What do new pajamas have to do with crossing
the Sea of Reeds?
In this week’s parasha,
Beshallach, we find ourselves free at last. We have escaped from the cruelty of
Egyptian slavery and with courage drawn from every Hebrew soul; we enter a new
chapter of our journey.
Imagine what it felt like to
survive that wrenching escape; babies, toddlers, teens and adults. From a parent’s perspective, the most peaceful
finale to the terrible ordeal might be new pajamas for everyone and a good
night’s sleep.
Israel saw the great hand that G-d had
inflicted on Egypt;
and the people revered G-d and they had
faith in G-d and in Moses, G-d’s servant.
Then Moses and the Children of Israel sang
a song to G-d.
Exodus 14:31 – 15:1
Our ancestors were known as Ivri, Hebrews. The word Ivri comes from the root to cross over,
to journey. It is in our DNA to be a people blessed with determination and
courage to move toward goodness. Leaders in social justice movements, both
Jewish and secular, we historically feel the tug in our hearts to trek through difficult
places for a righteous cause. It is simply who we are. And when we own that part of our spiritual
genetics to respond to the call in the name of freedom and justice, we earn our
title as ambassadors of the Most High.
And what does that have to do
with new pajamas?
Our beloved Carry Cohn, born in Germany, having
helped build the Jewish community in Palestine and the Jewish community here in
Sacramento for generations, turns 90 in February and we are holding a birthday celebration in her honor on
Saturday evening, February 11th.
She
is our dear friend. She is a matriarch in our community and she
models every day what it means to be a courageous and giving person.
The whole Jewish community of all ages, is called to come and celebrate
Carry at her
Birthday party and through doing so, be reminded of what it means to be
our
most giving and determined selves.
And what does this have to do
with new pajamas?
One of Carry’s many passions
is Foster Children. While there are various collections of items
through the year for Foster Children, right now is the season of new pajamas. We are asking everyone to bring brand
new pajamas to Congregation Beth Shalom as part of her birthday gift.
Saturday evening, February 11th 2012. Please make your reservation through office@cbshalom.org or 485-4478. The party begins at 6:15p.m with amazing
appetizers followed by 7:00 performance celebrating the music of Jewish
composer, Irving Berlin. Delicious
desserts top off our celebration.
Prepare to have a wonderful time.
And … please bring a pair of
new pajamas.
And then Moses and the Children of
Israel sang a song to G-d.
Exodus 15:1
L'shalom,
