Sunday, 15 March 2020

A week of assembly

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In the Torah portion for this week, we read about the making and assembly of the Tabernacle, its contents and all the things to do with the priestly service - not bad timing, when the sun is warming and there is a change in the air, awakening us to the promise of spring and stirring us to begin news things! You can see the daily Parasha and Bible reading plan for this week and here is the drash for Vayakhel/Pekudei.

Please pray for these events this week

A number of congregations have had to suspend their events and gatherings due to official advice on how to avoid the Corona-virus; other congregations are recommnding good hygeine and prayer at the normal. Please pray for wisdom for the leaders as they decide what action to take and for last minute arrangements as special speakers cancel. Please pray for health and well being, especially for the elderly and vulnerable. Let's pray that this will be a time when many people will turn to G-d in their time of worry and fear!

The Bible verse for this week is ...

"Each should give according to what he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for G-d loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, CJB)

We have decided what we can give to tzedakah from our wages, or we are volunteering our time and effort, we have given what we can ... and then we we feel guilty when we see the gifts of others. They are giving so much more - it is better quality - everyone appreciates their efforts more than ours! It's time to stop comparing our gifts to others'. Let us give cheerfully, knowing that we are giving what we decided in our heart was right.