Parashat Shemot (Names) Exodus 1:1 - 6:1
HafTorah Isaiah 27:6 - 28:13; Isaiah 29:22,23
Dear friends,
As we approach Martin Luther King Day, it might be said that it is no coincidence that we will be beginning our reading of the Book of Exodus (Shemot). Dr. King is often referred to as the modern-day Moses and his last speech delivered in Memphis on the eve of his death was so reminiscent of Moses's on the mountaintop surveying the Promised Land but not able to enter it physically. He always felt close to his Jewish colleagues as they stood side-by-side with him in the quest for human rights. As the theme of the Book of Exodus is "from slavery to freedom", we celebrate the life of our greatest prophet Moses and the man that emulated him, Martin Luther King. Please join me on Monday, January 20th when at 10 am we will gather at the Union Missionary Baptist Church at 6235 Pine Hill Road in Port Richey and then march a very short distance (3 blocks) down the road to the historic Booker T. Washington School at 6105 Pine Road where the program consisting of talks and performances (music and dance) by the youth groups of the community will begin at 11 am followed by refreshments and socializing. I will be speaking again this year on King's collaborations with the Jewish people throughout his life and career. Let's be well represented once again at this important community event and honor the legacies of Dr. King and Moses!
Our Torah reading this Shabbat will continue our 3rd triennial cycle (4:18-6:1) where Moses leaves his father-in-law's dwelling
to serve Adonai and his enslaved people by confronting the Pharoh of Egypt and demanding the release of the Jewish people from bondage, just the beginning of the long journey from slavery to freedom. This journey is just as much a spiritual one as it is a physical one as the enslaved Hebrews become a holy people beholden to Adonai and the Mitzvot that they will learn on their journey. Not only will they be "repaired" but they will be given the tools to repair the world. Please join me tonight at 7:30 pm and tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 9:30 am in-person or virtually on Zoom and then again on Monday morning as we observe this important MLK weekend.
Blessings,
Ron Becker,
Spiritual Leader
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