Torah Reading and Haftarah for the Intermediate Sabbath of Sukkot
Torah:(Exodus 33:12-34:26; Ezekiel 38:18-39:16)
Haftarah: Taken from the Book of Ezekiel
The episode of the golden calf created a rift between G-d and the Israelites. Moses begs for G-d’s forgiveness. G-d instructs Moses to hew another set of stone tablets to replace the first which had broken. At the second revelation G-d makes known His Thirteen attributes, which includes mercy, graciousness, patience, generosity, truth, and forgiveness.
G-d renews His covenant with the Israelites, reminding them that they must reject idolatry and worship only Him.
The Haftarah is a prophecy of the messianic time to come.Ezekiel foretells that the restoration of Israel to the land of its ancestors will include battles and invasions under the leadership of Gog, an apocalyptic figure of unknown identity. The enemy shall suffer defeat. An old tradition to the effect that this battle will be waged during Sukkot determined the choice of the Haftarah for the Intermediate Sabbath.
Sukkot ends with HaShanah Rabbah on Monday night. This is when people who procrastinate can still rid their bad behaviour with letting the leaves of the willow fall off (symbolic of remaining sins), Tuesday, Shemini Atzeret (Eighth final day of Sukkot / Yizkor is recited (light the candles the night before), Wednesday, Simchat Torah pure joyous celebration with the Torah, since the Torah never ends it is continuous. The last word in the Torah is Israel (Lamed is the last letter), Bereshit is the first word, however the Torah has no vowels thus the first letter is a Vet! Lamed and Vet = Lav (Heart) the Torah is the Heart of the Jewish people.
May everyone have a continuous happy and healthy New Year with full joy celebrating our rich heritage and culture.
I was thrilled to be able to straddle two Yom Kippur Services! A modern miracle of technology. Kol Kavod to Ellen Margles for leading with the help of President Penny Lindenbaum and Ellen Nathan on Zoom, the board members and all the congregants that took a part to Hiddur Mitzvah (Enhance the Commandment). The musicians were spiritually moving for Kol Nidre, Todah Rabah Lisa Bernath.
Looking forward to seeing everyone on Shabbat Zoom!
Shabbat Shalom v’Hag Samayeach,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
- ICL Torah Part 2 on Wednesday 11am Hazy room 230 and Zoom *had a computer problem this week. Praying all will be fixed next week. Gotta Love Technology. Prepare for the worst, and pray for the Best, then you will not be disappointed!
- Breakfast with the Rabbi is being planned. Being with our brethren and friends for schmoozing, PRICELESS!
