Shabbat

 

 

The portion teaches about sacrifices – and forgiveness – and transference – and “paying up a spiritual debt” – Korban OLAH  - and PEACE OFFERINGS... etc

 

 

THE PROPHET Amos said in the name of God: “If you offer Me burnt offerings ...– I will not accept them; … But let ... righteousness like a never-ending stream” (Amos 5:21-24). 

 

What is Righteousness?  And What do sacrifices in the Temple have to do with the French girls in the below story?

 

Rabbi in Paris: (I wish - but this was from some years ago)

 

The French Girls in Paris      

 

No. It’s not what you think. 

 

It’s about cookies in a bakery!

 

 

 

How do you connect to others’ souls? And in a foreign city where you don’t speak the language?

 

 

Well, there I was in the Mareille (I don't know if I spelled it right). It’s the traditional Jewish part of Paris.

 

 As usual I had stopped for a break in my travels back and forth between Jerusalem and New York. After “touristing around” on foot, I felt the need for a "nosh". 

 

Vuallah! (Again I’m not sure of the spelling, but it means, “like magic”.) Right there in front of me was a bakery shop (kosher of course).

 

 Time for some French pastries, and maybe a cup of coffee?

 

There was a problem, though. Not that I didn’t have French currency – because the old Boy Scout in me is usually prepared. 

 

But sitting on the step, at the entrance to the shop, were two teenage girls. And they were crying.

 

What do you do? You certainly don't push them aside and walk in. I was also not SURE how to say "Pardon  me" (excuse me) with my horrible American accent,  and go inside.

 

 But in French you CAN say Pahr-Dohn (I think),  and that's what I did. The girls shuffled aside, and kept right on crying.

 

Reb Shlomo used to say "What do I do if I hear my baby crying? I go and pick her up!" No, I did not “pick up” the two girls! 

 

Inside I bought a bunch of cookies, said "Pahr-dohn" again on the way out (the girls were still crying), and  left the store. 

 

Turning around, I presented each of the girls with a little bag of cookies!

 

Is that a sacrifice? I gave them half of my cookies!

 

Or is that righteousness? You can decide - and get back to me.

 

 

This week's CHALLENGE - OIY! To STAY WELL!

 

Rebbe Nachman says - sickness is a response to lack of joy - SO -

 

We All Need to Sing and Dance a  little MORE each day!!!

 

Shabbat Shalom from STATEN ISLAND - not Paris - or Jerusalem (preferably)

 

Rabbi Andy Eichenholz