Parshat Vayera
(2 Kings 4:1-37)
15 Heshvan 5768
October 27, 2007
The term "prophet – navi" denotes a number of different kinds of religious figures.
Samuel, the prophet, served as both a religious and political leader – a mouthpiece of God. During Samuel's tenure, there also existed bands (hevel, lahaqah) of prophets (mitnabim) who practiced some sort of religious ecstatic experiences. (See 1 Samuel 10:5; 19:20) Saul, who was later to become king, on a number of occasions joined in with these "prophets". (Ibid. 10:12) Elijah and Elisha represent a third type of prophet. They were not political leaders, though at times, they meddled in politics. Their brand of religion blended the role of bearer of religious messages with that of miracle worker. (See Professor M. Greenberg, Studies in the Bible and Jewish Thought, pp. 129-133.)
Rav Soloveitchik (20th century USA) links the role of prophecy with the quality of "hesed," roughly translated into English as "loving kindness". Basing himself on Maimonides, Soloveitchik asserts that "hesed" denotes "excessive kindness" – kindness beyond measure. "Hesed" implies extending oneself beyond one's closed, personal existence and sharing of one's inner self, energies and talents with others. "Hesed" is sharing and caring, going beyond one's self, sympathizing and empathizing.
This understanding allows us to distinguish between two different types of prophetic characters: "mitnabim" and the "neviim". The first group, mentioned above, is identified by a reflexive verb, which represents a kind of self-indulgent prophecy. They aim at their own religious experience, their own ecstasy and perfection, but not beyond. The second kind of prophet aims beyond the self in order to build God's world beyond the narrow straights of self-fulfillment. The "navi" shares his world with others (See Soloveitchik, Min Hasaarah, pp. 172-175)
This later category characterizes the behavior of the prophet Elisha and the miraculous tales related in this week's haftarah. His empathy and caring was boundless and lacked self-indulgence. His miraculous acts should not be measured by their supernatural characteristics, which most certainly add color to the stories. Rather, his role as a prophet is most distinctive in his acts of care and concern for others, whether in providing for the widow and her orphans or in reviving the son of the Shunamite woman. These acts mark him as a prophet.
This religious distinction also has something to say about modern religious experience. Religious people must be aware that it is possible to be quite "religious" and totally narcissistic and self indulgent in one's piety. One must aim to be like Elisha whose piety extended beyond the self, sharing concern for others, community building instead of self-serving.
This study piece is offered as a service of the United Synagogue Conservative Yeshiva. It is prepared by Rabbi Mordechai (Mitchell) Silverstein, senior lecturer in Talmud and Midrash at the Conservative Yeshiva. He is a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.
With the permission of The United Synagogue Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem, Rabbi Edward S. Romm - Director of Education
© 2007
Shabbat Shalom,
Henry Ray Wengrow
Ritual Chair
Beth Shalom
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Weekly Announcements Oct. 21 - Nov. 8
Sunday, October 21: 10:00 a.m. 1st & 2nd Grade Family Education program.
Wednesday, October 24: 6:30 p.m. Board of Education meeting.
Thursday, October 25:
5 p.m. Harvest Hope Food Bank project-Volunteers will staff the emergency food pantry (2220 Shop Road).
7 p.m. Adult Education Academy classes: "Introduction to Classical Rabbinic Literature" or "Introduction to Hebrew."
8 p.m. Adult Education Academy classes: "Judaism's Encounter with Modernity" or "Crash Course in Basic Jewish Concepts."
Friday, October 26: 6:30 p.m. Shabbat evening family services following by a Family Shabbat dinner. Dinner will be baked sweet & sour chicken breast, sweet & sour cabbage, carrot & apple tzimmes, Israeli salad, challah rolls & dessert. Adults: $10, Children (under 12 yrs.): $5, Maximum cost per family: $25. Please RSVP to the office by Wednesday, October 24th. Thank you to Terri & Robert Hodges for organizing and chairing this Shabbat dinner!
Sunday, October 28: 10:00 a.m. 4th & 5th Grade Family Education program.
Wednesday, October 31: 6:30 p.m. Ritual Committee meeting.
Thursday, November 1:
7 p.m. Adult Education Academy classes: "Introduction to Classical Rabbinic Literature" or "Introduction to Hebrew."
8 p.m. Adult Education Academy classes: "Judaism's Encounter with Modernity" or "Crash Course in Basic Jewish Concepts."
November 4 - 8: Book Fair - Classic Rabbinic texts, Hebrew literature, Judaic themes.Children’s books from Scholastic! Shop for Chanukah! Something for everyone!
Hours
Sunday: 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Monday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 2:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday: 5:00 - 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 4:
10:00 a.m. STAR Program at the JCC.
10:00 a.m. Kindergarten Family Education - Shema Pajama Party.
3:30 p.m. Hallelu Atlanta: A Celebration of Jewish Spirit! Concert will be at the FOX Theater in Atlanta. Tickets are $18 per person. Call the office at Beth Shalom if you are interested in purchasing a ticket. We are interested in purchasing a block of tickets for those interested in going, so we can all sit together. Get more details about this event at their website: www.doyouhallelu.com
Thursday, November 8:
7 p.m. Adult Education Academy classes: "Introduction to Classical Rabbinic Literature" or "Introduction to Hebrew."
8 p.m. Adult Education Academy classes: "Judaism's Encounter with Modernity" or "Crash Course in Basic Jewish Concepts."
Wednesday, October 24: 6:30 p.m. Board of Education meeting.
Thursday, October 25:
5 p.m. Harvest Hope Food Bank project-Volunteers will staff the emergency food pantry (2220 Shop Road).
7 p.m. Adult Education Academy classes: "Introduction to Classical Rabbinic Literature" or "Introduction to Hebrew."
8 p.m. Adult Education Academy classes: "Judaism's Encounter with Modernity" or "Crash Course in Basic Jewish Concepts."
Friday, October 26: 6:30 p.m. Shabbat evening family services following by a Family Shabbat dinner. Dinner will be baked sweet & sour chicken breast, sweet & sour cabbage, carrot & apple tzimmes, Israeli salad, challah rolls & dessert. Adults: $10, Children (under 12 yrs.): $5, Maximum cost per family: $25. Please RSVP to the office by Wednesday, October 24th. Thank you to Terri & Robert Hodges for organizing and chairing this Shabbat dinner!
Sunday, October 28: 10:00 a.m. 4th & 5th Grade Family Education program.
Wednesday, October 31: 6:30 p.m. Ritual Committee meeting.
Thursday, November 1:
7 p.m. Adult Education Academy classes: "Introduction to Classical Rabbinic Literature" or "Introduction to Hebrew."
8 p.m. Adult Education Academy classes: "Judaism's Encounter with Modernity" or "Crash Course in Basic Jewish Concepts."
November 4 - 8: Book Fair - Classic Rabbinic texts, Hebrew literature, Judaic themes.Children’s books from Scholastic! Shop for Chanukah! Something for everyone!
Hours
Sunday: 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Monday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 2:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday: 5:00 - 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 4:
10:00 a.m. STAR Program at the JCC.
10:00 a.m. Kindergarten Family Education - Shema Pajama Party.
3:30 p.m. Hallelu Atlanta: A Celebration of Jewish Spirit! Concert will be at the FOX Theater in Atlanta. Tickets are $18 per person. Call the office at Beth Shalom if you are interested in purchasing a ticket. We are interested in purchasing a block of tickets for those interested in going, so we can all sit together. Get more details about this event at their website: www.doyouhallelu.com
Thursday, November 8:
7 p.m. Adult Education Academy classes: "Introduction to Classical Rabbinic Literature" or "Introduction to Hebrew."
8 p.m. Adult Education Academy classes: "Judaism's Encounter with Modernity" or "Crash Course in Basic Jewish Concepts."
Book Fair Nov. 4 - 8
Beth Shalom Religious School
BOOK FAIR
November 4 - 8
Classic Rabbinic texts, Hebrew literature, Judaic themes.Children’s books from Scholastic! Shop for Chanukah! Something for everyone!
Hours
Sunday: 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Monday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 2:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday: 5:00 - 9:30 p.m.
We are looking for volunteers to help with the book fair. If you can volunteer a few hours to help, please call Sara in the education office at 782-2500.
BOOK FAIR
November 4 - 8
Classic Rabbinic texts, Hebrew literature, Judaic themes.Children’s books from Scholastic! Shop for Chanukah! Something for everyone!
Hours
Sunday: 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Monday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 2:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday: 5:00 - 9:30 p.m.
We are looking for volunteers to help with the book fair. If you can volunteer a few hours to help, please call Sara in the education office at 782-2500.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Parshat Noah
Shabbat Rosh Hodesh Heshvan
(Isaiah 66:1-24)
October 13, 2007
This special haftarah which is recited when Shabbat and Rosh Hodesh coincide comes from the last chapter of the book of Isaiah. At the end of this prophecy, Isaiah describes the ultimate acknowledgement and worship of God by all of the nations of the world (verses 18-21): "[The time] has come to gather all the nations and tongues; they shall come and behold My glory. 19 I will set a sign among them, and send from them survivors to the nations: to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud – that draw the bow – to Tubal, Javan, and the distant coasts, that have never heard My fame nor beheld My glory. They shall declare My glory among these nations. 20 And out of all nations, said the Lord, they shall bring all your brothers on horses, in chariots and drays, on mules and dromedaries, to Jerusalem My holy mountain as an offering to the Lord – just as the Israelites bring an offering in a pure vessel to the House of the Lord. 21 And from them likewise I will take some to be levitical priests (lacohanim laliviim), said the Lord." (NJPS translation)
The last verse of this prophecy makes a curious pronouncement. It seems to state that non-Jews will be taken by God to serve as "levitical priests". Since these particular positions require a particular lineage, what could this verse be talking about? The pshat or plain meaning of this verse would seem to be that since the nations of the world have come bringing offering before God whom they newly recognize, God will graciously accept their offerings as if they were levitical priests since even born Jews who do not have priestly status could not bring their own offerings before the altar. (A. Hahkam, Isaiah, Daat Mikra, p. 696) This attitude is corroborated by a midrash from the period of the Mishnah: "Blessed are the gerim (converts) for in many places in Scripture, they are likened to Israel. Israelites are called 'servants'; so are gerim…The Israelites are often called 'ministers'; so, too, the gerim' are called 'ministers'. (Adapted from Michilta d'Rabbi Ishmael Mishpatim 18, Horowitz Rabin ed. p. 311-312)
Another interpretation of this verse can be found in a later midrash: "[When the Messiah comes,] the nations of the world will bring the children of Israel [to Jerusalem along with them] in honor. When the nations take their leave, they will say of the Jews that they brought: 'This one is a priest; this one is a levi; this one is a yisrael. Why will the nations make these announcements? Because these Jews had been sold into slavery and their identity had been forgotten because of the exile and under duress were forced to become non-Jews. Accordingly, Rabbi Elazar interpreted 'And of them I will take for priests and Levites, said the Lord' as meaning that from among the non-Jews who will be brought before the King Messiah, God will single out from among them who is a priest; who is a Levite and who is a yisrael from among the non-Jews. I [God] will single out those who are fit for serving as priests and Levites to serve Me. (Adapted from Midrash Tehillim 87:6 Buber ed. p. 379)
In this midrash, God will recover the lost souls from among those who were forcibly taken from the Jewish people throughout the ages and restore them to their proper service of God. According to Rabbi Elazar, these will make up the ranks of the 'non-Jewish' priests and Levites who will make offerings before God.
This study piece is offered as a service of the United Synagogue Conservative Yeshiva. It is prepared by Rabbi Mordechai (Mitchell) Silverstein, senior lecturer in Talmud and Midrash at the Conservative Yeshiva. He is a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.
With the permission of The United Synagogue Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem, Rabbi Edward S. Romm - Director of Education
© 2007
Shabbat Shalom,
Henry Ray Wengrow, Ritual Chair, Beth Shalom
(Isaiah 66:1-24)
October 13, 2007
This special haftarah which is recited when Shabbat and Rosh Hodesh coincide comes from the last chapter of the book of Isaiah. At the end of this prophecy, Isaiah describes the ultimate acknowledgement and worship of God by all of the nations of the world (verses 18-21): "[The time] has come to gather all the nations and tongues; they shall come and behold My glory. 19 I will set a sign among them, and send from them survivors to the nations: to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud – that draw the bow – to Tubal, Javan, and the distant coasts, that have never heard My fame nor beheld My glory. They shall declare My glory among these nations. 20 And out of all nations, said the Lord, they shall bring all your brothers on horses, in chariots and drays, on mules and dromedaries, to Jerusalem My holy mountain as an offering to the Lord – just as the Israelites bring an offering in a pure vessel to the House of the Lord. 21 And from them likewise I will take some to be levitical priests (lacohanim laliviim), said the Lord." (NJPS translation)
The last verse of this prophecy makes a curious pronouncement. It seems to state that non-Jews will be taken by God to serve as "levitical priests". Since these particular positions require a particular lineage, what could this verse be talking about? The pshat or plain meaning of this verse would seem to be that since the nations of the world have come bringing offering before God whom they newly recognize, God will graciously accept their offerings as if they were levitical priests since even born Jews who do not have priestly status could not bring their own offerings before the altar. (A. Hahkam, Isaiah, Daat Mikra, p. 696) This attitude is corroborated by a midrash from the period of the Mishnah: "Blessed are the gerim (converts) for in many places in Scripture, they are likened to Israel. Israelites are called 'servants'; so are gerim…The Israelites are often called 'ministers'; so, too, the gerim' are called 'ministers'. (Adapted from Michilta d'Rabbi Ishmael Mishpatim 18, Horowitz Rabin ed. p. 311-312)
Another interpretation of this verse can be found in a later midrash: "[When the Messiah comes,] the nations of the world will bring the children of Israel [to Jerusalem along with them] in honor. When the nations take their leave, they will say of the Jews that they brought: 'This one is a priest; this one is a levi; this one is a yisrael. Why will the nations make these announcements? Because these Jews had been sold into slavery and their identity had been forgotten because of the exile and under duress were forced to become non-Jews. Accordingly, Rabbi Elazar interpreted 'And of them I will take for priests and Levites, said the Lord' as meaning that from among the non-Jews who will be brought before the King Messiah, God will single out from among them who is a priest; who is a Levite and who is a yisrael from among the non-Jews. I [God] will single out those who are fit for serving as priests and Levites to serve Me. (Adapted from Midrash Tehillim 87:6 Buber ed. p. 379)
In this midrash, God will recover the lost souls from among those who were forcibly taken from the Jewish people throughout the ages and restore them to their proper service of God. According to Rabbi Elazar, these will make up the ranks of the 'non-Jewish' priests and Levites who will make offerings before God.
This study piece is offered as a service of the United Synagogue Conservative Yeshiva. It is prepared by Rabbi Mordechai (Mitchell) Silverstein, senior lecturer in Talmud and Midrash at the Conservative Yeshiva. He is a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.
With the permission of The United Synagogue Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem, Rabbi Edward S. Romm - Director of Education
© 2007
Shabbat Shalom,
Henry Ray Wengrow, Ritual Chair, Beth Shalom
Monday, October 08, 2007
BETH SHALOM ADULT EDUCATION ACADEMY
Thursday evenings: 7:00-9:00 p.m.
October: 11, 25, 31
November: 1, 8, 29
Please call the office (803.782.2500) to register for classes.
Introduction to Classical Rabbinic Literature (rabbinics)
7:00–7:55 p.m.
$60.00 members⁄$70.00 non-members
The formative period of rabbinic Judaism took place in the first five centuries of the Common Era, under the oppression of the Roman Empire and the rise of Christianity. During this time, classic rabbinic literature began to take shape in two major genres, Midrash and Talmud, and became the foundation upon which emerging Jewish law and religious belief are based. In this course selections from Midrash and Talmud will be studied in English in order to train students in the midrashic methodology of Biblical interpretation, to introduce students to Talmudic logic and to gain the skills to analyze a Talmudic sugya (thematic passage.)
Introduction to Hebrew
7:00–7:55 p.m.
Don’t know an aleph from a bet? This course will enable students to recognize the Hebrew alphabet and begin decoding words. Learn or remind yourself how to read Hebrew. Free. This course is co-sponsored by the National Jewish Outreach Program (1-800-44-HEBREW)
Judaism’s Encounter with Modernity (thought)
8:10–9:00 p.m.
$60.00 members⁄$70.00 non-members
This course offers a brief introduction to Judaism in the modern period. Together with a brief survey of Jewish history during this period, the course will concentrate on the religious and ideological tensions posed to Judaism by modernity and the range of Jewish responses, such as Enlightenment, Reform Judaism, Conservative Judaism, contemporary Orthodoxy, Jewish Secularism, Zionism, Jewish socialism, and Jewish liberalism.
Intro to Judaism - Part I
8:10–9:00 p.m.
Crash Course in Basic Jewish Concepts
In this class we will discuss 5 major topics in Jewish thought: God, prayer, Sabbath, Jewish Observance, and Sexuality. This course is for you if you never had the chance to go to Hebrew School, or if you went to Hebrew School but forgot what you learned, or if you are not Jewish but simply interested in learning. 5 sessions: 10⁄11, 10⁄25, 11⁄1, 11⁄8,⁄15. Taught by Rabbi Siff. Free. This course is co-sponsored by the National Jewish Outreach Program (1-800-44-HEBREW).
October: 11, 25, 31
November: 1, 8, 29
Please call the office (803.782.2500) to register for classes.
Introduction to Classical Rabbinic Literature (rabbinics)
7:00–7:55 p.m.
$60.00 members⁄$70.00 non-members
The formative period of rabbinic Judaism took place in the first five centuries of the Common Era, under the oppression of the Roman Empire and the rise of Christianity. During this time, classic rabbinic literature began to take shape in two major genres, Midrash and Talmud, and became the foundation upon which emerging Jewish law and religious belief are based. In this course selections from Midrash and Talmud will be studied in English in order to train students in the midrashic methodology of Biblical interpretation, to introduce students to Talmudic logic and to gain the skills to analyze a Talmudic sugya (thematic passage.)
Introduction to Hebrew
7:00–7:55 p.m.
Don’t know an aleph from a bet? This course will enable students to recognize the Hebrew alphabet and begin decoding words. Learn or remind yourself how to read Hebrew. Free. This course is co-sponsored by the National Jewish Outreach Program (1-800-44-HEBREW)
Judaism’s Encounter with Modernity (thought)
8:10–9:00 p.m.
$60.00 members⁄$70.00 non-members
This course offers a brief introduction to Judaism in the modern period. Together with a brief survey of Jewish history during this period, the course will concentrate on the religious and ideological tensions posed to Judaism by modernity and the range of Jewish responses, such as Enlightenment, Reform Judaism, Conservative Judaism, contemporary Orthodoxy, Jewish Secularism, Zionism, Jewish socialism, and Jewish liberalism.
Intro to Judaism - Part I
8:10–9:00 p.m.
Crash Course in Basic Jewish Concepts
In this class we will discuss 5 major topics in Jewish thought: God, prayer, Sabbath, Jewish Observance, and Sexuality. This course is for you if you never had the chance to go to Hebrew School, or if you went to Hebrew School but forgot what you learned, or if you are not Jewish but simply interested in learning. 5 sessions: 10⁄11, 10⁄25, 11⁄1, 11⁄8,⁄15. Taught by Rabbi Siff. Free. This course is co-sponsored by the National Jewish Outreach Program (1-800-44-HEBREW).
Friday, October 05, 2007
Upcoming Events for October
Thursday, October 4:
9:45 p.m. Shemini Atzeret services - Yizkor
6 p.m. Midrasha students help lead Simchat Torah services.
6:30 p.m. Erev Simchat Torah services; Consecration of new Hebrew school students. Followed by vegetarian⁄dairy potluck dinner in the sukkah.
Friday, October 5–9:45 p.m. Simchat Torah services
Sunday, October 7 through Wednesday, October 10
10 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Beth Shalom's Gently Used Women & Children's Designer Clothing Sale–Social Hall
Wednesday, October 10:
7:00 p.m. Eastern European Trip Meeting at the JCC. Anyone interested in going on the Eastern European trip, May 25 through June 4, 2008, please attend this meeting. We will be visiting Warsaw, Krakow, Budapest and Prague. Itinerary and pricing will be discussed at this time.further information please call Minda Miller at 788-1280.
7:30 p.m. Board of Directors meeting in the library.
Sunday, October 14:
10:00 a.m. 6th Grade Family Education program, “B’nai Mitzvah Nuts and Bolts.”
6:00 p.m. TRADITIONS DINNER. Plan to be with your Beth Shalom family as we honor Rose and Harold Kline and as we celebrate our traditions of old and some, not so old. This will be a wonderful evening at the Embassy Suites Hotel, full of favorite music, special foods, and an additional surprise. We come together to celebrate and honor the contributions given to Beth Shalom by Rose and Harold Kline over their many years here at Beth Shalom. You will not want to miss this occasion, so be sure to mark you calendars with the date, OCTOBER 14, 2007 and more information will be forthcoming.
Wednesday, October 17–7:00 p.m. Jewish Women’s Book Club meeting in the library.
Friday, October 19–6:30 p.m. Evie Needle Bat Mitzvah
Saturday, October 20–9:45 a.m. Evie Needle Bat Mitzvah
Sunday, October 21–10:00 a.m. 1st & 2nd Grade Family Education program.
Thursday, October 25:
5 p.m. Harvest Hope Food Bank project-Volunteers will staff the emergency food pantry (2220 Shop Road).
6 p.m. Midrasha
Friday, October 26–6:30 p.m. Shabbat evening family services following by a Family Shabbat dinner. Details are in your October bulletin to RSVP….
Tikkun olam:
Through the Kol Nidre Appeal this year, we raised approximately $1500 in charity. Our contribution went to “Mazon: A Jewish response to hunger,” which supports groups here and abroad, Jewish and non-Jewish, that fight hunger and poverty. In our own community, Mazon supports Harvest hope as well as the Appleseed legal justice Center. Yashar Coah!
Polar bears are facing possible extinction from rising temperatures, and the EPA continues to block global warming controls on tailpipes. California and 14 other states – accounting for more than 40 percent of new car sales – are prepared to fight global warming by putting cleaner car standards in place. Tell the EPA to give California permission to lead the way! www.nrdconline.org⁄campaign⁄EPA_Global_Warming.
Airlines expose children to horrifically violent and otherwise inappropriate (and downright scary) movies during commercial flights. Visit www.kidsafefilms.org, and sign their petition to get kid-inappropriate films off of commercial airline flights. Please pass along the link to anybody you know.
Happen to have an extra car? Northeast Wheels is seeking automobiles to transport seniors and adults with disabilities who reside in the Northeast. Volunteer drivers will transport them to places in the Northeast so that they can remain independent. Please call Roger Cranford at 779-1971 x 17.
Texts:
The six days of creation embody the whole of history, for the world shall exist six thousand years (Talmud, Rosh Hashanah 31a); which is why it is said that "G-d's day is a thousand years" (Midrash Rabbah).
Zohar I:30a: “The world was created in two modes, by the right and by the left, by six transcendent ‘days’. Six days were fashioned to radiate, as it is said: Six days YHVH made, heaven and earth (Ex 31:17). These dug pathways and drilled sixty holes into the immense abyss–hollows conducting the water of streams into the abyss [i.e. the Shehina]. So we have learned: “The hollows were formed from the six days of creation,” constituting peace for the world.
9:45 p.m. Shemini Atzeret services - Yizkor
6 p.m. Midrasha students help lead Simchat Torah services.
6:30 p.m. Erev Simchat Torah services; Consecration of new Hebrew school students. Followed by vegetarian⁄dairy potluck dinner in the sukkah.
Friday, October 5–9:45 p.m. Simchat Torah services
Sunday, October 7 through Wednesday, October 10
10 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Beth Shalom's Gently Used Women & Children's Designer Clothing Sale–Social Hall
Wednesday, October 10:
7:00 p.m. Eastern European Trip Meeting at the JCC. Anyone interested in going on the Eastern European trip, May 25 through June 4, 2008, please attend this meeting. We will be visiting Warsaw, Krakow, Budapest and Prague. Itinerary and pricing will be discussed at this time.further information please call Minda Miller at 788-1280.
7:30 p.m. Board of Directors meeting in the library.
Sunday, October 14:
10:00 a.m. 6th Grade Family Education program, “B’nai Mitzvah Nuts and Bolts.”
6:00 p.m. TRADITIONS DINNER. Plan to be with your Beth Shalom family as we honor Rose and Harold Kline and as we celebrate our traditions of old and some, not so old. This will be a wonderful evening at the Embassy Suites Hotel, full of favorite music, special foods, and an additional surprise. We come together to celebrate and honor the contributions given to Beth Shalom by Rose and Harold Kline over their many years here at Beth Shalom. You will not want to miss this occasion, so be sure to mark you calendars with the date, OCTOBER 14, 2007 and more information will be forthcoming.
Wednesday, October 17–7:00 p.m. Jewish Women’s Book Club meeting in the library.
Friday, October 19–6:30 p.m. Evie Needle Bat Mitzvah
Saturday, October 20–9:45 a.m. Evie Needle Bat Mitzvah
Sunday, October 21–10:00 a.m. 1st & 2nd Grade Family Education program.
Thursday, October 25:
5 p.m. Harvest Hope Food Bank project-Volunteers will staff the emergency food pantry (2220 Shop Road).
6 p.m. Midrasha
Friday, October 26–6:30 p.m. Shabbat evening family services following by a Family Shabbat dinner. Details are in your October bulletin to RSVP….
Tikkun olam:
Through the Kol Nidre Appeal this year, we raised approximately $1500 in charity. Our contribution went to “Mazon: A Jewish response to hunger,” which supports groups here and abroad, Jewish and non-Jewish, that fight hunger and poverty. In our own community, Mazon supports Harvest hope as well as the Appleseed legal justice Center. Yashar Coah!
Polar bears are facing possible extinction from rising temperatures, and the EPA continues to block global warming controls on tailpipes. California and 14 other states – accounting for more than 40 percent of new car sales – are prepared to fight global warming by putting cleaner car standards in place. Tell the EPA to give California permission to lead the way! www.nrdconline.org⁄campaign⁄EPA_Global_Warming.
Airlines expose children to horrifically violent and otherwise inappropriate (and downright scary) movies during commercial flights. Visit www.kidsafefilms.org, and sign their petition to get kid-inappropriate films off of commercial airline flights. Please pass along the link to anybody you know.
Happen to have an extra car? Northeast Wheels is seeking automobiles to transport seniors and adults with disabilities who reside in the Northeast. Volunteer drivers will transport them to places in the Northeast so that they can remain independent. Please call Roger Cranford at 779-1971 x 17.
Texts:
The six days of creation embody the whole of history, for the world shall exist six thousand years (Talmud, Rosh Hashanah 31a); which is why it is said that "G-d's day is a thousand years" (Midrash Rabbah).
Zohar I:30a: “The world was created in two modes, by the right and by the left, by six transcendent ‘days’. Six days were fashioned to radiate, as it is said: Six days YHVH made, heaven and earth (Ex 31:17). These dug pathways and drilled sixty holes into the immense abyss–hollows conducting the water of streams into the abyss [i.e. the Shehina]. So we have learned: “The hollows were formed from the six days of creation,” constituting peace for the world.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Solomon-Tenenbaum & Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Lectures
On October 17 & 18, 2007 the Solomon-Tenenbaum and Joseph Cardinal Bernardin lectures will be held at the University of South Carolina. These lectures will focus on the dynamic and volatile state of religious intolerance and interaction in Europe.
On Wednesday, Oct. 17, at 7:30 p.m., Dr. Philip Jenkins of Penn State University will discuss "Christianity, Islam, and Europe's Religious Crisis," and on Thursday, Oct. 18, at 8 p.m., Dr. Paula Hyman of Yale University will speak on "Antisemitism, Gender, and Jewish Identity in Modern Europe."
At 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jocelyne Cesari, visiting professor at Harvard Divinity School, will join Jenkins and Hyman for a symposium on various topics, including the migration of new ethnic and religious groups to Europe; the fear of Islamic ascendancy; resistance to the inclusion of Muslim Turkey in the new Europe; the new anti-Semitism; secularization; the continuing decline of religious institutions, especially Christian institutions; and prospects for a genuinely multicultural and multi-religious Europe.
All events will be free and open to the public. For more information on both lectureships and this year's speakers, visit the web site – www.cas.sc.edu⁄relg⁄, or call the department of religious studies at 803-777-4100.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Peggy Binette or Margaret Lamb Phone: 803.777.5400; E-mail: peggy@gwm.sc.edu
The schedule:
Wednesday, Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m., School of Law auditorium - Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Lecture: "Christianity, Islam, and Europe's Religious Crisis." Dr. Philip Jenkins, distinguished professor of history and religious studies at Penn State University.
Thursday, Oct. 18, 1:30 - 2:45 p.m., School of Law auditorium - Symposium: "Secularism, Immigration, and Europe's Religious Crisis," featuring Dr. Philip Jenkins, Dr. Paula Hyman and Dr. Jocelyne Cesari. Moderated by Charles Bierbauer, dean of the College of Mass Communication and Information Studies.
Thursday, Oct. 18, 8 p.m. Drayton Hall auditorium - Solomon-Tenenbaum Lecture: "Antisemitism, Gender, and Jewish Identity in Modern Europe." Dr. Paula Hyman, the Lucy Moses Professor of Modern Jewish History and Religious Studies at Yale University.
On Wednesday, Oct. 17, at 7:30 p.m., Dr. Philip Jenkins of Penn State University will discuss "Christianity, Islam, and Europe's Religious Crisis," and on Thursday, Oct. 18, at 8 p.m., Dr. Paula Hyman of Yale University will speak on "Antisemitism, Gender, and Jewish Identity in Modern Europe."
At 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jocelyne Cesari, visiting professor at Harvard Divinity School, will join Jenkins and Hyman for a symposium on various topics, including the migration of new ethnic and religious groups to Europe; the fear of Islamic ascendancy; resistance to the inclusion of Muslim Turkey in the new Europe; the new anti-Semitism; secularization; the continuing decline of religious institutions, especially Christian institutions; and prospects for a genuinely multicultural and multi-religious Europe.
All events will be free and open to the public. For more information on both lectureships and this year's speakers, visit the web site – www.cas.sc.edu⁄relg⁄, or call the department of religious studies at 803-777-4100.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Peggy Binette or Margaret Lamb Phone: 803.777.5400; E-mail: peggy@gwm.sc.edu
The schedule:
Wednesday, Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m., School of Law auditorium - Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Lecture: "Christianity, Islam, and Europe's Religious Crisis." Dr. Philip Jenkins, distinguished professor of history and religious studies at Penn State University.
Thursday, Oct. 18, 1:30 - 2:45 p.m., School of Law auditorium - Symposium: "Secularism, Immigration, and Europe's Religious Crisis," featuring Dr. Philip Jenkins, Dr. Paula Hyman and Dr. Jocelyne Cesari. Moderated by Charles Bierbauer, dean of the College of Mass Communication and Information Studies.
Thursday, Oct. 18, 8 p.m. Drayton Hall auditorium - Solomon-Tenenbaum Lecture: "Antisemitism, Gender, and Jewish Identity in Modern Europe." Dr. Paula Hyman, the Lucy Moses Professor of Modern Jewish History and Religious Studies at Yale University.
Beth Shalom Synagogue Service Schedule
Hoshanah Rabbah Services
Wednesday, October 3
7:30 a.m.
Shemini Atzeret services
Wednesday, October 3
6:30 p.m.
Shemini Atzeret-Yizkor
Thursday, October 4
(Yizkor at approx. 11:20 a.m.)
9:45 a.m.
Erev Simchat Torah
Thursday, October 4
6:30 p.m.
Simchat Torah
Friday, October 5
9:45 a.m.
Shabbat morning services
Saturday, October 6
9:45 a.m.
Wednesday, October 3
7:30 a.m.
Shemini Atzeret services
Wednesday, October 3
6:30 p.m.
Shemini Atzeret-Yizkor
Thursday, October 4
(Yizkor at approx. 11:20 a.m.)
9:45 a.m.
Erev Simchat Torah
Thursday, October 4
6:30 p.m.
Simchat Torah
Friday, October 5
9:45 a.m.
Shabbat morning services
Saturday, October 6
9:45 a.m.
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