The Israelites are encamped east of the Jordan River in anticipation of their return to “The Land.” Parashat Mattot-Mas’ei is difficult for our 2020 mindset to absorb. God has commanded (31:2) retribution against the Midianites that probably repulses you (and me). They killed every male (even Balaam, the Gentile “prophet” we came to know so well the Shabbat before last) and took all the women and children captive along with all their wealth.
We have an obligation to look at things in their historical context but then ask how it can be infused into our own lives. Nevertheless, consideration of this issue raises uncomfortable questions about how we are to view violence and grudges. In light of not only the increased violence we are seeing worldwide, coupled with the rhetoric coming from our politicians’ mouths the last couple of weeks, months, and years, we certainly need to reconsider both our demeanor and actions.
None of us should be inclined to reclaim the war-like and intolerant traditions of attacking the beliefs and practices of our neighbors. Indeed, we are appreciative of many aspects of their faiths, and I believe even during the pandemic that we must continue to participate in diverse interfaith activities and programs. As we have seen over the last couple of weeks with the uptick in anti-Semitic posts coming from professional athletes in particular, it is more important now than ever before to continue to build bridges with those around us (even virtually) to diminish the ignorance and prejudice in our world.
The closing words of Jeremiah in the Haftarah portend a vision of return and of the universal benefit from Israel's fidelity to its Covenant with God. As Jews, when we are faithful, we can become a source of blessing to others. We are one and are all party to the Covenant with God. Our essence is not to help ourselves but to help other people attain blessings, in addition to our ultimate goal to bring peace amongst all people. Abraham Joshua Heschel, one of the luminaries of our Conservative movement, taught, “There are three ways we may relate ourselves to the world. We may exploit it, we may enjoy it or we may accept it in awe.” Unfortunately, too often we have chosen the first way. Our faith requires that through our actions we choose to follow the latter two.
Virtual Friday Evening Services, Shabbat Services and Havdalah
Friday, July 17 Friday Evening Services with Cantor Sharon Nathanson and Matt and David Smith, Wendy Knudsen, Eitan Kantor, Alison Fox, David and Adam Schenberg, Benny Abraham, BelleAnne and Andy Curry, Judy Abrams, Lynda Lieberman and the Wallerstein family: 6:00 pm via Zoom, Livestream and FB Live
Shabbat, July 18 Tefilah with Cantor Sharon Nathanson: 9:00 - 10:15 am D'var Torah with Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham: 10:15 am via Livestream and FB Live (only)
Evening Services with Rabbi Neal Rose, Zakai and Ellior Rose: 8:00 pm via Livestream and FB Live (only)
Havdalah with Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham and Zakai Rose: 8:45 pm via Zoom, Livestream and FB Live
For Zoom login information, please click HERE to be taken to our secure details page.
Weekday Minyan Information
Virtual Morning Minyan
Sunday Morning Minyan will take place virtually at 9:00 am Monday - Friday Morning Minyan will take place virtually at 7:00 am via Zoom, Livestream and FB Live
Virtual Evening Minyan
Sunday - Thursday Evening Minyan will take place virtually at 6:15 pm via Zoom,Livestream and FB Live
