“Great warrior. Hmmm. Wars not make one great.” (Master Yoda) These words spoken in The Empire Strikes Back sum up the feelings of Yoda and what wars are about. They are not about making a name for oneself. Wars are not fought out of choice. Wars are not good. Wars are a necessary evil in the world because we have yet to figure out how to solve problems without violence. Wars continue to exist because we, as a species, want power and that which is not ours. Wars are not started out of altruism but out of greed, jealousy and an inability to live by the core lessons of kindergarten.
This week we will read פרשת בשלח/Parshat BeShalach. In this פרשה/portion we see that פרעה/Pharaoh changed his mind and could not live without his enslaved laborers nor could he do the right thing and so he chased after us. When we were at the Sea of Reeds, and the Egyptians were on our heels, we were saved as the sea split and we walked on dry land. After the waters closed on the Egyptians, and they were destroyed while we were saved, we rejoiced and sang. The song we sang was the “Song of the Sea” we sing each morning in services,
אז ישיר/Az YaShir. One of the lines that's always stuck out to me is from שמות 15:3: ה' איש מלחמה ה' שמו Hashem is a “Man” of War, Hashem is God’s name.
This line has always been perplexing. I don’t imagine or picture God as being violent or vengeful. I picture God as just and caring. I picture God as benevolent. I picture God as being a part of all we struggle with and we can rely on God to help us through our hardest times. But what is with this whole concept of God being violent and being a fighter? One commentator answers as follows:
The Sforno explained: ה' איש מלחמה, ה' שמו, even though He at times appears as the איש מלחמה, the “Man” of war who destroys His foes by invoking the attribute of Justice, He is yet predominantly Hashem, the God who practices mercy. It’s this attribute of His which is responsible for the continued existence of all His creatures. When He destroys His foes, He is in effect removing weeds from the garden in order to enable the useful plants to survive and develop. The wicked are like the thorns and thistles in a vineyard.
It isn’t that God is vengeful or violent. It’s that God is predominantly merciful. God’s mercy is what sustains humanity. The reality is this line is there to teach that war does not make us great but war is a necessary part of life and existence. Mercy is the optimal way for God to exist and the same is true of humanity. To think God is only love and everything sweet is to think God is one sided and beyond the simplest imaginations. God is not great because of the wars that are fought. God is great because He helps us when we need Him the most.
Sisterhood Donor Event 2025 Sunday, Feb 23rd 1:30p to 3:30p Featuring Stayin' Alive Crew and honoring Nicole Feldman and Matty Perry
Reception at 1:30 pm, Light Lunch and Program begin at 2:00 pm.
$30 per person plus a donation of at least $36 per person.
Building Blocks Preview Day Sunday, Mar 2nd 10:00a to 12:00p Visit our OVS Sunday School and see what all the excitement is about!
Talk with Director, Chana Mayer, learn to make Biscochos (special Sephardic cookies) with the students, observe learning in our classrooms, meet Rabbi Hearshen. Bring your children so they can join in. For ages 2-12.
Hebrew Class for Adults Monday, Mar 3rd 7:30p to 8:30p This beginner-level class will focus on reading Hebrew. Personalized attention will be provided to each learner. Class will be held weekly on Mondays from March through May.
Shabbat Together Shabbat, Mar 8th 10:30a to 11:30a Join us for our new Kavanagh Minyan & Children's Services the second Saturday each month. Following these services, we'll join the group in the Sanctuary for Rabbi Hearshen's sermon followed by Kiddush lunch.
It’s as easy as:
Inviting your friends and family for Shabbat Dinner, Taking a few photos, Sharing the photos with OVS & One Table And... Receiving a stipend for each person at your dinner.
Purim 2025 Friday, Mar 14th 4:00p to 7:30p Celebrate Purim at OVS with Purimpalooza and Shabbat Dinner. Purimpalooza is $18 per family including all activities and snacks. Shabbat Dinner is $35 per adult & $15 per child.
Sisterhood Shabbat 2025 Shabbat, Mar 29th 8:45a to 12:00p Volunteers needed for English and Hebrew readings. To participate in the service, contact Sharon Sonenshine at sharon.sonenshine@gmail.com. Services will be followed by Kiddush. RSVP for Kiddush requested.
