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 leaving Egypt in triumph and experiencing G-d’s saving power at the Sea of Reeds, the Jews press onward into the wilderness of Sinai. It is at this time that Moshe’s father-in-law, Yitro (Anglicized as Jethro, but not the one from the Beverly Hillbillies), comes to the camp with advice and counsel. He proceeds to help Moshe establish a workable, while ground-breaking court system. He also brings his daughter, Tzipora, the wife of Moshe, to the camp of the B’nai Yisrael, reuniting her with her husband, the leader of the Nation of Israel.
Now that their position is a bit less precarious than it was in Egypt, B’nai Yisrael can, and do, experience the Revelation of Almighty G*d at Mt. Sinai. It is there and then when we receive the Decalogue which is more commonly, but erroneously referred to as the Ten Commandments. These Aseret HaDibrot (literally Ten Statements or the Ten Pronouncements) give us a taste of the full compendium of Jewish law that is both given and inspired by G*d.
Imagine how it must have felt to see, hear, and feel the lightning, the clouds, the thunder, and the voice of G*d coming from the heavens for days on end! Imagine, indeed – for all Jews, then and now, experienced G*d during our lives.
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