This Shabbat is the 45th anniversary of my bat mitzvah (gulp!), and I remember how challenged I was to write a D’var Torah on this week’s parsha, Ki Teitzei (“when you go out”). Here Moses is recounting the laws to the Israelites before they set off into the land they are about to inhabit. As one scholar shared, this parsha, which contains the greatest number of mitzvot, is a “grab-bag-potpourri-miscellaneous of the legal compendia” as it covers everything from family and marital relations to domestic laws regarding property, animals, clothing, homes, and vineyards. Some of these chapters are peppered with laws that many would consider no longer binding (such as the injunction against mixing flax & wool into a single garment) while we search for those that continue to hold meaning for us (like the reminder to look after the “stranger, fatherless and widow,”).
Now wiser (and older) I’ve come to learn that the mitzvot enumerated in this parsha are mitzvot bein adam l’chavero, interactions between one (wo)man to another (wo)man providing guidance towards the right actions.
These mitzvot guide me at work and remind me to respond with a loving heart. “If someone works for you, pay them right away. You never know when someone might need payment desperately. Don’t shame them by making them ask.” (Deuteronomy 24:15)
These mitzvot open my mind to the importance of responding with a generous, non-judgmental spirit. “Fathers shall not be put to death because of sons, nor shall sons be put to death because of fathers; each man shall be put to death for his own transgression.” (Deuteronomy 24:16).
These mitzvot remind us of the hardness and narrow straights (Mitzrayim) which we have known and the memories that impel us towards lovingkindness. “You shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and the Lord, your God, redeemed you from there; therefore, I command you to do this thing.” (Deuteronomy 24:18).
We’re almost halfway through the month of Elul, a time in which we prepare through the spiritual work of re-orientating ourselves. During this time, we seek to repair our relationships and to look inwards as we strengthen our intentions in how we view and treat one another and ourselves (and who couldn’t use more self-compassion these days). On this Shabbat may we find ways that these mitzvot wil become ingrained within us and guide us in the coming year.
Shabbat Shalom,
Bekki Harris Kaplan
Beth Emet “Fusion” Services
Kabbalat Shabbat Services Back In-Person Every Week Starting Tonight
As our community transitions to providing both in-person and at home worship options, we are excited to share that starting tonight, Kabbalat Shabbat services will be back every Friday. Kahal Shabbat Morning services will be back in-person in the next few weeks. Here are a few reminders:
If you encounter an issue in Zoom, all Shabbat services held in the sanctuary can also be found at https://bethemet.livecontrol.tv/. All Friday evening services are recorded and archived here.
We appreciate your savlanut (patience) and understanding as we implement additional layers of technology to our worship and for those community members choosing to participate from home.
If you would like to provide any constructive feedback, we ask that you direct it to Geoff Prass, Director of Operations, after Shabbat.
Please fill out this form and submit no later than Thursday at noon before the service.
Zoom Hosts Needed
We have a need for volunteers to act as Zoom hosts for upcoming services and events. As part of our fusion worship, we continue to offer online services through live-streaming via Zoom and LiveControl. We are looking for a team of individuals who will take turns hosting the Zoom Shabbat services and support basic Zoom questions. Training and support on how to host can be provided. If you can help, please contact Geoff Prass.
In this week's portion, Shoftim, meaning judges, we find the famous phrase, tzedek, tzedek tirdof! "Justice, justice you shall pursue!" (Deuteronomy 16:20) The late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg proudly hung these words in her chambers. In her memory Rabbi Memis-Foler made this amazing challah in the shape of one of RBG’s dissent chollars - or challahs!Find out more on our Challah Midrash instagram.
Receive Yahrzeit Notifications by Email
With a change in our database systems, we would like to take this opportunity to find out if you wish to receive notifications by email. Please contact Shlomitand let us know. Notices are sent two weeks prior to the yahrzeit. And if you wish to be notified on the Hebrew date, please let us know that as well.
Worship Support
To access worship services virtually, please check the latest info/links on the online calendar. Please note that worship services are also posted on Facebook Live. Kabbalat Shabbat Livestream will include virtual t’filah to follow the service. If you don’t have a copy of Mishkan T’filah (siddur / prayerbook) at home for Kahal Shabbat morning services or Kabbalat Mitzvah services, you can get a free online flip book, a discounted Kindle eBook version of Mishkan T’filah, or a full Mishkan T’filah. It’s also just fine to listen in!
