|
||||||
A word from the Rabbi
Dear Friends,
A US president has four years between elections, a congressman needs to renew his mandate every two years, while dictators stay in office for as long as they can keep their generals happy (or terrified). But G-d is up for reelection every year.
Every Rosh Hashanah, we crown G-d king. According to the Kabbalists, without this annual coronation (effected by our resolve to submit to the divine sovereignty, our recitation of the “verses of kingship” included in the special prayers of the day, and our sounding of the shofar), G-d’s “kingship” would not be renewed, and the whole of creation – which derives from the divine desire to be king – would cease to exist.
How does G-d prepare for His annual reelection? Does He just sit up there in His “palace” trusting in our good sense to proclaim Him king once again? Does He go after the vote, mingling with the masses, pressing the flesh, kissing babies? Here’s how Chassidic master Rebbe Schneur Zalman of Liadi (1745-1812), describes the month of Elul – the month that precedes the divine coronation on Rosh Hashanah:
It is like a king who, before he enters the city, the people of the city go out to greet him in the field. There, everyone who so desires is permitted to meet him; he receives them all with a cheerful countenance and shows a smiling face to them all. And when he goes to the city, they follow him there. Later, however, after he enters his royal palace, none can enter into his presence except by appointment, and only special people and select individuals. So, too, by analogy, the month of Elul is when we meet G-d in the field…
While this description bears some resemblance to a politician running for office in a modern democracy, there are, of course, some significant differences. Such as the fact that a campaign promise by G-d is far more likely to be fulfilled than one that is made by your typical office-seeker.
We have entered the month of Elul. The king is in the field; if you need something from Him, now’s the time to ask.
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Mendy Paltiel
P.S. Join us for Shabbat services this Saturday, and we usher in the all important month of Elul, the month that prepares us for the High Holidays. The King is in the Field – all that remains is for us to get out there and greet him!
B”H
Shabbat Times
Candle Lighting Times for
Laguna Niguel, CA [Based on Zip Code 92677]:
Shabbat Candle Lighting:
Friday, Aug 17
7:16 pm
Shabbat Ends:
Shabbat, Aug 18
8:12 pm
Torah Portion: Re’eh
When lighting your candles please pray for Chaya Mushka bas Gila Elka’s complete recovery
|
|
Support Our Calendar!
Our Jewish Art Calendar
is almost ready to print!
Its not too late to show your support!
Advertise your business or share your special occasion with our community!
Daily Quote
Jacob prepared himself [for his confrontation with Esau] in three ways: he sent Esau a gift to appease him, he prayed, and he made ready for war
— Rashi (Genesis 32:9)
|
Daily Thought
|
|
Over the Budget
“Whoever builds a home,” the sages say, “goes broke over it.” But it’s worth it. Midway, you run past your budget. To complete, you borrow and fall into debt. It’s only then that your home is built and your investment pays off. It’s all well worth it—otherwise, no one would ever build a house. It’s the protocol of life—every success is preceded by despair. And for good reason: Our minds and hearts struggle, but they are too small to reach their own fulfillment. In desperation, we call upon something much deeper, something we never knew we had. We borrow from our innermost, hidden powers. And only then can we build a home for the divine. |
