Rabbi's Corner

Message from the Rabbi

"These are the names of the participants who shall assist you:" (Numbers 1:5)

As we begin the new book of Numbers, the text reminds us of the people who were to help conquer the land of Israel.  The opening words of the portion beg us to ask the question, after you are long gone, how would you like to be remembered, what name would you like to be called?   
My father’s headstone reads, “devoted husband, loving father, adoring grandfather and passionate activist.” How do you want to be remembered and what do you call those people you love?  This ought to be an active project for each of us, not something with which we just leave to the imagination of the next generation.  We must participate in creating our own legacy.
Shavuot: The Holiday of Receiving the Torah will be observed Tuesday evening June 11 and Wednesday June 12 (Yizkor).  Our congregation’s custom is to gather on Tuesday evening June 11 and learn from each other.  This year that observance will take place at 8:30pm. The theme will be Healing/Resilience:  What helps us get through hard times?   If you would like to share a text, please let me know.