Shabbat, July 2: Korach (Tammuz 3) 8:00am 8AM Minyan 8:30am Sephardic Minyan 9:00am Main Minyan 9:20am Latest Shema 10:00am Youth Group K-2 Groups 3rd Grade & above are on hiatus for the summer 10:30am Donuts and Discussion 10:30am Tot Shabbat 11:00am Kiddush sponsored by Donna & Bob Moskowitz 6:40pm Gemara Shiur 8:00pm Mincha 8:25pm Rabbi's Parsha Shiur 9:10pm Maariv 9:22pm Havdalah
I am very excited for the opportunity to share words of Torah with you. Each week, in this spot, I look to share an idea I've found that speaks to me and that I think will resonate with you as well. This week, I share an excerpt from an article by Rabbi Dr. Benji Levy entitled 'Look Who's Talking', which, through the commentary of Rashi, gives a glimpse into appreciating HaShem's judgment. [...] When someone wants to bring down a leader, their weaknesses are scrutinised and exploited. According to Moses himself, he had objective leadership faults in that he was by no means an eloquent orator. Korach could have picked on this overt weak point, or alternatively borrowed Moses’s sibling’s slander (Num. 12:1-3). No man is perfect, and Moses was no exception, but why did Korach pick on that character trait, which Moses excelled in above all other men? [...]
Sometimes, before we look at who is being talked about, we need to look at who is talking. In a discussion of declaring deficiencies in others, the Talmud stated: ‘he who invalidates [others]... does so with his own blemish’ (Tractate Kiddushin 70a). In psychology, this is termed projection bias; a defence mechanism where one denies personal attributes and ascribes them to others.
Of all the potential flaws at his disposal, perhaps the reason that Korach accused Moses of a superiority complex was that he possessed an inferiority complex – he projected his pursuit for honour onto Moses. Moses responded subtly with the identical syntax that Korach used to accuse him, reversing Korach’s terms and insinuating that perhaps his accusation represents his own flaws: ‘It is much for you (rav lachem) sons of Levi!’ (Num. 16:9).
In a society where often the greatest way to the top is on the back of others, we must be critical thinkers and consider the slanderer, not just the slander. When we ourselves perceive flaws in other people, whether true or not, we must be very careful to analyse if we are the true possessors of these flaws. Ultimately, Korach’s pivotal position as a sage and Levite was not enough and he wanted more. Whilst Moses did possess certain flaws, honour seeking was not one of them. The key to the Torah’s juxtaposition of the two primary protagonists was that whilst Korach needed to have what he wanted, Moses wanted what he had and the difference of these two positions is the key to contentment.
Perhaps the reason why the parsha is named of Korach is to teach us that we should all be wary of the bit of Korach that we contain within us. If we focus on ourselves and are happy with who we are, then we can aim to perfect our own flaws rather than projecting them on others. Have a Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Davies Rabbi@SOICherryHill.org
We are excited to be partnering with Mizrachi World Movement to provide their publication of HaMizrachi Parasha Weekly.
These past two years that I have served as the President of Sons of Israel have been truly remarkable. My goal during my presidency was to create and cultivate a warm environment for our membership and community to enjoy. It is that inclusive culture that I am extremely proud of, making Sons of Israel a welcoming shul for people of all walks of life to feel connected to Judaism, Hashem and each other.
Looking back, I accepted the role as the first female president naively; and it was my innocence that led or forced me to grow in ways I never thought possible. Having been afraid of heights all my life, who would have thought I’d have climbed the roof of our shul, or mustered the courage to speak weekly from the Bima? This experience has been utterly remarkable, and I am fortunate to have been afforded so much support along the way. Together, we navigated through a pandemic, hired a new Rabbi, raised funds to support the shul, renovated the kitchen and put Cherry Hill on the map for families looking for an exceptional community to live in, boasting 18 new families in our growing modern Orthodox community.
As I finish my tenure as your president, I want to thank my Executive Committee, Board members and the myriad of volunteers who have stepped up to help and to achieve these goals and more. Thank you for your time, generosity, and patience. I would be remiss if I did not single out and thank my husband, Bob, who has been my sounding board, confidant, and shoulder to cry on. You are my rock and I am eternally grateful for your support day in and day out.
My blessing to this community is continued success, growth and bracha. I wish much hatzlacha to both Ilana Weiss and Heshy Chaitoff as I know that each and every one of you will continue to support them, as you supported me, as they move forward as your next presidents.
COVID UPDATES FOR THIS SHABBAT Due to the increased number of cases nationwide and specifically in our community, mask wearing is highly recommended inside but not mandatory. Vaccination, including booster immunizations, are highly recommended.
Masks are optional for all minyanim and programs.
Out of concern for fellow shul attendees, if you are feeling sick, we ask that you please refrain from attending. Thank you for your cooperation.
Rabbi Michael Davies, Donna Moskowitz, and the Covid Task Force
Welcome to the congregation Alice Gershuny Welcome to the community Maddi & Noah Botwinick
Mazel Tov to Heshy Chaitoff & Ilan Weiss & the new Board Mazel Tov to Donna Moskowitz on becoming Past - President Mazel tov to Kimberly & Evan Hershenson on the bris of their son, Geddy Shay Gedaliah Lael
Thank you to Donna & Bob Moskowitz for sponsoring this week's kiddush
A big thank you to Bill Jungreis (front doors and early minyan), Debbie Fineberg (front doors and indoor minyan), Gila Davis (cameras), Baila Silverman (cameras), Harvey Chaitoff (cameras), Jeff Liss (cameras), Chemmie Sokolic (cameras), Donna Moskowitz (front doors), Mike from OPS and Sam Tilonsky.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
All emergency doors are locked and alarmed at ALL times. Please don’t open them unless it is truly an emergency. Children should be told to stay away from the doors. Thanks for your cooperation.
SAFETY FIRST, FOREMOST AND ALWAYS
New Fiscal Year - Locker Rental Renewals - New Rentals Available
Florence Axelrod – Fruma bas Sarah Gavriel Yehuda ben Chaya Sarah David Partnow - David Avram ben Tilla Razel Robert Shapiro - Doniel-Avraham ben Hannah Aaron Moshe ben Ruth Yosef Simcha Chaim Ben Sarah Chana Gaela bas Pinina Jackie Nussbaum - Eta Ruchmam bas Chaya Golda Chayim Gedalya haLevi ben Henya Marcia Heine Simcha Yehuda Leib ben Reizel
Since the tehillim group is not meeting again until after COVID, following is a link to the prayers for good health and healing that you can recite for our ailing members
Just go to smile.amazon.com, search for Congregation Sons of Israel Synagogue. Every qualifying purchase will send 0.5% of the total to our Shul. Over time, this will add up.
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Shoprite Scrip Now Available SOI Office Monday-Friday 10-2 Yaeli Sokolic at ycsgraphix@gmail.com Flo Shulman at florence.shulman@gmail.com
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Congregation Sons of Israel 720 Cooper Landing Road Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
