Parshat Vayera

This week’s parashah, Vayera, tells the story of the near-death of Hagar and her son Yishmael. When Hagar lost her way in the desert and ran out of water, she gave up hope and believed that all was lost. But “God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water,” which apparently had been there all along.

Rabbi Yitzhak Meir of Ger learned a lesson from this story:  The things that we need most urgently in life are all right in front of us. We are surrounded by blessings all the time. All that we lack is the ability to recognize them. That is what Psalm 119 means when it says “Open my eyes that I may see. . .” (the words that are embroidered on The New Shul’s ark cover).

Shabbat can help us to sharpen our vision. One day each week, we put aside our longings for the things that we lack and take the time to appreciate the blessings that we already have. We open our eyes and see the gifts that were always right in front of us. May this Shabbat, and every Shabbat, bring us the wisdom that comes with gratitude.

• The New Shul’s Shabbat morning service is from 9 am to about 11:45 am. In accordance with the latest Covid guidance from the CDC, we require all those over the age of 2 to wear a mask while in our building.
• Childcare is available on Shabbat mornings from 10 am to noon.
• This Shabbat morning, October 23, we will celebrate the upcoming wedding of Pam Kaplan and Ross Wilkoff. The kiddush will be sponsored by Pam and Ross
• Weekday minyanim at The New Shul are on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm, and on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am. Kabbalat Shabbat is at 6 pm on Friday evenings, at our rabbis’ home (please contact us for directions).