October 10, 2003 D'var TorahDear BSO Congregant, This coming Shabbat, October 10-11, 2003 - Tishrei 15, 5764, we will read the portion designated for the first day of Sukkot (Leviticus 22:26 - 23:44). In addition there is a separate Maftir reading (Numbers 29:12-16). On Sunday, October 12 we will hold our service for the second day of Sukkot and curiously the Torah readings for that day are identical to those read on the first day of Sukkot. This is the only time of the year when we read the exact same portions on consecutive holy days. However, the Haftarot readings are different: First Day(Zechariah 14:1-21), Second Day(I Kings 8:2-21). The primary symbol for the holiday of Sukkot is obviously the sukkah. This hut becomes even more than just an annex to our homes. Ideally, we attempt to spend as much time as possible in the sukkah. Weather permitting we eat our meals therein, and some even have the custom of sleeping in the sukkah overnight. Yet, the sukkah is, by definition, a temporary structure. Even if the frame of the sukkah remains upright throughout the entire year, new schach – roof shrubbery, is added each year. From this we learn that while much in our lives remains the same from year to year, there is always something new and different which comes along to replace that which is temporary. The material world is always changing. I remember learning many years ago that the cells of our body are constantly regenerating. Essentially, over a certain period of time, the physical substance of our bodies is totally renewed. This teaches us the contrast of the material world to the world of spirit. God is One, and God is the only One, that doesn't really change. Since the Sukkah is temporary by nature and design, it does not require a mezuzah. Only permanent residences require a mezuzah. So why has it also become customary to affix a mezuzah at the entrance to synagogues? While Jews no longer live in the synagogue, nevertheless, many of us spend a great deal of our lives at shul. It becomes a focal point and center of attention so we honor the role of the synagogue in our lives by affixing a mezuzah at its entrance. Currently, I am working out of a temporary office in the remodeled school wing at B'nai Shalom of Olney. Eventually, my current office area will become a closet as per its original designation and plan. Since it is only a temporary office, and since soon I hope to be in the newly-constructed Phase 6 of our synagogue building, I have decided to wait until that appropriate time to affix a mezuzah to the newly-designed Rabbi's Study at B'nai Shalom of Olney. The entire construction and building process has been similar to that which we experience on the holiday of Sukkot. We realize on the one hand that much of what we have is temporary, while on the other hand we can always look to new and improved quarters in the future. The ultimate lesson is to enjoy all our blessings as they appear in our lives. Just as the Sukkah is temporary, we can never be certain as to how long the current blessings we enjoy will last. Candle lighting time on Friday night October 10 is 6:19 PM. Our service on Friday night, October 10 will begin at 6:15 PM and will be followed by a Shabbat/Sukkot dinner in our beautiful new Sukkah. You need reservations for dinner, but not for the service. Our services on Shabbat, October 11 will begin at 9:15 AM and 6:15 PM. Candle lighting time on Saturday night is 7:18 PM. Our service on Sunday morning October 12 will begin at 9:15 AM. Our service on Monday morning October 13 (Columbus Day) will begin at 8:45 AM and will conclude by 10:00 AM Shabbat Shalom and Hag Sukkot Samayah, Rabbi Philip Pohl |
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