From the Cantor - June/July 2005

"Turn it and turn it, for everything is in it."
(Rabbi Yochanan ben Bag Bag)

During the seven weeks between Pesach and Shavuot we observe the ritual and the mitzvah of counting the omer. This was originally an agricultural practice which marked the time between the beginning of the barley harvest at Pesach and the culmination of the wheat harvest at Shavuot. We take the opportunity during this time to enrich our spiritual lives. Omer parallels not only our ancestors' physical travel from Egypt to Sinai, from slavery to freedom, but the preparation for a higher purpose in receiving Torah.

In Pirkei Avot, Rabbi ben Bag Bag (yes, that really is his name) instructs us to "turn" the teachings of Torah. We are told that, unlike other types of reading, the Torah is to be studied slowly. We read it over and over again, each time looking for new meaning in its nuances. This is a lifelong endeavor, for as our life experiences change so does our perception of the sacred text.

The festival of Shavuot is one of Shalosh Regalim, the three pilgrimage festivals. Although originally an agricultural holiday, it is more significantly a day of great joy celebrating the giving of the Torah and our heritage. The joy of Torah learning is honored in many ways at this time of year. We join together to honor our students as they celebrate their Confirmation on June 4. We join together as a congregation to celebrate our leadership on Erev Shabbat, June 10, and we come together as a community to study and pray on Erev Shavuot, June 12, and Shavuot on June 13.

We reenact the preparation to receive Torah every year through Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies and congregant reading/chanting of the Torah. Our congregational community offers many opportunities to be actively engaged in the study of Torah. This year many people volunteered to read or chant Torah for Shabbat, Festival or High Holy Day services. They participated actively in "receiving" and "turning" the Torah. I encourage you to take on this honor, and volunteer to read or chant Torah.

Many adults in our congregation were not ready to engage in the study of Torah at thirteen, the age of Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Though they have already become Bar or Bat Mitzvah by virtue of age, it would be a wonderful mitzvah to take on the responsibility of Torah study. I encourage all those interested to join our next Anshei Mitzvah (Adult B'nai Mitzvah) class.

Let us celebrate our love of Torah and "turn" to action for the benefit of our entire community.

B'shira,
Cantor Barbara R. Finn

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