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.
SHABBAT VAYIKRA: As the Book of Shemot closed, the Mishkan (the wilderness Tabernacle) was completed. With the beginning of the third of the Five Books of Moshe, Vayikra (or Leviticus), the scenario shifts to the Priestly ritual to be performed in the Sanctuary. We are introduced to the sacrificial rite in Ancient Judaism. There are five kinds of sacrifices mentioned here: 1. OLAH, the burnt offering given daily as a freewill sacrifice; 2. MINCHA, the offering of flour and oil brought by one who could not afford to bring the requisite animal for sacrifice; 3. SHEKALIM, the peace offering. Brought daily, and of one's freewill, this Korban (sacrifice) signifies one who is content with both oneself and The Creator; 4. CHATAT, the sin offering, which is brought by one who transgresses any G-d’s Mitzvot; 5. ASHAM, the guilt offering, which is brought by one who dealt falsely with one’s fellow humans and now seeks forgiveness.
SHABBAT ZACHOR: Shabbat Zachor (Sabbath of Remembrance) falls immediately preceding Purim. Devarim 25:17-19 describes the attack by Amalek. The Talmud teaches that Haman, the antagonist of the Purim story, was descended from Amalek. The portion that is read includes a commandment to remember the attack by Amalek, and therefore at this public reading we make a special effort to hear the reading.
FAST OF ESTHER: (13 Adar / March 21) - Commemorates Esther's fasting before pleading with King Ahasuerus to spare the Jewish people (See Purim).
PURIM: (14 Adar / March 24) - Commemorates the deliverance of Persian Jewry from Haman (circa 5th Century B.C.E.). Purim is marked by the reading of Megillat Esther that tells how Queen Esther and Mordecai thwarted Haman's plot. Because of its uniquely joyful nature, Purim is fun. It is customary to send food gifts (Mishloach Manot) to friends and to distribute charity to the poor. A special festive meal (Purim Seudah) is held on Purim afternoon.
SHUSHAN PURIM: (15 Adar / March 25) - The day Purim is celebrated in Jerusalem and other walled cities since the days of Joshua. At the time of Purim, the Jews of Shushan were given an extra day to vanquish their enemies.
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