Parsha Shemini ala JDL

After over 30 years of exploration and experimentation, ceramist Sharon Levy has produced a variety of works using ancient methods, materials and techniques. She uses these methods and materials in contemporary ways to interpret the world around her: physically, spiritually, religiously and politically. Her works reflect the physical environment by way of the landscapes found in her boxes that utilize natural edges in addition to bas relief carving. She sees her thrown bowls as offertory in nature with a spiritual connection to the inspiration of pioneering eastern ceramists. In addition, she enjoys exploring Judaica (like these two seder plates) through the current and ancient symbols, language, and colors that have become obscured due to the Judaic world's emphasis on the written word. Finally, from time to time, she feels a need to express her point of view on global political situations, whether referencing starvation in foreign countries or worldwide bigotry and ignorance.


This week's parsha contains vital messages for our people. The parsha begins with the words, "It was baYom hashemini (on the eighth day). . ." and the sages comment that on this day Aaron and his sons as Kohanim (priests) were consecrated. This was to be a most joyful moment. From this day onward, only the Kohanim were elegible to perform the Tabernacle service. On this day, the tabenacle was erected permanently and the Kohanim assumed their new role. . . .

But something horrific happened to take away the joy from this day. The parsha continues, "The sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, each took his fire pan, they put fire in them and placed incense upon it; and they brought before G-d an alien fire that He had not commanded them. A fire came forth from before G-d and consumed them, and they died before G-d." The reason for their deaths is subject to great debate and is very perplexing. It was these two men, that Moshe described as the most outstanding sons of the Jewish Nation. There is a midrash that offers some explanation. The Midrash says that Nadab and Abihu would walk behind Moshe and Aaron and wonder when they would die, so that they could assume the leadership. Therefore, they did not consult with Moshe concerning this incense offering, and for this alone Rabbi Eliezer says that their punishment was appropiate.

Pesach is a very unique holy week for the Jewish Nation. There is so much preparation. And after all hametz is removed and family and freinds gather at the seder table to read and discuss Pe'sach and to drink and eat a wonderful meal, the feeling of Jewish identity and pride advances to new heights. But, we awaken to news of anti-Jewish attacks. In Chicago's Ner Tamid Ezra Ha-Bonim Synagogue there were the words 'death to Israel' and 'long live palestine' on its outside walls. Also at San Fransisco's Emanu-El Synagogue nazi symbols were spray painted on its outside walls. In Montreal, a bomb blast occured at the Ben Weider Jewish Community Center. A climate of hate has decended upon the Jewish community. The activities that have fostered this hatred take the form of calls for boycotts of Jewish bussinesses and speeches by Imams praising the murder of Jews. And it is the lack of reaction from the Jewish community that provides a tacit green light to the Jew haters.

There is credible way to derail the plans of these Jew haters. 1) monitor all hate internet sites and blogs and work to have these sites shut down; 2) monitor gathering places which will also include places of worship of Islamofascists Imams that preach hatred of Jews and expose them to the public; 3) establish a security team that is well versed with laws concerning the rights of citizens to place persons that commit offences against the Jewish people under arrest; 4) reach out to Gentile groups to join our campaign. The gentile must be made to understand that our problem is also his problem. Hitler started with the Jews and then murdered millions of other human beings, and the Islamofascists have the same goals as the Nazis.

Far too much time and effort is spent on surveys and rally's to condemn these attacks. That level of activity is not effective. Just like the midsrash the parsha was clear about Aaron's son's, we have to be clear. THE MAIN REASON WHY THE JEWISH PEOPLE SUFFER IS BECAUSE WE TRY TO APPEASE AT THE EXPENSE OF STANDING UP FOR THAT WHICH IS DEAR AND HOLY TO US. There must be JDL chapters established in every major city to bring this four point program to fruition. The city of Montreal must have an active JDL and it will. Every member of JDL must make it his mission to bring in more than 1 extra member. This is the way the JDL will grow and become successful. Being a Jew can never be taken for granted. This is one of the meanings of Pesach. In order to feel joy in being a Jew, we must work hard on all levels for the security and prosperity of our people. (By Meir Weinstein

This week's parsha contains vital messages for our people. The parsha begins with the words, "It was baYom hashemini (on the eighth day). . ." and the sages comment that on this day Aaron and his sons as Kohanim (priests) were consecrated. This was to be a most joyful moment. From this day onward, only the Kohanim were elegible to perform the Tabernacle service. On this day, the tabenacle was erected permanently and the Kohanim assumed their new role. . . .

But something horrific happened to take away the joy from this day. The parsha continues, "The sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, each took his fire pan, they put fire in them and placed incense upon it; and they brought before G-d an alien fire that He had not commanded them. A fire came forth from before G-d and consumed them, and they died before G-d." The reason for their deaths is subject to great debate and is very perplexing. It was these two men, that Moshe described as the most outstanding sons of the Jewish Nation. There is a midrash that offers some explanation. The Midrash says that Nadab and Abihu would walk behind Moshe and Aaron and wonder when they would die, so that they could assume the leadership. Therefore, they did not consult with Moshe concerning this incense offering, and for this alone Rabbi Eliezer says that their punishment was appropiate.

Pesach is a very unique holy week for the Jewish Nation. There is so much preparation. And after all hametz is removed and family and freinds gather at the seder table to read and discuss Pe'sach and to drink and eat a wonderful meal, the feeling of Jewish identity and pride advances to new heights. But, we awaken to news of anti-Jewish attacks. In Chicago's Ner Tamid Ezra Ha-Bonim Synagogue there were the words 'death to Israel' and 'long live palestine' on its outside walls. Also at San Fransisco's Emanu-El Synagogue nazi symbols were spray painted on its outside walls. In Montreal, a bomb blast occured at the Ben Weider Jewish Community Center. A climate of hate has decended upon the Jewish community. The activities that have fostered this hatred take the form of calls for boycotts of Jewish bussinesses and speeches by Imams praising the murder of Jews. And it is the lack of reaction from the Jewish community that provides a tacit green light to the Jew haters.

There is credible way to derail the plans of these Jew haters. 1) monitor all hate internet sites and blogs and work to have these sites shut down; 2) monitor gathering places which will also include places of worship of Islamofascists Imams that preach hatred of Jews and expose them to the public; 3) establish a security team that is well versed with laws concerning the rights of citizens to place persons that commit offences against the Jewish people under arrest; 4) reach out to Gentile groups to join our campaign. The gentile must be made to understand that our problem is also his problem. Hitler started with the Jews and then murdered millions of other human beings, and the Islamofascists have the same goals as the Nazis.

Far too much time and effort is spent on surveys and rally's to condemn these attacks. That level of activity is not effective. Just like the midsrash the parsha was clear about Aaron's son's, we have to be clear. THE MAIN REASON WHY THE JEWISH PEOPLE SUFFER IS BECAUSE WE TRY TO APPEASE AT THE EXPENSE OF STANDING UP FOR THAT WHICH IS DEAR AND HOLY TO US. There must be JDL chapters established in every major city to bring this four point program to fruition. The city of Montreal must have an active JDL and it will. Every member of JDL must make it his mission to bring in more than 1 extra member. This is the way the JDL will grow and become successful. Being a Jew can never be taken for granted. This is one of the meanings of Pesach. In order to feel joy in being a Jew, we must work hard on all levels for the security and prosperity of our people. (Meir Weinstein)