Shabbat Shalom from Rabbi Lori Koffman

In this week’s Torah portion, Va-era, we witness the beginning of the Israelites’ journey from slavery to freedom. Early in the parashah, God promises Moses that God will “free” the Israelites from their harsh labors, “deliver” them from bondage, “redeem” them with an outstretched arm, and then “take” them to be “My people.” These four verbs are one of the reasons given for why we drink four cups of wine at our Passover seder, and as you might imagine, trying to understand the meaning behind the four has given rise to centuries of commentary!?

One of my favorite explanations is from the 20th-century Polish rabbi and scholar Benno Jacob, who points out that they represent the different steps in the development of the Israelites’ relationship to God, as it moves from justice, to compassion, to feelings of closeness, and finally climaxes in love. As with all valuable relationships, the Israelites’ journey to their covenant with God is a process – it doesn’t happen all at once, it doesn’t happen without effort. It happens in community, not as a journey of isolated individuals.???

This Shabbat, we at Park Avenue Synagogue will embark on a different sort of journey in our own special way: We will celebrate our annual Shabbaton by praying, learning, singing and shmoozing together. It’s one of the beautiful ways we can deepen our relationships with one another, strengthen the bonds of our PAS community, and maybe even feel the embrace of God’s love.??

So please join us for this very special Shabbat.? ?

Shabbat Shalom!?

Rabbi Lori Koffman