Post date: Dec 14, 2013 10:13:30 AM
Dear Haverim,
In the midst of this busy time of year, we have a beautiful reason to celebrate, and an example to learn from. We experienced a glitch this past Shabbat while reading the Torah. Aaron Marsh noticed a mistake in the written scroll. It was small, a missing letter "vav" in a word, which did not change the meaning of the word, but it was enough to render the scroll unfit to use for Aliyot - for people being called to the Torah.
I was a bit anxious. With Rosh Hashanah less than 2 weeks away, would we be able to have the Torah repaired in time to use it for this crucial time of holy days?
The next day, I visited Aharon Baruch, the kosher butcher, artist, & sofer (ritual scribe). By 8pm that night, the Torah was corrected and ready for use again in our services. I'll speak more about this during the Holidays, but I think this whole incident can be used as a model for Teshuva, Tefilla, u'Tzedaka (http://www.ohelavraham.net/home/blog/roshhashanahmorning57732012) a core theme of the High Holidays. The first step is to recognize the fault, then to understand it, and finally, to fix it.
As we approach Rosh Hashanah, a mere week from tonight, may we each have the ability to recognize and improve just one small thing. The smallest thing, even fixing a simple "vav" can make the scroll of our life fit for our communal worship and ultimately for our communion with God.
Hoping to see as many of you as can make it these coming High Holidays. We are worshiping again in the beautiful Medaille Formal Lounge at Nazareth College for both Rosh Hashannah and Yom Kippur. Please note the schedule http://www.ohelavraham.net/home/High-Holidays on our website.
Shanah Tova u'Metukah.
-Sam