13 Adar 5777 – Tetzaveh
[fullwidth background_color=”” background_image=”” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_preview_image=”” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_mute=”yes” video_loop=”yes” fade=”no” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding_top=”20″ padding_bottom=”20″ padding_left=”” padding_right=”” hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” menu_anchor=”” class=”” id=””][one_full last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]Chana Raizel and our family have been incredibly blessed this past week with the arrival of our newborn son on Sunday evening. Witnessing a birth is a truly humbling, awesome and inspiring experience. Giving birth to a child is the closest that we, human beings can come to replicating our Creator – through bringing new life into this world. I must admit, that I was also taken by the strength and resilience shown by my dear wife and I figuratively take off my Kippah to all those women throughout time who have gone through such intense suffering and pain in order to bring another soul into this world.
Another two women in our community also delivered beautiful babies early this week. Mazal tov to Nadine and Doron Kur on having a girl and we look forward to naming her in Shul this Shabbat. Mazal tov to Shoshana and Ricky on giving birth to a baby boy who will receive his Brit on Tuesday morning.
Strong, resilient, Jewish women. In fact, this dedication and willingness to sacrifice oneself for another is a theme of this week’s Parasha, but only noticed through omission. You see, Moses’ name is mentioned in every Parasha in the Book of Shemot except for one – this week’s Parasha, Tetzaveh! Why?
Our Sages explain that when G-d threatened to eradicate the Jewish people following their rebellion with the golden calf Moses objected. “G-d”, he said, rather “wipe me out from the book that You have written” than harm this people. It was this daring and selfless intercession that saved the Jewish people but not without its consequence. Moses name was “wiped out” from G-d’s book, the Torah, but only for one Parasha – the one that we will read this week!
The way I see it, in not mentioning Moses name, we can perhaps learn the most about this man who was Moses. He was totally given over to his people and he was willing to put everything on the line to protect all those within his care.
So, in the spirit of international women’s day, I salute all the women in my life and in our community. Like Moses, you are the true heroes and leaders. You make our families and communities what they really are. On that note I wish another Mazal tov to a young Jewish woman, Amy Rudolph, who will be celebrating her Bat Mitzvah in Shul with us over Shabbat. Mazal tov to Ryan, Lily and the entire Mishpocha!
Finally, Chana Raizel and our family will be hosting a Shalom Zachor at our home this Friday night and our baby son’s Brit on Monday afternoon. Please see the details below and join us for what will be an exciting, joyous and festive weekend.
Wishing you all a Shabbat Shalom and Purim Sameach!!
Rabbi Yossi and Chana Raizel Friedman[/fusion_text][/one_full][/fullwidth]