VOLUME 20, ISSUE 35 FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013 / 10 ELUL 5773
TORAH PORTION: KI-SAITZAI (DEUTERONOMY 21:10 – 25:19)
CANDLE LIGHTING: 7:28 P.M. SHABBAT ENDS: 8:37 PM (CHICAGO)
This week’s CTN Shabbat Fax is sponsored by Myra (Mickey) Sanderman in memory of her mother, Dorothy Kropman Lipp and her father, Louis E. Lipp, loving inspirations to her children, grandchildren, Stacy (Josh) Spielman and Steven Sanderman, and great grandchildren, Tziyona, Devorah, Yehuda, Ephraim and Aviva Spielman, and Hannah and Julia Sanderman.
1. DO NOT BE UNJUST TO THE STRANGER OR THE ORPHAN … REMEMBER THAT YOU WERE SLAVES IN EGYPT (24:17-18)
It’s a very powerful lesson.
Millions of Jews were enslaved and persecuted in Egypt for hundreds of years.
We might think that type of experience gives a person some kind of special rights or privileges.
The Torah says no!
Having gone through difficult times does not necessarily give us privileges. But it does give us something else.
… Obligations.
Like always being especially sensitive to the suffering of others.
Rabbi Yekusiel Halberstam – the late Chassidic Rabbi of Klausenberg – is a good example.
He spent years in Nazi concentration camps. His wife and eleven children were killed.
He survived. And went on to rebuild his community and its institutions. And he also built something else.
A hospital in Israel. A unique institution providing patient-centered high quality health care for all persons in need and in accordance with principles of halacha – traditional Jewish law.
Why did the Rabbi decide to build a hospital?
It was because of his experiences in the concentration camp. When he endured so much personal suffering and loss.
His response? He made a promise.
That if he survives the war he would dedicate his life to others.
To help relieve their suffering. To make their lives better.
… And that’s exactly what he did.
2. FROM JEWISH TRADITION
What happens when we see a siddur – a Jewish Prayer Book – that fell to the floor?
Traditionally we pick it up right away. And show our love. By giving it a kiss.
… It’s a beautiful custom. And it should get us thinking.
… A siddur has no feelings and we react that way.
What about a person? A human being with sensitivity and feelings.
… What happens when we see a person who has fallen? Or maybe is just down?
Shouldn’t we stop what we are doing to ‘lift him up’, and to show our love and concern?
3. QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Small minds discuss people. Average minds discuss events. Great minds discuss ideas.”
— Unknown
