Shabbat Gathering: You belong to 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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This week’s Torah portion is Nitzavim. Legend has it that the portion is from the last day of Moses life. He’s been addressing the Israelites and reminding them of what’s happened during their journey across the desert.

Moses reviews the covenant between Hashem and the people. When he starts his review, he enumerates who is part of the covenant. Moses says that all the Israelite men, women, and children are part of the covenant. He goes on to say that the Jews-by-choice and even the people who haven’t converted are part of the covenant too.

Our synagogue includes many Jews-by-choice (including me) and non Jews, and I like the reassurance that we are as much members of the covenant as the people who have been born into Jewish families. In fact, some believe that Jews-by-choice are among a special elect of Jews. I believe this is the case, but, in the final analysis, we were all at Sinai.

And may it be for all of us a blessing.

See you tonight!

Mit vareme grusn,
(With warm regards,)

All my love,
brian.

PS

For a few years now, we've been perplexed by the Amidah we have prayed during the Shabbat Gathering. I mentioned this to Rabbi Laurie and she proposed another Amidah to take it's place. Here's a link to the prayer. I think this Amidah is splendid and am adding it to our liturgy.

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