This Shabbat, we mark the end of the fourth week of sheltering-in-place and physical distancing. This practice can begin to take its emotional toll as we develop cabin fever and those we are with begin to grate on us. Our actions seem to be having a positive effect, as the rate of infection and death in the Bay Area seems to be running lower than other parts of the country. But the enforced time alone, at home, is hard to bear.
As we emerge from Pesach it is good to remember our holiday’s basic message, that suffering will pass, that freedom can prevail over slavery, and that no matter how hard our lives can be, redemption is always possible. It may also be helpful to note a verse in this week’s Torah portion,’‘Aaron lifted his hands toward the people and blessed them; and he stepped down after offering the sin offering, the burnt offering, and the offering of well-being.” (Leviticus 9:22)
While the verse doesn’t describe the blessing Aaron recites, Rashi comments, “AND HE BLESSED THEM… means with the priestly blessing (Numbers 6:24—26): ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord cause his face to shine upon and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up his countenance before you and grant you peace.’”
In these difficult days, as we wait for the danger of the COVID 19 virus to pass, it is good for us to remember these words, and the message of Passover, that if we are open to it, God’s presence is with us. May we all find comfort in this message.
Shemini, Leviticus 9:1 – 11:47 – Parshat Ha Shavua for Shabbat, Saturday, April 18, 2020
April 17, 2020 by Dean Kertesz •
This Shabbat, we mark the end of the fourth week of sheltering-in-place and physical distancing. This practice can begin to take its emotional toll as we develop cabin fever and those we are with begin to grate on us. Our actions seem to be having a positive effect, as the rate of infection and death in the Bay Area seems to be running lower than other parts of the country. But the enforced time alone, at home, is hard to bear.
As we emerge from Pesach it is good to remember our holiday’s basic message, that suffering will pass, that freedom can prevail over slavery, and that no matter how hard our lives can be, redemption is always possible. It may also be helpful to note a verse in this week’s Torah portion,’‘Aaron lifted his hands toward the people and blessed them; and he stepped down after offering the sin offering, the burnt offering, and the offering of well-being.” (Leviticus 9:22)
While the verse doesn’t describe the blessing Aaron recites, Rashi comments, “AND HE BLESSED THEM… means with the priestly blessing (Numbers 6:24—26): ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord cause his face to shine upon and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up his countenance before you and grant you peace.’”
In these difficult days, as we wait for the danger of the COVID 19 virus to pass, it is good for us to remember these words, and the message of Passover, that if we are open to it, God’s presence is with us. May we all find comfort in this message.