Tidbits of Torah

Tidbits of Torah
Shabbat Parashat Tsav
Shabbat HaGadol
March 23, 2013 – 12 Nisan 5773

Wishing you a Wonderful and Meaningful Passover!

Dear Friends,

I’m so glad to be home after a great trip to Israel where my family and I celebrated the wedding of my daughter and my new son-in-law, Nurit and Lotem.  The weather cooperated so the chupah, which took place in Old Jaffa on an outdoor balcony overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, was amazing and the indoor celebration that followed was no less wonderful!

I feel very blessed to have been able to be a part of this simcha, and equally blessed to come home to a warm and welcoming Rodef Sholom Temple community.

Pesach is just around the corner…Sunday night we perform the traditional Bedikat Hametz [Search for Leaven] in our homes.  Monday morning we do the Bi’ur Hametz (Destruction or Burning of the Hametz) and Monday night is the first Seder!

This Shabbat, Shabbat HaGadol [The Great Shabbat], in preparation for Pesach, we read a special haftarah from the biblical book of Malakhi.   This special haftarah mentions the coming of Elijah – the prophet who is seen as the harbinger of the coming of the messianic era.  And, this, in turn, reminds us of Elijah’s cup which features prominently on the Seder table.

It is not often that we get to gather together around the table in multi-generational family groups, with friends and neighbors, to remind ourselves of the story of our people and of the unique narrative that keeps us connected throughout the generations and across borders of communities, countries and continents.

We are a people who value the story of the Exodus; who understand that there are ups and downs in life; and who remain confident that, with God’s help, the redemption from slavery that began with the story of the Exodus from Egypt thousands of years ago will ultimately lead us to a fully redeemed world.

We are a people who look forward to participating in the on-going story of redemption.

We are a people who believe that one day our world will be a place where true and lasting justice and peace will reign; and where the values, the talents and the gifts God granted each of us will be enhanced for the good of our people and for the good of all people everywhere.

Pesach is a great holiday and our collective narrative is a great narrative.  And it comes with delicious food as well!  I hope and pray that you and your loved ones enjoy it to the fullest.

Shabbat Shalom v’Pesach Kasher v’Sameach – wishing you a Shabbat Shalom and a joyous and a kosher Passover!

Rabbi Gilah Dror