"Then Lavan and Besuel answered and they said: The thing comes from the Hashem; we cannot speak to you bad or good.” (Gen. 24:50)

When Eliezer meets Rivka’s brother and father, he tells them the entire story of how he chose Rivkah to be Yitzchak’s wife. Our Sages of Blessed Memory explain that the reason Eliezer recounted the story in detail is to show Lavan and Besuel that this match was ordained by G-d. This verse is the acknowledgement of Lavan and Besuel that the match truly is Divinely ordained and that they cannot go against G-d's wishes. As simple as this verse seems, it raises a very obvious question: why would a devout idolater and master of the black arts such as Laban acknowledge the existence of G-d? It is totally out of character for him. If he does not even believe in G-d, why acknowledge that He has any powers whatsoever?

I believe that the Torah is trying to give us a very simple and unambiguous message. The Divine Providence in this case was so obvious, that even someone like Lavan could hardly fail to recognize it. G-d's involvement was as plain to Lavan as the nose on his own face. There are times that the presence of G-d is hidden. For example, the Megillas Esther does not use G-d's name to signify that the miracle was 'hidden'. When the presence of G-d is not slapping us in the face, it is easy for someone who does not want to follow His commandments to say that G-d does not exist or if, He does exist, He isn't really in charge. Other times, the Divine Presence is so evident, that anyone with an ounce of sense acknowledges G-d.

This is especially important in today's world. We have reached an age of 'intellectual religion' where WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) has become the new 'g-d'. We have become so 'enlightened' that it has become increasingly harder to believe in things that we cannot see with our own two eyes. This makes it much easier to doubt the existence of G-d. This Parsha is reminding us that sometimes Hashem may not show His face and sometimes He will make His presence so obvious that even an idolater will have to admit He is real and in charge of the entire universe. Regardless, we have an obligation to continue to believe that He is real, that He is in charge, and that He has a plan for every single one of us. May it be the G-d’s Will that He strengthen our faith and reveal Himself to us in such a way that there will be no question as to who the true Boss is.

Insight into the Weekly Torah Portion by Rabbi Leibel Agar

Now You See it, Now You Don't

Parshas Chayei Sarah

BETH JACOB SYNAGOGUE - COVID-19 UPDATE

Dear Beth Jacob Congregants –

With cautious optimism and anticipation, the Board of Directors at Beth Jacob Congregation has decided to reopen for Shabbat services on Saturday, June 20, 2020. Although this is the “until further notice” update we have all eagerly awaited, please know that it comes with many well thought-out considerations. These considerations are to ensure you, our beloved congregants, can come to Shul and prayer, secure in the knowledge that all has been done to ensure your safety, health, and comfort during the ongoing COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic. As diligently as the Board has worked to develop the below guidelines, is the same level of diligence the Board requests and insists upon for congregant adherence to them. Please note the following, and your complete cooperation is appreciated and expected:

If you are not feeling well, have a fever, or just are not yet comfortable in returning to a public gathering for Shabbat services, please do remain at home;
We further suggest that you check with trusted healthcare professionals before deciding whether or not to come back . . . their assurances and advice may help allay any fears or reservations you may have;
All will need to wear face masks while on Shul property – you may bring in your own, but also know the Shul will also have disposable face masks available;
Disposable gloves will also be available if desired;
Social distancing will be maintained at all times while on Shul property;
There will be signs for seating to assist in social distancing;
A greeter will be present at the Chapel to show people the seating arrangements, pass out masks, and assist;
No luncheon or kiddush will be provided at this time – the kitchen will stay closed;
In preparation, there will be deep cleaning/disinfecting, including spraying the fabric and the Torah covers with disinfectant (we are using a hospital-grade disinfectant, specifically approved by the CDC as a killer of Coronavirus);
The Bima will be given the same deep cleaning/disinfecting, with the addition of disposable table covers changed after each service;
We will disinfect the room in which we pray before it is used again;
We will establish a table to set used Siddur books aside for disinfecting before reusing; also, Siddur books are not to be exchanged among congregants;
We will have a separate basket each for used Kippahs and used Tallit (unless you bring your own);
A communication letter containing these guidelines will be sent to Beth Jacob congregants, and Tammy will also post them on doors including the chapel entrance.

By following the above religiously, we will all be upholding one of the greatest religious beliefs of Judaism, that of the preservation of life . . . so, l’chaim!

Beth Jacob Congregation Board of Directors

Beth Jacob Congregation

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BETH JACOB SYNAGOGUE - COVID-19 UPDATE

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