One of the great privileges I have as a congregational Rabbi is meeting with thoughtful, earnest adults who are interested in joining the Jewish People. They almost always come to our meetings armed with the many books they have already devoured and dozens of deep, profound questions. Clearly, they have done their research and thirst for existentially satisfying answers to the religious, spiritual, and intellectual queries that have likely vexed them for decades. It is always a singular honor to encounter this kind of fervor and passion as it reinforces for me the depth and profundity that can be gleaned through intense intentional interaction with our wise and sacred tradition.
Several weeks back, a young man met with me to discuss the possibility of studying with us for conversion. After an hour or so, he asked if we could meet again so he could ask the one question that was troubling him most. As I sensed that it might be a complex matter, I suggested that he ask the question at this meeting to give me some time to mull over an answer in preparation for our next session.
“Sure…So Rabbi, if God directly commands a person to act in a certain way, and that individual does as they are told, why is this considered a meritorious act? After all, if God spoke directly to me or to you, wouldn’t we both do precisely as God directed? Why gain a reward for an action, behavior or attitude that one has been charged by the Almighty to perform?”
This question, of course, bubbled up in my mind this week as we prepare to read Parashat Lech Lecha in which God instructs Abram: “Go forth from your native land and from your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” Moreover, the Torah Portion goes on to teach: “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you, and I will make your name famous, and be a blessing.”
So why does Avraham Avinu, our great patriarch, receive such praise and accolade for simply following the Divine edict? What kind of test is this? And why is Abram lauded for his faithfulness and fidelity – his Emunah - when his actions will ultimately accrue to his material and spiritual benefit?
I think the answer lies in a concept that is foreign to many, but central to Judaism – Kavanah, conscious intent. As Jews, our actions are indeed important - maybe even primary. However, actions performed with altruistic intent are of even greater delight to our Maker. Yes, Abraham (and we his descendants!) is promised great reward for his fidelity, but his actions remained pure despite the promise of copious rewards and blessings. The test of faith for Father Abraham was whether or not he could maintain his noble, steadfast and faith-infused focus, even while receiving Shefa Brachot, a multitude of ancillary gifts and blessings.
Living as we do at a time that offers us so many benefits, I pray that we – like our great patriarch – can maintain our sense of acting in Godly Ways not because of the rewards, but rather because we wholeheartedly yearn to experience Kirvat Elohim, closeness with the Holy One of Blessing, which is truly the greatest of all blessings!
This Shabbat we welcome Mia Whitson to the Bimah for her Bat Mitzvah. Mia is the daughter of Emelynn Hasky and Paul Whitson. She is the older sister to Abraham and Eli Whitson and the granddaughter of Abraham Hasky and Belinda Bachar & Kathleen and Frank Whitson.
EKS: Early Kabbalat Shabbat Service for young families with Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham: 5:15 pm
Due to the forecasted weather, we are moving our EKS Service indoors to the upper Bimah in the Main Sanctuary.
We will still be offering a special blessing to pets, but rather than bring your actual pet, we invite families to bring pictures of their pets or stuffed animal pets.
Thank you to everyone who registered, registration is now closed.
Friday Evening Services with Rabbi Carnie Shalom Rose and Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham in the Guller Chapel: 6:00 pm
BA Artist in Residence, Eitan Kantor invites everyone to an intimate and meaningful Shabbat Song Circle in the Guller Chapel on Shabbat morning, October 23. Our Song Circle will take place thirty minutes after Services at approximately 11:30 am.
Special Invitation From JTS
To The Midwest Jewish Community
Kenneth A. Kraus; devoted husband of Terri (Leventhal) Kraus; father of Abby (Vladimir) Kushnir and Sam (Ashley Ross) Kraus; adoring grandfather to Max, Maya, and Meira Kushnir and Georgia and Ozzy Kraus; brother of Kathy Lawrence, Karyl Andosca, and Keith Kraus and adored by many nieces and nephews.
Cynthia Marilyn Tober, beloved member of the Tober family and friend to many.
Bob Lueg, husband of Jackie Lueg. Funeral and Shivah details to come.
Adele Leventhal, mother of Diane (Gary) Shank, grandmother of Emily, Alyssa and Gregory Shank.
Jewish tradition teaches “Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Bazeh,” meaning that we are all
responsible for each other (B.Talmud Shevuot 39a).
Our B'nai Amoona Klei Kodesh is proud to join other local Jewish spiritual leaders in issuingTHIS STATEMENTin favor of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, continuing to wear a mask and practice social distancing as recommended by the CDC and other medical and other public health authorities.
As more people receive the Covid-19 vaccine, we encourage you to download and print the prayers below. We recommend you say them when you receive your vaccination.
Grants from the St. Louis Jewish Federation have helped Congregation B'nai Amoona in a wide variety of ways. In 2020-21, we received grant funding for the Chesed Fund, support from the Staenberg Family Foundation for both our Seder and necessary technology, support for older adults, closed captioning from the Joslin Fund, and COVID assistance including technology, two food investments, and additional Chesed Funds. We are deeply appreciative of the support and necessary assistance these Grants provided. Todah Rabbah!
Congregation B’nai Amoona
324 South Mason Rd
St. Louis, MO 63141
