Shul Spiel: What's Happening in West Orange Synagogues

As the flicker of the Hannukah menorah fades into a dim memory, and the themes for this year’s sholoch manos have only begun to germinate in our imaginations, all attention turns to the day when almost the entire New York and New Jersey metropolitan area will be praying for Peace on Earth and – more important  - wishing Goodwill to Manning. Yes, Super Sunday is fast upon us.

Ethical Perspective on next Sunday’s Event
Much has been written elsewhere about the upcoming competition to be held in Indianapolis a little more than a week from now, on Sunday, Feb. 5. Many have offered their predictions. Others have developed complicated formulae, based on nuances and minutiae, which they claim make the contest little more than a fete accompli. No one, however, had viewed and considered the event from an ethical perspective.  At least, no one had, until last year!

Considerable comment was generated in 2011 when, in this very spot on Patch, the big contest was evaluated and a winner predicted. In a bold assessment, based on a review of the fundamental ethical truths of life, a clear champion was declared. There was considerable scoffing, since the choice of the Packers over the Steelers ran counter to the common wisdom. Nattering nabobs of negativity cast scorn and heaped derision on the conclusion.  In the end, however, the ethical choice turned out to indeed be the winning choice.

Before going on to this year’s contest, let us first review last year’s evaluation, as it appeared in the West Orange Patch on Friday, Feb. 2, 2011:

“Sunday’s event presents a classic confrontation between two fundamental values – strength and unity. Steelers work with steel, which is an iron alloy and very, very strong.  Packers put various individual items together in one place. The battle will be one of strength vs. unity. As we learn from the experience of the generation of the Tower of Babel, unity is the overriding factor. In addition, as everyone is aware, there is strength in unity.  Therefore, the clear ethical choice in Sunday’s event would be the Packers.”

And so it was.

This Year’s Assessment
The match up this year is much more complicated than last year. Both Giants and Patriots are names that reflect considerable haughtiness and an exaggerated sense of self. Even more disturbing is that part of the process of building themselves up is to put down others as inferior. What do the names they have given themselves really show?:

“Giants” – shows an inflated perception of being significantly bigger, stronger and larger when compared to others. 

“Patriots” – boasts of possessing a degree of loyalty that they perceive others are incapable of and, in fact, do not possess at all, in their opinion. 

It is truly surprising that either of these exceedingly condescending sides should have been successful to the degree that they have, since we know that haughtiness is one of the extremely negative traits that ultimately remove a person from the world. Instead of success they should both find failure. Which begs the question – how has either of them been able to succeed. The secret to their successes is similar, and extremely enlightening.

The Giants and Patriots have something exceptional in common. They are each led by someone named “Tom.” For the Giants, it is their leader on the sidelines. For the Patriots, it is their leader on the field.

The Hebrew word “tom” is often translated as “simple.” We know it from the Haggadah, which speaks about the four sons, one of which is the “tom” – the “simple” son.  The one who points to the matza and asks only “mah zos – what is that?”  Oftentimes, this son’s question is misunderstood and taken as an indication that he is incapable of asking anything more detailed. This mistake occurs because the translation of “tom” as simple does not do justice to the deeper meanings of “tom.” A much more accurate rendering of the concept of ‘tom” into English would be “innocence” or “uncomplicated.” “Tom” is not the kind of simple that arises from not knowing anything or not being able to understand.  It is the kind of simplicity that comes from being uncomplicated. It means being a “what you see is what you get” individual. From knowing what you know and being comfortable enough with knowing it that you don’t’ need any complications or anything fancy. A “tom” is a happy, satisfied and productive person because he is comfortable with knowing who he is and with being himself and doesn’t need anything on the outside to give him value or a sense of self. The “tom” asks “mah zos – what is that?” at the Seder because he doesn’t need to know anything else. He is comfortable enough with life to accept it as it is and to move forward with it.

It is that sense of “tom” that enables a Giant to be a Giant in his own right, without defining it by looking at others. It that sense of “tom” that enables a Patriot to be a true Patriot and proud of it, not because others are not but because he, himself, is. The simplicity reflected in the characteristic of being “tom” is what provides the balance that enables someone who is truly great to be aware of it, but not allow it to destroy himself.  Rather, it enables him to take that knowledge and use it as a tool to go further and accomplish bigger and better things.

The Outcome
The leadership of “Tom” on both sides makes this a contest that is just too close to call.  What prevails? Strength or Loyalty? There are arguments for both sides. But the key to understanding the dynamic here is to realize that both of these are real, since they are each balanced by “Tom” in their own way. If there is a slight advantage, it would have to go to the Patriots. That is because it takes more focus to maintain a sense of “Tom” when actually being in the game and leading, as opposed to standing on the sideline advising. The Giants’ Tom is coaching from the side. The Patriots’ Tom is in the middle of the action.  A slight edge goes to the Patriots.

A personal note: Deep down, we still hope that the victor will be the St. Louis Baseball Cardinals.  Don’t laugh! Just remember, in mid-August no one thought they would win the World Series either. With that kind of drive, enthusiasm and “never-give-up” attitude, anything can happen!

Who We Are
Torah study continues to be the focus of Congregation and Kollel B’nei Torah of West Orange. The Kollel will meet this week, as every week, on Monday through Wednesday nights, from 8:15 to 9:45. On Thursday night, it will be from 8:30 to 10. Maariv follows each night. The Kollel is held in the Sefardic Minyan at AABJD. All are welcome to come and experience the thrill and fulfillment of studying Torah one to one. B’nei Torah, with its minyan and Kollel, is dedicated to uplifting and enriching the lives of every Jew through Torah study, serious tefillah and atmosphere that stresses and encourages personal growth.  No experience necessary – everyone is welcome to come and grow along with us.

Davening Times for Shabbos Parshas Bo
Friday, Jan. 27
Candlelighting: 4:49
Mincha Erev Shabbos: 4:55

Shabbos Day, Saturday, Jan. 28
Brochos: 8:10
Shochen Ad: 8:50
Kiddush following davening
Daf Yomi: 11:15
Mincha: 4:45
Maariv: 6:00

Weeknight Maariv - Week of Jan. 30
Maariv (M,T,W): 9:45 p.m.
(Th): 10 p.m. (following Kollel; at AABJD Sephardic Wing)