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President's Message: Vayikra

Dear Friends,

Parshat Vayikrah begins our immersion into the world of sacrifices, a topic that seems very foreign and alien to many of us. The Olah, the burnt offering, is described in great detail. 

It’s name, Olah, means to rise, and many of the Sages have theories as to why it is so named. The Midrash Tankhuma believes it is called Olah because it is voluntary, and therefore superior to other sacrifices. Rashi describes the “rising” smoke that rises from the sacrifice. The Rambam ascribed the name to the sins that “rise up” in our minds, which the sacrifice atones for. A more positive explanation is given by R. Shimshon Rafael Hirsch who feels the Olah does not describe the sacrifice, but rather the sacrificer, who is elevated by bringing it. 

Rabbi Mervis, who expounds on these different attributions, has his own take. He emphasizes the common root of Korban, sacrifice, and karov, closeness. The sacrifices are what bring us closer to G-d, they elevate us and they also make clear our mortality and dependence on G-d for everything we have and need. Prayer is our method today, but the concept of elevating ourselves spiritually and thereby making ourselves better people, remains. Coming together in prayer, and to celebrate our holidays and observances, elevates us as people and as a community. 

• • • 

We have a bunch of community Purim events coming up next week! I want to thank the Rabbi, Shternie and the Sisterhood for all of their efforts in planning and execution. In addition to the events around the Megillah readings Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon, there is a Hamentashen Bake and a Shulem Lemmer concert to cap off the holiday. All of the events are on the website at bnaiavraham.org.

The Board committees are continuing to brainstorm and the Board will vote on their recommendations at the next meeting on 3/21. Thanks to all of the committee members for their efforts. As mentioned last week, I will share the agenda prior to the meeting so members can have a chance to comment. 

Mazal Tov to the Rabbi and Shternie, and to the whole Raskin and Elias families on the birth of Chava to Chaya and Yossi (and a special yasherkoach to Yossi for his great catch!!). May they all have lots of nachas and joy from her. 

Lastly, we continue to say Tehillim and pray for a quick end to hostilities and for peace in Ukraine. There are many worthwhile places to contribute. I wrote about Shternie father’s site last week. Isaac Koyfman's brother has a site that is sending medical equipment as well as personnel trained in dealing with psychological trauma (ukrainefriends.org). My daughter Ariel, who is a fellow this year at The Joint Distribution Committee has been awed by the work they have been doing with the Jewish population of Ukraine.

Wishing you all a peaceful and safe Shabbat, and a Chag Purim Sameach,

Steve Inker

President's Message: Pekudei

Parshat Pikudei continues the description of the details of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), and all of the clothing and decorations of the Kohanim. It continues with the Israelites and all of the artisans coming to the Moshe to anoint the Mishkan and consecrate it so that it would be a fitting home for the Shechina, the Divine presence. The conclusion describes how the Shechina comes to rest in a cloud of smoke in the Mishkan. 

Rabbi David Stav, one of the Roshei Yeshiva of Ohr Torah Stone, relates a Midrash about this final section of the inauguration of the Mishkan. According to the Midrash, the Jewish people completed the donations to the Mishkan and waited for the Shechina to come––but it didn't. They went to the Elders who told them to build the Mishkan, but it failed to arrive. They went to the artisans, who beautified it–– but the Shechina still didn't come. 

They then complained about Moshe, blaming him and talking behind his back. Rav Stav compares this to people's tendency to rant and rave when things go awry without looking for the cause. 

The Midrash concludes by revealing the cause of the problem. All of Israel had contributed to the Mishkan and had had a role in its establishment––all except one. The Shechina would not rest in the Mishkan until everyone became a part. Moshe had to anoint the Mishkan before the Shechina would come. The Mishkan would only be a place where everyone would feel at home if everyone had some role in its establishment. All of us have a role. All of us are part of our Mishkan. All of our voices are important. We all have to feel comfortable for the Shechina to come.

• • • 

Building on the theme of building our own Shul, all of our committees are hard at work, meeting to come up with ideas to build on what we have, and improve for the future. These recommendations will be debated at the next Board meeting, if not before, and will be voted on there. I'll be sending out the agenda prior to the next meeting for the membership to have an idea about the topics that will be discussed. 

There are also a lot of events coming up in the next month, including a Shabbaton this Shabbos, and several Purim events. We’ve got something for everyone.

I wish you all a peaceful and safe Shabbos. Going into Shabbos, our hopes and prayers are with the people of Ukraine. May peace come quickly there, and throughout the world.

Ukraine

I wanted to send out another message, before Shabbat, to acknowledge the terrible events unfolding in Ukraine and to add our prayers for the safety of its people and the quick and just resolution of the conflict. I don’t want to get political but we are all aware of what happens when the world watches quietly. We can’t let that happen.

Shternie's father, who has spent years with the Ukrainian Jewish community, has a fundraiser to help them:   https://thechesedfund.com/kesherinc/bardichiv  

Steven Inker

President's Message: Vayakhel

Dear Friends,

In this week's Parsha, VaYakhel, the materials, colors, dyes, metals, fabrics, poles, rings, etc., for the furnishings of the Tabernacle are all described in great detail. It’s obvious that the importance of exactly how everything is meant to come together is of paramount importance. 
 
But the Parsha does not begin with Tabernacle issues. Moshe gathers the people (Vayakhel, “to gather”) to learn about the importance of Shabbos, the rules and the restrictions and the cost of not following the rules. The juxtaposition of Shabbos and the Tabernacle is not accidental. Rabbi Berel Wein stresses the fact that even work on the Tabernacle stopped for Shabbos. The whole nation came together, in the small area in front of the Tabernacle, specifically to hear the rules of Shabbos.

While other nations have different factions carving out their own priorities, we have the space in front of the Tabernacle that brings us together, and Shabbos that unifies us as a people dedicated to G-d. Differences in status, income and ideologies between people during the week fall away on Shabbos, and are replaced by a shared experience. 
 
Rabbi Wein goes further, reinterpreting the statement that "desecrators of the Sabbath will die" as not just a punishment, but more importantly, a prediction. When the Jewish people no longer keep the Sabbath, it will spell the death of the Jewish people. Keeping Shabbos unites us and assures our survival. 

• • • 

I'm happy to say that things have been pretty quiet in Shul this week. No floods or leaks to report. Plans for Purim are underway, with multiple programs going on that can all be found on the Shul website: bnaiavraham.org. Megillah reading will be in a tent, with a party to follow. We hope to see you all there.

The minutes from the last board meeting will be sent out after being approved at the upcoming March 21 board meeting. Any concerns, questions or suggestions, please get in touch with me at president.bnaiavraham@gmail.com or text or whatsapp me at 917-620-8762.

Wishing you all a peaceful and meaningful Shabbat Shalom,

Steven Inker

Thu, July 17 2025 21 Tammuz 5785