Torah: Bo (Exodus 10:1-13:16) Haftarah:(Jeremiah 46:13-28)
Shabbat Torah portion: Moses and Aaron continue to plead with Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. Pharaoh continues to refuse, and the Egyptians are punished with the last three of the Ten Plagues – locusts, darkness, and the death of the firstborn. Pharaoh lets the Israelites go. The Israelites proclaim that each year, on the evening of the fourteenth day of the first month, a festival lasting seven days will be observed to recall the freedom from Egyptian bondage. Matzah (unleavened bread) will be eaten for seven days.
A Key Concept: Rosh Chodesh:The New Month according to G-d’s command (Exodus 12:2), the month of Exodus was to be the first month of the Jewish year. The proclamation of a new Jewish calendar to replace the Egyptian method of counting time marked Israel’s final break with Egypt. In biblical times, Rosh Chodesh, the beginning of a new month, was a minor festival on which special offerings were presented to G-d. Today, Rosh Chodesh is marked in the synagogue with a special Torah reading recalling the sacrificial offerings and with the recitation of the Hallel psalms of praise. For many Jews, Rosh Chodesh serves as a day of renewal and reflection. It provides an opportunity to look at the month past and suggest ways of improving on it in the month ahead.
As always the Torah speaks to all of us, since the secular new year was a few days ago. Sometimes people set goals for themselves for the year ahead, while others just look forward to each moment as a gift from the Almighty. New beginnings are always exciting as they propose a look to the future which may be filled with optimism and joy. However, to know how to live in the future, you have to have a knowledge of the past and a mental picture of memories that will give you strength upon which to draw.
This week I will be stepping down from the position of President of the St. George Interfaith Council. It was an honor to represent the Council, but to also represent the Jewish people in our community in this capacity for three years. May everyone have beautiful memories from the past year and you are looking forward to making the new secular year brighter for all humanity.
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
When we are saving our prayers this week, kindly keep Nadene Barish’s name in your misheberach. Nadene was in a bad car accident and she is still in the hospital. Praying for her to be released soon.
My sculptures are on display next week until February 10th in SUAG’s “Light and Shadow” Show held in the Red Cliffs Gallery on 200 N. in St. George in the Parks and Recreation building opposite Town Hall and the Mayor’s offices.
See you tomorrow for “Breakfast with the Rabbi”.