Go forth – Lech L’cha

October 8, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Lech L’cha, this week’s Torah portion, is one of the most popular. One reason is because of the beautiful song that Debbie Friedman composed as a musical midrash explaining what the portion is all about. The words are simple but poignant.

“L’chi Lach, to a land that I will show you, Lech L’cha to a place you do not know, L’chi Lach, on your journey I will bless you, and you shall be a blessing, L’chi Lach. I shall make your name great and all shall praise your name.”

God is telling Abraham to leave his comfort zone, leave the physical and the spiritual place he knows and go on a journey. God will support him but he must make the first step. If Abraham trusts in the future and trusts God’s Presence, he will be a blessing for the world. That is what the song says and that is what the Torah portion says, sung in just a few words with a beautiful melody.

Filed Under: Cantor's Corner

Student Rabbi to Lead Worship this Shabbat

October 8, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Join us in welcoming student rabbi Ellen Jaffe-Gill, who will lead us in worship on Friday October 11th. Worship will be at the Swain School, beginning at 7:00 PM.

The Wandering Jews will be playing, too!

About the student rabbi:

  • She is a former cantor, who decided to become a rabbi as well!
  • Currently, she is a 5th year rabbinical student at Reconstructionist Rabbinical College
  • To visit Rabbi Jaffe-Gill’s website, http://ellenjaffegill.com
Filed Under: Uncategorized

use our tradition to improve ourselves and the world

October 2, 2013 by Leave a Comment

This week’s Torah portion is Noach.

Last week God created the world and one Torah portion later humans have angered God so much God is ready to destroy all of humanity. God searches for righteous individuals and finds one who according to the Torah is “righteous in his time”. The Rabbis take this to mean that we cannot compare Noach the righteous individual of his time to any of our fathers or prophets who lived after him. The Rabbis are saying that Noach was not so righteous. Noach was not Jewish, as Abraham was the first Jew. Noah did not know the mitzvote. He was told of the general laws that are applicable to all people in the world for all time according to God. These laws are general not specific like the 613 mitzvote found in the Torah. I think the Rabbis are saying that following the 613 mitzvote makes you a better person. You are a righteous Jew if you follow the laws of the Jewish people. It is very hard to change and improve yourself or your life, living a Jewish life gives structure for change, a change for good. As we begin the New Year let us use our tradition for good to improve ourselves and the world.

Filed Under: Recent Sermons

A special moment in time with friends

October 2, 2013 by Leave a Comment

It was a warm, cozy, and comfortable environment as congregants met for services at the Cantor’s house. The family room served as our sanctuary and it was filled with singing and chanting of prayers the entire night. In fact, Cantor complimented us on how fine we all sounded…we did indeed bring our voices with us!

It was just one more example of how TSS has become a close knit community that relies on each other to fill our spiritual and social needs. There were hugs, kisses, and pats on the back for those who needed one throughout the service and afterwards at the Oneg. There was laughter as we listened to funny comments and stories throughout the evening. It was a shared moment in time that continues to make TSS a very special place. For those who missed it, please make an effort to attend services so that you too can share a special moment in time with friends.

Filed Under: The Spirit of TSS
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