Words From Rabbi White

The word “va-yaqhel” is from the same root as the words “qahal” or “qehilla,” which mean "a community". Moshe called all of the people together. And we anticipate the time when in the near future, we should be able to come together in the synagogue, without the limitations that we must currently follow. At the same time, I am opposed to the efforts of some of our coreligionists to put pressure on the gov’t to ease the restrictions.  Let us not be, as we say in Hebrew, “dohaqim ’et ha-qets,” i.e., to force the end.  Covid is a very powerful enemy, and we must scrupulously follow all of the restrictions. 

At the conclusion of this week’s Torah readings, as we conclude the Book of Exodus, we all say “hazaq hazaq ve-nithazeq” (Actually, it should probably be “nithazaq,” but that’s another story.) In other words, we wish one another that we should all have strength. I have heard politicians refer to beating the virus as a “marathon.” Hopefully, we are approaching the end of this marathon. 

Yet it is well known that as runners approach the 20-mile mark (i.e. about 75%,) if they are not properly prepared, they will “hit a wall.”  Let us not hit the wall. Let us have the strength to follow the rules, so that we may all get through this in good health. “hazaq hazaq ve-nithazeq.”

This Shabbat we read “parashat ha-hodesh.”  The word “hodesh”, which means “month,” is related to the word “hadash,” which means “new.” And so, we look forward to a renewal of our traditional synagogue participation: “speedily and in our days!” Hazaq!

Shabbat shalom