Monday • March 15th • 8:00-8:45pm “Beyond Hilkhot Aveilut: Exploring Alternative Jewish Frameworks for the Experiences of Loss and Grief in Pregnancy Loss, Neonatal Death, and Infertility” with Dr. Shira Billet. In observance of the 6th Yesh Tikvah Infertility Awareness Shabbat. To learn more about Yesh Tikva and view a short powerful video click here. Click here to join on Zoom or dial-in audio at +1 646 558 8656; Meeting ID: 613 613 3703
Today's Way to Help If you would like to suggest a way to help please email yael@thebayit.org.
NY Jewish Community Faith Day of Action This Thursday • March 11 • 11:00am Please join NYC and NYS Jewish leaders in an event to center our climate crisis as THE Jewish issue of our time. Convened by Jewish Climate Action Network NYC (JCAN NYC) you’ll hear powerful words by Shai Held of Hadar, Nigel Savage of Hazon, Jennie Rosen of Dayenu and other rabbis across the spectrum of the Jewish world. Hear the inspiring music of Hazzan Basya Schechter of Romemu and Pharaoh's Daughter.
Closing Message - Rabbanit Bracha View video version here.
The Ark of the Covenant was a masterpiece of beauty. It was constructed of acacia wood and plated with pure gold, inside and out. Covering the box was the kapporet - a pure gold covering with two sculpted and winged keruvim fashioned from the same piece of gold. The ark was the crowning glory of the mishkan as God’s voice came from above it, in between the wings of the keruvim.
What was placed in the ark? The Torah tells us that the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments were to be placed in the ark. This clearly refers to the second set of luchot, tablets crafted and engraved by Moshe, unbroken, representing the everlasting treaty between God and the Jewish people.
But what about the first set of luchot? The original one written בְּאָצְבָּע אֶלוׂקִים, by the finger of God, given to the Jewish nation on Har Sinai and smashed by Moshe when he discovered them dancing before the golden calf.
There is a lively discussion in the Talmud, not about whether the broken luchot were included, but rather which verse in the Tanakh proves that they were included.
We all have broken parts of our lives, challenges and mistakes that we have made over time. Our sages were keenly aware that we cannot simply discard our mistakes and our broken pieces. Keeping the whole luchot and the broken luchot together in the Holy Ark reminds us that while we may make mistakes, we can adjust our course, make amends, forgive and be forgiven.
Reminder to all to take good care of ourselves and each other. Try to do something specific today that strengthens you, and something else that strengthens someone else.
Hebrew Institute of Riverdale - The Bayit 3700 Henry Hudson Parkway Bronx, NY 10463
