Shabbat Pinchas, July 18-19 2008 / Tammuz 16, 5768
Shabbat times
- Fri Jul 18: Candle lighting 7.39 PM
- Sat Jul 19: Shabbat ends 8.41 PM
Sunday is the Fast of the 17th of Tammuz, which commemorates the siege of Jerusalem. This day also marks the start of the three week national mourning period, ending with Tisha B'Av (the ninth of Av).
Thought for the week- Tough Decisions
This Shabbat’s portion, Pinchas, serves a number of important functions: it is the closing bracket for the book of Numbers, as it contains the second, and final, census of the Jewish people; further, this portion is read more often than any other, as it is read at every holiday. But Pinchas is also an important portion for the preparation to find a successor for Moses, who will not enter the land of Israel, but will die in the desert.
Moses approaches G-d: “Let the G-d of all living spirits, appoint someone over the community.” (Numbers 27:16) Our commentators are struck by the strange language in addressing G-d; what does Moses mean ‘G-d of all living spirits’?
The Midrash Rabba (21:2) suggests an answer by way of Jewish law, halacha. The law says that if you find yourself amongst a throng of people, you should recite the blessing: “Blessed are You G-d…Who has wisdom of the secrets.” The Midrash elaborates: just as all people’s faces are distinct so too all people’s attitudes are unique and distinct.
The decision for G-d over a successor for Moses is straightforward and clear. After all, G-d is ‘the G-d of all living spirits.’ In the very next verses, G-d commands Moses to anoint Joshua as the next leader. But, if we flip this message on its head, this suggests that our decisions, human decisions, are fraught with great fragility. We do not possess the omniscience, or the omnipotence, or the omnipresence to make a perfect decision. Then how can we make our important decisions with any confidence?
Jewish life calls on us to make the best of less than perfect situations. We don’t ever really know, with any certainty, that our decisions are the right decisions. Yet, we must live with them, continually moving forward, carrying those decisions with us.
Israel experienced a difficult day today, negotiating to bring Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev back to Israel after two years in captivity. Certainly, many argue for and against this decision, but we must remember that we are human, our government in Israel is human and the families of the victims are human. May G-d bring comfort to all the mourners.
Shabbat Shalom Umevorach,
Rav Menashe East
KAY Announcements
Rav Menashe will be returning from Israel July 24. Until then, he may be contacted by email at eastmenashe@hotmail.com.
Mazel Tov to the Love Family Baby David Solomon Love, born 7/13/2008 @ 9:20pm, 7 lbs. 2oz., 18 in. |
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Yael Lewis makes Aliyah
Nesiah Tova, Hatzlacha Rabba and best of luck to Yael Lewis on her Aliyah to Israel. Mazal Tov to Yael and the Lewis family.
The Gaylis and Rosin families celebrate B'nai Mitzvot in Jerusalem
New Kiddushim Committee is forming - Volunteers needed July 27
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.
Kiddush
Kiddush this Shabbat is sponsored by the Kehillah in honor of the new Board of Directors.
Please contact Ruth Engel by email (ruthisaac@earthlink.net) if you would like to sponsor a kiddush.
Member news
Happy birthday to Trevor Renfield (July 14), Jill Berman & Abigail Rappoport (July 16), Eli Berman (July 20), and Joe Pamensky (July 21)
Yahrzeits - we wish a long life to Gary Lewis (for his father), Colin and Jill Berman (for their daughter), Yitzchak Pomeranetz (for his father), Gillian Sher (for her mother), and Jacob & Dan Burland (for their father)
Community news & events: click links for more information
Renaissance Produce offering new kosher items from Israel and South Africa
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. Andi Neugarten is currently organizing volunteer assignments for Aug 4-7 between the hours of 6:45am-5:30pm each day. If you think you can help, please contact Andi Neugarten by email at Aneugarten@aol.com. |
Kef Li San Diego
Connect to Israel from San Diego. Check out this website for Israel-inspired programs for the whole family, year round. http://www.keflisandiego.org/ Contact Jennie Starr for moreinfo 858-245-9375 or jennie@keflisandiego.org.