July 8th, 2011, Shabbat Parshat Balak
S.T.A.R. News & Events
Here are S.T.A.R.’s upcoming exciting events:
July 15-17, 2011 Summer Teen retreat to San Diego, Ca. Join the S.T.A.R. teens and other teens flying from Paris on this magnificent and fun filled event. For more info. and application
Click on the link above. SOLD OUT!!!! SOLD OUT!!!! SOLD OUT!!!!
This Shabbat
Shabbat Parashat: BALAK
Candle Lighting: 7:50pm
Shabbat Ends: 8:51pm
Torah Message
Each year millions of dollars, and thousands of hours are invested by Jewish foundations, hoping to ensure the continuous growth of the Jewish People and fight the wave of assimilation and intermarriage. Programs ranging from youth trips to Israel and holocaust curriculums to innovative outreach centers and advanced educational seminars are all an important part of this noble and G-dly endeavor.
The section of the Torah we read this week gives us, perhaps, the most potent prescription through which each of us can participate in this effort.
A man named Bilaam is hired by a Moabite King to curse the Jewish People. Yet instead of curses, the following words leave his mouth:
“How shall I curse those whom G-d has not cursed? How can I invoke wrath when G-d isn’t angry?”
Why was this nation immune from G-d’s curses and wrath? Bilaam continues:
“Because from their beginning, I see them as mountain peaks, and I behold them as hills. It is a nation that will dwell alone, and does not reckon with the nations.”
As is the nature of poetic prose, these words are (also) allegoric. Our sages tell us that “mountain peaks” are an allusion to our Patriarchs and the “hills” refer to our Matriarchs.
The secret of our nation’s survival and our ability to withstand the “influence and schemes” of the Bilaams of the generations, is our Patriarchs and Matriarchs, Jewish fathers and mothers who instill within their children the sense that they are a nation whose destiny is to dwell alone. Parents who teach their children that “a nation who dwells alone” is not a curse; it’s not a blight which we must try to overcome. It is a blessing.
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi M. Weiss Rabbi Y. Sakhai
Community News
Em Habanim Congregation
Weekly Parashat Hashavua class with Rabbi Joshua Bittan on Wednesdays at 8:30pm for more info. visit www.emhabanim.com
Sephardic Temple:
Talmud Torah registration for the new school year 2011/2012 is ongoing throughout the summer!
Mark your calendars:
Saturday, November 5th, 2011 A Gal celebration honoring the 2011 Sephardic Heritage award recipients Mr. Larry Clumeck and Dr. Samuel Newman.
For more info. visit sephardictemple.org
Get Well Soon
We wish a speedy recovery for all the Jews that may need it where ever they may be and especially for:
From Sephardic Temple:
Sally Galante, Ned Nik
Buena Angel, Harry Cohen
Elaine Leon,Itzchak Rachmanony
From S.T.A.R.:
Mordechai Chaim Ben Chana, Chaim Ben Buena,
Meshulam Dov Ben Chana Sarah
Bracha Eliza Bat Ehteram, Bracha Sara Chaya Bat Ronit
Mazal Tov
From Nessah Israel Synagogue:
Parents Simon and Melissa Etehad on the arival of their NEW Baby GIRL.