TORAH PORTION It's The Triple Crown Achieve Greatness By Performing Well Of PUrilll Events .. . RABBI IRWIN GRONER 1 Purim Carnival Sunday March 8 11:45 to 2 p.m. Special to The Jewish News T food • fun • games & prizes ! 2 Chag Purim Celebration 6:30 p.m. Wednesday March 18 where? of course! at Congregation Beth Shalom 4y Costume Parade.Megillah Reading Children's Megillah Narration Everyone Welcome 3 Purim Play & Seudah (Dinner)* * This event by reservation / there is a charge. Thursday March 19 at 5:30 p.m. Congregation Beth Shalom 14410 Lincoln Road Oak Park phone 547 7970 - MR. 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Home & Garden Show Special Select Red or White Oak Installed • Nail down Sand • Stain and Finished GRobert 'Manny Northwestern Highway at Inkster Road 2 coats Pacific strong finish Custom Fabrics k4g.eg:;Sruz See us at the MICHIGAN HOME & GARDEN SHOW Pontiac Silverdome MARCH 5, 6, 7 & 8th Personalized Designs Mon.-Fri. 10-4 Sat. 10-3 Franklin Plaza 358-4085 29107 Northwestern Hwy. Southfield and entrance from 12 Mile in mar) Thurs., Fri., Sat. & Sun. FRANKLIN FLOOR COVERING PLUS 332.9430 2258 Franklin Road • Bloomfield Hills 50 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1992 Find It All In The Jewish News Classifieds Call 354-5959 his Sabbath we shall finish reading the last portion of the book of Exodus. One would expect the last chapter would end on a high note of exaltation, sum- marizing the dramatic episodes in the history of Israel. Yet quite the opposite is true. One finds nothing dramatic and spectacular; instead we read a financial report of con- tributions and a repetitious account of materials, all of which went into the building of the tabernacle. All materials are itemized and their use accounted for. The emphasis on detail is most conspicuous throughout these last chapters. Three times the people are com- plimented for having carried out all the plans of the con- struction exactly the way they were instructed. "And the children of Israel made it (the Tabernacle) in accor- dance with all that God had commanded Moses." With regard to Moses, we are told that he did everything that God had commanded him. It is this very emphasis of exactness and faithfulness to the last minute detail which, I believe, constituted the critical lesson of the final chapters of Exodus. Moses and his people conscientious- ly followed the Divine blue- print. This ability to be guid- ed by God's instructions in every aspect of the construc- tion of His house taught a great moral lesson. Human greatness is not achieved by one-time spec- tacular accomplishment, but rather by the quiet yet steady performance of duties and good deeds. Heroic acts of devotion and self-sacrifice are beautiful and inspiring. Yet, there are more authentic measures for greatness. Authentic moral achieve- ment is evident in the per- manence and trustworthiness of man's character. It is won by a lifelong dedication, day- by-day and hour-by-hour, to that which is right, good and noble. The Talmud cites a question of several students who ask their teacher: "To what do you attribute your long life?" The key word in all the responses offered is "never." "I never went back on a promise. I never was Irwin Groner is rabbi of Congregation Shaarey Zedek. angry in my, household. I never honored myself through the disgrace of my neighbor. No one ever preceded me to enter the House of Study." Judaism has never been a religion based on a catechism. Through tne centuries, a number of scholars have made attempts to organize and define the principles of belief to which a Jew must adhere. But fundathentally, Judaism has emphasized con- duct more than faith. In our religion, the basic challenge is the mitzvah, the Divine command in which we ex- press our service to God and our love of man. The mitzvah Shabbat Vayakhel Exodus 35:1-38:20 30:11-16 Kings II 12:1-17 is the responsibility that lies within the reach of every one of us. Greatness lies in the faithful performance of whatever duties life places upon us and in the generous performance of the small acts of kindness that God has made possible for us. There is greatness in patient en- durance, in unyielding loyal- ty to a goal, in resistance to the temptation to betray the best we know, in speaking up for the truth when it is assail- ed, in steadfast adherence to vows given and promises made. Rabbi Leo A. Baeck summ- ed up this theme in a touching way: "Piety respects the little — the little man, the little task, the little duty. Through the little, religion meets the greatness that lies behind." ❑ SYNAGOGUES Adat Shalom Nursery Event The Adat Shalom Nursery School is planning a Mishpachah event for preschoolers and their families 10 a.m. to noon March 8 at the synagogue. Titled "The Great Purim Parcel Factory," the morning will consist of cooking ac- tivities, craft projects, a Purim magic show, and the preparation of sh'lach manot baskets to share with families, friends, Jewish seniors, new Americans, new- corners to Detroit and pa- tients at Sinai Hospital.