Shabbat Shelach, June 20-21 2008 / Sivan 18, 5768

Shabbat times
- Fri Jun 20: Candle lighting 7.42 PM
- Sat Jun 21: Shabbat ends 8.44 PM

Thought for the week- Putting the Pieces Back Together

This Shabbat we read two major stories from one Torah portion, Shelach. The first we might describe as the rupture: The spies return from their forty day journey to Israel, bringing with them terrible news and bleak prospects of a Jewish settlement in the land. G-d responds to the people’s doubt and disappointment with punishment: Forestalling the fulfillment of His promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, G-d waits for the current generation of Jews to die out; the people would wander the desert, at the doorstep of Israel, for Forty years. (Numbers, Chapters 13 and 14)

But there is a second half of the story. We might describe this half as the return. At the midpoint of the portion, on the heels of the punishment, we encounter a number of commandments and narratives. The unifying theme is that each of these distinct units attests to the clinging hope, from both G-d and the Jewish people, for the future. The setback with spies does not chase G-d from the midst of His people. On the contrary, after the rupture, the focus must turn to reconciliation and recommitment; toward a review of shared values and dreams. (Numbers, Chapter 15)

One of the more interesting units in the latter, return section of the portion covers the discussion of communal norms of conduct and misconduct.
“The one who sins with a high hand…blasphemes against the Lord …he despises the word of G-d and has forsaken His commandments.” (ibid, 15:30-31) Clearly, Jewish life, as all communal life, must be regulated by norms. What is allowable thought and behavior? And what is unacceptable, even destructive behavior?

In the above verses, we are struck by ‘high handed’ sinner. What ordinance of the socio-religious code has he violated? The bulk of our classic commentators, among them Rashi, Rashbam and Ibn Ezra, understand this to be a willful, demonstrative rejection of G-d’s divinity. (See them on v.30)

Yet the Midrash (Sifrei 112) is more subtle: the ‘high handed’ violation refers to someone who brazenly questions the purpose and value of Torah.
Here, the sinner does not challenge G-d, but, instead, G-d’s Torah.
Then, in the process of returning, we try to mend our central values alongside the mending of our broken relationships.

Shabbat Shalom Umevorach,
Rav Menashe East

Annual General Meeting Election Results

The Annual General Meeting of Members of Kehillat Ahavat Yisrael was held on June 12, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. at the home of Michael and Vanessa Lurie, 4708 Keswick Court, San Diego CA 92130. In addition to Jeffrey Max and Barbara Berkovich who are continuing in their two year term, the following members were elected to the Board of Directors:

Dan Burland
Ruth Engel
Brendan Gaylis
Gady Hoffman
Alex Novokolsky

Mazel Tov to the new Board! Anyone interested in volunteering for shul committees is encouraged to contact a Board member.

KAY Announcements

Mazal tov to all of KAY's graduates! May the graduates be blessed to grow from strength to strength in all their pursuits. And we wish all our students a happy and safe summer!

New Administrative Office for KAY

With the retirement of Selwyn and Barbara Lurie from the Kehillah board, the administrative office has moved to the address below:

KEHILLAT AHAVAT YISRAEL
4653 Carmel Mountain Road, Suite 308-513
San Diego, CA 92130
PH/FAX: 858-633-0181
EMAIL: mail@kaysandiego.org

We wish to thank Selwyn and Barbara for the innumerable hours they have contributed to the establishment and administration of the Kehillah. Administrative duties have been transferred to Barbara Berkovich, who has been appointed as the Executive Director.

Talmud class and Workperson's Shiurim - summer break

There will be no Talmud or Workperson's class until the month of August.

Event and Holiday Calendar now available on www.KAYSANDIEGO.org

Please click the calendar link at the top of this page to view the Kehillah calendar. Programming and holiday events will be posted as information becomes available.

Kiddush

Kiddush this Shabbat is sponsored by Gil & Barbara Berkovich on the occasion of Sarah's birthday - mazal tov!
Please contact Barbara Berkovich at 858-633-0181 if you would like to sponsor kiddush on Shabbat morning.

Member news

Happy birthday to Sarah Berkovich (June 22) and Rhett Gavson (June 23)!

Wedding anniversary - mazal tov to Michael and Debra Rosen (Jun 25)!

Yahrzeits - we wish a long life to Ernest Slome (for his father).

Community events: click links for more information

JCC Maccabi Games

JCC Maccabi Games
The JCC Maccabi Games are coming to San Diego next summer, August 3-8, 2008. This Olympic-style event provides a unique combination of sports, cultural and social activities and will be the largest Jewish event in San Diego's history. The JCC Maccabi Games offer a transforming and powerful experience to Jewish teens by integrating sports with Jewish identity and values. The Games will welcome over 1,500 Jewish teen athletes, their families and friends, more than 1,000 volunteers and 650 host families.

The JCC MAccabi games website is now open for registration for all volunteers and/host families. Go to http://www.jccmacreg.org/ to register.

Kef Li San Diego