From The Rabbis
Timely messages from our Rabbis, Nancy and David.
Can you remember a time when you heard or saw something that moved you so much that you just longed to share with your favorite friends or family?
A new month, Adar I, started last week, and what a powerful month it is. We are told concerning this time of year: "Mi sh'nichnas Adar marbim b'smicha”—One who welcomes the month of Adar increases with joy.
Parashat P'kudei—the portion's name means "accounts”—is the final weekly portion of the Book of Exodus. P'kudei relates the final details of the building of the Mishkan, taking its name from the accounting of all the gold and other precious metals used in Mishkan's construction.
This week in 10th Grade Confirmation we talked about Egypt. What did the students know? What did they feel as Americans? What did they feel as Jews?
This week's Torah portion is a combined Torah portion, Vayak'hel/Pekudei. On certain years such as this one, they are joined as a single reading; when we have a leap year these two portions are separate. Vayak'hel means “community”; however, the content of the portion deals with a value of the individual.
It is said that the High Holy Days begin with Erev Rosh Hashana and conclude when we break the fast after Yom Kippur. But it just isn't so.
While we cannot know the reasons behind tragedy, it happened that Debbie Lynn Friedman, a genius of Jewish music and a true inspiration, passed away on Sunday from complications of pneumonia during the week of this very parashat. One of her many cherished pieces is a Mi Chamocha, in which she highlights the story of Miriam leading the women in dancing and celebration after crossing the sea.
When Torah is difficult to understand it means we have to look a little deeper. The Torah is a gift that radiates with holiness and is truly life giving. At a recent class given at CBS, students echoed the feeling that with learning they grow more deeply in love with Judaism.