What's the Spiel? - Parshat Kedoshim

The Torah identifies five distinct categories of Evil Speech: Rechilut (gossip), Lashon HaRah (harmful speech), Motzi Shem Rah (slander), Ona’at Devarim (speech that causes pain), and Avak Lashon HaRah (implicit harmful speech). While we tend to categorize all forms of Evil Speech as “Lashon HaRah,” each type is different, possessing its own character, and thus, can inflict harm in its own, unique way, though each one uses the same means of causing injury -words. In this week’s parsha, Kedoshim, we learn about the first type of Evil Speech: Rechilut. According to our parsha, “You shall not peddle gossip among your people…” (Vayikra 19:16). What actually constitutes “gossip”? According to the Kesef Mishne, “One who ‘peddles gossip’ refers to a person who says, ‘So and so said such and such about you,’ or, ‘so and so did the following to you’… even though the information is not necessarily intrinsically negative [but can nevertheless provoke arguments between parties] … Since he carries the information around from one person to another, he is called a ‘peddler’ [a merchant of gossip]” (Hilchot De’ot 7:1).

Here, the Kesef Mishne is teaching us that gossip is telling someone about what other people said or did to him or her. The information itself may be neutral, but it will cause a dispute or dislike between people. In his Sha’arei Teshuva, Rebbeinu Yonah expands upon this idea, saying, “The damage that can be wrought by gossip-mongering is incalculable. It brings hatred between people, and therefore, causes them to transgress the prohibition of ‘Do not hate your fellow in your heart’ (Vayikra 19:16). The world continues to exist only based on peace, and one who peddles gossip causes the world to fall apart” (Sha’arei Teshuva 3:222). Indeed, the seriousness of gossip is that it replaces peace with arguments and hatred and can lead to the destruction of families and even communities. Gossip erodes trust, it can destroy our most basic sense of connection to others because those who trade in it violate the sanctity and stability of confidentiality. As Rav Hirsch writes, “Family members discuss their affairs within the bounds set by natural mutual trust; matters do not spread by themselves from person to person, from circle to circle. The members of a given circle put their trust in one another, and, relying on this, they speak and act. Hence, one who spreads confidential matters to a different circle is a ‘gossip peddler’. We are obligated, then, to preserve the dignity of every person and to respect their privacy; it is our duty to watch our words when we are speaking of others. It is impossible to know how far-reaching the effects gossiping about the private affairs of others may be. Where gossip abounds, one can trust no friend, rely on no intimate; everyone must be guarded in speech and keep their private matters strictly to themselves” (Commentary on Vayikra 19:16). Rechilut, gossip, is particularly dangerous because its aim is to cause disputes, destroying families and communities, and ultimately, our ability to confide in one another, as it says, “Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a quarrel dies down” (Mishlei 26:20).

Rechilut may be the “lightest” form of Lashon HaRah (Hilchot De’ot 7:2), but its impact is extremely severe. Indeed, many people who gossip do so because they do not view their words as being all that serious, they do not realize the impression they can make on others. Rather, they view themselves as being “peddlers,” people who move from place to place, never staying long enough to see the full effect of the power of their words. But our parsha is teaching us that every word, even words which may not be intrinsically negative, have far-reaching consequences, and it is the individuals, the families and the communities who are the targets of gossip that must stay and suffer the aftermath.

This Shabbat, let us consider the weight of our words and the dangers of gossip. There is no word without meaning, thus, there is no word without consequence. We cannot always control what other people say to us. However, we can control what we choose to say to others. This Shabbat, let us decide never to be “peddlers of gossip,” but instead, “harbingers of good news.” Let us endeavor to use our words to give courage to the fearful, strength to the weary and comfort to the pained and broken-hearted. Our presence in the lives of others should always be felt as a positive source of encouragement, and never as an intrusion or a breach of trust. May we always seek to use our words for good, and in every interaction we have, may these words be on the forefront of our minds: “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful speech endures forever” (Mishlei 12:18-19).

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.

Friday Night

Candle Lighting

no later than 7:54PM

Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat

7:30PM

Saturday

Shacharit

9:00AM

Kids Service

10:30AM

Mincha/Maariv

7:50PM

Havdallah

8:52PM

Sunday

Shacharit

8:20AM

Monday - Thursday

Shacharit

7:05AM

Mincha & Ma'ariv - Contact Us: 512-410-0336

Thank you Barb & Arthur Altman for sponsoring Kiddush in honor of Arthur's birthday and welcome to Rabbi Belsky

CTI Announcements

CTI Welcomes Rabbi Stephen Belsky

While Rabbi Dan is on deployment at Operation Lone Star, Rabbi Stephen Belsky will serve as interim rabbi for the Congregation, meeting its halakhic, spiritual and pastoral needs. We are excited to learn from and grow with Rabbi Belsky during his three-month association with CTI, and we welcome him with open arms! Baruch HaBah!

Rabbi Stephen Belsky grew up in the seaside fishing village of Brooklyn, NY, but has spent the last dozen years of his life in Michigan, surrounded by the Great Lakes. A graduate of the Pardes Educators Program and Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, he has taught both children and adults at schools, synagogues, and other institutions; and when he isn't on the road working as an eruv builder, he is a regular speaker and teacher in Detroit's Modern Orthodox community. He loves language, speculative fiction, and the prophetic poems of doom in Tanakh, and is excited to have this opportunity to spend the summer with CTI.

CTI Yizkor Book

As we approach Shavuot, CTI will again be publishing our special annual Yizkor booklet for use on Shavuot, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Pesach, when we take time to remember our dearly departed loved ones.

Please take this opportunity to inscribe those who you would like to remember in our Yizkor booklet. In prior years, we have suggested a $10 donation per inscription, but any amount you feel comfortable giving as tzedakah is fine.

To ensure we have sufficient time to publish the new Yizkor booklet, please complete and submit the online form athttps://www.tiferetaustin.org/yizkor-book2022 no later than Tuesday, May 24th.

If you prefer to pay by check, please provide the information requested from the online form to Eric Shapiro via email and mail your check to:

Congregation Tiferet Israel

PO Box 27254

Austin, TX 78755-2254

Please indicate “Yizkor Book” in the memo section of your check. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Eric at eshapiro590@gmail.com.

Shalom Austin Mask Policy Update

Given the significant decline in the occurrence of COVID cases in the Travis County area (which is currently listed as being in Stage 2, and continuously dropping), the Medical Committee has unanimously agreed that:

Masks should no longer be mandatory at any CTI-related functions
Kiddush can move back inside, without any restrictions
Individuals who feel safer wearing masks at Shul-related events should feel free to continuing doing so
Anyone who has symptoms should NOT attend synagogue.

As always, we will continue to review and address the situation related to COVID on an as—needed basis, and make updated recommendations, as necessary.

SPIRIT: MAKING A DIFFERENCE ON THE STAGE OF LIFE

MAY 10 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

We will journey with Sharon Katz through three tumultuous decades of activism, theater and Israeli life. Presenter: Sharon Katz, co-founder of the Women’s Performance Community of Jerusalem. Introduction by Karen Americus, Klitah and Chesed Program Coordinator at OU Israel. This session is coordinated in conjunction with OU Israel — the SPIRIT program is very honored and appreciative for their assistance in coordination.

About Sharon Katz:

Sharon Katz has spent the last 30 years in Israel empowering others to make a difference in the lives of their families, their communities and their nation. Together with her friends, Sharon helped lead a battle for the hills of Efrat, struggled to keep Kever Rachel in Israel’s hands, edited a publication about what’s right with Israel, founded three women’s theater companies in Gush Etzion, co-founded a women’s performance company in Jerusalem, co-authored six hit Biblical and historical musicals, and produced and performed on stage in more than 20 productions. Her real loves are her family and tap dancing.

Click here to register

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.

Classes currently on hold. Watch tiferetaustin.org for when classes will resume.

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:

TYT Tuesday Night

The Book of Judges

Tuesday 7:00pm

The Book of Judges teaches us about unexpected and underestimated spiritual and political leadership. Prior to the establishment of the Jewish monarchy, the nation was constantly enmeshed in fighting foreign enemies, spiritual and moral backsliding, oppression, as well as tribal in-fighting. It was a vicious cycle. The Judges came about in order to resolve these political, spiritual and moral issues and to set the people on the right track. Who were the Judges of Israel? How were they chosen, and why? While names like Shimshon, Devorah, Gidon and Yeftach may be familiar, their stories, complex personalities and murky legacies require a great deal of study. In this brand new TYT series, we will explore the life and times of the Judges of Israel – who they were, what they did, and what their contributions to Jewish history are all about. You won’t want to miss out on learning about these early leaders of the Jewish people, whose stories and personalities are as captivating as their contributions to the Jewish people are timeless.

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: Eric Shapiro

The next CTI Board meeting is Wednesday, May 11 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

Meredith Clifford on May 7

Paz Goldberg on May 7

Caleb Wander on May 12

If you have any birthdays or anniversaries you would

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

Yahrzeit Remembrances

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 Jay and Carol Rubin for Jay's Aliyah donation.

Thank you to Arthur Altman for his Aliyah donation.

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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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Spiel sponsorships are now available for a donation of $18. Advertise your business or dedicate an issue of the spiel in memory of a loved one or to celebrate a Simcha. Contact admin for more details.

Donations can be made via our website at www.tiferetaustin.org, by pressing "Make a Donation" in the sidebar, using the "Donate to CTI" button on the top left of this email, or by sending your check to: Tiferet Israel P.O. Box 27254, Austin, TX 78755. Please make check payable to Tiferet Israel and please indicate what the donation is for.

Refuah Shelayma to:

Allene Novy-Portnoy; Hannah Bassa bat Sarah Osnat
Avshalom ben Hannah Bassa
Cindy Newman
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
Tamar bat Chaya
Ilana bat Gheita
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
Lori Garza

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, Fievel ben Devorah
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
Shayna Leah bat Yehudit

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 admin@tiferetaustin.org

Online Shopping that Benefits CTI

Don't forget to bookmark our special links to AmazonSmile and Artscroll.com -- you will have the same shopping experience and CTI gets a generous percentage of your shopping dollar. Please bookmark and start shopping!

AmazonSmile Info

To Get Started with AmazonSmile

AmazonSmile will make a donation to CTI based on the amount of your eligible purchases made on the AmazonSmile website. The AmazonSmile website looks identical to the regular Amazon.com website, except that when you log in the banner at the top of the window shows that you are on the AmazonSmile website and displays the charity that you are supporting. There is also an additional item in the dropdown menu labelled “Your AmazonSmile”. The AmazonSmile page offers a convenient shortcut icon or bookmark for your browser to take you to AmazonSmile for your shopping.

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 at admin@tiferetaustin.org.