Shabbat Gathering: Who's part of the covenant?

Gud Shabbos Khaveyrim, as is our custom, we will gather tonight at 5.45p ct to welcome Shabbat. These are the coordinates:

Zoom
Meeting ID: 883 8469 4181
Password: 822665
Phone: +1 312 626 6799

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Here we go.

This week’s Torah portion, Nitzavim, is famous for “I give you a blessing and a curse,” but my attention and interest focuses on who is part of the covenant that Hashem forges. Who is included in the covenant? Moses / Hashem goes out of their way to make the point that everyone is included in the covenant. There’s a long list of different types of people including children, proselytes, and wood hewers and water carriers. (Wood hewers and water carriers are considered the lowest of the low in that socio-economic caste system.) That’s the part of the parsha that speaks most to me.

As a Jew-by-choice (for several decades now), it make me feel good to know that I’m part of the covenant. A whole part of the covenant. Not something added on later, but part of the covenant from the very beginning. Some Jews look at me askance when they find out I’m a Jew-by-choice, but that doesn’t dilute the covenant I belong to. I have enough issues of my own without taking on those of others.

Years ago, when I was planning my move to Madison, I surveyed the synagogues in town and chose Congregation Shaarei Shamayim. And after meeting me, Shaarei Shamayim chose me and has continued to offer me ways to be of service to my chosen community. And for that I am constantly grateful.

And may it be for all of us a blessing.

See you tonight!
Mit vareme grusn,
(With warm regards,)

All my love,
brian.

PS

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