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Candle lighting is at 4:30 pm on Friday, November 21. This week's Torah portion is Parashat Chayei Sara. Havdalah starts 60 minutes after sundown, at 5:47 pm on Saturday, November 22. Courtesy of hebcal.com |
Avot 1:3: The Religious TemperBy Rabbi Alan Yuter Antigonos of Socho received the tradition from Simon, the priest/sage. His signature saying was:
The first statement reminds us what religion is not, according to Torah. The first statement also informs us what religion is in fact for most people. For most people, religion is about social station, honor, acceptance, looking good, station and status. It is about special dress. It is in Reform Judaism the felt trimmed doctoral robes, and for the Hassidim it is the spodek and bekeshe. Neither are commandments of Torah, but both are insignias of honor. When we do rites for honor and the reward, our religion is payback. Religion is not about looking good, it is about doing good and being good. The right reward is doing right because it is right, not because it pays. And the payment for doing right and thinking right is being Godly and righteous. Being good is its own reward. |