COMMENTARY
Federation Star
March 2022
11A
“Who loves you, baby?” In the Torah, love is an active command. Even in our love of God, the Rabbi Talmud says we should behave divinely toward others, “making God beloved Howard through our actions.” In Judaism, we S. Herman visualize a loving relationship only when DD each partner acknowledges, values and recognizes that relationship as holy. uring February, we celebrated Look at Kabbalah, it teaches us that Valentine’s Day. In America, it God created the world because “love” is characterized as a day of cards, needs another to love. As Jews, we are gifts and romance. It is the day that celtaught that love has enormous power. ebrates “love” in its variety of iterations. The bible teaches us that love is so Some argue that Valentine’s Day should powerful, it is “stronger than death.” The not be celebrated by Jews, but I disagree. Baal Shem Tov, the great 18th-century There is nothing incompatible with master in whose name the Hasidic Judaism in the celebration of love. movement was created, taught that there For Jews, love is the embodiment of is only one single love in the world; being Jewish. Love that is the love of God your neighbor (Lev. for all creatures. That 1 9 : 1 8 ) , l o v e t h e Learning how to love and love flows through all stranger, loving God, and penhow to be loved is one existence God loving us, love etrates every creature. of the most definitive of self, love of spouse, It is the life force of love of children, love each of us. of spiritual paths. of parents and sibThere is a unique lings, love of animals, stone sculpture by and love of Israel, are all key elements to Robert Indiana in the garden of the the Jewish narrative. Israel Museum in Jerusalem. Made of One key prayer in Judaism, the four large blocks, each a letter of the Shema, entreats us to “love God with all Hebrew word for “love,” the sculpture our heart, soul and might.” Psalms 34 reminds us love is the A, B, C of life. asks us, “Who is the one with a passion The sculpture is set on a hill overlooking for life, loving every day and seeing the a Jerusalem landscape, and through the good?” Learning how to love and how letters, your heart leaps, looking at the to be loved is one of the most definitive buildings and clear sky of the holy city. of spiritual paths. Love is the foundation of this city, the
D
perspective of its people and the basis of its Torah. In Chapter 19 of Leviticus, we find the commandment to “love your neighbor as you love yourself.” Rabbi Akiba called this ‘the great principle’ of Torah. Every one of these commandments is a gift of God, who reaches out to Jews and all other people in love and whose loving instruction guides us in loving our neighbors. It will probably surprise you to learn that the walls of the holy city of Jerusalem historically have been a wellspring of inspiration for romance and love. Long before Valentine’s or Sadie Hawkins Day, the Jewish people created a Jerusalem centered love fest for couples. In the light of
the summer moon, young women robed in white would dance in the fields outside the walls of Jerusalem. The eligible men of the city would follow in hopes of finding a bride. The festival was called Tu’B Av as it was celebrated on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Av. You might think of this as the original Valentine’s Day, coming long before it was ever named as such today. So, Judaism celebrates love in all forms. You don’t have to wait for Valentine’s Day once a year. By Jewish standards you can do it all year long. It is a very Jewish thing to do. Rabbi Howard S. Herman DD serves at Naples Jewish Congregation.
MARCH 13, 2022 Sunday at 11:00am
Collier/Lee HADASSAH presents
V I R T U A L LY H O N O R I N G
Elli Taylor, P.A., Broker Associate Whether you’re in the market to buy or sell real estate, let’s meet and discuss how my experience can benefit you in achieving your goal. Coming from New England in 1988, I know firsthand the attraction that Southwest Florida offers. I have been a full time Realtor since 2000 and have been instrumental in helping many others connect with their own “Piece of Paradise.” – Elli Taylor
To receive quarterly market reports or monthly newsletters, please contact me
(239) 860-2064
etaylor@johnrwood.com www.ellisellsnaples.com
Accredited Buyers Representative Council of Residential Specialists Graduate Realtors Institute Certified Negotiation Expert Certified Luxury Home Marketing
NAOMI BLOOM
ROBIN MINTZ
LINDA OBERHAUS
SUSAN PITTELMAN
Entrepreneur Software Innovator Philanthropist
Volunteer Community Leader Magazine Production Editor
Human Services Executive Social Work Expert Advocate
Community Leader Volunteer Book Publisher
GUEST SPEAKER:
KAREN M. EZRINE, MD National Chair, Hadassah International FOR MORE, CONTACT: Diane Schwartz at 732-539-4011 or dianepschwartz@gmail.com
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
A. Stephen Kotler BOARD CERTIFIED SPECIALIST IN WILLS, TRUSTS AND ESTATES
• Medicaid Planning
TM
• Elder Law and Special Needs Planning
We have three convenient locations to serve you!
• Estate Planning and Probate
8625 Collier Boulevard Naples
Kotler Law Firm P.L. (239) 325-2333
999 VANDERBILT BEACH ROAD, SUITE 200, NAPLES, FL 34108
1300 Goodlette Road N Suite 101, Naples 531 Bald Eagle Drive Marco Island
Vivian Wong MD, PhD, FAAD
Daniel I. Wasserman MD, FAAD, FACMS
239.732.0044 • SkinWellnessFlorida.com
Anne Marie Tremaine MD, FAAD
