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Rabbi Sherman’s Weekly Torah Commentary – March 12-13, 2021 (29 Adar 5781)

March 12-13, 2021                                                                             Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei

29 Adar 5781                                                                                     Shabbat Mevarkhim haChodesh

                                                                                                           Shabbat haChodesh

 

We begin each Shabbat morning service with: “Ma tovu ohalecha Ya’akov, mishkenotecha Yisrael – how lovely are your tents, O Jacob, your dwelling places, O Israel.” Whether participating in the Synagogue or from home, these words inspire us to create a sanctuary around us. In the second parasha of this week’s double Torah portion, we learn that the Divine Presence travels with the Israelite people wherever they go—not in a stationary, permanent place, but in a portable tent. Our location may be temporary, but our relationship with the Divine is permanent.

Referring to the Israelites’ nomadic history, contemporary biblical scholar and commentator Aviva Zornberg writes that the Divine “…accompanies them in their exits and their entrances.” Our Synagogue is now open for limited seating during services. Whether you enter and exit the Synagogue or your own home for worship, you can pray that you will be surrounded by the Divine.

 

Shabbat Mevarkhim HaChodesh  This Shabbat we bless the new month of Nisan, which will begin Saturday night and Sunday. First Seder is the 15th of the Hebrew month of Nisan (March 27).

 

Shabbat HaChodesh is the last of four special Shabbatot before Pesach. A special Torah reading describes the night of the first Pesach. It contains the story and the laws of Pesach.

 

‘We Remember’ Service: Friday, March 12 at 3:00 PM

Channel 1960 or in the Synagogue (limited seating; masks must be worn at all times).

Please refer to We Remember Memorial prayers; these will be distributed Friday.

 

Please join in this week’s Shabbat celebrations on Channel 1960 (Residents Only) or in the Synagogue (limited seating). Masks must be worn at all times in the Synagogue.

 

Friday at 4:30 PM: Kabbalat Shabbat & Ma’ariv (Evening Service) & Blessings

Saturday at 10:00 AM: Shabbat Shacharit (Morning Service) & Blessings

 

Candle lighting time for the city of Mission Viejo:

Friday evening at 5:38 PM

Shabbat ends Saturday evening at 6:34 PM

Shabbat Shalom!                                                                                Rabbi Sherman