slaves, and it wasn’t that long ago will fi nd the command irrelevant other gods” and further dividing when America’s “blue laws” were (Rabbi Assaf Bednarsh, Is Belief in the other Commandments, led to eliminated. In ancient Greece, it God a Miztvah? Maimonides on the the most commonly-used phrase was common practice for Spar- First Commandment). “Ten Commandments.” On whose authority? tans to leave sick or disabled Rather than command belief, It turns out that the opening The First Commandment babies on hilltops to die. Simi- this fi rst statement establishes words of Aseret ha-Dibrot are nei- larly, the Dutch recently adopted God’s authority to make demands ther a command nor a mere intro- “If there is no God, all is per- subsequent commands. guidelines to allow for euthanasia which otherwise would be mere ductory phrase. Rather, they are mitted,” argues Ivan Karamazov The author of the Decalogue of severely disabled newborns, suggestions. the foundation of all that follows, in Doestoevsky’s The Brothers is stating His identity, noting His a position now being debated in But if this fi rst statement isn’t a for the Commandments have no Karamazov. right to make future demands. Oregon where physician-assisted command, then why do we refer power without fi rst recognizing After all, without God, who And as their source is divine, not suicide is legal. to these verses as the Ten Com- the authority of the Author. then has the authority to deter- human, they are thus eternal and On the other hand, it certainly mandments? In future columns, I’ll continue mine right and wrong? The state? unaffected by the secular world wasn’t reasonable for righteous Actually, in Jewish tradition, to explore the signifi cance of each Its laws only establish what is (Nachum Sarna, JPS Torah Com- gentiles to rescue Jews during we don’t. In the Torah they are of the Ten Commandments, their permitted and forbidden in a par- mentary). the Holocaust nor is it reasonable called Aseret ha-D’varim, while infl uence on us and on our com- ticular place at a particular time Either ethics originate from the to return the extra change to the in rabbinic texts they are Aseret munities today, and their useful- — and once you cross a border, one true God, or they are subjec- cashier who makes an error; but it ha-Dibrot, two related phrases best ness as guides in our everyday the rules may be different. tively created by multiple gods is moral. translated as the Ten Statements. lives. The individual? Same prob- or humans. Those are the only In the words of Rabbi Joseph The Greek Decalogue, “Ten possible sources. Telushkin, “Unfortunately, the Words,” is also an accurate Family Discussion: How One God as a source of moral- belief that reason will lead people rendering of the Hebrew term. could reason lead to each of ity was a novel concept to the to morality is itself unreasonable. Altered divisions of the Com- the Commandments – and its Candace R. ancients. In that world, multiple Reason is amoral, and how can mandments in the Christian opposite? Can you fi nd examples Kwiatek gods modeled competing behav- something amoral — something tradition, most frequently by of each in the news? iors, made contradictory de- that can and has been used to mands, and gener- justify good, evil, ally allowed humans This fi rst and amoral behav- lems — different people reach dif- to make their own statement ior alike (hence ferent conclusions about morality rules, blurring the the word rational- and behavior. distinction between establishes ization) — bring Judaism’s view is the mirror right and wrong. God’s authority people to morality Go to Hell and Back! opposite of that of Karamazov: One God as a (A Code of Jewish Eth- There is a God, and not all is per- source of morality to make ics I)?” mitted. This idea is perhaps best is an uncomfortable demands So what about refl ected in the Ten Command- concept to moderns. atheists or agnos- ments, which include the direc- In today’s secular world, parents, tics? Without an objective stan- tives to observe the Sabbath and peers, professors, and others with dard of morality, are they doomed honor parents along with prohi- whom we have contact every to be evil? No, many are highly bitions against false testimony, day often hold different views moral individuals. murder, and adultery. about what is good, right, or just, But what they believe to be But it is the beginning of frequently coercing or demand- right and good has no objective the Commandments that is of ing behaviors from others that foundation and therefore little Charles Gounod particular interest, for in Jewish conform to their views. chance of being passed on to the tradition the opening statement is How is one to know what next generation. not actually a command at all. is right and good? That is the Their subjective morality is cut- Sat., Apr. 10FAUST & Fri., Apr. 16 at 8 p.m. “I the Lord am your God who purpose of the First Command- fl ower ethics, a term inspired by brought you out of the land of ment: to identify the authority, the American Jewish social philoso- Sun., Apr. 18 at 3 p.m. Egypt, the house of bondage (Ex. source, for the objective standards pher Will Herberg: “Cut fl owers Schuster Center 20:1).” of morality that will follow. retain their original beauty and A Devilish Masterpiece Similar to the opening lines of Some would argue that human fragrance, but only so long as royal proclamations and inscrip- reason is suffi cient for morality. they retain the vitality that they tions in the ancient Near East, After all, isn’t it reasonable to have drawn from their now-sev- this statement establishes the create a society that establishes a ered roots; after that is exhausted, sovereign authority behind the day of rest and prohibits murder? they wither and die (Judaism and Laugh Your Socks Off! Modern Man).” On a different note, there is W.S.Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan Literature to share some argument in the commen- taries about whether the state- Hidden Light: Science Secrets of the Bible by Dr. David ment, “I the Lord am your God” Medved: The modern, scientifi c mind raises many critiques NewTHE York Gilbert MIKADO & Sullivan Players should be considered a command. Albert Bergeret, Artistic Director of the Bible’s veracity. However, Medved argues that the After all, Maimonides counts Bible is full of modern scientifi c concepts. From the phys- faith in God as a mitzvah (com- Fri., May 14 & Sat., May 15 at 8 p.m. ics of the origins of the universe to the chemistry of techelet, mandment), citing the above Sun. May 16 at 3 p.m. the biblical blue, the author explores the “hidden science” verse as his biblical source. throughout the Bible’s 24 books. While the concepts are Schuster Center The majority of commentators A Comic Masterpiece challenging, the author’s clear explanations and engaging disagree, however, viewing this style make this book accessible even to a science novice. verse as a statement of theological fact. The Yankee at the Seder by Elka Weber: The Civil War has just The medieval Spanish philoso- ended and a Yankee soldier on leave has just appeared on pher Rav Hasdai Crescas goes Tickets On Sale Now! your Confederate doorstep. What would you do? Based on one step further, pointing out that a true story, this illustrated tale captures the true meaning it is circular reasoning to speak of 228-3630 of the freedom we celebrate each Passover. Share this one at God commanding us to believe Or visit www.daytonopera.org your Seder. in God. After all, the believer

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MARCH 2010 PAGE 21 JEWISH FAMILY EDUCATION

Yet, the highly educated polytheism as “the worship of is that any value, no matter how Mishpacha & Menschlichkeit professor and philosopher Peter one or several attributes of God meaningful or beautiful, when The Jewish Family Identity Forum Singer of Princeton advocates to the exclusion of all others.” divorced from goodness and ethics based on utility: the ethical Love to the exclusion of God, can easily lead to evil. Put is that which is useful. hatred, compassion to the exclu- in theological terms, any value Reasoning that violence was sion of justice, kindness to the that becomes an end in itself can Even two is too many the only way to oppose tax exclusion of anger are all forms of easily become a false god.” The Second Commandment increases, a pilot recently crashed idol-worship. In future columns, I will con- his plane into a Texas IRS build- It was not enough for the tinue to explore the signifi cance Ba’al. Moloch. Ra. Aphrodite. came to mean drunkenness, ing. Commandments or for us today of each of the Commandments, Zeus. In ancient days, people sexual license, or other immoral Lauded by its perpetrators, the to simply assert that God is one. their infl uence on us and on our worshipped multiple gods who, practices associated with the Final Solution was completely What the Second Commandment communities today, and their they believed, controlled what Greco-Roman world.” legal in Nazi Germany. teaches is that we should beware usefulness as guides in our every- they could see in the natural In the medieval era of Mai- Yes, these are extremes. But of elevating anything in the uni- day lives. world around them: the sun, the monides, idolatry shifted yet when we spend more time en- verse — objects, behaviors, ideas, seasons, childbirth, love, war. again to “believing in an image of couraging our children to pursue feelings — to the level of a god. Family Discussion: What is Idols of clay and stone, popu- God that you have concocted in an Ivy League education than That includes ourselves, for the meaning of the following lar artifacts in today’s museums, your mind.” goodness, we’re worshipping the Commandment can also be statement: “Whoever were once venerated as if they So, if idolatry isn’t limited to idols. read, “Don’t make yourself a acknowledges idolatry were the very gods themselves. the polytheism, immoral prac- When we reason that taxes hewn statue,” do not presume to disavows the whole Torah, and This reality is the origin of the tices, or anthropomorphism of already take care of the poor so think of yourself as a god, either. whoever disavows idolatry Midrash in which Abraham, rec- yesteryear, what does it mean? we don’t need to give tzedakah, In the words of Dennis Prager acknowledges the whole Torah What are the elohim acherim – we’re worshipping idols. in his essay collection Think a Sec- (Sifre Deuteronomy 28).” What the “other gods” of the Second When we keep the extra ond Time, “The most fundamental signifi cance does it have for how Commandment? What do we change from a cashier, thinking, teaching of ethical monotheism you live your life? Candace R. idolize today? Money. Power. “She made the mistake. Legally, I Kwiatek Work. Fame. can keep it,” we are worshipping These are some of the most idols. The Estate Planning and Probate Team wish you a frequent and obvious responses By themselves, education, to the question. By themselves reason, and law are unobjection- ognizing that there is only God, these values are not able. But they have Happy Passover smashes the idols in his father’s idols: they can be We should become the gods of workshop. But these gods don’t pursued in a moral our time, replacing have anything to do with us manner and can beware of God as the source today. Or do they? produce great good. elevating of morality. In the opening statement of the However, when Haven’t we done Ten Commandments, God asserts they compete with anything in the same with art? his singularity. So doesn’t that or undermine Progress? Psychol- make the Second Commandment God-given moral- the universe... ogy? When these — “You shall have no other gods ity — as when their to the level worldly ventures besides Me” — superfl uous? pursuit causes the become valued 937.223.1130 On the other hand, its empha- individual to start of a god. above the quest for sis may be to avoid making phys- defi ning right and God-defi ned good- pselaw.com ical idols, as the Commandment wrong for himself, or when their ness, they turn us into idolaters. continues: “You shall not make achievement results in the indi- Daily we see examples, such for yourself a sculptured image, vidual viewing himself as a god as Maplethorpe’s art exhibit, or any likeness of what is in the — the sole author of his success ethnic cleansing, and the “Offi cer heavens above, or on the earth — then they have crossed the line Krupke defense” of criminals: A Legal Professional Association below, or in the waters under the into idolatry. “Dear kindly Sergeant Krupke, Practicing Law Since 1915 earth. You shall not bow down to What about Education? Rea- You gotta understand, It’s just them or serve them.” son? Law? We worship the intel- our bringin’ up-ke, That gets us Serving Dayton, Serving You. But if that’s all the Second lectual (the more education, the out of hand (Stephen Sondheim, Commandment means, then isn’t better), accepting the scholar’s West Side Story).” it essentially irrelevant? After all, pronouncements as truth. Even love, compassion, and while we do make representation- We worship reason; after all, kindness — all God-like values al artwork, its images certainly through reason we can determine we are to emulate — have be- aren’t viewed or treated as gods. what is good and what is evil, come idols. On the contrary, the Second can’t we? We worship the law, The Italian mystic Elijah Be- Commandment has always because it has the power to defi ne namozegh explains this trans- been relevant. Even in ancient right and wrong. formation best when he defi nes times, idolatry wasn’t limited to physical idol worship, accord- ing to biblical scholar Yehezkel Literature to share Kaufman and others. Jewish Stories from Heaven and Earth Best Wishes for a Early peoples worshipped , Rabbi Dov Peretz gods, spirits, even ideas — fate, Elkins, editor: If you love to explore Jewish values through love, power — independent of stories, this is the book for you. Story authors include the Happy Passover physical statues or holy spaces. famous — Elie Wiesel and Peninnah Schram — and the Furthermore, over time the not-so-famous “person next door,” who share experiences “understanding of idolatry has of courage, wonder, and achievement. Inspirational! changed considerably as social The Bedtime Sh’ma conditions and intellectual cur- by Sarah Gershman: In simple words Joseph Litvin rents have changed,” writes Ken- and serene artwork, this magical picture book captures neth Seeskin in No Other Gods. He some of the basic ideas in the end-of-the-day prayer. Win- The Montgomery County Engineer explains that the ancient idolatry ner of the Sydney Taylor Award for Jewish literature, Bedtime Sh’ma of graven images changed in the is perfect for the ritual of “one last story” Paid for by the Litvin for Engineer Campaign Committee rabbinic period, when “...idolatry for young children. Elaine D. Litvin, Treasurer, 6460 Noranda Drive, Dayton, OH 45415-2029

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2010 PAGE 43 JEWISH FAMILY EDUCATION Mishpacha & Menschlichkeit — it’s an empty purpose. The First Commandment In future columns, I will The nuances of Hebrew offer establishes God as the single continue to explore the signifi - The Jewish Family Identity Forum yet another possibility: “You shall source of all creation and ethics. cance of each of the Command- not swear falsely by the name of The Second says we are not to ments, their infl uence on us and the Lord your God...” Not “vain” elevate anything in the universe on our communities today, and or “empty,” but “false” — as in — including ourselves — to the their usefulness as guides in our Watch your language committing perjury in a legal level of a god. The Third cau- everyday lives. The Third Commandment setting. tions against words or deeds that According to Rashi, this Com- would weaken people’s belief, Family Discussion: According You’d think the current trends name is never pronounced, re- mandment cautions us about respect, and awe for God and to Rabbi Joseph Telushkin in A to get God out of the public placed instead by a euphemism. using God’s name in a vain, thereby diminish God’s presence Code of Jewish Ethics I, sanctifying arena — no prayer in schools, no Because names and reputa- pointless, or insincere oath. At in the world. God’s name means that a Jew commandments in courthouses, tions go hand-in-hand, to avoid fi rst, this seems to be a rather Don’t disrespect or trivialize should conduct his life in such no crosses on city seals — would diminishing God’s reputation in narrow interpretation; after all, God. Don’t use God’s name in a way that non-Jews will think, have made the Third Command- the world, we treat God’s name how many opportunities do we magical thinking, to manipu- “If that is how Judaism causes ment largely irrelevant. with respect. have to swear in God’s name? late or control God. Don’t make Jews to act, then Judaism is a After all, if God is relegated But in the midst of Command- Then again, have we ever used false oaths or use God’s name to wonderful religion and Jews are to the religious environment, the ments to reject idols, remember the phrase “so help me God” to conceal a lie or evildoing. Don’t good people.” chance of “vain” or “irreverent” the Sabbath, and eschew murder, mask a lie? break your word. Don’t use God Desecrating God’s name is use of God is diminished. doesn’t avoiding the frivolous David Klinghoffer (Shattered for selfi sh gains. Don’t misrep- when a Jew, acting in a dishonest use of God’s name seem a bit Tablets) offers an additional resent God in the public sphere or obnoxious manner in dealings trivial? perspective, explaining that this through word or deed. with non-Jews, causes them to The original Hebrew suggests Commandment “…involves lift- Each time we break this Com- view Jews and/or Judaism with Candace R. a second interpretation. “You ing up His Name ‘for falsehood’ mandment, we are saying we contempt. Kwiatek are not to take up (upon the lips, as you would lift up a banner or don’t take God seriously. And if How are sanctifying and des- utter) the name of Hashem your fl ag... If (a) ship fl ies the fl ag of a we don’t take God seriously, why ecrating God’s name connected God for emptiness…,” writes country under false pretenses … should anyone else? to the Third Commandment? Everett Fox in the English transla- we say it is ‘sailing under false Yet God-talk increasingly tion most closely aligned with colors.’ People often sail under seems to be everywhere: “God the Hebrew. Emptiness, not just false colors, claiming a distinction Is your son Speaks” billboards. “Higher frivolity. So what is an “empty” or an affi liation they don’t actu- Authority” hot dog advertising. use of God’s ally possess.” or daughter Bruce Almighty on the big screen. name? In ancient Each time we Politicians who graduating Quantity is not quality, however, cultures, posses- “get God” to get and the Third Commandment sion of a god’s break this into offi ce. Solici- from high school challenges us to watch the quality name implied Commandment, tors who claim to this spring? of our language. infl uence and be doing God’s In a number of translations, power; people we are saying work to encour- the command reads as follows: believed names we don’t take age more generos- The Jewish Observer is happy to offer you a “You shall not take the Name of were powerful ity. Assassins and FREE announcement, including a photo, the Lord, your God, in vain, for tools that allowed God seriously. suicide bombers in our June graduation issue. the Lord will not absolve anyone them to control who claim God who takes His Name in vain.” the spirits. sanctions their actions. Those To receive a form for this free announcement, contact According to the most com- God tells the Israelites, how- who use God to legitimize their Lisa Livermore at 610-1555 or [email protected]. mon interpretation, the main ever, that He is different, that He own selfi sh purposes desecrate issue of the Third Commandment cannot be controlled or manipu- God’s name and bring God All forms must be received by May 3 seems to be the disrespectful or lated. into disrepute in the eyes of the to be included in our graduation issue. profane use of God’s name, as in Do we approach God as a world. increasingly common interjec- celestial butler? “If you do just Revisiting the Hebrew one last tions. this one thing, God, then I will time, it becomes clear that the To avoid dishonoring God by _____” Do we pray for some out- Third Commandment is not just being irreverent, many avoid us- come and then fume when God about how we speak: “You shall ing God’s name outside of prayer “doesn’t come through?” Do we not carry the Name of the Lord, or Bible study, and a common believe that if we give more tze- your God, in vain...” Not just substitute in Jewish circles is to dakah or checked the mezuzah, speak or swear, but carry. use “G-d” in writing or the term God will prevent some calamity “That means that actions, Hashem (The Name). Even when or reward us in some manner? behaviors, and positions we take Classical 88.1 invites reading from the Torah scroll Don’t try to control Me by calling in God’s name must not defame the community itself, God’s four-letter Hebrew upon My name, God commands Him,” writes Laura Schlessinger to join us as we in The Ten Commandments. When a Jew wears a kipah celebrate our 2010 Literature to share in public, he is “carrying God’s Young Talent Search name.” What image of God does winners with a free Start-Up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle by he project if he helps a stranded recital at U.D. Sears Dan Senor and Saul Singer: From the very fi rst anecdote motorist? A Jewish bride “carries about an Israeli fraud-hunter whose system wowed the God’s name.” When she turns Hall on Sunday, internet giant PayPal, I was hooked. Engaging, informative, into a bridezilla, what image of May 16 at 2 pm. and not too technical, Start-Up Nation answers the question: God does she communicate? “How do they do it?” and offers solutions for America’s cur- When a businessperson, Seven area young classical musicians will rent economic mess. lawyer or teacher is known to be Jewish, he or she he is “carrying perform live, showcasing their talents. Nachshon, Who Was Afraid to Swim by Deborah Cohen:Bold God’s name.” illustrations capture the fl avor of ancient days as the simple Bernie Madoff, Dennis Prager, The 2010 Young Talent Search was sponsored text recounts a midrash about the fi rst person to step into Barbra Streisand, Harold Kush- by generous grants from Dr. Benjamin Schuster, the Reed Sea during the Exodus. A perfect tale to share in Grain Berry Antioxidant Foods, and Sebaly, Shillito & Dyer. ner: they all “carry God’s name.” the days between Passover and Shavuot, Nachshon is about Do they honor or desecrate God’s faith and bravery. image in the world? THE VOICE OF THE ARTS

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MAY 2010 PAGE 31 Jewish apps JEWISH FAMILY EDUCATION Continued from Page 23 ers, carpooling. another stumbling block to Shab- (bit.ly/happ07). Mishpacha & Menschlichkeit For six days you are you to bat observance: “He belonged to Not surprisingly, Jewish The Jewish Family Identity Forum work and serve others, a-v-d a synagogue, but he had never food-related apps are quite (like avadim in the Passover song thought of the Sabbath as any- common. Let’s say you’ve en- Avadim Hayinu, Once We Were thing but an antiquated practice joyed your meal and you want Slaves.) reserved for those with a masoch- to wait the prescribed amount Back to the beginning However, on the seventh day istic taste for censorious laws.” of time between meat and dairy. The Fourth Commandment you are not to be a slave, not to The problem is that we have Just start your ParveOMeter. people, not to things. trouble giving up control; with- The countdown clock will tell It has been a season of simchas. What a shame if we don’t. Af- “The Sabbath is the ultimate out laws, we remain enslaved to you when it’s time to indulge. Among our extended family and ter all, the concept of Shabbat — a statement that the world does not the responsibilities and demands My only qualm is that the friends have been numerous day set apart by God, unrelated own us (Rachel Mikva, Broken of the workweek. On the other app has very limited preferenc- weddings and graduations, two to natural cycles like the sun or Tablets).” hand, Shabbat focused only on es to allow customization for birthdays, a military commission moon — was a singularly unique limits leaves little room for rejoic- various community traditions ceremony, a Bat Mitzvah, a brit, invention of the Jewish people, The roadblocks ing. for waiting (bit.ly/happ08). and a pidyon haben. one that has spread to the four Despite Shabbat’s compelling • Practicalities. Shabbat seems Some apps try to do almost Despite their infrequency, the corners of the earth. purpose, there appear to be fi ve to be so overwhelming. One of any function you can think of. key roadblocks to embracing its the biggest roadblocks is know- Others are determined to focus The origin observance on any level. ing what to do or where to begin. on one goal only. I would say Shabbat fi rst appears not • God and Torah. For those “I like the idea of keeping the that the KosherFish app falls Candace R. as a noun but as a verb, at the who do not view the Torah as Sabbath,” writes Shulevitz, “but into the latter category. end of the Creation story (Gen. God-given or God-inspired, the at the thought of actually do- When you activate it, you are Kwiatek 2:2): “God had fi nished, on the Commandments are simply sug- ing it, of passing an entire day presented with a very, very long seventh day, his work that he had gestions or good ideas. Shabbat following strange rules while list of kosher fi sh. With this app made, and then he ceased (vayish- as a command has no meaning. refraining from customary rec- in hand, never again will you celebrations of these extraordi- bot), on the seventh day, from all • The Rational Mind. In the reations, I am knocked fl at by a have to walk away from your nary moments were familiar: spe- his work that he had made.” modern scientifi c view, Shab- wave of anticipated boredom.” local market wondering wheth- cial clothes, choreographed ritu- Based on the Hebrew sh-b-t, bat observance makes sense as a Faced with a lack of knowl- er you can feast on Jewfi sh, als, inspirational music, delicious “ceased,” often misleadingly retreat from overscheduled lives edge or an all-or-nothing attitude Mozambique Mouthbrooder or repasts, and much bonhomie. translated as “rest- or, in the words about observance, it’s hard to even Porkfi sh while remaining What a shame that our reli- ed,” Shabbat is the Shabbat fi rst of a recent Bat take that fi rst step. faithful to your heritage (bit.ly/ gious tradition’s most signifi cant action of “ceasing appears not Mitzvah sermon, We complain that we have no happ09). — and most frequent — celebra- from creating.” a stress-reliever. time. We complain that we’re Next month, we’ll explore tory moment in time is neither In the Fourth as a noun but It’s an opportunity drained. We complain that we’re more iPhone app freebies for as familiar nor as exalted, except Commandment (Ex. as a verb, at for relaxation and slaves. tourists to Israel and lovers of among the most observant: Shab- 20:8-10), Shabbat renewal. For the At some point we all look for Hebrew. bat. becomes a noun, the end of the philosopher, Shab- a Sabbath, a withdrawal from the A reminder: I use “bit.ly” We block out time on our similarly connot- Creation story bat is a symbol: world by whatever name. in my column to shorten what calendars to attend weddings and ing desisting from it represents “the So we sign up for yoga, go are often extremely long Web graduations. We plan ahead to creative work: “Remember the social morality of time,” remind- on retreats, take vacations. The addresses. Just type the address shop for birthday presents. We Sabbath day (yom haShabbat), to ing us to be more sensitive to problem is that each of these mo- I provide into the space at the spend hours in the kitchen pre- hallow it. For six days, you are to workers’ rights for shorter hours mentary escapes still involves our top of your browser — not the paring for a brit or dinner party. serve (ta’avod) and are to make all or more vacation time (Judith creative energies; still keeps us Google search box — hit enter, We dress up in our fi nest for a Bar your work, but the seventh day Shulevitz, The Sabbath World). slaves to money, schedules, and and it will deliver you to the Mitzvah or an awards ceremony. is Sabbath (Shabbat) for the Lord Shabbat’s “rejection of slav- bosses; still leaves us anchored in proper site. But what about Shabbat? Do your God: you are not to make ery” is a symbolic reminder to the ordinary world. So it doesn’t we block out the time on our cal- any kind of work…” confront child labor and forced satisfy our soul. Mark Mietkiewicz is a Toronto- endar? Shop ahead? Set a festive But Shabbat is not just cessa- prostitution. Shabbat is valuable Perhaps it’s time to make the based Web site producer who table? Cook a special meal? Dress tion from creative work; it is also only if it has a utilitarian purpose. conscious choice to ignore the writes, lectures and teaches about up in something special? Join a release from slavery to the de- • Egotism. We humans have a roadblocks, go back to the begin- the Jewish Internet. Contact him at with others for ritual and friend- manding “masters” of everyday tendency to see ourselves as om- ning, and explore the possibilities [email protected] ship? life: bosses, homework, comput- nipotent imagineers, designers, of a moment set apart: Shabbat. and creators. We are the center of the universe. We are in constant Family Discussion: How are you demand. We have constant a slave to the creative world? demands. Shabbat interferes in Which roadblocks prevent our self-important, self-idolatrous you from fully engaging with lives. Shabbat? What is one thing you • The Laws. In writing about could do to invite Shabbat into her husband, Shulevitz highlights your life?

Literature to share

The Sabbath World: Glimpses of a Different Order of Time by Judith Shulevitz is an intricate weaving of sociology, his- tory, philosophy, and memoir. While the author clearly has mixed emotions about the traditional practice of Shabbat, her fascination with the topic has led to a thoughtful, mov- ing, and rich volume.

Hanna’s Sabbath Dress by Itzhak Schweiger-Dmi’el recounts the tale of a little girl who, all dressed up for Shabbat, is faced with an ethical problem. This longtime favorite for preschoolers is still so popular that a play script and a You Tube version can be found on the Internet.

PAGE 24 THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JUNE 2010 JEWISH FAMILY EDUCATION

our parents, our children will God’s emissaries on earth. in the real world is not just. Mishpacha & Menschlichkeit take care of us, helping us liter- Parents are the bridge be- Justice without a foundation in The Jewish Family Identity Forum ally to live longer. Symbolically, tween God and humankind. the Eternal cannot last. By hon- the quality and meaning of our On a simple level, parents are oring parents one honors the lives is lengthened (deepened) God’s emissaries when they values of holiness and justice. Between Heaven & Earth through the deference, nobil- give birth and guide the devel- Parents are the bridge between ity, and, sometimes, sacrifi ce opment of a child’s relation- heaven and earth. The Fifth Commandment that characterizes honoring ships with God and others. This Parents are so special that the one’s parents. Or perhaps role is underscored not only by command to honor is absolute. From the very fi rst word, the the same pattern — “Do not the primary benefi ciary isn’t the position of the Fifth Com- Aging, infi rmity, or dementia Fifth Commandment — “Honor dishonor your parents” — it the individual at all; instead, mandment on the fi rst tablet, don’t lessen a parent’s signifi - your father and your mother, too would have identifi ed only honoring parents ensures the but also by the identical Com- cance or the obligation to honor, in order that your days may be what to avoid. continuation of society through mand throughout the Torah to just as the broken fi rst set of prolonged on the soil that the But it’s not enough to simply the preservation of its wisdom, “honor” both God and parents. tablets was still considered holy Lord your God is giving you” avoid dishonoring a parent. values, and beliefs. When you honor a parent, it is and treated with honor by the — raises questions. Simple That could be accomplished So exactly what makes as if you honor God. ancient Israelites. questions, like what does honor by having no interaction at parents so special that they Parents are also the bridge Even the dishonorable par- all. No, we are to actively seek appear in the Big Ten, that they between the individual and ent, “the cruel, crazy, or crimi- out opportunities to honor our are treated as if they are on a society. It is within the fam- nal,” as Mogel writes, is to be parents. pedestal, that they are paired ily where the child learns and honored, if only at a minimal Candace R. The fulfi llment of this Com- with a reward, that they alone practices the ethics and morals, level. Kwiatek mandment actually begins are honored even after death by rules and behaviors necessary We cannot ignore our par- with the parents, not the child. 12 months of mourning? to function in society. Honor- ents, but we can establish our When a dad offers a steadying The answer can be found in ing parents helps the child own creative boundaries. Move arm to his own infi rm parent, the very structure of the Ten make the leap from being an away. Call but don’t visit. Send mean and why does the Com- a mom calls her parents to say Commandments. Written on individual (the world revolves a note. Provide care through a mandment repeat the word hi, and they speak respectfully two tablets of stone, the Five around me) to being a civilized third party. There is no opt-out your? It also raises deeper ques- about the child’s grandparents, Commandments on the fi rst person in society. Parents are clause. tions such as why is it grouped “honor” is no longer an abstrac- are between people and God, thus God’s emissaries when It is no accident that the He- with the God-centered Com- tion. the rabbis of the they raise good people who brew term for honor and heavy mandments and what does the Parents also Parents are Talmud explain: build and maintain good societ- is the same. Honoring parents is reward mean? teach honor by ex- “I am God. Do not ies. The message is clear that a heavy obligation. It challenges The Torah does not com- pecting behaviors the bridge have other gods. the family — not the individual, us to discover and acknowledge mand us to love, respect, or that demonstrate Don’t take God’s not the village — is the most the role our parents play in our even obey our parents. Love honor: “Offer to between name in vain. Re- important building block of a lives. It demands action and (a feeling of tenderness) and help mom with the God and member Creation stable and successful society. encourages creativity. It puts respect (a feeling of high re- groceries.” “Ask through Shabbat. Parents are, most signifi cant- the fate of society directly into gard) are too easily dismissed before borrow- humankind. Honor your father ly, the bridge between holiness our own hands. And it draws by claiming our parents didn’t ing dad’s tools.” and your mother.” and justice. As explained by us a bit closer to heaven. earn them, so we are freed from “Don’t interrupt.” Those on the second tablet, Dennis Prager in his lectures on any obligation. Yet, many parents “feel guilty the rabbis of the Talmud ex- the Torah, the fi rst Four Com- Family Discussion: Put your Obey indicates that we must about demanding respect from plain, are between people and mandments are about holiness, creative energies to use: list 10 do everything parents demand, their children,” writes Wendy people: “Don’t murder. Don’t recognizing God and His place ways you could honor your even to the extreme. Instead, we Mogel, author of the classic steal. Don’t commit adultery. in the universe, while the last parents. Add another 10. Can are told to honor our parents, to Blessing of a Skinned Knee. She Don’t lie. Don’t covet.” fi ve are about man’s role in you get to 36? Could you come show deference and courtesy to concludes that today, “more So why is the Commandment creating a just world. up with a different way for each them. Furthermore, the Torah than ever, we sympathetic, fair- to honor parents on the fi rst, By their position on the fi rst week of the year? makes it clear that this defer- minded parents need to make God-centered tablet when it tablet, parents are a sign that ence is to be shown equally to a conscious effort to establish seems to be a people-to-people holiness and justice are inti- Candace R. Kwiatek is a writer, each parent by repeating the ourselves as the honored rulers Commandment? Because par- mately connected. educator and consultant in Jewish word your — “Honor your fa- in our homes.” ents, the rabbis conclude, are Holiness without expression and secular education. ther and (honor) your mother.” Honoring parents is so Like only one other Com- important that its observance mandment (Shabbat), the Fifth is rewarded: “…that your days is phrased as a positive obliga- may be lengthened…that you tion. The others constrain our may long endure…that you behavior: don’t have other may live long.” gods, don’t murder, don’t steal. David Klinghoffer, author They identify specifi c behav- of Shattered Tablets, offers a iors we are to avoid. If the Fifth number of interpretations: Commandment had followed Practically, if we take care of

Literature to share We’re All in the Same Boat by Zachary Shapiro is an engag- ing retelling of a classic Bible story, with a clever twist: the animals in this Noah’s ark have trouble getting along. Filled with humorous illustrations and delightful wordplay, this picture book is sure to please.

A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell. Filled with believ- able characters and unbelievable (but historically accurate) exploits, this gripping novel brings to life a little-known side of World War II: the Italian underground resistance. Action-packed, fast-moving, and completely absorbing, it will mesmerize you long into the night.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2010 PAGE 31 JEWISH FAMILY EDUCATION Mishpacha & Menschlichkeit murdered. conclude that gossip is akin to down many students. Even a Hamas redefi nes all Israe- the three worst sins of murder, host who fails to provide travel- The Jewish Family Identity Forum lis as soldiers, and therefore idolatry, and adultery (Erechin ers with suffi cient provisions legitimate targets for murderous 15b), because it destroys not and an escort to ensure their violence. only the target, but the gossiper safety is described as a shedder The problem is that any and listener as well. of blood.” Respecting life, human-centered identifi cation Because the tongue is so You can murder a life, a repu- of murder as unacceptable — powerful, 31 of the 613 mitzvot, tation, emotional well-being, liberty & the pursuits personal preference, universal according to the Chofetz Chaim, hope, and faith. Murder means motto, legal statute — is, by and 11 of the 43 sins enumer- destroying a bit of that which The Sixth Commandment defi nition, relative. “Murder” to ated in the Al Chet confessional makes us human. one person may be “killing” to prayer have to do with the harm What we learn is that only The problem with transla- Murder-fi lled headlines today another. caused by speech. by truly living a life that sees tions is that they can be mis- from inner cities to suburban The only absolute, objec- Mikva notes that in our tradi- the image of God in others, that leading, missing the nuances neighborhoods suggest that the tive reason that makes murder tion, other kinds of assaults respects others’ physical and or peculiarities of the original human condition hasn’t really wrong is that God said so. against people are also seen as emotional lives, and that guards language. In the case of the changed. Murder is wrong fi rst and murderous. “Some, like rape, others’ liberties and the right to Sixth Commandment, however, So what makes murder foremost because it challenges obviously destroy aspects of life their own pursuits, do we truly wrong? You might say that God’s sovereignty over life and that cannot be recovered...If you obey God’s command, “You you don’t like it, that you can’t death. As the Torah teaches, life cause people to lose their liveli- shall not murder.” imagine any circumstance that is a gift from God from Creation hood…If you pretend to be a Candace R. would drive you to such an to this very moment. Who are scholar and hand down halachic Family Discussion: Pick extreme. we to steal or destroy God’s (Jewish legal) decisions without someone outside of your Kwiatek Carl Lee Hailey, in the gift? having attained the proper level immediate family with whom famous John Grisham novel, A Furthermore, in the story of of wisdom, or if you have the you interact and identify how Time to Kill, probably thought Adam and Eve we learn that knowledge and experience yet you respect their life, liberty, the King James version of the the same before his little girl humans are created in the image refrain from teaching, you strike and personal pursuits. Bible isn’t just misleading, it is was raped. His dislike didn’t of God. completely wrong. stop him from “Since the hu- The command does not say murdering the Murder means man gift of life is “Thou shalt not kill.” Rather, the rapist. destroying endowed with the Hebrew, lo tirtzach, clearly states You might sub- spark of divin- “You shall not murder”: do not scribe to the Gold- a bit of that ity that makes us deliberately target and take in- en Rule or Rabbi which makes different from all nocent human life. Hillel’s adage (the other life,” writes In Broken Tablets, Rabbi Levi Silver Rule), “Do us human. Rachel Mikva in One of the top community colleges Weiman-Kelman notes that the not do unto others Broken Tablets, “to impulse to murder is interwo- that which you do not want take another life wrongfully can in the nation ven with human history from done unto you,” choosing not to be…viewed as the murdering of its very beginnings: “Cain murder for fear of retribution. something divine.” murdering Abel, Esau wanting The problem is, there are Murder also has broad to murder Jacob, and Joseph the religious and political fanatics, societal implications. Accord- victim of attempted murder by gang members and drug deal- ing to our tradition, in the fi rst his brothers. Shimon and Levi ers, and many others for whom Creation story of humans, God murder all the men of Shechem murder is an acceptable way fashions a single soul to teach to avenge the rape of their sister. of life. While they may work us that each human is the seed King David sends Uriah to his for you, the Golden and Silver of an entire world while murder death so that he may take this Rules aren’t relevant for them. is the destruction of an entire faithful soldier’s wife… it falls You might believe the laws world. This theme continues in to Sarah to do (Isaac’s) attempt- of society, in the interest of commentaries on the murder ed murder for him: she ban- social order, are the stopgap to of Abel by Cain. In Mishnah ishes Hagar and Ishmael to the murder, but think again. Nazi Sanhedrin 4:5, the rabbis of the Strong transfer programs— desert. Yael murders the enemy Germany redefi ned Jews, gyp- Talmud note that the literal captain, Sisera…and there is sies, homosexuals and others Hebrew “The voice of your start at Sinclair and save money always Jezebel…killing all those as “subhuman,” who were then brother’s bloods cry out to Me who stand in her way.” by their defi nition killed, not from the ground” refers not only to Abel’s blood but to the • Lowest tuition of any public or private institution in the state of Ohio Literature to share “blood” descendants he would never have. • Honors programs and service learning For most, it would seem Japan Took the J.A.P. Out of Me by Lisa Cook: This memoir that discussion of the Sixth opportunities captures the life of a new bride who moves from L.A. to Commandment is essentially Nagoya, Japan as her husband takes on a two-year teaching • Nationally recognized programs in health academic. But a quick glance position there. 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A quick historical overview of the biblical and publicly criticize or embarrass modern Israeli military is followed by chapters on the air force, someone. navy, army and some of their more famous exploits. Women success starts here! Even more lethal is the in the military, basic training, and military alternatives are also tongue when it is engaged explored in this well-crafted, photo-illustrated paperback. (937) 512-3000 • www.sinclair.edu in gossip. In fact, our sages

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • AUGUST 2010 PAGE 21 JEWISH FAMILY EDUCATION

the law ensured that the wom- dismissing it as irrelevant, an way, providing alibis, arrang- Mishpacha & Menschlichkeit an’s children were those of her individual has already commit- ing trysts — can be considered The Jewish Family Identity Forum husband and thereby rightful ted idolatry by turning to other guilty of adultery. inheritors of his possessions. sources of authority, namely “Friends who do know have While the legal defi nition “reason” or “personal feelings.” a right and a responsibility to still stands, the modern Jewish But how can a stable society be remind their wayward acquain- All in the family view of adultery is refl ected in built on the quicksand of “mul- tance of the vow they took,” The Seventh Commandment the Shulchan Aruch (authorita- tiple sources of authority?” Mikva admonishes. tive compilation of Jewish law): The fact that the command- But that’s not all. “Fidelity is In 1631, a typesetting error school class...and was surprised “Neither a man nor a woman ment not to undermine the fam- a spiritual commitment as well by London’s royal printers at how the young men and should have any promiscuous ily is sandwiched between the as a physical one,” Knobel cau- resulted in a King James edi- women were so nonchalant relations outside of marriage.” secularly acceptable command- tions. “Often our occupations tion infamously known as the in dismissing the adulterous Just as in the ancient world, ments about life (murder) and or our leisure activities become “Wicked Bible.” behavior of the president (Clin- adultery is still a social con- property (theft) illustrates the all-consuming passions that The omission of the word ton). ‘What’s the big deal?’ one cern because of its impact on relative value of stable families distance us from our spouses… “not” left the Seventh Com- young man asked. ‘Everybody the family, the foundation of to the preservation of a healthy (a kind of) ‘spiritual infi delity.’” mandment reading, “Thou shalt does it.’” society. and moral society. And today’s world has commit adultery.” And authors profi t from it, Today’s view, however, is Families provide identity and added new opportunities for such as Joseph Lewis, with the that any consensual sex — even establish relationships. Families undermining relationships in unique view that the ancient outside of marriage — is a nurture, educate, and support the form of pornography and taboo against adultery was personal and private decision their members. Families con- cyber-sex. Candace R. founded on magical beliefs, with no societal ramifi cations. tribute to the common good. Clearly, any behavior that Kwiatek a taboo that is useless in the Judaism begs to differ. “Identities, rights of inheri- “adulterates” or corrupts the modern age. In the Jewish view, sexual tance, emotional and economic connection between husband In the increasingly secu- intimacy between a man and security are all bound in the and wife is a breach of this com- larized world, the fi rst three woman is both ordinary and bond of matrimony, and violat- mandment. This inadvertent mistake — commandments are viewed as holy — ordinary when fulfi lling ing this sanctifi ed promise A contractor doesn’t arbi- vilifi ed in its time — appears guidelines for those seeking animal urges and results not only in trarily eliminate a key com- to have been a harbinger of a personal relationship with holy when connect- Adultery emotional chaos, ponent from the architect’s popular modern sentiments. God while six of the remaining ing with the divine but also in legal, blueprint, because he knows The dichotomy between seven provide the ethical foun- through marriage. undermines fi nancial, and com- each element contributes to the God’s and humans’ views dations for a healthy society: Unlike a court- the sanctity munal instability. skyscraper’s stability. A chef about adultery is a rich source regular rest, parental honor, house wedding, What happens in doesn’t arbitrarily decide to of humor. One of the most protection of life and property, which only estab- of the home, families has a pro- eliminate a key ingredient from familiar jokes describes Moses’ truth and justice. lishes a societal the bedrock found effect upon the recipe, because she knows presentation of the command- Adultery is the odd-man out, legal relationship, society as a whole each one contributes to the ments to the Israelites at Mount seemingly a command about a Jewish wedding of society. (Knobel).” cake’s fl avor. Sinai: “The good news is: I personal relationships smack- (like that of many So what does And we cannot arbitrarily brought Him down from 15 to dab in the middle of commands other religious traditions) is a all this have to do with you? decide to eliminate the prohibi- 10. The bad news is: Adultery is about social ethics. covenant between the couple Resh Lakish, a renowned third- tion against adultery — in all its still in.” For an explanation, we must and God. century scholar, warns: “Don’t forms — from God’s plan if we The growing disengagement look to the intersection among Marriage, kiddushin, is really suppose that only the ones who hope to build a healthy, ethical, from one of the foundational sociology, anthropology, con- sanctifi cation, the holy act of commit the act with their bod- and long-lived society. principles of Judeo-Christian tract law, and the Bible. setting apart the husband and ies are called adulterers…any civilization isn’t humorous, Adultery — the consensual wife only for one another, a violation of the sanctity of the however. sex of a married woman with commitment documented in the relationship, whether it be by Family Discussion: One of the From tabloids to the mov- someone other than her hus- ketubah. dishonesty, abuse, or disinterest more famous “God speaks” ies, adultery is rich fodder for band — was viewed not only “In this setting,” Peter can be considered adultery.” billboards reads as follows: award-winning stories. Televi- as a private wrong against the Knobel elaborates (in his essay, Even the non-participant “Loved the wedding. Invite Me sion is rife with it. Politicians husband, but also as breaking a Sacred Boundaries in the anthol- who aids and abets someone to the marriage — God.” What and athletes are caught up in social contract. ogy Broken Tablets), “sexual else — by looking the other do you think this means? it. Bloggers trivialize it: “Who Because a man contracted intercourse is a religious act cares about adultery?” for his wife, she was viewed as equivalent to prayer or Torah High school students dismiss exclusively his (not ownership study, and the home becomes a it, as Suzanne Fields recounts or possession, exactly; more like holy place.” in Amoral America: “An editor... a no-compete clause). By elevating animal lust spoke to a suburban high- From a practical standpoint, over commitment, reason, or holiness, adultery undermines the sanctity of the home, the Literature to share bedrock of society. Holiness isn’t the only casu- SEPTEMBER SPECIALS Genesis – the Book with Seventy Faces: A guide for the fam- alty of adultery. Secular soci- ily by Esther Takac. This brilliantly conceived volume makes ety’s legal and ethical founda- SEMI-ANNUAL studying Torah with the family joyful and accessible. Each of tions are also undermined by the 12 weekly readings of Genesis is fi rst presented through adultery. STOREWIDE an accurate but child-friendly retelling. Surrounding the “’You shall not commit SAVINGS story are some of its “70 faces,” or commentaries, from mi- adultery’ is parallel to the drash and legend, sages and scholars, and Kabalah. commandment not to commit THROUGH SEPTEMBER 11TH SEPTEMBER 16TH- SEPTEMBER 18TH idolatry,” Rachel Mikva (edi- And God Said: How Translations Conceal the Bible’s Origi- tor of Broken Tablets) points out, SAVE 40% THREE DAYS ONLY nal Meaning by Dr. Joel Hoffman. This fascinating study along with the prophets and ON SELECT YVES DELORME SAVE points out just why it’s true that the best way to read the PATTERNS numerous rabbinic commenta- 25% - 70% Bible is in the original Hebrew. Where are the most signifi - tors; “each is in the second posi- SAVE 20% cant mistranslations? What impact do they have on our un- tion on its tablet. Someone who ON YVES DELORME SOLIDS STOREWIDE derstanding of God’s message? What hope is there for those betrays the marital relationship Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. not fl uent in Hebrew? Interesting, fun, often surprising, and In The Shops Of Oakwood 2426 Far Hills Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45419 Tel: 937.395.1018 can be expected to betray God.” www.whispersboutique.com well worth reading. By engaging in adultery or

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • SEPTEMBER 2010 PAGE 39 JEWISH FAMILY EDUCATION

to pick just one commandment companies that institute this When we dismiss another’s Mishpacha & Menschlichkeit by which the world would live, thievery as business policy. On pain or denigrate someone’s The Jewish Family Identity Forum he would choose “You shall not a large scale it’s called indus- joyous moment, we steal steal,” because it is the founda- trial espionage, the theft of people’s emotions. tion of all the others. ideas and information from the Even when we act unhappy, Doing evil in God’s name is competition. It is rampant. Dennis Prager notes, we are The web we weave stealing God’s reputation. Mur- In the Talmud, each speak- thieves, because we steal the The Eighth Commandment der is stealing a life. Ignoring er’s name accompanies his pleasure and contentment of Shabbat is stealing God’s due words, providing a clear model others. Running late, I glanced hur- able: rip off, appropriate, spirit acclaim. of giving credit where it is due. Don’t take what doesn’t riedly at my receipt as I left the away, borrow, pinch, fudge the Sometimes stealing is not as Speakers, writers, and busi- belong to you, the Eighth checkout lane of a local dis- numbers. obvious as shoplifting, insider nesses should take note. Commandment instructs. It’s a count store. Oh no! The small Why is the prohibition trading, pirating a DVD, or When we gossip or even lis- command that, when followed, CD player I’d picked up on sale against stealing sandwiched on copying a friend’s computer ten to gossip, we steal another’s will infuse every aspect of your did not appear anywhere on the tablet among the command- program. reputation. behavior and your speech for the ticket. I had two options: ments against murder, adul- Keeping extra change from When we ignore someone the good. It’s a command that, leave it behind or fi nd a way to tery, bearing false witness and the cashier is theft. Borrowing in passing, exclude him in a when violated, will entangle pay for it. covetousness? without asking is stealing, the conversation, or fail to greet her you in an ever-growing web of Robbery and burglary both same as borrowing without pleasantly, we steal another’s transgressions. What web will permanently destroy the inno- returning or damaging a bor- wellbeing. you weave: lacework or snare? cent victim’s sense of peace and rowed item and then not pay- When we bully or publicly Candace R. security, a sin akin to murder. ing for repairs. embarrass, we steal the victim’s Family Discussion: Share Kwiatek Stealing is also a kind Choosing not to work — or sense of security and self- personal experiences, stories, of spiritual adultery — the not to even look for a job — respect. or current events that illustrate extreme result of worshiping when capable and healthy like- When we denigrate the work material, intellectual, and things rather than God. Stealing ly means you’re stealing from or looks or ideas of others, we spiritual theft. How are these Just because it was the ca- inevitably leads the “anonymous” steal their self-esteem. thefts like webs? shier’s mistake was no justifi ca- to bearing false public coffers. tion to walk off with the mer- witness, lying Intertwined And what chandise. Minutes later, having either to oneself with myriad about those time- paid for the item at the cus- or to others as share offers of tomer service desk, I double- part of covering other sins, benefi ts in trade timed it through the exit…only up. And coveting stealing is like for listening to to set off the electronic alarm! fosters the desire a sales pitch? Is Fortunately, I had my receipt to that leads to theft. a spider’s web. it stealing when prove I was no shoplifter. Intertwined with you know you’re The Eighth Commandment myriad other sins, stealing is not going to buy? comes with no qualifi cations: like a spider’s web. Stealing always involves One of the top community colleges “You shall not steal.” But all too “All through the rabbinic taking something that doesn’t in the nation often we try to justify our bad sources,” Richard Levy notes belong to us, and we’ve all behavior. in the anthology Broken Tablets, done it. Finders keepers. I was only “the gravity of this sin is ampli- In fact, we often engage in borrowing it. I did it for a good fi ed.” behaviors that we don’t consid- reason. It’s not much. Some He shares some examples: er stealing at all. Do you run on may even go so far as to blame “Let the property of every hu- “Jewish” time? Keeping people the victim, as in not correcting man being be as precious to waiting is stealing their time, the bank’s undercharge be- you as your own…God did not even if it is a cultural tradition. cause the bank makes too much decree punishment for the gen- Try setting your watch ahead anyway. eration of the Flood until they so you have “a few minutes to Guests walk off with towels began to steal. Shmuel said: spare.” Asking a shopkeeper because “the hotel considers it Even if someone took a single to explain products and prices an advertising expense.” Mov- beam of wood that did not when you know ahead of time iegoers who buy a child’s ticket belong to him and built it into that you’re going to buy else- for a teenager complain “the a palace, he must demolish the where is another kind of “time theatre charges too much!” entire palace — all of it — and stealing.” Window shop only. Strong transfer programs— We even have a whole host return the beam to its owner.” Do you use other people’s of euphemisms for thievery In a similar vein, Dennis ideas without giving them start at Sinclair and save money to make it a bit more palat- Prager once noted that if he had credit? I’ve heard of bosses and

Literature to share • Lowest tuition of any public or private institution in the state of Ohio A is for Abraham: A Jewish We Plan, God Laughs: What The Tipping Point: How Little Family Alphabet by Rich- to Do When Life Hits You Things Can Make a Big • Honors programs and service learning ard Michelson. A perfect Over the Head by Sherre Difference by Malcolm opportunities illustrated book to begin Hirsch. In a chatty, story- Gladwell. Tipping Point • Nationally recognized programs in the year, Family Alphabet fi lled style, Hirsch offers a explores the phenomenon explores a variety of Jewish 10-step plan for refl ecting of “social epidemics.” How health care, engineering, automotive rituals, traditions, historical on who you are now and do Hush Puppies shoes technology and more events and more all from redirecting yourself to where illustrate the factors that • Largest regional provider of online the perspective of family, you want to be. Although infl uence cultural behav- both ancient and modern. the chapters are short, expect iors such as fashion trends, degree education It’s a celebration of Jewish to spend some time contem- crime waves, and TV hits? heritage that’s great for the plating her thought-provok- Using real world examples, elementary reader and ideal ing and often challenging Gladwell explores the infl u- Success Starts Here! for sharing between the closing questions. ential power of key people, generations. “stickiness,” and context. (937) 512-3000 • www.sinclair.edu

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • OCTOBER 2010 PAGE 27 JEWISH FAMILY EDUCATION

biblical law set up a boomerang ‘Now that I am withered, am I tell the truth. Mishpacha & Menschlichkeit effect: false witnesses were pun- to have enjoyment — with my Like the signature of John The Jewish Family Identity Forum ished according to the principle husband so old?’” Hancock, our words and our of talion, punishment in kind. When God relates Sarah’s deeds are our signatures, writ “If a man appears against words to Abraham, he softens large. Let them testify to the another to testify maliciously the statement. “Why did Sarah truth. What’s your and gives false testimony laugh saying, ‘Shall I in truth against him,” Moses teaches, bear a child, old as I am?’” Family Discussion: God’s fi rst “…the magistrates shall make There are limited circum- command to Abraham is “Lech John Hancock? a thorough investigation. If the stances where it is more ap- lecha, go to yourself.” Don’t let The Ninth Commandment man who testifi ed is a false wit- propriate to skirt the truth or to family or society defi ne what ness, if he has testifi ed falsely remain silent. is true, but discover truth for In the Talmud we learn that the “false witness” rather than against his fellow, you shall This would apply when yourself. Then make it your “The signature of God is truth. on false testimony? do to him as he schemed to do there’s no decision to be made signature. How do you live as a (BT Shabbat 55a).” Since the It seems obvious that a false to his fellow (Deut 19:16-19).” or where the truth may gra- “true witness” to who you are? Torah teaches we are created in witness is someone who doesn’t The penalty could be a fi ne, a tuitously hurt the feelings of In what ways do you need to God’s image, shouldn’t we as- tell the truth, who gives false fl ogging, or even execution in a others. improve? pire to be known by the parallel evidence. capital case. Tell the truth or not? The But that isn’t the whole A system of just laws and plain bride? According to the Candace R. Kwiatek is a writer, picture. Numerous Jewish com- courts is so important to the sta- Talmud, the bride on her wed- educator and consultant in Jewish mentaries clarify what it means bility of society that it stands as ding day is always beautiful, no and secular education. She is also Candace R. to be a false witness. one of the seven Noahide laws, matter what. a recipient of an American Jewish Kwiatek Maimonides rules that one moral imperatives Judaism The woman with a run in her Press Association fi rst-place award cannot testify based on hearsay identifi es as the components of stocking? She can still change for Excellence in Commentary, and even if the source is irrefutable. righteousness for all humans. at home but not when she’s an Ohio Society of Professional Rachel Mikva, editor of the But the Ninth Command- already arrived at an event. Journalists fi rst-place award for phrase, the signature of (fi ll in anthology Broken Tablets, elabo- ment teaches us something When it’s a decision point, Best Religion/Values Coverage. your name) is truth? rates: “Even if the testimony is more, that society’s justice isn’t In their simplicity, the Com- factually true, it is false if the found primarily inside the mandments encapsulate fun- witness did not see it.” walls of the courthouse. It’s damental truths, but the ninth One cannot even dependent upon the appears to be oddly specifi c. stand in silent sup- Our words “true witness,” the Rather than “Conduct your- port of a friend or person who lives self honestly and truthfully” relative, giving the and deeds and speaks truth- or “You shall not tell a lie” or appearance of being fully. even “You shall not bear false a witness, if he or she should be Jewish Stud- witness,” the literal Hebrew is not privy to the consistent ies Professor Peter commands, “You are not to matter. Ochs elaborates: “In testify against your fellow as a Furthermore, the with the Hebrew Scripture, in false witness.” Talmud (Baba Batra rabbinic literature, This directive seems to be 43a) notes that the truth. and for most Jew- limited to telling the truth in witness may not ish thinkers, truth court: “The truth, the whole have any personal interest in is a characteristic of personal truth, and nothing but the the lawsuit: no fi nancial benefi t, relationships. Truth is fi delity to truth.” But it’s not. no relationship to the parties one’s word, keeping promises, In biblical days, the key involved which might infl uence saying with the lips what one component of court procedures the testimony or even give the says in one’s heart... Truth is was not law or physical evi- appearance of tainting it. the bond of confi dence between dence, but the oral testimony by And from Leviticus we learn persons and between God and actual witnesses to the facts in that the person who has seen humanity.” the case. or learned of a matter but does So where does this lead? The purpose was to establish not testify is guilty of being a It means that our words and the truth upon which decisions false witness (Lev 5:1); silence is deeds should be consistent could be made. False testimony deception in a court of law. with the truth, “true witnesses” would not only hinder justice, it Now it’s much clearer why to who we are, whether in the would also undermine the pub- the Commandment focuses on courtroom or on the street. lic’s confi dence in the judicial the false witness rather than on Thus, you cannot dissemi- system. the evidence itself. nate gossip. It’s hearsay. You So why is the emphasis on To ensure honest testimony, cannot agree to serve on a com- mittee and then not participate. You cannot dress like a tempt- Literature to share ress if it’s false advertising. You cannot quote the words of Chicken Man by Michelle Edwards: This National Jewish someone else without a cita- Book Award winner offers a timeless tale about making the tion. These are circumstances best of things while sharing a bit about traditional kib- in which others make decisions butz life. Delightfully funky colorful scenes illustrate each — about ideas, about people — spread for the elementary reader. Highly enjoyable. based on the truth you present to them. Jews in America: A Cartoon History by David Gantz: No On the other hand, it’s not time line of facts and dates, this pictorial approach to Jew- necessary — and it’s often ish American history reads like a series of short stories. inappropriate —- to share every Fast-paced, informative, and easy to understand, each truth. topic introduces key Jewish fi gures, historical milestones When the messengers an- in Jewish organizational development, and major events of nounce the future birth of Isaac, Jewish import. This is a great single-volume introduction to the Torah reads: “And Sarah the topic for teens or adults. laughed to herself, saying,

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • NOVEMBER 2010 PAGE 27 JEWISH FAMILY EDUCATION

now! society teaches us that “feelings A third is to regularly express Mishpacha & Menschlichkeit The Tenth Commandment just are.” gratitude and appreciation for “is about inculcating a realistic How can we possibly control what you have and not focus The Jewish Family Identity Forum sense of want versus need,” or even change our desires? on what is missing. Character writes David Klinghoffer (Shat- Nonetheless, that is what the building takes practice! tered Tablets). commandment demands. And If the whole Torah is con- Toppling the “Its goal is to stop us from it is within our capability, as tained in Hillel’s behavioral thinking excessively about the ever-popular treatise on the adage, “That which is hateful to reign of desire things that don’t belong to us.” commandments, Sefer haChi- you, do not do to your fellow,” In short, this commandment nukh, contends, “…it is indeed why do the Ten Command- The Tenth Commandment prohibits longing for anything in one’s power to restrain ments end with a prohibition In one of my favorite family which is not theirs. So limits are we can’t obtain honestly and himself…It lies within his free against being ruled by emo- stories, my husband managed necessary. legally (Baba Metzia 5b). choice and his decision to repel tions? It is to teach that our to tame the “greed monster.” The Tenth Commandment Yet, according to Ibn Ezra, his desire or draw it near…he behavior, unlike that of animals, We were carting our young — You shall not covet…(JPS) this fi nal commandment isn’t rules his heart and can guide it begins not with our hands but children through the grocery or You shall not desire…(Fox) just case-specifi c, as he wants.” in our minds and hearts. It is store, to their usual chants of — has troubled commentators limited to acqui- How can we Just like train- to teach us that we can reject “I want…” In a moment of in- throughout the ages because of sition. Rather, possibly control ing for a healthy being slaves to our instincts spiration, my husband pointed its apparent emphasis on feel- it is about the body through and master our feelings and to an object on the shelf and ings rather than actions. disciplining and or even change exercise and nutri- thus avoid immoral, unjust, or stated, “I want that.” In keeping with the biblical conditioning of our desires? tion, training for a unkind actions. focus on behavior, some schol- our minds overall. refi ned character It is to teach that, “while ars have interpreted “covet” as It isn’t only about Nonetheless, takes commitment mitzvoth are a way of life, they an action: for example, Rashi self-control and that is what the and conditioning. are not ends in themselves, Candace R. understood the Tenth to refer to observance, but commandment Training begins but means to a further end: the Kwiatek the theft of anything other than about character with awareness formation of a holy character,” people, as kidnapping was the development: “… demands. and a willing- (Menachem Kellner, Broken focus of the Eighth Command- the highest level ness to improve. Tablets). ment. of personal refi nement, of char- Recognize the covetous thought As we topple the reign of The kids were startled. Turn- Taking a different approach, acter development, is when (a) and then stop it in its tracks. desire, bit by bit we can become ing to another shelf, he pointed both the Mekhilta (commentary noble, principled action is not One technique is to con- menschen (humane people) both and asked encouragingly, “You on the Book of Exodus) and just an external action which sciously replace such a thought in fact and in spirit. want that?” The kids nodded Maimonides concluded that one may not refl ect our true inten- with another uplifting one. For happily. “I want that, too,” he is guilty of coveting only when tion or desire, but when we are example, when a traffi c acci- Family Discussion: In Genesis noted. He moved on, pointing actions accompany the covetous thinking along the same lines as dent blocks your journey, say a 4:7, God tells Cain that he to another object, “How about feelings. our actions,” writes Mordechai little prayer of comfort for those can master his feelings and that?” Again, they nodded, ex- On the other hand, the Bible Wollenberg in Thought Control. involved rather than letting ultimately his behavior. It’s a cited. “How about one of those? indicates that feelings also can Master not just our behav- your frustration at the delay matter of free will. How might I want one of those.” be legislated. After all, we are ior but our feelings as well? In take control. Cain’s story have been different On they went through the commanded to love God, our this fi nal commandment, has Another is to do something if he had succeeded? Describe store, pointing, wanting, and neighbor, and the stranger; the Torah presented us with benevolent. Instead of resenting an experience in which you did only buying what was needed; not to abhor an Edomite or an a prohibition that we cannot a co-worker’s job promotion, or did not master your feelings: and the kids got the message Egyptian; and not to “hate your possibly obey? After all, today plan a congratulations party. what was the outcome? that desires are both natural brother in your heart.” and to be controlled. Therefore, the majority of Described as the energy of commentators conclude that motivation and action, desire is the Tenth Commandment ap- an essential component of free plies specifi cally to covetous will and therefore an integral thoughts, not deeds alone. Wishing you a Blessed part of being human. So what does “covet” actu- Expert Rehabilitative Care As such, it is a recurring ally mean? Unlike the general Chanukah Mary Margaret & Paul R. Naas Open to theme in the Bible. Jacob malaise of envy or discontent the Public! wanted Esau’s birthright. over another’s advantages, suc- ellness enter David wanted Bathsheba. Ahab cess, or possessions, coveting is W Located onC the Mercy Siena campus wanted Naboth’s vineyard. the intense desire that encour- But as many of the Bible stories ages action without regard for illustrate, people tend to desire the rights of others. I want it, I more than they need or that want it my way, and I want it Literature to share Mercy Siena Menorah Under the Sea by Esther Heller: How does the Festi- Retirement Community val of Lights come to life in Antarctica? Using photographic offers a variety of images and simple text, a marine biologist shares his tale of celebrating the holiday far from home and family in a senior living options: Join us for a Class! creative and meaningful way. • Independent Living Recent class offerings include: Hanukkah Around the World by Tami Lehman-Wilzig: Writ- Apartments & Cottages FREE Diabetes Self-Management ten and illustrated for elementary ages, this is a wonderful Program, Painting, Yoga, introduction to the holiday for everyone. Opening with • Assisted Living Reflexology, Writing About Your the traditional tales and candlelighting rituals, it includes Life & Times background information, variations on traditions, and even • Nursing Home hints on how to make the candles burn longer. The most interesting selections, however, are the holiday stories and accompanying cultural notes about Jewish communities around the world — from Israel to Uzbekistan to Australia, each accompanied by a regional recipe for the festival.

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