Dear Friends,
You mention to a friend, acquaintance or co-worker that you need the help of a professional or expert to get something important done and the answer comes, “I got a guy….” Renovating your kitchen? “I got a guy.” Have a problem with your computer? “I got a guy.” Just had a baby boy? “I got a guy.” (Well, “I got a mohel,” to be more specific.)
Everybody’s “got a guy” and somehow their guy is always the best at whatever it is that you need done. Of course, that can’t literally be true. Some have to be better at what they do than others. But, the fact that your friend or acquaintance happens to use that person makes them the best. It’s human nature. But, the truth is oftentimes when experts do things for us we have no idea if they are truly excellent or just got the job done.
The same is true of Israeli tour guides. I talk to people all the time who come back from a trip to Israel and whatever else they tell me about the trip they invariably say, “…and we had the best tour guide!” There are good reasons for this response. Going to Israel is a phenomenal experience. For someone who has never gone before almost any trip to Israel, no matter who leads it or what the itinerary happens to be, will be wonderful. For a Jew just being in Israel touches our souls in a way that it simply cannot be otherwise touched. Moreover, all Israeli tour guides are required by the state to go through a rigorous educational training process in order to get a license. That training goes far beyond what any other country in the world requires of its guides. They are, in fact, the best in the world.
Still, some must be better than others, which leads me to my point: I got a guy. His name is Ezra Korman. He is the CEO of Makor Educational Journeys, a newly formed division at IGT, and he is leading Temple Sinai’s trip to Israel this coming December 2014 during the end of the year holiday break. And, yes, my guy is the best. I don’t say that lightly because I have travelled with other guides who were very good. But, Ezra is truly one notch above. Moreover, he is different. He is not just a tour guide but an educator. He has the depth of knowledge of a college professor and the skill to communicate that knowledge to people of all backgrounds and interests. He understands that all of us learn differently, that kids and teens need alternative programming with their own “youth guide” to experience Israel in a way that engages them.
Ezra has more than 20 years of experience running trips and missions for youth groups, university study groups, synagogues, churches, federations, interfaith groups, high level political delegations and fundraising missions. In the past he has served as educational director and then vice president of Daat, an educational travel company in Jerusalem and was as associate director of Keshet: The Center for Educational Travel in Israel.
But, don’t take my word for it. Come meet “my guy,” Ezra Korman, a week from Sunday, May 18 at 10:00 a.m. at Temple Sinai. Find out the scoop on our trip to Israel this coming December from the guy who is going to be leading it with me. Bagels and coffee will be served. Please RSVP to me at rabbimillstein@templesinaibc.org or Ronni Zlotnick, our trip chairperson, at ronnibzlot@juno.com. (If you forget to RSVP come anyway!)
Shabbat Shalom,
Jordan
PS - We are extending the deadline to register until June 15. But, don’t miss this opportunity to meet our tour leader, Ezra Korman – join us on May 18 at 10:00!
PPS - Happy Mother’s Day to all of you wonderful Mothers!!
Friday, May 9, 2014
Friday, May 2, 2014
Empty Mezuzah
Larry Gordon, a Temple Sinai member, just shared this one with me:
A man buys a fabulous home in Beverly Hills, California. He brings in a local workman to decorate the place. When the job is finished, the homeowner is delighted but realizes that he's forgotten to put mezuzahs on the doors. He goes out and buys 50 mezuzahs and instructs the decorator how to place them on the right hand side of each door except bathrooms and kitchens.
He's really worried that the decorator will chip the paint work or won't put them up correctly. However, when he comes back a few hours later, he sees that the job has been carried out to his entire satisfaction.
He's so pleased that he gives the decorator a bonus.
As the decorator is walking out of the door he says, "Glad you're happy with the job... by the way, I took out all the warranties in the little boxes and left them on the table for you!"
It’s a great joke. At the same time, this week the image of an empty mezuzah case makes me think of something less amusing. It makes me think of another wealthy Jew who has dazzlingly large homes in Beverly Hills and Malibu – as well as well as a really big gym known as, “The Staples Center”. If the scroll represents the soul of the Jew, Donald Sterling (formerly, Donald Tokowitz) is no doubt a mezuzah case without out a scroll.
Since Sterling’s remarks to his girlfriend about African Americans were brought to light by TMZ, the media has been filled with reports of all sorts of awful behavior by Sterling in the past: from the housing discrimination lawsuit he settled in 2009 (for keeping blacks and Hispanics out of his buildings), to adultery, abusive behavior towards his children and those around him. And while Sterling is not active in the Jewish community in any significant way, the fact remains that he is a Jew, which makes this whole sordid affair a shanda fur die Goyim (an embarrassment in front of the non-Jewish world). Heaven forbid anyone should associate his worldview with Judaism or the Jewish People.
But, rather than hang our heads in shame, it is worth noting that Adam Silver, the new commissioner of the National Basketball Association, is also Jewish. While one can certainly discount his strong stand against Sterling’s racist behavior as doing what was politically or economically necessary for the NBA, there is no doubt that he did what was right. I’m proud that Adam Silver is a member of the Jewish community.
The scroll inside the mezuzah contains the eternal words of the Sh’ma Yisrael. Those words, which speak of God’s Oneness and our love for God and God’s ways, represent the soul of Jew. May we all find ways in our own lives to keep that scroll inside our mezuzah cases.
A man buys a fabulous home in Beverly Hills, California. He brings in a local workman to decorate the place. When the job is finished, the homeowner is delighted but realizes that he's forgotten to put mezuzahs on the doors. He goes out and buys 50 mezuzahs and instructs the decorator how to place them on the right hand side of each door except bathrooms and kitchens.
He's really worried that the decorator will chip the paint work or won't put them up correctly. However, when he comes back a few hours later, he sees that the job has been carried out to his entire satisfaction.
He's so pleased that he gives the decorator a bonus.
As the decorator is walking out of the door he says, "Glad you're happy with the job... by the way, I took out all the warranties in the little boxes and left them on the table for you!"
It’s a great joke. At the same time, this week the image of an empty mezuzah case makes me think of something less amusing. It makes me think of another wealthy Jew who has dazzlingly large homes in Beverly Hills and Malibu – as well as well as a really big gym known as, “The Staples Center”. If the scroll represents the soul of the Jew, Donald Sterling (formerly, Donald Tokowitz) is no doubt a mezuzah case without out a scroll.
Since Sterling’s remarks to his girlfriend about African Americans were brought to light by TMZ, the media has been filled with reports of all sorts of awful behavior by Sterling in the past: from the housing discrimination lawsuit he settled in 2009 (for keeping blacks and Hispanics out of his buildings), to adultery, abusive behavior towards his children and those around him. And while Sterling is not active in the Jewish community in any significant way, the fact remains that he is a Jew, which makes this whole sordid affair a shanda fur die Goyim (an embarrassment in front of the non-Jewish world). Heaven forbid anyone should associate his worldview with Judaism or the Jewish People.
But, rather than hang our heads in shame, it is worth noting that Adam Silver, the new commissioner of the National Basketball Association, is also Jewish. While one can certainly discount his strong stand against Sterling’s racist behavior as doing what was politically or economically necessary for the NBA, there is no doubt that he did what was right. I’m proud that Adam Silver is a member of the Jewish community.
The scroll inside the mezuzah contains the eternal words of the Sh’ma Yisrael. Those words, which speak of God’s Oneness and our love for God and God’s ways, represent the soul of Jew. May we all find ways in our own lives to keep that scroll inside our mezuzah cases.
Monday, April 14, 2014
Overland Park, KS
Dear Friends,
If you go on the web site of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City, located in Overland Park, KS, it looks much the same as the web site for the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades here in Tenafly. The site is promoting its fitness center with personal trainers, an upcoming concert with Reform Jewish folk-rock artist, Rick Recht, and a series of performances of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Everything looks normal until one clicks on the ad for “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and finds the notice, “The Sunday, April 13th Performance Has Been Cancelled.”
One can’t escape the tragic irony. “To Kill a Mockingbird” is about racism in America. That the show (to be performed in the JCC’s “White Theatre,” also ironic) was cancelled because a white supremacist, former grand dragon of the Ku Klux Klan murdered three innocent people in cold blood just adds to the tragedy. Perhaps, it was no coincidence. Perhaps, Frazier Glenn Miller deliberately targeted the Greater Kansas City JCC yesterday because of the performance.
Or, perhaps, he just wanted to kill Jews. As the New York Times reported:
“In a 2010 interview with Howard Stern, the radio shock jock, who is Jewish, Mr. Miller was asked who he hated more, Jews or African-Americans. Mr. Miller answered “Jews. A thousand times more. Compared to our Jewish problem, all other problems are mere distractions.”
The fact that there are still vicious, psychopathic anti-Semites running around the United States is not something we want to contemplate as we begin this most joyous of festivals, the holiday of Passover. For centuries, this time of year, when Passover and Easter came together, was fraught with anxiety for our ancestors who never knew when an anti-Semitic attack would be unleashed against us. Yesterday’s attack is an important reminder that our freedom, which we celebrate tonight, depends upon the continuing efforts of all to teach tolerance and eradicate hate from the hearts of all our citizens.
It is also a reminder that we need to be vigilant about the security of all Jewish institutions. Please know that Temple Sinai, along with other Bergen County Jewish organizations, is focused on the safety of our members. If you have children in our Early Childhood Center you are already aware of our focus on security and safety for our children and all who come to Temple Sinai. Security training and lockdown drills are part of our new normal. Implementation of long-planned new security enhancements to the building is underway as I write this to further “harden” our facility from attack.
Be assured that we are continuing to review our already high security standards and are in ongoing contact with local law enforcement in Tenafly as well as with security experts. We remain dedicated to a safe and secure facility– while remaining an inviting community. Your assistance by being vigilant, acting as additional eyes and ears, contributes to our security and peace of mind.
Our hearts go out to the JCC of Greater Kansas City and Village Shalom, the senior living community, where the third of the three victims was killed. I know the victims and their families will be in our thoughts and prayers as we gather for our Seder meals. Let us hold our own family members close as we appreciate the freedom and safety we enjoy. Let us never take it for granted.
Chag Sameach – Happy Passover,
Rabbi Jordan Millstein
p.s. If you are looking for an upbeat topic to discuss with your family at your seders, why not bring up the possibility of joining us on our congregation’s next multi-generational trip to Israel, December 20 – 31, 2014? Instead of just saying, “Next year in Jerusalem,” at the end of the Seder, why not begin planning to be there this December? Contact me at rabbimillstein@templesinaibc.org for more information. The deadline to register is May 1st, so the time to plan is now!
If you go on the web site of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City, located in Overland Park, KS, it looks much the same as the web site for the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades here in Tenafly. The site is promoting its fitness center with personal trainers, an upcoming concert with Reform Jewish folk-rock artist, Rick Recht, and a series of performances of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Everything looks normal until one clicks on the ad for “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and finds the notice, “The Sunday, April 13th Performance Has Been Cancelled.”
One can’t escape the tragic irony. “To Kill a Mockingbird” is about racism in America. That the show (to be performed in the JCC’s “White Theatre,” also ironic) was cancelled because a white supremacist, former grand dragon of the Ku Klux Klan murdered three innocent people in cold blood just adds to the tragedy. Perhaps, it was no coincidence. Perhaps, Frazier Glenn Miller deliberately targeted the Greater Kansas City JCC yesterday because of the performance.
Or, perhaps, he just wanted to kill Jews. As the New York Times reported:
“In a 2010 interview with Howard Stern, the radio shock jock, who is Jewish, Mr. Miller was asked who he hated more, Jews or African-Americans. Mr. Miller answered “Jews. A thousand times more. Compared to our Jewish problem, all other problems are mere distractions.”
The fact that there are still vicious, psychopathic anti-Semites running around the United States is not something we want to contemplate as we begin this most joyous of festivals, the holiday of Passover. For centuries, this time of year, when Passover and Easter came together, was fraught with anxiety for our ancestors who never knew when an anti-Semitic attack would be unleashed against us. Yesterday’s attack is an important reminder that our freedom, which we celebrate tonight, depends upon the continuing efforts of all to teach tolerance and eradicate hate from the hearts of all our citizens.
It is also a reminder that we need to be vigilant about the security of all Jewish institutions. Please know that Temple Sinai, along with other Bergen County Jewish organizations, is focused on the safety of our members. If you have children in our Early Childhood Center you are already aware of our focus on security and safety for our children and all who come to Temple Sinai. Security training and lockdown drills are part of our new normal. Implementation of long-planned new security enhancements to the building is underway as I write this to further “harden” our facility from attack.
Be assured that we are continuing to review our already high security standards and are in ongoing contact with local law enforcement in Tenafly as well as with security experts. We remain dedicated to a safe and secure facility– while remaining an inviting community. Your assistance by being vigilant, acting as additional eyes and ears, contributes to our security and peace of mind.
Our hearts go out to the JCC of Greater Kansas City and Village Shalom, the senior living community, where the third of the three victims was killed. I know the victims and their families will be in our thoughts and prayers as we gather for our Seder meals. Let us hold our own family members close as we appreciate the freedom and safety we enjoy. Let us never take it for granted.
Chag Sameach – Happy Passover,
Rabbi Jordan Millstein
p.s. If you are looking for an upbeat topic to discuss with your family at your seders, why not bring up the possibility of joining us on our congregation’s next multi-generational trip to Israel, December 20 – 31, 2014? Instead of just saying, “Next year in Jerusalem,” at the end of the Seder, why not begin planning to be there this December? Contact me at rabbimillstein@templesinaibc.org for more information. The deadline to register is May 1st, so the time to plan is now!
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Join Me in Israel
Dear Friends,
Every year at the end of our Passover Seders we Jews famously declare, “Next year in Jerusalem!” For countless centuries this prayer expressed our people’s yearning to return to Zion from exile in the diaspora. Today, we live in an age of which our ancestors only dreamed. We Jews have returned to Zion. Our people is no longer in exile. Israel is not a dream but a modern, dynamic, fascinating country, a fulfillment of that age-old Passover prayer and then some.
So, what does it mean to us today when we declare at the end of our Seders, “Next year in Jerusalem?” What will it mean this year to you? May I suggest an answer? Fulfill the age-old dream of every Jew by joining our Temple Sinai inter-generational, congregational trip to Israel at the end of this December. Fulfill your personal dream of seeing our ancient homeland, which is now also the modern, vibrant center of Jewish life. Don’t wait for the messiah! Don’t wait ‘till next year. Join me December 20 – 31, 2014(which actually will be next year on the Jewish calendar) and make you, your family’s and our people’s dreams come true.
A meeting for all those who may be interested in joining us on our grand adventure will be held this Sunday, March 23 at 1:00 p.m. Details about the trip, including registration, itinerary, accommodations, costs, bar/bat mitzvah celebration, etc. will be discussed. Please let Ronni Zlotnick, the chairperson of the trip, know if you will be attending the meeting: ronnibzlot@juno.com. (If you are interested in the trip but cannot attend Sunday’s meeting, please contact her as well.)
All the best for a happy and healthy Passover season,
Jordan
p.s. Don’t miss this Friday night’s service at 7:30, led by Temple Sinai’s Sisterhood, when Shira Pruce of Women of the Wall, will be speaking about the controversy in Israel surrounding women’s prayer groups at the Western Wall.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Good Deeds
Dear Friends,
Whenever I meet with a bar or bat mitzvah student we discuss the meaning of becoming bar/bat mitzvah. While the term translates as “son of mitzvah” or “daughter of mitzvah,” what it means, according to Jewish tradition, is that the young person is now responsible for doing the mitzvot (plural of “mitzvah”). This naturally leads to the question, “What is a mitzvah?” Almost every student replies, “a good deed.” The truth is that this popular definition of a mitzvah is not completely correct. A mitzvah is a commandment, something we believe, or according to our tradition, God wants us to do. It includes both “good deeds,” i.e. actions which help others or make the world a better place (“tikkun olam”), and Jewish observances and traditions. Both types of mitzvot are essential to living a rich and meaningful Jewish life. Both connect us to God. Mitzvot are not merely good deeds, they are “God deeds.”
Here is one “good deed” mitzvah and one “Jewish observance” mitzvah that you can do through Temple Sinai this week:
Doing mitzvot is at the heart of what it means to be a Jew. It makes being Jewish more than something that you are; it makes it something that you live. And when we live out who we are, we are truly fulfilled.
Shabbat Shalom,
Jordan
Whenever I meet with a bar or bat mitzvah student we discuss the meaning of becoming bar/bat mitzvah. While the term translates as “son of mitzvah” or “daughter of mitzvah,” what it means, according to Jewish tradition, is that the young person is now responsible for doing the mitzvot (plural of “mitzvah”). This naturally leads to the question, “What is a mitzvah?” Almost every student replies, “a good deed.” The truth is that this popular definition of a mitzvah is not completely correct. A mitzvah is a commandment, something we believe, or according to our tradition, God wants us to do. It includes both “good deeds,” i.e. actions which help others or make the world a better place (“tikkun olam”), and Jewish observances and traditions. Both types of mitzvot are essential to living a rich and meaningful Jewish life. Both connect us to God. Mitzvot are not merely good deeds, they are “God deeds.”
Here is one “good deed” mitzvah and one “Jewish observance” mitzvah that you can do through Temple Sinai this week:
- GOOD DEEDS DAY. On Sunday, March 9th the Jewish Community Relations Council and Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey is sponsoring “Good Deeds Day.” Temple Sinai is a host site for collecting non-perishable/unexpired food items to be donated to local food pantries. Everyone at Temple Sinai – members, parents, the ECC community – are encouraged to bring donations as soon as possible to the Temple, starting this weekend and ending on Sun. morning, March 9. On Good Deeds Day, March 9, you are invited to come to the Federation from 2-4 to sort and pack the food items. Representatives from some of the food pantries will come as well to meet and mingle with the volunteers. Anyone who would like to help sort and pack at JFNNJ (50 Eisenhower Drive, Paramus) on Good Deeds Day is encouraged to register at www.jfnnj.org/gooddeedsday. Space is limited and there are free t-shirts for the first 200 volunteers. Please contact Joy Kurland at joyk@jfnnj.org with any questions. This is a terrific Mitzvah project for any bar/bat mitzvah students looking for one.
- SHALACH MANOT. This is the Jewish practice of sending gifts to one another in conjunction with the festival of Purim. The origins of SHALACH MANOT go back all the way to the Megillah, the Book of Esther, when Mordechai declared the holiday of Purim as a time “of feasting and gladness – send food to one another, and give generously to the poor”. Our Temple Sisterhood has organized a system through which you can send Purim wishes and goodies to Temple Sinai members, ECC and Religious School families, and Temple Staff. You can also send an $8 donation to the “Purim Connection”, an organization that delivers Purim gifts to young soldiers on active duty in Israel and to Israeli children who are victims of terror and displacement. For more information, click here. Order forms are available at Temple, in the Sentry or click here for form. from Shavua Tov. If you have questions or would like to volunteer for bag "production" or delivery, contact Hilary Eth.
Doing mitzvot is at the heart of what it means to be a Jew. It makes being Jewish more than something that you are; it makes it something that you live. And when we live out who we are, we are truly fulfilled.
Shabbat Shalom,
Jordan
Friday, February 21, 2014
Hanging with Bruce and the Boys
Dear friends,
I don’t know where you’ll be on Feb 27th but I’ll be at the Clinton Inn for the Brotherhood Guys night out! This Second Annual Guys Night out, next Thursday from 7:30 – 10:00 pm at the Palmer’s Crossing Room in the Tenafly Clinton Inn, promises to be a lot of fun. I’m sure you want to hang out with me for an evening, but if that’s not good enough for you to join us that night, how about the following Top Ten Reasons?
Shabbat Shalom,
Jordan
**Cost for the entire event is only $30. To RSVP, go towww.sinaiguysnightout.com
I don’t know where you’ll be on Feb 27th but I’ll be at the Clinton Inn for the Brotherhood Guys night out! This Second Annual Guys Night out, next Thursday from 7:30 – 10:00 pm at the Palmer’s Crossing Room in the Tenafly Clinton Inn, promises to be a lot of fun. I’m sure you want to hang out with me for an evening, but if that’s not good enough for you to join us that night, how about the following Top Ten Reasons?
- Hang out with your friends. All the men from Brotherhood will be there as will other guys who are friends with the guys from Brotherhood.
- Meet new friends. Many men have already signed up so there will probably be at least a few you do not know yet. This is a great, easy-going and relaxed opportunity to meet some new guys and maybe make new friends.
- Hang out with former New York Jets star running back and kick/punt returner Bruce Harper. Ok, so if the chance to hang with me and the Brotherhood guys isn’t enough of a draw, how about an actual football star??
- Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet of hot wings, pizza and beef brisket egg rolls
- Enjoy unlimited, free flowing beverages including beer, house wine and soft drinks and for those who prefer cocktails, we’ll have a cash bar.
- Watch the Knicks v. Heat and the Rangers v. Blackhawks on the large screen TV
- Take a chance on a great Raffle and at the same time help support our Temple Sinai youth. Buy a raffle ticket for two amazing seats for the NY Rangers v. Phoenix Coyotes game on March 24th at Madison Square Garden. All proceeds of the raffle go to the Brotherhood Youth Scholarship Fund which is being used to send our youth to the URJ Religious Action Center in Washington, DC, this weekend. We will sell only 100 raffle tickets at $10 each (3 for $25). They’re tax-deductible, you do not need to be present to win and the more you buy the better your odds of winning!
- Support Brotherhood by being a part of the group having a laid-back, enjoyable evening together.
- Help build the Temple Sinai community by strengthening the Brotherhood.
- And finally, leave your work behind, put the shovel down, and come out of the cold. Relax, grab a drink and a wing, and kick back with the guys!
Shabbat Shalom,
Jordan
**Cost for the entire event is only $30. To RSVP, go towww.sinaiguysnightout.com
Friday, February 7, 2014
Putin's Games
Dear Friends,
Maybe it’s just me but I’m having a hard time getting psyched to watch the Winter Olympics in Sochi. Perhaps if I was more into winter sports I would naturally be more excited. But, the sight of a bunch of German and Nordic men in body-suits plummeting down an ice chute on a French-named sled trying to get to the bottom of a hill a tiny fraction of a second faster than the rest doesn’t do it for me. OK, to be honest, I do think figure-skating is beautiful, and speed skating and skiing can be fun to watch. So, I should have a more positive attitude.
I guess what is really bothering me is the thought of that latter-day Czar, Vladimir Putin, smugly sitting at the games celebrating the return of Russia to its days of glory under his autocratic rule. He of the “gay propaganda” legislation, political corruption, and shuttering of independent media; he of the detention of protestors and dissenters of every stripe; he who continues to support the murderous Assad regime in Syria; he who seems for all intents and purposes to be President of Russia for life. Forget the stray dogs, unfinished hotels and the toilets that don’t flush. The Sochi Olympics is Putin’s party and the world is there to marvel at his success.
So, what to do? We could just ignore old “Pootie-Poot,” as President Bush called him, and enjoy the show. We Americans often ignore ethical issues when it comes to celebrating the world of sport. But, that would be an abdication of our values. Should we then keep our televisions and computers off and not watch at all? Some may find that to be a good solution. But, we know that the athletes themselves are not to blame nor are we going stop Putin by not watching the Olympics. Let us rather cheer on our athletes, Americans, Jews, Israelis – those who represent the values that we believe – keep our eyes and ears open to what is going on in the world and not forget what we stand for.
Shabbat Shalom,
Jordan
Maybe it’s just me but I’m having a hard time getting psyched to watch the Winter Olympics in Sochi. Perhaps if I was more into winter sports I would naturally be more excited. But, the sight of a bunch of German and Nordic men in body-suits plummeting down an ice chute on a French-named sled trying to get to the bottom of a hill a tiny fraction of a second faster than the rest doesn’t do it for me. OK, to be honest, I do think figure-skating is beautiful, and speed skating and skiing can be fun to watch. So, I should have a more positive attitude.
I guess what is really bothering me is the thought of that latter-day Czar, Vladimir Putin, smugly sitting at the games celebrating the return of Russia to its days of glory under his autocratic rule. He of the “gay propaganda” legislation, political corruption, and shuttering of independent media; he of the detention of protestors and dissenters of every stripe; he who continues to support the murderous Assad regime in Syria; he who seems for all intents and purposes to be President of Russia for life. Forget the stray dogs, unfinished hotels and the toilets that don’t flush. The Sochi Olympics is Putin’s party and the world is there to marvel at his success.
So, what to do? We could just ignore old “Pootie-Poot,” as President Bush called him, and enjoy the show. We Americans often ignore ethical issues when it comes to celebrating the world of sport. But, that would be an abdication of our values. Should we then keep our televisions and computers off and not watch at all? Some may find that to be a good solution. But, we know that the athletes themselves are not to blame nor are we going stop Putin by not watching the Olympics. Let us rather cheer on our athletes, Americans, Jews, Israelis – those who represent the values that we believe – keep our eyes and ears open to what is going on in the world and not forget what we stand for.
Shabbat Shalom,
Jordan
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