January 13-14, 2023 Parashat Shemot
21 Tevet 5783
In this first parsha in the Book of Exodus, we jump into the story of Moses. We read of a racist and power-hungry Pharaoh who enslaved the entire Hebrew population. This Pharaoh was so threatened by the Hebrews that he ordered two midwives, Shifra and Puah, to kill all newborn baby boys. But the job of a midwife is to help bring life into the world, not to destroy that life. The midwives disobeyed the Pharaoh’s order and saved the baby boys, thereby ensuring the future of the Israelite population.
Yael Shemesh, Associate Professor of Hebrew Bible at Bar Ilan University in Tel Aviv, teaches: “When we tell the Exodus story, we often forget that resistance to tyranny began quietly, with the midwives Shifra and Puah. The oppression of the Jews did not affect them, as they were not Hebrew; but because they were connected to the Source of Life, they refused to oppress and kill the Hebrews. May they be a model for us.”
As people connected to the Source of Life, how far would we go to resist tyranny and oppression?
“Torah Talk” — Saturday Afternoons at 1:30 PM
Join us in a study of The Book of Proverbs: A Social Justice Commentary by Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz. In his introduction, Rabbi Yanklowitz writes that the Book of Proverbs is “spiritual but not religious.” Let’s learn how these ancient proverbs can have spiritual meaning in our lives today. Masks required. Previous knowledge of Proverbs or the Hebrew Bible NOT REQUIRED!
“Women in the Bible” with Rabbi David Young of Congregation B’nai Tzedek in Fountain Valley
Friday, January 13 at 1:30 PM in the Synagogue
Learn about some of the women in the Bible with Rabbi Young. Previous knowledge of the Bible not required
Please join our Shabbat celebrations in the Synagogue (masks required) or on Channel 1960
Join our community for a very special Shabbat evening, as we welcome Georgi Mendez in her new role as our Interim Administrator. We’ll offer a blessing for Georgi during the service.
Friday at 5:00 PM Shabbat Blessings in the Dining Room
Friday at 6:30 PM Shabbat Service with Rabbi Sherman & Cantor Shikler
Special blessing for Georgi Mendez
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 4:46 PM
Shabbat ends Saturday evening at 5:44 PM
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Sherman