From The Rabbi’s Study…Shabbat January 29, 2021/ 16 Shevat 5781
Torah:Beshalach (Exodus 13:17-17:16) Haftarah:(Judges 4:4-5:31)
The International Holocaust Remembrance Day was this week.
Never Be Silent and Never Forget all the 6 Million Innocent Jewish men, women and children that were slaughtered because of their faith and way of life! May their memories forever endure, eternal as the Torah which gives light and love to the world. Amen
The Israelites depart Egypt, but Pharaoh changes his mind and pursues them. The Red Sea splits open, and the Israelites cross safely. The Egyptians drown in the Red Sea. In Celebration, the Israelites sing a song of victory to G-d. The Israelites begin their trek through the wilderness with complaints to Moses about the lack of food and drink. G-d grants them water and heavenly manna. The Israelites are attacked by the Amalekites, and Joshua, an appointee of Moses, successfully destroys their forces.
Even during the era of Moses there were dark and sad times. However, there were many miracles. The splitting of the Red Sea is considered the greatest miracle in the Five Books of Moses. *ALL the seas of the world parted at the same time. Scientific speculation related to this incident includes a strong east wind which, blowing all night, ebbed the tide. The modern philosopher Martin Buber argued that the details of the splitting of the Red Sea are not important. What is important is that the children of Israel understood the parting of the Red Sea as an act of G-d, as a “ miracle.” The Song of the Sea (Exodus 15) which was chanted by Moses and the children of Israel is today a part of both the daily and festival services. Chanting it is a constant reminder of G-d’s dependability in times of grave crisis.
Today, some people may believe the “Sky is Falling” because of the Covid-19, however most people have emunah…FAITH! Every era of time had some tragic event, war, plagues and more. Today, one can be a pessimist or an optimist. Personally I have emunah, and I truly believe the Lord works miracles beyond our comprehension. Whether it is two days of snow in a desert or weeks of beautiful sunshine in a world that has gloomy days, as well. Whether some of us are facing physical or emotional illness or are sick with the covid-19 virus or just healthy, please know that G-d will always be with you. HE is a G-d that rescues, heals and guards us!
As always I recite misheberot for all who are ill daily and double on the Sabbath. If you know of someone that is ill, please inform me. If you need to speak to me, please call my home phone at 435 -256 -6280, however not on the Sabbath.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
***I want to tell you the reasons why I will not be attending the “Women’s March” this Sunday. They asked me to do the opening prayer, and I declined because some of the leaders of this organization are Linda Sarsour and Tamika Mallory. These women have a political agenda and hatred for the Jews and Israel. As a woman rabbi, I belong to many women’s organizations that educate and support women’s equality. I have worked, and I still work in positions were few women choose to obtain.
You may do your own research, you are free to make an educated choice, and you are fee to attend this march. By the way there is a new women’s movement on Saturday around the country that is for All women and Equality, however it is on our Sabbath.
