Parashat Va'etchanan (i entreated) 3:23 - 7:11
HafTorah Isaiah 40:1 -26
Dear friends,
Thanks to all who participated in person and virtually at our Tisha B'Av, Book of Lamentations reading. In keeping with the rhythm of our calendar, we now shed our mourning by taking comfort and looking ahead to the High Holy Days. We begin that process this Shabbat with the first of the seven Haftarot of Consolation (Nachamu) by the Prophet Isaiah that take place between now and Rosh Hashanah. This week's Haftorah begins with:
נַחֲמ֥וּ נַחֲמ֖וּ עַמִּ֑י יֹאמַ֖ר אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם Comfort, Comfort My people!
In our Torah reading of Vaetchanan, Moses continues his discourse to the people gathered before him and poised to enter the Promised Land at last after forty arduous years of wandering, backsliding, and finally learning how to become a holy nation. Moses warns the Israelites not to pursue idolatry and recounts the giving of the Ten Commandments. The portion also contains the Shema, a declaration of faith and a central text in Jewish prayer. Please join us in-person or virtually on Zoom, this evening at 7:30 pm and tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 9:30 am as we begin this exciting period in anticipation of the High Holy Days to come.
Even though the month of Menachem Av is known mostly for remembering the suffering of our people and all who suffer in the world, we are commanded to leave our sorrow behind and work towards making the world a better place for all. We are also fortunate to celebrate holidays throughout the year. On the 15th day of Av when the moon is full (Sunday night and all-day Monday), we celebrate Tu B'Av (ט״ו באב), a particularly joyous day which marks the beginning of the grape harvest in Israel, and also occasionally referred to as the Jewish Valentine's Day as the maidens of Jerusalem adorned with white garments (so one would not assume who might be rich or poor) and went out to dance in the vineyards. They would choose spouses from among the men who came to dance with them. Tu B’Av is also celebrates the end of the Israelites’ forty years of wandering in the wilderness. In Israel, many couples exchange gifts or flowers and celebrate with a romantic dinner or a night out. Tu B'Av is also considered an auspicious day for weddings. Here, we can celebrate as do the Israelis with a moon-lit stroll, a wine toast, or just enjoying each other's company.
So, with much to look forward to, I wish you a Shabbat Shalom and a Chag Tu B'Av Sameach!
Ron Becker,
Spiritual Leader
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FRIDAY:
JCC is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Shabbat Services, Friday 08/16/2024 7:30 pm
Time: Aug 16, 2024 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 497 903 0958
Passcode: 5QdVaA
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SATURDAY:
JCC is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Saturday Service, 08/17/2024 9:30 am
Time: Aug 17, 2024 09:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 497 903 0958
Passcode: 5QdVaA
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