Showing posts with label tikkun olam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tikkun olam. Show all posts

Watch. Sign. Share.

Apr 4, 2011 at 11:35 AM | Posted by Rabbi Joshua


The time has come to run toward free and fair elections in Congo!

In the last 10 years 5.4 million Congolese have died and 200,000 women have been raped in our world's deadliest war since WWII. In November Congo will be holding only the third election in the country's history. Human rights groups, political experts, and concerned individuals around the world are joining Congolese in calling for free and fair elections. For far too long the world's deadliest war, and many of the other issues affecting the people of Congo have been largely ignored by our government. It is time the U.S. appoints a special envoy to Congo! We absolutely need to monitor the elections, work to end the war, and speak of for the people of this great country.

Please join us in signing this petition (it literally only takes one minute). This petition is not like all petitions. If it's successful, it could actually be a huge step towards peace in a war torn land.

Please sign it, share it, and help us reach 200,000 signatures in 5 days! Sign the Petition HERE!

To find our more about Congo or the upcoming elections visit the FALLING WHISTLES website (http://www.fallingwhistles.com/).

Help end the war in Congo and be a whistle blower for peace!


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Help Make a Difference for Congo

Mar 31, 2011 at 10:03 PM | Posted by Rabbi Joshua

As many of you know, we care very much about the people of Congo and desperately want to see peace in the war torn country. 5.4 million Congolese have died and 200,000 women have been raped in our world's deadliest war since WWII. In November Congo will be holding only the third election in the country's history. Human rights groups, political experts, and concerned individuals around the world are joining Congolese in calling for free and fair elections. For far too long the world's deadliest war, and many of the other issues affecting the people of Congo have been largely ignored by our government. It is time the U.S. appoints a special envoy to Congo! We absolutely need to monitor the elections, work to end the war, and speak of for the people of this great country.

Please join us in signing this petition (it literally only takes one minute). This petition is not like all petitions. If it's successful, it could actually be a huge step towards peace in a war torn land.

Please sign it, share it, and help us reach 200,000 signatures in 5 days! Sign the Petition HERE!

To find our more about Congo or the upcoming elections visit the FALLING WHISTLES website (http://www.fallingwhistles.com/).

Help end the war in Congo and be a whistle blower for peace!


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A Modern Day Prophet

Jan 18, 2011 at 10:54 AM | Posted by Rabbi Joshua

Yesterday was Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

For some reason, this year I have been much more impacted by the life and legacy of Dr. King than ever before. I have always admired his life and work. And of course, his words have always motivated and inspired me. In fact, Dr. King (in a very roundabout and distant way) even played a role in the story of how my wife and I became engaged.

However, this year something different has happened. This year, it truly hit me what lies at the root of his great legacy. Dr. King was more than a great figure, a great leader, or a great orator. Dr. King was also more than a visionary. Was he all those things? Absolutely! But there was something much deeper which caused people to either admire or despise him. Dr. King was a prophet. He was one of our generations greatest prophetic voices in the line of the great prophets of the Tanakh - along with such modern giants as Rabbi Dr. Abraham Joshua Heschel (see our previous post, Praying With Their Feet).

If we look at the prophets of the Tanakh, their role was to call Israel back to covenant faithfulness, and rally against injustice and oppression. For more on this you can read my recent post, Justice as Holiness, Part II: The Prophets.

In today's Charismatic Christian circles people are all too quick to throw around the labels of "prophet" and "prophetic" without understanding what the role and message of a biblical prophet truly was. Often people get caught-up in the sensationalism of the prophet as a messenger of G-d. However, what does it really mean to be a messenger of G-d?

Let's not forget ... Dr. King was a radical, and not so different from the prophets of old. Jeremiah was considered a nudnik ... Hosea married a harlot ...

One of the cardinal lessons of a prophet is that they are not motivated by social protocol, but by the leading and prompting of G-d. They will proclaim their message despite praise or persecution. And that was certainly the case with Dr. King. Many who praised him at one point often despised him at others. His stance on an issue was based on his true convictions, not because he sought to be popular. And what many do not often discuss is the fact that Dr. King was clearly motivated by the voice of G-d.

Dr. King was a great visionary, a great leader, a great man ... and a great prophet to our generation. And like the prophets of old, in his own time many heeded the call ... yet many more were repulsed. It is only after his death that he is truly appreciated.

In closing, I'll just end with some of the most memorable quotes of Dr. King:

-“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

-"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

-"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

‎-"Men often hate each other because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don't know each other; they don't know each other because they cannot communicate; they cannot communicate because they are separated."

-‎"Peace for Israel means security, and we must stand with all our might to protect its right to exist, its territorial integrity. I see Israel as one of the great outposts of democracy in the world, and a marvelous example of what can be done, how desert land can be transformed into an oasis of brotherhood and democracy. Peace for Israel means security and that security must be a reality.”

-“I must make two honest confessions to you, my Christian and Jewish brothers. First, I must confess that over the past few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen's Counciler or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate, who is more devoted to "order" than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says: "I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I cannot agree with your methods of direct action"; who paternalistically believes he can set the timetable for another man's freedom; who lives by a mythical concept of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait for a "more convenient season." Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection.”


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Praying with their Feet

Jan 15, 2011 at 10:30 PM | Posted by Rabbi Joshua


This weekend we remember the inspiring legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his role in not only the civil rights movement in America, but for his contributions to humanity, and his leadership to a generation.

But why discuss MLK on a Jewish blog?

Many people today are unaware that Jewish individuals and clergy played a tremendous role in the civil rights movement. One of the most prominent Jewish figures in this struggle was none other than Rabbi Dr. Abraham Joshua Heschel - one of the greatest Jewish theologians of our time (Heschel is pictured at far left in the above picture, along with Rabbi Maurice Eisendrath (carrying the Torah), and Rabbi Everett Gendler).

In a tremendous article on the two great figures, Dr. Susannah Heschel (Heschel's daughter) points out that "Heschel and Dr. King marched arm in arm at Selma, prayed together in protest at Arlington National Cemetery, and stood side by side in the pulpit of Riverside Church."

According to Susannah Heschel:

"The relationship between the two men began in January 1963, and was a genuine friendship of affection as well as a relationship of two colleagues working together in political causes. As King encouraged Heschel's involvement in the Civil Rights movement, Heschel encouraged King to take a public stance against the war in Vietnam. When the Conservative rabbis of America gathered in 1968 to celebrate Heschel's sixtieth birthday, the keynote speaker they invited was none other than King. When King was assassinated, Heschel was the rabbi Mrs. King invited to speak at his funeral."

For Heschel, the march from Selma had tremendous spiritual significance. Following the march, he wrote:

"For many of us the march from Selma to Montgomery was about protest and prayer. Legs are not lips and walking is not kneeling. And yet our legs uttered songs. Even without words, our march was worship. I felt my legs were praying."

On this day, as we remember the legacy of MLK, we also recall his friend and colleague, Abraham Joshua Heschel. A holy pair who truly learned to pray with their feet - and taught others to do so as well.



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Justice as Holiness - Part III

Jan 5, 2011 at 10:57 AM | Posted by Rabbi Joshua


The New Testament

In our first post in this series we explored support for justice as holiness in the Torah. In our second post we explored justice as holiness within the prophets, and today, in our third and final post, we explore justice as holiness within the Apostolic Writings (the New Testament).

Yeshua is constantly concerned with people on the fringes of society. This is exemplified best within what is often called “The Beatitudes” (see Matthew 5:1-11). These are basically proclamations of hope to those who are oppressed. Think about the language employed. It is not about the rich, the lofty, or those who have it all figured out. It is the poor who inherit the Kingdom, those who mourn who receive comfort, and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness that are filled. Furthermore, Yeshua links social action directly with himself:

"For I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you made me your gust, I needed clothes and you provided them, I was sick and you too care of me, I was in prison and you visited me … Yes! I tell you that whenever you did these things for one of the least important of these brothers of mine, you did them for me!” (Matthew 25:35-40)

James, the brother of Yeshua, and the leader of the Messianic community in Jerusalem during the first century, states unequivocally: “The religious observance that G-d the Father considers pure and faultless is this: to care for the orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being contaminated by the world (James 1:27).”

In Jewish thought, faith and action must go hand-in-hand. As James further notes:

“What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith but has not actions to prove it? Is such ‘faith’ able to save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food, and someone says, ‘Depart in peace, keep warm and fulfilled!’ without giving him what he needs, what good does it do? Thus, faith by itself, unaccompanied by actions, is dead." (James 2:14-17)

As Followers of Messiah

We should be the specialists in reaching out to those on the margins, for we follow a Messiah who knows how to embrace and empower those on the fringes of society. Yeshua reached out to those who were hurting, lost, and oppressed. Yeshua got involved!!!

We are required to speak out against injustice everywhere – for example, raising awareness about the world’s largest war in Congo, about slavery, violence against women, the rights of immigrants and minorities, and intervening wherever we witness injustice.

As we embrace our own marginality as followers of Yeshua, we will in turn empower an entire generation located on the margins, searching for purpose and belonging. Furthermore, by speaking-out for those who are oppressed and bound, we also further our role as the Remnant within Israel, and as a Light to the Nations.


*This series is an expansion of an article I recently wrote for the UMJC Twenties newsletter, which can be read HERE.


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Justice as Holiness - Part II

Jan 4, 2011 at 11:43 AM | Posted by Rabbi Joshua

The Prophets

Yesterday in the first part of this three-part series I introduced the concept of justice as holiness and explored its foundation in the Torah. Today we move on to the Prophets.

The biblical prophets echo a call to social justice. Part of the prophetic role in calling the Jewish people back to covenant faithfulness includes a clear condemnation of injustice in all its forms. According to the biblical prophet Isaiah, G-d requires action to accompany our faith:

“Here is the sort of fast that I want –

releasing those unjustly bound,

untying the thongs of the yoke,

letting the oppressed go free,

breaking every yoke,

sharing your food with the hungry,

taking the homeless poor into your house,

clothing the naked when you see them,

fulfilling your duty to your kinsman!” (Isaiah 58:6-7)

According to Isaiah, a great reward accompanies those who take action to free the oppressed. The theme of social justice is so central to the theology of the biblical prophets that it is even described as a central component of Messianic redemption. Isaiah 61 is attributed with being a Messianic passage, and is believed to describe a proclamation of Messiah:

“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me,

because HaShem has anointed me to announce good news to the poor.

He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted;

to proclaim freedom to the captives,

to let out into the light those bound in the dark;

to proclaim the year of the favor of HaShem.” (Isaiah 61:1-2a)

In fact, we see this fulfilled in Luke 4:16-22 where Yeshua stands up to read the Haftarah in the synagogue in Nazareth. After reading these exact words from Isaiah 61, Yeshua closed the scroll, returned it to the Gabbai, and stated, “Today, as you heard it read, this passage of the Tanakh was fulfilled.” In this passage Yeshua declared himself to be that messianic figure. Furthermore, Yeshua saw his role as the “mevaser” – the bearer of not only a message of hope, but of actual deliverance from physical oppression.

We often think of the “good news” as simply referring to the spreading of the Gospel message, or the “captives” mentioned as those in the world who are ‘lost’ and need to know the message of Yeshua. This is not entirely wrong. But over-spiritualizing the text loses its practical message - an idea central to biblical theology – that Messiah has come to bring about justice for the oppressed and actual freedom for those who are bound. According to the prophets, encompassed within the “good news” is a message of social justice. They must go together – concern for both the physical and spiritual well-being of others. And they are equally important!

Tomorrow, in our final segment of this series to kick-off the New Year, we'll explore the concept of justice as holiness in the Apostolic Writings ...


*This series is an expansion of an article I recently wrote for the UMJC Twenties newsletter, which can be read HERE.


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Justice as Holiness - Part I

Jan 3, 2011 at 1:23 PM | Posted by Rabbi Joshua

*This series is an expansion of an article I recently wrote for the UMJC Twenties newsletter, which can be read HERE.

As Messianic Jews, we have a unique obligation to pursue social justice. This mandate is not just a hip cultural movement but is deeply connected to our spiritual lives. The Torah makes clear that the pursuit of justice is holy work. It is a vital part of preparing the world for the coming of Mashiach.

The Torah repeatedly calls us to stand up for the downtrodden and to recognize every person as created b’tzelem Elohim, in the image of G-d (Genesis 1:26-27). This is especially true regarding strangers in our midst:

"You are not to deprive the sojourner or orphan of the justice which is his due, and you are not to take a widow’s clothing as collateral for a loan. Rather, remember that you were a slave to pharaoh in Egypt; and HaShem your G-d redeemed you from there. That is why I am ordering to do this." (Deuteronomy 24:17-18)

The Torah considers the treatment of strangers a matter of justice. The way we treat strangers reveals our gratitude to G-d for redeeming us from Egypt (or lack thereof). Therefore, we are further commanded in Deuteronomy: “Justice, only justice you must pursue!” (16:20)

According to the Torah, holiness is not some mystical, esoteric state of being. Rather, it is a way of life and a pattern of action. To “do holiness” is to partner with G-d in bringing redemption into the world. We are instructed to weigh fairly, pursue justice, observe Shabbat and the mitzvot, and protect those who are downtrodden. Why? Because the Torah states “Anochi HaShem … Because I am HaShem … and you are to be holy as I am holy (Leviticus 19:2)”.

We are additionally commanded in the Torah: “Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor” (Leviticus 19:16). Regarding this verse the Talmud asks:

“What does the verse mean, ‘Do not stand idly by your neighbor’s blood?’ It means that if a person sees his fellow drowning, mauled by beasts, or attacked by robbers, he is bound to save him (b. Sanhedrin 73a).”

The rabbis clearly understood that when we see someone in trouble we are commanded to act. This goes beyond only when someone’s life is in danger. In fact, the Talmud further states that if we do not act upon injustice, we are directly responsible for not doing so:

“All who can protest against [something wrong that] one of their family [is doing] and does not protest, is held accountable for their family … A citizen of their city is held accountable for all citizens of the city. [All who can protest against something wrong that is being done] in the whole world, is accountable together with all citizens of the world (b. Shabbat 54b).”

From the perspective of the Torah, we must act whenever we see injustice. And if we do not act, we are personally responsible for the outcome.

Tomorrow we'll explore the concept of Justice as Holiness within the Prophets ...


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Holy Brother: A Reflection on Reb Shlomo

Oct 24, 2010 at 12:45 PM | Posted by Rabbi Joshua

Today marks the 16th yahrzeit of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach z"l. His influence on the Jewish community is in some ways completely unmeasurable.

It is almost impossible to walk into a synagogue today and not hear at least one of his melodies. So many of his songs have become so famous that they are now simply referred to as "traditional Jewish folk songs." All of us (at least us youngsters) grew up with songs like Am Yisrael Chai and Siman Tov u'Mazel Tov. For many of us who know these melodies as synagogue staples it is hard to believe that they were not handed down at Sinai and passed along ever since (a small joke).

It is also difficult to meet a Jew (particularly a boomer) who does not have a story of how Reb Shlomo changed their lives. Not only did Reb Shlomo change the world musically, he changed it one sweet neshama at a time. He always referred to everyone as "holy sister..." or "holy brother..." and greeted everyone with a smile and a hug. And everyone who met him, even for a moment, felt as though he was their best friend.

And interestingly, there is a whole new generation of people, like myself, who have been so incredibly impacted by Reb Shlomo - and yet, we never personally met him. His music, his stories, and his teachings are continuing to inspire people spiritually.

What is even more amazing are the stories people do not know. Stories that have only surfaced since his passing. Stories of how he would go to prisons and visit and sing to Jews and non-Jews, sick children who Reb Shlomo would visit in homes and hospitals, and the countless dollars he extended to anyone in need. Not only was he a great rabbi to the world - he was also a rabbi to the fringes of society. Reb Shlomo considered every soul a diamond. Some, he said, might need a little polishing, but everyone was special. Many homeless, unaffiliated, and even countless non-Jews all referred to Reb Shlomo as "my rabbi."

Although most people know Reb Shlomo for his music, many do not know about how great a chacham (a sage) he truly was. Reb Shlomo was born in Germany to a great line of rabbis. He was considered a prodigy as a young child, and his parents made sure that he received only the best tutelage in his studies of Torah and Jewish law.

As the Second World War broke out in Europe, his parents came to America, where his father planted a synagogue. Reb Shlomo continued his studies, eventually finding himself at the prestigious Lakewood Yeshiva (a sort of Harvard of the yeshiva world).

During his time in America, Reb Shlomo became more and more intrigued with Chasidus - the philosophy and way of life of Chasidic Jews. And then something happened to him that changed his life forever - the Holocaust. Upon hearing of the devastating news of the Holocaust, Reb Shlomo decided to leave Lakewood for the Lubavitcher Yeshiva in Crown Heights. Many people asked Shlomo what his reason was for choosing to leave the prestigious Lakewood yeshiva for what was considered a much lesser yeshiva. And Reb Shlomo responded with, "I have '6 Million' reasons ..."

What attracted Reb Shlomo to Lubavitch Chasidus was its emphasis on outreach. Its insistence that every Jew is holy. That is why Reb Shlomo left Lakewood. Following the Shoah, he foresaw his role as being prophetic - as being a light to rekindle the Jewish flame.

Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach personally did more than any other Jew in modern times in regard to keruv (Jewish outreach). Reb Shlomo is personally credited with bringing tens of thousands of Jews back to Judaism and spirituality. What was his secret? Getting involved! He went to places where Jews were. If that meant to Jewish day schools ... he went. If that meant to prisons ... Shlomo packed his guitar. If it meant to Buddhist ashrams and temples ... Reb Shlomo went singing the most Jewish of songs. And it worked!!!

Shlomo was just who he was. Reb Shlomo, along with his colleague, Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi (who later founded the Jewish Renewal Movement) were the creators and the initiates of outreach on college campuses, “Chabad Houses,” and engaging people in the specialness of being Jewish. Reb Shlomo truly understood the mitzvah of “leaving the world more Jewish than you found it.”


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Help for Haiti

Jan 14, 2010 at 10:22 AM | Posted by Rabbi Joshua


The thoughts and prayers of the world are with the people of Haiti at this time following the recent disastrous earthquake. The Torah states:
"Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor ... (Lev. 19:16)"
As Jews, we are supposed to take action when fellow human beings are in distress. Therefore, join Monique and I in supporting those who are already on the ground in Haiti.

Here are a few ways you can help make a difference (because every thought, prayer, and dollar makes a difference):






Thank you for joining us in the vital task of tikkun olam!


Support Doctors Without Borders in Haiti

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What ... Tyranny and Chocolate???

Dec 10, 2009 at 1:01 AM | Posted by Rabbi Joshua

This week I ran across a fun post in time for Hanukkah by a young Reform Rabbi on her blog, Frume Sarah's World.

As Jews, we share a unique responsibility in Tikkun Olam, in repairing the world and infusing it with holiness. As such, this author wrote an informative post on Hanukkah gelt. Yes ... that's right, Hanukkah gelt ... And raises awareness about ethical considerations when buying chocolate. So, as chocolate lovers ... and proponents of social justice ... we found her post informative and wanted to share!

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Kristallnacht, Conflict, and the Congo

Nov 10, 2009 at 11:04 AM | Posted by Rabbi Joshua


It seems quite fitting that on the eve of the 71st anniversary of Kristallnacht, Monique and I attended a staged reading of RUINED at the Kennedy Center in D.C. Written by award winning playwright Lynn Nottage, RUINED is a powerful presentation raising awareness of the current conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

On days like Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance day) or the anniversary of Kristallnacht, it is easy to think of ourselves as being far removed from genocide, conflict, and tyranny. It is far too easy to think of these things as only happening in the past.

But genocide is happening today - in Sudan and in the Congo. And as far as the Congo, this conflict is fueled by us - you and me - directly by our cell phones, iPods, and other technology. Congo is rich in minerals. With the increased desire for greater technology comes a direct need for minerals - especially Coltan. As such, various militias are fighting over control of these minerals, mines, and trade routes in the Congo. We may not realize it, but our desire for the newest technology is directly affecting peoples lives.

Today, in 2009, people in the Congo are still being slaughtered. According to Wikipedia, people are dying at a rate of an estimated 45,000 per month and 2,700,000 people have died since 2004. Reports indicate that almost half of the individuals killed are children under the age of 5. The aftermath of the war has gutted the country.

The long and brutal conflict in the DRC has caused massive suffering for civilians. Additionally, there have been frequent reports of weapon bearers killing civilians, destroying property, and committing widespread sexual violence against women. On a daily basis, women are being beaten, killed, and raped. Soldiers daily force women into sexual slavery. Violence against women is rampant. And in DRC society, these women upon returning to their villages are spat upon, turned away, and rejected - treated as thought these dishonoring acts were their own fault.

The conflict in the DRC has caused hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes, becoming refugees, flooding over the borders into neighboring countries.

On this 71st anniversary of the Kristallnacht and the beginning of the Holocaust, it is our obligation to stand up for others around the world who are being killed today. And there is something you and I can do about it!

We can raise attention to what is happening in Sudan and the DRC.

To learn more and to act visit these and other sites for change in the Congo:

Falling Whistles

Jewish World Watch

Raise Hope for Congo

Enough Project


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