Weekly Message 11.06.2026 Parashat Chayei Sarah

Parashat Chayei Sarah (the life of Sarah) Genesis 23:1 - 25:18

HafTorah Kings I 1:1 - 31

Dear friends,

As we have begun a new secular month and will soon be embarking on another Rosh Chodesh, inaugurating the Hebrew month of Kislev, a month that will end with the celebration of Hanukkah, we continue our close look at the lives of our matriarchs and patriarchs in the Book of Genesis (Bereshit). This week in our triennial reading of the portion of Chayei Sarah (Genesis 24:10-52), we are introduced to the matriarch Rebecca (Rivka) who after showing compassion, kindness and concern to strangers agrees to leave the home of her father, Bethuel and brother Laban trusting that marriage to Abraham's son will be in her and her people's best interest. It is the first real falling in love story in our Torah. We know that Abraham and Sarah loved and supported each other; we don't know how they met and what their motivations might have been. In the example of Isaac and Rebecca, we see that even arranged marriage can result in a lasting and loving bond. They were both recovering from trauma, Isaac from near death from the hands of his own father and the subsequent death of his mother Sarah; and Rebecca having lived in a tumultuous home. And their lives together would not be easy with many familial problems, not the least of which was the bitter rivalry between their twin sons with each parent showing favoritism. However, they remained faithful to Hashem and to each other, and we learn and take courage from their examples, both good and not-so good!

Our Haftorah for this Shabbat from the beginning of the Book of Kings (Melachim 1:1-31) recounts that last days of King David which we compare to the last days of Abraham portrayed in this week's Torah reading. Whereas Isaac naturally and dutifully assumes the mantle of leadership following his father's passing, there is intrigue and deceit evidenced in David's son Adonijah in attempting to usurp his father's wishes for his succession. From this contrast, we learn valuable lessons!

Please join me this evening at 7 pm and tomorrow (Saturday) at 9:30 am as we daven and study together as a community. And if you are interested in partaking in the Jewish Food Festival at Beth David on Sunday from 11 am until 3 pm, we will be arranging carpooling if needed.

And PLEASE consider volunteering at the Metropolitan Ministries holiday tent on November 24th and December 22nd. Together and with very little sacrifice of time and effort, we can make great strides in helping our community! Please sign up at the links below and I will look forward to working with you in fulfilling this very much needed Mitzvah.

Shabbat Shalom,

Ron Becker,

Spiritual Leader

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ZOOM LINK FOR FRI & SAT

JCC ZOOM MEETING FRI AND SAT

Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4979030958?pwd=YXJPT2FGVTdzVVV2bVQ3c1ZnS1lMZz09&omn=85362084280 to start or join a scheduled Zoom meeting.

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COMING EVENTS - MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Sunday, November 8, 2026 Jewish Food Festival at Temple Beth David, Spring Hill, 11 am -3 pm

Saturday, November 14, 2026 Game Night and Havdalah, 7 pm

Thursday, November 19, 2026 joint Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at Temple Beth David, 7 pm

Tuesday, November 24, 2026 We will volunteer at the Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Tent at Generations on 1540 Little Road in Trinity, 11:30 am-3 pm. Please sign up BEFORE NOVEMBER 17TH at https://vhub.at/1L1BLIK

Friday, December 4, 2026 We will enjoy a joyous Shabbat/erev Hanukkah celebration with candlelighting before our Kabbalat Shabbat service, and potato latkes and sufganyot (jelly donuts) after. Bring your own menorah for the lighting of the first candle, 6:30 pm

Saturday, December 5, 2026 We will enjoy the annual holiday boat parade on the Banks of the Cotee River at Grand Boulevard between Vermont and Kentucky Avenues in New Port Richey beginning with Havdalah and latkes, sufganyot (jelly donuts) and other Hanukkah treats while watching the decorated boats float by, 6 pm

Sunday, December 6, 2026 We will celebrate Hanukkah with the residents of the Trinity Place Assisted Living Center at 8684 Old Route 54 in New Port Richey, 2 pm

Sunday, December 6, 2026 We will enjoy a Hanukkah dinner party, 4 pm

Saturday, December 12, 2026, Game Night and Havdalah, 7 pm

Tuesday, December 22, 2026 We will volunteer at the Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Tent at Generations on 1540 Little Road in Trinity, 11:30 am-3 pm. Please sign up BEFORE DECEMBER 15TH at https://vhub.at/1L1BLIK

Thursday, December 24, 2026 We will enjoy a movie at the synagogue and Chinese dinner at a local restaurant. Stay tuned for details!