Shalom!
With Purim behind us and the end of the month of March quickly approaching, I find it particularly relevant that this week’s Torah portion Tzav discusses sacrifices, more specifically, personal sacrifice and commitment.
Every year, as soon as Purim is completed, my mind shifts to Passover preparations. I cannot speak for the entire Temple Jeremiah community, but speaking for myself and my family, I can say that nothing conveys personal sacrifice and commitment more than Passover preparations. Every year around this time, my family confirms our plans for Seder and what foods we might want to be served. No matter who you talk to, most who celebrate are entering the planning process. While some may find this personal sacrifice and commitment to be stressful, I choose to embrace it and think of the joy that comes with this season.
As I think back to my childhood memories of Jewish holidays, I remember going to synagogue on the High Holy Days. I remember my Bar Mitzvah and other specific landmarks of the Jewish lifecycle. But when I think about my personal family memories, I am always brought back to the numerous Passover Seders that we hosted and the preparation and sacrifice it took to get ready. We often had over 20 friends and family over, which brought a great deal of stress, but also happiness and joy. There is something to be said about everyone coming together to prepare as a family, and then seeing the joy and warmth of others coming together in our home for Seder. I hope that as you all prepare and sacrifice over these next few weeks, you all also create memories and warmth in your homes.
Tzav also puts an emphasis on community and connection, something we strive for here at Temple Jeremiah. After all, “The Joy of Belonging” is our tagline! In Tzav, the priests are given responsibilities on how to act as representatives on behalf of the community. Besides having Passover on the mind, your Temple Jeremiah staff is busy around this time of year planning for next year’s programming. If there is anything that you want or wish for Temple Jeremiah to offer, now is a great time to bring that forward! Please do not be quiet about the things you have enjoyed learning, would love to learn more about, or just wish we were doing in general.
I want to wish everyone a wonderful Shabbat and a meaningful Passover preparation (and no rush, we still have a few weeks!).
Shabbat Shalom,
Matt Rissien