In this week's Torah portion we have an interesting use of the Hebrew language that cries out to be interpreted. Our reading describes the seven - branched golden Menorah that was lit in the ancient Tabernacle. God said to Moses to tell Aaron to "raise up" the flames, and used these words instead of the usual expression, "to light the flame."
The classic Bible commentator, Rashi, explained the word for "raising" is written in the context of the lighting, for one needs to light and hold the taper next to the wick until the flame arises on its own.
Our tradition teaches that the Menorah in the Sanctuary is a symbol of the Jewish soul, "the lamp of the Lord is the soul of wo/man."
Aaron's task, therefore, was to raise up every soul, to bring out the Divine within each of us. The words "raise up" were used, the rabbis taught, so that Aaron knew to kindle the flame until it rose by itself. Furthermore, Aaron was to inspire the Israelites to be a flame of light for themselves and others.
This is how it is for us today. We need to light our soul with inspiring teachings until it stays lit on its own! The "flame" is each of us and our potential to find our Divine spark within. The "raising up" is our searching for wholeness and connection to something greater than ourselves. The "flame staying on its own" is when we internalize our Divine spark and know who we are and what we can be in this world. The knowledge and understanding that we learn when we study and pray, sing and dance together will endow us with the power to "shine" independently!
May we all be glorious flames, shining brightly and upwardly for ourselves and for those whom we love. Amen
The General meeting of Lev Eisha will be held on June 7th at Adat Shalom.
We will be voting on the slate and discussing our plans for the coming year.
Your input is important so please plan to attend.
Here is the proposed slate.
Core Leadership
President Olivia Goodkin
Vice President Robin Winston
Treasurer Marla Osband
Recording Secretary Janis Cohen
Corresponding Sec. Judy Cohen
Membership Chair Julie London
Immediate Past Pres. Andrea Nitz
Committee Chairs
Fundraising (Seder) Susie Yure
Marketing (Newsletter) Mollie Wine
Hospitality Joan Spiegel
& Sarah Barash
Catering (to be filled)
Education/Ritual (to be filled)
Members at Large
Ruth Grossman
Barbara Haberman
Doreen Klee
Ex-Officio Members
Betty Wagner Kramer (founding mother)
Elaine Craig Segal (founding president)
Rabbi Toba August (Rabbi)
We are pleased to announce that we will continue to meet during the summer.
On July 7th we will have a teaching Shabbat in lieu of a regular service.
On August 4th we will have a regular Lev Eisha Service with Rabbi August.
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A special Mazel Tov to Joy Krauthammer and Shirley Lowy who will be chanting Torah at our service in honor of their birthdays.
Mazel Tov to Lois Hamlish, her daughter and son-in-law, on the occasion of Rhonda and Lynn's 30th Anniversary.
If you have a milestone to share please send it to: editor@leveisha.org. Our newsletter gets printed about a week before each service. Please send the info ASAP.
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