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Occasionally, one of our Bat or Bar Mitzvah students - despite having mastered the requisite preparation - will ask "what if I mess up?"
I remind students that one of the verses we chant from the prayerbook, just as we open the ark to remove the Torah scroll, begins "Av HaRachamim...," which means "God [literally, "Father"] of compassion/forgiveness...". And surely if God is forgiving, then the rabbi, cantor, and congregation will be equally understanding if someone "messes up."
It was not always so. In this week's Torah portion, when the Israelites build a molten ("golden") calf, God tells Moses that God will wipe out the newly-emancipated former slaves, and start over again with Moses. But Moses pleads on behalf of the Israelites for God's forgiveness, and God withdraws the threatened punishment. One could say that in the millennium from the time of Moses to the era of the rabbis who crafted our liturgy, God's compassion eventually outgrows God's anger. (For a Reform Jewish perspective on cultivating parenting compassion as a soul-trait, click HERE.)
This week also saw the passing of Al Vorspan, one of the giants of Reform Judaism, an architect of the Reform movement's emphasis on social justice, and the founder of the Religious Action Center. Al was instrumental in placing engagement with public policy and applying Jewish ethical insights to social issues at the heart of Reform Judaism. Long before tikkun olam/repair of the world became a familiar term, Al was taking courageous and often controversial stands on issues like civil rights, the Vietnam war, and Israel-related issues. Take a moment to honor Al by reading this tribute.
This Friday evening at 5:45 pm we will have a Shabbat "Breakfast for Dinner," followed at 6:30 pm by our Shabbat Mishpacha service, which will include a brief Torah service as well as prayer, song and story. We will also share a blessing for February birthdays. On Shabbat morning, I will be leading Torah study at 9:00 am, followed by Spice Up Your Judaism conversation led by our congregant Carl Viniar. On Sunday morning at 9:15 am, I am offering a single-session adult learning program, "It Ain't Necessarily So...The Things that You're Liable to Read in the Bible."
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Richard Hirsh
If you have the name of someone you would like to have included in our Healing Prayer (Mi Shebeirach) that is recited at our Shabbat services, please let us know by noon each Friday so we can give the name to the rabbis.
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WE REMEMBER
Marlene Green
mother of Lesley Bachman
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THE WEEK AHEAD
Wednesday, February 20
Due to inclement weather, our offices and schools will close at 11:45 am. All afternoon and evening classes, programs and meetings are CANCELED.
Friday, February 22
6:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat Service: Shabbat Mishpacha (Sanctuary)
We celebrate February birthdays.
Saturday, February 23
9:00 am Torah Study, led by Rabbi Hirsh (Chapel)
10:30 am Spice Up Your Judaism, led by Carl Viniar
Sunday, February 24
11:15 am Adult Education Committee Meeting (Boardroom)
Wednesday, February 27
Friday, March 1
8:00 pm Erev Shabbat Service (Sanctuary;
webcast)
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
Please click on the event name for more information or to register for that event.
Shabbat Across America
Saturday, March 2
We will celebrate Shabbat with Potluck Dinners & Havdalah in the homes of our members.
Sunday, March 3, 3:00 pm
Wednesdays, March 6, 13 & 20, 10:30 am - led by Rabbi Hirsh
Thursday, March 7, 7:00 pm
Friday, March 15 - Dinner 5:30 pm; Service 6:15 pm
The Magic of Purim
Sunday, March 17, 11:00 am
Wednesday, March 20, 6:00 pm
Wednesday, March 20, 7:00 pm
Getting ready to do some spring cleaning? Save your stuff! De-clutter and help M'kor Shalom at the same time! Details on this fundraiser are coming soon.
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For late-breaking news, please visit our website at
www.mkorshalom.org.
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Michelle Bross
Executive Director
Congregation M'kor Shalom
850 Evesham Road
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
(856) 424-4220
(856) 424-2890 (fax)
ExecutiveDirector@mkorshalom.org
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