This week we read the double Torah portion of Mattot-Ma’asey. As I was studying this week I found a difficult theme of violence kept coming up in the parsha. The first was the instruction to kill the Midianites in response to the plague they inflicted upon the Israelites and for corrupting them to worship the idol, Baal Peor. Moses says to kill every Midianite child and woman who had carnal relations with a man (Numbers 31:15-18).
The second moment of conflict takes place in Chapter 33 verses 50-53. God told Moses to tell the Israelites that when they cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan they are to dispossess all the inhabitants, destroy their objects and cult places used for Canaanite religious purposes.
How do we make sense of these two terrible acts of violence with the religion that also tells us to "love peace and pursue peace?" Undoubtedly, our tradition makes space for peace and at times force, yet our commentators also struggle with these verses. Taking it out of the realm of violence, they metaphorically purport that the Midianites and Canaanites represent different ideas to the Israelites teach the Israelites about themselves. The Midianites could represent the Yetzer Ha Ra or the evil inclination as all humans have. The Canaanites may represent complacency, staying inactive and ignoring all the possibilities around them.
We are a people who strive for peace in the world and simultaneously work to maintain our own unique identity, heritage, and homeland. Refusing to give up either ideal, we navigate and balance all aspects of our complicated lives with syncronicity. May we do this as a community and as individuals.
Shabbat shalom, Cantor Kowitz
REMINDERS
High Holiday Choir Practice is canceled for Monday, August 3, 2019.
The Sisterhood Meeting will be held in the Muraskin Room on Monday, August 3 at 7:30 PM.
Please remember to complete the Membership Package which includes the synagogue membership information and hebrew school registration forms.
If you have not already done so, it is imperative that you return the entire COMPLETED package to the synagogue as soon as possible.
Thank you for your cooperation.
SERVICES Friday, August 2 - Friday, August 9
Friday 8:00 PM Kabbalat Shabbat Saturday 9:00 AM Nosh and Drash 9:45 AM Shabbat Service Sunday 9:00 AM Minyan Monday 6:30 AM Minyan Wednesday 8:00 PM Minyan requested by Dale Samilow Thursday 8:00 AM Minyan 8:00 PM Minyan requested by Steve Singer Friday 6:30 AM Minyan requested by Steve Singer 6:00 PM Shabbat Under the Stars
Click the links below to view some of our upcoming events!
As a member of CBO, you have a Shul Cloud Account within our Website. Your login is your email (the email you use to receive this email). If you don't know your login password, you can reset it HERE Why do I need to login? By clicking on "My Account." You can view and update your information on your account.
Click on "Edit my profile"
Make sure that the information is your profile is correct, e.g. your Hebrew name and birthday, work and contact information.
Add your family members and/or make sure that their information is correct.
Add yahrzeits so you can be notified of future occurrences.
Register for many of our exciting events and programs.
We want to hear from you! Please send us your feedback and suggestions. Your input matters to us.
Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism