August 12-13, 2022 Parashat Va-etchanan
16 Av 5782 Shabbat Nachamu
Tu B’Av
This week’s Torah portion reinforces the idea that we have free will. Even though we cannot always control our circumstances, we are responsible for our own ethical and spiritual choices. The text suggests that while we have free will to choose, we will be rewarded for following the commandments: “Do what is right and good in the sight of the Eternal, that it may go well with you (Deuteronomy 6:18).
Shabbat Nachamu
Shabbat Nachamu, the Sabbath of Comfort, is the first of seven Haftarah readings of consolation leading up to Rosh HaShanah. This week’s reading comes from the Book of Isaiah 40:1-26 and speaks of “comforting” the Jewish people for their suffering.
Guest Rabbi Rick Steinberg – Thursday, August 11 at 3:00 PM in the Synagogue
Rabbi Steinberg is the Rona Perley Memorial Senior Rabbinic Chair at Congregation Shir Ha-Ma’a lot.
His presentation is titled: “You Shall Be a Blessing – Tell Me How!”
Tu B’Av (15th of Av, falls on Friday, August 12) – Day of Love
The Talmud refers to Tu B’Av as a festive day when “the young women of Israel would dress in white and go out to the fields and the young men would follow after them” (Ta’anit 4:8). The origins and meaning of Tu B’Av customs are unknown. Possibly this was a mid-summer festival filled with dancing and romancing. Some believe that Tu B’Av’s full moon inspired romance between young people.
Candle Lighting in the Dining Room – As you know, Residents are not permitted to light flame candles in Resident apartments. Shabbat candles are available in the Dining Room; you are invited to light before or after your Shabbat dinner.
Please join our Shabbat celebrations in the Synagogue (masks required) or on Channel 1960
Friday at 5:00 PM Shabbat Blessings in the Dining Room
Friday at 6:30 PM Shabbat Evening Service
Saturday at 10:00 AM Shabbat Morning Service followed by Blessings in the Dining Room
Candle lighting time for Shabbat for the city of Mission Viejo: Friday evening at 7:22 PM
Shabbat ends Saturday evening at 8:18 PM
Shabbat Shalom Rabbi Sherman