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Rabbi Sherman’s Weekly Torah Commentary – October 30-31 2020 (13 Cheshvan 5781)

October 30-31, 2020
13 Cheshvan 5781

Parashat Lech Lecha

We remind each other daily that we are all in this together. These days we say it in regard to the pandemic, but the sentiment holds true more universally. In this week’s Torah portion, we learn that Avram (whose name is later changed to Abraham) does not get along with his nephew, Lot. Yet he calls Lot his brother and feels responsible for him. When Lot is taken hostage in a war, Avram rescues him and brings him home. Avram knew that his responsibility for Lot was more important than his personal feelings toward his nephew. Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik wrote: “A Jew must feel a duty to save his brother, even if his brother has departed from the righteous path. Loyalty is the first mark of Abraham.”

Jews don’t have to agree all the time, get along all the time, or even like each other. But we are obligated to care about one another. We truly are all in this together.

Questions for Reflection:

  1. Can you think of times when Jews have demonstrated loyalty by helping others?
  2. Have you ever cared for or about someone you didn’t particularly like?

Join me on Wednesdays at 11:00 AM for “Shmoozing with Rabbi Sherman.”

All are welcome – limited seating in the Synagogue and audio only on Channel 1960.

Bring your curiosity, an open mind, and whatever Jewish thoughts are on your mind this week.

 

Please join our Shabbat celebrations on Channel 1960:

Friday at 4:30 PMKabbalat Shabbat & Shabbat Ma’ariv (Evening Service)

Saturday at 10:00 AMShabbat Shacharit (Morning Service)

If you know someone in need of healing and would like me to include their name(s) in our healing prayers on Saturday mornings, please complete the form you received and return to the Front Desk or to me. Of course, you are welcome to add or remove a name at any time.

Candle lighting time for the city of Mission Viejo:

Friday evening at 5:42 PM

Shabbat ends Saturday evening at 6:37 PM

Remember on Saturday night to change clocks back one hour to Pacific Standard Time.

Enjoy your extra hour of sleep! ? 

Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Sherman