Vayakhel
This coming Shabbat is Shabbat haChodesh – the Shabbat before Rosh Chodesh Nisan – the month in which we celebrate Passover (first night of which will be a full moon). Rosh Chodesh, the New Moon, was traditionally honoured by a gathering to see the sliver of moon, and say prayers. We must calculate our dates and holidays very carefully so that we are celebrating our holidays at the proper time. We read in Torah that, “Hachodesh hazeh lechem Rosh Chodashim” – this month is the first of months for you.” And we say, Chodesh tov.
By the light of the silvery moon…we will spoon!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0uJqmJpIqs
Vayikra
March 14, 2021 by Rabbi Lynn Greenhough • From the Rabbi's Desk Tags: vayikra •
Shavua tov everyone. I am writing this note on one foot as I continue to reflect on the teachings of Exodus and look forward to entering Vayikra, the centre, the core of Torah.
I want to include one last thought about Sh’mot, even as we move forward this week.
One of the encounters in Torah was that of the Israelites encountering Amalek, not long after leaving Egypt. The reference I am making below is more complete in Deuteronomy (25:17-19), and is barely inferred in Exodus: that the Amalekites attacked the Israelites on their way out of Egypt, “when you were famished and weary,” and cut down the stragglers in the rear. Yet even by inference, there is an important teaching here.
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