D'var Torah From Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham -Shabbat Mevarchim - Parashah Bereshit-
The tension is becoming more and more palpable. With less than three weeks before the big election, the conflict is increasingly disheartening. The dictum “be guarded discussing religion or politics” continues to resonate.
Dissension derived from politics will certainly pass. What will not pass is the tensions created between siblings, cousins, or even friends, over what may be trivial differences. Feeling overshadowed by virtue of accomplishments of a brother or sister, or being overlooked by parents is the typical culprit. The question is how can we avoid (or rectify) these all too common family dilemmas.
In our “first” Torah portion, Bereshit, the episode setting out humanity’s first violent act, the story of Cain and Abel arises. The lashing out of one brother against the other is derived from family tension and jealousy. Perceived favoritism presents itself. When God asks Cain, after he killed Abel, where his brother is, he answers famously in 4:9, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” The Torah is clearly teaching that the answer is definitely YES to Cain’s response/question.[i]
What can we do in our immediate “circle” to reduce tensions, manage jealousies, and create positive family dynamics? Most of all, recognize the special qualities of each other. Let your children, parents, and others know how much each is appreciated for his or her uniqueness. We need to be vigilant expressing favoritism by balancing praise with sensitivity. When children know that their parents appreciate and love them for who they are, they have a better chance of dealing with the inequities in the outside world without directing anger at their siblings or relatives.
Regardless of who you choose to vote for in this election, (and all I implore you to do is vote), we should all be reminded of the respect and caring with which we should be treating each other. We should be taught to value our brothers and sisters (the biological ones as well as the rest of humanity).
[i] The first thing that comes to mind is that God knew where Abel was. Our paramount commentator, Rashi, notes that “the purpose of engaging him in calm conversation was so that he may repent and say “I have killed him and sinned…” If we learn only one thing from this exhortation it is—be calm!
Shabbat Spotlight
Candlelighting Times:
Friday, October 16 at 6:03 pm
Saturday, October 17 at 6:49 pm
Please click the links below for this week's Torah and Haftarah commentary
Friday, October 16 Friday Evening Services in the Guller Chapel: 6:00 pm via Zoom,Livestreamand FB Live
Saturday, October 17
Tefillah with Cantor Sharon Nathanson and Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham in the Main Sanctuary: 9:00 am
Torah read by Alyssa Weisenberg & Judy Weisenberg
Haftarah read by Judy Weisenberg
via FB LiveLivestream, and in-person (by pre-registration only) Thank you to all who pre-registered for in-person Shabbat Morning Services, please be sure to review our guidelines and procedures by clicking HERE.
Bim Bam Family Service with Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham & Family in the Guller Chapel: 9:30 - 10:00 am via Zoom,Livestreamand FB Live
Torah For Today with Rabbi Neal Rose in the Guller Chapel: 11:00 am
Melaveh Malkah - Post Havdalah Discussion - Facilitated by Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham: 6:49 pm
via Zoom (only)
*Please note that you may need to input a Zoom password to access our Friday Night, Shabbat Morning & Saturday Afternoon/Evening Zoom link. Please check your inbox for the password.
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 Evening Minyan
Sunday Morning Minyan will take place virtually at 9:00 am
Monday - Friday Morning Minyan will take place virtually at 7:00 am
MAZEL TOV TO... Mark Dana & Sheryl Kalman who were selected as two of this year's St. Louis Jewish Light's 2020 Unsung Heroes. WE MOURN THE PASSING OF...
Sandra Roberts; mother of Kimberly Nelson Orozco and Carlos Orozco, Jimmie and Sandra Nelson, former member Laurie Walker and Johnnie Nelson; grandmother of David and Aimee Nelson, Lisa Patsios; great-grandmother of Stella and Asher Patsios.
Beverly Turner; beloved wife of Dr. Herman Turner (Z"L); devoted daughter of Leo (Z"L) and Dora (Z"L) Brown; cherished mother and mother-in-law of Stephen Turner (Shelly), Carla Paull (Richard Z"L), Stuart Turner (Wan Ju) and Lisa Fishman (Jack); doting grandmother of Joshua, David, Shayna, Samuel, Emily, Noah and Shay; step-grandmother of Michael, Jeffrey, and Tien Hsing; sister-in-law of Shirley Levine (Frank Z"L) and Frances Karten (Irving); special friend of Betty Moulton (Z"L).
We are now offering the opportunity to attend Shabbat Services "in-person." Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Please click the image below to reserve your spot - see you in Shul!
Congregation B’nai Amoona 324 South Mason Rd St. Louis, MO 63141
