Friday April 16, 2010

The Shabbat after Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) is always a little bitter-sweet for me. The move from profound tragedy to a taste of the World To Come, as Shabbat is sometimes called is not so simple. How do we let go of the pain without letting go of the sensitivity and awareness it creates? How do allow ourselves to embrace the sweetness of Shabbat, looking to the future while remembering the past and yet not becoming imprisoned by those memories? Two things came across my desk this week, each of which really rises to that challenge.

The first is a rap called Never Again. It's by Remedy, an artist affiliated with Wu Tang Clan. Toward the end, you will hear the line, "the final solution is now retribution". When I first heard it, it frankly made my skin crawl. Is that the best we can do? Is our response to murder, getting even? What does it even mean to even that score? How would that be done, by murdering millions of innocent gentiles? Is that what Remedy's remedy?

But pay attention to the images which accompany that line and you will see that nothing could be further from the truth. The picture of "retribution" in this video is the smiling face of Anne Frank. That image is followed by lighting Shabbat candles. And finally, irony fully intended by me, we hear the words of the Sh'ma, Deuteronomy 6:4, Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one.

Retribution for Remedy lies in the smiles of a heroic young woman who dared to see beauty and insisted on hope when the world tried to make each impossible. Retribution for Remedy is found when people respond to darkness by lighting candles and bringing light into the world. Retribution for Remedy will be had when we insist that things to ultimately hang together as one and that we are always part of something larger than ourselves and the events in which we find ourselves.

For this Shabbat at least, Remedy will be my rabbi. But he is not alone in teaching these lessons.

In addition to Remedy's teaching, I received another gift yesterday. This one came in the form of an ad for JLI, the Jewish Learning Institute, a Chabad-sponsored international initiative for adult Jewish learning. The ad was for a new course entitled Beyond Never Again: How the Holocaust speaks to us today. While I cannot attest to the answers which the course will provide, I know that the emphasis on what they refer to as "big, bold questions", as opposed to the answers the course will provide is both powerful and refreshing.

In JLI's description of the course, they write:

The Holocaust forces us to grapple with the existence of evil and suffering. It challenges us to find faith and optimism in the face of devastation and despair. And it humbles us as we encounter heroes of the spirit who fought for truth and decency in the darkest of times.

Let's see, struggling with evil, discovering optimism and celebrating heroism. Is there a person among us not looking for that? Whether one finds what they are looking for in this particular program or not, the sponsors are to be congratulated for making that the focus of the course. Like Remedy, they know that the future is the focus.

Whether one leans toward the music of Remedy or the teaching of Chabad, each provides a way to find comfort, affirm life and build a better future. It's not always easy, but this is proof that each of us can. And that alone is source of comfort with which to sweeten this Shabbat.

In the Media

Medical ethics explained by Jewish law Naperville Sun Wednesday, Nov 3rd, 2010 Medicine and Morals course in Brisbane J-Wire Tuesday, Nov 2nd, 2010 Jewish institute to offer course on medicine and morals in Bonita Springs The News-Press, Southwest Florida Tuesday, Nov 2nd, 2010 Medicine and Morals class offered by Jewish Learning Institute The Rice Thresher Monday, Nov 1st, 2010 Chabad's Jewish Learning Institute: Medicine & Morals Jewishinstlouis.org Wednesday, Oct 27th, 2010 Medicine and Morals: Your Jewish Guide Through Life’s Tough Decisions NY Blueprint Tuesday, Oct 26th, 2010 WORLDWIDE RELEASE OF MEDICINE AND MORALS Winnipeg Jewish Review Tuesday, Oct 26th, 2010 JLI to offer medicine, morals course Oct. 26 North South Brunswick Sentinel Tuesday, Oct 26th, 2010 Medicine and Morals class coming to Edwards Vail Daily News Tuesday, Oct 26th, 2010 Jewish Learning Institute offers course on ‘Medicine and Morals’ Miami's Community Newspapers Monday, Oct 18th, 2010 New JLI course is being offered by Chabad House South African Jewish Report Thursday, Oct 14th, 2010 Chabad to present course on ‘Medicine and Morals’ St. Louis Jewish Light Thursday, Oct 14th, 2010 Jewish medical ethics course to start Oct. 26 Norwich Bulletin Thursday, Oct 14th, 2010 JLI offers ‘Medicine and Morals’ course Swampscott Reporter Thursday, Oct 14th, 2010 Medicine and Morals course in Brisbane J-Wire Thursday, Oct 14th, 2010 Jewish Learning Center course offers guidance for medical decision making Warwick Beacon Thursday, Oct 14th, 2010 JLI Mission a Spiritual Exploration of Israel Jewish Ledger Thursday, Oct 14th, 2010 A Welcome Retreat: Reston Town Center hosts National Jewish Retreat. Reston Connection Thursday, Oct 14th, 2010 Northbrook to Join Worldwide Release of Medicine and Morals TribLocal.com Tuesday, Sep 14th, 2010 Kohelet Foundation Partners With Rohr JLI lubavitch.com Tuesday, Sep 14th, 2010 Intersection of Torah and the environment Sparta Independent Friday, May 14th, 2010 Leon Leyson was youngest on Schindler's List The Vancouver Sun Monday, May 10th, 2010 Jewish lessons examine why bad things happen Stockton Record Thursday, Apr 29th, 2010 Son of hero speaks at Niles West Skokie Review Thursday, Apr 29th, 2010 Wilhelm on National Board Jewish Review Wednesday, Apr 28th, 2010 JLI Offers Course on Lessons of the Holocaust Jewish Press of Tampa Wednesday, Apr 28th, 2010 Course looks at effects of Holocaust Roseville Press Tribune Monday, Apr 26th, 2010 Summit County to host Holocaust educational initiative Summit Daily News Monday, Apr 26th, 2010 Wilhelm on national board Jewish Review Monday, Apr 26th, 2010 New Generation of Scholars Ponders Jewish Existential Issues Lubavitch.com Monday, Apr 26th, 2010 ‘Beyond Never Again:’ Madison course examines lessons of Holocaust Madison Eagle Monday, Apr 26th, 2010 Bernikow JCC to offer 6-week Holocaust course SILive.com Monday, Apr 26th, 2010 Beyond Never Again Boulder Jewish News Wednesday, Apr 14th, 2010 NEVER AGAIN: Survivors stress importance of remembering, and never repeating, the Holocaust Santa Barbara News-Press Wednesday, Apr 14th, 2010 Course on Holocaust to begin April 27 in Mtn. Lakes Daily Record Wednesday, Apr 14th, 2010 JLI “Beyond Never Again,” Begins April 28 5 Towns Jewish Times Wednesday, Apr 14th, 2010 Beyond Never Again: New Course to Explore Modern Lessons from the Holocaust, April 28th TheAlternativePress.com Wednesday, Apr 14th, 2010 Staten Island Yom Hashoah services recall those lost in Holocaust SILive.com Wednesday, Apr 14th, 2010 JLI For Teens At Chabad Of The Five Towns 5 Towns Jewish Times Thursday, Apr 1st, 2010 Talmudic, civil law similar, rabbi says his course comparing legal systems has turned out to be 'an eye-opener' The Montreal Gazette Tuesday, Mar 16th, 2010 Canadian rabbi offers lessons on leadership Toledo Blade Monday, Feb 8th, 2010 New Series Explores Inspirational Personalities Hartford Courant Tuesday, Feb 2nd, 2010 Tu B’Shevat celebration inspires rabbi’s lecture series Norwich Bulletin Monday, Feb 1st, 2010 Portraits in Leadership offered at Jewish Learning Institute Cincinnati.com Monday, Feb 1st, 2010 Asheville's JLI to offer ‘Welcome to Hollywood’ course for teens Asheville Citizen-Times Wednesday, Jan 27th, 2010 JLI To Launch Timeless Tales For Inspired Living Course Westchester.com Wednesday, Jan 27th, 2010 Course on Jewish leaders offered in Vail Valley Vail Daily News Wednesday, Jan 27th, 2010 JLI course to examine lives of historic Jewish leaders Jewish Press of Pinellas County Wednesday, Jan 27th, 2010 Chabad offers course on ‘inspired living’ New Jersey Jewish Standard Tuesday, Jan 26th, 2010 Course in Madison will examine leadership of Talmudic heroes Madison Eagle Monday, Jan 25th, 2010 Course explores avenues to emerge from times of uncertainty NorthJersey.com Wednesday, Jan 20th, 2010 Six-week course in Madison to study leadership of Talmud heroes Recorder Community Newspapers Tuesday, Jan 19th, 2010 New Leadership Course to Explore Stories from the Talmud The Alternative Press Monday, Jan 18th, 2010 Class gives portraits of leadership Cincinnati.Com Wednesday, Jan 13th, 2010 Chabad to launch 'Portraits in Leadership' Florida Sun Sentinel Wednesday, Jan 13th, 2010 First JLI Family Shabbat Dinner in Cleveland Friday, Dec 18th, 2009 Chanukah Class: Miracles, Through the Lens of Kabbalah Jewish Times of Southern New Jersey Friday, Dec 11th, 2009 JLI Launches Advanced Women’s Study Division Lubavitch.com Thursday, Dec 3rd, 2009 Mumbai attacks remembered in Chestnut Ridge Lower Hudson Journal news Wednesday, Dec 2nd, 2009 Jewish leaders: We've fought back Daily Breeze Monday, Nov 30th, 2009 Chabad brings Jewish view to Flag JackCentral - Flagstaff, AZ Thursday, Nov 19th, 2009 SoulQuest: The Journey of Life, Death and Beyond at Chabad next month Jewish Press - August 2009 Wednesday, Nov 18th, 2009 Course will study Jewish teachings on the afterlife Toledo Blade Monday, Nov 9th, 2009 Jews and the afterlife: Tapping in to a winning concept Charlotte Sun Thursday, Nov 5th, 2009 Journey into Jewish mysticism The Westender - Brisbane's Urban Voice www.westender.com.au Thursday, Oct 29th, 2009 Journey into Jewish mysticism The Westender - Brisbane's Urban Voice www.westender.com.au Thursday, Oct 29th, 2009 Chabad to offer SoulQuest course Cincinnati.com Thursday, Oct 29th, 2009 Course explores the soul’s journey YourNepean.com Wednesday, Oct 28th, 2009 Kabbalah course in Madison explores the soul NJ.com Wednesday, Oct 28th, 2009 Orlando to Join Worldwide Release of SoulQuest Orlando Judaism Examiner Friday, Oct 23rd, 2009 Soul stirs for guidance in daily lives SILive.com Friday, Oct 23rd, 2009 Fall soul study at the YM-YWHA The Riverdale Press Thursday, Oct 22nd, 2009 Chabad House offers teen courses Asheville Citizen-Times Wednesday, Oct 21st, 2009 Jewish Learning Institute to open branch in Bozeman this autumn The Billings Gazette Monday, Oct 19th, 2009 North Shore, Boston to join worldwide release of ‘SoulQuest’ The Swampscott Reporter Friday, Sep 25th, 2009 Journey Into Jewish Mysticism The Westender Monday, Sep 14th, 2009 New program — Chabad of South Palm Beach will be part of an innovative educational series beginning in fall. Palm Beach Daily News Sunday, Sep 6th, 2009 Is Your Life in the Fast Lane? Jewish Press Thursday, May 21st, 2009 Your quests for love, purpose, identity in Genesis Jewish Press Thursday, May 21st, 2009 Omaha, Nebraska to Join Worldwide Release of "You Be The Judge II" Jewish Press Thursday, May 21st, 2009 A Synergized Summer With JLI Five Towns Jewish Times Online Friday, May 8th, 2009 West Bloomfield to join worldwide release of Biblical reflections www.hometownlife.com Monday, May 4th, 2009 New Course Takes Revolutionary Approach to Bible Study Jewish Times of Southern New Jersey Monday, May 4th, 2009 Torah and Torts... chicagojewishnews.com Friday, Feb 20th, 2009 Vail Valley to join worldwide release of ‘You Be the Judge II’ Vail Daily Monday, Feb 16th, 2009 You Be the Judge series starts tonight YourHub.com Monday, Feb 16th, 2009 Exploring Jewish wisdom Calgary Herald Monday, Feb 9th, 2009 You Be the Judge: Talmudic study course starts Feb. 10 The Stonington Times Thursday, Feb 5th, 2009 Chabad Jewish Center invites Somerset County residents to 'Be The Judge' NJ.com Somerset Wednesday, Feb 4th, 2009 Series of Classes baltimoresun.com Wednesday, Feb 4th, 2009 Chabad of Southeast Morris County offers course in Talmudic ethics NJ.com Wednesday, Feb 4th, 2009 Discovering the Landscape of the Soul Wednesday, Jan 28th, 2009 Compare Talmud to U.S. law in course open to everyone silive.com Monday, Jan 26th, 2009 Brisbane Joins Worldwide Synchronized Lecture Series in Honour of the Jewish “Year of Gathering” Westender-Brisbane Monday, Jan 26th, 2009 Worldwide Synchronized Lecture Jewish Times of Southern New Jersey Wednesday, Jan 21st, 2009 New Exploration of Jewish Civil Law Scheduled wickedLocal.com- Swamscott Tuesday, Jan 20th, 2009 Worldwide Synchronized Lecture Chabad Jewish Learning Institute of Winnipeg Tuesday, Jan 20th, 2009 'Hakhel' Gathering to Emphasize Jewish Unity silive.com Monday, Jan 19th, 2009 World Synchronized Lecture Jewish Times-SJ Monday, Jan 19th, 2009 Maps For Success Baltimore Jewish Times - November 7, 2008 Thursday, Jan 1st, 2009 Mapping a journey to inner peace The Gazette (Montreal) Thursday, Dec 11th, 2008 Soul Maps course begins at Chabad Greater Media Newspapers Thursday, Dec 11th, 2008 Jewish Learning Institute offers course on Kabbala Toledo Blade Thursday, Dec 11th, 2008 GPS for Your Soul - Kabbalah to Navigate Your Inner World jewishinstlouis.org Thursday, Dec 11th, 2008 On a path toward happiness Daily Pilot Thursday, Dec 11th, 2008 JLI comes to Singapore!!! Singapore Outreach Program Thursday, Dec 11th, 2008 Ancient Wisdom for today The Westender Thursday, Dec 11th, 2008 Education for Happiness Vail Daily News Thursday, Dec 11th, 2008 Kabbalah-based course offers steps to fulfillment The Tennessean Thursday, Dec 11th, 2008 Keeping the Faith Calgary Herald Thursday, Dec 11th, 2008 Kabbalah-based course focuses on emotional happiness Cincinnati.com Thursday, Dec 11th, 2008 Chabad opens new learning institute in Winnipeg Canadian Jewish News Thursday, Dec 11th, 2008 The Journey to your Inner World through Kabbalah Student Thursday, Dec 11th, 2008 Soul Maps: Chabad House sponsors Kaballah course Asheville Citizen-Times Tuesday, Nov 4th, 2008 New course on Kabbalah WESTENDER Friday, Oct 31st, 2008 In the news: Jewish learning coming to Bonita News Press Friday, Oct 31st, 2008 Jewish Learning Institution to teach 'soul maps' Thousand Oaks Acorn Friday, Oct 31st, 2008 Lubavitch center to offer 'Soul Maps' course The Baltimore Sun Friday, Oct 31st, 2008 Innovative educational series to begin Nov. 12 YourHub.com Friday, Oct 31st, 2008 Taub curriculum on Tanya being used throughout world The Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle Friday, Oct 31st, 2008 Nebraska Joins Worldwide Debut of Soul Maps Jewish Press Friday, Oct 31st, 2008 Educational series to have debut here Staten Island Advance Monday, Oct 27th, 2008 JLI Mission to Israel Lubavitch.com Friday, Aug 22nd, 2008 Course examines moral issues Calgary Herald Thursday, May 15th, 2008 Talmudic Ethics Course Slated Voices Tuesday, May 13th, 2008 Annual JLI Conference Held In New Jersey 5 Towns Jewish Times Monday, Mar 31st, 2008 Jewish faith is focus of class Hunterdon County Democrat Tuesday, Feb 5th, 2008 Keeping the Faith Calgary Herald Saturday, Feb 2nd, 2008 Spirited lecture starts new JLI programme www.JewishTelegraph.com Wednesday, Jan 2nd, 2008 Course Explores Jewish Faith In Modern World Town-Crier Tuesday, Jan 1st, 2008 Chabad Unveils Talmudic Study Program In 15 Cities www.lubavitch.com Monday, Dec 31st, 2007 Semester ends with graduation The Jewish Telegraph Monday, Dec 31st, 2007 Course Targets Apathy Toward Israel Calgary Herald Thursday, Nov 22nd, 2007 Combating Apathy to Israel: Chabad's New Israel Awareness Course Arutz Sheva (www.IsraelNationalNews.com) Wednesday, Nov 21st, 2007 Spirited lecture starts new JLI programme www.JewishTelegraph.com Friday, Nov 9th, 2007 Class to bridge gap between Jews, Israel Northbrook Star Thursday, Nov 1st, 2007 Lectures explore Jews' ties to Israel http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20071027/NEWS/710270537/1001/NEWS0105 Saturday, Oct 27th, 2007 Chabad Lubavitch of the Panhandle-Tallahassee Tallahassee Democrat (FL) Friday, Oct 26th, 2007 To combat disconnect, Israel class free for young adults Jewish Review (Portland, OR) Friday, Oct 26th, 2007 Course all about Israel The Gazette (Colorado Springs) Friday, Oct 26th, 2007 Religion Briefs: Course traces bond between Jews, Israel The Tennessean (Nashville, TN) Friday, Oct 26th, 2007 Israel and ‘The Tribe’ CJN (Cleveland) Friday, Oct 26th, 2007 Goal of New Course: To Appreciate Israel Jewish Exponent Friday, Oct 19th, 2007 Chabad course explores Israel bond JTA News Wire Friday, Oct 19th, 2007 Israel Course Offered At Wellington Jewish Center Towne Crier Online (Wellington, FL) Friday, Oct 19th, 2007 JLI course at Chabad House to begin on October 29 The Reporter (Broome County, NY) Friday, Oct 19th, 2007 Chabad course designed to combat Israel apathy Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle Friday, Oct 19th, 2007 Goal of New Course: To Appreciate Israel The Jewish Exponent (Philadelphia) Friday, Oct 19th, 2007 Class to explore Israel’s importance thestate.com Monday, Oct 15th, 2007 Chabad Course Explores Israel's Spiritual Side The Atlanta Jewish Times Monday, Oct 15th, 2007 Rohr Jewish Learning Institute Unveils The Land and The Spirit Courses Westchester.com Monday, Oct 15th, 2007 Eldest Wilhelm offspring returns to head JLI The Jewish Review Sunday, Oct 7th, 2007 Land and Spirit to explore ties that bind The Jewish Review Sunday, Oct 7th, 2007 New features added! Monday, Aug 20th, 2007 Jewish Learning Institute offers Talmud study Pocono Record Wednesday, Nov 8th, 2006 Jewish Learning Institute comes to the Poconos Pocono Record Wednesday, Nov 8th, 2006 Talmudic Law Study Starts Wednesday Daily Camera Monday, Nov 6th, 2006 COURSES EXPLORE JEWISH TEACHINGS, TRADITION Sun Sentinel Saturday, Sep 16th, 2006 Chabad keeps students worldwide on same page Washington Jewish Week Thursday, Mar 30th, 2006 Tuesday, Mar 28th, 2006 Kabbala of Time Wrangler News Sunday, Jan 29th, 2006 Holocaust Education on Track Jewish Exponent Thursday, Dec 29th, 2005 Chabad class to explore modern relevance of Holocaust The Californian Wednesday, Nov 30th, 2005 Spiritual lessons of Holocaust taught The Californian Wednesday, Nov 30th, 2005 The Meaning of Kabbalah Newday Monday, Nov 28th, 2005 JLI Course Presents New Approach to Holocaust Studies Nassau Herald Monday, Nov 28th, 2005 Monday, Nov 21st, 2005 Courses Delve Into The ‘why' Of Holocaust, Other Disasters The Day Wednesday, Nov 2nd, 2005 UPCOMING COURSES Thursday, Aug 11th, 2005 Jewish institute to hold course on gender Richmond Times-Dispatch - Dec 11, 2004 Thursday, Dec 30th, 2004 SECOND SEMESTER OF JLI TO STUDY MYSTERIES OF GENDER ISSUES. Jewish News - Dec 20, 2004 Thursday, Dec 30th, 2004 Men, Women & Kabbalah Jewish Learning Institute’s interactive course to apply ancient wisdom to modern issues Thursday, Dec 30th, 2004 JLI of Riverdale opens registration for winter semester. Friday, Dec 17th, 2004 Jewish Learning Institute’s Fall Course Examines ‘Bible Stories’ University-level adult education program utilizes text analysis to probe major dramas in the Book of Genesis Sunday, Dec 5th, 2004 The Jewish Learning Institute The Newtown Gazette Thursday, Oct 21st, 2004 The Jewish Learning Institute The Newtown Gazette Thursday, Oct 21st, 2004 Second Season Starts Soon for Toledo Friday, Oct 15th, 2004 NEW JLI COURSE APPLIES ANCIENT WISDOM TO MODERN ISSUES Jewish Reflector - October issue Monday, Sep 27th, 2004 INNOVATIVE EDUCATIONAL SERIES TO PREMIERE IN RICHMOND THIS FALL Jewish News - Sept. Edition Monday, Sep 27th, 2004 New JLI program set Richmond Times Dispatch, Sept. 18, 2004 Monday, Sep 27th, 2004