This weekend is the Festival of Purim. There is only one custom that must be observed and that is the reading of M’gillat Esther. The story of Esther. It should be read using the the special tune associated with Purim. If you do not read the story from the scroll you are not obliged to say the blessings. The story is included in the Bible and a tractate in the Mishnah discusses Purim. Jews believe that the story of Esther is grounded in truth. Megillat Esther deals with the perennial problem of the Jewish people, that there are those in society that hate us just because we are Jewish. In this story Esther saves the Jewish people and there is a happy ending for the entire community. On Saturday night let us celebrate together as we observe the holiday of Purim.
Come to the Purim Party – Esther will be there!
Temple Shirat Shalom Purim Potluck Party!!!!
Please join your Temple family for a fun filled evening of good food, drink, and family games! Costume contest! Schpeils!
From the plans that are already developed, this should prove to be a fairly outrageous Purim celebration!
Dave Goldner and Queen Esther at last year’s Purim party. What a hottie!
Contact Lisa Szydlow with questions.
DATE: 2/23/2013 (Sat 6:00PM – 8:00PM)
LOCATION: Wescosville Rec Center, 5047 Hamilton Blvd.
Take Ten (Commandments)
In last week’s Torah portion the Children of Israel received the Ten Commandments, in this week’s portion Mishpatim many more laws are revealed to the Children of Israel by Moses. The laws are very diverse they include laws about slaves, offenses that are punishable by death, laws concerning an ox, rules and penalties for theft and lending, laws concerning the Sabbatical year and other religious laws. In addition , the principle of just restitution for damages is stated (lex taliones),” an eye for an eye.”
The word mishpatim means judgments. Rabbinic interpretation distinguished between mishpatim and chukim. Mishpatim were those laws in the Torah which could be arrived at by human reason. Chukim were the laws beyond the grasp of human understanding and so had to be obeyed solely because God had demanded. The Israelites were to obey these laws because of their faith in God.
Scholars in Residence Weekend a Great Success!!
Scholars in Residence Weekend as experienced by our Congregants:
“On Friday night our scholar in residence, Nate Schumer, gave the d’var Torah. He spoke of the diversity of Jewish observances and practices in the ancient world. Everyone agreed that it was fascinating and thought provoking. Nate’s talk was scholarly but informal and quite charming. It was informative and initiated intense conversations at the Oneg. A great evening for TSS. Yasher Koach.”
“Saturday morning at a packed house at Cantor and David’s home we had an enthusiastic Shabbat morning service including a wonderful chanting of the Ten Commandments by Jeremy Vaida and comments on the Torah portion by Nate. Nate and his wife, Hilary, treated our sixth and seventh grade students and their parents to another wonderful program. It was lively and, of course, competitive as students and parents competed for points in “Is it Jewish?” I am very proud to report that our wonderful and smart students carried the day! The students and parents had some building with spaghetti and marshmallows (you had to be there) and a wonderful learning experience. We all had a yummy Kiddush lunch to end the morning. It was a wonderful way to spend Shabbat morning.”
Summary of the Friday evening and Saturday Scholars in Residence Program submitted by Janet Hogan.
“Last Sunday morning at the TSS Adult Education program, it was a privilege and a joy to meet with our scholar in residence, fellow TSS congregants, and our guests, some of who are steeped in knowledge of history. Analyzing early sources of Biblical writing, why they happened, what they meant at the time, and what they mean to our times resulted in an energizing and enlightening discussion. Whether history-literate or not, everyone participated and brought valuable ideas to the discussion. Thank you TSS, it was a beautiful experience.”
Summary of the Sunday morning Scholars in Residence Adult Education Program submitted by Norm Sarachek.
TSS was pleased and honored to host such an informative, enlightening and educational weekend.