Shabbat Behar
Leviticus 25:1-26:227
Candle Lighting Time: Friday, May 16, 2008 7:49 P.M.
Samuel DiPiazza, CEO of a major public accounting firm, co-authored a
book on building trust in the business world. The book proposes a spirit
of transparency, a culture of accountability, and a people of integrity.
But in an interview in Singapore, he noted there is one thing the book
cannot teach—integrity. "Either you have it or you don't," he said.
Is he right? In our world of shifting standards, can integrity be
acquired by those who don't have it? I believe one can! The answer is
found in our unchanging standard—The Torah.
This week’s Torah portion, Behar, warns us, “When you sell property to
your neighbor, or buy any from your neighbor, you shall not wrong one
another.” (Lev. 25: 14) All though the Torah’s rule is specifically
applied to real estate sales, the rabbis understood it to include all
commercial transactions. “The Midrash extends the concept still further
to include wronging a person with harmful words. This includes
reminding a repentant sinner of his or her former misdeeds and asking a
merchant the price of something when you have no intention of buying.
Pious people do not deceive even themselves.” (Etz Hayyim commentary
below the line, page 740),
David the psalmist did not head a multinational corporation. But he did
rule over a kingdom, and he was serious about doing what was right. He
recognized how easy it is to slide down the slippery path of unethical
behavior simply because it seems advantageous.
So David asked God, "Teach me Your statutes" (Ps. 119:124). "Give me
understanding," he said, "that I may know Your testimonies" (v.125).
David hated "every false way," and based his life on the principle that
"all Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right"
(v.128).
Everybody is born neutral, neither good nor evil. But by studying the
Torah and observing God’s commandments, we can learn to hate falsehood
and love integrity
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Gary Greene
Services Schedule:
Friday night 7:00 p.m.
Shabbat 9:00 a.m.
Mon. & Thurs 6:30 a.m.
Sun. -Thurs night 7:30 p.m.
Announcements:
Traffic Survival Workshop Wednesday May 14 and 21, 7-10PM
MJCC Sisterhood presents a Mah Jongg/Card Party, Thursday, May 22 at
12noon. $15.00 per person. Lunch will be served. RSVP by May 13th.
Shabbat, May 17th We celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of Michael Levin
Sunday, May 18th The continuing interfaith dialogue at the Little Neck
Community Church on Little Neck Parkway at 8:00 P.M.
A gift from METNY Celebrating Israel’s 60th Birthday. Thursday, May
22. A free concert for the entire family at Shelter Rock Jewish Center,
Roslyn. Blue Fringe, the Jewish Rock Band and Tismoret, and outstanding
a cappella group. Admission by reservation only. Call Don Schiller:
211-533-7800 ext 212544
Sunday, June 1st Salute to Israel Parade Join family and friends as
we march in this year’s Salute to Israel Parade. Spectators also
welcomed! RSVP required. Cost is only $18.00 per person and includes
round trip air-conditioned bus (from MJCC and back), special
commemorative T shirt, a light snack and bottled water. Even if you
can’t attend show your support by donating $18.00 or more by May 5th and
receive the official Salute to Israei Parade T shirt as our gift.
Learn to Belly Dance with Miss Lena. 3 Wednesdays in June, June 12, 19,
26. $10.00 per class or $25.00 for all three RSVP by May 30th MUCC
office 718-1580
July 13th MJCC is going to another Brooklyn Cyclone’s Game! It is
Jewish Heritage Night at the stadium where the Cyclones will be playing
the Spikes. Tickets are only $18.00. RSVP at the synagogue office no
later than May 14th for our block of tickets to be purchased on time.
