8 Adar 1 5774 / 7-8 February 2014
Torah: Exodus 27:20 - 30:10
Haftarah: Ezekiel 43:10-27
Dedications and Calendar of Events follow. Full calendar available at: http://www.bethmeier.org
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Don't Let The Light Go Out!
"And you will command the Israelites to take to you clear oil of beaten olives for lighting, to give off light continually." Exodus 27:20
Jewish law requires that a symbolic Ner Tamid, a continuous lamp, also known as the Eternal Light, be found in every synagogue. Interestingly, this is the only mitzvah associated with the Tabernacle that is still observed today. (Rabbi Harold Kushner, in Humash Etz Hayyim) Why do we still observe this commandment, in altered form, today?
The Talmud says that the Ner Tamid of the Tabernacle and Temple is symbolic of the Shekhinah, God's Divine Presence. The Midrash adds that the Ner Tamid symbolizes the spiritual light that emanated from the Temple. Rabbi Kushner suggests that light, a favorite symbol of God, cannot be seen - we are aware of it only when we are able to see other things. For all these reasons, we sense God's presence in the world when we see the wonders of creation. Thus, the Ner Tamid is a reminder of what was, what is, and what will be.
It also reminds us that God is always with us, giving off light, even if we are unable to detect the source of the light. We find that light in the synagogue, more than any other place, because that is most often where we seek to draw close to God. It is where we pray and study together, where we hear the reading of the Torah, where we celebrate occasions both joyful and mournful. And if that is so, then the commandment to keep the lamp burning continually takes on added significance - the lamp must have a place where it can be lit! There must be a synagogue, built up and supported by the entire community, in order for the lamp to exist. Take an active role in your synagogue - don't let the light go out!
Shabbat Shalom!
HaRav HaGa’on Abba Reuven Flom, Sh’lita
Rosh Yeshivah - Shlabodkieville
Mishenichnas Adar, Marbim B’Simcha.
From the beginning of Adar, we increase joy.
"For the sake of Zion I will not be silent; for the sake of Jerusalem I will not be still" Isaiah 62:1
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Candle lighting: 5:11 pm
Friday: Shabbat Evening Service – 8:00 pm. Oneg Shabbat follows.
Saturday: Shabbat Morning Service – 10:00 am. Kiddush lunch follows.
Sunday: Religious School – 9:30 am. Adult Hebrew class – 10:00 am.
Tuesday: Lunch and Learn - noon.
Wednesday: (Re)Introduction to Judaism class – 7:30 pm.
The Rabbinical Assembly's annual guide for Pesach is available on-line for download. It's not too early to start thinking about your spring cleaning and Passover prep! The guide is available at: rabbinicalassembly.org/pesah-guide
This d'var torah is offered in honor of
my sister and brother-in-law, Lorrie Flom and Dr. Jay Goodman, celebrating
their wedding anniversary this coming week, on Friday, February 14. Mazal tov!
This d'var torah is offered for a refuah
shleimah for Blimah Reizel bat Ruchel, Dov Nechemya Hakohen ben Rachel Chaya
Sarah, Miriam Minya bat Alisa Batya, Connie Rosen Axelson, Eve Beatty, Howard
Ehrlich, Joshua Erenmark, Jerry Forman, Pamela Huddleston, Rose Jordan, Steven
Kleiger, Lizzie Legnine, Frank Marcovitz, Sheldon Mazo, Marshall Neiman, and
Phil Raider.
Please let me know if there is anyone
you would like to add to this list or if there is anyone who may be removed
from this list.
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