I have 3 things for this posting: Torah study, yahrzeit plaques, and Rabbi Weiss. Intrigued?
Torah Study
I read recently that more Jews are studying Torah than ever in the history of our people. Why and how is that happening? Until recent times, Torah study was limited by access to sacred texts. Despite being the “people of the Book”, most Jews knew little about Torah. If you wanted to know what the Rambam or Rashi or Chizkuni thought about a particular verse in Torah, you needed to be enrolled in a yeshiva. It’s true of course that most printed copies of the Torah have commentary, and if you purchased various editions by different compilers you could have some diversity of perspective. But these days you can go to Sefaria online and find commentaries by dozens of famous rabbis, find many books on Jewish law, many different prayer books, etc. It’s really quite stunning how much is available. When you add the capability of meeting online to discuss these topics you compound the opportunities for learning and more Jews than ever are taking advantage.
For the past year and a half we have been meeting every Tuesday evening at 7:30 on Zoom. You should join us. The discussion is led by Dr. Block and lasts about an hour. We discuss the weekly parashah and occasionally digress to discussions of current holidays or customs. It’s a small time investment with a big reward, bringing you closer to Jewish knowledge, custom, and spiritually. If you are interested I will send you the Zoom link. You can send an email to the shul email address or just leave a comment to this posting.
Yahrzeit plaques
We unveil yahrzeit plaques during Yizkor service on Yom Kippur. If you are interested in buying a plaque for a family member or friend, we need to know now. We submit the orders to our vendor by Memorial Day to ensure that we get them back in time for High Holidays. You can see all the plaques we currently display by clicking on this LINK.
Rabbi Weiss
In 2011 (yes, 15 years ago) I posted a story about Carnegie rabbis. I believe it received more comments than any other posting, before or since. Most people were interested in knowing more about Rabbi Weiss, who served in Carnegie in the ’50s/’60s. You can read the post and comments at this LINK. However, I want to particularly point out that Jeffrey Weiss, the rabbi’s son, posted a comment just this past February which answers a lot of questions.
Today is Lag b’Omer, the 33rd day of counting the Omer between Passover and Shavuos. Traditionally on this day we take a break from the solemnity. It’s kind of a day off. And since it is also Cinco de Mayo, I would suggest a margarita during happy hour this afternoon. Be well everyone.
I found the Tuesday night discussions from sefaria very valuable in disseminating knowledge i think we needed better advertising and getting some younger people involved. I think we should contact make the small synagogues national group aware of our efforts and enlist their help Youth groups like Hillel centers should also be contacted Anti semitism has become a growth industry in this country