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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.
 
• • •

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