SHABBAT SERVICES, November 26-28, 2020

SHABBAT SERVICES

November 26-28, 2020

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Rabbi Baum's

Weekly Message

Shabbat Vayetzei

Shalom Shaarei Kodesh,

During this Thanksgiving week, I wanted to share my words from our Drive-In Shabbat, The Benefits of a Thanksgiving Apart, where I spoke about the reality we are facing this year due to the pandemic. As we did during Passover and the High Holy Days, our family meals will be a lot smaller, and many of us will be alone for yet another holiday meal so we can help save the lives of our loved ones. I hope you find meaning in my words, where I make the case that we might need a Thanksgiving apart, and how separation can help us heal, just like it helped Jacob and Esau. (Click here to read). This meal apart is only for the of our physical health, but also our emotional health. I'm also including a packet of Jewish resources for Thanksgiving that I hope you find meaningful and useful. Click here for Jewish Thanksgiving Resources.

This Shabbat, a Shabbat of gratitude, I will be speaking about the lessons on gratitude that we learn from our mother Leah, whom we are introduced to in this week's parashah, Vayetzei. As we know, Leah's life was not easy, and her struggles with being accepted and loved by her husband Jacob come through in this week's parashah. However, after a series of disappointments, she names her fourth child, Yehudah/Judah. She says, "She conceived again and bore a son, and declared, “This time I will praise the LORD.” Therefore she named him Judah." Later on, our people become known by Judah's name (Jews). Our very name means gratitude, despite the obstacles we face.

What can we learn from Leah about gratitude in difficult times, like the times we are living in today? Join us on Shabbat morning to find out!

I wish you all a Shabbat Shalom and a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving,

Rabbi David Baum