Chabad at La Costa Times Shvat/Adar 5778 – February ‘18

"Going from strength to strength…” is a famous saying that comes from Psalms (Chapter 84, Verse 8). Not only is this a wonderful line used by many-a-rabbi at Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations, but it is a useful thought on how to live one’s life.  

It behooves us to take a closer look at the scriptural context in which this saying is written. According to the Ohel Yosef Yitzchak version of the Psalms, “In this psalm of prayers and entreaties, the psalmist mourns bitterly over the destruction of the Temple from the depths of his heart, and speaks of the many blessings that will be realized upon its restoration. Fortunate is the one who trusts it will be rebuilt, and does not despair in the face of the long exile.”

Who specifically will, “Go from strength to strength?” The answer lies in the previous passage, “For those who pass through the Valley of Thorns, He places wellsprings; their guide will be cloaked in blessings.” 

In addition to being instructive regarding pervious exiles, this psalm may be viewed as an allusion to our current long and difficult exile – an exile so profound that many do not realize that they are in it. And yet, if we merely open our eyes we can find our “Go from strength to strength” moment right before us! 

This month we will be celebrating Purim – a holiday in which the joyousness we feel is in direct proportion to the terror experienced by our forbearers at the hands of the evil Haman and the foolish Achashvairosh. If there is a post-Biblical (meaning Five Books of Moses) holiday where we really ‘let loose’ and partake in a full-throated celebration it is Purim.  

But after Purim what’s next? Where can we possibly go from there? Will we not experience a huge let down during the time immediately following this particular festival? 

“Going from strength to strength,” is more than a nice blessing; in fact it is a mandate! We MUST find a way to go from the strength of Purim into a new, and even greater strength.  

And that is where Passover, the Holiday of Our Freedom, comes in. Yes, Pesach is associated with lots of hard work as we prepare the house by ridding it of every vestige of leavening (not to mention getting ready for an epic Seder). But freedom from all forms of oppression, including and especially self-generated oppression, which is what Passover celebrates, is hard work. This is true for us as individuals and communally as well. But this is the type of hard work that is rewarding in that it brings us to personal and communal redemption.

So this year, as we prepare to celebrate the joyousness of Purim with (nearly) reckless abandon, use that positive energy in your Passover preparations so that you can fully enjoy the great gift of freedom!

Grab your chef's hat! We're taking your baking skills to the next level with some fun challah and babka baking. Also features a Build-A-Challah workshop to make your own huggable challah pillow. Bring your friends and neighbors to create the most lovable Challah ever.

Date and Time TBA.

Words of Torah, songs, and games will all be part of the festivities. Reserve by sending an email to [email protected]. The cost to attend is $18 per adult (out of town guests are $36 each) and $10 for children.

On a weekly basis our community has numerous opportunities to celebrate Judaism with joy and meaning. We offer classes, services, social events, and so much more. The best way to get up-to-the-minute information is by subscribing to our email update list. There is no cost to subscribe. In a typical week we send out a couple of emails including our Weekly Update, which details all of the events scheduled for that particular week. While many of our offerings are scheduled months in advance some are necessarily scheduled last minute or occasionally plans change and things need to be rescheduled making this service very important. To subscribe simply send an email to [email protected].

Join us on Saturdays for our energetic and uplifting Shabbat Services filled with happiness and meaning! Those who attend can tell you that they always leave feeling better than when they came. Following services we enjoy a lovely Kiddush luncheon together. Want to see what a true ‘comm-unity’ looks like? Join us!

Chabad at La Costa Ÿ 1980 La Costa Ave. Ÿ Carlsbad, CA 92009 Ÿ 760-943-8891 Ÿ Fax: 760-943-8892 Ÿ E-Mail: [email protected]

 Rabbi & Rebbetzin Yeruchem & Nechama Eilfort Ÿ Rabbi & Rebbetzin Elia and Chaya Eilfort Ÿ President Len Hyman