14 Nisan 5781 March 27, 2021

PRIDE OF ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 59 Lissom Crescent, North York, ON M2R 2P2

(416) 226-0111; Fax: (416) 226-0128

Website: www.prideofisraelshul.org

SERVICE TIMES

Friday, March 26 7:30 a.m. and 6:50 p.m. Shabbat, March 27 No Services

ALL SERVICES ON ZOOM

SHABBAT HAGADOL

Tzav

Rabbi Leslie Lipson

Cantor Charles Weinberg

Ritual Director Larry Spring

Interim Ritual Director Larry Shilling

Synagogue Chairperson Michelle Epstein

Society President Willy Lindo

Ritual Chairman Carl Zeliger

Sisterhood President Carol Arshoff

Candle Lighting

Mar. 26 – 7:19 p.m. Apr. 2 – 7:28 p.m.

Sunday, March 28 No Services Monday, March 29 8:35 p.m. only Tuesday-Thursday March 30 – Apr. 1 7:15 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

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TALKING TORAH

Some Folks Trust To Reason (Robert Hunter, Bob Weir & Mickey Hart –

“Playing In The Band”)

We have been living with COVID-19 for over a year now. This year, the Passover Seder will look remarkably similar to last year’s. At the same time, it will be unlike any other year that my family can remember. This year we watch the news and follow

the science, and eagerly await the opportunity to receive our vaccine. The vaccine reminds us of the importance of experts in society. Listening to the experts - the epidemiologists, the virologists, and the public health experts - has made the difference between life and death. It seems kind of obvious, and it is the advice that we give our children. When unsure of something, we get information from someone who knows. Who is someone that knows? We usually assume that an expert knows or is aware of all available information related to their specialty. If a person has a question about personal finance or needs an accountant, one doesn’t speak to a doctor. If one has a medical question or needs a doctor, that person doesn’t see a lawyer. When a person has a halachic question or needs to speak to a Rabbi, the person should probably not seek an answer from a lawyer, a doctor, an accountant or a businessman, or someone who happens to attend shul regularly. We have been taught to seek out experts.

This week’s Parsha is Tzav. It is also Shabbat HaGadol, the Shabbat that immediately precedes Chag HaPesach, the Passover Festival. Like last week’s Parsha, Parsha Tzav focuses upon KoRBonot (offerings). Last week we read of God’s commanding Moshe to teach the laws of KoRBonot to B’nei Yisroel. This week, we read of God commanding Moshe to teach the laws of KoRBonot to Aaron and his sons. The Parsha concludes with instructions for Aaron and his sons to remain outside the camp for seven days. These are the seven days required for spiritual and, to some degree, physical preparation and process needed to become an expert. The Priests must remain outside of the camp because they are in the process of purifying themselves for this extremely sacred and vital position, Kohen Gadol.

Besides Moshe, the Kohen Gadol played the most vital role in Israelite society. The Kohen Gadol served as a vehicle for the common person to draw closer to God. When the common person or the king needed to atone, they would bring an offering to God. However, it was the priest that had to check for blemishes. It was the priest that had to slaughter the animal in a very precise way. It was the priest that had to sprinkle the correct amount of blood correctly. Later on, it was the priest who became the “spiritual advisor” to the king. Unlike any other position, the Priesthood was based upon two requirements: genealogical lineage and training. The position was promised by God to Aaron and his descendants for eternity (or as long as there was a Temple).

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The focus of the Parsha is entirely upon Aaron and his sons. Tzav et Aharon V’ Et Banav Leimor Zot Torah Ha’Olah Hee - Command Aaron and his sons saying: This is the law of the elevation offering (6:1-2); Zot Torat HaMacheneh Harkreiv Otah Bnei Aharon Lifnei Hashe el Pnei HaMizbeach - this is the law of the meal-offering: the sons of Aaron shall bring it before Hashem to the front of the Altar. Lev. 6:7. Zeh Korbon Aharon U’Vanav Asher Yakrivu La’Adoshem God spoke to Moses saying: This is the offering of Aaron and his sons, which each shall offer to Hashem on the day he is inaugurated 6:12-13. Nearly every offering focuses upon the Kohen’s responsibilities: checking to make sure that the offering is blemish-free, that the slaughtering is done with one clean stroke of the knife, that it is done at the appropriate time. The entire institution of the Korbonot hinges upon the purity and expertise of the Kohen.

Our sages understood the importance of experts and learning from experts. They understood the importance of not paying attention to the Am Ha’Aretz. An expert has specific knowledge and wisdom that needs to be transmitted. The Kohen’s expertise allowed B’nei Yisroel to achieve a closer relationship with God. An expert finds a vaccine, an expert knows how to distribute the vaccine quickly and efficiently. An expert knows how to make sure that a community establishes herd immunity quickly. An expert understands how to “push down the curve.” From an expert, we learn facts and truth. Yes, we watch the news and listen to the experts here in Canada and in the U.S. and appreciate their depth of truth and the clarity they share their expertise.

Peace,

Rav Yitz Rabbi Leslie Lipson

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Access to Mount Sinai Cemetery

The Pride of Israel section at Mount Sinai Cemetery is open for visitations Sundays through Fridays. Please verify the hours on Mount Sinai’s website before visiting. These hours are subject to change. Social distancing rules apply. As we are updated from both the Province and Mount Sinai Cemetery directly, gatherings must adhere to Provincial rulings. There cannot be more than the permitted number of people at any gravesite at any time. Any more beyond that number, the cemetery workers will ask you to leave. Other cemeteries are also opening. Each has different rules. Please check the websites or call the individual cemeteries directly for more information. Placing monuments at the cemetery can now take place. Check with individual cemeteries for their current position regarding unveilings.

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YAHRTZEITS FOR THE WEEK OF: MARCH 27 – APRIL 2

MAY THE SOULS OF OUR LOVED ONES

REMAIN FOR AN ETERNAL BLESSING

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