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.
It is all too easy for us to forget the source of all blessings in life. In ancient Israel, as the harvest was reaped, the farmer was required to bring the first fruits to the Temple and acknowledge the beneficence of the Almighty.
Similarly, we are to understand that Divine blessing has a darker flip side. While blessings accrue to those whose deeds are righteous, Moshe tells us that if we ignore G*d, G*d could just as easily ignore us. Today, the Mosaic Admonition, the Tochacha, is featured for a second time in the Torah. As the Jews stand at the border of Eretz Yisrael, they must be made fully aware of the fact that they carry their destiny in their own hands; through their own deeds or, G*d forbid, misdeeds shall they be judged by G*d.
When we read the Tochacha, it is customary in many congregations that when we reach the sixth Aliya, no one is called to the Torah. The Bal Korei assumes the Aliya and recites the blessings. During that reading, the Bal Korei will "mumble" the Tochacha very quickly and it may be difficult to hear and understand. This is because most people consider it an insult to be given this Aliya as the curses are much too severe to be read in the same tone as is the rest of the Torah. Many congregations reward the Bal Korei with an Aliya or the Maftir the following Shabbat.
SELICHOT: This Saturday evening we will chant the Selichot Penitential Prayers. This is said on the 1st Shabbat that precedes Rosh Hashanah that allows at least 4 full mornings to say Selichot. Selichot prayers are offered late in the evening, as the Psalmist who wrote, “Bachatzot Halay’la - in the mid-of-the-night, I rise to praise You.” The Cantorial splendor of the Selichot liturgy elicits an awesome feeling that readies us for the Days of Awe.
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