September 20, 2003 D'var TorahDear BSO Congregant, This coming Shabbat, September 19-20, 2003 - Elul 23, 5763, we will read Parshiot Nitzavim-VaYelech (annual cycle - Deuteronomy 29:9 - 31:30; triennial cycle Deuteronomy 30:1 - 31:6). Since there are more portions (54) than weeks in the year, plus sometimes holiday readings supercede Shabbat readings, we occasionally double up the parshiot and read from two on a given Shabbat. In 5763, Nitzavim-VaYelech is the third Shabbat on which we double (it is a leap year which contains four additional weeks); in 5764 (a regular year) there will six such Shabbatot. The Haftarah is from Isaiah 61:10-63:9 and it is the seventh of seven consecutive Haftarot of consolation (referred to in Aramaic as "shiva d'nehamta"), all of which are taken from the prophecy of Isaiah. The first is recited on the Shabbat immediately following Tisha B'Av and the seventh is recited on the Shabbat immediately preceding Rosh Hashanah. Our service on Friday night, September 19 will begin at 7:30 p.m and candle lighting time is 6:50 PM. During this service we will celebrate the baby naming of a daughter born to Cindy & Jason Partlow. Mazel Tov! Our service on Shabbat morning, September 13 will begin at 9:15 a.m. You have often heard me teach Torah using the technique of "gematriya" - using the numerical equivalence of Hebrew letters to compare and contrast Hebrew words or phrases (aleph = 1, bet = 2, etc.). This week's Torah portion opens with the words "Atem Nitzavim HaYom - You stand this day..." (Deuteronomy 29:9). The "gematriya" equivalent for that phrase (694) is the same as for the phrase "la-amod l'Selihot - to stand for Selihot" - the opening service of repentance and pardon we will offer this Saturday evening. This "gematriya" play is intended to remind us that Parashat Nitzavim always is read on the Shabbat which immediately precedes (as it does this year) or follows the Selihot service. While we at BSO hold formal Selihot services only on this "opening Saturday night," it is customary to recite prayers of selihot prior to the Shaharit/morning service every day from now until and including erev (the day before) Yom Kippur with the exception of Shabbat and the days of Rosh Hashanah. Since you may not own a separate selihot siddur, I recommend the following prayer for daily use in High Holy Day preparation. It is translated from the Hebrew written by Avraham ben Shmuel who lived in 13th century Spain. The Hebrew text can be found in your Rabbinical Assembly High Holy Day Mahzor on page 394 - 396: Whom can I accuse, of whom revenge demand, My body bears the wounds of relentless foes, I have been seduced for my destruction I have been burned by countless fires, In traps I've been ensnared by old and young, Bandits have pursued me, fast and fleet, Pain overwhelms me, but no pain more than my rebellion. Whom can I blame,
how can I function, I seek shelter for my soul, which you alone did fashion, Join us on Saturday evening September 20 when we will hold our annual Selihot service. At 9:00 p.m. we will hold our final discussion (for now) on "Some Jewish Concepts of Heaven, Hell and the Life Hereafter." Special emphasis will be placed on "postmodern" reconsideration to understanding "Tehiyat Ha-Mayteem-Resurrection of the Dead." Light refreshments will be served. Cantor Geller and I will lead the Selihot service beginning at 10:30 PM. Our service on Sunday morning September 21 will begin at 8:45 a.m. There will be no e-mail D'var Torah next week. For plenty of that and much more, come to shul!!
Rabbi Philip Pohl Rabbi Philip Pohl |
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