Shabbat Vayera Genesis 23:1-25:18
Candle Lighting Time:         Friday, November 21, 2008 4:14 p.m

The name Mickey Thompson used to be one of the most recognized names in auto racing.  His team built the fastest cars on the track.  They could fly!  But not one of those cars ever brought Thompson a checkered flag.  Although his cars took the lead in the first 29 races they entered, they never won a race.  Why?  Because they did not finish.

Thompson could make the fastest car, but he couldn’t build them to last.  They all broke down during the race.  Engines blew.  Gearboxes broke.  Carburetors failed.  His cars were good starters and fast runners, but they were not good finishers.

As we run the race of life, the Jewish division, we need to end well.  Our Ancestor Abraham is an example of a good finisher.  He began his Jewish journey leaving his homeland back in Genesis 12:1.  He served God in spite of all the hardships he endured during those 10 trials.  In the end he lived to be 175 years old. He resided in the Promised Land 100 years and lived to see the 15th birthday of his twin grandson’s Esau and Jacob.  He died contented and blessed because his children Isaac and Ishmael became reconciled with each other and with their father.  The Midrash learns this reconciliation from the fact that both sons together buried him. (Gen. 25: 7-9)

What about you?  Has something stalled you in your growth as a Jew?  Have you had a “breakdown”?  Recognize where you’ve made that wrong turn, make the necessary repairs, and get back into the race.  If you don’t give up, God will help you be a good finisher for aren’t we all Abraham’s descendants!

Remember:  In the race of life, it’s always too soon to quit!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Gary Greene

Services Schedule:
Friday night     7:00 p.m.
Shabbat         9:00 a.m.
Mon.            6:30 a.m.
Thanksgiving Thurs 9:00 a.m.
Sun. -Thurs night     7:30 p.m.

Mark Your Calendars:
Shabbat, November 22 We celebrate the Bat Mitzvah of Alexandra Ofer

Tuesday, November 25, 10:00 a.m. Adult Education Classes


Save these dates:
December 7th Our next interfaith dialogue group with the Community Church of Douglaston will meet in the Church at 8:00 p.m.  Our discussion will revolve around our reactions to the movie Elisabeth of Berlin.
December 13th Our next lunch and learn.  The topic will be “Did Joshua fight the battle of Jericho?”
December 19th Sisterhood sponsors our Hanukkah dinner
December 24th Our 2nd annual Israeli Film Festival begins tonight screening the movie Hershele