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Candle lighting time for Friday, July 30, 8:00
Triennial Cycle Year III: Deut. 10:12-11:25
Hertz Chumash, p. 789
Haftarah: Isaiah 49:14-51:3, p. 794
- (10:12-22) The conclusion of Moses’ second speech to Israel, a warning to “fear the Lord your God and walk in all His ways.”
- (11:1-12) A review of the miracles God did for Israel in the wilderness, and a speech in praise of the goodness of the Land that they will soon inherit.
- (11:13-25) The second paragraph of the Shema, tying the bounty of the land to Israel’s faithfulness to the covenant, followed by an additional exhortation to keep the Torah and its commandments.
Humane Priorities
Drash – Rabbi Daniel Pressman
I will also provide grass in the fields for your cattle — and you shall eat your fill. (Deut. 11:15 )
Rav Yehuda said in the name of Rav: It is forbidden for a person to eat until they have given food to their animals, as the verse states: I will also provide grass in the fields for your cattle, and only afterwards does it say: and you shall eat your fill. (Talmud B’rakhot 40a)
This is to teach us compassion for all living creatures. Even when you are hungry, your first thoughts should be of helping those who are unable to help themselves. A person who owns an animal will have this daily lesson for gaining more sensitivity to the needs of others. (Rabbi Zelig Pliskin, Growth Through Torah)
Aside from enjoining us to recognize our obligation of active concern for the welfare of all creatures, according to the lofty station of this holy directive, it is required as an act of justice, since by means of the animal, man brings forth bread from the earth, and abundant produce from the power of the ox (Prov. 14:4). Given this, the one that does the work [the animal] deserves priority in benefiting from her labors. Additionally, in order to show that humans must not exploit animals, this precept not only expresses compassion, but also reflects the justice of showing gratitude; for if not for the animal, man would not gain the necessities of life. Therefore, because one is compelled to feed his animal before eating, his consciousness is raised to know that concern for animals is not only an expression of piety and altruism, but of integrity and justice. (Rav Kook, Ein Ayah, vol. II, Berachot, chap. 6, par. 26, p. 180)
Why is this so (that we should feed animals first)? Because a person should see himself as if he is not worthy of being fed, for he has corrupted his deeds and forfeited his livelihood, but the Blessed Holy One, out of his great mercy toward all His creatures, provides sustenance for all that He created on the merit of the animals. Therefore a person should feed them first. (Rabbi Mordecai Hakohen, Min Hatorah)
A Prayer for The Gulf of Mexico By Rabbi Naomi Levy
“See My works, how fine they are; now all that I have created, I created for your benefit. Think upon this and do not corrupt and destroy My world. For if you destroy it, there will be no one to restore it after you.” (Ecclesiastes Rabbah 7:28)
Creation cries out against us, God,
Refusing to be comforted. Help us heal Your world. With heavy hearts we confess:
We have been careless. We have been indifferent.
We have stood by and let others pollute our air, our earth, our water, our wildlife, our food, our bodies, our children.
We have chosen convenience over conscience.
We have been callous. We have been ignorant.
Forgive us, God, for forsaking our promise to tend and protect Your world. Awaken our hearts to care.
Help us heal the Gulf of Mexico.
Open our hands to those who desperately need our help,
Extend our compassion to the birds and the fish and all sea creatures,
Protect us from feelings of helplessness,
Ignite us to take action. Remind us that devastation may be swift,
But repair will require our time and our money,
Our patience and perseverance.
Teach us, God, how to comfort creation’s cry. Amen.
Summer Talmud Class Cancelled : Classes will resume Friday August 27, 8:30 am.
Shabbat Family Service & Supper
Welcome back Rabbi Pressman!
Meet Rabbi Ohriner and his family!
Jr. Kadima: Golfland and Waterslides Event – August 15
Sr. Kadima: Raging Waters Event (SJ) – August 22
BBQ & Bar’chu: Friday, August 27, 6:00 pm
Lulav & Etrog: Order Now