Shabbat Times- Shabbat Shalom
DATE IN OUT
2021
FEBRUARY
12/13 4.56pm 6.05pm
19/20 5.09pm 6.17pm
26/27 5.22pm 6.30pm
MARCH
5/6 5.36pm. 6.43pm
12/13 5.48pm. 6.55pm
19/20 6.01pm. 7.08pm
Pesach:
26 7.21pm
27 8.16pm - light candles for 2nd day yomtov
28 Yom tov ends 8.24pm
Each week, Words on the Sedrah are provided by one of this community's Synagogue Rabbanim
This week’s Sedrah, Mishpatim, covers laws about all aspects of society, from slaves to agricultural practice, theft and damage to property. They elaborate the ten commandments to give us more detail about their practical application. The last part of our Sidra (Ex. 23:14 onwards) is rather different. It commands the observance of the sabbath and festivals and also the commandment ‘You shall not boil a kid in its mother’s milk’. Then it gives a promise that if we keep God’s commandments, we will be blessed. The final chapter of the sidra tells us of a further revelation to Moses. In our Sidra and in our Torah, ritual is considered on an equal level with laws for a just society. No distinction is made between ‘sacred’ and ‘secular’. All aspects of life are considered on the same basis. Judaism covers all aspects of life, ritual and ethical. One leads to another.
It is often said that Liberal Judaism plays down ritual, and this is to some extent true. However, this is not the whole story. For Lily Montagu (1873-1963), one of the founders of our movement, religious and civic life were inseparable. If ritual helped one to feel a sense of the Divine and gave one strength for God’s work, then it was to be welcomed. Her work with young people and for decent labour conditions was infused with her deeply held religious beliefs. Prayer was at the heart of her life and gave her strength to continue all her many activities. Whether her work was leading services or campaigning for better factory conditions, it was all holy work.
Towards the end of Exodus 23, we are given an assurance that all will be well with us if we serve God: ‘You shall serve the Eternal One your God, and God will bless your bread and your water; and will take sickness away from the midst of you.’ We know it doesn’t work that way, all the more so now, when we are in the midst of a pandemic which strikes indiscriminately. But if we serve God, it can help us to lead more complete lives and give us a sense of purpose and fulfilment. If we can integrate our ritual and our day to day lives, it can help us to feel blessed.
Rabbi Dr M Jacobi, Birmingham Progressive Synagogue
2021
FEBRUARY
12/13 4.56pm 6.05pm
19/20 5.09pm 6.17pm
26/27 5.22pm 6.30pm
MARCH
5/6 5.36pm. 6.43pm
12/13 5.48pm. 6.55pm
19/20 6.01pm. 7.08pm
Pesach:
26 7.21pm
27 8.16pm - light candles for 2nd day yomtov
28 Yom tov ends 8.24pm
Each week, Words on the Sedrah are provided by one of this community's Synagogue Rabbanim
This week’s Sedrah, Mishpatim, covers laws about all aspects of society, from slaves to agricultural practice, theft and damage to property. They elaborate the ten commandments to give us more detail about their practical application. The last part of our Sidra (Ex. 23:14 onwards) is rather different. It commands the observance of the sabbath and festivals and also the commandment ‘You shall not boil a kid in its mother’s milk’. Then it gives a promise that if we keep God’s commandments, we will be blessed. The final chapter of the sidra tells us of a further revelation to Moses. In our Sidra and in our Torah, ritual is considered on an equal level with laws for a just society. No distinction is made between ‘sacred’ and ‘secular’. All aspects of life are considered on the same basis. Judaism covers all aspects of life, ritual and ethical. One leads to another.
It is often said that Liberal Judaism plays down ritual, and this is to some extent true. However, this is not the whole story. For Lily Montagu (1873-1963), one of the founders of our movement, religious and civic life were inseparable. If ritual helped one to feel a sense of the Divine and gave one strength for God’s work, then it was to be welcomed. Her work with young people and for decent labour conditions was infused with her deeply held religious beliefs. Prayer was at the heart of her life and gave her strength to continue all her many activities. Whether her work was leading services or campaigning for better factory conditions, it was all holy work.
Towards the end of Exodus 23, we are given an assurance that all will be well with us if we serve God: ‘You shall serve the Eternal One your God, and God will bless your bread and your water; and will take sickness away from the midst of you.’ We know it doesn’t work that way, all the more so now, when we are in the midst of a pandemic which strikes indiscriminately. But if we serve God, it can help us to lead more complete lives and give us a sense of purpose and fulfilment. If we can integrate our ritual and our day to day lives, it can help us to feel blessed.
Rabbi Dr M Jacobi, Birmingham Progressive Synagogue
