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Rabbi Sherman’s Weekly Torah Commentary – August 6-7, 2021 (29 Av 5781)

August 6-7, 2021                                              Parashat Re’eh
29 Av 5781                                                       Shabbat Machar Chodesh
Shabbat Mevarkhim haChodesh

Shabbat Mevarkhim HaChodesh
This Shabbat we announce and bless the new month of Elul, which will begin Saturday night. This period of reflection and introspection precedes and prepares us for the High Holy Days. As we begin this process of cheshbon hanefesh (taking an accounting of our souls), we might heed the words of Maimonides who taught in the 12th century: “Do not imagine that character is determined at birth. We have been given free will. Any person can become as righteous as Moses or as wicked as Jereboam. We ourselves decide whether to make ourselves learned or ignorant, compassionate or cruel, generous or miserly. No one forces us, no one drags us along one path or the other. We ourselves, by our own volition, choose our own way.”

May you find meaning as you choose your way in this month of Elul. May your choices lead you to learning, compassion, and generosity, and may they bring you joy, blessings, and peace.

Please join in this week’s Shabbat celebrations in the Synagogue (masks, please) or on the in-house TV Channel 1960 (Residents only)
Friday at 5:15 PM: Shabbat Blessings in Dining Room
Friday at 6:30 PM: Birthday Shabbat Service, offering blessings to Residents with August birthdays
Saturday at 10:00 AM: Shabbat Shacharit (Morning Service); Blessings in Dining Room at 12:15

Guest Service Leaders
Cantor Fran Chalin will lead services on Friday night, August 13 and on Saturdays, August 7 and 14.
Rabbi Marcia Tilchin will lead services on Friday night August 20 and Saturday morning, August 21.

Shabbat ends Saturday evening at 8:25 PM

Shabbat Shalom!                                                                                                                Rabbi Sherman