Rabbi Art Weekly Column

We read in the beginning of this week’s sedra, that the tribe of Levi was not represented by a prince and gave no special gifts at the dedication of the Tabernacle. Aaron, the High Priest, was told that he and his descendants were to light the Menorah in the Sanctuary every evening, and that this was a special gift they could make, even more important than all the other gifts the princes had given.

This past Shabbat and Shavuot (last Sunday evening) we experienced from very special gifts from our congregation. Our student Cantor, Tifani Katof, along with several of our teens led a fabulous evening Rock Shabbat filled with incredible spirit and uplifting music. In the morning, Helen Krause and Sandy Berkowitz, beautifully led our Shabbat service sharing their personal journeys, inspiring all of us as they were called to the Torah each celebrating their respective Bat Mitzvah.

And on Sunday, Rachel Dougherty, Jason Kikel, and Jake Klingensmith celebrated Kabbalat Torah during our Erev Shavuot service. (Eliana Rabinowitz celebrated her Kabbalat Torah the week before).

All of these were indeed, special gifts that enriched our community; we are especially grateful to these gift givers.  Now as we settle into our summer mode at the temple each of us can be gift givers in two important ways:  1) consider what special talents, interests, volunteer offerings you may prepare to offer for the coming year in September; 2) join us for one or two Friday evening or Saturday morning Shabbat services to help insure a minyan while giving yourself the unique gift of Shabbat itself!

B’shalom,

Rabbi Art Donsky