The New Shul

Parshat Vayikra

This week’s parashah, Vayikra, begins: “YHWH called to Moshe and spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting.” Usually, according to the Torah, 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. We learn that we belong in God’s world.

May we be blessed to know that our deeds and our words matter, and let others know how much theirs matter to us.The New Shul is closed for now due to the Covid-19 crisis. To the extent possible, we have moved online. Instead of our daily minyanim, we have daily Mishnah study. Instead of Shabbat services, we have a pre-Shabbat d’var torah and a post-Shabbat havdalah program. Our Monday Talmud class and Tuesday Parashah-of-the-Week class have also moved on-line. For a full schedule of on-line events, and instructions to log-in, please call us at 480-515-2272, or email us by clicking here.