Torah: Ki Tissa (Exodus 30:11-34:35)
Shabbat Parah has the Maftir and Haftarah from (Numbers 19:1-22; Ezekiel 36:16-38)
The Torah portion this week continues with the Exodus story. The additional readings lay down the regulations for body purification. It relates to the mysterious rite of the red heifer, whose burnt ashes helped remove defilement resulting with contact from the dead. The theme of purification and the lengthy preparation of the red heifer provide a sound connection with the forthcoming festival of Passover, whose theme is one of preparation and purity.
The Torah portion and the Haftarah connection is a unique moral purification, a restoration that will accompany a moral renewal. The Torah never ceases to enlighten us that G-d will implant “a new heart and a new spirit” into the nation and the world. Today, most of us feel the uncertainty of what tomorrow and the weeks ahead hold. Know that you are never alone, even in the darkest times because we have each other, our faith and G-d.
The events unfolding with Russia and the Ukraine, the covid virus seems to be coming to an end and the pandemic to become an endemic (a yearly virus akin to the flu), I feel this prayer would be good to repeat. Some of our family members, congregants, and friends are still suffering from covid or breakthru with symptoms that are slow to fade away, I believe this prayer will be worthy to repeat.
A Prayer of Comfort and Healing…
The Echo of Your Promise…based on Psalm 77 written by Rabbi Harold Schulweis
When I cry my voice trembles in fear. When I call out it cracks with anger.
How can I greet the dawn with song when darkness eclipses the rising sun.
To whom shall I turn when the clouds of the present eclipse the rays of tomorrow.
Turn me around to yesterday that I may be consoled by its memories.
Were not the seas split asunder did we not once walk together through the waters
to the dry side. Did we not bless the bread that came forth from the heavens.
Did your voice not reach my ears and direct my wandering.
The waters, the lightning, the thunder remind me of yesterday’s triumphs.
Let the past offer proof of tomorrow; let it be my comforter and guarantor.
I have been here before known the fright and found your companionship.
I enter the sanctuary again to await the echo of your promise.
May the next few days ahead be a little less uneasy.
May the prayer of this psalm be a way to heal our woes and concerns.
May we all pray together while in our homes this Sabbath.
May all our prayers be heard in the Shamayim (Heavens above).
May G-d bring perfect healing to all those that are ill and suffering.
I will continue with the misherberot for everyone in need each day and especially on Shabbat. We are still in the first month of Adar, and Purim is arriving in Adar II, so get your costumes and hamentashen ready. Prepare to meet with an ancestor of mine who will chant some of the Megillat Esther. The Jews of the 15th century wanted to be like their Christian neighbors celebrating Mardi Gras…Okay…The rabbis agreed to party, costumes and drink! An extra month to be merry and bring more light into the dark world! It’s a MITZVAH!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
Please know that next week my artwork may be viewed in the Red Cliffs Gallery in the Parks and Recreation building on 200 North in St. George. The title of the SUAG (Southern Utah Artists Guild) show is “ Colors of the West”. I have placed 2 watercolors and 1 sculpture. Enjoy seeing local artists!
