This week we read about Parshat Korach, Moses’ Levite cousin who leads a deeply threatening rebellion against the leadership of Moses and Aaron.
Read MoreFrom this weeks Parsha, Bahaalotecha:
“The Ineffable spoke to Moses. Speak to each Israelite saying ‘when you kindle the lamps, toward the face of the menorah shall the seven lamps cast light.”
Read MoreThis week we read Parshat Naso.
Who carries the debt, the responsibility, of the nation? “And G!d spoke to Moses saying ‘lift up each of the descendants of Gershon’…”. And later “V’Nasu, they shall 'carry' the Tabernacle’s tapestries, the skin cloths, and drapes…etc”.
Read MoreFirst, I want to thank everyone who contributed to our June Appeal. While we didn’t quite reach our goal, we did well. Though it’s still a bit of struggle to cover expenses, the retreat center has come back to life. We are still exploring how we can continue some use of Sanctuary Retreat Center and also recreate our Center in the lower part of the County to better meet our community’s needs.
Read MoreShalom members and friends!
We are making progress! As the Israelites in this week's Parsha, Bahaalotecha, begin to move forward, so are we. There’s a lot of movement in our country right now. Every few days people are marching for such causes as women’s reproductive rights, gun control legislation, voting rights and other causes.
Read MoreFirst of all, our hearts go out to all the victims of the collapsed Champlain Towers in south Florida. Our deepest concern for all those who are suffering through the terrible heat wave in the northwestern U.S. So much suffering continues around the globe due to Covid, especially, in India, Africa and Brazil.
Read MoreBilaam is a desert prophet, a monotheist, trying his best to minister to the nations. However, when Balak, king of Moab, felt threatened by the Israelites passing through his country on the way to Canaan, he bribes Bilaam to curse them. Bilaam saddles his donkey and sets out on the mission, but experiences, in a strange, the wrongness of his mission. Can a prophet of God bend to political pressure?
Read MoreWe’re midway through June and the June Appeal. While we are most grateful for the gifts and support that we have received so far, we are concerned about our goal, our “promised land.” In order to serve you and fulfill our mission in the larger community we need to reach $40,000.
Read MoreBy the time you receive this newsletter I will have returned from a demonstration on the Mall near the Capitol. I’m not planning on getting arrested this time. This gathering of more than 100 faith leaders called on Congress to pass the American Jobs Plan. As you know, the Plan has bold investments in energy & transportation, a 100% clean energy standard, and a commitment to environmental justice.
Read MoreThis week's Parsha, Shlach, is about the return of the descendants of Abraham and Sarah to the Land of Canaan, the Land of Israel. The people, gathered in the Sinai, are ready to embark on the journey of Return according to the biblical narrative.
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