Archive for September, 2022
From The Rabbi – Parshat KI Tavo 5782
With deep sadness we received the news, last Friday morning, of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen, who has been, for over seven decades, a shining example of Malchuta De’ara k’ein malchuta derakiah – ‘Earthly Sovereignty is a reflection of heavenly sovereignty’.
In the Jewish tradition a special Bracha – blessing is recited when in the presence of Royalty, Hanoten Michvodo Lebasar Vedam – …who bestows of His honour upon flesh and blood. The greatest accolade one may bestow on another human being, is that they reflect the dignity and honour of Hashem.
As I am penning this editorial in the lead up to Rosh Hashana, during which we emphasize the concept of Malchut – the acceptance of Hashem as our king, we cannot help but stand in awe at the incredible devotion, dedication, and tenacity with which the Queen took her role as humble servant of the people, to guide, uplift and inspire millions of people for over seven decades, with such faith, grace, wisdom, humour and compassion. She was truly a human manifestation of Malchuta Derakia – Heavenly Sovereignty, a true model for us to all to aspire to emulate.
Last Shabbat, during the morning service, we recited a special Memorial prayer for the Queen OBM, composed by the Chief Rabbi of the British Commonwealth, and we recited the amended prayer for the Royal family, to include His Majesty, King Charles, to whom we extend our prayerful wishes, that he follow the wonderful example of his late mother and live long and healthy years.
It was heartwarming to witness the wonderful enthusiastic spirit of the dedicated community volunteers, who attended the working bee last Sunday, and to Leah Phillips for overseeing the splendid re-polishing of the vestry floor and cabinet, in loving memory of her late mother, Jill OBM. Kol Hakavod and sincere thanks and appreciation to all concerned.
In the lead-up to Rosh Hashanah, we will be gathering at midnight this Motzoey Shabbat – Saturday night for the recital of Selichot. Please make an effort to attend this important and solemn service.
ברכת כתיבה וחתימה טובה, לשנה טובה ומתוקה – May you be inscribed and sealed for a good and sweet new year.
Shabbat Shalom
Levi and Dvorah Jaffe
From The Rabbi – Parshat Ki Teitzei 5782
With just over two weeks to Rosh Hashanah, many of us are utilizing this unique and precious time for personal introspection and soul-searching.
It is truly refreshing and inspiring to witness the enthusiasm and seriousness with which we are witnessing many members of our community increasing their involvement with the community and observing our traditions by attending mid-week and Shabbat services, taking on more meticulous observance of the Mitzvot, such as lighting Shabbat candles, installing and checking Mezuzot and, and in the past week alone, two members of our community have ordered new Tefillin and committed to putting them on daily.
This Shabbat we will read the fifth, in a series of seven special haftarah readings, on the topic of consolation.
The haftarah has a double theme. First, that when Moshiach comes, things will be so good that we will forget the hardships of the exile. Second, that the redemption will be final, never to be followed by another exile.
The haftarah begins: “Sing, barren one who has not given birth.” The simple meaning is that Hashem is talking to the city of Jerusalem, which feels like a barren woman, bereft of children. Although she had been desolate during much of this long exile, Hashem tells her to sing—as now that Moshiach is here, her streets are once again filled with her children, the Jewish people. She doesn’t feel barren any more.
On a deeper level, Hashem is talking to those Jews who claim they are barren and have not given birth to Him. Meaning, they have totally disassociated themselves from the Jewish nation. Hashem is saying that even they will sing a “new song”.
The revelation will be so great that we will break out in song, even one who is “barren” of mitzvahs and in the darkest place. The revelation and transformation will be so great that he, too, will break out into song.
When Moshiach comes, we will see how everything we went through in this exile was a preparation for his arrival. The reading concludes, that when Moshiach comes “ . . . My kindness will never depart from you, and my covenant of peace will never falter.”
We read this same Haftarah after the Chagim (festivals) for Parshat Noach and, like bookends, it sets the tone for the whole year because bringing Moshiach is at the core of our mission. Like beacons of light, it is read at the beginning and the end of the year to remind us that though our work is difficult and the exile dark, what we are accomplishing is tremendous and our reward is even greater.
So, as we prepare for the New Year and the final redemption, let us continue to increase in Teshuvah (return), Tefilah (prayer – spirtual connection) and Tzedakah (charity – doing what is right)
Perhaps it is our effort, our mitzvah, which will finally tip the scale and bring Moshiach, may it materialize now!
ברכת כתיבה וחתימה טובה, לשנה טובה ומתוקה – May you be inscribed and sealed for a good and sweet new year.
Shabbat Shalom
Levi and Dvorah Jaffe
Thank you Rabbi Yitzi Horowitz for the above message