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President's Message Tzav 3.18.22

Dear friends,

The book of Vayikra is very technical. It was pretty easy to find lessons in Bereishit and Shemot for my weekly emails, but Vayikrah is all about sacrifices and temple measurements and these lessons are more indirectly learned.

The exception in this week's Parsha of Tzav is the instructions about the Korban Todah — the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Rabbi Sacks z”l describes how thanksgiving played a central role in the sacrifices during the Temple period, and how it plays a central role in our prayers today. 

We start the day with Modeh Ani and continue in the same vein throughout the morning prayers. During the Amidah, the one prayer that we don't just answer "Amen" to, but actually repeat along with the Chazzan, is Modim, "we give thanks". The idea of giving thanks even extends to our name.  We are called Yehudim after the tribe of Yehudah, Judah. We learn in Genesis that the name Judah is derived from "odeh et Ha'Shem", to give thanks to G-d. 

Rabbi Sacks goes on to describe the current scientific studies on thanksgiving and gratitude. Studies have shown improved health and longer life. They have shown a reduction in toxic emotions and depression. The more we give thanks and appreciate what we have, the happier we will be. We are all truly blessed.

• • • 

This week has been jam-packed with activities and I want to thank all of the people who have made these events a success, especially all of the Raskins, Brooke and Holly. From hamantaschen baking to Shalach Manot packing, teen parties to Purim feasts, the programs kept coming. The icing on the cake was the Shulem Lemmer concert.

I want to thank all of you who have given me ideas, advice and support as this year unfolds. Please keep the comments coming. Wishing all of you a peaceful and meaningful Shabbat Shalom,
Steven Inker

Tue, May 13 2025 15 Iyyar 5785