From The Rabbi’s Study…Shabbat, August 22, 23, 2025/28, 29 Av, 5785
Erev Rosh Chodesh Elul starts Sunday evening and Elul is the last Jewish month of the year. The Jewish month of Tishrei starts the New Year for the Jewish people.
Rosh Chodesh Elul the Shofar is sounded every morning (except on Shabbat) and continues until the final blast on Yom Kippur. Kindly let the Beit Chaverim know that you are attending the Yamim Nora’im/ Days of Awe, which starts with Rosh HaShanah.
As the Torah continues with the destruction of places with Idolatry, prohibition of private altars, prohibition against eating blood, attitude to false prophets and seducers, prohibition of heathen abuses, clean and unclean animals, tithing, the year of release, and the three pilgrimage festivals (Sukkot,Pesach, and Shavuot).
Some of the Judaic concepts and values:
Freedom of Choice, and Tithings.
Notable Mitzvot:
Observing the three pilgrimage festivals and giving charity.
Freedom of Choice on Deuteronomy (11:26) states: “Behold I set before you this day a blessing and a curse.” Moses pointed out the paths will lead to happiness and the ways that will lead one to have misfortune. Moses implied that it is the person to choose which of the two paths to follow. Everyday, G-d gives each of us choices of good or evil to choose from. One may choose good and reject evil, or choose evil and reject good. As one looks forward to having a good life it depends on the choices one will continue to follow.
Giving Tzedakah (charity) the Torah states: “You shall not harden your heart, you shall surely open wide your hand to Him.” (Deuteronomy 15:7-8). In Judaism giving Tzedakah is considered a virtue. Helping assist the poor, one must never do so grudgingly or half-heartedly. Giving financial support, one must also extend a hand of wholehearted encouragement.
Haftarah from the prophet Isaiah is the third Consolation. Its focus on the promise is: “No weapon that is formed against you in judgment you shall prosper. And every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall condemn.” Isaiah was speaking to the Israelites in exile in Babylon, asking them to keep the faith. G-d will return them to their homeland in joy and blessing.
Our Board recognizes how our congregation is growing, so are the needs. As your rabbi I listen to your concerns, answer your questions, travel to meet with individuals, and people of our community . Many of your suggestions became a reality, such as breakfast or lunch with the rabbi and fellow congregants for social moments being with your brethren, and even more services for the future will soon become a new reality.
Our congregation now has a Torah Study with insightful Torah drash, and Rosh Chodesh sessions are spiritual and bring one closer to HaShem. While our Religious Committee continues to care for our two Torahs, Shabbat services, festivals, High Holidays, and Kashrut each member does mitzvot by addressing not only the sacred liturgy, but the comfort and spiritual feeling each person should feel. Our Hospitality Committee of devoted individuals continue to strive to make each event whether religious or with special guests warm and inviting with delicious food and delicacies just like Abraham and Sarah did for the strangers/angels visiting their opened tent. Our Building Committee is searching for a sacred place to become our synagogue and meet all the needs for this growing congregation and community.
May all of us continue on a good life’s journey by doing mitzvot, advising, helping in various ways, and attending services and events not just as the old year is ending but continuing looking forward to the new year that is approaching. Together we are stronger Jewish people as we strive to not only help our brethren but the community in which we dwell, and our support for Israel.
May our Torah that has been given to our people enlighten each of us to realize how precious this gift from HaShem was, is, and continues to be.
May the shofar’s clarion blast awaken each of us to be even better DUGMAHOT/ role models for others to emulate.
Am Ysrael Chai!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
