NOACH, this week‘s Torah reading, is concerned with the primordial flood story.
We join the story at a transition point - Noah is preparing to move from the Ark back to solid ground. Before this is possible, however, he must determine whether the earth is prepared for human and animal habitation.
So he sends out two birds, the Raven and the Dove. Commentators point that there were strategic reasons for the use of each type of winged creature. Rather than dwell on the pragmatics of this story, I’d prefer to share the perspective of Midrash; of Rabbinic poetry and imagination.
The Midrashic poets depict the two creatures in a way that points to a very important moral and spiritual question. Let me explain.
Noah first sends out Raven, who ultimately does not return with information that would have been vital to those aboard the craft. After that, Noah sends out the Dove. This winged messenger does return and, as we all know, Dove returns with an olive branch.
What became of Raven? The Midrash explains that the raven, a predatory creature, flew back-and-forth until it finally found carrion. Having found what satisfied its own needs, the bird deserted its fellow creatures on the ark. It was at this point that the ship’s Captain (Noah) sent out the second bird, the Dove.
Ornithologists tell us that, like pigeons, doves dislike setting on wet or damp soil. Hence, each time that Noah sent the Dove, it returned not having found dry land. Finally, the Dove does find dry land but unlike the raven, it returns to the ark with an olive branch in its mouth.
Rabbi Yaakov ben Asher(1269 - 1343) writes in his commentary, Baal Haturim, that the Dove didn’t just bring back any old olive branch, rather it selected a branch plucked from a living olive tree; one that grew in the holy city of Jerusalem. Not only did the winged creature return to the ark, and to its companions, but it returned with fresh, clear evidence that the earth was viable; that it was prepared to receive all of those who were a drift and who had spent so much time aboard the primordial ship.
Our poetic commentators seem to pose a powerful moral and spiritual question: what kind of bird do you (or I) choose to become?
Do we seek only what satisfies our own, personal needs, or will we be like the Dove, returning with the very best, the living and vibrant, to those who long to settle and find home.
Friday, October 23 Friday Evening Services with Andy and BelleAnne Curry in the Guller Chapel: 6:00 pm via Zoom,Livestreamand FB Live
Saturday, October 24
Tefillah with Cantor Sharon Nathanson, Rabbi Carnie Shalom Rose and Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham in the Main Sanctuary: 9:00 am
Torah read by Dani Wasserman
Haftarah read by Dani Wasserman
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: 6:40 pm
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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
Dr. Barry Abramson for being named the 2020 Catalyst for Mission Advancement by the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Mid-America Chapter. Dr. Abramson will be honored and celebrated at the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Mid-America Chapter Evening of Hope: Starry Night Gala on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at 7:00 pm. Click HERE for more information and to register for this event.
Jane and Ken Rubin and Roberta and Kevin Diehl on the birth of their grandson and to Shirley (Marvin, Z"L) Tzinberg on the birth of their great-grandson, John Martin Diehl. Proud parents are Danielle and Nick Diehl.
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
