Shabbat Chukat, July 4-5 2008 / Tammuz 2, 5768

Shabbat times
- Fri Jun 27: Candle lighting 7.43 PM
- Sat Jun 28: Shabbat ends 8.45 PM

Thought for the week- Freedom

This Shabbat we read the action-packed portion of Chukat. The opening section of the Torah reading shares with us the mitzvah of the Parah Adumah, the red heifer, used for ritual purification.

This fascinating, yet foreign subject matter, raises many thoughts for us in modern times, living a life that is wholly apart from a concept of ritual purity and impurity. One particular concept relating to the Para Adumah offers us insight into a deeper level of the commandment. While the ashen water will be used as libation to purify the impure, whoever handles the water and prepares the red heifer becomes, surprisingly, impure! It is strange that the very source of purity can be viewed, simultaneously, as the source of impurity.

Rather than resolve the oddity, the Midrash Rabbah focuses on the wonder and the spiritual power of this fact. Only G-d can create a reality that can be at once pure and impure. The Midrash likens this to the origin of our patriarch, and the first Jew, Abraham. Abraham emerged as the shining hero of independent thought and faith to G-d, despite being the son of Terach, a committed pagan. (See Midrash Rabbah 19:1)

The simultaneous realities of the Para Adumah open us to deep spiritual potential. Despite our background, despite our education, despite our external influences, we are not pigeon-holed nor has it been determined that we will live a certain way. Who we are can be very different from how we live; how we live can be different from whom we want to be.

May Shabbat Chukat bring us a renewed and inspired conviction to find our personal and communal meaning, even if what we are doing or thinking challenges us otherwise.

Shabbat Shalom Umevorach,

Rav Menashe East

KAY Announcements

Rav Menashe will be reachable by email all summer, while in Israel. The Rabbi's email is: eastmenashe@hotmail.com.

We especially encourage everyone who will be in town or visiting San Diego to attend our summer Shabbat services -Friday night 6:15, Saturday morning 9:30 with Torah reading approximately 10:00. We look forward to seeing you at our friendly and participatory services.

Independence Day Ice Cream Kiddush - July 5

Help us celebrate Independence Day by joining us on Shabbat morning, July 5, for an ICE CREAM KIDDUSH. Bring the kids, and enjoy this fun activity with lots of toppings, sprinkles, and whipped cream on top!

Volunteers Needed

The Kiddushim Committee is currently being formed to help prepare and present the kiddushim for the coming year. Duties include light shopping (a few items), and Shabbat morning setup once every 2-3 months. If you are interested, please contact Ruth Engel at 858-720-0290 or ruthisaac@earthlink.net for more information. Our first meeting will be held sometime in late July or early August.

Kiddush

Kiddush this Shabbat is sponsored by the Slome family in honor of their out of town guests.

Please contact Ruth Engel by email (ruthisaac@earthlink.net) if you would like to sponsor a kiddush.

Member news

Happy birthday to Marc Meyerson (July 5), Barbara Lurie and Josh Gaylis (July 7)

Wedding anniversary - Mazal tov to Lawrence & Andrea Sher and Dion & Haley Saks

Yahrzeits - we wish a long life to Ivan Menachensom (for his mother), Shaya Fainman (for his mother), Freda Swersky (for her mother), Carmela Kramer (for her father), Selwyn Lurie (for his mother)

Community news & events: click links for more information

Kosher Grill now open in La Jolla

"The Courtyard Grill" is open on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. The menu will include our Mushrooms Burger, Steak Sandwhich, Jeff's Sausages, Chicken Ceaser Salad, weekly specials, and much more! It is located in the courtyard of Adat Yeshurun @ 8625 La Jolla Scenic Drive North.

JCC Maccabi Games

Volunteers Needed for JCC Maccabi Games

The JCC of San Diego will host the JCC Maccabi Games® 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.

www.sdmaccabi.org

Download the Registration Form here

Kef Li San Diego