Parashat Pinchas - Grandson of Aaron (Oracle) Num 25:10 - 30:1
HafTorah Jeremiah 1:1 - 2:3
Dear Friends,
I would like to thank all those who made last Shabbat's baby naming ceremony such a wonderful occasion as we celebrated our most cherished of life cycle events, the naming of a Jewish child. And thanks to the Shapiro family for making it all possible.
This Shabbat we continue in the Book of Bamidbar (Numbers) with the Torah portion of Pinchas. Pinchas is the grandson of Aaron and is appointed to be the next high priest and the religious leader for the new nation once it arrives in the land of Israel. Also, Joshua is appointed as the new political and military leader and as we know, will succeed Moses in the promised land. We also learn of the inequities in the inheritance system which left out women altogether, and the request that is granted to the daughters of Zelophehad whose courage and determination lead to the revision of those laws and a more just society.
Finally, we are instructed on the sacrificial laws that accompany each holiday including those for Shabbat, the new month (Rosh Chodesh), the High Holy Days, and the festival days of Sukkot, Passover, and Shavuot. We read this portion not only on this Shabbat but on all the occasions that mandate it.
Last week also began the "three weeks", i.e. the saddest period in the Hebrew calendar beginning with the 17th day of Tammuz (commemorating the anniversary of the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem) and concluding with Tisha B'Av (commemorating the destruction of the Holy Temple and the expulsion from the land of Israel first by the Babylonians and then by the Romans) which this year falls on Sunday, July 18th. Between now and then, our prayers are delivered in a more subdued manner and we forego events such as weddings and B'nai Mitzvot. Even our music is played in a quieter, more reflective tone.
Tomorrow morning's Haftorah (the first of three "Haftorot of rebuke") contains Jeremiah's stern warnings on where immoral behavior and the disregard for the mitzvot (commandments) will lead. On Tisha B'Av morning, July 18th, we will gather in the synagogue to listen to the reading of the Book of Lamentations attributed to Jeremiah. It is a day of self and community reflection as we discuss the causes of the breakdown of society and its consequences. Of course, Judaism is not about being sad, but about learning from one's errors, taking comfort in recovery, and enjoying all of life's gifts. We will quickly follow with Tu B'Av (the 15th day of the month of Av), the holiday of love, a romantic Jewish holiday, and has been said to be a great day for weddings, commitment ceremonies, renewal of vows, or proposing; a day for romance, explored through singing, dancing, giving flowers, and studying. This year it occurs on July 24th, but because it is Shabbat, it is celebrated on the following day. So as we enter the hottest days of summer, we have much to reflect about, and much to be thankful for and to celebrate. Looking forward to seeing you in the synagogue or on zoom tonight at 7:30 pm and tomorrow morning at 9:30 am.
Shabbat Shalom! Ron Becker Spiritual Leader
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Friday:
JCC is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Shabbat Service
Time: Jul 2, 2021 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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Saturday:
JCC is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Saturday Morning Service
Time: Jul 3, 2021 09:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 497 903 0958
Passcode: 5QdVaA
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