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We all know that much “history” – what happened during andbefore our lifetimes -- greatly affects “who we are” and how we self-identify. Yet, fewof us consciously define our lives in an expressly historical way. Unlesswe experienced a traumatic or clearly life-changing event, we don’t say or eventhink “I am who I am because of what happened.” Nor do we think or say, “I am a link in a chain of many generations.” But doing so would likely enrich the meaning inand of our lives. In this week’s Torah portion, Devarim, the first inDeuteronomy, Moses knows that he is soon to die. How does he begin his last oration? Rather than praising G-d or reiterating theCommandments, he begins with a narrative history of Israel’s experiencessince receiving the Commandments. Perhapshe realizes that to ensure the future of the “Jewish people,” his mostimportant task is to ensure that they don’t forget theirpast –especially the bitter parts.
The Jerusalem (N.Y.) Gazette
July 4, 1840
Strike Up the Band! Our glorious nation is 64 years young today! It’s a day to celebrate and to reflect in amazement and gratitude on the miraculous feat wrought by God through our brave predecessors! With unmeasured sacrifice and valor, the Greatest Generation rose up against tyranny, defeated the mightiest army on earth, and established a new republic conceived in liberty.
The drive from Ben Gurion airport outside Tel Aviv up into Jerusalem takes only about 35 minutes in non-rush hour traffic. After initially crossing the coastal plain, one begins the steady climb of about 2,500 feet into the Judean Hills. I always watch across the highway for a glimpse of the slowly-disintegrating personnel carriers left rusting as memorials to the soldiers and civilians who died there during the 1948 War of Independence. Then, I scan the hills for the first glimpse of the “Chords Bridge” tower that now marks the principal entry into the Holy City. All the while, as my vehicle (usually a van-taxi) downshifts up the mountain, I marvel at the thought of my ancestors leaving their homes and making this laborious and dusty ascent by foot or donkey three times each year. The book of Deuteronomy
During Passover, the normal sequential Torah reading cycle pauses to revisit passages in Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy that address Pesach observance. Even in America, where, to a great extent, most Jews limit their ritual observance and are comfortable living in the nominally Christian (or secular) culture, Pesach observance – one or two Seders, eating of matzoh, and chametz avoidance for most or all of an entire week – is generally or closely followed. Why do Jews who otherwise minimize Jewish rituals cling to those of Passover? Here are ten possibilities:
Thank you for visiting "Yerushatenu," Rabbi Art Levine's blog website dedicated to exploring the beauty and wisdom of "Our Jewish Heritage/Inheritance."
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