As Moses nears the end of his long address in Deuteronomy, he gathers the entire nation together in this week's double Torah portion, Nitzavim-Vayeilekh. Moses proclaims in 29:9-11, "You are standing here this day all of you...to enter into the covenant of the Lord..." When examining the text, it is immediately noticeable that Moses does not use the "standard" Hebrew word for "standing." In Hebrew, when we want to instruct someone to stand up, we say Amod, derived from the verb La'Amod-"to stand." Moses does not say Atem Omdim. Rather, he tells them Atem Nitzavim. I don’t want to seem priggish, but what is the difference between the two?
Omdim describes a physical posture. Nitzavim describes not only a posture but an attitude. In his first comment on the Parasha the Ramban, Nachmanides, writes, "That you stand ready before God to uphold the covenant..." Nitzav means not only to stand but "to position oneself." Nitzavim connotes not only standing but readiness to fulfill the mission and take the action necessary to uphold one's commitments.
What about us? Beginning tomorrow night with Selichot at 8:30 pm and continuing next week as we begin Rosh Hashanah, we will stand together, albeit virtually, in prayer and also in our commitment not only to each other but to the Jewish community. Will we be Omdim - simply standing? Or will we be Nitzavim - "standing ready," prepared to do the essential undertakings to ensure the safety, security and well-being of all Jews, Klal Yisrael?
I looking forward to "standing ready" with each of you.
Shabbat Shalom! Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham
Please make sure to join the entire Klei Kodesh this Wednesday morning, September 16th at 10 AM for a special Rosh Hashanah Seder exploring the foods and traditions surrounding Rosh Hashanah. Then join the Klei Kodesh on Wednesday evening, September 16th at 7 PM for a special session on “Creating Awesome, Awe-Inspiring Sacred Spaces.” We will discuss how to transform our homes into a place of worship that feels holy for us and not just the place we dwell in.
Shabbat Spotlight
Parshat Nitzavim-Vayeilech Candlelighting: Friday, September 11 at 6:57 pm Shabbat Ends: Saturday, September 12 at 7:43 pm
Please click the links below for this week's Torah and Haftarah commentary
After our Virtual Selichot Service has ended, we invite you to Join the Nation-wide Conservative movement Selichot experience by following either of these links to the Rabbical Assembly or Cantors Assembly YouTube pages:
Please note there will be different content on each page.
Weekday Minyan Information
Join Us For Minyan!
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
Sharon & Michael Rosen and Kimberly Burleson on the birth of their granddaughter, Olivia James Burleson. Proud parents are Amanda and Dustin Burleson. Great-grandparents are Barbara & Harry Shechter. Olivia is the niece of Jennifer Rosen and Jessica & Brandon Rosen.
Mask up, Come on Down & Drive Around to meet all of your High Holy Day needs like dropping off Kapparah Gelt Donations and Operation Isaiah Food Donations and Picking Up Machzorim and Family Activity Bags.
Please join us for our final Congregation-Wide "Big Read" discussion THIS MONDAY at 5:00 pm via Zoom, Livestream and Facebook Live. Our last class will be facilitated by Rabbi Carnie Shalom Rose who will help to summorize the full book and help us carry some of its wisdom into the High Holy Day season and the New Year.
Congregation B’nai Amoona 324 South Mason Rd St. Louis, MO 63141
