We had an incredible event this past Tuesday night. Mr. Tomi Revai of Miami and his son Dani came to pick up the Sefer Torah that our shul is giving on loan to the community in Isla de Mujeres, near Cancun, Mexico. A nice crowd from our Kehila came to escort the Torah with song and dance.
Dani Revai first related how he came to find this Jewish community through his travels. Tomi shared the message that he is a shaliach, a messenger, who was in the right place to make this happen. I commented how beautiful it was that this took place on Rosh Chodesh Nissan, the same day as the inauguration of the Mishkan. This Torah will establish this community and allow it to serve the needs of all Jews.
They had a new “Mantel” (Torah cover) made that acknowledges BIAV. See picture below! Also click on this link to see a clip from the event: Escorting Sefer Torah to Mexico
Last week I delivered a message to Lily Marchik on the occasion of her Bat Mitzvah. We read Parshat Hachodesh which contains the mitzvah of sanctifying the new moon. At first blush, it seems odd that this mitzvah receives so much attention.
Interestingly, Rosh Chodesh was one of the mitzvot —alongside Shabbat and circumcision– that the Jewish people had to fight for. Why? The Jewish people are compared to the moon and share a spiritual connection to the “ups and downs” of the moon. Jewish women, too, have a special spiritual connection to Rosh Chodesh.
In addition to these connections, the declaration of the new moon directly impacted when the holidays would fall out. It is directly related therefore to the celebrations and rituals that gave shape and substance to the Jewish people throughout Jewish history.
As we enter the month of Nissan, the month of redemption, we think about the nashim tzidkaniyot, the righteous women, in whose merit we were redeemed from Egypt. In the same way, women are connected to Rosh Chodesh which always kept the spirit of our people alive throughout the ages. Women in our tradition are the the key figures in ensuring that we maintain the inspiration, dedication, and fortitude necessary to endure the difficult times in anticipation of brighter times of redemption ahead.
This is certainly something to celebrate at a Bat Mitzvah and something we hope Lily and each Bat Mitzvah will aspire to. Mazel Tov! (There was also a nice article about the Marchik family in a recent publication- http://www.tabletmag.com/scroll/168243/the-jewish-mother-with-150-children)
Foresight and Footnotes:
Families please make sure you clear your Sunday morning for an awesome event to put you in the right groove for Pesach with our Pre Pesach Bedikat Chametz Scavenger Hunt, 10am at BIAV! Crafts, games, and activities for children ages 3 through 5th Grade.
This Shabbat I will give a shiur entitled, How to Make Your Seder Meaningful for the Whole Family. Next Shabbat, Shabbat Hagadol, my topic will be My Personal Journey to Freedom.
Hopefully you received your Pesach Digest which includes the form of sale for Mechirat Chametz. Please come as soon as possible to see me in person to authorize your sale of Chametz. I am available before and after minyan, or by appointment.
Also remember to make a donation for Maot Chitim, the time honored tradition of providing for those in need during this holiday season.
