Rabbi's Corner

This week’s Torah portion, Ki Teitzei, reminds us of how Judaism cares for the well-
being of animals. We read how we are not to take both a mother bird and her eggs or her young at the same time, sparing the feelings of the mother and the baby who would be distressed by the separation. Out of consideration for smaller animals, an ox and a donkey are not to plow under the same yoke because the ox can handle so much more than a donkey that it would not be a fair distribution of weight. And recognizing the universal need for rest, work animals are supposed to have a shabbat, a day of rest, just as people are. The many of us who care for animals at home or who enjoy them at a cat café, a zoo or even at a pet store know how much joy our pets give us and how painful it is when it’s time for them to pass on. We have had that painful end of life moment over this summer for our cat, Snickers, and I know that some of you have also been through this either recently or in the past. We take the occasion of a Torah portion that extends
compassion to animals to pay tribute to all the beloved animals in our lives past and present. Zichronam livracha. May their memories always be a blessing and may we continue to love and appreciate our furry (and perhaps furless) friends who are still with us.

For those of us who attended the Brotherhood sponsored Loudoun United Soccer game
this past Saturday, it was a beautiful night to cheer on our local team to victory with BCRC friends. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone on Sunday for our first day of School (friends + learning = fun!) and directly following at our community picnic at the Hal and Bernie Hanson Park, 11:15am-2 pm, pavilion 7. It will be a good opportunity to catch up with those we haven’t seen in awhile, and to extend a warm welcome to new families who will be joining us for the first time!