If you're reading this, chances are you lived during the Nixon Years. If you're at all familiar with that time period in American culture, you know that it was the time of the Vietnam war; it was a time of protest and certainly of deep mistrust in our president. The Watergate Scandal led to a Senate investigation and ultimately to the resignation of that complex man - quite possibly to avoid impeachment.

Years later when he was laid to rest in state, he was given a hero's tribute by some very great people... which led one wit to comment:
 "Acharei mot-K'doshim!"
Translation:                    "After death, holy!"

It has always struck me as ironic that the passages that describe one of the holiest-if not the holiest ritual in Jewish Tradition should be introduced by a reference to the death of the high priest Aaron's two oldest sons.  What is described is the ceremony with which the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur and effect atonement for the Jewish People.

Another curiosity is the ritual involving the scapegoat. The process began with bringing forward two goats and casting lots on them...an interesting "game" of chance. The one goat that was designated as an offering would be slaughtered promptly while the one designated as the scapegoat would be led to the wilderness and thrown over a cliff! 

What sense, if any, can we make of all of this?

I hope to address these and other similar questions in my d'var Torah this coming Shabbat.

 It is with much regret that I mention the resignation of our Executive Director, Harvey Leader. Harvey brought much warmth to his position. He was extremely supportive of the leadership of the congregation and did all he could to tie together the disparate elements of synagogue management that came under his responsibility. With staff cutbacks this could be very challenging. I truly wish him and his wife, Deborah, an easy transition and much success for the future

This coming Sunday is Mitzvah Day (though, truth to tell, every day is Mitzvah Day!) I want to thank Margaret Gillerman, chair of Mitzvah Day and Bev Fogelman, Social Action Committee Chair for the fantastic job they've done in putting this program together. Thanks also to our many project chairs and all those who have donated the many needed items.

A very special "Thank you" to Jackie and Harvey Fenster who have donated "double chai" to the Mitzvah Day fundraiser. No, not $36.00, but $3,600.00 each! What an outstanding act of generosity!

Finally, a moment of profound tribute to Rabbi Bernard Lipnick
who devoted his life serving B'nai Amoona Congregation and the St. Louis Community. Since his passing last Tuesday, there has been an outpouring of appreciation from near and from afar. There are few Jewish families living in our community that haven't been touched positively by his leadership. He leaves this world a better place for his having passed through it.  Our profound condolences to Harriet and their families. HaMakom y'nacheim.....

May your Shabbat abound in Peace and Blessing! 
Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Mordecai Miller