Shabboom! Weekly Announcements

Energize your week with Ohev Sholom                                                July 18, 2019

Shabbat Times and Announcements

Erev Shabbat, July 26 (Tammuz 23)
6:30a Shacharit
6:30p Kabbalat Shabbat
7:15p Shabbat Dinner
8:07p Candle Lighting

Shabbat, July 27: Shabbat Mevarchim, Pinchas (Tammuz 24)
9:15a Shacharit 
10:30a Shabbat Youth Groups
11:45a Kiddush Luncheon
5:00p Kids' Program with Shani & Ezra
6:45p Daf Yomi
7:45p Mincha, followed by Seudah Shlishit with a Shiur from Michelle Kerbel
9:07p Havdalah

Upcoming Kiddush Schedule
7/27: Kiddush Luncheon sponsored in honor of Michelle Kerbel
8/3: Kiddush Luncheon sponsored by the Laufer family
8/10: Kiddush Luncheon sponsored by the Sperling/Milner family

Comments on the Portion, Haftorah & Pirkei Avot, Contributed by Rabbi Ben Mintz

This week's parsha, Pinchas, begins with God's praise of the grandson of Aharon, Pinchas, who, God states, "turned back my wrath" from the Jewish people who had prostituted themselves with the daughters of Moab. In particular, Pinchas took decisive action when a nasi (prince) of the Jews had sexual relations with a Midianite woman, daughter of a high Midianite official. God promised a "pact of friendship" with Pinchas, and, with his descendents, "a pact of priesthood."

The parsha continues with the daughters of Zelofechad making claim to a share of their father's inheritance. They argue before Moshe that since their father had no sons, his name should not be lost, and therefore, they, his daughters, should share the property inheritance with their father's other relatives. In making their argument, the daughters make a special point of saying that their father died because of his personal sin, and not because he was part of the rebellion of Korach. (The rabbis state that Zelofechad was punished for transgressing the Sabbath.) The distinction made in this argument is critical. There is a major difference between an individual's violation which involves only himself and a violation which involves the community. The individual can be punished for his sin. A community sin involves many individuals and affects the welfare of the community, as well. The rebellion of Korach is a classic example of a community sin.

The story ends with God telling Moshe that the claim of the daughters is just, and that they are entitled to a share in the inheritance. Women's equal rights in the Bible.

As the parsha continues, God again tells Moshe that because of his disobedience, he will not have the privilege of taking the Jewish people into the Land. However, God emphasizes that he should ascend Mount Avarim, and from there he will be able to see the Promised Land from afar (Bamidbar, 27:12). This image was famously adopted by Rev. Martin Luther King, who, in a well-known address, said that there were "difficult days ahead" in the battle for equal rights, but it was not important because "I've been to the mountain top" and "I've seen the Promised Land," even though “I might not get there with you.” As we know, Rev. King was assassinated the very next day.

Tisha B'Av, the major fast day commemorating the destruction of the Temple, takes place this year on Sunday, August 11, postponed from the prior day, because that falls on a Shabbos. The first of the three special haftorahs on the three Shabboses preceding Tisha B'Av is read this Shabbos. It is the first chapter and the first sentences of the second chapter in the Book of Jeremiah, and it contains the memorable words spoken by God, which are also quoted in the Rosh Hashana Amida: "I remember the devotion of your youth, your love when you were a bride. How you followed me in the wilderness, in a land not cultivated. Israel is holy to the Lord, the first fruits of His harvest. All who eat of it shall be guilty; disaster shall befall them." (Zacharti lach chesed ne'urayich, ahavas k'lulosa'yich...)

PIRKE AVOS, ETHICS OF THE FATHERS
Chapter One, Mishna 15: Shammai says: “Make a fixed time to study Torah; speak sparingly but do much, and greet all people cheerfully."

Upcoming Events and Weekly Schedule

To view and register for upcoming events and weekly schedule, visit our website's online calendar. 

Lifecycles

Support our community and its members by making a donation dedicated in honor of (IHO) or in memory of (IMO) a  loved one.

Don't see a birthday listed? Update your lifecycle events and more at ostns.org (login required)

Don't see a yahrzeit listed? Update your lifecycle events and more at ostns.org (login required)

Contact Us

Synagogue Office
info@ostns.org
(202) 882-7225
Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld
RabbiShmuel@ostns.org
(202) 812-8900 
Maharat Ruth Balinsky Friedman
MaharatRuth@ostns.org
(202) 882-7225, ext. 107
Monica Wolfe, Interim Executive Director
Monica.Wolfe@ostns.org
(202) 882-7225, etx. 103
Stacey Watson, Director of Engagement
Stacey.Watson@ostns.org
(202) 882-7225, ext. 102
Lisa Redisch, Director of Youth & Family Programs
youth@ostns.org
(202) 882-7225, ext. 105
Board of Directors
board@ostns.org
Hospitality & Welcome Committee
BeOurGuest@ostns.org
Mikvah Chaim
mikvahchaim.org
attendant@mikvahchaim.org
Cemetery Information
cemetery@ostns.org
​​​​​​​(202) 882-7225