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Shabbat Vayahkal
Exodus 35:1-37:16
Candle Lighting Time: Friday, February 29, 2008 5:26 P.M.
I have to admit that I am not an enthusiastic tourist when it comes to
visiting churches in Europe. Many times when I have entered a church,
the old Simon and Garfunkle song plays on my mind’s jukebox. “Blessed
is the church service-makes me nervous…” But I go in anyway because I
always want to expand my own parochial horizons. This introduction leads
me to this week’s story.
One of the world’s greatest architects, Sir Christopher Wren, undertook
the task of helping to rebuild London after it had been nearly destroyed
by fire in 1666. One day he visited the site where a large church
building was under construction. He called out to a laborer perched
high on a scaffold, “What are you doing up there?” With pride the man
called back, “I’m helping Sir Christopher Wren build a cathedral!” That
wasn’t an empty boast, for without the help of unnamed workers Wren
could not have constructed any of his impressive structures. Those
churches are as much a tribute to the workers as to Wren.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the above scenario happened to our ancestors
back in the desert 3000 years earlier. The Lord singled out Bezalel as
the foreman over the construction of the Tabernacle. “Moses then
called…everyone who excelled in ability to undertake the task and carry
it out. (Exodus 36:2) When these workers had completed the construction
of the Tabernacle, they could look back with satisfaction that their
contribution, no matter how large or small, made all the difference.
Now all of Israel could commune with the Holy One in a beautiful
sanctuary.
Do you ever feel that what you’re doing in life is boringly humdrum and
unimportant? Most of us probably feel as if we’re on that sort of
treadmill. It’s hard a times to keep in mind that we are God’s partners
in perfecting this world. No matter what our job or task in life, as we
are faithful to the Lord in the use of time, talents, and gifts, we are
helping Him to build a better world for all. You can add a measure of
spirituality to your life by framing what ever you do an extension of
your partnership with the Lord. You are His hands, eyes, and legs on
earth.
Praise God for the privilege of working alongside of Him. For with the
Lord, our work matters!
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:
MJCC Theatare Group Presents “Damn Yankees”. Shoiw dates are
Saturdays-March 1st, 8th , and 15th and Sundays March 2nd, 9th, and 16th.
Ticket prices are $16.00 ($14.00 for seniors and children under 12)
Our next Tri-Community Blood Drive is March 9th at the Young Israel of New
Hyde Park.
Monday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m. The sisterhood presents: A Purim Happening:
Learn to Belly Dance with Miss Lena. $15.00 per person. Light refreshments
will be served. RSVP By March 3rd at the synagogue 718-428-1580. Bring Out
Your Inner Vashti!
Shabbat, March 15th Hillel Greene and Lily Rabinoff-Goldman’s aufruf.
Sunday, March 16th Purim Family Education Workshops during Sunday School
hours.
Wednesday, March 19 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Doors open 7:15 PM) Friends of the
Israel Defense Forces Together with Marathon Jewish Community Cente
Cordially invite you to an evening with the IDF Orchestra.
Join us for a unique opportunity to learn about the important work Friends
of the IDF does to help the brave soldiers of Israel, and to enjoy the
beautiful sounds of the IDF’s premier musical performers. Hollis Hills
Jewish Center
210-10 Union Turnpike Special Event Reception Following the Performance
Suggested Admission: $18 per person
Thursday, March 20 Purim. 6:30 P.M. Pizza dinner. $5.00 per person RSVP by
March 18th! Then at 7:00 P.M. Our traditional Megillah reading.
Thursday, March 27, Sisterhood Day at the U.N. 9:30 a.m. RSVP Helene
718-470-0996 ASAP
Shabbat March 29th, we celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of Jeremy Blitz
Join us the 2nd Annual Wine and Cheese Paty, Sunday, March 30th 6-8:30 p.m.
$6.00 with reservations and $8.00 at the door. Call the office to make
reservations
Save these dates:
May 1st Community Yom Hashoah memorial service at MJCC
June 1st Salute to Israel Parade in celebration of Israel’s 60th Birthday
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