May 2005 - נִיסָן .. אִיָּר תשס״ה Nisan..Iyyar 5765

Last Shabbat we took some time from our morning prayers to reflect on the meanings of some of the prayers. We were especially moved by one of the middle paragraphs of the Yotzer Or, which praises God as the Creator and thanks the Eternal for the times and seasons of our lives, especially the morning light to brighten our lives. We decided together to share that paragraph with you. So here is the part that spoke to us as a congregation:

“…All bodies of the heavens, the stars and planets, acclaim the Almighty with praise; celestial creatures give glory and greatness to God who completed the work of Creation on the seventh day and ascended to the Throne of Glory. God robed the day of rest in beauty, calling Shabbat a delight. God ceased all divine labors on Shabbat; that is its pride. The seventh day itself hymns praise to God: ‘A psalm, a song of Shabbat: It is good to acclaim the Eternal One.’ Let all of God's creatures likewise sing God's praise, let them honor their ruler, creator of all who in holiness grants rest and repose for the people of Israel on the holy Shabbat. In the heavens above and on earth below shall Your Name be hallowed and acclaimed, Eternal our God. Praise shall be Yours, our deliverer, for Your wondrous works, for the lights You have fashioned, the sun and the moon which reflect Your glory.”

(Adapted from Siddur Sim Shalom, p. 343.)

Shabbat is the most beautiful day of the week. It is especially meaningful when it is shared with family and friends at a Shabbat minyan. Those of us in the weekly habit of celebrating together can attest to this unique experience and we encourage all of the members and friends of Temple Beth Sholom to join us for the most hamishe and meaningful Shabbat worship in the area. Your presence is necessary for our minyan, but more importantly your presence is necessary for you to experience the Presence of God.

We hope to see you on Shabbat.

—Rabbi Harry A. Manhoff, Ph.D., D.D.

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