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Rabbi Sherman’s Weekly Torah Commentary – April 29-30, 2022 (29 Nisan 5782)

 April 29-30, 2022                                                                                               Parshat Acharei Mot
29 Nisan 5782                                                                                  Shabbat Mevarkhim HaChodesh
             

We humans are not perfect. So what made us worthy of receiving Torah?

In an ancient midrash (Rabbinic legend), the angels in heaven are arguing that the Holy One should not have given Torah to human beings: “’They lie!” the angels say of us. “They cheat. They steal. They commit adultery. They don’t deserve the Torah!” Moses responds by saying that the Torah was clearly intended not for angels (who are perfect) but for imperfect human beings.

Angels don’t need Torah because they are perfect. The Torah is for us—it helps us with our struggles, guiding us to make meaning and justice in a world that is far from perfect. Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson teaches that this week’s parsha goes beyond the idea of redeeming imperfection. It teaches that the physical and the spiritual are not opposites. Rather, the path to holiness means elevating ourselves so that we are a true reflection of the Divine.

 

Yom HaZikaron – Israel’s Memorial Day – Wednesday, May 4

We remember those who lost their lives in the struggle that led to the establishment of the State of Israel, as well as all military personnel who were killed while on active duty in Israel’s armed forces.

 

Yom HaAtzma’ut – Israel’s Independence Day – Thursday, May 5

This is the date when the State of Israel was formally established, when the government read and signed a Declaration of Independence in Tel Aviv in 1948.

 

Shabbat Mevarkhim HaChodesh
This Shabbat we bless the new month of Iyyar, which will begin Saturday night and Sunday.

 

Please join in this week’s Shabbat celebration in the Synagogue (masks, please) or on Channel 1960

Friday at 5:15 PM                   Shabbat Blessings in the Dining Room

Friday at 6:30 PM                   Shabbat Evening Service with Rabbi Linda Seidman & Rabbi Larry Seidman

Saturday at 10:00 AM          Shabbat Morning Service with Rabbi Ralph Dalin

Blessings in the Dining Room following the service

 

Candle lighting time for the city of Mission Viejo: Friday evening at 7:14 PM

Shabbat ends Saturday evening at 8:13 PM

 

Shabbat Shalom                                                                                               Rabbi Sherman