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Temple Emanu-El is a congregation where authentic Judaism intersects with inclusion and innovation. Our goal is to create a sacred space where your mind, heart and soul can be nourished.
This house, built on a foundation of Jewish ideals, like Abraham and Sarah's tent, is a home big enough to warmly welcome and value all who enter.
temple emanu-el's
VIRTUAL weekly service
March 28 Havdallah
RABBI JACK'S REFLECTIONS ON HAVDALLAH
RABBI JACK'S REFLECTIONS ON HAVDALLAH
HAVDALLAH BLESSING
March 27 SHABBAT service
hit the play button to hear our inspirational clergy
whenever you need a few moments of peace and spirituality during this difficult time
If you wish to add or delete a name from the Mischebeirach list please email the office at staff@templelb.org
SErVICE & STUDy THIS WEEK
services canceled until further notice
torah study canceled until further notice
ALL TEMPLE EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES CANCELED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
RABBI JACK'S MESSAGE IN A MINUTE
One of the challenges of studying the Torah is how to make archaic components relatable to us in our time. A classic example is this week’s portion, Vayikra, the start of the third Book of the Pentateuch begins with a long discussion of the required animal offerings to be brought by the Israelites to the Tabernacle. Though we don’t slaughter rams and bulls on a synagogue altar anymore, we can learn a lot from the philosophy underpinning this ancient practice.
First, let’s look at the Hebrew word for sacrifice, korban. Its root means “to bring close”, because you physically bring the live sheep or dove “close” to the Temple to be offered. Mystics maintained that the concept behind the translation of “bringing near” meant not literally, but rather, by choosing to give the best of your possessions for a communal purpose, you brought yourself into spiritual proximity to the Almighty. When you give to you cannot help but feel closer to the recipient.
So when we give of our precious time to check on a neighbor, or bring groceries to an elderly congregant or make a financial contribution to Emanu-El, the Torah teaches that this creates a connection, a sense of belonging and real meaning to our existence. If ever there was a moment in our lives to experience this biblically inspired emotion and reward of sacrifice, it is now.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Jack
We continue to pray for all those who are battling the virus and all other health issues. We pray too for everyone suffering from the stress and anxiety of facing this pandemic.
One of the challenges of studying the Torah is how to make archaic components relatable to us in our time. A classic example is this week’s portion, Vayikra, the start of the third Book of the Pentateuch begins with a long discussion of the required animal offerings to be brought by the Israelites to the Tabernacle. Though we don’t slaughter rams and bulls on a synagogue altar anymore, we can learn a lot from the philosophy underpinning this ancient practice.
First, let’s look at the Hebrew word for sacrifice, korban. Its root means “to bring close”, because you physically bring the live sheep or dove “close” to the Temple to be offered. Mystics maintained that the concept behind the translation of “bringing near” meant not literally, but rather, by choosing to give the best of your possessions for a communal purpose, you brought yourself into spiritual proximity to the Almighty. When you give to you cannot help but feel closer to the recipient.
So when we give of our precious time to check on a neighbor, or bring groceries to an elderly congregant or make a financial contribution to Emanu-El, the Torah teaches that this creates a connection, a sense of belonging and real meaning to our existence. If ever there was a moment in our lives to experience this biblically inspired emotion and reward of sacrifice, it is now.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Jack
We continue to pray for all those who are battling the virus and all other health issues. We pray too for everyone suffering from the stress and anxiety of facing this pandemic.
SOME THOUGHTS ON THE TORAH PORTION - VAYIKRA
BROTHERHOOD SHOUT OUT