he Lord God formed man from the dust of the earth. He blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being. Breysheet/Genesis 2:7
The verb used in our verse, “va-yitser” – “formed” is routinely used in the Bible regarding the work of a potter. God shapes and then animates the clay soil, an image echoed in the poetic piyyutim of the machzor. The verse describes how the first human is given life directly by God, using a phrase, “nishmat hayyim” – “breath of life” unique here in the Torah.
Our teacher, the Maharsha(1), notes the unusual spelling of the Hebrew word “va-yitser” – “formed” as it has a doubling of the letter “Yud”. Basing himself on a passage in the Talmud, the Maharsha that the doubling of the letter Yud hints at the dual nature of human beings, at the two conflicting inclinations, the Yetser HaTov, the inclination to do good, and the Yetser HaRa, the inclination to do evil, within each person. Each of us possesses the potential for piety and the volatility of villainy. The choice is left to us.
The events of last Shabbat laid bare the depravity of Hamas terrorists, purposeful perpetrators of the most heinous acts of barbarity. In the days that followed, as more information emerged about what had taken place, we learned of remarkable acts of heroism and self-sacrifice. We have also watched as the polarity of choice suggested above have been reflected through our world. Some have chosen expressions of comfort and support for Israel and the Jewish people in the wake of unspeakable directed against innocent children, adults, and seniors. We are grateful to all those who expressed their outrage at the evils committed, from President Biden and his administration, through the various strata of government including Newport News Mayor Jones, and the many faith leaders and people of good conscience.
Unfortunately, we have also witnessed people dancing in the streets celebrating the carnage wrought by Hamas, justifying the atrocities, blaming the victims as being deserving of their fate. The obfuscation of truth regarding both the most recent attacks and the history of the conflict, either willful or out of ignorance, has fostered an atmosphere in which morality is set aside in favor of animus and expressions of hatred against Jews.
Our response must be a reflection of our choice and commitment to do good, to benefit Jews who are endangered, suffering, and grieving. Here are a few ways in which you can bring your goodness to Israel, the Jewish community and the world.
Learn more about the situation and speak about it. Tell the stories of what is happening! It is essential that we keep the world’s attention on the humanity of the hundreds of Israeli victims, that over 40 Arab Israelis were victims in this tragedy, that citizens of a dozen countries were killed and injured, including US citizens. Some resources are noted below.(2)
Talk to your children and help them with gain an understanding of what is happening. Our children are going to hear about this in their schools, on social media platforms, and other routine venues. Help them with the tools to understand what they are hearing, to feel secure in how they can respond, if they wish to do so. Hillel, ADL, and AJC all have resources, especially for high school and college students.
Lastly, let us stand together in prayer. This is a moment when we need to be together as a community and as a people.
Shabbat Shalom –
Rabbi David M. Eligberg
1 Rabbi Shmuel Eliezer HaLevi Eidels (Poland, 1555 – 1631) was a renowned scholar and Talmudist famous for his commentary on the Talmud, Chiddushei Halachot. Known by the acronym as Maharsha, he also compiled an extensive commentary on the aggadot in the Talmud entitled Chiddushei Aggadot reflecting a wide knowledge of Jewish philosophy and mysticism.
2 There are a variety of sources where you can learn more about the unfolding situation:
The Jewish People Policy Institute https://jppi.org.il/en/
UJA https://www.ujafedny.org
ADL https://www.adl.org
The Center for Israel Education https://israeled.org/
Yediot Achronot https://www.ynetnews.com/category/3083
Times of Israel https://www.timesofisrael.com/
Musical Moment – Shabbat Breysheet
The Shuk – Shalom Aleichem
This is my favorite version of this familiar song for welcoming the angels of the Holy One who accompany us in our celebration of Shabbat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pll0QNbdfkE
Shalom Aleichem Malachei Hasharet
Malachei elyon. Mimelech malchei hamlachim Hakadosh Baruch Hu.
Bo’achem l’shalom Malachei hashalom…
B’rachuni Lshalom…
Tseitchem l’shalom…
Ofra Haza – Laner V’livsamim
Sung by a very young Ofra Haza this Sephardic melody is a prelude to the Havdalah service with its blessings over wine, spices, and flame marking the end of Shabbat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqUgMP4iXxU
Laner velivsamim
Nafshi meyachela
Im titnu li kos
Yayin lehavdalah
Solu drachim li
Pnu lin’vucha
Pitchu sh’arim li
Kol malachei malah
Im titnu li kos
Yayin lehavdalah
Einai ani esah
El al b’lev kosef
Mamtzi drachai li
Bayom uvalaila
Im titnu li kos
Yayin lehavdalah
My soul longs for
a candle and spices
if only you’d pour me a cup of
wine for havdala
All angels up above
pave paths for me
clear the path for the confused
open the gates for me
If you give me a cup of
wine for havdala
I shall raise my eyes
to and fro with a worthy heart
who provides my life paths for me
by day and night
if you give me a cup of
wine for havdala
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