As I sat down to write this week’s sermon, I am confused with turmoil. This week’s sedrah is Bamidbar. The English title is “Numbers” because a census is taken of Israelites over the age of 20. We count our people individually because each Israelite counts. Not so in Israel. As we sit here in the comfort of the most powerful country in the world, the United States, we worship in relative safety. Certainly, there has been threats to our people, as there always is, but we can rest assured that throughout the course of our service, we will not hear any sirens warning us we have twenty seconds to get to a bomb shelter. Our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land do not have that peace of mind. For yet another time (I’ve lost count), Israel is under attack. Not just from missiles fired by a terrorist organization, their neighbor, mind you, but also global public opinion. But where is the outrage of human rights attacks by other countries whose actions are far worse? Meanwhile, President Rivlin of Israel has reminded the world that no other country would tolerate what Israel does. Any other country, under attack by missiles, would have retaliated hard and with absolute certainty. Yet Israel is demeaned by other countries for injuring innocent civilians by their efforts to protect their citizens. Again, no other country would tolerate these abuses. Their response would swift, severe, and complete. Many of you may be surprised that I am addressing this issue in a sermon. Typically, I stay away from political issues and I do that out of respect for all of you. All of you have your own opinions and you are all certainly entitled to respect to believe as you will. That is freedom. And certainly as your religious leader, I see my role as a paragon of comfort and spiritual inspiration, and I will state unequivocally that I do indeed respect all of your opinions because I know all of you to be intelligent, caring and sensitive people. But as Jews we need to be concerned. This is our ancestral land. These are our people. They are fighting our fight. We have to stand united with our fellow Hebrews to support their efforts. They are entitled to live a life of comfort and fulfillment without the constant threat of death. How do we react to this outrage? We continue to be Jews; it’s that simple. We do not back down and apologize for existing. We don’t stop observing our religion. And we stand up for ourselves. There were multiple demonstrations around the country earlier this week and I had the privilege and honor to attend one in Irvine. It was organized and sponsored by StandWithUs, a group that advocates for ourselves. There were many other Jews there, parading around with both American and Israeli flags. Israeli and Jewish music was playing in the background. The crowd was dancing and waving signs that We Stand With Israel and that Hamas is a terrorist group. Of course, there were detractors. Palestinians joined the group. While people crowded around them singing “Am Yisrael Chai”, they were safe. And it wasn’t just because police were looking on. We Jews do not engage in unwarranted violence. Some people passed by making obscene gestures and shouting epithets. Some of the demonstrators got upset. At this point, why? We all know the truth. Israel, like every other country in the world, is not a perfect place. But to have violent riots, over 1600 missiles launched at anyone who’s living in Israel? That’s a solution? And some people support that? Hamas, as we all know, has been designated as a terrorist organization by most major civilized countries. Yet while people demean and vilify both Israel and Jews, they ignore other worse situations. Where is the outcry about far worse abuse in other parts of the world? But that’s OK because we will survive. We are strong. We have existed as a people for thousands of years and we will continue to prevail. We will mourn our losses, but we will go on with the same courage that has stayed us for almost 2000 years of oppression by the rest of the world. So let us remember this week’s portion and keep these people in our hearts. Every Israelite is counted because every Jew counts. Am Yisrael Chai!

https://youtu.be/lSVmJIwv724 Shavuot I / שָׁבוּעוֹת יוֹם א׳ Torah Portion: Exodus 19:1-20:23; Numbers 28:26-28:31 This Torah reading for the first day of Shavuot recaps Hashem giving Moshe Rabbeinu the Ten Commandments. The Children of Israel proclaimed, "We will do and we will hear". They committed to the covenant with G-d even before hearing the terms. The people were told to get ready for the revelation. Aaron and the elders stood at the foot of Mount Sinai while Joshua followed Moses up the mountain and maintained vigilance halfway up. Moses then continued up to top. He remained there for forty days and nights and received the first of Hashem's Law. In this discussion of the Ten Commandments, the fifth commandment is stated to "remember" the Shabbat, as differentiated from the repetition in Deuteronomy to "guard" or "keep" the Shabbat. Shavuot II / שָׁבוּעוֹת יוֹם ב׳ Torah Portion: Deuteronomy 15:19-16:17; Numbers 28:26-28:31 This portion first talks about the consecration of the first born. This ties in with Shavuot since this holiday is the beginning of the first fruits of the harvest. The portion then discusses the three pilgrimage festivals of Passover, Shavuot and Succot. The maftir for both days (Numbers 28:26-28:31) discusses the offerings for Shavuot. This is two bulls of the herd, one ram and seven yearling lambs along with a meal offering.

Ontario, California, USA Shabbat Times Yom Yerushalayim occurs on Monday, May 10 Rosh Chodesh Sivan occurs on Wednesday, May 12 Candle lighting: 7:26pm on Friday, May 14 This week's Torah portion is Parashat Bamidbar Havdalah (50 min): 8:36pm on Saturday, May 15 Powered by Hebcal Shabbat Times שבת פרשת במדבר May 14 - ג׳ סיון Candle lighting 7:26 Shabbat ends 8:28 72 minutes 8:58 Office Hours for the Upcoming Week: Tuesday, 5/11/21 9:15am - 1:00pm Thursday, 5/13/21 9:15am - 1:00pm Monday, 5/17/21 9:15am - 1:00pm Tuesday, 5/18/21 9:15am - 1:00pm Wednesday 5/19/21 3:00pm - 7:30pm Congregation Meeting 7:30pm - 9:00pm This week's 10-Minute Torah (May 15, 2021): "Parashat Bamidbar" 5781 https://youtu.be/Lt3zcw1kECQ Adult Torah Study Class Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 7:30 pm PT Parashat Bamidbar / פרשת בְּמִדְבַּר Read on 15 May 2021 (4 Sivan 5781). Parashat Bamidbar is the 34th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Numbers 1:1-4:20 Links to come Rosh Chodesh Sivan / רֹאשׁ חוֹדֶשׁ סִיוָן Rosh Chodesh Sivan (Start of month of Sivan on the Hebrew calendar) for Hebrew Year 5781 begins at sundown on Tuesday, 11 May 2021 and ends at nightfall on Wednesday, 12 May 2021. Start of month of Sivan on the Hebrew calendar. Sivan (סִיוָן) is the 3rd month of the Hebrew year, has 30 days, and corresponds to May or June on the Gregorian calendar. רֹאשׁ חוֹדֶשׁ, transliterated Rosh Chodesh or Rosh Hodesh, is a minor holiday that occurs at the beginning of every month in the Hebrew calendar. It is marked by the birth of a new moon. Judaic Studies Next session: Thursday, May 20, 2021 @ 7:30pm PT Join Sandy and Judy Grainer for a discussion of various interesting topics about different aspects of Judaism. This week, we will discuss the prophet Amos. https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/hosea-amos-prophets-to-the-north/ Links to come. Upcoming Services Shabbat Ma'ariv Service Friday, May 14, 2021 @ 7:30 pm Shabbat Shachrit Service Saturday, May 15, 2021 @ 10:00 am **We are holding live Shabbat services back in the synagogue for those 2 weeks out from their final vaccination. We will still continue to broadcast on Zoom and Facebook for those unable to come to the sancturay. Please call the office for more information if you'd like to attend. Schedule of services attached Replay of Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv, May 7, 2021 https://youtu.be/zy0fRmKG_kc https://www.facebook.com/TempleSholomofOntario/videos/278703140569273 Sermon @ 1:02:35 Replay of Saturday Morning Shabbat Shachrit, May 8, 2021 https://youtu.be/nPe7NXKV6rA https://www.facebook.com/TempleSholomofOntario/videos/1666439770233039 D'var Torah @ 1:10:30 Hebrew School at Temple Sholom of Ontario First Session Sunday, May 16, 2021 10:00 - 10:40 am PT Second Session Sunday, May 16, 2021 10:50 - 11:30 am PT Hebrew school is starting up at Temple Sholom of Ontario. We will hold classes virtually on Sundays at 10:00am PT. There will be two sessions, 40 minutes each, with a 5 - 10 minute break in between. The first session is designed for children approaching B'nai Mitzvot, ages 10 - 13. We will have two parts. First will be Hebrew reading and we will probably read from the week's Torah portion using a Chumash and an online site. We will then have a short discussion of that weekly sedrah/portion. The second session will be a general learning session discussing various prayers and notable Jewish personalities, from celebrities to prophets and kings. There will also be special topics such as gossip and evolution. Please let us know if you'd like to join us and of course if you have any questions. RSVP for Zoom links. Temple Sholom of Ontario is proud to announce we are offering: Miller Intro to Judaism Program Next session: Sunday, May 16, 2021 @ 12:00 pm If you're thinking of converting to Judaism: Completion of the Intro Program fulfills the learning requirements for conversion of the Rabbinical Assembly of America. Once you finish the course requirements and secure a sponsoring rabbi, you are eligible to become officially part of the Jewish People. If you're already Jewish: Whether you were born Jewish but never quite learned what it’s all about, you’re back after a long hiatus, or you’re just looking for a deeper understanding of your heritage, most of us could use a bit of a refresher. Jews from all walks of life enroll in the program: from people who had a Jewish day school education to those whose strongest connection was the annual box of matza on the kitchen counter. More details to follow. Please let us know if you're interested. Application is attached below or reply with request for more information Shavuot / שָׁבוּעוֹת Shavuot (Festival of Weeks) for Hebrew Year 5781 begins in the Diaspora at sundown on Sunday, 16 May 2021 and ends at nightfall on Tuesday, 18 May 2021. The festival of Shavuot (or Shavuos, in Ashkenazi usage; Shabhuʿoth in Classical and Mizrahi Hebrew Hebrew: שבועות, lit. "Weeks") is a Jewish holiday that occurs on the sixth day of the Hebrew month of Sivan (late May or early June). Shavuot commemorates the anniversary of the day G-d gave the Torah to the entire Israelite nation assembled at Mount Sinai, although the association between the giving of the Torah (Matan Torah) and Shavuot is not explicit in the Biblical text. The holiday is one of the Shalosh Regalim, the three Biblical pilgrimage festivals. It marks the conclusion of the Counting of the Omer. This year's 10-Minute Torah for Shavuot (May 17 & 18, 2021): "Parashot Shavuot" 5781 https://youtu.be/lSVmJIwv724 Upcoming Services: Shavuot Ma'ariv Service (on Zoom only) Sunday, May 16, 2021 @ 7:00 pm (Book of Ruth) Shavuot I Shachrit Service Monday, May 17, 2021 @ 10:00 am Shavuot II Shachrit Service (Yizkor) Tuesday, May 18, 2021 @ 10:00 am **Erev Shavuot will only be on Zoom and we will read the Book of Ruth. Shavuot I & II Morning services will be both live in the Sanctuary for those 2 weeks out of their final vaccination dose and also on Zoom for those unable to come. For this week's Mi Sheberach מי שברך list for those in need of healing, please advise any changes (Names will no longer be published to respect people's privacy). We are planning in October: More details to come. Stay tuned!

https://youtu.be/Lt3zcw1kECQ Parashat Bamidbar / פרשת בְּמִדְבַּר Read on 15 May 2021 (4 Sivan 5781). Parashat Bamidbar is the 34th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Numbers 1:1-4:20 This portion, the beginning of the book of Numbers, starts out with Hashem commanding Moses and Aaron to take a census on the first day of the second month (Iyyar). The leaders of each of the twelve tribes are to stand with them. They are told to count the "legions", which the sages interpret as those men who are able to go to war if necessary, those over the age of twenty, and some say until the age of sixty. They are not, however, to count the Levites in this count. They will be tending to the Mishkan and its furniture and will not be going out to fight. They do get counted separately later according to their three clans: Gershom, Kohath and Merrari. The tribes are also told how to form around the Mishkan. Judah takes the lead at the East with Issachar and Zebulun. Reuben leads to the South with Simeon and Gad. Ephraim leads to the West with Manasseh and Benjamin. Finally, Dan leads to the North with Asher and Naftali. The tribe of Levi is consecrated as the replacement of the first born. A census is taken and they are given their places around the Mishkan and their assignments based on their clans. Gershon would camp on the West. They would take care of the Tent, Cover and Screen of the Tabernacle. Kohath would camp on the South and take charge of the Ark, Table, Menorah, Altars and sacred utensils. Merrari would camp to the North and take charge of the planks, bars, pillars, sockets and pegs and ropes. The Kohathites are then given instructions on how to take care of their charge.

Ontario, California, USA Shabbat Times Candle lighting: 7:21pm on Friday, May 7 This week's Torah portion is Parashat Behar-Bechukotai Havdalah (50 min): 8:30pm on Saturday, May 8 Powered by Hebcal Shabbat Times שבת פרשת בהר-בחקתי May 7 - כ״ה אייר Candle lighting 7:21 Shabbat ends 8:22 72 minutes 8:53 This week's 10-Minute Torah (May 8, 2021): "Parashat Behar-Bechukotai" 5781 https://youtu.be/6m4B1Bcipiw Adult Torah Study Class: Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 7:30 pm PT Parashat Behar-Bechukotai / פרשת בְּהַר־בְּחֻקֹּתַי Read on 8 May 2021 (26 Iyyar 5781). Parashat Behar-Bechukotai is the 32nd and 33rd weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Leviticus 25:1-27:34 Links to come Judaic Studies: Thursday, May 6, 2021 @ 7:30pm PT Join Sandy and Judy Grainer for a discussion of various interesting topics about different aspects of Judaism. This week, we will discuss the prophet Amos. https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/hosea-amos-prophets-to-the-north/ Links to come. Mother's Day: Sunday, May 9, Mother's Day 2021 in United States Upcoming Services Shabbat Ma'ariv Service Friday, May 7, 2021 @ 7:30 pm Shabbat Shachrit Service Saturday, May 8, 2021 @ 10:00 am **We are holding live Shabbat services back in the synagogue. We will still continue to broadcast on Zoom and Facebook. Please call the office for more information if you'd like to attend. Replay of this past Shabbat's services: Replay of Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv: https://youtu.be/GWrbJXSDDqs Sermon @ 46:52 Replay of Saturday Morning Shabbat Shachrit: https://youtu.be/jDptSgQo9_0 D'var Torah @ 51:30 https://www.facebook.com/TempleSholomofOntario/videos/303968021136723 Hebrew School at Temple Sholom of Ontario (No school on Sunday, May 9 in honor of Mother's Day) First Session Sunday, May 16, 2021 10:00 - 10:40 am PT Second Session Sunday, May 16, 2021 10:50 - 11:30 am PT Hebrew school is starting up at Temple Sholom of Ontario. We will hold classes virtually on Sundays at 10:00am PT. There will be two sessions, 40 minutes each, with a 5 - 10 minute break in between. The first session is designed for children approaching B'nai Mitzvot, ages 10 - 13. We will have two parts. First will be Hebrew reading and we will probably read from the week's Torah portion using a Chumash and an online site. We will then have a short discussion of that weekly sedrah/portion. The second session will be a general learning session discussing various prayers and notable Jewish personalities, from celebrities to prophets and kings. There will also be special topics such as gossip and evolution. Please let us know if you'd like to join us and of course if you have any questions. RSVP for Zoom links. Temple Sholom of Ontario is proud to announce we are offering: (No school on Sunday, May 9 in honor of Mother's Day) Miller Intro to Judaism Program Next session: Sunday, May 16 @ 12:00pm PT If you're thinking of converting to Judaism: Completion of the Intro Program fulfills the learning requirements for conversion of the Rabbinical Assembly of America. Once you finish the course requirements and secure a sponsoring rabbi, you are eligible to become officially part of the Jewish People. If you're already Jewish: Whether you were born Jewish but never quite learned what it’s all about, you’re back after a long hiatus, or you’re just looking for a deeper understanding of your heritage, most of us could use a bit of a refresher. Jews from all walks of life enroll in the program: from people who had a Jewish day school education to those whose strongest connection was the annual box of matza on the kitchen counter. More details to follow. Please let us know if you're interested. Application is attached below or reply with request for more information For this week's Mi Sheberach מי שברך list for those in need of healing, please advise any changes (Names will no longer be published to respect people's privacy). *The titles in blue and underlined are "hyperlinks". If you click on any of those, it will lead to that site/URL. The hyperlink gives a descriptive title with the actual link embedded in that title. Anyone who is concerned about clicking a link or hyperlink can access any of these resources by going to my website, www.modernrabbistephen.com. You can find them in the "Blog" and "Videos" sections, as well as the "Instagram Links" by clicking on the various pictures. We are planning in October: More details to come. Stay tuned!

Parashat Behar-Bechukotai / פרשת בְּהַר־בְּחֻקֹּתַי Read on 8 May 2021 (26 Iyyar 5781). Parashat Behar-Bechukotai is the 32nd and 33rd weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Leviticus 25:1-27:34 The first of this double portion, Behar (בהר), starts talking about a Shabbat for the land. We sow and reap for six years, but leave the land a year of rest in the seventh year. We do not work the land in that year, but we, and anyone else in need, are allowed to gather any produce that the land provides. Hashem assures us that we have plentiful crop in the other years to provide for those years of rest. If our fellow is in dire straits, we provide a no-interest loan. If they can not pay it back by the seventh year, all debts are forgiven. Hashem assures us that what we think we will lose by not having the loan paid back will be made up by prosperity. The highest form of charity is to do business with a fellow Jew to help them make a living. Seven by seven years is the Jubilee year. Any land that has been sold off because our fellows has not been successful is returned. We are paid for the amount of time we used the land. If our fellow has to sell themselves to fellow Israelites because they can not support themselves, they go free in that Jubilee year as well. Meanwhile, a fellow’s relatives should do all they can to redeem them. Foreign slaves, however, do not get freed. The second of the two portions, Bechukotai,(בחקתי),, discusses the blessings and the warnings if the Israelites do, or don’t do the commandments. It starts out discussing the blessings, that if the Children of Israel follow Hashem’s decrees and judgments and perform them, the rain will appear at their proper times and there will be prosperity. They will not fear any enemy and defeat any that attack them. Hashem will walk with us. The sedra then goes on to discuss the consequences of us not following G-d’s laws, the “admonition” or “tochachah”. This seven series of progressively worse consequences that will befall Israel for not following Hashem’s laws and decrees. As the people get more and more apathetic, the consequences get worse and worse. Finally, Israel sees the error of their ways and return to Hashem, who in turn restores their strength and prosperity. Ultimately, however, each stage of punishment is a call to repent. Finally, Bechukotai and Leviticus ends with gifts to the Temple. People can have themselves or their animals assessed for a contrived value, which they then donate.

The two blessings recited prior to the Shema illustrate a fundamental duality in how Jewish spirituality relates to God. BY RABBI ARI HART The daily morning prayer service is like a symphony of discrete movements that evoke different moods, ideas and themes, yet come together to form a cohesive whole. One of those movements is the Shema, which is less a prayer than an idea, that God is one. But before we can even begin to understand that impossibly huge idea, the sages of the Talmud instituted two blessings to help shepherd us into this awareness. The texts of these blessings, Yotzer Or and Ahava Rabba, bring us into the movement by beautifully illustrating a fundamental duality in how Jewish spirituality relates to God: immanence and transcendence, the intimacy of God’s closeness and the awe and fear of God’s distance. Yotzer Or (literally “Creator of light”) is a cosmic blessing. Its focus is on the stars, light and dark, celestial bodies, the work of supernal creation. It is a blessing meant to evoke awe at creation, the awestruck feeling of looking up at the stars on a dark night and feeling the wonder of the universe, our smallness in all of it, and the greatness of its creator. Before we proclaim that one God is the sovereign of all creation, Yotzer Or challenges us to try to begin to understand the infinitude of that statement. I sometimes use this blessing to contemplate my size relative to the room I’m in, followed by the city, the continent, the planet, the solar system, the galaxy, the universe. I end up feeling small and insignificant. I believe that is the point. On the heels of this comes Ahava Rabba. This blessing, whose name means “great love,” reminds us (and perhaps reminds God) that the transcendent creator of the universe — this inconceivable, alien force beyond time and space — loves us. And not just loves us, but loves us greatly. The blessing goes on to ask for the ability to learn and understand Torah. Why? Because a primary way we as Jews experience God’s divine love in this world is through the Torah, a covenantal, living and perpetually unfolding encounter and testimony to our relationship. Ahava Rabba concludes with a prayer for a complete return to the place where this covenantal relationship is expressed in its fullest sense, the land of Israel. After the conclusion of Ahava Rabba, we have laid the foundation upon which to reach the climax of this movement: The Shema, which declares the existence of a transcendent God that both created the entire universe and, in spite of our smallness, loves us and desires to relate with us in this world. The act of reciting the Shema is supposed to be meditative and slow. It is recited sitting down, each word pronounced fully and distinctly, with space between the word that precedes and the word that follows. The focus and slowness of the Shema invite us to unify the opposing ideas of the first two blessings — the distance and nearness of God. Reciting the Shema slowly and with care helps us to hold these opposites in the mind and find the unifying thread of ahavah, love, that binds them together.

Parashat Emor Adobe Hebcal

Ontario, California, USA Shabbat Times Pesach Sheni occurs on Monday, Apr 26 Lag BaOmer occurs on Friday, Apr 30 Candle lighting: 7:16pm on Friday, Apr 30 This week's Torah portion is Parashat Emor Havdalah (50 min): 8:25pm on Saturday, May 1 This week's 10-Minute Torah (May 1, 2021): "Parashat Emor" 5781 https://youtu.be/s2k7qqli8b4 Adult Torah Study Class Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 7:30 pm PT Parashat Emor / פרשת אֱמוֹר Read on 1 May 2021 (19 Iyyar 5781). Parashat Emor is the 31st weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Leviticus 21:1-24:23 Links to come Judaic Studies Thursday, April 29, 2021 @ 7:30pm PT Join Sandy and Judy Grainer for a discussion of various interesting topics about different aspects of Judaism. This week, we continue to discuss the role of women in Judaism and how Conservative Judaism has enhanced that role has evolved over the years. Links to come. Lag BaOmer / ל״ג בָּעוֹמֶר Lag BaOmer (33rd day of counting the Omer) for Hebrew Year 5781 begins at sundown on Thursday, 29 April 2021 and ends at nightfall on Friday, 30 April 2021. Lag BaOmer (Hebrew: ל״ג בעומר), also Lag B'Omer, is a Jewish holiday celebrated on the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer, which occurs on the 18th day of the Hebrew month of Iyar. One reason given for the holiday is as the day of passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. Modern Jewish tradition links the holiday to the Bar Kokhba Revolt against the Roman Empire (132-135 CE). In Israel, it is celebrated as a symbol for the fighting Jewish spirit. Upcoming Services Shabbat Ma'ariv Service Friday, April 30, 2021 @ 7:30 pm Shabbat Shachrit Service Saturday, May 1, 2021 @ 10:00 am **We are now conducting Shabbat services back in the synagogue. We will still continue to broadcast on Zoom and Facebook. Please call the office if you'd like to attend for more information. Replay of this past Shabbat's services: Shabbat Shachrit, Saturday, April 24, 2021 https://www.facebook.com/TempleSholomofOntario/videos/898341771005310 D'var Torah @ 1:39:00 Hebrew School at Temple Sholom of Ontario First Session Sunday, May 2, 2021 10:00 - 10:40 am PT Second Session Sunday, May 2, 2021 10:50 - 11:30 am PT Hebrew school is starting up at Temple Sholom of Ontario. We will hold classes virtually on Sundays at 10:00am PT. There will be two sessions, 40 minutes each, with a 5 - 10 minute break in between. The first session is designed for children approaching B'nai Mitzvot, ages 10 - 13. We will have two parts. First will be Hebrew reading and we will probably read from the week's Torah portion using a Chumash and an online site. We will then have a short discussion of that weekly sedrah/portion. The second session will be a general learning session discussing various prayers and notable Jewish personalities, from celebrities to prophets and kings. There will also be special topics such as gossip and evolution. Please let us know if you'd like to join us and of course if you have any questions. RSVP for Zoom links. Temple Sholom of Ontario is proud to announce we are offering: Miller Intro to Judaism Program Next session: Sunday, May 2 @ 12:00pm PT If you're thinking of converting to Judaism: Completion of the Intro Program fulfills the learning requirements for conversion of the Rabbinical Assembly of America. Once you finish the course requirements and secure a sponsoring rabbi, you are eligible to become officially part of the Jewish People. If you're already Jewish: Whether you were born Jewish but never quite learned what it’s all about, you’re back after a long hiatus, or you’re just looking for a deeper understanding of your heritage, most of us could use a bit of a refresher. Jews from all walks of life enroll in the program: from people who had a Jewish day school education to those whose strongest connection was the annual box of matza on the kitchen counter. More details to follow. Please let us know if you're interested. Application is attached below or reply with request for more information For this week's Mi Sheberach מי שברך list for those in need of healing, please advise any changes (Names will no longer be published to respect people's privacy). *The titles in blue and underlined are "hyperlinks". If you click on any of those, it will lead to that site/URL. The hyperlink gives a descriptive title with the actual link embedded in that title. Anyone who is concerned about clicking a link or hyperlink can access any of these resources by going to my website, www.modernrabbistephen.com. You can find them in the "Blog" and "Videos" sections, as well as the "Instagram Links" by clicking on the various pictures.

Parashat Emor / פרשת אֱמוֹר Read on 1 May 2021 (19 Iyyar 5781). Parashat Emor is the 31st weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Leviticus 21:1-24:23 This portion starts out discussing various laws of the Kohenim, the priests. It starts off by admonishing priests that they are holy and should only participate in performing last rites if there is no one else to do it. A priest may “contaminate” himself only if the deceased is a member of his immediate family. A cohen must only marry a woman who has not yet been married. A Cohen may not make any gashes or alterations to his body. Likewise, in order to officiate at the Temple, he must not have any disqualifying blemishes or deformities. Animals being used as offerings must also be free of disqualifying blemishes or deformities. He may, however, eat terumah or food offerings. Verses 31 and 32 of chapter 22 is considered a very important verse, Torah in microcosm. Verse 31 tells us to observe and perform Hashem’s commandments. Verse 32 tells us not to desecrate Hashem’s holy name. Associated with these verses, the sages tell us that the only times we are to give up our lives is when faced with either idolatry, sexual perversion, or unnecessary bloodshed. The sedrah then discusses the three pilgrimage festivals observed throughout the Jewish year. They are described as mo’adim, or appointed times, because that’s when Jews come together to meet. The Children of Israel are commanded to designate these dates as special times. Passover, or Pesach, is celebrated on the 15th day of the first month. This is Nisan observed in the spring. We are to do no laborious work (preparing food is fine). We are to eat only unleavened bread for seven days (eight in the diaspora). Starting on the second day, we count the Omer, the offering of the first grain harvest, barley. This reflects the ancient practice of bringing the first harvest to the Temple as an offering. An omer is a unit of dry measure, equal to the volume of 43.2 eggs. We count the Omer for forty-nine days to arrive at Shavuot. This celebrates Moses bringing Israel the Law, the Ten Commandments. Shavuot also is the festival of reaping. In the seventh month on the first day is Rosh Hashannah, described as a day of remembrance with shofar blasts. Ten days later is Yom Kippur, the day we afflict ourselves and repent our sins. On the fifteenth day, we observe Sukkot, the Festival of Booths and the culmination of our process of repentance and redemption. This commemorates the protection Hashem gave us when we wandered in the wilderness. It is also the time when the summer’s produce is gathered. This ends with Atzeret, the day of assembly. We are then commanded to take the four species, the estrog/citron (resembles the heart); lulav/palm branch (representing the spine); hadasim/myrtle leaves (representing the eyes); and the aravot/willow branch (representing the lips). They are held together and used during the Sukkot services. Finally, we are commanded to perform the lighting of the Menorah, and placing the twelves loaves of the showbread on the table in the Temple.

https://youtu.be/rj1N77faZY4 Sing along in Hebrew to "Shamayim V’Ha’Aretz" performed by Neshama Carlebach. The lyrics are taken from Psalm 121. Lyrics: A Song of Ascents. I lift my eyes to the mountain, from where will my help come? My help will come from the Lord above, maker of all heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved; He that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, He that keepeth Israel doth neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper; the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall keep thee from all evil; He shall keep thy soul. The Lord shall guard thy going out and thy coming in, from this time forth and forever. Psalm 121 eh-saw ay-nai el he-ha-reem may-ah-yen ya-vo ez-ree (I lift my eyes to the mountain, from where will my help come?) https://youtu.be/gIT_3K28Sa8 "I Lift My Eyes" by Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach I will lift my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord The Maker of Heaven and Earth. Psalm 121 אֶשָּׂא עֵינַי, אֶל-הֶהָרִים מֵאַיִן, יָבֹא עֶזְרִי. עֶזְרִי, מֵעִם יְהוָה עֹשֵׂה, שָׁמַיִם וָאָרֶץ תהילים פרק קכא Esso Einai By Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach אֶשָּׂא עֵינַי אֶל-הֶהָרִים Eh-sa ay-nai el he-ha-reem (I will lift up mine eyes unto the mountains) מֵאַיִן, יָבֹא עֶזְרִי May-ayin ya-vo ez-ree (from whence shall my help come?) עֶזְרִי, מֵעִם יְ-הוָה Ez-ree may-eem Ha-shem (My help cometh from the LORD) עֹשֵׂה, שָׁמַיִם וָאָרֶץ Oh-se sha-mayeem va-aretz (who made heaven and earth)

Ontario, California, USA Shabbat Times Candle lighting: 7:10pm on Friday, Apr 23 This week's Torah portion is Parashat Achrei Mot-Kedoshim Havdalah (50 min): 8:19pm on Saturday, Apr 24 Powered by Hebcal Shabbat Times שבת פרשת אחרי מות-קדושים April 23 - י״א אייר Candle lighting 7:10 Shabbat ends 8:09 72 minutes 8:42 This week's 10-Minute Torah (April 24, 2021): "Parashat Acherei-Kedoshim 5781 https://youtu.be/jxA71EezXuI Adult Torah Study Class Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at 7:30 pm PT Parashat Achrei Mot-Kedoshim / פרשת אַחֲרֵי מוֹת־קְדשִׁים Read on 24 April 2021 (12 Iyyar 5781). Parashat Achrei Mot-Kedoshim is the 29th and 30th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Leviticus 16:1-20:27 Links to come Judaic Studies Thursday, April 22, 2021 @ 7:30pm PT Join Sandy and Judy Grainer for a discussion of various interesting topics about different aspects of Judaism. This week, we continue to discuss the role of women in Judaism and how Conservative Judaism has enhanced that role has evolved over the years. Links to come. Upcoming Services Shabbat Ma'ariv Service Friday, April 23, 2021 @ 7:30 pm Shabbat Shachrit Service Saturday, April 24, 2021 @ 10:00 am **This will be our first Shabbat back in the synagogue. While we will starting our first live services in the sanctuary, we will still continue to broadcast on Zoom and Facebook. Please call the office if you'd like to attend for more information. Replay of this past Shabbat's services: Shabbat Ma'ariv, Friday, April 16, 2021 https://youtu.be/_Fyf625f8xc https://www.facebook.com/TempleSholomofOntario/videos/927325644479241 Sermon @ 47:30 Hebrew School at Temple Sholom of Ontario First Session Sunday, April 25, 2021 10:00 - 10:40 am PT Second Session Sunday, April 25, 2021 10:50 - 11:30 am PT Hebrew school is starting up at Temple Sholom of Ontario. We will hold classes virtually on Sundays at 10:00am PT. There will be two sessions, 40 minutes each, with a 5 - 10 minute break in between. The first session is designed for children approaching B'nai Mitzvot, ages 10 - 13. We will have two parts. First will be Hebrew reading and we will probably read from the week's Torah portion using a Chumash and an online site. We will then have a short discussion of that weekly sedrah/portion. The second session will be a general learning session discussing various prayers and notable Jewish personalities, from celebrities to prophets and kings. There will also be special topics such as gossip and evolution. Please let us know if you'd like to join us and of course if you have any questions. RSVP for Zoom links. Temple Sholom of Ontario is proud to announce we are offering: Next session: Sunday, April 25 @ 12:00pm PT Miller Intro to Judaism Program If you're thinking of converting to Judaism: Completion of the Intro Program fulfills the learning requirements for conversion of the Rabbinical Assembly of America. Once you finish the course requirements and secure a sponsoring rabbi, you are eligible to become officially part of the Jewish People. If you're already Jewish: Whether you were born Jewish but never quite learned what it’s all about, you’re back after a long hiatus, or you’re just looking for a deeper understanding of your heritage, most of us could use a bit of a refresher. Jews from all walks of life enroll in the program: from people who had a Jewish day school education to those whose strongest connection was the annual box of matza on the kitchen counter. More details to follow. Please let us know if you're interested. Application is attached below or reply with request for more information For this week's Mi Sheberach מי שברך list for those in need of healing, please advise any changes (Names will no longer be published to respect people's privacy). *The titles in blue and underlined are "hyperlinks". If you click on any of those, it will lead to that site/URL. The hyperlink gives a descriptive title with the actual link embedded in that title. Anyone who is concerned about clicking a link or hyperlink can access any of these resources by going to my website, www.modernrabbistephen.com. You can find them in the "Blog" and "Videos" sections, as well as the "Instagram Links" by clicking on the various pictures.