FAIR LAWN JEWISH DAY CAMP 2 0 2 5 Celebrating 18 Years Enrollment Is Open
A BISSELE HUMOR
Moishe and Miriam Epstein, in their late 80s called a handyman to do some work around their condo. “Honey why don’t you sit down by the table and we’ll start supper,” said Miriam to Moishe, husband of 50 years. “Sure thing,” Moishe replied, settling himself down. “Now darling, would you like the soup first or the salad?” asked Miriam. “Umm I guess I’ll take the soup,” Moishe responded. After a whole meal of one endearing term after another, the handyman who was watching in disbelief couldn’t contain his curiosity any longer. He snuck into the kitchen and asked, “Excuse me Mrs. Epstein. Do you always talk to your husband like that?” “Son, I’ll be honest with you,” Miriam replied. “It’s been five years now, and I just can’t remember his name but I am just too embarrassed to ask!”
WEEKLY eTORAH
The words ring out again and again in the biblical account of the Exodus story, as Moses repeatedly demands of the unrelenting Pharaoh that he grant the Jewish people their freedom. Actually, the precise words that Moses conveys to the stubborn monarch in the name of G‑d are, “Shalach ami v’yaavduni,” “Let My people go so that they may serve Me.” It is interesting to see how some expressions and phrases become memorable and popular, while others just don’t seem to catch on. “Let My People Go” became the theme song for the story of Egypt and the Exodus way beyond the Jewish community. It has been used as a catchphrase for a variety of political causes. Unfortunately, the last Hebrew word of the phrase somehow got lost in the shuffle: v’yaavduni—“that they may serve Me”—never quite made it to the top of the charts. The drama of the Exodus captures our imagination, while the fact that that the purpose of leaving Egypt was to go to Sinai, receive G‑d’s Torah and fulfill Jewish destiny is less emphasized. The call to freedom excites the human spirit; the challenge of service and commitment, by contrast, doesn’t seem to elicit as much enthusiasm. It is clear that political freedom minus spiritual purpose equals disillusionment. Leaving Egypt without the vision of Sinai would be getting all dressed up with nowhere to go. It is not enough to let our people go. We have to take them somewhere. “That they may serve Me” means that we need to use our political freedom to experience the freedom and fulfillment of faith, and a life of spiritual purpose dedicated to G‑d’s service.
