Selling Chametz
Even if you don’t keep a kosher kitchen, and/or you don’t “convert” your kitchen for Pesach, there is still spiritual value in selling your chametz: You are engaging with myriad Jews worldwide in a practice that can be traced back to Torah and, if you include a donations to “ma’ot chitin,” you are enabling those in need to more fully celebrate Pesach.
A Few Things About Pesach (With lots of links)
There is a wealth of information about Pesach (and the challenges of this year) at Exploring Judaism.org.
Omer 5785
My recent posts...
Purim: What’s at Stake
Today is Ta’anit Ester, a half-day fast in solidarity with the biblical Esther who orchestrated a three-day hunger strike to boost her chance of success in approaching the king without having been summoned, potentially a capital offense.
Singing at the Sea
Shirat Hayam, the song at the sea, is a magnificent biblical ode to God’s power in freeing the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. It is the centerpiece of this week’s Torah reading.
In the spirit of song, most of the service this Shabbat morning will be sung. Old melodies, newer ones, even a few original tunes by Rabbi Kremer. Starting at 9:30 … come sing with us!
Also, this Shabbat is the anniversary of Cantor Ed Kulp’s Bar Mitzvah. Join us in celebration!
Pharaoh and the Egyptian army are drowned in the Sea of Reeds by Adonai. Moshe and the men of Israel burst out in song, shirat hayam, the Song at the Sea, a triumphal ode to Adonai’s wondrous powers:
אָשִׁירָה לַאֲדֹנָי כִּי גָאֹה גָּאָה
ASHIRA LADONAI KI GA’O GA’A
I will sing to Adonai for Adonai has triumphed mightily!
In contrast, Miryam, Moshe’s sister, leads the women in dance and song:
שִׁירוּ לַיְיָ כִּי גָאֹה גָּאָה
SHIRU LADONAI KI GA’O GA’A
Let us Sing to Adonai for Adonai has triumphed mightily!
Declaration and invitation.
The self and the collective.
Id and superego.
In exultation, alone or in concert, we praise God for the wonders in our lives.
Shabbat shalom! שבת שלום