Cantor Arik Wollheim: Shalom From Jerusalem

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SHALOM FROM JERUSALEM

Shabbat Parashat Vayetze Kislev 4 5771 Nov 11^th 2010

Shalom,

I'm sure that at this point, less than a week before the concert (but just in case-Nov 16^th at 7:30 PM at the shul) everybody is aware planning of attending as well as supporting the concert financially. And since this is the case I can write about something else...

Recently, I read the best -selling novel, The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown (courtesy of long flights). He also wrote several other novels, including The Da Vinci Code, and Angels and Demons, which are very well known, as they have been made into hit movies starring Tom Hanks. I do not want to ruin the plot twists for those who have not read the book, but I will tell you that we again encounter the hero, Robert Langdon, professor of Religious Symbology at Harvard University. He quickly finds himself both consultant and detective, as he is brought in to solve a mystery taking place this time in Washington D.C., involving the fraternal organization known as the Freemasons.

Freemasonry arose from obscure origins in the late 16th Century, C.E. Its central themes include the need to do charitable work, live by moral principles, have a belief in a Supreme Being, and promote the development of loyal friendships within a tight community. The organization is characterized by its rituals, secrets, and complex symbolism. (Sounds familiar, doesn't it?) The Masons, or Masonic Order, remains strong and active today, including among its members people from all faiths and all walks of life, astronauts and actors, prime ministers and presidents, several sitting Senators, and notable figures from George Washington to Irving Berlin to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

As in his other books, we are exposed to Brown's philosophy and perhaps even his theology, although his protagonist considers himself an atheist, or at least an agnostic. Professor Langdon seems to prove that human beings can, in some incredible ways, develop higher powers, and wield them in the world, for good or for evil. It seems to me that the plot line of the story, which is quite fantastic by itself, is just a vehicle to share the theories or opinions of the writer with the readers. In this book, Brown's idea of God is that which manifests itself in us humans. He claims that we have God-like characteristics, and therefore we have the potential or the power to create or do Godly acts.

You may be surprised to find out that our Jewish sources and beliefs share some of these ideas as well. First we learn that God has created man in His image and our sages tell us that this does not only refer to the physical aspect. In Psalms 82:6 we read "I said, 'You are "gods"; you are all sons of the Most High". The Rambam writes that we should emulate God's attributes; just as God is merciful, we should be merciful as well. Just as God is holy, we should aspire to holiness as well, etc. Our sources tell us that when we are engaged in Godly acts, we are engaged in the process of "Tikun Olam," or healing the world, and in fact this way we are partnering with God and continuing the act of creation.

So perhaps Dan Brown's point of view is kosher, but not exactly.

But we also believe that there is of course, a fundamental difference between humans and God. After all, if we are gods, how is it possible that we pray to God, cry to God and ask from God? Two important points need to be considered in this context. First, we must realize what exactly we mean when we call our actions, "Godly." Second, what is the role of human beings in making things happen? If we are looking at acts of kindness as Godly, if by making the world a better place, we are considered Godly, then certainly, we humans are Godly as well. If we have the capacity to heal the world, then we have the obligation to partner with God in order to make it a better place. By doing so even we are continuing God's work of creation.

But these are actions that we as humans have the capacity to do, and we also have the choice of doing them or not. We can choose to be kind, or moral, or honest, or compassionate, or do good for others. There are other kinds of acts that are not possible for humans to do and these are considered miracles. Only God can make miracles.

Dan Brown claims that a person can rise to a certain level, and induce a state, perhaps by meditation, and one can physically cause things to happen. One example he cites is the act of prayer. Furthermore, he claims that many people have more "power" by acting in unison, focusing or praying, together. Judaism believes in the power of prayer, and a "bigger" or stronger power exists when concentrated in a group setting, such as a Minyan. However, we have to remember that the only power we really have is to pray and beseech God on our behalf. God is the One who can perform miracles. Yes, we believe that God may hear our prayers and accept our pleas, but we must not make the mistake of thinking that humans can perform miracles regardless of the intensity of their prayers.

Let us continue in all our efforts to act in Godly way, to emulate the ways of Hashem, to create Tikun Olam. May God who performs these miracles, listen and hearken to our prayers.

So, in closing, I want to make sure you got the message-come to the concert, buy an ad and bring your friends with you.

Looking forward to seeing you all in shul on Shabbat and at the concert J (did I mention that before?!)

Shabbat Shalom from Stamford,

Cantor Arik Wollheim