Parashat Bechukotai is the last portion of the Book of Leviticus. On Shabbat morning, each time we get to the end of a book of the Torah, it means that that afternoon, the next book will be started. In this liturgical choreography, the ending is never far from a beginning. This is a great lesson of the Torah and of our tradition. Every moment that seems to be an ending is really a beginning.

 

If we look back on our lives, we will se a pattern of endings that are beginnings. High School ends and we begin college. College ends, and we begin work. We leave our homes of origin and begin homes of our own. Relationships end and new ones begin.

 

For many in our community, "winter" is ending (note the mild reference to Game of Thrones), and LBI time begins. Indeed, over the last few weeks the Island has begun to come alive.

 

As it was Memorial Day weekend last Shabbat, we celebrated the beginning of the "season" in grand fashion. Services were very well-attended. While it was wonderful to see old friends again, it was equally pleasurable to see the many new faces that entered our doors.

 

Perhaps best of all is that, on Saturday morning, the building was full of children who not only attended services, but led various parts of the service as well. There were children parading with stuffed Torahs, children getting candy, and children sitting with their parents and grandparents. This created a Shabbat that was filled, to overflowing, with joy.

 

Keep bringing your kids and your grandkids. We can always find something for them to do. They can stay in the pews or be a part of the service, or they can work on Shabbat puzzles or play Shabbat games. There is always a lollipop or a piece of chocolate to make Shabbat sweet. (Yes, adults can get candy too!)

 

The wonderful thing about our tradition is that we place an emphasis on the fact that God has given us free-will. The decision to come to the JCC on a given Shabbat is less about needing to make points with the Holy-One and more about choosing to be there because it is where you would like to spend a few hours on your Shabbat. In this regard, I am always open to suggestions for what you would like to see or hear during services.

 

Bring yourself, bring the children, bring the grandchildren.

 

A reminder......Next Friday, June7, 2019, we will be having a Friday night dinner at the JCC. We will sing, eat, schmooze and have good food. The menu is set to be hamburgers, hotdogs, and the fixings'. The cost is $20.00 per person and $40.00 per family.   Join us, but please call the office by next Wednesday so we know how much food to order!!!!

 

Also, join us on Shavuot next weekend, June 8th, 9th, and 10th. Shavuot commemorates our receipt of Torah at Mount Sinai. Saturday, June 8th we will have a Havdallah service at 8:30pm and then study for as long as we can last. We will be serving Cheesecake and wine. On June 9th and 10th, services will begin at 9:30 am. During Sunday services we will bless the children and grandchildren at around 10:45. On Monday, June 10th we will have Yizkor services at about 11:00 am. In honor of Shavuot, a dairy lunch will be served on both days.

 

If you have any questions, thoughts or comments, always feel free to reach out to me.

 

Shabbat Shalom - Rabbi Michael S. Jay