From The Rabbi’s Study…June 13,14, 2025/17,18 Sivan 5785
Happy Father’s Day to all our dad’s.
The Torah reading continues with the description of the seven-branched candelabrum (menorah), the dedication of the Levites, the second Passover, journey from Sinai to Moab, the murmuring of the children of Israel, the appointment of seventy elders to assist Moses, and Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses.
Some of the main concepts and values of Judaism are as follows: Responding to complaints, no monopoly on spiritual leadership, the mitzvot of the Sounding of the Shofar, and the Observance of the so-called Second Passover.
Leadership is granted by G-d to all people. In our synagogue and other Jewish institutions, it is the practice to encourage active participation by all, and it is not the exclusive privilege of the wealthy. The Sounding of the Shofar in (Numbers 10:9-10) pertains to going to war (as an alert), and the blowing of the Teruot, Tekiot. Along with the holidays, the shofar will be used.
The Second Passover comes from the Torah (Numbers 9:12) for the individuals that traveled on a long journey are privileged to observe the Passover a month later. There are also specific rituals accompanying this Passover pertaining to eating, as well as the negative precept not to break any bones of the Second Passover offering.
The Haftarah comes from Zechariah at the time of the exiles’ return from Babylon when Cyrus promulgated his decree of restoration in the year 537. Zechariah reassures the people of the Divine assistance in their work rebuilding the Temple and of national rehabilitation. The Haftarah concludes with the famous words “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of Hosts.” These words proclaim the lesson of all Jewish history. It is certainly the prophetic teaching of the Maccabean festival of Hanukkah, with which Zechariah’s name is linked in the synagogue service. This Haftarah is the only one that is read twice in the Jewish calendar.
It is a special one to our family because it is the one our son, Ian read.
May we obtain the ruach (spirit) from the words of the Prophet Zechariah, that even through the darkest times there was hope. The Jewish people in exile never lost their faith in G-d and returned to our Promised Land to rebuild the Holy Temple.
May this Sabbath bring us less hatred, violence, and an end to the wars. Let our IDF soldiers bring home our hostages. As I write, it is with sad news that the IDF found two more hostages that were killed. May their memory be for a blessing. May their family be comforted by all of Israel and Jews in the diaspora.
Shabbat Shalom v’Am Ysrael Chai,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
