Parashat Bamidbar (in the desert) Numbers 1:1 - 4:20
HafTorah Samuel I - 20:18-42
Dear friends,
Last week we completed the Book of Vayikra (Leviticus) and now we anticipate the beginning of the Book of Bamidbar (Numbers). Throughout Leviticus, we read and discussed mitzvot, many of which are still relevant for us today, especially those relating to how we treat people, those relating to justice, and those relating to our relationship to the environment. Now two years into the Exodus, we return to the historical narrative beginning with a census of the Hebrew nation, now numbering over 600,000 men of military age, so likely over a million total.
And adding to what makes this Shabbat special, it is also Machar Chodesh (the day before Rosh Chodesh). Thus, we chant the words of the Prophet Samuel which recounts the familiar story of David and Jonathan. Samuel had previously counseled against the Israelites needing a king to lead them but gave in and annointed and advised King Saul. Saul is jealous of David, the son of Jesse and a hero of the people from his defeat of the Philistine Goliath and subsequent military conquests. Saul fears that David is a threat to his monarchy and to his son Jonathan who is heir to the throne. He plots to assassinate David, but Jonathan, who is a dear friend of David, warns him and thus foils the plot. And as we know, David ultimately prevails and becomes the king. Thus, trust and loyalty are victorious over self-interest and greed. It is certainly one of the most moving Haftorahs and I hope you will join me tonight at 7:30 pm and tomorrow morning at 9:30 am (in-person and virtually on Zoom) to celebrate Machar Chodesh Sivan at Shul!
Please mark your calendars for Sunday, May 28th at 10:30 am (in-person and virtually on Zoom) for an information session on our upcoming Israeli trip scheduled for October 30-November 10. Bagels and coffee will be served for those who attend in-person. The trip will be a unique opportunity to experience Israel with fellow congregants and friends and we are anxiously looking forward to it!
This Shabbat, we remember our friend and congregant Aaron Epstein who died this week. Condolences to Fran and the Epstein family.
Shabbat Shalom,
Ron Becker,
Spiritual Leader
________________________________________________________________
FRIDAY:
JCC is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Shabbat Service, Friday 05/19/2023 7:30 pm
Time: May 19, 2023 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4979030958?pwd=YXJPT2FGVTdzVVV2bVQ3c1ZnS1lMZz09
Meeting ID: 497 903 0958
Passcode: 5QdVaA
____________________________________________________________
SATURDAY:
JCC is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Saturday Service, 05/20/2023, 9:30 am
Time: May 20, 2023 09:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4979030958?pwd=YXJPT2FGVTdzVVV2bVQ3c1ZnS1lMZz09
Meeting ID: 497 903 0958
Passcode: 5QdVaA
Comments