A Superbowl You Can Run With

While a good many Americans will be focused on the Super Bowl this weekend, there are other Superbowls that predate the NFL. Not surprisingly, many of those Superbowls are offered up in our rabbinic literature. Whether you are a Giants fan or a Patriots fan, it would be worth the time spent learning of three of the bowls spoken about by our tradition. 

Perhaps the first Superbowl, or Superbowls, according to the Midrash, came to light in Pharaoh’s palace. After the infant Moses removed the crown from Pharaoh’s head and placed it on his own, Pharaoh, bowing to the influence of his advisors, decided to have little Moses put to death, thereby safeguarding himself from any future coup. It was Jethro, one of his advisors, who saved Moses’ life by suggesting that two bowls be placed before the babe, one containing gold coins, and the other containing glowing embers. Guided by the angel Gabriel, Moses went for the ember filled bowl. In doing so, Moses permanently injured his tongue and mouth, but saved his life.

Far less dramatic than the bowls set before Moses, were the bowls set by the representations of the twelve tribes before the Mishkan, or portable sanctuary in the wilderness. Each representative brought a silver bowl weighing 130 shekels, plus a silver basin weighing 70 shekels. The symbolism of these offerings was not lost on our sages of old. In one case, the bowl represented the sea and the basin represented the land, while in another case, the bowl represented the written Torah (Torah Sheh B’chtav) while the basin represented the oral Torah (Torah Sheh Ba’al Peh)

Superbowls are “riddle bowls” say the sages. The Queen of Sheba was so impressed with her husband’s brilliance that she decided to put him to a test. Dressing five boys and five girls identically, she asked Solomon if he could identify their gender. In true Solomonic fashion, the King handed the “identical ten” ten bowls of water for them to wash their hands. The five girls, unlike the five boys, rolled up their sleeves, thereby making it a cinch for the King to discern the boys from the girls.

Come Sunday, Indianapolis will produce one winner and one loser. By definition, it must. This is what the Superbowl has been all about for the last 46 years. But as for Superbowls in our tradition, the real winner is anyone who reads about them and learns from them.

Wednesday, February 1

·         Mr. Malka’s Talmud Class

·         Brotherhood Steak & Poker Night – 6:30 PM (Dinner) 7:30 PM (Poker)

Thursday, February 2

·         Rabbi Zell’s Rare Prayers Class – 7:30 PM

Saturday, February 4

·         Anniversary & Birthday Shabbat

Sunday, February 5

·         Programming Meeting – 9:30 AM

Monday, February 6

·         Mr. Malka’s Zohar Class

Tuesday, February 7

·         Mr. Malka’s Rashi Class

Wednesday, February 8

·         Mr. Malka’s Talmud Class

Thursday, February 9

·         Rabbi Zell’s Rare Prayers Class – 7:30 PM

·         DEADLINE FOR MISHLOACH MANOT ORDERS!

Friday, February 10

·         Tu B’Shevat Seder – 6:30 PM

Saturday, February 11

·         Pitzel Puppet Players – 11:30 AM

Sunday, February 12

·         Tiferet Youth: Being a Foodie w/ Lisa – 12-2 PM

Monday, February 13

·         Mr. Malka’s Zohar Class

·         Tiferet Book Club – 6:30 PM

Community

A record 88 new and exciting educational opportunities will be offered,

including classes on Jewish music, Jewish geneaology and Texas Jewish history!

January 27 through February 5

with most classes at the Aaron Family Jewish Community Center.

$18 per person

(free for students under age 18)

includes the Keynote Event on February 1

To view complete session information,
visit www.LearningFest.org

for more information!

Here is a list of suggested items:

Hairspray

Body Lotion

Disposable razors/creams

Deodorant, soaps

Shampoo/conditioner

Mouthwash

Toothpaste

Toothbrushes

Feminine hygiene products

Adult feminine, disposable “Depends”

We thank you in advance for your contributions, and if you have
any questions please contact either of our Women’s Event Mitzvah Co-Chairs:

Dawn Strauss dawnstrauss@yahoo.com

Yana Mintskovsky yanamint@yahoo.com

TIFERET WILL HAVE A BOX FOR DONATIONS, CONTACT THE OFFICE FOR MORE INFO!

THE MUSIC MAN

Winner of 8 Tony Awards including Best Musical!

Director / Choreographer Linda Leonard

Music Director Mary Medrick

Wednesday, February 22 – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 25 – 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, February 26 – 2:00 p.m.

Sunday, February 26 – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 1 – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 3 – 8:00 p.m.

Zale Auditorium at the Aaron Family JCC 

7900 Northaven Road, Dallas, TX 75230 

Set in Iowa in 1912, The Music Man is a warm and fuzzy cartoon of a show that appeals to all ages. 

The blaring orchestrations, the jovial scenery, the rousing beat of the music and

the razzle-dazzle of the brass band will make you smile and clap from beginning to end!

Tickets: Adults $20 in advance / $25 at the door

Students & Sr. Adults $12 in advance / $18 at the door

To order, call 214-739-2737 or purchase online at jccdallas.org

For more information, contact Judy Cohn at 214-239-7115

“Be Out There” at Camp Fair Day at the J!

Sunday, March 4

12 – 3 pm

Aaron Family JCC

Last day for Early Bird Registration – get 2009 prices!

Explore the NEW Naturescape!

Meet Camp Directors and Staff

Games, DJ, camp activities

Drawings – win $100 off camp

For more info, contact Laura Seymour, Director of Camping Services at

214-239-7110 or lseymour@jccdallas.org

Learning Opportunities with Rabbi Zell

Tuesdays - 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

·         Imparting the Parsha

Saturdays 8:15 AM to 9:00 AM

·         Seuda Shlishit

·         The Third Meal each Saturday between Mincha & Ma’ariv, Rabbi Zell leads a lively discussion on topical subjects as they relate to Jewish life and thought.

Youth Congregation

·         Every Shabbat 10:30 AM

·         In the Multi-Purpose Room                                 

·        Tefillah, Fun Activities & a Little Nosh