A 100% VirJEWal Synagogue serving the needs of all backgrounds of the Jewish Community of
Central, NJ since 1983
Eli B. Perlman, Rabbi
Congregation Beit Shalom / Monroe Township is a unique Conservative Egalitarian Congregation. The difference between this and other congregations is that we are truly a family. We get together to pray, to learn, to laugh, to sing, to schmooze - and it is 100% VirJEWal. When someone is in need, we help each other in ways that continue to inspire everyone.
After telling us of ritual laws, observances, and practices, Moshe continues to encourage and instruct the people. He tells them that justice is the basic order of any society. Without justice, there is no faith, no society, and no world. Our courts, Prophets, kings, religious functionaries (Kohanim, Leviyim, rabbis) are not exempt. If any such leader rises and negates the word of Torah, that person is a fraud.
With justice, there must also be mercy. Moshe speaks of the Arei Miklat (the cities of refuge). It is here that a person who commits manslaughter can receive sanctuary and protection from the vengeful blood feuders. Even warfare is not conducted without the tempering guidance of Torah and with the force of G-d. For Jews, atrocities during warfare are simply not acceptable and must not be excused or pushed aside with a wave of the hand. Justice leads us to the path of the wise. We are forbidden to defoliate the land of our enemy in order to achieve battlefield victory!
This Sidra of Justice ends with the case of the untraced murder and points up the responsibility that society itself faces in its dealings with all individuals.
Notice: We are now in the month of Elul, the month that precedes the Yamim Noraim, or Days of Awe. It is a time for intense introspection for every Jew. We attempt to examine our ways of the past, and change those facets of ourselves that are in need of change. This concept of Teshuvah, or turning, is very important. We all wish to come closer to G-d, but we understand that true repentance is not something that can be easily accomplished - Teshuvah takes time, sincerity, and devotion. A full month is a minimum of preparation time required before facing G-d on the Day of Judgment.
During the month of Elul, the Shofar, or Ram’s horn, is sounded each weekday morning at the conclusion of the morning prayers. This is meant to stir our hearts toward Teshuvah. The 27th Psalm is also added during the Shacharit and Maariv (morning and evening) Prayers, and is recited through the Festival of Sukkot. We declare that Almighty G-d is our true source of salvation, and we affirm that we all enjoy G-d’s eternal love.
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