Sign In Forgot Password

Home

MEMBERSHIP YEAR 5783

SHIURIM & PROGRAMS

 

MEMBERSHIP YEAR 5783

  • Join us for a wonderful Shabbat experience
  • Sign up as a member and become part of our warm and welcoming community
  • Call or email us for more information at              (310) 556-5609 or office@mogen-david.org

RABBI MOSES' WEEKLY MESSAGE

Dear Mogen David Family,

In this week's Parasha we are introduced to Yakov and Esav,  the sons of Yitzchak and Rivka. The pasuk at the beginning of the Parasha informs us--

"VaYitrotzetzu HaBanim B'Kirbah, VaTomer Im Ken Lamah Ze Anochi, VaTelech Lidrosh Et Hashem." (25:22)

Her [Rivka's] two sons fought in utero, and she said 'Why is this happening to me?' and she went to ask Hashem.

The Gaon of Vilna, in his commentary on Tanach, entitled the Aderet Eliyahu, says the word "Anochi" in the pasuk refers to the first of the Asseret HaDibrot: "Anochi Hashem Elokecha..." the mitzvah of Belief in Hashem. Rivka was asking Hashem, 'if I have two competing sons, if Am Yisrael will be saturated with machloket, with hatred toward one another, why were we given the mitzvah of Emunat Hahem?' Rivka assumed the Belief in the One true G-d of the Jewish people implied an element of Achdut Yisrael, K'ish Echad B'lev Echad--one G-d, one nation. The scary prospect of her two sons breaking apart our nation, was too much for Rivka to handle.

Hashem's response, while not ideal for Rivka, at least allayed and addressed her biggest fear. "Shnei Goyim B'vitnech, Ushnei Leumim,"--there is not one unified nation; rather, there will emerge two distinct nations. (25:23)

Rivka understood that each of her sons was destined to lead a great nation, but only one (Yakov) will carry the mantle of Am Yisrael, thus keeping our nation unified. Rabbotai, it is sad that these two nations continue to fight today, with no real hope in sight.

Let us always remember: the best weapon against our enemies is our Achdut, our unity and love for one another. Let us strive to demonstrate this on a daily basis!

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Yehuda Moses Rav HaKehillah/Senior Rabbi

Support KMD When You Shop

When you click the link below, you will be given the option to register Congregation Mogen David as your chosen charity to support. Every time you shop, AmazonSmile foundation donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases to the synagogue. 

Please note that in order for the synagogue to receive a donation, shopping must be done via smile.amazon.com rather than their regular website. 

 

Our SHUL in Pictures

 

Sat, November 26 2022 2 Kislev 5783