SUMMARY, Haftarah Ezekiel 37:15-28

The Haftarah features another famous biblical father, King David,

who is on his deathbed while delivering his final message to his son

and successor, Solomon, an echo to Parshat Vayechi which discusses

at length Jacob's parting words and instructions to his sons. Like the

patriarch Jacob, David had many sons. However, David's last words

were directed only to one of them: Solomon. With the backdrop of a

contested kingship, with more than one of David's sons seeking to

be the next king, David’s words to Solomon and his choice of Solo-

mon as King are particularly significant. King David encourages Solo-

mon to be strong and to remain steadfast in his belief in G-d in order

to ensure Solomon’s future success in his endeavours. King David

gives his son tactical instructions pertaining to various people who

deserved punishment or reward for their actions during his reign.

.King David encourages Solomon not to despair and, "Be strong and

show yourself a man" (2:2). David asks Solomon to take care of some

“unfinished business”. Joab, son of Zeruiah had been David's general

for many years, but sided with David's son Absalom in his rebellion

against David. Angry with Joab for his betrayal and for killing two in-

nocent commanders in Israel (Abner and Amasa, 2 Samuel 3:27),

David instructs Solomon: "See that his white hair does not go down

to Sheol in peace" (2:6). David also asks Solomon to repay good with

good. When David was fleeing Absalom, Barzillai the Gileadite, then

an old man, provided David with food (2 Samuel 19:33) and David

asks Solomon to return the favour: "Deal graciously with the sons of

Barzillai…let them be among those that eat at your table" The Hafta-

rah concludes with David's death and his burial in the City of David

(2:7). King Solomon then takes his father's place and his sovereignty

becomes firmly established. (AK)

Friday Evening (Dec 25, 2015)

Services: 6:00 p.m.

Candle lighting: by 3:58 p.m.

__________________________

Saturday, Dec 26, 2015

14 Tevet, 5776

Parshat Vayyechi

Morning Services: 9:30 a.m.

Torah : Page: 180

Maftir : Page: 190

Haftorah: Page: 191

Mincha following Kiddush luncheon

No evening services

Shabbat ends: 5:06 p.m. _________________________

Next week Shabbat Candle lighting:

Friday, January 1, 2016 by 4:03 p.m.

Congregation Beth-El 1000 Lucerne Road, TMR, Quebec H3R 2H9 Telephone: 514-738-4766 www.beth-el.ca info@beth-el.ca

Cantor David Guber Reverend Gershon Katz

Rabbi Ronnie Cahana Rabbi Emeritus: Dr. Allan M. Langner

Cantor Hyman Gisser, z”l

שבת שלום

Shabbat Shalom

Welcome to Congregation Beth-El

Breakfast

Dec 24 — Sponsored by Edward and Gerald Ruddick to commemorate the

Yahrzheit of their father Jack Ruddick.

Congregational Kiddush

Dec 26 — sponsored by Colette and Allen Feldman to commemorate the Yahrtzeit of her parents

Dina and Solomon Altarase

Refuah Shlemah

The congregation wishes a speedy recovery to Edward Kertzman

Daily Minyan Friday, January 1st

Morning services will be held at 9:00 a.m.

Office Holiday Schedule

Please note that the administrative offices will be closed from December 25 through January 1st and

will reopen on Monday January 4, 2016

Congregation Beth-El Office Staff

514-738-4766

Interim Executive Director: Stuart Eiley ext 224 Bookkeeper: Rosie Ferla ext 222 Temporary office admin staff Sandra Shaicovitch ext 223 Social Work / Pastoral Services: Karen Cahana ext 232

Volunteers Needed !!

In an effort to improve our outreach to our congregants,

we are looking for individuals to make phone calls to our

members to inform them of upcoming events.

If you are interested in helping, please let us know

(514)738-4766