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Marathon Jewish
Community Center's Cyber Shul
Shabbat Lech Lecha
Genesis 12:1-17:27
Candle Lighting Time: Friday, October 19, 2007
In this week’s Torah portion there is a very interesting
verse. “Abram took his wife Sarai and his brother’s son Lot, and all the
wealth that they had amassed, and the persons that they had acquired in
Haran…”(12:5) Who were these people Abram had acquired? According to the
Midrash these are the converts whom Abram and Sarai had led to belief in
the one true God. (Gen. R 39:14) I am convinced that Abram and Sarai’s
unconditional love and acceptance moved those converts to join the Jewish
people.
We have to acknowledge though there is a high cost of
loving. We become vulnerable when we love people and go out of our way to
help them. That’s what the wealthy industrialist Charles Schwab declared
after going to court and winning a nuisance suit at age 70. Given
permission by the judge to speak to the audience, he made the following
statement: “I’d like to say here in a court of law, and speaking as an
old man, that nine-tenths of my troubles are traceable to my being kind to
others. Look, you young people, if you want to steer away from trouble,
be hard-boiled. Be quick with a good loud no to anyone and everyone. If
you follow this rule, you will seldom be bothered as you tread life’s
pathway. Except-you will have no friends, you’ll be lonely, and you won’t
have any fun!” Schwab had made his point-love my bring heartache, but it
is worth it! If Abram and Sarai hadn’t cared so much for all those
pagans, they would not have been able to bring them under the wing of
God’s holy presence, the Shechinah.
Yes, loving makes us vulnerable to hurts, grief, and
misunderstanding. Nevertheless, it also honors the Lord, brings joy into
the lives of others, and gives us a sense of fulfillment. Love costs, but
it pays.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Gary Greene
Services Schedule:
Friday night 7:00 p.m.
Shabbat 9:00 a.m.
Mon. & Thurs 6:30 a.m.
Sun. - Thurs night 7:30 p.m.
Announcements:
Join
Rabbi Greene in our seasons first “Lunch & Learn” on October 20th
This
month’s topic is The Redemption of Captives: The Case of Gilad Shalit, Ehud
Goldwasser, and Eldad Regav. In order to plan appropriately, RESERVATIONS
ARE A MUST – The cost of lunch is only $8.00 per adult and $4.00 per child.
RSVP NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 15th If you haven’t made
reservations, you may still join us for the learn part of the lunch and
learn. That is always free.
You are
warmly invited to join a newly formed group interested in talking about
loss, grief and morning - beginning in November for 8 weeks – Thursdays
from 12 noon to 1 pm. Thanks to an anonymous grant this support group is
free for all members. For more information contact temple office.
Marathon JCC is pleased to
welcome you to an evening of folk/rock music Guitar virtuoso Gerald Bair
will be our featured performer. – Sunday, October 28th at 6:30
pm. Wine, Fruit & Cheese will be serviced – RSVP A MUST – call the temple
office
Join your
friends for the First Annual Queens Jewish Community Wide
SHIRATHON
featuring noted area Cantors, Choirs & Accomplished Singers – Sunday,
October 21st at 2 PM at Flushing Fresh Meadows Jewish Center –
195-10 Peck Ave – Free Admission & refreshments.
North
Shore Long Island Region International Women’s League proudly presents a
Torah Fund Celebration at the Jewish Theological Seminary – Monday, November
5th – Watch your mail for more information
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