Lech lecha is such a wonderful phrase. It betrays a type of spiritual journey that can only be accomplished through pushing boundaries. It is the physical pushing of boundaries that is linked with emotional growth and character development in the T
Congregation Beth Ohr
“Lech lecha” is such a wonderful phrase. It betrays a type of spiritual journey that can only be accomplished through pushing boundaries. It is the physical pushing of boundaries that is linked with emotional growth and character development in the Torah portion.
“Lech lecha,” “go unto yourself,” says God to Avram. You have grown as much as you can in the space you are in and only in leaving will you reveal layers of yourself that are present but hidden. It is one of the reasons why we say travel broadens your horizons. Yes, the new experiences are reason enough to explore, but the discovery of the self is that which is the greatest prize. Locating inner resources, curiosities, and unknown corners of the self is the gift of movement. And just when we think we have learned everything, something shifts and discovery continues.
These journeys can be quite daunting. We have no guarantees. And somewhere along the journey, we ask ourselves, “where am I? Or in the words of every child on every road trip, “Are we there yet?” The answer may be no, not yet, almost, yes, or perhaps some combination. And some element of faith, perserverance, or simple submition to the waves of life allows us to put one foot in front of the other.
Rashi says that Lech Lecha means, “go for your own benefit.” This could mean that while your journey benefits you, it might take away from someone else. And even this is acceptable in some situations.
Lech lecha, because you can only live your life. Lech lecha, because taking the first step sets revelation in motion. Lech lecha, because you have no other choice. Lech lecha, because you want to captain your own ship.
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Bernstein
Shiva Notice - Baruch Dayan Ha'emet
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our longtime member, Carole Feith, wife of Wallace Feith.
The funeral will take place Sunday, October 29 at 12:00 pm at Gutterman's: 175 N Long Beach Rd, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Internment to follow at Mt. Ararat Cemetery.
Shiva will be observed at the home of Wallace Feith: 2809 Bellmore Avenue, Bellmore, NY 11710
Visits of condolence are welcomed Sunday 4-9pm, and Monday to Thursday 1-4pm and 7-9pm, with minyanim each night at 8pm.
Our sincere condolences to the Feith family. May the soul of Carole Feith be bound up in the bonds of life eternal, and may the family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Services
Evening Minyans Sunday through Thursday will be held at the Feith residence: 2809 Bellmore Ave at 8pm
Nosh & Drash Saturday, Oct.28, 9:00 AM Morning Service Saturday, Oct. 28, 9:45 AM Minyan Sunday, Oct. 29, 9:00 AM requested by Elayne Berkowitz in memory of her brother Barry Seplowitz Minyan Monday, Oct. 30, 6:30 AM requested by Elayne Berkowitz in memory of her brother Barry Seplowitz Minyan Monday, Oct. 30, 6:30 AM requested by Elayne Berkowitz in memory of her brother Barry Seplowitz Minyan Thursday, November 2, 6:30 AM Minyan Thursday, November 2, 8:00 PM requested by Stanley Hochhauser in memory of his mother, Sadie Hochhauser Minyan Friday, November 2, 6:30 AM requested by Stanley Hochhauser in memory of his mother, Sadie Hochhauser
Special Shabbat Services
Junior Congregation, Saturdays, Oct. 28, Nov. 11, 10:00 AM
Family Shabbat Service, Friday, Nov. 3, 6:30 PM
Shabbat Lounge, Friday, Nov. 10, 7:00 PM
Tot Shabbat, Friday, Nov. 10, 6:30 PM - Honoring our Veterans
Exciting Upcoming Events and Programs
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Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism