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Important Notice to All Congregants

At the last board meeting of Congregation Mvakshe Derekh, President-For-Life Mark Kaplan announced an important policy and doctrinal change communicated to all synagogue presidents by the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation.

In a stunning reversal of Reconstructionist thought, the movement now anticipates the imminent return of Mashiach ben David and requires that all Reconstructionist congregations take the lead in world Jewry in preparations.

First, all Reconstructionist congregations are required immediately to begin plans for building facilities which mirror the most recent Temple in Jerusalem. With the tremendous amounts of stone, precious and semi-precious gems, gold, silver and dolphin skins needed, the estimated cost is about $10,000,000. Each member family will receive an assessment for $200,000 which must be paid in full one day before the appearance of the Messiah. We accept cash and Berkshire Hathaway Class A stock as payment. Below find the preliminary drawings for the new Mvakshe Derekh.

Negotiations for suitable parcel of land are currently underway.

Secondly, all Cohanim are to report for sacrificial instruction immediately following the reading of the Megillah. In keeping with Reconstructionist egalitarian ideology, this includes a Bat Kohen either matrilineal or patrilineal. Owing to budgetary constraints, all Cohanim are required to bring their own practice ox. Sources for oxen will be sent separately.

Next, all Levi’im will simultaneously report for choir practice where appropriate settings of the psalms will be chanted.

All the rest of us who are Yisrael carefully study the offerings we are to bring both daily and on festivals. For those whose apartments or condo associations prohibit housing of livestock, we will offer livestock storage at stockyard facilities to be shared by all Westchester Reconstructionist congregations and Chavurot.

And in keeping with Reconstructionist policy, vegetarian, vegan, organic and scent-free sacrificial options will be offered. Consult your local Cohen Gadol for details.

We trust that all will enjoy the Messianic times where there will be no war, no famine, no natural disasters, and eternal Shalom.

Well… at least the last line is no Purim Spiel! As we celebrate the eternal life of the Jewish People through the joy of Purim, let us ever be mindful of the role that we as Jews assume in ending persecution, oppression and suffering. Each of us, then, assumes the role of Messianic redeemer.

Chag Purim Sameach!

On A More Serious Note - Purim and Haiti
 

You might think that the two have little to do with each other. Quite the contrary. In addition to the fun of reading the Megillah, the two specific obligations on Purim are Shalach Manot (sending of gifts) and Matanot La-evyonim (gifts to the needy). Shalach Manot—send a few hamentaschen to a friend but keep it simple this year since our resources really need to be devoted to gifts to the needy. The needs in Haiti will be ongoing for some time to come.

 Let us not forget the plight of the Haitians when Haiti is no longer in the headlines. Continue to celebrate our redemption from Haman and from every other oppressor by remembering the needy. We are rightfully proud as Jews of the response of our Jewish community and of the Israel Defense Forces to earthquake relief. One less hamentaschen to us means a lot more to those homeless, injured and hungry.

Rabbi Ned Soltz

updated 2/5/10