What's the Spiel? - Parshat Vayera

Of the many tragic characters in the Tanakh, the one I am most intrigued by is Lot, the ill-fated nephew of Avraham. On the one hand Lot seems very sure of himself, he chooses his own path, he makes his own way, he possesses a kind of entrepreneurial spirit which, on a certain level, is to be respected. But on the other hand, Lot's indecisiveness and incompetence, his constant need to be saved by others, his inability to think outside the box and see the bigger picture of his own purpose and the larger implications of his own actions consistently diminish his own ability to achieve greatness and subvert any hope of taking his place in the pantheon of great biblical leaders. In many ways, Lot resembles Shakespeare's Richard II: A tragic figure who is capable of action, but incapable of good judgment. Yet what makes Lot so uniquely tragic is that he himself tells us why he is incapable of attaining greatness, but we have to listen carefully to his own words in order to really understand them. So, this Shabbat, I would like to examine the Tragedy of Lot, and through a close reading of the story of his rescue from S'dom, learn some very important lessons about self-confidence and the belief in our own ability to succeed amidst adversity.

In Parshat Vayeira, Lot is informed by two angels, “All that you have in the city remove it from this place, for we are about to destroy this place, for their outcry has become great before the Lord, so the Lord has sent us to destroy it…Get up! Take your wife and your two daughters, lest you be obliterated because of the iniquity of the city” (Bereshit 19:11-12, 15). In the midst of running for their lives, Lot turns to his guiding angels and makes an odd request, saying, “Please, no! My Lord. See, now, you have been so gracious to your servant to have already shown me so much kindness in order to save my life, but I cannot flee to the mountain, lest the evil attach itself to me and I die” (Ibid., 18-19).

What is the meaning of Lot’s strange request? What is at the heart of Lot’s concern? After all, someone who is in the process of actively being saved from destruction is not in a position to make requests of their rescuers for their own convenience! What's going through Lot's mind? If we can solve the riddle of Lot's request, if we can unlock its secret meaning, perhaps we can pinpoint the source of his own tragic undoing.

In order to do this, I would like to first turn to the words of Rav Hirsch in his commentary on Vayeria, who teaches us that what Lot was really saying to the angels was, "I do not deserve to be saved, and you have already done me a great favor by keeping me alive. But if there is no way of being saved other than by fleeing desperately to the mountains, I fear that I will be unable to do so, and that I will be overcome by misfortune." According to Rav Hirsch, Lot’s primary concern was that he thought he might not be able to physically make the trek to the far-off mountains, that his physical strength would fail him and as a result, misfortune would befall him, even though he had already been saved from the destruction of S’dom. It is interesting to note that Lot’s physical strength, or lack thereof, which hinders the process of his own salvation is also mentioned by the Ibn Ezra, who teaches that the reason why the angels had to grab Lot and drag him out of the city was because, “Lot feared that he did not have the strength to flee.” Thus, Lot’s strange request seems to be motivated by his fear of his lack of confidence in his own physical ability and stamina to carry him to the end. But I think Lot is saying something deeper than fearing his own physical weakness.

So, let's look at Rashi's interpretation of Lot’s request which reveals a more profound insight into Lot’s tragic character. According to Rashi, the reason why Lot did not want to journey all the way to the mountains was because the closer he came to Avraham physically, the more anxious he became spiritually and morally. So, Rashi stops the frantic action, the chaotic confusion of the moment – his interpretation pauses the fire and brimstone from falling midair, he shines the spotlight on Lot, and tells us his internal dialogue. “When I was next to the people of S’dom, the Holy One, Blessed be He, would see my deeds and the deeds of the townspeople, and I would appear righteous and worthy of being saved. But when I will come next to that righteous man, to Avraham, I will be seen like a wicked person.” Rashi explains that Lot lacked confidence not in his own physical prowess, but in his own spiritual prowess. While he lived in S’dom, Lot was “the best of the worst,” and he was comfortable with that. Lot did not have to do much in order to be considered righteous in S’dom, because in a city which celebrated cruelty as a virtue, in a city which praised conformity and shunned individuality, even the smallest gesture of kindness would be counted as an act of great generosity. However, Lot knew that should he live next to Avraham, God would no longer view him as righteous, and Lot was concerned that his level of spirituality and righteousness would be diminished to the point that the evil which befell S’dom might even befall him, because the evil which would cling to him is the evil which would be exposed from within him. Thus, what motivated Lot to make this request of his guiding angels was his realization that he was not really the holy man others thought him to be, and that living next to Avraham would reveal that fact. In other words, Lot's fear of exposing who he really was kept him from moving forward with his life, and make a future for himself and his family.

Whether or not we view Lot’s strange request as an expression of his concern for his physical or spiritual prowess, one thing is certain: Lot did not see his new lease on life as an opportunity to challenge himself. Lot did not see how being saved from S’dom meant that even though he may not have believed in himself, God believed in him, that he was actually strong enough, righteous enough, important enough to journey to the far-off mountains on the horizon of his life, scale its heights and reach for success. Lot believed that the man he was at that moment was the man he would always be. Lot’s biggest problem and the source of his tragic downfall was that he did not believe in himself enough reach for loftier goals and seek a higher purpose. And so, Lot ventures into a cave and is heard from no more. The man who once always searched for greener pastures, for future possibilities, ends his days in darkness, the victim of his own insecurity. The legacy of Lot is nothing more than a tragic cautionary tale of potential unrealized. Lot settles for “what is,” instead of seeking, “what could be.”

This Shabbat, let us learn a valuable lesson from the Tragedy of Lot. When we feel our strength leaving us, that is the time to challenge and build ourselves. When we feel the strength of our spirits leave us, that is the time to seek to improve our faith, our halakhic practice, our learning and our commitments to Judaism. May we never feel like “we can’t do it.” May we never come to despair over our perceived limitations. May we always seek greater and harder challenges in life, so that we may grow through those challenges in order to become the people God has called us all to be.

Shabbat Shalom!

-Rabbi Dan

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Schedule of Services

at B'nai Abraham

We encourage everyone to daven privately when unable to attend services. Use the private time to connect to Hashem. Public prayer definitely adds to our prayer experience. Yet we also have the capacity to create a profoundly meaningful private experience with the Divine. Let us seek such an experience in the coming days.

Thank you Malkah Roth Epstein for sponsoring Kiddush in

honor of the recovery of grandson Baruch Akiva Ben Rivka

and he success of marriages in our community

CTI Announcements

On Shabbat, October 30th, we will resume our full service to include Pesukei d'Zimra.

Shalom Austin Mask Policy Update

In light of increased rates of Covid-19 transmission and hospitalizations, as well as concerns about the virulence of the delta variant, the Medical Committee has unanimously recommended, and the Board of Directors has approved, updated Covid protocols.

Masks are optional for vaccinated individuals. Unvaccinated people are required to wear a mask. This applies for everyone ages two and up.
Children are welcome at shul, but all children ages two and up who are not vaccinated must be masked. Children under two do not need to wear a mask but must be accompanied by a parent at all times.
The committee recommended the resumption of a full Kiddush. The caveat being that the Kiddush must be held outside and we must continue to offer the option of pre-packaged snacks.
We will continue to monitor the local situation and may need to modify these policies as circumstances change.

Additionally, the Medical Committee strongly recommends that all members get vaccinated for the protection of everyone in our community and beyond.

Please bring your mask to synagogue.

Backup masks will be available if needed.

Rosh Hashana Fundraiser Chai Sculptures

The Chai Sculptures are in production! They look wonderful! Hopefully our shipment will arrive within the next two to three weeks. Once we have them, distribution information will be forwarded. Covid interrupted production and shipping ability for many needed goods globally, and still is not solved. We are very lucky that Gary Rosenthal has not been overly held back by this pandemic fallout and is focusing on our order! Thank you for your patience. And you still can order a Chai!

DIRECTORY 2021-22

Friendship! Friendship!

Just a whole lot of Friendship!

“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” Helen Keller

Growing the CTI Together!

Information at www.TiferetAustin.org/Directory

A little bit of time, a lot of return! Business Ads and Personal Greetings!

Need help? Have questions? Contact us at [email protected]

Shabbat Shalom! Kol Tov!

Debbie and Joel

The 21st Century College Campus–Will Your

Grandchildren Be Safe?

OCTOBER 26 @ 10AM (CST)

With new currents in progressive thought, rising anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment and activity, and a very permissive and liberal culture and social framework that is in conflict with Shmirat Mitzvot and Torah values the secular college campus provides a very challenging environment for Orthodox students.

Rabbi Ilan Haber, who for the past 18 years has directed the OU’s JLIC program, placing Rabbinic couples to support Orthodox communities on campuses across North America, has a unique perspective on these challenges. This interview will track the trends that he has seen in this work, better understand and identify the dangers and challenges, as well as the opportunities for students to grow and thrive.

Presented by: Rabbi Ilan Haber, National Director, Heshe and Harriet Seif Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (OU-JLIC), Director, NextGen Division, Orthodox Union

Click here to register for the program.

As a service to the wider community, the Orthodox Union has researched various online platforms and has organized, collected and curated many key resources in one centralized location for your convenience. Please visit together.ou.org for a wide range of information covering the following areas: Adults, Leadership, Parenting, Seniors & Elders, Technology, Torah and Youth. Check back at together.ou.org as updates will occur regularly.

CTI is virtually open for all classes! Attend online with video and audio, or join through phone call alone. Visit tiferetaustin.org for more information on how to join these exciting classes:

'Building a Palace in Time: The Many Meanings of Shabbat'

Sunday 7:00pm

In this class, we will not only explore how to keep Shabbat, but why we do so in the first place.

· Why is Shabbat so preciously unique to the Jewish people?

· Why did God make the observance of Shabbat so essential for a spiritual relationship with Him?

· How does Shabbat and its observance help us better understand ourselves as individuals and as a community?

· How do all of the laws and observances of Shabbat help us better understand and experience

· what spiritual freedom is really all about?

“Building a Palace in Time: The Many Meanings of Shabbat” will operate like a book club and will meet via Zoom on Sunday evenings, from 7:00-8:00, beginning on April 11th. With each new unit, a different book will be assigned, and we will work through each book according to scheduled readings and thought prompts. Individual members are responsible for obtaining the assigned books, all of which can be easily found on Amazon.com.

This class is free of charge. No prior background is required, and all are welcome and encouraged to attend!

For more information, please contact Rabbi Dan at [email protected], or (512) 410-0336 ex. 101.

TYT Tuesday Night

The Book of Ezekiel

Tuesday 7:00pm

The Book of Ezekiel is one of the most mysterious but essential books of the Tanakh. Who was Ezekiel? When was he prophesying? Were his prophecies meant for his time or the distant future? In this TYT series, we will take an in-depth look at the life, times and ageless message of the Prophet Ezekiel in a way which will make his contribution to Jewish texts, history and destiny truly come to life! A priest stuck in exile, dreaming of the perfect Temple in a perfect homeland - a man pinning for spiritual life, but only experiencing physical privation - what is his message really all about? God asks Ezekiel to do many strange things - things even contrary to Jewish law! Were they literally true, or were they merely metaphorical? Come and join the CTI Tuesday evening Take Your Tanakh class, as together, we learn about the Prophet Ezekiel!

TYT Wednesday Mornings

The Book of Second Samuel

Wednesday 8:15am

Come and join the TYT community and learn about the life and times of King David! II Samuel explores how a young David establishes both his kingdom and his kingship. Despite great promise, potential and ability, David is nevertheless beset by external and internal enemies, fighting both physical and spiritual wars. Come and see how David struggles to unite a broken and battered kingdom, establish a capital city and win the support of his people, while at the same time, striving to remain true to God’s Torah and lead a righteous life. No longer the ruddy youth, playing the harp and running for his life, II Samuel takes us through the long journey of David’s maturation process, omitting nothing, all the while exploring larger questions of morality, repentance, power and politics. While we extol David as one of the greatest Jewish heroes and leaders of all time, this book will frame his life and story in its proper context, look under the surface, and examine the complex personality of King David! This class meets each Wednesday morning, except of Jewish holidays, at 8:15am.

Mishne Torah k'Seder Friday Mornings

Mishne Torah k'Seder

Friday 8:15am

Come and join Rabbi Dan on Friday mornings at 8:15am for an in-depth exploration of the Rambam's Mishne Torah. This class will go through the Rambam's classic work on halakha (Jewish law), in a way which both engages and transforms the reader on a spiritual and intellectual level. Why did the Rambam write the Mishne Torah? What was he trying to achieve? How does the Rambam's interpretation of Jewish law, theology, history and culture differ from his rabbinic contemporaries who also wrote comprehensive Jewish legal works? What were some of the great disputes this work sparked, and why? You don't want to miss out on this great opportunity to learn what the Mishne Torah is all about.

Questions? Suggestions? Interested in Volunteering? Please contact our Committee Chairpersons.

Finance Committee: Gary Gerstenhaber

Fundraising Committee: Beth Shapiro

Membership Committee: Sarah Wander

Chesed Committee: Lynn Kane

Kiddush Committee: Henna Tatham

Ritual Committee: Joel Tendler

The next CTI Board meeting is Wednesday, November 10 at 7:00pm. If you are a CTI Member you can login to our website and see all scheduled Board meetings by clicking here.

For those new to the community, check out this introductory video

featuring Rabbi Dan and a few of our wonderful CTI community members!

Birthdays

Sherry Fishman-Carroll on October 27

Anniversaries

Offer & Ilana Shavit on October 25

If you have any birthdays or anniversaries you would

like to add, please update your profile on our website.

Yahrzeit Remembrances

Morris Shaftel, Father of Myles Shaftel, on Monday 19 Cheshvan

May their souls be bound up in the bond of life.

If you have a Yahrzeit that you would like the congregation to acknowledge, or if you have a correction that needs to be made, please update your profile on our website.

DONATIONS

Thank you to Anonymous donors.

Thank you to Rick Goldberg for his Aliyah donation.

Thank you to Jay Rubin for his Aliyah donation.

Thank you to Larry Smith for his Aliyah donation.

Thank you to Larry and Ester Smith for their Yizkor donations.

_________________

We encourage you to use electronic payments by credit card or eCheck through CTI's website at www.tiferetaustin.org when fulfilling the mitzvah of giving Tzedakah to mark family events and milestones, including Yahrzeits, and in honor of CTI and our community.

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Refuah Shelayma to:

Allene Novy-Portnoy; Hannah Bassa bat Sarah Osnat
Avshalom ben Hannah Bassa
Cindy Newman
Debbie Tendler; Devorah Rachel bat Rivka Leah
Janet Goldberg; Shayna Masha bat Chasha Mina
Ken Friedman
Rebecca Millner; Rivkah bat Shoshana
Sheina Ruchel bat Henya Leah
Tzvi David ben Rivka Golda
Yoel Simcha ben Chaya Risha
Sulta bat Nedgma
Zvi Aharon ben Bayla
Yaira bat Sarah
Shimon ben Sarah
Hinda bat Yehudit
Tamar bat Chaya
Ilana bat Gheita
Joel Tendler; Yehoshua Mordechai ben Tziporah Perel
HaRav Avram Meir ben Eli Yosef v'Shira Chanah.
Rabbi Harold Liebowitz, Ha Rav Chaim Alter ben Necha.
Baruch Akiva Ben Rivka
Miriam bat Helen
Rivka Michal bat Sarah Chana

Shoshana bat Yocheved
Miriam bat Rachel v'Mordechai
Alta Shoshana bat Shulamit
Meir Psachia ben Tziril
Geni Berman Abitbol
Beilya Golda bat Leah
Yosef Yehoshua ben Sarah
Jonathan Malawer (Yosef ben Bracha)
Bowie Alarcon
Fivel ben Sarah HaLevi
Adam ben Chanah
Rafael ben Sheindal Leah
Aharon Asher ben Chaya Naomi
Esther Malka Fraida bat Serel Chaya Raiza
Kalev Boaz Chai ben Aliza
Esther Reva bat Malka
Avraham ben Rut
Peter Janson, Faival ben Tzur
Sheva Eva bat Bella.
Dorit Iken, Dorit Chana bat Orah
Moshe ben Rut
Shulkah Malka bat Tziporah
Yehudit bat Sara
Chandal bat Basia
Shmuel Dovid bat Malka
Anthony Ben Devorah

Wishing all Cholei Yisrael a Refuah Shlayma.

Dear Tiferet Friends,

If you placed a name on the Refuah Shelayma list and G-d willing the person is well,

please let us know. Also, if you have a friend or family member who needs

prayers for healing, again please let us know at [email protected]

Online Shopping that Benefits CTI

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AmazonSmile Info

To Get Started with AmazonSmile

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ArtScroll

Using the CTI Website

Logging in is easy via the login button at the top of the web page. Your login ID is your email address.

Once logged in, many of the fields are pre-filled for you, to make it easier and quicker to register for an event or make a donation, and so on.

But that's not all! You will also have access to the online Member Directory, the CTI Bylaws, the minutes of Board meetings and the President,Treasurer and Rabbi Reports and other documents, all under the Resources tab. With more coming all the time!

If you have any questions or comments about the website, please contact our webmaster Joel Tendler at [email protected].