Weekly Message 05.08.2026 Parashat Behar-Bechukotai

Parashat Behar (Mount)-Bechukotai (My Statutes) Leviticus 25:1 - 27:34

HafTorah Jeremiah 16:19 - 17:14

Behar Bechukotai

Dear friends,

What a wonderful week we just had beginning with the beautiful reception for our region's "Women of Distinction" and of course our own beloved woman of distinction, Ana Calderon. I was spellbound with the inspirational stories of those women chosen to be honored by synagogues and other Jewish organizations in the region. Mazel Tov to Ana with our appreciation for all she does for us and for the community!

Then we celebrated Lag B'Omer and our grandson's birthday with a festive barbecue party by the river. I hope you all enjoyed the pleasures of the season! Our next holiday will be Yom Yerushalayim on May 15th, which celebrates the unification of the city of Jerusalem in 1967. And then a week later, the major festival of Shavuot will be held. Lots to look forward to!

And to help us prepare for the Shavuot Yom Tov, we will hold our Tikkun Leil Shavuot on Thursday, May 21st at 7 pm exclusively on Zoom as always. You are very welcome to lead a short study session which could be on a religious, cultural, historical, or any other related topic that you would like to share. Eileen will be teaching us the lessons of the Book of Job. I will be speaking about José Arturo Castellanos Contreras, an El Salvadorian diplomat who at great risk to himself rescued thousands of European Jews during the Holocaust including the family of our beloved "woman of distinction" Ana Calderon. It would be great if many in our shul can lead a short session, but even if you can't PLEASE log into the Zoom link which will be provided soon to support and participate in this time honored and inspirational tradition.

And see the calendar below for details on all the other Shavuot services and activities. Looking forward to sharing this wonderful time of the year with you.

And of course, please join us for our regular Shabbat services this evening at 7 pm and tomorrow (Saturday) at 9:30 am when we complete our reading and study of the Book of Vayikra (Leviticus). Our triennial reading cycle from the portion of Behar/Bechukotai will cover Chapter 25, Verses 1-38 after which we celebrate the completion of this long book replete with mitzvot covering every aspect of life with the words:

Hazak, hazak, v'nitchazek! חזק חזק ונתחזק

Be strong, be strong, and let us be strengthened!

Throughout the Book of Vayikra, we have been introduced to many mitzvot covering moral and ethical behavior, cleanliness, health and other topics. In the final portion that we will be reading this Shabbat, we turn to those mitzvot that helps us preserve the earth that we inhabit. In ancient times, we were given a pristine earth that we must protect and cultivate so its life can be passed intact to the coming generations. We are now faced with the consequences of not following these commandments and must now reverse the harm that has been done.

Our Haftorah from the prophet Jeremiah concludes with the well-known verse that we recite at every weekday service in the Amidah:

רְפָאֵ֤נִי יְהֹוָה֙ וְאֵ֣רָפֵ֔א הוֹשִׁיעֵ֖נִי וְאִוָּשֵׁ֑עָה כִּ֥י תְהִלָּתִ֖י אָֽתָּה

Heal me, oh Lord, and I shall be healed.

Save me and I shall be saved.

For Thou art my praise,

And please continue to join us and support our many spring and summer activities.

Shabbat Shalom!

Ron Becker,

Spiritual Leader

Thursday, May 21 We will gather on Zoom for our Annual Erev Shavuot study night held jointly with Temple Beth David at 7 pm. Each presenter will speak for 10-15 minutes followed by discussion. Please consider leading a session on any religious, historical, or cultural topic. Zoom link to be provided.

Friday, May 22 We will observe the first day of Shavuot with Yom Tov services at 9:30 am including the chanting of the poem Akdamut followed by the reading of the Ten Commandments.

Friday, May 22 We will observe the evening of the holiday of Shavuot with Shabbat/Yom Tov services at 6:30 pm (note the earlier starting time) including excerpts from the Book of Ruth followed by a wonderful Shabbat/Yom Tov dinner. Stay tuned for further details!

Saturday, May 23 We will observe the second day of the holiday of Shavuot with Shabbat/Yom Tov services at 9:30 am including the Yizkor Memorial Service, the last one before Yom Kippur.

Tuesday, May 26 We will volunteer at Metropolitan Ministries bringing sustenance, clothing, and hope to those in need at the headquarters at 3216 US-19, Holiday, FL 34691, at 11am-2 pm. Please sign up to help at this link: https://vhub.at/1L1BLIK

Friday, June 19 We will have a Shabbat "Juneteenth" dinner after services which will begin at 6:30 pm (note the earlier starting time). Stay tuned for further details!

Wednesday, July 8 We will be participating in Jewish Heritage Night at Tropicana Field when the Rays take on the New York Yankees at 6:40 pm. We will be carpooling from the synagogue parking lot at 4:30 pm. In addition to the game and sitting with our Jewish friends from throughout our region, each participant will receive a commemorative jersey. Please let us know ASAP if you will be joining us so that we can purchase the tickets.