October 15-16, 2021 Shabbat Lekh Lekha
10 Cheshvan 5782
Abraham hears the Divine instruction “Lekh Lekha” (go forth) as an imperative to move on in body and in spirit—not only to embark on a physical journey to an unknown destination, but also to launch a spiritual journey to create a whole new state of mind.
Rabbi Rami Shapiro teaches that the purpose of our people’s journey into the unknown is “to become a vehicle through which all the earth’s families will be blessed.” We do this by living the words of Torah and embodying its central message of compassion. Rabbi Shapiro writes: “If your reading of Torah and/or your living of Judaism doesn’t make you more just, loving, and humble, then you are not only misreading Torah but you are also not living Judaism.”
Our tradition challenges us to take leave of the known, physically and spiritually, and step into the unknown. In doing so, we embrace the world with compassion, we bless others, and we are blessed.
Please join in this week’s Shabbat celebrations on Channel 1960 or in the Synagogue
(Limited seating in the Synagogue; masks, please; no cell phones please)
Friday at 5:15 PM: Shabbat Blessings in Dining Room
Friday at 6:30 PM: Kabbalat Shabbat & Ma’ariv (Evening Service)
Saturday at 10:00 AM: Shabbat Shacharit (Morning Service); Blessings in Dining Room at 12:15 PM
Thank you for demonstrating Derekh Eretz (good manners) in the Dining Room on Shabbat
Candles – As you know, flame candles are not permitted in apartments. You are invited to light Shabbat candles in the Dining Room. Please keep distance from candles when you are not lighting.
Wine – Our sweet, kosher wine is for the blessings only; it is not a dinner wine to be consumed all throughout the meal. With wine and blessing, we sanctify Shabbat – we make the day holy.
Blessings – If you arrive at the Dining Room during the blessings, please wait at the door. Once the blessings have concluded, please feel free to enter the Dining Room to find your seat.
Torah Talk – Shabbat afternoon at 1:30 PM in the Music Room (Limited seating; masks, please)
Candle lighting time for the city of Mission Viejo: Friday evening at 5:58 PM
Shabbat ends Saturday evening at 6:52 PM
Shabbat Shalom Rabbi Sherman