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MEMBERSHIP YEAR 5783

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MEMBERSHIP YEAR 5783

SHIURIM & PROGRAMS

SPONSOR TORAH LEARNING

RABBI MOSES' WEEKLY MESSAGE

Dear Mogen David Family,

The Torah, as the greatest work ever produced, is subdivided topically and thematically. It also shares many different styles. Some sections of the Torah are poetic (think of Az Yashir and Parashat Ha'azinu); other sections are more prosaic in nature, containing many columns of narrative. Our Parshiot in Sefer VaYikra elude classification into either the poetic or prosaic sections. Sefer VaYikra, as the Torat Kohanim, serves as the technical manual for the Avodat HaKorbanot and the maintenance of the Mishkan. It certainly challenges us to mine deeper for the many precious metals embedded within these Parshiot. 

With a few rare exceptions almost all of the Korbanot Mincha, the meal offering consisting of flour and oil, were made into a wafer Matza, and were not allowed to become bread, rendering them Chametz. We are now within 30 days of Pesach and we are all-too-familiar with the ruinous nature of Chametz on Chag Pesach, the prohibitions to eat, benefit, or own Chametz. 

But of what relevance is Chametz throughout the year in relation of the Korban Mincha? 

Some commentators explain the requirement to ensure the Mincha doesn't leaven through the prism of self-improvement and refinement of our Middot. Chametz is a symbol of haughtiness and arrogance, and feeling of self-inflation. Through the Korban Mincha, seemingly a waste of potentially useful and nourishing bread, we remind ourselves to moderate our pride. Ga'ava, arrogance, explains the Gemara in Masechet Sota, disallows one to live in the same world as his/her Creator. There is simply not enough room for HaKadosh Baruch Hu in our lives if we believe the world's rotation depends continues because of our self-worth. 

This idea is also emblematic of the message of Pesach itself. Hashem's primary purpose in producing the Makkot was for Pharaoh to humble himself and acknowledge the Infinite Sovereignty of the Melech Malchei HaMelachim. 

This is a particularity important message as we approach Nissan, the month of Geula, but, as the Korban Mincha reminds us, it is also of vital importance as a reminder year round.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Yehuda Moses Rav HaKehillah/Senior Rabbi

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Our SHUL in Pictures

 

Thu, March 30 2023 8 Nisan 5783