Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Rabbi Art: This week in the Torah 3/19

Leviticus 6:1 - 8:36 --- Parashat Tzav

God told Moses to command Aaron and his sons to take the ashes away from the altar where sacrifices were made for God every day. The ashes were to be put beside the altar. When the ash pile got too large, it should be taken to a ritually clean area outside the camp. “The priests were to make sure the fire on the altar never went out.” (Lev. 6:2)

The Torah tells us more about the sacrifices. The MINCHA, made of flour and spices, the HATAT, a sin offering, was sacrificed in the courtyard of the Sanctuary. The ASHAM, a guilt offering for accidents, was also sacrificed in the courtyard. The SHELAMIM, a peace or thanksgiving offering, could be eaten anywhere.

A wonderful and beautiful ceremony was held in the courtyard of the Sanctuary. Moses installed Aaron and his sons as priests, in front of all the people.

“The priests were to make sure the fire on the altar never went out.” Today, we the Jewish people are all “cohanim/priests” and so it is up to us to keep the fire of Judaism burning bright upon the altar. The ancient priests kept the fire aglow by removing the old ashes, we, in the Reform movement have done so and continue to do so by keeping our Judaism relevant and modern. 

Recently, our movement published a new siddur/prayerbook, “Mishkan T’fillah,” (Sanctuary of Prayer). Our Spiritual Enrichment Committee, under the direction of Vice President, Marcie Gerson, is awaiting copies for our congregation to evaluate.  Once these Siddurim arrive we will begin a very deliberate process of evaluation; experimenting with the new prayerbook on Shabbat mornings from time to time. If you are interesting in participating in this process please let Marcie or me know!

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Art Donsky