This week we have the privilege of reading Parshat Vayeitzei from the book of Genesis. This parsha begins in such an incredible way. Jacob is traveling from Be’er sheva to Charana and decides to take a rest stop. While sleeping he has a dream in which he sees angels going up and down on a staircase. In this dream God also speaks to Jacob telling him that the land he is on will be assigned to his descendants. God also informs Jacob that God will protect him where he goes and will bring him back safely and will not leave Jacob until God has done all that he has promised Jacob.
After waking up the next morning Jacob makes a vow saying: “If God remains with me, if he protects me on this Journey that I am making and gives me bread to eat and clothing to wear, and if I return safe to my father’s house-the Lord shall be my God.” (Genesis 28:20-22)
This is very perplexing that Jacob makes a vow to God in exchange for God’s blessings, especially because in the previous verse God already says that God will do those things for Jacob. So why does Jacob feel the need to say this and make a vow? Is he feeling guilty about stealing his brothers blessing and manipulating his brother for his birthright? Is he afraid of his brother coming to kill him and doesn’t think God will protect him?
“The prayers found in our siddurim are mostly about thanking and praising God for what we have, however Judaism is not so otherworldly as to be embarrassed by prayers for material sustenance.” (Etz Chayim 168) Every month when we recite the prayer for the new month we ask for Parnasa-material sustenance.
I see a moment here where Jacob is unsure and is at a crossroads in his faith, he desperately needs something to hang on to and is clearly afraid for his life. God is telling Jacob that God is there for him and will be there for him. We must try to listen to all of the ways that God is trying to use to talk with us. God is with us in everything we do, in the actions of love and kindness from a stranger, in the beauty of nature, in the warm embrace of a family member, as well as saving us from a near death situation. We need to try and allow ourselves to remain open to hear what God is saying to us so that we can be the best versions of ourselves and help those around us in our community and beyond.
Shabbat shalom, Cantor Kowitz
SERVICES
Friday, December 6 - Thursday, December 12
Friday 6:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat
Saturday 9:00 AM Nosh and D'rash 9:45 AM Shabbat Service - Bar Mitzvah Aaron Schoenberg
Sunday 9:00 AM Minyan - followed by Men's Club Meeting Monday 6:30 AM Minyan 8:00 PM Shiva Minyan at Rappaport Residence
Tuesday 8:00 PM Shiva Minyan at Rappaport Residence
Wednesday 8:00 PM Shiva Minyan at Rappaport Residence
Thursday 9:00 AM Minyan 8:00 PM Shiva Minyan at Rappaport Residence
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Are you the Bees Knees? The Cats Pajamas? Would you make a good mobster or his moll? Come find out as we turn the Merrick Campus into a rockin' Gin Joint for New Years Eve December 31, 8:30 PM Dinner and Dancing.
Our Alix Rubinger Kosher Food Pantry needs Increased membership contributions as well as ideas for other sources of income. We are now serving 15 to 20 families per week. While a lot of food is contributed to our pantry from supermarkets and other synagogues, it is still necessary to purchase needed food items.
Checks can be made out to the Alix Rubinger Kosher Food Pantry or made out to CBO with an indication that the funds go to the pantry account.
Please remember that this is OUR Pantry.
Thank you.
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Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism