A Word from the Rabbi
 
Dear Friends,

Being in the world and not losing your way or compromising your ideals is challenging. The Alter Rebbe was imprisoned for 53 days by the Tzarist regime for strengthening Jewish practice and belief. We celebrate his release each year on the 19th of Kislev, which will be next week...
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Chanukah Festival and Toy Drive

Join us at our annual Chanukah Festival. This year we will be creating a Menorah with donated toys. New toys can be dropped off at 17315 Sunset Blvd. The Festival will be Sunday Dec. 9th from 11am-3pm at the Center 17315 Sunset. To purchase wristbands click here or call 310-454-7783

Shabbat in Israel

Shabbat around the World is an event to join together with family and friends as we "travel' to Jewish communites around the world and sample local cuisne, songs and traditions. Please RSVP online here or call 310-454-7783. $12-Child $24-Adult $65-Family of 4 $500-Co-sponsor

 

This week we learn an important lesson about being in the world and not losing your way but rather showing the world the right way. “Like mother, like daughter,” is a familiar saying that we use frequently, often it is used derogatorily. Rashi in this week’s parsha provides the origin of this saying: Because of her going out, she (Dina; Leah and Jacob’s) is called “the daughter of Leah.” For [Leah,] too, was an “out goer,” as it is written, “And Leah went out to greet him” (Genesis 30:16). Regarding her it has been said, “Like mother, like daughter.”

This appears to be an indictment of Leah and Dina’s behavior, suggesting that just like Leah was immodestly out going, so too was her daughter Dina.

But after further investigation we find this statement to be not only non-inflammatory, but complimentary.

The praise and hallmark of a Jewish woman is her modesty. She conducts herself with inwardness and feminine renitence. This is not to be confused with diffidence.

For while man; the “conqueror” battles the demons without, woman cultivates the purity within. She is the mainstay of the home, nurturer and educator of the family, guardian of all that is holy in G‑d’s world. “The entire glory of the king’s daughter is within.”

“Within,” however does not necessarily mean; “Indoors.” Woman, in the eyes of the Torah means empowerment, life giving. Dina’s powerful and out-going personality was misunderstood by Jacob. The Midrash informs us that had he not have hid her away from the eyes of his brother and assailant Eisav, Dina would have been able to inspire him to repent and become righteous!

The same nurturing character, coupled with kindness and gentleness exhibited in a private setting can achieve more in the outside world than the “male” approach of conflict and conquest.

“Like Mother like daughter” is a call to all Jewish women. The modesty of a Jewish woman is just what the world ordered. The message: Jewish femininity is a trait in desperate need of preservation. By sharing it in professional and public settings not only doesn’t weaken its quality, it enhances this quality in others too.

Shabbat Shalom

Rabbi Zushe Cunin