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Dear {{first_name}},
This Shabbat, we’ll begin reading the fourth book of the Torah, Sefer Bamidbar which, depending on your translation of the Tanakh (bible), you'll see as "in the desert" or "in the wilderness". Our ancestors’ journey from the time they crossed the sea until they entered the land of Israel took 40 years. Yet according to Google maps, this journey, a walk from Cairo to Eilat, should only take 7 days.
The majority of the Bible is devoted to this period of time, so there are naturally a number of commentaries on the topic of why our ancestors took so long to arrive. The explanation I've heard the most is Moses simply kept walking in circles, loathe to ask for directions. While that explanation will elicit a chuckle or two and many eye rolls, I believe the willingness, or lack thereof, to seek advice and change direction is an integral part of why our ancestors had to linger in the desert/wilderness for so long.
Growing up under the harsh conditions of enslavement like those leaving Egypt did, it’s challenging, if not near impossible, to imagine any other life for yourself. Hence, when the Israelites were approaching the Red Sea and saw the Egyptian army closing in on them, they naturally complained to Moses, stating they could have simply perished in Egypt. They couldn't see anything different for themselves or their descendants; they were simply too set in their ways.
Their children, on the other hand, who came of age following the exodus from Egypt, grew up with the notion of individual choice and self-selection. They knew that perceived impossible tasks, such as the Israelites conquering the land of Israel, were indeed possible with God's help. They knew of the miracles God had performed, both the plagues in Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea, and they formed a different mentality than the generation that preceded them. This new generation, ultimately headed by Joshua as they entered Israel, truly believed anything and everything was within their grasp as long as they followed God’s commandments and God was on their side.
So how does this relate to our world today? All too often I hear “we’ve always done it this way”, or, “that’s just how it’s done”. There are times I find myself saying that too, at OVS where we have a beautiful 100+ year old tradition as our foundation, or at home with my kids when they ask why they have to get dressed before leaving the house. While sometimes there are good reasons for keeping the status quo, in order to grow and be the best people we can be, we must constantly question, and when appropriate, change how things are done. “We’ve always done it this way” isn’t a sufficient answer.
As we approach Shavuot this coming week, our annual celebration of receiving the Torah, of receiving God’s wisdom, ask yourself “what assumptions should I be questioning to improve our world? What can I change to improve our community?” It’s only through our annual shift in perspective, our coming out of the wilderness into the land, that we’ll achieve success, both for ourselves and for our community as a whole.
Dr. Neil Cooper - Plant Based Eating and Health, a Torah Perspective. Tony Jassen - The IDF Code of Ethics and its basis in Jewish thought. Rabba Melissa Scholten-Gutierrez - We will do and we will hear. Wait, what did we just commit to? Rabbi Nachum Gutierrez - What does it mean to be created in God's image?
FunRaising Trivia Night Motzei Shabbat, Nov 23rd 7:00p to 9:00p Hosted by Michelle Rich, Debbie Cohen Sobel & Leah Kaplan. Featuring NYC Trivia Host Gabe Rich. An Italian vegetarian dinner will be served. All proceeds to benefit Congregation Or VeShalom.
Community Service Projects Thanksgiving 2024 Sunday, Nov 24th 9:00a to 1:00p OVS is partnering with JF&CS to prepare Thanksgiving meals for people living in group housing and care packages for care givers.
Learn to Chant the Torah Wednesday, Dec 4th 7:00p to 9:00p Learn to chant the Torah with Rabbi Gutierrez. This series begins on Tuesday, November 12 through January. There will be no classes Thanksgiving week or during winter break. RSVP requested. Class is offered free of charge.
Town Brookhaven Holiday Kickoff Thursday, Dec 5th 6:00p to 8:30p Join Rabbi Hearshen, friends & family from OVS and the greater community of Brookhaven for this special event. There will be a Giant Hanukkiah, Dance & Musical Performances, Merchant Specials, Character Meet & Greet, and More. No RSVP necessary. Be sure to stop by the OVS table for some goodies!
Cash Raffle 2024 Sunday, Dec 8th 11:00a to 4:00p Enter to win our 50/50 cash raffle. Winner will be drawn at the end of the Sisterhood Bazaar on Sunday, December 8. You do not have to be present to win.
Hanukkah Bazaar and Food Festival Sunday, Dec 8th 11:00a to 4:00p The OVS Sisterhood Hanukkah Bazaar & Food Festival will feature food, shopping and lots of games and activities for children.
Comedy Night FunRaiser Motzei Shabbat, Dec 14th 7:30p to 10:30p Join us for a fun night of comedy featuring our very own Louis Galanti & Lily Maslia providing opening comedy sets for Atlanta legend Jerry Farber. All proceeds to benefit OVS.
Annual General Membership Meeting Sunday, Dec 15th 10:00a to 11:30a The meeting this year is being offered in person and on Zoom. We need a quorum to vote at the Meeting. Please make every effort to attend.
