Chabad Jewish Center of Laguna Niguel • Email: chabadln@sbcglobal.net • Phone: 949-831-8475 • www.ChabadLagunaNiguel.com
But Rabbi, where is Shul mentioned in the Torah?
OK, I’m gonna come clean…
If you know me a little bit, you know how much I like when people come to Shul, how happy I am when I see your face on a Shabbat morning, or any morning for that matter!
But why? Is Shul that important a Mitzvah?
I’m going to let you in on a secret (but you got to promise you won’t use it against me…) Nowhere in the Torah is it written “Thou shalt attend Shul”. So its not even a mitzvah. Prayer, yes. Shul, no.
So why the big deal?
Did you ever wonder why gyms have become so popular? Anyone who is serious about staying fit joins a gym. But why? Can’t you exercise at home and save so much time and expense?
Of course you can. But it never happens. Life is busy. As much as we’d like to exercise, we simply don’t get around to it often enough. Going to a place designed for it and being surrounded by like minded people has the ability to get us going.
Think of Shul as your spiritual gym. You know that you really should spend some time each day/week in prayer. You know how beneficial it is for your emotional and mental wellbeing when you make time for prayer and meditation, bringing life into focus. But who’s got time? Life is busy… Would love to but can’t seem to make it happen…
That’s where Shul comes in. A place to get away from it all and do what you would love to do but can’t seem to get around to. It’s your spiritual fitness center!
Join our Minyon campaign and make a “prayer pledge” to attend Shul on Shabbat.
Saturday prayers are held on the 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month beginning at 10am. The services are followed by a delicious Kiddush lunch, good conversation and great company. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and make great friends!
Our Friday night services are held weekly at 6:00pm. Make the commitment to attend on a set basis. It does wonders. Your soul will thank you.
I look forward to greeting you at services!
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Mendy Paltiel
B”H
Shabbat Times
Candle Lighting Times for
Laguna Niguel, CA [Based on Zip Code 92677]:
Shabbat Candle Lighting:
Friday, Mar 4
5:32 pm
Shabbat Ends:
Shabbat, Mar 5
6:27 pm
Torah Portion: Pekudei
When lighting your candles please pray for Chaya Mushka bas Gila Elka’s complete recovery
This week’s Torah reading also includes Parshat Shekalim (Exodus 30:11-16), which speaks of the half-shekel each Jew contributed to the Sanctuary.
