Rabbi Lipman's Monthly Message                                         

                                     Rabbi Lipman's Message

                                             June, 2003


                             Shavuot and the Uniqueness of Temple Brith Shalom


It was dark on top of the mountain.  A cloud of smoke hovered over the people.  Lightning flashed, a shofar wailed in the distance.  We were filled with awe as we waited below, silently, preparing for the unknown.  And then we heard it.  We each heard it separately, those standing under the shadow of the mountain, and those not yet even born; but we all understood: this was our contract with God.  As one, we responded, "We will do, we will understand."  We affirmed our special responsibility as Jews that day under the mountain three thousand years ago.  We accepted the Torah as ours, our blueprint, our lifestyle, our contract.  We re‑live that moment of revelation every year on Shavuot**.  We celebrate Shavuot in three ways:

            First, we celebrate Shavuot with our Shavuot Service.  At that time, we hear again the stirring words spoken at Sinai.  We connect with a people that has made the moment at Sinai the central experience of our religious life.   Shavuot Services are on Thursday, June 5, at 7:30 pm.

            Second, we will have our first (hopefully) Annual Tikkun Leil Shavuot** Study Session.  Following Shavuot services and their festivities, we will spend a chunk of time studying and talking about some rabbinic texts that focus on Torah and study. It will be easy-going; Your thoughts and insights are as meaningful as anyone else’s.  NO BACKGROUND IS NECESSARY (not even Basic Judaism 101).  

            Finally, we have Shavuot/Yizkor Services on Friday morning, June 6, at 10 am.

            Every one of us needs an annual affirmation of our covenant as Jews.  Our rabbis made Shavuot that celebration.  Come join us!

           So what makes Temple Brith Shalom so unique?  Well, unlike most congregations, we shift into high gear during the summer.  God doesn’t take a vacation.  Neither do I.  The summer is the perfect time to take an Adult Education course.  Or learn Hebrew.  Or learn Yiddish.  Or read-and-discuss a book.  Or watch-and-discuss a movie.  The place has been bouncing through the winter and spring.  Let’s keep it up over the summer!

Rabbi Lipman's May, 2003 Message
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