Archive for the ‘From The Rabbi’ Category

From the Rabbi – PARSHAT PEKUDEI, 5784

Among the laws of Purim, which commences next Motzei Shabbat (Saturday night), is the following obscure statement “Someone who reads the Megillah (story of Purim) backwards, has not fulfilled their obligation”. Why would anyone be inclined to read the Megillah backwards? According to the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of the Chassidic movement, the deeper meaning of this statement is, that one should not read the story as if it only happened in the past (backwards), rather we have an obligation to apply the story of Purim and its lessons in all times and places.

The Purim story is one of a great threat that loomed over the entire Jewish nation yet, through what appeared to be a series of natural events, together with an increased commitment and strengthening of faith by the Jews of the time, the entire situation was turned upside down and, rather than the Jewish people being annihilated or even harmed, they were saved and elevated to an even higher position than before and, as a result, we end up with the most joyous festival in the Jewish calendar, Purim. Although no mention of the name of Hashem appears throughout the entire story, behind the scenes He is pulling all the strings, which is one of the reasons for the custom to dress up on Purim, whereby we conceal our true identity.

Sometimes, on a personal or communal level we struggle to identify the hand of Hashem in our lives and world events and, and the Purim story reminds us to be aware that behind the scenes Hashem is always there and, through our strengthened commitment and faith, we too will experience the transformation of our challenges into revealed blessings and salvation.

In recent weeks, we have experienced a tangible increase in commitment to Jewish life among many of our members and friends, some of whom have purchased new Tefillin, and have commenced putting them on daily, others have purchased new Mezuzot, started to keep Kosher, and light Shabbat candles, among other positive Jewish changes to their lives. Since the tragic events of Simchat Torah, we have witnessed an unparalleled arousal of religious fervor, throughout the worldwide Jewish community, especially in Israel. Kol Hakavod and may these additional Mitzvot be a source of great blessing to them, their families and all of Klal Yisrael – the Jewish Nation.

This Shabbat we conclude the second book of the Torah, Shemot – Exodus, with the declaration ‘Chazak Chazak Venitchazek’ – ‘Be strong, be strong, let’s be strong’

With heartfelt prayers for the release of the remaining hostages and enduring peace in Israel and throughout the world!

Being that Purim will be celebrated next Sunday, Taanit Esther – the fast of Esther is brought forward to this coming Thursday.

Shabbat Shalom and well over the fast,

From the Rabbi – PARSHAT TERUMAH, 5784

The joyous month of Adar is already doing its wonders, with the incredibly uplifting news we received this past week of the successful rescue of two Argentinian hostages, Fernando Marman and Louis Har, who have been held captive in Gaza for 128 days! May we continue to share good news and witness the safe return of all remaining hostages, and an end to all hostilities in Israel and throughout the world.

It is quite remarkable that on the very day that the hostages were rescued, a fervent prayer was offered at the Kotel – Western wall, by Javier Mileil, the newly elected Argentinian President, who is a great friend and supporter of Israel and the Jewish people.

This week we are introduced to the design and construction of the very first Synagogue, the Mishkan – Tabernacle, which accompanied the Jewish people as they traveled through the desert, and their subsequent entry into the land of Israel. The instructions begin with the words “build for me a Mishkan, so that I may dwell in them”, raising the obvious grammatical question of why the unusual terminology “…dwell in them”, rather than “…dwell in it”. From this we derive that this instruction was not merely to build a physical structure in the desert but, rather an eternal Mitzvah for every individual in all times and places to create a spiritual home and sanctuary for Hashem, through the study of the Torah and the performance of the Mitzvot.

Through each of our efforts in building and maintaining our personal sanctuaries, we are instrumental in fulfilling our combined mission of creating a dwelling place for the Divine, which will find its ultimate expression with the ultimate redemption and the complete revelation of Moshiach!

With heartfelt prayers for the release of the remaining hostages and enduring peace in Israel and throughout the world!

Shabbat Shalom and may we continue to share good news