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Rabbi Sherman’s Weekly Torah Commentary – June 4-5, 2021 (25 Sivan 5781)

June 4-5, 2021                        Parashat Sh’lach Lekha
25 Sivan 5781                         Shabbat Mevarkhim HaChodesh

Moses sends spies into the Land of Israel to find out about the land and its inhabitants. When the spies return, Moses asks them: “Are the people who dwell in it strong or weak, few or many?… Are the towns they live in open or fortified?” He must have assumed that only very strong people would live in towns with walls. But Rashi, the great medieval commentator, says it was quite the opposite. He imagines Moses saying to the spies: “If the people live in unwalled towns, they are strong enough to rely on their own might; but if they live in fortified cities, they are weak.”

Sometimes even people put up walls. They are defensive; they criticize and insult other people, and they pick fights. Often it turns out that these people are not strong at all; they are fearful and insecure. Real strength means taking down walls, promoting optimism, and spreading kindness.

Please join in this week’s Shabbat celebrations on Channel 1960 or in the Synagogue
(Limited seating in the Synagogue; masks required at all times)

Friday at 6:30 PM: Musical Birthday Shabbat Service; Blessings in Dining Room at 5:15 PM
Cantor Arie Shikler will bring his music and spirit to our worship this Shabbat.
We will offer a blessing for Residents who are celebrating birthdays in the month of June.

Saturday at 10:00 AM: Shabbat Shacharit (Morning Service); Blessings in Dining Room at 12:15

Shabbat Mevarkhim HaChodesh This Shabbat we bless the new month of Tammuz, which will begin Wednesday night and Thursday.

Torah Talk – Shabbat afternoon at 1:30 PM in the Music Room (limited seating; masks required)

Candle Lighting in the Synagogue
If you would like to have the honor of lighting candles in the Synagogue,
please contact Gitta

Candle lighting time for the city of Mission Viejo: Friday evening at 7:40 PM
Shabbat ends Saturday evening at 8:41 PM

Shabbat Shalom!                                                         Rabbi Sherman