April 24. 1987
Message from the Pulpit by Miriam Grossman An Analogy of the Times--of Moses and Now
After God took the Israelites out of Egypt, he commanded Aaron to make animal offerings to Him.
At that time it was the understandable tribute to the Almighty. God said to Aaron, "Make atonements for yourself and for the people." It means--no person is pure.
As each Offering then had its meaning, so does Justice today deal with difference cases accordingly.
Two sons of Aaron defiled the Offerings and they were destroyed--today those who make a mockery of Truth and Justice pay their price in the end.
Then Moses took others to perform the Holy duties-- today we seek for people with better morals.
Moses put the emphasis between the Holy and the Common-- today we should be aware of what to follow and who to avoid.
I shall never understand the Law of Kashrut and Purity. But it teaches us restrain and discipline and today we know that drugs, food and environment interact differently in the human body and mind, and we have to deal with it with great care.
When God brought the Israelites out of bondage, He expected them to become a better people after they experienced the cruelty of oppression.
This brings to my mind the experiences in our generation, while our people were enslaved in Europe (not to mention the horror of a planned destruction).
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We just finished the observance of Passover--the precious Holiday of Freedom which our forefathers experienced with joy and hardships.
After our liberation--stripped of our identity as citizens and normal human beings, we were called stateless people.
Gathered in D.P. camps, living on donated rations--like the historic "manna"--we had no future before us--though we were "free"!
This was a period of utter confusion and despair. Some were distraught, some went into apathy, while others tried to occupy themselves with daily living without a goal.
After several years these temporary shelters had to be dismantled and people had to move on to other places or countries to build their lives anew.
The "Messengers of God", the Relief Agencies, provided temporary help; than each family or individual had to begin on their own.
Some could not make peace with new hardships, but others, grateful to be free and have another chance, appreciated every kindness and were proud to provide for themselves no matter how meager the pay was.
Who can understand the struggles of these transitions? Nevertheless, in time, we became people sharing all responsibilities of other citizens.
Without these responsibilities one cannot call himself free-- for any dependence is a slavery unless one earns his living no matter what he does.
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We also have to keep in mind that no employer should become a master and each employee should fulfill his duties sincerely.
This is what our Rabbi emphasizes in his sermons. We are dependent on one another and all are dependent on our God who gave us Life and the freedom to choose right from wrong. .
May we trod in the paths of those who conquered all hardships and injustices so our lives may be meaningful.
Let us take up the yoke of responsibility.
Let us develop good attitudes.
And let us appreciate on another.
In the name of our God, Amen.
