Rabbis Blog

 

נַחֲמוּ נַחֲמוּ, עַמִּי--יֹאמַר, אֱלֹהֵיכֶם.
Be comforted, be comforted my people, says the L-rd.

The Shabbat after Tisha B'Av is know as Shabbat Nachamu, the Sabbath of consolation, and our nation mood changes from mourning Jerusalem to joy in anticipation of the pending Redemption.

 

As of this writing, things are calm in Israel, and we pray that those whose lives have been turned upside down by the events of the past month find nechama as well.

 

One of the only positives to emerge from the horrors of this war, and the terror of global antisemitic outbursts, is the incredible feeling of Jewish Unity.

 

We need to move forward with this feeling of Unity nationally, and locally. The same G-d we poured out our hearts to when we learned of the tragic death of our three teenage students, the same G-d we cried out to in our beautifully poignant Tisha B'Av service is still open for business, and ready to receive our prayer.

 

Communal prayer is key nutrient in our spiritual spiritual health, and I want to make sure people are getting the full effects of its benefits.

Our sages, in their wisdom, created a deeply meaningful structure of our prayers, with each component flowing sequentially into the next, culminating in the Amidah, the silent prayer said standing, which represents the daily offering at the Holy Temple.  When one arrives in the middle of that sequence, it is very challenging to get the full spiritual benefit of the experience, and one can possibly feel unfulfilled from the experience.

 

I urge everyone to try to come on time for the service, and take advantage of the spiritual symphony our sages have composed for us.

 

This Shabbat I will be offering a short (15 minute class) on the structure of the Shabbat prayers, and would like to have a quorum by 9:15AM. This will enable more people to feel they are getting the most out of davening, and ensure we finish the service with plenty of time for eating and socializing.

 

 

 

The Friends of the IDF supports the soldiers directly- you can donate here.

 

Please continue to pray for the speedy recovery of Kaila Nechama bat Esther. Thanks to all who have supported her and her family with donations for meals, and hospital visits. The congregational response was impressive, and a proud moment for me personally. If you are interested in joining the Bikkur Cholim team to support the sick and their families please contact Rona Wall.

 

The new Yizkor book is in the works. If you have names to add please send email to Patrice, or call her at the office.