Rabbi's Blog

Dear OZ family,

This week’s Parsha is called Ki Tavo, and begins with a description of the ritual of Bikkurim, first fruits, which are only brought from trees growing in Israel. Ki Tavo refers to entry into the land, and the Mitzva that is immediately stressed upon such entry, is one that engenders gratitude.  The accompanying declaration upon laying down the fruits on the altar stresses this point and constitutes the main section of the storytelling of the redemption from Egypt in the Pesach Haggadah. Just as we are forever thankful for our freedom from Egyptian slavery, so are we are forever thankful for the land of Israel.

The Jewish people are so named after a child, Yehuda, born to our matriarch Leah, who thanked God for her abundance and good fortune. “Yehudim” is a word whose root means gratitude and is also the first word, “Modeh” we say every day upon rising, which is to say, “Thank you God for another day, and having faith in me that I deserve it.”

Our community is grateful that we have so many simchot to celebrate. In addition to all the births, baby namings, and Bris' we announced earlier in the week, we are very pleased to announce the wedding this Sunday of Ilana Gatoff to Michael Kasdan. Mazel Tov to Ilana’s parents, Lisa and Alistair Gatoff, long time OZ members.  Mazel Tov also to our member, Ari Tepler upon his engagement to Shira Halpern, and to our long time members, Anne and Jerry Samet on the engagement of their daughter, Arianna, to Jack Rubin of Hollywood, Fl. May they all be endowed with the blessings of gratitude and always have an abundance for which to be thankful.  

Shabbat Shalom

Be safe.  Be healthy.  Be excellent.

Rabbi Allen Schwartz

Rabbi Allen Schwartz

Congregation Ohab Zedek

118 West 95^th Street | New York, NY  10025-6604

Phone 212.749-5150, ext 200 | Fax 212.663-3635

E-mail ras@ozny.org

Website:  www.ozny.org