In this week's Torah portion, Nasso, we discover valuable insights about the relationship between holiness, purity, and engagement with the material world.
The various laws and insights in this portion highlight the significance of active involvement and continuous growth, emphasizing that true holiness is achieved through embracing the challenges and opportunities presented to us.
Rather than advocating for seclusion or withdrawal from the material world, the Torah teaches us that genuine holiness is attained by immersing ourselves in the world while maintaining a strong connection to our spiritual values and principles.
It encourages us to actively engage with the world around us, embracing the opportunities for growth and overcoming obstacles along the way.
In essence, it reminds us that true holiness is not found in detachment but in active engagement and the constant pursuit of personal and spiritual development. By embracing the material world and using it as a platform for growth, we can attain a higher level of holiness and make a meaningful impact in our lives and the lives of others.
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Mendel & Elke Zaltzman
Directors
Shabbos Times
Friday, June 2 Candle Lighting: 8:05pm
Evening service: 7:30pm
Saturday, June 3 Morning service: 10:00am
Kiddush Brunch: 12:00pm Evening service: 8:10pm
Shabbos ends: 9:14pm
Kiddush sponsored by Ken and Laura Solkowitz
In memory of Ken's parents
Jordan and Dorothy Solkowitz
Yaacov ben Nachum
Devorah Gittel bas Zalman Tzvi
May their memory be a blessing
Daily Minyan Times
June 4 - June 9
Sunday Morning: 8:00am
Monday- Friday Morning: 7:00am
Sunday- Thursday Evening: 8:15pm
Our new calendar for the upcoming new Jewish year is now in design phase. This will be completed in a few weeks and then it’s off to the printer.
Please support this great project and show the community that your business cares.
A BISSELE HUMOR
David Goldberg bumps into somebody in the street who looks like his old friend Jack.
"Jack," he says. "You've put on weight and your hair has turned gray. You seem a few inches shorter than I recall and your cheeks are puffy. Plus, you're walking differently and even sound different. Jack, what's happened to you?"
"I'm not Jack," the other gentleman tells him. "My name is Sam!"
"Wow! You even changed your name," David says.
WEEKLY eTORAH
This week's parshah details the offerings of the princes (nessi'im) of the twelve tribes at the time the Mishkan, the portable Sanctuary in the wilderness, was completed. Previously, towards the end of the Book of Exodus, we had read that Moses blessed the people when they finished their work. What blessing did he give them? Our sages relate that he blessed them: May it be G‑d's will that the Shechinah, the Divine Presence, should come to rest upon the work of your hands. He also blessed them with the phrase that would become part of Psalm 90, May the pleasantness of my L-rd, our G‑d, be upon us…May He establish for us the work of our hands.
Why pray now? Surely the time for prayer was before the sanctuary was built. Then it might have been needed to inspire the people to bring in their offerings and contributions, to execute the huge amount of work that was required to create this new sacred structure. But now the work is done, everything is in place. Why pray now?
The answer is that Moses understood that building G‑d's sanctuary is not in our hands alone. Sure, we can erect a structure. That's the easy part. The question is: will G‑d see fit to live there, to make it His home? For this, a special prayer was called for. We needed a blessing upon the work our hands.
How often people imagine that they do it themselves — all by themselves? How many boast that they are "self-made men"? So anyone who didn't have a rich father before him is a self-made man? Do you really believe that your success is all your own doing? Your hard work, your business acumen, your clever trading technique—these are the secrets of your success?
And where did all that wisdom and ability come from? The skills and talents we possess are G‑d-given gifts we should acknowledge and be grateful for. And that's not humility. It's reality. You were born with that natural talent and flair. Give credit to your Creator.
And so Moses reminds us all that even when our work is done, we still need that blessing from Above. Even when we work hard, concoct the most intricate business schemes, or present the most wonderful proposals, ultimately our success needs a prayer. We need to recognize the hand of G‑d in our lives and, hopefully, in our success. Let us do our work as best as we can and then let us not forget to ask Him to bless the work of our hands.
