5101 US-42 • LOUISVILLE, KY 40241 • (502) 423-1818

Va-eira – וָאֵרָא (Exodus 6:2−9:35)

/in

This Week’s Torah Portion: Va-eira – וָאֵרָא (Exodus 6:2−9:35)

This week’s Torah Portion Va-eira, begins the story of our people’s journey from slavery to freedom. Moses tells the Children of Israel that the God of their ancestors has sent him to liberate them from Egyptian bondage.

“But when Moses told this to the Israelites, they would not listen to Moses, because of hard labor and shortness of breath.” (Exodus 6:9)

The beginning of a journey is always difficult and we can understand how generations of avodah kashah “hard labor” may have dimmed even the hope of freedom in their hearts. But, what could it mean that they could not hear Moses’ promise of liberation because of kotzeir ruach, because of “shortness of breath?” The word ruach which normally means breath or wind, can also mean “spirit.” Taken this way, the Hebrew text would teach us that slavery had crushed their spirit and they could no longer even dream of a time when they might be free.

What an odd turn in our people’s story of liberation: God send’s Moses to tell Pharaoh to “Let My People Go!” And even God’s people cannot hear these words and believe that they might someday come to be. 

It is hard to make a change, even a change that can better our lives and bring hope for our future. How do we learn to embrace the promise of freedom? Moses knows the answer, though he might not know that he knows it. We heard these words in last week’s portion when Moses asks God’s name. God responds Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh, “I can be who I will be.” 

Freedom is not a gift that can be given, nor a right which can be taken, it is a value which must be believed.

Parsha Va-eira – וָאֵרָא Torah Summary:

Despite God’s message that they will be redeemed from slavery, the Israelites’ spirits remain crushed. God instructs Moses and Aaron to deliver the Israelites from the land of Egypt. (6:2-13) The genealogy of Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and their descendants is recorded. (6:14-25) Moses and Aaron perform a miracle with a snake and relate to Pharaoh God’s message to let the Israelites leave Egypt. (7:8-13) The first seven plagues occur. God hardens Pharaoh’s heart, and Pharaoh rescinds each offer to let the Israelites go. (7:14-9:35) Va-eira – וָאֵרָא

Sh’mot – שְׁמוֹת (Exodus 1:1−6:1)

/in

This Week’s Torah Portion: Sh’mot – שְׁמוֹת (Exodus 1:1−6:1)

Why does Moses ask God’s name? The rules for Divine encounters are pretty clearly established by this point in the Bible. Asking an angel their name is something you should definitely not do. Asking God’s name would seem unthinkable. And yet, here in Parashat Shemot, immediately after encountering God at the Burning Bush, Moses does just that:

Moses said to God: “When I come to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your ancestors sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is God’s name?’ what shall I say to them?” And God said to Moses, “Ehyeh-Asher-Ehyeh,” continuing, “Thus shall you say to the Israelites:  ‘Ehyeh sent me to you.’” (Exodus 3:13–14)

Moses asks God’s name, but not directly. It is a more clever ask than, “What is Your Name?”Moses asks what he should say if the Israelites ask him “What is God’s name.” God’s answer is an equally clever response: Ehyeh-Asher-Ehyeh, “I will be Who I will be.”

There is no record that Moses ever reports this name to the Israelites. Maybe Moses was just asking for himself all along. But, what Moses learned from God’s answer is something each of us can learn as well: Ehyeh-Asher-Ehyeh, “I am in the process of becoming who I am.”

It is when we recognize our ability to be the best we can be, that we begin to see more fully the image of God within us all.

Parsha Sh’mot – שְׁמוֹת Torah Summary:

The new king of Egypt makes slaves of the Hebrews and orders their male children to be drowned in the Nile River. (1:1-22) A Levite woman places her son, Moses, in a basket on the Nile, where he is found by the daughter of Pharaoh and raised in Pharaoh’s house. (2:1-10) Moses flees to Midian after killing an Egyptian. (2:11-15) Moses marries Zipporah, the daughter of Midian’s priest. They have a son named Gershom. (2:16-22) God calls Moses from a burning bush and commissions him to free the Israelites from Egypt. (3:1-4:17) Moses and Aaron request permission from Pharaoh for the Israelites to celebrate a festival in the wilderness. Pharaoh refuses and makes life even harder for the Israelites. (5:1-23) Sh’mot – שְׁמוֹת

Vayechi – וַיְחִי (Genesis 47:28–50:26)

/in

This Week’s Torah Portion: Vayechi – וַיְחִי (Genesis 47:28–50:26)

Sometimes what we do matters more than what we say. This week’s Torah Portion Vayechi may be one of those moments.

Israel is reaching the end of his life and he gathers all of his children around him in order to pass on to each of them his blessing. When Joseph, Israel’s favorite son, comes forward, something mysterious happens with their hands, so mysterious that the Torah interrupts the words of blessing to pay attention to all this sleight of hand.

Seeing Joseph’s sons hiding behind his legs, Israel asks Joseph to bring them forth so that he can bless them. Joseph bring his two boys towards him:

Ephraim with his right hand—to Israel’s left—and Manasseh with his left hand—to Israel’s right—and brought them close to him. But Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on Ephraim’s head, though he was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head—thus crossing his hands—although Manasseh was the first-born. (Genesis 48:13-14)

Joseph, the youngest son who was always his father’s favorite, places his eldest son at his father Israel’s right side to receive the greater blessing, as if to show that he has learned from all the trouble he caused by usurping his father’s love from his older brothers. Israel, whose eyes are dim with age, understands still what Joseph has done and crosses his hands so that Ephraim will receive the blessing of his right hand, as if to say, no Joseph you have always earned the greatest portion of my love.

Each of us earns our own blessing. Each of us passes on our blessings for the generation yet to come. What are the blessings which you will pass on?

Parsha Vayechi – וַיְחִי Torah Summary:

Jacob blesses his grandchildren Ephraim and Manasseh. (48:1-20) Jacob’s twelve sons gather around his deathbed, and each receives an evaluation and a prediction of his future. (49:1-33) Joseph mourns his father’s death and has Jacob embalmed. Jacob is buried in Hebron in the cave of the field of the Machpelah in the land of Canaan. (50:1-14) Joseph assures his concerned brothers that he has forgiven them and promises to care for them and their families. (50:15-21) Just before he dies, Joseph tells his brothers that God will return them to the Land that God promised to the patriarchs. The Children of Israel promise Joseph that they will take his bones with them when they leave Egypt. (50:22-26) Vayechi – וַיְחִי

An Appeal on Behalf of our Commonwealth

/in ,

Kentucky was hard hit last week by multiple tornados and we are just now beginning to reckon the scope of the damage and loss of life. At least 74 Kentuckians in 10 counties have died, thousands of homes have been destroyed. Governor Beshear has declared a State of Emergency, the National Guard has deployed rescue teams across the State, and President Biden is on his way to survey the damage tomorrow. It seems clear that this will be remembered as the worst tornado event our Commonwealth has ever endured and our friends and neighbors in Western Kentucky have been hardest hit. We offer our prayers and support, particularly to the cities of Mayfield, Dawson Springs, and Bowling Green where dozens have died and homes have been devastated. 

There will be much to do in the weeks and months ahead, but for now, the focus will be on rescue and recovery and The Temple can and must play a part in these efforts. We are gathering critical supplies for relief efforts, in partnership with the JFCS Sonny & Janet Meyer Food Pantry, which we will be driving down to Mayfield thanks to the wonderful support of our BSA Scouts in Troop 30/30GT. And all of us can play a part.

Scouts from Troop 30/30GT will be organizing pickups for the critically needed items on the list below Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. We will be loading the supplies on “The Eagle”, Troop 30/30GT’s truck, which they will drive down to Mayfield, delivering them to needy families through the Mayfield-Graves County United Way.

Please bring the following items to The Temple Klein Center parking lot at the designated times where you will be met by Scouts from Troop 30/30GT who will help load your contributions and send them on their way to Mayfield.

  • Flash Lights and Headlamps
  • Batteries
  • Water
  • First Aid Medical Supplies
  • Utility Gloves
  • Gas Cans (empty because we cannot transport fuel that far)
  • New Socks
  • New Underwear
  • Gently Used: Blankets, Clothes, Coats, Shoes
  • Toiletries and feminine hygiene products
  • Diapers (Kids and Adult all sizes)
  • Baby Formula and Baby Bottles
  • Unwrapped New or Gently used Toys
  • Non-perishable Food
  • Paper products
  • Pillows
  • Sleeping bags
  • Tarps

For those of us who wish to make financial contributions to the relief effort, the Jewish Community of Louisville has identified the Kentucky Red Cross as a partner organization and established a fund for contributions which we can contribute to at: jewishlouisville.org/kentucky-tornado-relief-fund/.

And let us all pray for the strength and courage for those affected by this storm and for the will of our Commonwealth to rise up together and fulfill our motto: United We Stand, Divided We Fall.  May the Governor’s words become our own: “We are here for you, we love you, we are praying for you.”

Rabbi Joe Rooks Rapport

Rabbi David Ariel-Joel

Vayigash – וַיִּגַּשׁ (Genesis 44:18−47:27)

/in

This Week’s Torah Portion: Vayigash – וַיִּגַּשׁ (Genesis 44:18−47:27)

“Then Judah went up to him and said, ‘Please, my lord, let your servant appeal to my lord, and do not be impatient with your servant, you who are the equal of Pharaoh.’”

Joseph and his brothers, what a drama, what an unresolved situation. And yet again teaches the Torah, that coming forward and being honest about what bothers you, telling it as it is, confronting what seems wrong to you, is the only way to solve conflicts.

Parsha Vayigash – וַיִּגַּשׁ Torah Summary:

Judah pleads with Joseph to free Benjamin and offers himself as a replacement. (44:18-34) Joseph reveals himself to his brothers and forgives them for selling him into slavery. (45:1-15) Although the famine still rages, Pharaoh invites Joseph’s family to “live off the fat of the land.” (45:16-24) Jacob learns that Joseph is still alive and, with God’s blessing, goes to Egypt. (45:25-46:33) Pharaoh permits Joseph’s family to settle in Goshen. Pharaoh then meets with Jacob. (47:1-12) With the famine increasing, Joseph designs a plan for the Egyptians to trade their livestock and land for food. The Israelites thrive in Egypt. (47:13-27) Vayigash – וַיִּגַּשׁ “Then Judah went up to him and said, ‘Please, my lord, let your servant appeal to my lord, and do not be impatient with your servant, you who are the equal of Pharaoh.’” Joseph and his brothers, what a drama, what an unresolved situation. And yet again teaches the Torah, that coming forward and being honest about what bothers you, telling it as it is, confronting what seems wrong to you, is the only way to solve conflicts.

Hanukkah Menorah Lighting

/in , ,

Thank you Everyone for joining us last night for Hanukkah! We had an Outdoor Hanukkah Menorah Lighting, Young Adult Crafts, Goodnight Tots, Religious School Centers, and Indoor Hanukkah Menorah Lighting.

We value your membership and appreciate your ongoing support of The Temple.   

Event Descriptions:

Hanukkah Menorah Lighting

As Hanukkah quickly approaches, all of us at The Temple wish you an early Hanukkah Sameach! As we prepare for this year’s Festival of Lights, we want to keep everyone informed on this year’s Hanukkah Menorah Lighting.

On Monday, November 29 and Sunday, December 5, from 5:15 – 5:30pm, we will gather in the Mishkan T’filah (our outdoor chapel, behind the Klein Center) to light up our beautiful Hanukkah Menorah! Everyone is invited for outdoor singing and a brief outdoor service, with hot chocolate and jelly donuts to follow provided by WRJ/Sisterhood. Please RSVP and let us know how many members of your household will attend. Masks are optional, as this is a completely outdoor event.

Young Adult Hanukkah Crafts & Cocktails

Join The Temple Young Adults on Saturday, December 4 in the Heideman Auditorium from 6-8 pm for a night of Hanukkah-themed crafting and cocktails! Decorate your own hanukkiah, dreidels, and other fun crafts while you mix and mingle with other Temple young adults. Our menu will include bagels and other pastries, hot cocoa, and a selection of wine, beer, and hard seltzers. Ages 21+ only, vaccination required. To RSVP, please fill out the form below. Limited spots are available! RSVP by Friday, December 3.

Goodnight Tots, Goodnight Shabbat

Please join us for a Tot Havdalah with arts and crafts, special treats, stories, and songs. Come Zoom in your pajamas to say goodnight to Shabbat (and the adults can then say goodnight to their tots).

RSVPs will be required in order for your tots to receive their special bags. Please make sure to save the date as this will be a wonderful family event!

Mikeitz – Hanukkah – מִקֵּץ – חֲנֻכָּה (Genesis 41:1−44:17)

/in

This Week’s Torah Portion: Mikeitz – Hanukkah – מִקֵּץ – חֲנֻכָּה (Genesis 41:1−44:17)

“Joseph named his first-born Manasseh, meaning, “God has made me forget completely my hardship and my parental home.” (Genesis 41:51).

Joseph marries the daughter of an Egyptian priest, changes his name, dresses like an Egyptian, and thanks God for allowing him to forget his father’s home. He truly assimilates and changes everything about his identity, yet when he encounters his brothers in the next Torah portion, he says “I am Joseph,” teaching us that you can never hide who you truly are.

Parsha Mikeitz – Hanukkah – מִקֵּץ – חֲנֻכָּה Torah Summary:

Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s two dreams and predicts seven years of prosperity followed by seven years of famine. (41:1-32) Pharaoh places Joseph in charge of food collection and distribution. (41:37-49) Joseph marries Asenath, and they have two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. (41:50-52) When Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt to buy food during the famine, Joseph accuses them of spying. He holds Simeon hostage while the rest of the brothers return to Canaan to retrieve Benjamin for him. (42:3-42:38) The brothers return to Egypt with Benjamin and for more food. Joseph continues the test, this time falsely accusing Benjamin of stealing and declaring that Benjamin must remain his slave. (43:1-44:17) Mikeitz – Hanukkah – מִקֵּץ – חֲנֻכָּה