We Are All Connected…For Better or For Worse

Today was a surreal day.

It was my mother’s 12th Yahrzeit (anniversary of death on the Jewish calendar). It was also Purim, one of the most joyous and fun days in Judaism. But that juxtaposition wasn’t what made today surreal.

On a Yahrzeit, it is traditional to attend a prayer service in order to recite the Kaddish prayer at each of the three services on that day. Last night, I was at the congregation where I am the rabbi and was able to say Kaddish. This morning, I was at the synagogue down the street where I was also able to say Kaddish. The problem was finding a place to go this afternoon. Most places hold afternoon services later–precisely at the time when I am working at the gym. The rabbi at the congregation where I went this morning (whose wife was a participant in a youth group trip to Israel and Poland that I led over 30 years ago) spoke to another rabbi who mentioned that there would be a service at 2:05 pm at a small synagogue in the basement of someone’s home about a mile away. Are you following this? I got there and what a crowd! I was able to say Kaddish which was the main thing.

As I was about to leave, a man came up to me and asked me for directions to a store nearby. I looked right at him and said “you’re….” and before I could finish he said his last name. I introduced myself and his face lit up. He was the rabbi at the Orthodox synagogue in Toledo at the same time I was the rabbi at the Conservative synagogue in Toledo. We had worked in the same community for five years but hadn’t seen each other in well over fifteen years. We filled each other in briefly on what was going on in our lives and it was great to catch up.

He reflected on how appropriate this was for Purim. The story of Purim is based on the Book of Esther. This is a book that is filled with disparate plot lines that seem random at first but which ultimately all come together. Without just one of the plot twists, the story would not work and–according to the Book of Esther–the Jews of Shushan would have been slaughtered. His point was that what sometimes seems random may actually be part of God’s plan.

This was a good point. He had moved to Israel many years ago but moved back to the US. He and his wife live in the Chicago area where they usually spend holidays but they decided (in the midst of Coronavirus) to drive to Cleveland to be with their daughter and her family. I didn’t know they were in the US. He didn’t know I was in Cleveland. And we both ended up at the same prayer service; consider that in Cleveland every day there are literally dozens of places to pray. Under normal circumstances, I would have prayed on my own, but because it was my mother’s Yahrzeit, I had to find a service to go to. How did we end up at the same place, and why did he approach me to ask for directions?

We are all connected. Even when we think life is random, little signs can show us that there is order, or we may even sense God’s actions in our world. That connection made my day. It was great to see an old friend.

This happened on the same day that my daughter was informed that her classes after spring break will all be done via computer in order to avoid Coronavirus contact. We found out yesterday that it has spread to Ohio, and to the county in which I live, and to individuals in the Jewish community. Organizations are closing. The JCC has cancelled some events. People are “self-quarantining.”

This was all inevitable. How could it not spread? We are all connected. For better or for worse.

I only hope that the current health crisis will not be as dire as has been predicted. I pray that it is only a “close call” that will help us be better prepared in the future. Most fervently I hope that despite our inability to literally connect physically (shaking hands, etc.), we will not forget that at a most basic level we are connected to each other in many positive ways. Those connections are a gift from God.

Today was surreal. Connected spiritually and disconnected physically. I look forward to the day when we can truly be connected in every way.

Stay healthy!

Clothes Make the Wo/Man

After getting all the instructions for the Tabernacle in last week’s Torah portion, this week’s portion turns to the furnishings and clothing for the priests as well as the ordination of the Kohanim. There is a fairly extensive list of the garments to be worn. It is reminiscent of what we read last week in that no detail seems to be left untouched. If we believe that what is important is on the inside and not on the outside, why is there an emphasis on the clothing? Why can’t the High Priest wear what he (back then it was only men) feels like that day?

The Torah does not answer this directly but we can relate to these questions from our own experiences. Often we behave differently due to what we are wearing. For example, when we “dress up” we may feel a little more “formal” or special and it may affect the way we behave. The opposite might be true if we are wearing sweats and a t-shirt–not at all formal. When we go to the gym, we may feel more “powerful” when we wear the proper gear or a particularly stylish pair of shoes. Putting on a tallit has a special effect as well.

One can imagine that the Priest’s garments were meant to influence the wearer; this helps to explain why the headdress says on it “Holy to the Lord.” Ideally we should not judge a book by a cover…but often the cover is reflective of the contents of a book. The lesson here is that the book’s cover is important…and so is what’s written inside; both are necessary and complete the picture.

What Does Judaism Have to Say about Coronavirus?

Coronavirus has been on nearly everyone’s mind the last few weeks. Although the impact in the US has been relatively light, there are legitimate fears that it could cause major disruptions to our daily living–not to mention the suffering and possible deaths of many people.

What does Judaism have to say about all this? The virus is new, so it’s not like the Medieval commentators talked about it, let along the modern ones. There is a parallel, however, in a section of the Torah that deals with a skin affliction that is often thought to be leprosy. Two Torah portions–Tazria and Metzora–deal with questions of bodily fluids and disease; they are rather mysterious and represent the best guesses of the ancients about how to deal with medical situations they did not fully understand.

It is significant that the Torah talks about it at all. These two Torah portions seem out of place. With regard to the leprous condition, there are precise instructions about what to look for, who would determine what the condition really was, and what the process would be after that. Surprisingly, the ones who would administer care to those afflicted were the Kohanim–the priests–who in most other circumstances were to avoid any kind of impurity. Here, however, they were to do the examination and all the follow-up as well. This sends an important message. If the holiest in our midst are to concern themselves with the ill (and contagious at that!), how much more so should the rest of us see to the welfare of others?

A few other important points: 1. Elsewhere in the Torah there are instructions for us to do whatever we can to prevent injury to others, such as fencing off a pit or building a parapet around one’s roof; we must go out of our way to make sure that others do not get hurt. This can be further interpreted to mean that we must do whatever we can to prevent disease and its spread, including washing our hands, etc. 2. The Torah does not specify that only those who can afford treatment should get it; from the most prominent to the least among us, care is to be given. In the end, we do not really know the value of each person–what their hidden talents might be, what holiness they bring into the world. 3. The Talmud teaches that to save one life is as if an entire world is saved. The fatality rate may only be 2%, but those in that 2% are created in the Divine Image; they are God’s children and we cannot simply write them off.

Finally, 4. Judaism sees humans as partners with God. We cannot just pray on this or hope for a miracle. It is up to us to support research for prevention and treatment. We cannot twiddle our thumbs and wish that it goes away. We must use all our God-given talents to prevent and ease suffering.

Readers of my blog know that Judaism has lots to say about how we treat our bodies. They are holy vessels loaned to us by God and it is up to us to care for ours…and others as well. Let us hope that our leaders and medical professionals take these lessons to heart and help to prevent what could be a major catastrophe if we don’t act wisely and quickly.

My prayers go out to those who are ill and I send comfort to all those mourning the loss of loved ones. May we come together to prevent further tragedy. May we preserve our health and the health of those around us so that together we can help to make God’s world a better place.

Wo/man’s Best Friend

Today was Belle’s grooming day and she looks cute as can be. She got me wondering if there really is a health benefit to having a dog.

I have a lot of new clients who when I ask them about their physical activity tell me that they walk their dog. I usually think this doesn’t count because the pace isn’t high enough to raise one’s heart rate–especially if you’ve got a dog who loves to stop and sniff.

A little research yielded an article from the Harvard Medical School: https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/walking-the-dog-yes-it-counts-as-exercise. It surprised me in a positive way.

The research indicates that dog owners have a much higher rate of achieving the 150 minutes of exercise recommended each week for adults: 87% for dog owners as opposed to 47% for non-dog owners. Obviously the people at Harvard never met Belle; I don’t know if my heart rate increases but I’ll bet my blood pressure increases as she drags me along doing everything except for the business at hand.

Owning a dog, of course, has other health benefits. They can be calming and provide a sense of lightness in our lives. Additionally, when we walk your dog or go to the dog park it increases our social interaction; we meet others and develop a sense of connectedness to our neighborhood.

As for cats….most of them I have met are not so walkable. Dogs, though, are indeed our best friends in a whole variety of ways.

What do You Bring to the Tabernacle?

Parashat Terumah contains the instructions for the building of the Tabernacle in the wilderness–the structure that would serve as a place of worship for the Israelites in their wanderings.

Rather than narrative–which is what we are used to up to this point–the Torah portion reads like an IKEA instruction manual. It is quite specific and we don’t really know if there is any spiritual significance behind the various specifications.

What is apparent is that the work needed in order to complete the Tabernacle and its furnishings required a fair amount of expertise in various fields: construction, woodworking, creating fabrics, treating leather, etc. Midrashim have pointed out that the many tasks needed to bring the Tabernacle into existence meant that there was something for everyone to do, and that each individual could contribute in an area where they had competence.

This is a prime example of teamwork. Not everyone can be a quarterback or a pitcher, but everyone working together can reach the goal. This is no less true today in our Jewish community and in society. Each of us brings our own special interests, skills and experiences. None of us is a Jack-of-all-trades. Together, however, we can build something beautiful in which not only will we feel pride and comfort, but where God will feel welcome as well.

To Shovel or Not to Shovel…

Here in Cleveland we just got another blast of winter cold and snow. Invariably the conversation turns to which suburbs do the best job of clearing the roads, as well as the usual observations about whether the person hired to clear the driveway and sidewalk had done their job satisfactorily.

For many years while I lived in Columbus, I used to shovel my driveway. Later on, when I had more responsibilities at work–and when it always seemed to snow on Shabbat when I couldn’t shovel–I paid someone in the neighborhood to take care of it.

A topic that comes up every now and again is how dangerous it might be to shovel snow from a health standpoint. We hear stories about people having heart attacks while shoveling, but what is the real story?

According to MetroHealth’s website here in Cleveland: “Shoveling, even pushing a heavy snow blower, can cause sudden increase in blood pressure and heart rate, and the cold air can cause constriction of the blood vessel and decrease oxygen to the heart. All these work in concert to increase the work of the heart and trigger a potentially fatal heart attack.” What we have here is a kind of double-whammy. On the one hand, the physical exertion leads to elevated and respiratory rates, while on the other hand, the cold air may prevent the additional oxygen from reaching the heart where it is needed most.

For most folks in decent health, the risk still remains relatively low. In fact, according to an article from Harvard Medical School, only about 100 people die each year from shoveling snow. Here is the link: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-shoveling-snow-put-your-heart-at-risk-2017120612887. If, however, a person already has compromised heart or lung function or is elderly, there is definitely a risk factor here.

Each person knows their own body best. While there may be a low risk of a cardiac event, others may develop issues with soreness of muscles as a result of shoveling. There is also the danger of slipping on the ice if such conditions exist with an increased risk of fractures among many older adults.

Weigh the pros and cons…and consider that paying a neighbor’s son or daughter to shovel may not only help preserve your health (definitely a Jewish value) but also help a young entrepreneur on their way to self-sufficiency!

We Are Not Alone

From the Cleveland Jewish News…Some Good News!

https://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/news/local_news/swastika-found-on-peninsula-sidewalk-leads-synagogue-church-down-same/article_4cc19412-5429-11ea-864a-7f80abeddb80.html

C’mon, Get Happy!

This Shabbat we will announce the new month of Adar. As the expression goes: “when Adar begins, our joy increases.” This month contains the holiday of Purim, arguably the most fun (and frivolous) holiday on the Jewish calendar; its celebration is a kind of mash-up between Mardi Gras, Halloween, and New Year’s Eve…all based on the Book of Esther.

Our tradition tells us to be happy, but it’s not like we can just flip a switch when the month begins and suddenly find our mood improved. Making ourselves happier involves effort and practice, but it is something that most of us are capable of accomplishing. A recent article on www.cnn.com discusses this topic along with the research showing that being happy can actually help us live longer! Here is the link: https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/30/health/happiness-live-longer-wellness/index.html. It turns out that we can concentrate on certain behaviors that can lead us to be happier, which has a kind of snowball effect.

Judaism gives us many opportunities to find joy–more than just on Purim. The blessings and prayers we recite help us to focus on the many good things in our lives; they help us to recognize the beauty and wonder of our world. The Sabbath and holidays also have elements of celebration, allowing us to transcend the often-depressing reality of most of our days. Adar is an opportunity for us to re-focus on joy. It is not a one-time shot, but rather an ongoing practice that cannot only make us happy, but also give us more time to enjoy that happiness.

Take Care of your Tootsies

When I was studying to become a personal trainer, one of the units we studied had to do with proper footwear in the gym. When I first read it, I thought “duh.” Everyone knows we need to wear the “sneakers” in the gym, but do know we what a difference it can make? The right support and alignment is essential. With the wrong footwear, we can misalign our kinetic chain (ie., we can throw off our knees, hips and back).

It can actually be a bit confusing. It should go without saying that wearing street shoes in the gym is not a good idea, but it is not that unusual to see them–especially on older adults. I’ve had to have the conversation with clients more than once about having the proper shoes on during our workouts.

What kind of shoe is best to wear? It depends on what you are planning to do. If you are planning to simply do strength training, a pair of cross-trainers is usually a good bet. These are not the same as running shoes, which are specifically designed for running–providing support in different ways than cross-trainers. Basketball shoes are different as well. Of course, if you are going to a spinning class (riding stationary bikes), there are specific shoes for that as well. It can get pricey.

How do you know what to do? If you already have foot issues (pain, plantar fasciitis, etc.), talk with your podiatrist first. Find out what s/he recommends. I was wearing one kind of shoe for a while but once my plantar fasciitis kicked in, my doctor had me change the kind of shoe that I wear; I now use one with a much firmer sole.

If you do not generally have issues with your feet, your next step is to go to a good athletic footwear store. Every city has one. This is not your big box store but usually locally-owned or a small chain. The folks in these stores deal with pretty much one thing and one thing only: athletic footwear. If you explain to them the kind of workouts that you do, what issues you might have, etc., they can get the best shoe for you.

What not to do? I do not recommend getting your shoes from on-line retailers unless you are experienced and know the brand/model that you need. Also, do not go to a shoe warehouse–unless you know the exact brand/model you are looking for. Even then, exercise caution as you may not have the proper fit and those working in the store may not be well trained to help you.

Take care of your tootsies! It may not seem like such an important thing, but if you’ve ever had the experience of not being able to use one or the other, you’ll know just how important it is to care for them properly. Take the few simple steps to make sure that you are not only caring for your feet, but also everything above them!

Where Does Torah Come From?

Torah is at the very center of Judaism. When we talk about “Torah,” though, not everyone means the same thing. A literalist approach would argue that the Torah is what was given to Moses at Mt. Sinai as described in this week’s Torah portion, Yitro; those same individuals might include the Oral Torah as also having been received at the same time.

Others think of Torah more broadly. Torah is from the same word as Moreh/Morah–teacher. It is roughly translated as instruction. There are those who think of Torah as any kind of Jewish learning.

Parashat Yitro relates the “official” story of where instruction came from. There is a sense, however, that what was revealed to Moses and our people at Mt. Sinai continues to be revealed on a regular basis. As time goes on and we make more discoveries, we further uncover God’s instructions and God’s will. In this respect, Torah not only comes from our past–and from a place far away, but Torah also comes from a place very close to us every day.

Our lives are enriched by Torah–by the instructions we receive from many sources; those instructions help us to find our place in the world and what God wants from us. Do not believe that all there is to know about Torah and the world is known already. The search for Torah is never-ending.