After three weeks of being in a state of collective mourning, we read Parashat Vaetchanan. This Shabbat is called Shabbat Nachamu, the Shabbat of comfort based on the Haftarah from Isaiah, which begins with Nachamu, Nachamu Ami: Comfort, Oh Comfort My People!
Amidst all of the tumult and turmoil in our world, this Shabbat we are reminded that we must be there to help comfort each other and that God will be there. Moreover, we are reminded that while it is important to be supported by our community, that support has to go beyond the passive nature of “comfort.” Instead, we are reminded that we must actually act as a people, collectively and individually, to enhance ourselves.
The Torah this week reviews the Ten Commandments. There is one nuanced difference between the version earlier in Exodus (20:2) and this week’s one in Deuteronomy (5:6). In Exodus we are told to Zachor, remember, Shabbat, whereas in Deuteronomy we are told to Shamor, guard/observe Shabbat. The rabbinic commentators are all quick to point out that we need to both Zachor and Shamor because while we need to passively remember our laws, we also must actively observe them as well. This is all followed by the powerful Shema and Veahavta, reminding us of what is the very core of our Judaism.
This Shabbat we begin the glorious seven-week trek towards the High Holidays. As we each begin our personal introspections, my most ardent goal is that we find comfort in each other, as well as our God, and are reminded that we must not stand idly by but rather need to act to better ourselves and improve our world.
Virtual Friday Evening Services, Shabbat Services and Havdalah
Friday, July 31
Friday Evening Services with Cantor Sharon Nathanson with Barbara Rosenfield, Judy Abrams, Robin and Michaella Moll, Fred and Amissa Blumental, Eitan Kantor, Alison Fox, Michael Rubin, BelleAnne and Andy Curry, Benny Abraham, Nikki Goldfeder and the Wallerstein Singers: 6:00 pm
Our B’nai Amoona’s Minyan Program consists of our amazing, dedicated Minyannaires who assure warm and welcoming ongoing daily Minyanim, morning and evening. These services support those in our community who have lost loved ones and may be feeling lonely and isolated. Our BA virtual Minyanim are a constant source of strength and comfort for those who wish to recite the Kaddish. Moreover, our Minyanim are a wonderful opportunity for spiritual uplift, social connection, community building, and the ability to fulfill one's daily Chiyuv, duty, to thank God for all that we have. This combination of Kehillah and Kibbitzing allows up to remain spiritually connected despite being socially distant. All are warmly welcomed! Please join us!
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
Kathleen Marie Kelvin; daughter of McConnell Barr (Z"L) and Marie Barr (Sagat Z"L). She was married for twenty-seven years to Richard S. Kelvin (Z"L). Dear mother of David Kelvin and Lisa Korenblat (Kevin); grandmother of Jamie and Aaron Korenblat. Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many.
Bernice Eisen; wife of Louis Eisen, mother of Sherry Miller and Janice Shelby, sister of Pauline Sokolik Blumoff (Z"L) (Julius, Z"L) and Naomi. Cousin of Beverly Stuhlman.
