religious obligations

Shabbat, I'm sure I've mentioned to all of you in these Shabbat Messages, is a time to reflect on life, a day to find some quiet time, engage in pleasurable activities and be with family and friends. I haven't changed my mind about that idea. It has kept our people together for millennia.

This Shabbat our Torah portion, Emor, reminds us of the religious obligations of the ritual calendar, the appointed holy times that we are to assemble as a congregation. Shabbat is mentioned, as are the festivals and other holy days.

Yet Judaism demands that we assemble ourselves for other holy convocations, as well, that are not part of any ritual calendar.

Or Chadash is celebrating a "modern" holy day this weekend: Mitzvah Day. Rabbi Tarfon, a sage from the Talmud, wrote the well known adage: "It is not our duty to complete the work, but neither are we free to ignore it." (Pirke Avot 2:21).

Well, this Sunday (9-12, to be precise) we are gathering as a congregation to engage in the work to which Rabbi Tarfon refers. Our task is to provide a measure of repair to our community. A Band-Aid for the world.

Please join us. It is among the holiest of days throughout the year.

Shabbat Shalom.

Rabbi Joseph M. Forman