Adon Olam | Cantor Orly Campbell
Sisterhood Shabbat
Rabbi Rachel Barenblat: Vayakleh Not Heat, But Light
Rabbi Barenblat writes about the meaning of vayk’hel – essentially, Moses “communized the community”. This verse follows Moses’ reminder that on Shabbat we do not kindle fires. She treats “fire” as a metaphor for anger or fear, emotions which can destroy our community
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z’l: Vaykhel Mirrors of Love
Rabbi Sacks addresses the interesting aspect of the role of women in this parashah: they are specifically mentioned as contributors, and before the men. This contrasts with the textual implication that they refused to participate in the making of the Golden Calf. He then cites Rashi, stating that when the women volunteered their mirrors, the mirrors reflected their role in giving birth and caring for their families.
Shabbat on Broadway: Cantor Azi Schwartz
Featuring leading Broadway stars at the St. James Theatre for Shabbat Shira last week, Shabbat on Broadway was an inclusive experience that blended prayer and inspirational showtunes. Produced by Amanda Lipitz and Henry Tisch, this event fostered a sense of togetherness during a challenging time for Jews worldwide.
Dr. Erica Brown: Parshat Tetzaveh Dress for Success
Ralph Lauren “designed dreams”, not clothing. The tunic is designed with multiple sensory impacts; brilliant colors, bright noises from the bells, beautiful pomegranates. The bells provided a sensory notice to the people of the presence of the high priest, and to Aaron and his sons of their mission.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z/l: Tetzaveh The Aesthetic in Judaism
Rabbi Sacks comments on the traditional of skepticism regarding appearances. He provides an interesting detail, that the word for clothing—begged—is the same as the word for betray—bagad(nu). Jacob used Esau’s clothes to deceive Isaac, while Joseph’s brothers used his clothes to deceive Jacob. Yet the Torah describes distinctive garments for the Kohanim—“for dignity and beauty”.
Musical Treats: Cantor Seth Ettinger – Adon Olam – Armed Forces Medley
Adon Olam sung to the songs of the U.S Army, U.S Marines, U.S. Navy, U.S, Airforce, and U.S. Coast Guard
Rabbi Rachel Barenblat: Weaving parashat Terumah into our lives
Terumah describes the construction of the portable Tabernacle. This was never intended for permanent use, unlike the Temple – which was larger and more magnificent. Why are these dimensions so important? It seems that specifying the size of the home of the Shechinah defies God’s transcendence. Yet Midrash teaches that no space is too small. In fact, the Tabernacle is described as a micro-cosmos – a symbolic reminder of the world that God created.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z/l: Teruma The Architecture of Holiness
Terumah describes the construction of the portable Tabernacle. This was never intended for permanent use, unlike the Temple – which was larger and more magnificent. Why are these dimensions so important? It seems that specifying the size of the home of the Shechinah defies God’s transcendence. Yet Midrash teaches that no space is too small. In fact, the Tabernacle is described as a micro-cosmos – a symbolic reminder of the world that God created.
Rabbi Gerald Serotta: Mishpatim Our Ethics and Our Enemies
Rabbi Serotta writes that our experience of oppression over centuries in Egyptian exile must impact our behavior. When we experience being “the other”, we may identify with the oppressor or the oppressed. Ecclesiastes 3:15 states that “God will always seek out those being pursued / othered.” Yet during Passover, we emphasize our experience as strangers rather than slaves.