of the best in our society. Such a designation refers to someone
genuine, unpretentious, noble in every way. This phrase derives its
origin from the days when salt (the only rock we eat), rather than
gold or oil, was the most prized commodity on earth.
Being the salt of the earth has its downsides, too, though,
particularly when it's not that you're CALLED the salt of the earth,
but you BECOME salt itself.
Such was the (forgive me) lot of Lot's wife. In this week's Torah
portion, Va'era, Lot's family is fleeing the evil cities of Sodom and
Gomorrah. Turning back to watch the city as it is consumed, she
violates the one demand requested of her. Her punishment? She is
turned into a pillar of salt. Our lesson? An evil town is destroyed;
a curious or compassionate woman is turned to salt. Both great evil
and minor infractions face similar fate in our ancient story.
Much has been written over the centuries on why bad things happen to
people. This week's Torah portion raises many questions on the
concept of punishment and evil - both deserved and underserved. What
is justice? What does our tradition have to say about it? I invite
you to our Torah service tonight when we will begin our conversation,
and I encourage you to attend Kup O' Joe next Sunday the 19th at its
new time, 9AM, when we will continue our conversation.
Rabbi Joseph M. Forman
OR CHADASH 
