Author Archives: Hazzan Jesse Holzer
Torah Thoughts from this Past Shabbat
Here’s some thoughts from this past week’s sermonizing:
Introduction to Torah Reading:
This week’s torah introduction was inspired by a great piece on Parashat Vaera and Environmental awareness/appreciation.
Introduction to Haftarah:
The phrase tanim hagadol, or tannin hagadol, the great sea monster, the serpent or dragon, is also what we might think of as crocodile or Gator. The crocodile was worshipped in Egpyt as a god. In the Haftarah, the term is used to describe Egpyt itself.
The Gators have a tough schedule in this week’s parasha- its one thing to handle Alabama crimson blood, or the wild beasts like the Auburn/LSU tigers, but TCU frogs or Georgia Tech yellow jackets (insects)? Gators can’t handle all of those plagues alongside pestilence (dever) or boils (shechin). Even if the Egyptian Gators get past the first six tests, that seventh plague, well of course, it’s a Hail (Mary).
Having experienced 7 plagues already in this week’s torah portion, the oracle against Egpyt continues in this week’s Haftarah taken from the book of Ezekiel chapter 28.
Fight Song Trivia:
The following is the fight song for one of two NCAA athletic programs nicknamed the Jaguars, namely the University of South Alabama. The other school is IUPUI.
We’re the mighty Jaguars
Stand up and cheer,
In our colors we take pride;
On to vic’try lead us year after year
We will stand here side by side.
Through the years we’ve prov’n
Our glory and fame.
Honor be to the victor’s name
Welcome to the Cantor’s Corner
Check out Hazzan Holzer’s youtube channel for more great Koltrain classics!
Parashat Vaera
Exodus 7:16 states, “And the Lord spoke unto Moses, go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, thus saith the Lord, Let my people go, that they may serve me”, The verse inspired the African American spiritual “Go Down Moses” first published in 1862. In solemn testimony to that unbroken faith that links Jaguar fan one to another, I have taken poetic license in recreating a never before heard final voice.
- When Jaguars were in Peyton’s land: Let the ball go,
- Depressed they couldnt pull a goal line stand, Let the ball go.
- Go down, Jones Drew,
- Way down in ownerland,
- Tell old Duval,
- Let Del-Rio go.
Monday Morning Quarterback
This week we began the book of Shemot, the book of Exodus. Simultaneously, members of the Jacksonville community are praying for a release from the years of AFC South slavery to the freedom that comes with a division crown.
As we already begin thinking of next weeks football matchups, there are new possible Exodus stories. One seems much more far-fetched (my favorite Yiddish word), but for Jags fans, I hope its the story told to later generations.
The Israelites left Egypt by foot, not by magic carpet ride. It’s the ground game that got them out of futility. Who can be that leader of the ground force? Why Moshe of course! You may know him as Maurice Jones- Jew.
The Exodus narrative includes another set of players who helped us overcome Pharaoh (Peyton). This year, the story would not be the same without an Oakland Raider team that can play spoiler by way of locusts, wild beasts, and a sea of black. I’m talking about their fans, their owner, their team. Lets go Raiders!
In tandem, these two stories can lead the Jaguar faithful to a place they’ve longed for for years: a home (game).
Should but one fail, we might encounter a simpler yet sadder Exodus tale, one where a native prince returns to his home to set his team free. Its tough to think of Rex Grossman as Moses. Lets make sure we don’t have to think of him that way.
May it be your will, G-d and G-d of our ancestors, that we receive good touchdowns of deliverance and consolation. May you lead us from subjugation to redemption. Amen
Hazzan Jesse Holzer 
