Shabbat Shalom

March 23, 2024

13 Adar II 5784

Shabbat Zahor

Erev Purim

 Mazal Tov to Arielle Mayer and Benjamin Khmelnitsky in honour of their aufruf for their upcoming marriage

&

Mazal Tov to Margot Sephora Simkevitz and her family on becoming Bat Mitzvah on Thursday, March 28

SHABBAT SERVICES 

March 22 & 23

Friday Kabbalat Shabbat.....6:00PM
Shabbat Morning Services....9:00AM
Minhah-Seudah.....7:00PM

🎭️ PURIM 🎭️

March 23

Ma'ariv-Havdallah-Megillah Reading....8:00PM

March 24

Sunday Morning Services-Megillah Reading-

Purim Seudah....8:30AM

MORNING WEEKDAY SERVICES

March 25 to 29

Shabbat & Weekday

 Morning Livestream Link

https://livemedia.biz/BethDavid.html

Shabbat Morning Saturday, March 23 at 9:00 am

This morning's kiddush is sponsored by Wendy Berman & Rony Mayer in honour of the wedding aufruf of Arielle and Benjamin

Shabbat Message from Cantor Loomer

Vayikra

When one commits a sin and watches an animal being slaughtered at the altar, he may wonder if this animal is could be considered a substitute for himself in atoning for their own sin.  With the animal’s blood pouring out , one might think, “Maybe that was meant for me!”  This gives one a real chance to contemplate the meaning of  doing teshuvah, to repent for his sin.  There are many examples throughout the history of civilizations that worshipped animals.  For example, the Egyptians worshipped sheep, the ancient people of Iraq worshipped goats.  We are commanded to destroy these idols and worship only one God.  The Israelites, on the other hand were permitted by God to use specific animals as korbanot (sacrifices) to atone for their sins or to bring offerings of gratitude.   The Zohar discusses the subject of Gilgulei Neshamot, “reincarnated souls.”  It is written that sometimes the soul returns to the physical world to correct past sins that were committed in its past life.  The souls of persons who have returned to this world to repair the damage that they did to their own soul while they resided in human form in this land of the living.  Sometimes they returned as sacrificial offerings in the Temple.  They return to the Almighty pure and satisfied once they are offered as sacrifices on the altar in the Temple. 

God gives man a chance to clear his/her conscience and their soul. This korban chatat, this sin offering was the chance for man to come close to God with a pure spirit.  God is the Creator of all things, inclusive of man and animal.  Only God can give man permission to offer animals.  These sacrifices are to be dedicated to God alone.  He gives permission to use only particular animals as a final cleansing of man’s mind and soul.  The sacrificial act in the Temple reminds us of when God commanded our forefather Avraham to sacrifice his son Isaac on the altar and at the last minute, the angel told Avraham not to kill his son.  The Torah states that Avraham then found a ram and offered it as a sacrifice instead of his son Issac, in gratitude.  That place later became the site of the Temple.  Avraham demonstrated that we must be willing to sacrifice ourselves to fulfill God’s will.  Since the Temple is not in existence today, fasting is considered a form of sacrificing ourselves as a substitute for a sacrificial offering on the altar.  Another great way to show this gratitude to God is to give Tzedakah.  Tzedakah, meaning justice.  We live in a world where it is often dark and hard to find true justice.  By giving a little extra tzedakah, perhaps until it hurts a little, we can truly find meaning by helping others less fortunate than ourselves.  Tzedakah can bring light into our lives.  As we approach Purim, I am reminded of the words in the Meggilah, “Layehudim hayta orah v'simcha v'sason vicar”, the very same words that we say during Havdallah under the light of the candle.  Let there be light and joy, gladness and honour, for our people.  I wish all of you a Chag Purim Sameach, a happy Purim filled with light and joy.

Shabbat Shalom

Marshall Loomer

We remember with reverence and love those for whom Yahrzeit will be observed this week.

SUNDAY, MARCH 24 | 14 ADAR II

Arthur Grant, Brother of Alma Goodman

Annette Myerson, Aunt of Dianne Rubinoff

Joseph Rygier, Father-In-Law of Harold Stocker

Louis Swimmer, Grandfather of Barbara Swimmer

MONDAY, MARCH 25 | 15 ADAR II

Irvin Mark Mintz, Brother-in-law of Gilbert Levy

Samuel Richman, Father-In-Law of Evelyn Richman

TUESDAY, MARCH 26 | 16 ADAR II

Julius Rotin, Husband of Roslyn Rotin

Zivian Swimmer, Mother of Barbara Swimmer and Lorne Swimmer

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27 | 17 ADAR II

Gertrude Wellman, Grandmother of Karen Bernstein

THURSDAY, MARCH 28 |18 ADAR II

Bennie Finkelstein, Father of Norman Finkelstein

Robert Sadavoy, Father of Lyle Sadavoy

FRIDAY, MARCH 29 | 19 ADAR II

Sam Garber, Father of Joe Garber

Tillie Ethel Halpern, Grandmother of Leonard Vanek