**
NEW ADDITION **
RABBI'S SERMONS
July
22, 2010
Shabbat
Shalom!
“Bind
them as a sign upon your hand; let them be a symbol (or
as “frontlets”) between your eyes. Write them
on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”
I
can remember reciting these words with “thy”
instead of “your” as I read from the Union
Prayer Book I during Sabbath services at my home congregation,
so much so that I can now type them by heart (as many
people could). What comes to mind for most people when
reading this passage are t’filin, which are worn
on the arm and head, and the mezuzah, which is displayed
by one’s front door at home and perhaps on inside
doorways as well.
Some
commentators suggest that there is another level to this
passage. “Bind them as a sign upon your hand”
can mean “apply the teachings of your heritage in
the work of your hands.” “Let them be a symbol
between your eyes” can mean “see the world,
your relationships, and your own behavior through the
lens of these commandments, which can lead you on a positive
and productive path in life.” “Write them
on the doorposts of your house and on your (city) gates”
can mean “let what happens inside your home and
in your city – how people act and how they treat
each other – reflect the best of the teachings that
have been passed down to you.”
So
as we think about commandments that direct us to fairness,
justice, compassion and treating each other with generosity
and equity, may our recitation of these ancient words
from the Torah be matched in all that we do, as members
of families and communities, so that we help build a world
founded in love and understanding.
