835 Pleasant St, Worcester, MA

Appeal Apr 11, 2011 Open letter Dec 22, 2010

CONGREGATION SHAARAI TORAH WEST
“A welcoming Modern Orthodox alternative”
835 Pleasant Street
Worcester, Massachusetts 01602

Dvar Torah

Though we have never been in Egypt, nor experienced actual slavery, redemption can be real for us, for, Egypt is not only a geographical location, but a state of mind. In fact, the Hebrew name for Egypt, Mitzrayim, is almost identical to the word Meitzarim, which means straits or limitations. In other words, our personal exodus from Egypt involves self-transcendence, lifting us out of our natural limitations.

This ongoing experience of redemption that is realized throughout our lives is intensified by reliving the Exodus during the Pesach holiday. May the personal redemption experienced by every individual at that time hasten the redemption of our entire people and lead to the fulfillment of the hope expressed at the climax of the Haggadah, Leshanah Habah BiYerushalayim (Next Year In Jerusalem), with the coming of Moshiach speedily in our days.

Let us aim for continuous growth individually and congregationally. With best wishes for a Happy and Kosher Pesach to all members, families, and friends.

RABBI YAKOV BLOTNER

Message from the Board of Shaarai Torah West

Passover is a wonderful time to reflect on the blessings we enjoy at our Shul each and every week. Shabbos morning continues to be a real pleasure at Shaarai Torah. We are fortunate to have the inspiring Divrei Torah of Rabbi Yaakov Blotner and the wonderful davening of Cantor David Abramowitz. After services, everyone is invited to meet their friends at a delicious “cholent kiddush” and join the rabbi in a “round-table” discussion of his Dvar Torah and/or current events. To sponsor a Shabbos morning Kiddush, marking a yahrtzeit, celebrating a simcha, or just as a gesture of friendship, please contact Rabbi Blotner at 508-981-6496,

AND, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT YOUR SHUL RIGHT NOW, AND ALSO TAKE PART IN THE PRE-PASSOVER MITZVAH OF MAOS CHITTIM, PLEASE RETURN THE ATTACHED ENVELOPE WITH YOUR CHECK MARKED “FOR SHUL” OR “FOR MAOS CHITTIM.” MAIL IT TODAY OR DROP IF OFF IN THE SHUL, SIDE DOOR MAIL BOX.