Events of recent weeks have reminded us of what we have always known: people’s judgment is often skewed. Politicians and media personalities pander to their constituencies without strict regard for truthfulness or justice. Terrorists are treated sympathetically, while those fighting terrorists are vilified. Groups decide to boycott a democratic nation, while giving aid and moral support to the vilest of tyrannies.

Why does moral judgment often seem to stray so far from the dictates of reason and truth?

A Judeo-Spanish proverb advises: Va ande te llaman y no ande te queren. Go where you are invited, not where you are (or think you are) wanted. Wait for a formal invitation; do not assume that you are welcome unless you are invited. If one shows up without having been invited, this creates an unpleasant social situation that is embarrassing to host and guest alike.

This proverb reflects a sense of propriety and respectfulness. A person should not impose him/herself on others. Likewise, a person who wants someone present should take the trouble to actually invite him/her. Just as one should not assume he/she is invited, so the host should not assume that the person will attend without an invitation.

Here are a few recent news items: (Please have your aspirins ready!)

A former Prime Minister of Israel was sentenced to a prison term for illegal business dealings.

An Israeli man was arrested for trying to export jet parts to Iran.

An Orthodox head of a Jewish charity agency in New York was arrested and pleaded guilty to embezzling millions of dollars.

An Orthodox rabbi and three accomplices, who were ostensibly raising funds for a school for disadvantaged children in Brooklyn, were arrested for embezzling millions of dollars.

All of these people are well educated. They all know right from wrong. They all know that their deeds were illegal and immoral. Yet, they went right ahead and committed crimes.

Why?

In his book, The Perspective of Civilization, Fernand Braudel utilizes a concept that he calls “world-time.” Braudel notes that at any given point in history, all societies are not at the same level of advancement. The leading countries exist in world-time; that is, their level of advancement is correlated to the actual date in history.

My wife and I recently traveled to Seattle where I had the honor of speaking at Congregation Ezra Bessaroth—the congregation in which I was born and raised. It was a special experience for us to re-connect with so many family and friends in that very warm community.

One of the highlights of the flight to Seattle is viewing the majestic Mount Rainier as the plane approaches the city. The snow covered mountain is one of the awe-inspiring phenomena of nature. From the plane, we could not only see Mount Rainier but also could look southward to view Mount Saint Helens and Mount Hood. What a tremendous experience! Oh Lord, how glorious are Your works!

The Torah informs us that Aaron the High Priest lit the Menorah exactly in accord with God’s command (Bemidbar 8:3). Our commentators wonder: why would the Torah need to state that Aaron followed the instructions? We would surely have expected him to heed God’s command!

Rashi notes that Aaron is being praised for not having deviated from the rules. Although he may have had an inclination to be innovative or creative in his assignment, his virtue was that he fulfilled his task exactly to specification.

Ramban suggests that Aaron fulfilled this mitzvah himself, rather than assigning it to his sons who also were eligible to do the lighting. Aaron felt a personal joy and satisfaction in his performance of the kindling of the Menorah in fulfillment of God’s command.

In writing about the sin of Nadav and Avihu which led to their tragic deaths, Rabbi Daniel Bouskila of the Sephardic Education Center offered these comments:

Nadav and Avihu, sons of Aaron the High Priest, offered a “strange fire” on the altar, an offering that had not been commanded by the Lord. As a consequence of this sin, a fire consumed them. This terrible tragedy occurred during the ceremonies dedicating the Mishkan (sanctuary).

What was the nature of the transgression of Nadav and Avihu? Why was their offering of a “strange fire” so serious as to merit the death penalty?

Shalom uvrakha, I hope you had a good Pessah, and I wish you all the best during these closing weeks of the academic year.

We have a special offer for members of the University Network, thanks to the generosity of a supporter of our Institute. I've just come out with a new book of short stories, "The Crown of Solomon and Other Stories." If you'd like a free copy of the book, please email me at [email protected] and give me your mailing address.

As an added bonus, you may also receive a free copy of a novel I wrote a few years back, "The Search Committee." Please let me know if you'd like either or both of these books.

A story is told about a famous musician who was to perform a violin concert. The orchestra began the program, but just as the musician put his bow to the violin one of the four strings snapped with a loud pop. The audience gasped. The conductor stopped the orchestra.

The violinist immediately signaled the conductor and orchestra to continue with the program. He played the entire concert with a violin of three strings…and he played masterfully. He was able to improvise and compensate so that the missing string was not noticed. At the conclusion of the performance, the audience gave an enthusiastic standing ovation. Everyone was amazed.