Rabbi Benjamin Shull (Photo by Amy Matathias)
It’s summertime, and the livin’ is easy and God is evident everywhere!
This was my essential message to our children in the ECC and in the Atid Learning Center during June. As they look forward to the outdoor activities of summer, whether hiking or swimming or traveling, I reminded them that they have a chance to see the beauty of God in nature. And, I reminded them, we Jews have a blessing we say to help us become aware of God’s presence in nature: Baruch atah Hashem Eloheinu Melech Ha’Olam Oseh Maaseh B’ereshit. Thank you, God, for recreating the world (the original creation) each and every day.
So I coined the term, “Ma’aseh Moments” for the students. I told them to take photos, with the help of their parents, of beautiful things they see this summer as they go on a trip or just spend time outside. I then encouraged them to send these photos to us so we can display a photo montage of our “Ma’aseh Moments” for the rest of the congregation to see.
Haverim, this summer, let’s bring out the childlike quality of wonder within all of us. Let’s go outside and witness God’s presence in the beauty of a sunset or the awesome power of crashing waves. Let’s say the blessing “Oseh Ma’aseh B’reshit” and fully appreciate the wonder of God’s creation.
And how about taking a few photos and sending them to us so we can share them with the rest of the congregation? We want you to send your “Ma’aseh Moments” to .
Wishing you a restful and reinvigorating summer filled with many “Ma’aseh Moments!”
