Let Us Go Up

 Shabbat Shalom from Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

 

June 4-5, 2021 / 24 Sivan 5781

Shabbat Shelach Lecha

Torah: Numbers 13:1 - 15:41 / Haftarah: Joshua 2:1 - 24

 

“Let Us Go Up”

 

Dear Friends,

 

In this week’s Torah portion, after two years of travel from Egypt, the Children of Israel finally arrived at the Promised Land.  They did not enter immediately. Rather they sent scouts to check things out.  They reported that the Land was good, but there were obstacles to overcome. Joshua urged the people saying, “Let us go up to the land, for we are able.”  However, the people grew frightened and needed to take it slower. So, out to the desert they went for 38 more years until they were ready.

 

After more than a year of lock-down, we have reached the point when we can start re-opening our building for programs, meetings, and services. Our scouts are our Board of Directors, Executive officers, and committees – leaders of our community who have been hard at work guiding us day by day.  We know that the future looks bright, though there are obstacles to deal with as the COVID19 pandemic hopefully winds down.  I say, “Let us go up.”  Let us act responsibly, carefully, and safely as we reopen our beautiful building.  Let us enjoy the many offerings of our synagogue family and celebrate our Jewish heritage and tradition as a community.

 

I look forward to seeing you at upcoming events!

 

Zay a Mentsch – Be a Good Person.

 

Shabbat Shalom,

 

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow