Torah & More

Post date: Feb 22, 2019 4:44:16 PM

Shalom Chaverim,

This week's Torah portion is Ki Tisa, Exodus 30:11-34:35:

The portion opens with instruction to tell the Children of Israel to contribute exactly 'half a shekel' of silver each. This amount was something that each one could afford.

When I was a kid..we used to get a monthly publication from our Jewish Community Center (JCC) called The Argus. While I was young, I used to read it from cover to cover. Most of it was updates on Center happenings. The back page was devoted to acknowledging donations to the many endowment funds. Not sure why I read that and all the names listed. As a 10 year old, I really didn't know any of those people. But I do know that my mother sent me out to go door to door to collect contributions for the various charities, eg. March of Dimes (which I still collect for, but via mail). My years in Israel were different. I didn't belong to any particular organizations, but there were always 'knocks' at my door. I never really knew who I was donating to, but the 5 Shekels I routinely gave ($2.50) was not a hardship.

When I returned to the US, the first place I joined was the local JCC. Because I needed a pre-school, it was an obvious choice for us. I've never been much of a gift giver...most people I know have everything they need and want! But, I did acknowledge all occasions, happy or sad, with a gift of a donation. Since I spent most of my days at the JCC, I had picked "Send a Kid to Camp" endowment for most of my gifts. Later on, when I joined a shul, I continued to remember or honor individuals or life cycle events with a donation to the shul. I learned years ago, that Temple membership is akin to the half shekel donated by the Israelite in the wilderness...an amount everyone can afford. But, I was/am also aware, that it takes more than membership dues to keep a House of Worship afloat.

Beit Chaverim has been a very happy home for me these past few years. I know most of you have had a much longer history with this small and warm congregation. Financial realities are not new to Jewish institutions. In Ki Tisa, we learn that even in the Wilderness it was a concern... The Israelites were actually 'commanded' to donate this half shekel for the upkeep of the Cohanim and the sanctuary.

Yartzeits. On Friday February 22nd, we will be lighting a Candle in memory of those whose Yartzeits occur this month. Feel welcomed to come and say Kaddish for them.

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I hope you have enjoyed reading Torah and More as much as I have enjoyed taking the time to prepare it. I loved taking the opportunity to review the Torah portion, both for myself and you! I also felt it was a way of you opening up your home to me on a weekly basis. I have always appreciated any feedback that you sent me. Great to 'see' and hear that something stimulated your thoughts on the portion.

See you Friday,

Rabbi Betsy