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Exercise for the SoulJuly 2006From the Desk of Rabbi CohonWhile most of us find the time to take care of our bodies, few of us treat our spiritual life with the same attention. Short of a trip to Israel -- and everyone is invited to join our Temple Emanu-El experience in Israel from May 27th to June 8th of 2007! -- what do you really do to refresh your spirit? And do you find a way to do it regularly?
One of the truly under-appreciated jewels of Tucson Jewish life is our Shabbat morning minyan service at Temple Emanu-El, and summer may be the best time to enjoy it. Ever Saturday morning of the year, whether we have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah or not, services begin at 10:00 am and are filled with song, joy, learning, and inspiration. Shabbat morning, in some contrast to Friday night, is a particularly relaxed time, with services at a more gradual pace. In air-conditioned comfort -- and just what were you going to do at 10 am on a hot Saturday in July, yardwork? Go to Target? We indulge in a time of introspection and connection to God and holiness.
It's a marvelous way to luxuriate in a truly spiritual experience, to refresh your heart and soul. And, of course, it's free.
The best part of Shabbat mornings in the summer is that the Torah portions we read in July and August include some of th best of the year. The Book of Numbers, Bamidbar, has an undeserved reputation for being uninteresting. In fact, it is filled with stories of drama, passion, and rebellion, and serves as a marvelous backdrop for the exploration of what motivates people, how leadership is accomplished, and what the true character really is. We explore these challenging subjects together, with insight and humor.
And all of this is available in our Schlanger Chapel each Saturday morning at 10:00 am. Alternatively, join us on a Shabbat morning hike, service, and Torah Talk on Saturday, July 15th on Mt. Lemmon. It's the same experience in an outdoor setting with more physical energy exerted.
Take the opportunity to do for your soul what you choose to do for your body. Make your Shabbat morning experience this summer a way of refreshing your spirit, regularly.
L'Shalom v'rei'ut, in peace and friendship,
Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon
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