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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

Wed, May 14 2025 16 Iyyar 5785