Rosh Hodesh Adar is a significant anniversary in our home, the day on which my daughter joined the Jewish people. As we enter this new Hebrew month, we say mi shenichnas Adar, marbim v'simcha - entering Adar, our joy is multiplied. The Megillah shows us a world v'nahafokh hu/where everything is turned around. Despite the upside-down nature of the story, things are transformed for good. While working to expand my family, I often felt life was as topsy turvy as the Purim story. Immersing my child in the mikveh watered all of the hurdles leading up to that day with mayyim hayyim/life-preserving water. We all have our
upside down moments and pieces of our story. Together, we hold one another up as we help flip things right side up and restore order.
As Jews, we are called on to sanctify life. The Mishnah teaches that the first human (Adam) was created alone to teach that anyone who destroys a life is considered as having destroyed an entire world.The one who saves a life, saves an entire world. Respect for life is paramount in Jewish teaching, life and living. I'm proud that Habonim was one of 200 organizations to schedule programming for the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) #ReproShabbat, opening our Rosh Hodesh group last night to women from Seattle, Florida, and Texas.
This week's parasha, Mishpatim, offers the verses that undergird Judaism's approach to abortion. Join us on Shabbat morning, the 1st day of Adar, for my teaching on Laws & Life: Torah's Thoughts on Abortion. Before that, Cantor Halev will uplift our spirits with his joyful chanting of Hatzi Hallel. You can sing out as loudly as you'd like from wherever you are. Register for log-in information at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcvcumtrDMqHtbHOSXkZRJapfKlW85exPQL
Mi shenichnas adar, marbim v'simchah - may we actively infuse this new month with joy and grow our commitment to living a life that is full and holy.
Shabbat Shalom,
rg
Congregation Habonim 103 West End Ave New York, NY 10023
