December 8, 2006 –
Kislev 18, 5767
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Last weekend, nearly 140 people enjoyed
our Progressive Dinner and Murder Mystery. This weekend, approximately 160 will
come together for our Synaplex Shabbat and Sisterhood Cookbook Celebration. And NEXT week is
Hanukkah, with lots of special events.
The celebrations keep on happening at
TBE!
L to R: Matt Kasindorf,
Michelle Piskin, Allan & Roni Lang, Scott Piskin,
and Jeannie Kasindorf enjoy dinner
before the TBE Murder Mystery
Check out www.tbe.org for
our extensive library of photo
albums,
articles, sermons, info about
the temple,
Shabbat-O-Grams and links to
the Jewish world.
THIS SATURDAY NIGHT!!!
Metallic
Blues
Contents
of the Shabbat O Gram:
(Click
to scroll down)
Just
the Facts (service schedule)
The Beth El Bar/Bat Mitzvah Commentary
(new)
The (Occasionally) Ranting Rabbi
Mitzvah/Tzedakkah Opportunities
Required Reading and Action Items (links
to key articles on Israel and Jewish life)
Announcements (goings on in and around
TBE)
Quote for the Week
"Borat essentially works as a tool. By himself being anti-Semitic, he lets
people lower their guard and expose their own prejudice, whether it's
anti-Semitism or an acceptance of anti-Semitism. 'Throw the Jew Down the Well'
[a song performed at a country & western bar during Da Ali G Show]
was a very controversial sketch, and some members of the Jewish community
thought that it was actually going to encourage anti-Semitism. But to me it
revealed something about that bar in
"I remember, when I was in
university I studied history, and there was this one major historian of the
Third Reich, Ian Kershaw. And his quote was, 'The path to
-Sacha Baron Cohen, in his Rolling Stone
interview
(see link at bottom of this Shabbat
–o-Gram)
Here’s what’s happening Friday night:
Synaplex
& Sisterhood Family Shabbat Dinner,
Services
and Program
Honoring
New Members
December
8, 2006
Services 6:30 pm
SERVICES ARE OPEN TO EVERYONE, WHETHER
OR NOT YOU ARE SIGNED UP FOR THE DINNER
Please join us in
the main sanctuary as we welcome Shabbat together and honor our new
members.
There will be a
Tot Shabbat for our children starting at the same time with Nurit.
Dinner
7:30 pm
Share in the
Sisterhood’s celebration of the all new (first ever!) TBE cookbook. Enjoy a dinner made from cookbook
recipes that were contributed by our own TBE family. Hear about the beautiful two-year
journey of over 120 Sisterhood members who contributed their hearts and
kitchens to create this beautiful keepsake for all to enjoy.
If you are
interested in purchasing the cookbook, please order using the RSVP (on the
opposite side of this page). The
proceeds will be donated to TBE’s kitchen renovation project.
Program
8:30 pm
We are honored to
have Elise Klein, UJF BRIDGES Program Director, join us to share with us how
each of us can become part of our TBE community and what we can do to make it
stronger.
Working together,
we will discuss ways in which to create a community that all want to be part of
and which all can share in – respecting our differences and celebrating
our commonalities. By strengthening
bonds we create a strengthened, enriched community: opening and welcoming to
all who wish to be part of TBE’s wonderful congregation.
There will be
children’s programming at this time, with Nurit here for the younger
children and a Scrabble tournament for older ones..
Other announcements regarding Friday night:
We have approximately 155 people signed up for this Friday
night's Synaplex Sisterhood dinner!!
While reservations are closed for the 7:30 dinner, everyone is
most welcome to come, without reservation, to the services at 6:30 (the main
service and Tot Shabbat) and to Elise Klein's presentation at approximately
8:30.
Also:
-- as with all Synaplex events, dress is casual.
-- The Cantor and I have been working together to develop a
Kabbalat Shabbat service that will be different and exciting, with a focus on
congregational singing and reflection.
Many of the melodies will be relatively new, but most will at least be
somewhat familiar to those who have attended Kabbalat Shabbat here over the
years.
-- Unlike Shabbat Unplugged, the only instrument will be
keyboard...and Cantor Littman will be accompanying herself.
-- When you arrive, after being greeted at the door, come right
into the sanctuary, where you will have the choice of sitting in the center
section pews or in a number of chairs that will be set up on the bima. We've had bima sitting before (primarily
on rainy Fridays in the summer), but this will be a chance to create a real
feeling of intimacy and embrace.
Please fill in the chairs on the bima first! Of course you are free to sit below if
you prefer.
-- Seats for the dinner will be assigned so that we can all meet
new people. As soon as the service
is over, we'll go right into the social hall for the blessings and the meal. The program being prepared by our
cookbook committee is simply going to be incredible.
-- After dinner, please stay for Elise Klein's presentation. She is truly an expert on community
building and we need to hear what she has to say. The older kids will have a board game
tournament ,with the help of our youth advisor Edoe and the Silver family (and
a special thank you to Beth, who
has done a spectacular job of co-chairing this entire evening), and the
younger ones will hang out with Nurit.
-- As we did after October's super Synaplex premier, we will
develop a survey to assess this program, but please don't be shy! The cantor and I will be especially
interested in your reactions to the service, as it could become a model for
future Friday nights. Let us know what you think !
Friday Evening
Candle lighting: 4:08 pm on
Friday, 8 December 2006. For candle lighting times,
Havdalah times, other Jewish calendar information, and to download a Jewish
calendar to your PDA, click on http://www.hebcal.com/. To see the festivals of other faiths as
well, go to http://www.interfaithcalendar.org/
Synaplex Shabbat Evening service: 6:30 PM
– in the sanctuary (casual dress)
Tot
Shabbat: 6:30 – in the Kindergarten room on the lower level
Shabbat
Morning: 9:30 AM– on Shabbat, we celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of Duoglas Weisman. Mazal tov to
Children’s
services: 10:30 AM – (jr.
congregation service in the chapel, Tot Shabbat morning downstairs. 6th
and 7th graders are expected to be in the main sanctuary)
Our Torah Reading
for Shabbat Morning
Parashat
Vayishlach
פרשת וישלח
Genesis 32:4 - 36:43 – Jacob’s Wrestling Match and Reunion with Esau
1: 35:16-26
2: 35:27-29
3: 36:1-8
4: 36:9-19
5: 36:20-30
6: 36:31-39
7: 36:40-43
maf: 36:40-43
Haftarah: Hosea 11:7 - 12:12
If you liked
Storahtelling, you’ll LOVE Storahtelling’s new weekly blog about
the Torah portion Find it at http://storahtelling.blogspot.com/. ORT
Navigating the Bible; Rashi
in English; BibleGateway:
Useful for comparing different translations: Note- this is a Christian site.
What’s
Bothering Rashi (Bonchek) Each week, one example from the parashah is
deconstructed. See a weekly commentary from the UJC Rabbinic Cabinet, at www.ujc.org/mekorchaim. Read the Masorti commentary at http://www.masorti.org/mason/torah/index.asp. University of Judaism,
JTS commentary is at: http://www.jtsa.edu/community/parashah/.
USCJ Torah
THE ENTIRE
HEBREW BIBLE (AS WELL AS OTHER JEWISH SOURCES) CAN BE FOUND WITH SIDE-BY-SIDE
TRANSLATION AT http://www.mechon-mamre.org/
100
Blessings: Download information about the grace
after meals (see Birkat
Ha-mazon explained in Wikipedia and in the Jewish
Virtual Library) The actual
prayer can be downloaded at Birkat
Hamazon [pdf]
Morning Minyan
7:30 Weekdays, 9:30 Sundays
We’ve had Guaranteed
Minyan requests for yahrzeits on Tuesday December 12 and Sunday, December
17. If you can make it, please take
a moment to sign up at the Rosner Minyan Maker at www.tbe.org.
TO ENSURE A “GUARANTEED MINYAN” FOR
THE DAY OF YOUR YAHRZEIT – GO TO THE ROSNER MINYAN MAKER AT WWW.TBE.ORG
AND ALSO CONTACT ME AT RABBI@TBE.ORG.
We’ve had several people coming lately
who are saying kaddish following recent deaths in the family. We want to make sure we have a minyan
each day. Your presence any morning is greatly appreciated!
Please sign up at the Rosner Minyan Maker at www.tbe.org
The Beth El Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Commentary
Zac Krowitz’
Commentary on Nov. 17th portion: Hayye
Sarah
Everyone who knows me knows that
sports is a huge part of my life. I play it whenever I can,
I’ve watched ESPN almost every day since I was in preschool, and I can
recite teams’ and players’ statistics, especially when we’re
talking about Fantasy football and basketball leagues. My folks know that we can’t go on
vacation without bringing a ball for me to throw. You should see all of the pictures of
Andrew and me throwing a ball in
I’ve been
playing baseball since I was a little kid, first here as a member of the Temple
Beth El Matzoh Balls team and then for the past several years in National Lione
Little League. I’ve
been mostly a pitcher and shortstop.
I’ve put in countless hours of practice in order to succeed and it
has really paid off. My team made
it to the championship game all four years I was in Little League and even
though we lost every time (sorry Coach Mike) it was an amazing experience. I’ve also pitched in All-Star
games and now have started playing Babe Ruth baseball.
I also love to
play tennis and this past summer earned a gold medal in the Stamford Maccabi
games. I also love to play
basketball and ski, and I’m a big fan of the Mets, Jets and Knicks (OK,
supporting these teams every year does build character but that’s for
another speech).
I’ve learned that being good
at sports doesn’t happen by itself, just like becoming Bar Mitzvah
doesn’t happen by itself.
Each thing involves lots of time, dedication and commitment. But most of all, it involves hard
choices. Do I practice again
after school, making another hundred throws from short to first, or hitting
hundreds of backhands and forehands, even if it means I have to give up a lot
of free time? Do I give up trips to
the beach just because we have another set of weekend games? These decisions
may not rise to the level of the decisions faced by Sandy Koufax when he chose
not to pitch a World Series game because it took place on Yom Kippur or by
Abraham and Kind David in the portions I just chanted, but I’ve
discovered that we are all the product of the choices that we make.
My portion’s name is Chayyay Sara, which means “The Life
of Sarah.” Actually, the word for life is plural in
Hebrew, so the literal translation of the name is “The LIVES of
Sarah.”
Sarah dies at the beginning of the
portion, but we discover that in many ways she is still very much alive. We also discover that when crucial
choices are made, a life can change dramatically. Some commentators believe, in fact, that
Sarah died immediately when she heard that her son Isaac had nearly been
sacrificed by Abraham. Had Abraham
made a different choice, Sarah might have survived. So by calling the portion “The
LIVES of Sarah,” we are alerted not only to the life she lived, but to
the life she could have lived had she not died then.
In my portion,
Abraham sends his servant out to choose a wife for Isaac, once again denying
Isaac the chance to choose his own destiny. Isaac is very happy in the end with the
bride chosen for him, Rebecca, but you have to wonder how it affected him,
never getting to make big decisions.
Who knows what choices he would have made.
Both
Sarah’s and Isaac’s lives were the product of Abraham’s
choices. I know that up until now,
my parents have made most of the big decisions for me, but that I’ve
gotten some good practice at making key decisions as well.
It’s not
just about sports or learning a haftarah.
Recently I’ve made other important choices. For instance, for my mitzvah project, I
decided to raise money to help Israeli soldiers and their families by
supporting the Friends of the IDF.
I also chose to have an Israeli twin, Moshe Mahar, who was born in
Another reason
for choosing these mitzvah projects is that I think it is very important today
to support
I realize that
as a Bar Mitzvah I’m now responsible for most of my decisions, and every
choice I make, no matter how big or small, will have an impact on the rest of
my life. So, just as with Sarah,
there is the life that I will live, and the millions of potential lives that I
leave behind at every fork in the road.
And I also know that, as with Abraham, the choices that I make can have
a profound impact on others. So
every time I make a tough decision, I know that have to consider the impact it
will have on me and on my family and friends. And I know that my family and my friends
will always be there to help me with those choices, as I will be there for them
whenever they need me. My friends
and I are all entering an important time in our lives, when we will have more
freedom but also more responsibility, when the choices we make (whether it is
about where we go to college or where we hang out) can have a huge impact on
our lives. I made many
important choices that led to my standing up here right now and I think they
have helped to prepare me for the work I will do in the future.
David
Katz’ Commentary on Dec. 2 portion: Vayetze
(also catch
David’s Bar Mitzvah video montage at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kwBEmmlKLE
– and look for my cameo performance at David’s bris!)
Those of you
who know me know that I am especially interested in table tennis…in other
words, Ping Pong. It all began when I was about 7 and I
started to play every day at Long Ridge camp. We used to play “winner stays
on,” which motivated me to get better and better. Eventually, my dad brought out an old
ping-pong table and we would play a lot.
I thought I was pretty good, so one day we went to a table tennis club
and I got a rude awakening. That
only made me work harder. So
I’ve kept practicing and playing and now I am one of the top players in
the state – including adults.
I’ve
learned lots of lessons from my table tennis experiences over the years –
and it turns out that some of the same lessons can also be learned from my
portion.
The
first lesson is that hard work pays off.
Jacob had to work for 7 years to marry Rachel, but then he found out
that he had been deceived and married her sister Leah instead. Talk about a rude awakening! So Jacob then had to work for seven more
years before being allowed to finally marry Rachel.
Jacob
was a very hard worker and his work did pay off – he ended up with lots
of sheep and lots of kids.
Another
lesson from ping-pong is what goes
around comes around – literally.
Sometimes no matter what you do, the ball just keeps coming back, over
the net. In last week’s
portion, Jacob was the deceiver. In
this week’s he was the victim of deception.
I’ve
learned this lesson in another way.
It’s important not to take any opponent lightly. When I have a
lead, I have to keep putting in 110 percent effort. When you start to fool around, that lead
can disappear just as easily as it came.
Also,
the name of my portion, “Vayetze,” means “and he left.”
The portion begins with Jacob leaving his home country and it ends with his
return. Life, like a ping pong
ball, is filled with comings and goings. This idea is also shown in Jacob’s
dream, with the angels going up and down a ladder, in constant motion. In life, sometimes you need to go far
away in order to appreciate coming home.
That’s one reason why I like camp so much. It’s interesting to know
that when Americans began to explore the other side of the world, it was
ping-pong diplomacy that opened the door to
Closer
to home, ping pong has helped me discover exotic places like
So
I hope you can now see just how much my portion and my hobby have in
common.
For
my mitzvah project, I have collected food to be donated to the Food Bank of
I
would like to thank my mom for forcing me to practice my Hebrew and I’d
like to thank my Dad for helping me to perfect my table tennis game. I’d also like to thank my sister,
Dana, for her part in the clothes shopping. And, I’d like to thank Bracha
Moshe for encouraging me to take on four Torah portions, Cantor Littman for her
time and the candy, and the Rabbi for helping me with my speech. I’d also like to thank all my past
Hebrew teachers. I couldn’t have done it without all of your help. Thank
you all for coming to share this day with me.
The
(occasionally)
A Crossroads for
Conservative Judaism
Here is the
press release from the Rabbinical Assembly on Wednesday’s Law Committee
decision:
New York, NY, (December 6, 2006) – The Committee on Jewish
Law and Standards (CJLS) of the Rabbinical Assembly concluded its two-day
meeting on the subject of Homosexuality and Halakhah, or Jewish Law, this
morning. The discussions and teshuvot of the CJLS reflect a deeply shared
commitment to halakhah, Jewish Law and the Torah principle of kvod habriot,
the God-given dignity of all human beings.
The Rabbinical Assembly is the
international professional association of Conservative rabbis. The CJLS is the
central halakhic authority for the Conservative movement, which represents more
than two million Jews worldwide.
The following statement was
drafted at the conclusion of the meeting:
Founded in 1927, the Committee on
Jewish Law and Standards is empowered to deal with, and rule on, halakhic
issues within the Conservative movement.
The role of the CJLS is to issue rulings shaping the practice of the
Conservative Jewish community. As such, it is an advisory, not a judiciary
body. Parameters set by the committee guide all of the rabbis, synagogues and
institutions of the Conservative movement, but within these bounds there are
many variations of practice recognized as both legitimate and essential to the
richness of Jewish life. As a result, there have been instances when two or
more responsa, representing conflicting viewpoints, are validated by the
committee. When that happens, the local rabbi determines which of the responsa
to follow.
At the CJLS meetings, five
specific teshuvot were extensively discussed in a spirit of collegiality and
open-mindedness. Two teshuvot -- one authored by Rabbi Joel Roth and the other
authored by Rabbis Elliot Dorff, Daniel Nevins and Avram Reisner -- obtained
clear majority support. Rabbi
Roth’s responsum “Homosexuality Revisited” reaffirmed the
prior position, which denied ordination as clergy to active homosexuals and
also prohibited same sex commitment ceremonies or marriage. In contrast, Rabbis
Dorff, Nevins and Reisner, while retaining the Torah’s explicit
prohibition, as understood by the rabbis banning male homosexual intercourse,
argued in “Homosexuality, Human Dignity and Halakhah” for the full
normalization of the status of gay and lesbian Jews. Under this ruling, gay and
lesbian Jews may be ordained as clergy and their committed relationships may be
recognized, although not as sanctified marriage.
A third teshuva accepted by the
CJLS, written by Rabbi Leonard Levy, which upheld the traditional prohibitions,
argued that homosexuality is not a unitary condition and urged the development
of educational programs within the community to achieve understanding,
compassion and dignity for gays and lesbians. There was also some support on
the committee for a more comprehensive repeal of the prior ban against
homosexual relationships. All authors of teshuvot shared a universal
appreciation for the principle of kvod habriot and the welfare of gays
and lesbians in our community.
During its deliberations the CJLS
did not discuss – nor do any of the papers reflect – any
determination regarding gay marriage.
The meeting of the past two days
on the issue of homosexuality and halakhah reflects a wide diversity of ideas
and opinions. These distinct and divergent opinions may be used by rabbis,
synagogues, institutions and individual members of the Conservative movement as
a guide in welcoming gays and lesbians in our movement.
The teshuvot may also
serve to determine the extent to which gays and lesbians may be admitted into
our seminaries and guide the clergy of our movement on the question of whether
to initiate commitment ceremonies for gays and lesbians.
The CJLS is united in its concern
for the unity of the Conservative movement worldwide. The diversity of opinions
issued today reflects an essential strength of the Conservative movement
– namely, its very pluralism. Indeed, a multiplicity of approaches to
halakhah has been a key feature of the Conservative movement since its inception.
The CJLS is composed of 25 rabbis
and 6 non-rabbinical members (who are non-voting) and who serve on a rotating
basis for a period of at least 5 years. The Rabbinical Assembly, founded in
1901, is the international association of Conservative rabbis. The Rabbinical
Assembly actively promotes the cause of Conservative Judaism, publishes learned
texts, prayer books and works of Jewish interest, and administers the work of
the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards for the Conservative movement.
From: Dr.
Raymond B. Goldstein, International President
Rabbi Jerome M. Epstein,
Executive Vice President
And this from
the USCJ:
RE: Committee on Jewish Law and Standards: Ordination of gays and lesbians
and same-sex commitment ceremonies
Within the past few hours, the
Committee on Jewish Law and Standards completed its deliberation on five
responsa that considered whether Jewish law may allow the ordination of gay men
and lesbians and same-sex commitment ceremonies. The debate and the
deliberation, which took place over many sessions, was serious, passionate, and
at times heated. The issue has been treated with great sensitivity by everyone
involved.
Although the full texts of the
responsa will be made available in due course, we want to inform you as soon as
possible that the committee has endorsed papers both reaffirming the status quo
and affirming change. The status quo, as you know, has been that the ordination
of openly gay men and lesbians was not allowed, and rabbis who performed
same-sex commitment ceremonies did so without the Law Committee’s
sanction. The result of the committee’s vote means that rabbis,
synagogues, and other Conservative institutions may continue not to permit
commitment ceremonies and not to hire openly gay or lesbian rabbis and cantors.
On the other hand, rabbis, synagogues, and institutions can perform or host
those ceremonies and are free to hire openly gay rabbis and cantors. The
halakha of the Conservative movement, as voted by the Law Committee, now allows
both positions. Both are considered valid.
Although we have the greatest
respect for the Law Committee’s decisions, we do not agree with the
recommendations of the third paper it accepted, which said that gay men and
lesbians are best advised to find “restorative therapy” to change
their sexual orientation.
One of the basic tenets of the
Conservative movement is that each rabbi who is the spiritual leader of a
congregation is the mara d’atra, or final decisor of Jewish law, in that
congregation. Therefore, the decisions of the Committee on Jewish Law and
Standards, while important, are advisory. Reached after serious scholarship,
thought, and debate, the decisions provide guidance and support to
congregational rabbis, who must make their own decisions.
Another basic truth of our
movement is its diversity. We draw strength from the differences in practice
and commitment that mark Conservative congregations, even as we celebrate our
common bonds and shared values. Today’s decision is another example of
the wide range of Conservative Judaism. If we work together, we can show that
strength in action.
No matter which path a rabbi and
congregation may take, which halakha it chooses to follow, all of our rabbis
and congregations share a concern for the dignity of all human beings. No
matter what a rabbi and congregation chooses to do about hiring gay and lesbian
rabbis or commitment ceremonies, all must show respect and sensitivity to all
Jews, no matter what their sexual orientation may be. All Jews must be welcome
in all our congregations.
Given the Law Committee’s
decision today, Rabbi Epstein, who is United Synagogue’s mara
d’atra, has told United Synagogue’s leadership that he sees no
reason why we should not revise our hiring policies. Based on this conclusion, we
may consider applicants for United Synagogue jobs no matter what their sexual
orientation. United Synagogue’s leadership will discuss the issue at its
next scheduled meeting.
We know that some congregations
will face tensions and challenges as they grapple with this issue in the weeks,
months, and years ahead. As with the larger Conservative movement, each
congregation must find ways to bridge its differences and strengthen the bonds
that unite it. It is part of our mission to help each congregation cope with
the challenges. That is why over the past few months we sponsored several
sessions throughout the country where we explained both the halakhic process
and the issues. A video of one of the sessions is on our website – go to www.uscj.org and
click on the links at the item on the top left of the bulletin board. Study
guides are available on the website as well.
As we face the implications and
possibilities inherent in the Law Committee’s decision, we continue our
commitment to help each congregation. We offer personal consultation and
guidance to each of our member congregations. Rabbi Epstein has convened a
meeting of senior staff for tomorrow. They will meet an expert in consultancy
and organizational change to begin planning the strategy to help each
congregation in concrete ways. On January 2 and 3, the entire United Synagogue
staff will meet for intensive training. We are committed to stand by your side
as each congregation works through the process in its own time, using its own
agenda.
In this week’s Torah
portion, we are told that Jacob wrestled with God. As a result of that
encounter, Jacob became
So now, what
does this mean for our congregation and for Conservative Judaism as a
whole?
The statements
have all been confusing and it might appear as if nothing really has
changed. Two diametrically opposing
opinions? Amazingly, each opinion
gained 13 (not 14) of 25 votes (a majority), meaning that at least a couple of
people voted for BOTH! I’ve
heard several comments from congregants to the effect of, “How wishy-washy can you get???”
Don’t be
fooled. It does sound confusing,
but in fact, this was an earthquake.
Each Conservative entity can decide which opinion to follow, and now,
for the first time, it is 100% halakhically OK for a Conservative rabbi to
perform commitment ceremonies or, once the seminaries deal with this, for an
openly gay Jew to be ordained as a rabbi - or have any position of leadership for
that matter. The movement has, essentially,
come out of the closet. See above
what Rabbi Epstein has already done in changing the USCJ’s hiring
practices.
For the
movement, there will undoubtedly be turbulence as this thing shakes out. Just as happened with women’s
ordination a quarter century ago, some traditionalists will leave the
movement. Some have already
resigned from the Law Committee. But
just as happened with the influx of female rabbis, there will be an energizing
effect that will enable the movement to reach many more Jews with warm outreach
and a renewed creativity.
And what of
TBE? Nothing will change on the
surface. The rulings will have no
impact on our services or programs, in the short run and no commitment
ceremonies have been requested. As
soon as the teshuvot (responsa) are made available for general release, I plan
to share them with you so that we can spend some time learning them
together. It is my hope that the
ritual committee will be an important element of this conversation, as we
explore the local implications of the CJLS rulings and, more generally, how Conservative
rabbis and synagogues translate CLJS opinions into halakhic policy.
Most of all,
what I intend to do is listen – to anyone who has a question or an
opinion. It is no secret that both
the cantor and I are actively involved in our movement’s more inclusive
wing (see http://www.keshetrabbis.org/)
on this issue. As such, and as a
staunch pluralist, I am thrilled at the possibilities raised by this ruling.
But in my role as leader of this congregation, I also have an obligation to
listen to your concerns, which is exactly what I intend to do. Sessions at the next two Synaplex
Shabbats (Jan. 20 and Feb. 10) will be devoted specifically to studying and
reflecting more about this issue.
There were
many winners and probably a few losers on Wednesday, but I strongly feel that
this will be seen someday as a positive watershed moment for Conservative
Judaism. And if that is the case,
given the decades-long decline in Conservative affiliation, that will be a very
good thing for
While this
subject is a difficult one to discuss at services, some of the principles
surrounding it are not, in particular the principle of pluralism. Many are asking, for example, how a
movement can adopt two completely contradictory positions and remain a unified
movement. I will be addressing
these matters to some extent this Shabbat and in coming weeks.
See also:
The Conservative movement’s highest legal body
moved to allow commitment ceremonies for gays and the ordination of gay rabbis. (JTA)
|
Landmark decision comes though ban upheld in
separate position paper; 4 law committee members resign. (Jewish Week) |
Forty-Eight
(Rabbinic) Hours
People are often
fascinated by the life of a rabbi.
All too often, I find myself so immersed in my work that I fail to
appreciate the impact that each event has on people’s lives. It is truly a gift to be able to
compress so many meaningful, life-changing moments into a few short hours. Several times during a given weekend, I
have the privilege of taking part in events that people will remember for the
rest of their lives. During this
season of sharing, I share with you a “typical” such weekend
– just a few weeks ago.
November 18-19 was
already going to be busy, but soon after I came downstairs on Shabbat morning,
“typically busy” morphed instantly into hyper drive.
8 AM - A
congregant calls to inform me of the passing of her mother that morning. The death is not unexpected, but in an instant,
everything that has been planned for my weekend is thrown into a state of
chaos. If the family were to want
to do the funeral on Sunday, with burial in
Let’s take a
step back and look at how this fairly typical fall weekend sets up. On Shabbat morning: services and a bar
mitzvah; Saturday night, an out of town wedding; Sunday, teaching two adult ed
classes and two Hebrew School grades, followed immediately by a local baby
naming, then hop the train to chaperone our USYers in New York City to see the
play Jewtopia. So as I speak
to the bereaved congregant, I’m juggling these events in my mind to
figure out what the scheduling possibilities are
9:30 – I update the Cantor regarding the funeral
and then services begin. Zac
Krowitz does a terrific job and the service is upbeat and spirited, as we
always hope they will be. Zac
becomes the first bar mitzvah in Beth El history to have a toss with the rabbi
on the bima while he is being charged.
And Zac goes error free. The
sermon is a particularly challenging topic, the Jewish purity laws, a subject
rarely touched by rabbis in this setting but one of increasing relevance. I feel good about taking that risk. The service clicks on many levels,
including a nice, communal, extended Kiddush. Before embarking on an hour-long schmoozathon, I quickly call the
bereaved family to see how things stand for Sunday, so I can make plans with
the cantor and begin laying out the week, the shiva, etc. I find out that a close relative
won’t be able to make it back until Sunday evening, so the funeral will
have to be Monday. I make
plans to see the family on Sunday evening.
Now that the
logistical end is taken care of, it’s all about the experience and the emotions.
The gift of being a rabbi has nothing to do with being so busy hopping from one
life-changing event to another, it’s all about being part of those events and immersed in the lives of those
families. Before Zac Krowitz was
tossing balls at me, and before his parents were members here, I had been at
his Pidyon ha-ben, slogging up their driveway through a snowstorm. And before I stood under the huppah with
David Miller and his bride on Saturday night in
Sunday morning - and
a chance now to impact more lives.
9:00 – my
prayer class; we discuss the meaning of Jewish blessings, taking the motzi
apart, word by word – each word projecting a universe of Jewish
values. This class consists
primarily of people who have were in my basic Judaism class last year, so they
are very comfortable with one another and the discussion is always
fascinating. Just as important,
they always bring coffee – and they know how I like it.
At 10, I shift
quickly into
I whisk the 3rd
graders out just as the 4th graders are arriving with Debbie
Morgenthaler for their half hour long visit. One of the kids asks my what I like most
about being a rabbi. I look at them for a second and respond,
“this,” thinking also of how Zac Krowitz and David Miller once sat
where they were sitting.
It’s 11 and
time for my “Judaism for Everyone” class where I go over the
timeline of Jewish history. I make
it from Creation to the destruction of the second temple when I see that is
noon. I rush off to the naming of
the new daughter of Mike and Marni Handel.
Mike grew up here, but was bar mitzvah somewhat before my time, so my
experience of him has been primarily as an adult. I’ve seen him through the perils
of singlehood, and the blessing of his meeting and marrying Marni. I also look forward to seeing his
parents and sisters, who do not live locally. Only one problem – Mike lives in
The naming is over
– no time for a bagel – as I dash out to the door, bypassing the
helium balloons on my way to the train station. Edoe has gone into the city with the13
teens, where they’ve had lunch at Kosher delight. My train gets me into Grand Central at
2:45, just enough time to make it to the theater in time for the 3 O’clock
curtain. As I pass
We get back at
about 7 – I drop a couple of kids off and head home. It’s been a
great, upbeat\, day, the kind of day that itself is the answer to that
child’s question, “What do you like about being a rabbi?” Days like this. Weekends like this – they never
seem to end. And in fact this one was not over yet either. At 9 PM, I pull up at the home of Janice
and
After an hour of
reminiscing, consoling and discussing, I say good-bye and drive back to TBE,
where, at 10:30 or so, I send the e-mail announcement of the funeral to the
congregation. Now, finally, my day
is over. My weekend is over.
The final score
– I then find out – Patriots 35, Packers 0…One funeral
prepared, one wedding, one bar mitzvah, two adult classes, two Hebrew School
classes, one teen program, and untold informal conversations. Maybe a few
e-mails. And did I mention Tot
Shabbat on Friday night?
And one
exhilarated rabbi.
Mitzvah/Tzedakkah Opportunties
Beth El Cares
Cathy Satz (968-9191; csscounsel@yahoo.com)Cheryl Wolff (968-6361; cwolff@optonline.net)BETH EL CARES co-chairs Religious
leaders urge weekend of prayer for Darfur
Religious leaders (including
those of the Conservative movement) in the Save Darfur Coalition urged prayer
the weekend of Dec. 9-10 to call attention to the ongoing atrocities in the
Darfur region of western
Click here to sign up to participate in the
Weekend of Prayer and Action for Darfur.
Also see http://www.savedarfur.org/pages/resources
and www.savedarfur.org/faith
2006 CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER AT ST. LUKE’S AND PACIFIC HOUSE This year, Beth El Cares will be continuing a long-standing tradition of serving dinner at St. Luke’s and Pacific House on Christmas Eve. We need two team captains, one to head up the volunteers at each location, and we need volunteers to donate the following to make these dinners a success: Cooked turkey StuffingCans of GravyCranberry Sauce (cans or homemade)Mashed PotatoesSweet Potato CasserolesTossed Salad with Dressing on the SideCooked VegetablesFresh FruitDessertRolls and ButterBreads (Banana, Cranberry)Coffee, Tea, Sugar, Artificial Sweetener and MilkPaper Goods (plates, silverware, hot and cold cups, and napkins) If it’s easier for you, make a Monetary Contribution towards the above items and we’ll do the shopping. Make your checks payable to Temple Beth and note in the memo area “Beth El Cares/Xmas Eve dinner.” Please send your checks to the office by Thursday, December 21. PLEASE BRING YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE TEMPLE ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 BETWEEN 9 AM AND NOON AND WE’LL TRANSPORT THE MEAL TO THE APPROPRIATE LOCATION. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE A TEAM CAPTAIN, MAKE A DONATION OR HELP SERVE, PLEASE CONTACT CHERYL WOLFF AT 968-6361 TO SIGN UP.
Dalet Class
Mitzvah Project
Winter Weather
Clothing Drive
Help the less fortunate and
Donate winter clothing.
We are excepting coats, jackets, hats,
gloves,
Socks, thermals, and other warm clothing.
The items will be distributed at St. Lukes
on December 17th.
Please bring items to TBE by December 17th
GAN-MECHINA CLASS MITZVAH PROJECT!
On Sunday, December 17th,
the Kindergarten, First and Second grade classes will be
Performing a Hanukkah concert at
We will be leaving the
The program will be between 9:30 and 10:30 AM.
After the performance please join us back at the
Parent Volunteers are needed to provide transportation.
Please contact Joanna in the school office to volunteer.
322-6901 ext. 306
AmeriCares
HomeFront
AmeriCares HomeFront is
a non-profit humanitarian organization that helps community members whose
physical and financial limitations prevent them from maintaining their
homes. HomeFront is currently
accepting requests for assistance and will be interviewing candidates through
DECEMBER 16, 2006.
To request an
application, call HomeFront at 1-800-887-HOPE (4673). Homeowners are selected on the basis of
need.
Repairs may include
carpentry, painting, plastering, weatherproofing, window replacement, cleaning
and yard work.
HomeFront promises to
keep all applications confidential.
Selections will be made around March 2007
and the repair work for selected
homeowners will be done in May 2007.
Speaking of the repair
work, AmeriCares HomeFront is also looking for volunteers to make the
repairs.
Since the repair work
will be done on Shabbat (Saturday, May 5, 2007),
However, any congregant
who is interested in participating should contact HomeFront at 1-800-887-HOPE
(4673).
AmeriCares is also
happy to accept financial contributions which are tax deductible.
For more information,
go to www.americareshomefront.org.
or call 1-800-887-HOPE.
Adult Babysitter Needed
We are looking for an Adult
Babysitter for the weekends. We have one child, age 3. If someone is interested they can reach
me during the day at 212-733-4990.
What is the
origin of “On One Foot?”
Vicci Buchman asked me for a
clarification of this oft-utilized expression and it made me realize how
strange it might sound to people.
What does this mean, “On one foot?” Are we speaking about a bunch of storks
or flamingoes? Do Jews specialize
in three legged races? Are we
supposed to hop around the sanctuary with the Torah? I don’t know, but when you go to
Google there are 522,000 references to
the phrase, nearly one for every Israelite who stood at Sinai!
So here is the story….
(see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillel_the_Elder)
and http://www.jewfaq.org/sages.htm,
which is quoted here.
Hillel and Shammai
These two great scholars born a generation or two before the beginning of the Common Era are usually discussed together and contrasted with each other, because they were contemporaries and the leaders of two opposing schools of thought (known as "houses"). The Talmud records over 300 differences of opinion between Beit Hillel (the House of Hillel) and Beit Shammai (the House of Shammai). In almost every one of these disputes, Hillel's view prevailed.
Rabbi Hillel was born to a wealthy family in Babylonia, but came to
Rabbi Shammai was an engineer, known for the strictness of his views. The Talmud tells that a gentile came to Shammai saying that he would convert to Judaism if Shammai could teach him the whole Torah in the time that he could stand on one foot. Shammai drove him away with a builder's measuring stick! Hillel, on the other hand, converted the gentile by telling him, "That which is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. That is the whole Torah; the rest is commentary. Go and study it."
We don’t know all the
facts about the schools of Hillel and Shammai , as is mentioned by Dr. Louis Jacobs and found at http://www.myjewishlearning.com/texts/talmud/Gemara/TalmudicThinking/Jacobs_Hillel.htm
-
“…Much
has been made of the Talmudic story (Shabbat
31a) in which Hillel, when asked by a prospective convert to Judaism to teach
him the whole Torah while he stood on one leg, replied: "That which is
hateful unto you do not do to your neighbor. This is the whole of the Torah. The rest
is commentary. Go forth and study." Theologians, Jewish and non-Jewish,
have compared this version of the Golden Rule, stated in negative form, with
that of Jesus, in the positive form. There is a total failure to appreciate
that this story is told, in Babylonian Aramaic, at least two hundred years
after Hillel and probably much later. Moreover, in the same set of stories
related in a Midrash, the hero is not Hillel at all but Rabbi Joshua.
Similarly, when it is said of Hillel and other key figures that they lived for
120 years, it is as obvious as can be that this is not factual but a way of
saying that these teachers followed in the footsteps of Moses who was 120 years
old at his death (Deuteronomy 34:7). Yet while there is little authentic
information about Hillel and Shammai themselves, the Mishnah and Talmud are full
of the great debates between the House of Hillel and the House of Shammai, Bet
Hillel and Bet Shammai.”
So when we say “On One
Foot,” we are saying, in a very Jewish way, “concisely and to the
point.” But in Judaism, nothing is concise and everything is complicated
– Shammai was write in that sense.
And Hillel agreed – that oft forgotten punch line, “Now go
and study,” is an essential part of Hillel’s statement.
Thanks Vicci!
Two really cool sites:
www.giyus.org –
Internet Megaphone: Find out what
instant actions you can take to get
http://www.ajlmagazine.com/
- From
Leader Publishing, a
small company specializing in niche publishing, founded Atlanta Jewish Life
magazine in the spring of 2001. After cultivating the publication for four
years, Leader sold the magazine to Genco Media in January 2005. The new owners
hoped to take the magazine to the next level with a declared purpose of making
it even more relevant and, in their words, transforming it into a "Jewish Rolling
Stone." The public took notice, as just a few months later the
publication was named the best magazine in
This isn't your grandmother's Jewish
publication. It's more like Esquire or GQ grew a beard and donned
a yarmulke. We strive to be the best journalistic offering in the Jewish market
pairing provocative stories with inspiring and intriguing profiles of Jewish
people making a difference. Whether it's a hot Jewish celebrity or a former
wrestler turned Orthodox auto mechanic, we've got you covered in the
"Where did they find that?" story department. We're quite sure your
grandmother would be proud.
Our regular coverage includes book and music reviews, plus author interviews.
We also have essays on subjects both serious and light-hearted, compelling
profiles of Jewish celebrities, quirky members of the tribe, and other Jews of
note, and features on hot trends and provocative issues. Plus you don't want to
miss our Answer Maven, food stories, and culture awards.
A Zillion Hanukkah
Links
Guaranteed to Last for
Eight Nights (and then some)!
Nice articles on the spirituality of lighting the candles: http://www.jewishealing.com/ and http://www.rebgoldie.com/Candlelighting.htm
Listen to (and watch, via streaming video))
CLAL Holy Days: Hanukah By Joseph Telushkin
This Ritual Life CLAL Faculty on Rededicating
Your Home at Hanukah
Links and lots of material: http://www.uahc.org/va/bnai_shalom/hanukkah/hanukkah.html
Educator Cherie Kohler Fox's eight ways to celebrate
Hanukkah meaningfully:
http://www.jewishfamily.com/jc_a.php?text=http://www.jewishfamily.com/jc/holidays/hanukkah/meaningful_hannukah.txt
Chanukah educational links, coloring books, songs, etc http://www.j.co.il
Hanukkah @ JTS http://learn.jtsa.edu/hanukkah/
Virtual
613.org: Real Audio (blessings, classes, songs) http://www.613.org/chanuka.html
Chanukah Fun & Coloring Book (Torah Tots) http://www.torahtots.com/holidays/chanuka/chanuk.htm
Kidskourt Hanukkah Coloring Pages http://www.kidskourt.com/Holidays/HanColor.htm
Kid's Domain Chanukah Coloring Pages http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/chanukah/color.html
My Hebrew Dictionary - Chanukah Related Words http://www.dictionary.co.il
Akhlah for Kids (includes blessings) http://www.akhlah.com/holidays/hanukkah/Hanukkah.asp
Everything Jewish: Hanukah http://www.everythingjewish.com/Hanukah/origins.htm
Being Jewish: Chanukah Gateway http://beingjewish.com/yomtov/chanukah/
About.com: Chanukah http://judaism.about.com/religion/judaism/library/holidays/chanukah/bl_chanukah.htm
Jewish
Project Genesis - On-Line Menorah http://www.torah.org/learning/yomtov/chanukah/
ORT's Hanukkah section http://www.ort.org/ort/edu/festivals/hanukkah/index.html
Torah From
NCSY: Chanukah Articles http://www.shamash.org/nerncsy/publications/index.html#chanukah
Neveh Zion Chanukah Pages http://www.neveh.org/chanukah/
Halacha sheet for Chanukah http://faculty.biu.ac.il/~hm16/chanukah.htm
Darche Noam Chanuka Page http://www.darchenoam.org/articles/web/holidays/ar_chan_home.htm
Machon Chagim: Chanukah (English) http://www.chagim.org.il/chanukkaheng.html
Machon Chagim: Chanukah (Hebrew) http://www.chagim.org.il/chanukkah.html
Jewish Agency: Chanukah (Easy Hebrew) http://www.jajz-ed.org.il/ivrit/corner/hanuka/index.htm
Judaism 101: Chanukkah http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday7.htm
Chanukah Gateway http://www.freeyellow.com/members6/yomtov/CHgateway.html
JIS: Online Chanukah Course http://www.jewishstudies.org/courses/HHC/information.htm
Chanukah on the Net http://www.holidays.net/chanukah/
Nishmas: Customs of Chanukah http://www.nishmas.org.il/minhagim/chanukah.htm
For Every Jew: Chanukah http://www.foreveryjew.com/chanukah.html
DundaWare ShockDreidel (req. Shockwave) http://www.dnai.com/~dunda/SW/ShockDreidel.html
CleverMedia: The Hanukkah Dreidel Game (req. Shockwave) http://clevermedia.com/game.cgi?dreidel
ZigZag Hannukah Lights (req. Java) http://www.zigzagworld.com/hanukiah/
Chanukah Word Search (req. Java) http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/chanukah/games/word2.html
Not Just for Kids: Hanukkah Certificates http://www.night.net/kids/cert-hanukkah.html-ssi
Hanukat: Celebrate Hanukkah with the Kids http://www.hanukat.com/
It's not your Father's Hannukah (Yet it is...) http://www.caryn.com/holiday/holiday-chan.html
Billy Bear's Hanukkah http://www.billybear4kids.com/holidays/hanukkah/hanukkah.htm
Surfing the Net: Hanukkah Coloring Book http://www.surfnetkids.com/games/holiday-cb.htm
History Channel: Amazing Hanukkah Feats (largest...) http://www.historychannel.com/exhibits/holidays/hanukkah/feats.html
Hanukkah in CyberSpace http://www.designsbydaybreak.com/holidays/hanukkah/index.html
ICJI: Chaunkah http://www.biu.ac.il/ICJI/Competition/chapter7/723.htm
Misrash Ben Ish Hai (Sepharadim customs) http://www.midrash.org/halakha/hanukkah.html
WZO - Holidays with a Twist (Humor, 1996) http://www.wzo.org.il/en/resources/expand_subject.asp?id=133
Virtual Chanukah (Russian, 1999) http://www.chanuka.ru/
Clipart for Hanukkah Clipart http://www.kidskourt.com/Holidays/HanClip.htm
Free Graphics Chanuka Graphics http://www.freegraphics.com/images/downloads/chanukah/index.html
Bitsela Hanukkah Clipart http://www.bitsela.comcm@bitsela.com/hanukkah.htm
Hanukah - Jewish
JOI Hanukkah Activities http://www.joi.org/celebrate/hanuk/index.shtml
Adam Sandler's Hanukkah Song (Humor) http://www.asandler.com/lyrics/hanukah.shtml
Chanukka Midi Music http://www.jr.co.il/music/midi/jewish.htm#chanukka
Chanukka Humor http://www.jr.co.il/humor/chanuka.htm
RFCJ: Hanukah Recipes http://www.cyber-kitchen.com/rfcj/category.cgi?category=HANUKKAH
Epicurious: Chanukkah Recipes http://www.epicurious.com/e_eating/e06_jewish_cooking/recipes/recipes.html#HANUKKAH
Care2 Animated Greeting Cards http://www.care2.com/send/cathanukkah1.html
123 Greetings http://www.123greetings.com/events/hanukkah/
Sealing Wax Greeting Cards http://www.sealingwax.com/category_view?came_from=Hanukkah
Awesome Animated Greeting Cards http://www.marlo.com/heb/chanukah.htm
Judaic Greeting Cards by Raz http://www.designsbydaybreak.com/jewishgreetings/mycards_hanukkah.html
Greetz Greeting Cards http://greetz.com/chanukah/
Hanukah.com Greeting Cards http://www.hanukah.com/cards/
Let’s
begin with GOOD NEWS from
Israeli startup transforms sewage sludge into
fuel
Sewage sludge is a major problem as a pollutant, with over 5.3 million metric
tons of being produced in the
Culture | Israeli scientist identifies 'missing link'
in elephant history
A 27-million-year-old fossil unearthed in Eritrea could be the 'missing link'
between modern elephants and their ancestors, according to new research by a
team of scientists led by Jeheskel Shoshani, an Israeli-born scholar. Shoshani
moved to Eritrea in the north east of Africa to study a unique population of
elephants who had been isolated from other members of the species, leading to
inbreeding and genetic mutations. More...
Health | Stroke rehab in a glove
Writing, cooking, driving - they all depend on hand function, a crucial element
in maintaining quality of life, and one of the hardest for victims of strokes
to overcome. But now, Israeli company MediTouch has developed the HandTutor -
an innovative new exercise device that can help rehabilitate stroke patients
suffering from impaired hand functions, and also children born with motor or
developmental disorders that impact hand functionality. More...
Global Democracy | Working together - Israelis help Palestinian
veterinarians fight avian flu
Deadly viruses like the avian flu know no borders or politics, and Israeli
researchers are making sure their neighbors are acquiring the knowledge and
tools needed to deal with the threat. Last week four veterinarians from
Jew Da Maccabi recently immigrated to
Amnon Arama aka JewDa , Executive Producer
of Kosher Productions, was born on June 20th, 1976, in
‘Travel
Blogs’ Brings Us the Old & New of Akko
Eran Davidov is
a fellow blogger who we enjoy reading. He sent us a link to one of his posts on
It’s amazing how
“historical” changes meaning depending on where in the world you
are. For example, the Sun campus in which I work is on the grounds of what used
to be the loony bin (ok ok the care facility for would-be-napoleons) in
Then you get the other historical. In my
home town in
Continue
reading ‘Travel Blogs’ Brings Us the Old & New of Akko…
now for the rest
David Grossman's address
at Yitzhak Rabin's memorial, and a Syrian
writer responds to the author, calling on Arabs to take his words
seriously.
Report: IDF Soldiers
Captured by Hizballah Were Badly Hurt - Amos Harel and
Jack Khoury
According to an Israel Defense Forces report that was cleared for publication Wednesday,
both Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev are thought to have been seriously injured
during their abduction last July by Hizballah forces. One of the soldiers is
thought to have sustained critical injuries, while the other's injuries are
thought to have been serious. The IDF Spokesman repeated that the army's
working assumption remains that the soldiers are still alive and emphasized
that the IDF is continuing its efforts to bring about their return. (Ha'aretz)
Palestinian
Rocket Fire Continues Despite Cease-Fire - Shmulik Hadad
Palestinians in
Hamas
Smuggled $66M in Eight Months - Khaled Abu
Toameh
Hamas officials have managed to smuggle more than $66 million in cash through
the Rafah border crossing in the past eight months, a member of the Hamas-led
PA government said Wednesday. (
Global Commentary and Think-Tank
Analysis (Best of
The
Iraq Muddle Group - Editorial
The Iraq Study Group's proposal to negotiate with
The Iraq
Study Group Report - Editorial
Securing U.S. objectives involves seeking simultaneously to ensure that Iraqi
politicians place national interests above sectarian spoils, convincing rogue
states in Damascus and Tehran to be reasonable without rewarding their past
misbehavior, and aspiring to secure some progress between Israel and the
Palestinian Authority, despite the very malign influence exercised over the
Middle East peace process by Hamas and Hizballah in recent years. (Times-UK)
See also Lack of
Palestinian Leadership Frustrates New Peace Talks - Bronwen Maddox:
In calling for new meetings between
Martyr - Cynthia Ozick
Rachel Corrie was in
Once in
Baker Report:
Israel Must Prepare for a Different Reality - Attila Somfalvi
(Ynet News)
- "Israel
will have to prepare for a completely different reality," says former
UN Ambassador Dore Gold in response to the submission of the Baker-Hamilton
report. "Within two years American presence in
- "The
very willingness of the reports' authors to start a dialogue with both
- "The
recommendation in this report to talk to Syria and Iran, despite the fact
that they're responsible for the growing instability in Iraq, will only
encourage them to continue employing their policies."
- "The
report proves that
- "In
the immediate sense, the
Prime source: Daily Alert of the
See also http://www.theisraelproject.org/site/c.hsJPK0PIJpH/b.672581/k.CB99/Home.htm
http://www.ki4u.com/guide.htm
- This site was advertised
MYTH #243
"A
|
Who Speaks on Behalf of the Palestinians? |
|
|
THIS SATURDAY NIGHT!!!
Metallic
Blues
ISRAELI CINEMA: SOCIETY AND CULTURE
In
culture
reflects society. Israeli film, poetry and art
serve as
accurate barometers for social change and
the
country’s external and internal conflicts. Over
the course of
several Saturday evenings, we will be
presenting a
series of old and contemporary Israeli
films. The
screenings will be followed by a discussion
to be
facilitated by
Vaisben, the
Education Director.
The film
screening will take place at the main lobby
on selected
Saturday nights at 8:00 p.m.
(refreshments
and popcorn will be served):
December 9, 2006: Metallic Blues (2004)
Two Israeli
losers head to
Next weekend!!!
Please join TBE for our Annual
Chanukah Celebration
Featuring:
Creative
Chanukiah Contest
Chanukah
Candle Lighting
Spin the
Dreidel Contest
Junior and
Senior Choir Performances
Delicious Jelly
Donuts and Latkes
December 17th
10:45 am
in the Social
Hall
(Day School students’ Semi- Final Dreidel Contest
will take place in the Social Hall at 10:30
AM)
Come to Our
Junior Choir
Chanukah Performances
Sunday,
December 17th
Chanukah at TBE -
11:00-12:30 PM
Monday,
December 18th
Tuesday,
December 19th
Agudath Shalom - 7:00 PM
Thursday,
December 21st
ADULT ED CLASSES
a six-session
series presented by
The
United Jewish
Federation (UJF) of Greater
December 10: Session Three: 1948-1966: War
& Peace: Survival and
January 7: Session
Four: 1967-1979: War & Peace: Territories and Settlements
January
21: Session Five:
1980-Present: Terrorism and
“The Many Demensions of
Jewish Prayer”
with
meets select Sunday mornings 9:00-10:00
am
Bimah 101:
Prepatory course for Adult Bar/ Bat Mitzvah
With Cantor
Meets weekly Sunday mornings 10:00-11:00
am
Judaism
for Everyone
An Introductory Class for Dummies, Smarties…
and Those Who Don’t Know How to Ask
With
Meets weekly on select Sundays 11:00
am-12:00 pm (Meets this week at 9 AM)
(A prerequisite for those who wish to join
the Beth El Adult Bar/ Bat Mitzvah Class.)
Fee: $50 for materials
Beginners’ Hebrew class
Instructor:
Take advantage of this beginner/ class
to:
Become familiar with the Hebrew
alphabet
Improve your Hebrew reading fluency
Delve into a bit of modern Hebrew
Come explore the Hebrew language in a
relaxed group setting!
Meets weekly on Tuesday evenings at
7:30– 8:30 p.m.
Learning and Latte at Borders
This coming Tuesday!!!
featuring
This year’s topic:
“Moral Dilemmas for a World in Crisis”
Join us as we engage in friendly dialogue about some of the hot-button issues of the day.
Meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 7:30-8:30 PM, October-May
Topics (subject to last-minute adjustment to keep up with the headlines)
Dec. 12 – What comes first, loyalty to one’s
country, or loyalty to one’s faith?
Jan. 9 – When does life begin and what happens to the soul after life ends?
Feb. 13 - Can other religions be “true?” How can pluralism work for the believer?
March 13 – Is sexuality good, evil or neither? What are the worst “sins” for our traditions?
April 10 – What are different ways of imagining God in our traditions? How does God show love?
May 8 – What is the future of religion in
KOSHER
DELI??
KOSHER
BUTCHER??
KOSHER
PRODUCTS??
Are
you interested in having more Kosher food options in
Whether you
have requested the survey, or are hearing about this for the first time, please
take a moment to complete the survey. Thank you.
http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=U25NTVYQXRJU
Support our
Our featured
item:
The Sisterhood
Cookbook
Delicious
Recipes! Kosher! Family Favorites!
Already a
TBE Best Seller!
Are you going to a party? Some suggestions for hostess
gifts: Wine bottle or wine glass
coasters, small jeweled boxes, pretty serving dishes, decorative
dreidels...
REMEMBER, EVERYTHING IS DISCOUNTED 20% OFF RETAIL
PRICES!!!
Shopping
hours: Sunday mornings, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Weekday
shopping by appointment.
To schedule
an appointment, please call
Attention all
TBE Members!
The 2006-07
Torah Fund Pin Has Arrived!
Do your part
for Jewish Continuity! Click here
to view the beautiful pin and for more information:
http://www.tbe.org/site/docs/TorahFundPinFlyer2006-07.pdf
The Torah Fund
Pin makes a great gift for every Jewish woman. Your donation helps support The Jewish
Theological Seminary, the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies and the Schechter
Institute of Jewish Studies, which train Conservative Jewish rabbis, cantors,
educators and leaders.
Call 322-8842
to order now, and receive your pin in time for Hanukkah!
Thank you for
your generosity!
Karen Hainbach
Vice President of Torah Fund, TBE Sisterhood
Please join TBE for our Annual
Chanukah Celebration
Featuring:
Creative
Chanukiah Contest
Chanukah
Candle Lighting
Spin the
Dreidel Contest
Junior and
Senior Choir Performances
Delicious
Jelly Donuts and Latkes
December 17th
10:45 am
in the Social
Hall
(Day School students’ Semi- Final Dreidel Contest
will take place in the Social Hall at 10:30
AM)
Come to Our
Junior Choir
Chanukah Performances
Sunday,
December 17th
Chanukah at TBE -
11:00-12:30 PM
Monday,
December 18th
Tuesday,
December 19th
Agudath Shalom - 7:00 PM
Thursday,
December 21st
COLLEGE STUDENTS!
For our USY teens….
When: Saturday, December 16th, 2006
Where: Temple Beth El, Stamford CT
Time:
7:00 p.m. – 10 p.m.
What:
Come Celebrate your favorite holiday with Jewish teens
Feast on some delicious latkas
Make edible dreidels
Grab bag
Watch 8 Crazy Nights
Donate old books!!!!
Cost:
$8- if you bring no book
$5- if you bring one book
FREE- if you bring 10 books!!!
FEEL
FREE TO BRING AS MANY BOOKS AS YOU WANT
They will be donated to St. Lukes Life Works
TBE GOES TO
THE NETS!
COME SEE PAUL
PIERCE AND
THE
JASON KIDD
AND THE NEW
When:
Saturday, December 9th
Bus Leaves
Temple Beth-El at 5:30 P.M.
We will
return around 11:00 P.M.
Who: Kadima
(6th-8th graders) & parents and siblings are invited! (younger siblings
must be accompanied by a parent)
We'll also
open this up to other congregants as space permits!
Cost: $50
To ensure
your tickets:
You must
RSVP to Edoe Cohen at edoecohen@gmail.com
and bring / send check to Temple Beth-El Hebrew School office.
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/sacha_baron_cohen_the_real_borat_finally_speaks
The Man
Behind The Mustache
In his only
interview as himself, Sacha Baron Cohen talks about growing up kosher in
See quote
above…
Previous Shabbat-O-Grams can be accessed directly from our web site
(www.tbe.org)
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to office@tbe.org