Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

It happens periodically. While all Jews around the world are one people with one calendar, we occasionally witness a difference between Israel and the Diaspora.

As we know, Festivals which are observed one day in Israel are kept two days in the Diaspora. This reality harkens back to ancient times to ensure that the holy day was being properly maintained outside of Israel. While nowadays there is no doubt outside of Israel, the second day of yom tov has acquired its own customs, especially in regard to the selection of Torah and Haftarah passages.

This week, Shavuot will be observed on Friday in Israel and on Friday - Saturday in the Diaspora. What are some of the practical differences? On Friday night and Saturday in Israel, regular Shabbat prayers and Scripture passages will be recited. Outside Israel, on Friday night and Saturday, Festival prayers and Scripture passages will be recited.

Thus, Parshat Naso, the longest Parsha, will be recited in full this Shabbat in Israel the day after Shavuot. Meanwhile, in the Diaspora, Parshat Naso will be recited in its entirety a week from this Saturday, since this Shabbat will coincide with the second day of Shavuot.

Up until Shavuot, the beginning of Naso will have been read everywhere. Come Shabbat afternoon and the following Monday and Thursday, Jews in Israel will read the beginning of B'haalotcha, and Jews outside of Israel will continue reading the beginning of Naso.

Eventually, a double Parsha in the Diaspora will be read over two Shabbatot in Israel, and the Torah reading cycle will be the same inside and outside of Israel. Until then, let us appreciate the subtle and salient differences. We can thereby ponder the relationship, challenges and strengths of the Diaspora with Israel.

Rabbi Howard Morrison