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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. 

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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

All are welcome to join this Zoom lecture to celebrate Rosh Chodesh Adar ll, on Monday March 7th at 7:00 pm. Presentation given by noted Torah and Jewish History scholar Miriam Weilgus. This program is sponsored by Ellen Kamaras, in honor of her parents Israel and Malka Geller, z'l. Free of charge, open to women and men. To join the Zoom: meeting ID 871-6167 2056, Password 690672. Or join by clicking here.

Dear Friends,
 
The big story in this week’s Parsha, Ki Tissa, is the sin of the golden calf. But since I generally try to be a glass-half-full kind of person, I tried to find a more positive theme. 
 
We learn this week about the prohibition against counting the Israelites. We are told that we can count the contributions that each Israelite brings, but not the people themselves. Generations later, when King David decided to count the people, a plague ensued. Lesson learned. But why? 
 
Many commentators warn of the evil eye and reducing unity by emphasizing the individual, but Rabbi Sacks z”l quotes a midrash that turns that on its head. According to the Midrash, nations generally count their people to show how strong they are, but the Israelites are a small people. Counting us directly would only make us seem weak.
 
Counting our contributions, however, tells a different story! Whether we count our Nobel prizes and our contributions to the arts and sciences or, more importantly, the contributions of Judaism to the “life of spirit,” our force is great. The contributions of the Torah, Mishnah, Talmud, prophets, sages etc. are the contributions that define us. 
 
Likewise, it is not the size of our Shul that defines us. Rather, the contributions of our community — financially and in time, effort and support — are our strength.
 
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Repairs are almost complete in the kiddush room. The Board reviewed the budget and, even with these unexpected repairs, we are still in a good fiscal position to meet our expected expenditures for the year. 
 
The sisterhood is planning the Purim Seudah and we expect to have a tent again this year for the Megillah reading. We’ve also started forming the other committees (programing, job descriptions, ritual committee, membership, voting) that will present their reports to the board in the next month or two. Everyone is welcome to volunteer to be on a committee; please contact me or any Board Member or officer for more information. 

As always, please call or email me with any issues, concerns, advice or ideas (president.bnaiavraham@gmail.com or text or whattsapp at 917-620-8762) and I’ll be happy to discuss it with you.

Wishing you all a very happy, safe and peaceful Shabbat Shalom,

Steven Inker