Parshat Vayikra/Shabbat Zakhor

This week’s parashah, Vayikra, begins: “YHWH called to Moshe and spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting.” Usually God simply spoke to Moshe. Why, in this case, did God call to him first?

According to Midrash Tanhuma, God had to call to Moshe because Moshe was standing too far from the Tent to hear what God wanted to say. Because “YHWH’s presence filled the Tent,” Moshe felt that there was no room for him inside. God had to call to Moshe to let him know that he was needed there.

When we feel lost and unsure of our place in the world, our greatest need is to know that we are needed, to hear the call that is addressed specifically to us. In hearing and responding to the call of those around us (and within that call the whispered call of God), we find our deepest dignity as human beings, and learn that there is a place for us in God’s world.

May we be blessed to know that our deeds matter, and let others know as well.

• The New Shul’s Shabbat services are on Friday evenings from 6 to 7 pm, and on Saturday mornings from 9 am to 12 noon. The kiddush-lunch this Shabbat, March 19, is sponsored by Bonnie Price and Jack Hirsch.
• Childcare is available from 10 am to noon on Shabbat mornings. Learning services for children this Shabbat are from 11 to 11:30 am.for toddlers and preschoolers, from 11 to 11:45 am for grades 1 to 3, and from 10:15 to 11:30 am for grades 4 to 5.
• Minyanim during the week are on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am, Monday evenings at 7 pm, Wednesday mornings at 7 am and Wednesday evenings at 7 pm.
• Erev Purim is Wednesday night, March 23. Join us at 7 pm for the reading of the megillah, and our shpiel “Elvis Rockin’ Purim.”