April 18, 2008
13 Nissan 5768
 
 
Dear WRJ friends,
 
This week’s Parashat, Acharei Mot, which literally translates as “after the death” referring to the deaths of Aaron’s sons Nadav and Abihu actually feels, to me, more like a beginning. God speaks to Moses and tells him of the laws regarding issues surrounding the “Holy of Holies”. When should Aaron enter the Tabernacle, how and what sacrifices and offerings should he bring and for what reasons. We are introduced to Azazel a scapegoat, or pagan demon meant to carry away the sins of the community.
 
We are given directions on how these offerings should be prepared and performed. And in the midst of this we read these familiar words…”In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month…” and we are transported to Yom Kippur. At the end of that same paragraph we are returned to the seemingly practical as God instructs Moses on the cleaning of the altar so it will be ready for the offerings from the high priests…just as we ready our homes for the coming of Passover.
 
This year this Parashah will be read on Shabbat HaGadol (the great Shabbat), the Shabbat preceding Pesach! The beauty of Judaism and Torah is that this can happen and that two of the greatest moments in the Jewish calendar can be brought together on one extraordinary Shabbat!
 
As women we are direction givers and direction takers.  We do this in our jobs, our personal lives and our lives as leaders of Women of Reform Judaism. We have no pagan demons that will carry away our sins so we must always remember to “treat others as we would want to be treated” (but that is for another Parashah)!
 
As our ancestors brought sacrifices of grains and goats to receive God’s blessings we, as WRJ leaders, bring the gifts of our time, talents, and energy in the hopes that we can help to ensure the future of  Reform Judaism.
 
I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a joyous Passover and may you celebrate your Seder surrounded by those you love. Chag Sameach.
 
May the light of the Shabbat candles brighten all our lives.
Please share this email with your sisterhood.
 
B’Shalom,
Diane Kaplan
dlkap@aol.com
952-941-8252
6308 Limerick Lane
Edina, MN 55439
 
 
 

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