Voices of WRJ: B'chukotai

by Isabel Einzig-Wein As we conclude the book of Leviticus, the third book in the 5 Books of Moses, G_d asserts his instructions to the Jewish People: "If you follow my decrees and observe my commandments and perform them: “I will…” and G_d proceeds to present 13 general requirements that will enrich and enhance and provide protection for the Jewish people. We know we have laws and rules for obedience. We are given rules to create a sense of a meaningful existence and order. As a free people we are provided and vote for laws that will protect us and provide security. If the people of Israel follow G_d’s commandments, as it is said, they have a better chance of being fertile, having food, dwelling in the land feeling secure, G_d will protect the people against their enemies, and G_d promises to be with them in establishing a Covenant with the people who He brought forth out of slavery from Egypt. These commandments are a culmination of instructions given throughout Leviticus to enable the people of Israel to live their lives worthy of G_d having created them. In essence G_d will reward his people for being forthright performing mitzvot, following the Torah precepts and living by the commandments brought down from Sinai by their leader, Moses. By following G_d’s laws, “B’Chukotai,” the people will be rewarded. As has been passed down to us through our history as Jews, man, woman and child, have been commanded to follow G_d’s laws. Then G_d states: “If you will not listen to me and will not perform all these commandments; …”I will”, and then comes the punishment or consequences in specific terms such as: “I will assign you panic, I will turn my attention against you…” He offers the people chances to reconsider each time he mentions another consequence, giving them pause to be aware of their casual behaviors and lack of observance. He states He will also behave casually toward them. As mothers, grandmothers, wives and members of our communities, we witness the results of cause and effect. We see that positive action leads to positive outcomes. However, we are not perfect. We want to fulfill our own needs. As our foremothers Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah, we are responsible to teach our children and our grandchildren and in my case, a great-grandchild, to have faith in G_d and to value others’ needs, not just fulfill our own desires. As women of WRJ, it is also our responsibility to abide by our laws, align with WRJ’s mission and move toward the vision of providing for others through social action advocacy, and care for our fellow human with acts of loving-kindness. Then we will be fulfilling G_d’s commandments by performing mitzvot, and helping his people. We should be saying, “Hinani - I am here!” I am here for you G_d! And on a personal note, I say Hinani to my grandson, who is learning-disabled and who gives me pleasure in advocating for him and helping him know what it means to have integrity. It gives me pleasure, because I am seeing “the fruits of my labor” and the value that will enable him to live a better life. When we as role models, the Women of Reform Judaism, put forth a new Constitution with modified rules, as we have recently done, enabling unaffiliated women to become members of WRJ, we are coming together to give other women opportunities to provide a service that will cause a positive effect. We are listening to G_d and our reward is seeing the “fruits of our labor”. Since 1913 we have supported the philosophy of advocacy by supporting our Jewish scholars, children, and women in need of assistance throughout the world. Positive action, following G_d’s commandments, and abiding by our constitutional precepts have made our efforts valuable for all who strive to meet challenges, not casually, but through all life’s struggles. If along the way we have made mistakes, it is not G_d’s intention to punish, but for us to become aware of our errors and correct them, remembering with every action there is a consequence. Also in this parashah, G_d instructs the Jewish people to put a value on their property and to give gifts to the Temple. We, as women, have fought to show our value to the world and have, with much struggle, broken the “rules” that held women back and devalued their abilities. Rules need to evolve and be interpreted to create positive effects. We have seen this occur throughout the Bible and now, we have women rabbis, women who are CEOs of large companies, women astronauts and women running for the presidency of the US. As women of WRJ, we can say that our own needs have been met and we have fulfilled our duties to G_d by meeting the needs of others. “Focusing on our own needs and desires, we will always be disappointed in the world and with ourselves. But if we lift our eyes to a higher vision, if we set our feet on a more tested path, we can soar above our plight, as on eagles’ wings.”- Rabbi Artson from The Bedside Torah.   Chazak, Chazak! Venischazedik! Be strong, be strong and may we be strengthened! Isabel Einzig-Wein is the past president of NVHC’s Sisterhood in Reston, Virginia; a proud member of the board of WRJ; a former educator and now a Leadership Coach who inspires people “to rise to the occasion”.