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RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL :CHAZAK! CHAZAK! VENISCHAZEIK! BE STRONG! BE STRONG! AND MAY WE BE STRENGTHENED!
The Conclusion of Exodus - Shemot
Dedication
This second book of five, of the Five Books of Moses, Chumash Candescence, has been seven years in the making. Its long awaited serialization on the Web has finally arrived, with the other three books, G!D willing, to follow.
Chumash Candescence is the first full compendium to the Torah studying in detail each Parasha, with references to the Talmud, Midrash, and other Rabbinic sources, from post-Talmudic times to the present, from a Jewish Renewal, Spiritual and Modern point of view.
It is part of a greater Text that will be soon published in book form, with profits going to Temples' Social Action and Adult Jewish Education Committees, ''On the Attainment of Jewish Spirituality.''
This second of five books is dedicated to those people who first encouraged me to write it 8 years ago. They are Parnas (president) J. Freidman and his board of Mickve Israel, who in their wisdom and with their courage, appointed me their Temple's (Mickve Israel of Savannah, GA), first scholar-in-residence since their Congregation was established in 1733 in 1999 thru 2000. They allowed me to establish the Temple's first Torah class which still meets, and has now after 8 years, sprung a second class, to delve into the books of the Prophets. We also began the Temple's first Mishna class, starting with Pirkei Avot. Ironically, while welcomed by many, this met with some opposition by a handful of Classical Reforms who were threatened, saying that they never had a Torah class since 1733, and they did not need one now. Fearlessly, Rabbi A. Belzer, put his pulpit position on the line, quoting Rabbi Yoffee, the head of the UAHC, now the URJ, stating that a "Reform Jew must be an informed Jew." His wife Arlene stood steadfast with him.
This second book is dedicated to these Lions of Judah, who helped bring Torah, into Mickve Israel, and hence bring Mickve Israel into the third millennium, reforming Reform.
The Mishna Pirkei Avot : 3:21. Rabbi Elazar ben Azaryah used to say: Where there is no Torah there is no culture; and where there is no culture there is no Torah. Where there is no wisdom there is no fear of G-d,
and where there is no fear of G-d there is no wisdom. Where there is no knowledge there is no discernment; and
where there is no discernment there is no knowledge. Where there is no food there is no Torah; and where there is no Torah there is no food.
and where there is no fear of G-d there is no wisdom. Where there is no knowledge there is no discernment; and
where there is no discernment there is no knowledge. Where there is no food there is no Torah; and where there is no Torah there is no food.
Temple Mickve Israel under Rabbi Belzer's keen leadership has become not only a place of worship, but a place of culture and learning, with fascinating lectures, on the Jews of China, India, and other topics, as well as Jewish music both classical and klezmer. While my bride and I have been blessed my the Almighty to visit 'exotic Jewish communities and even have Passover and other holy days with them, most people cannot afford or do not have the health to do such. Mickve Israel, because of Torah being there, has culture, and little by little, members are developing a God-consciousness wisdom, giving them discernment and knowledge, to live fuller joyous lives. And Rebetizin Arlene, the ultimate chef, always makes sure the staff provides plenty to eat on Shabbat, holidays, and these special events.
May G!D continue to bless and to keep these wonderful true Jews, and their families. Amen!
CHAZAK! CHAZAK! VENISCHAZEIK! BE STRONG! BE STRONG! AND MAY WE BE STRENGTHENED!
Shalom,
RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL
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