Friday, September 26, 2003

SHABBAT-O-GRAM for September 26, 2003 and Tishre 1, 5764

SHABBAT-O-GRAM for

September 26, 2003 and Tishre 1, 5764

Rabbi Joshua Hammerman, Temple Beth El, Stamford, Connecticut

 

Shabbat Shalom

And L’Shanah Tova

….from all of the Hammermans to you

 

 

 

 

 

PARENTS OF COLLEGE STUDENTS – GET YOUR KIDS ON OUR E-MAIL LIST!!!!

SEND E-MAIL ADDRESSES TO office@tbe.org

 

 

 

Previous Shabbat-O-Grams can be accessed directly from our web site (www.tbe.org).

 

 

JUST THE FACTS…

1st night of Rosh Hashanah services will begin at 6:30 PM, as we switch to our new permanent start time

Friday Night

Candles: 6:27 PM

Services: 6:30 PM,

Shabbat and Rosh Hashanah 1st Day, as well as the 2nd Day:

Service: 8:15 – 1:00 

Children’s services: 11:00 – 1:00 

The Shofar is not blown on the first day because it is Shabbat, but on the 2nd day we’ll have 100 blasts (including the final ten by our Symphony of Shofars) to hear.

Mincha – Maa’riv on Saturday at 6:15 PM

Tashlich on Sunday at 5:30 PM

Torah Portion – The Abraham Saga

Read the Masorti commentary at http://www.masorti.org/mason/torah/index.asp. JTS commentary is at: http://learn.jtsa.edu/topics/parashah/. USCJ Torah Sparks can be found at http://uscj.org/item20_467.html. UAHC Shabbat Table Talk discussions are at http://uahc.org/torah/exodus.shtml. Other divrei Torah via the Torahnet home page: http://uahcweb.org/torahnet/. Test your Parasha I.Q.: http://www.ou.org/jewishiq/parsha/default.htm. CLAL’s Torah commentary archive: http://click.topica.com/maaaiRtaaRvQhbV2AtLb/.  Nehama Liebowitz archives of parsha commentaries: http://www.torahcc.org/nechama/gilayonarchives.htm.  For a more Kabbalistic/Zionist/Orthodox perspective from Rav Kook, first Chief Rabbi of Israel, go to http://www.geocities.com/m_yericho/ravkook/index.html. For some probing questions and meditations on key verses of the portion, with a liberal kabbalistic bent, go to http://www.jewishealing.com/learning.html. To see the weekly commentary from Hillel, geared to college students and others, go to  http://www.hillel.org/hillel/NewHille.nsf/FCB8259CA861AE57852567D30043BA26/DF7D129F15B3DF0885256AB80058E9C3?OpenDocument. For a Jewish Renewal and feminist approach go to http://rabbishefagold.hypermart.net/Torah1.html or to http://www.reclaimingjudaism.org/TakingTorahPersonally.htm

 

Morning MinyanDaily at 7:30 AM,  Sundays at 9:00 AM in the chapel  PLEASE SUPPORT OUR MINYAN AS OFTEN AS YOU CAN!

 

 

The Highest Level of Tzedakkah

The following helpful ideas came in from Janice Gilman (Greenberg), for those who are searching for employment.  Thanks so much to Janice.

Rabbi--I have been thinking about your recent emails on behalf of people looking for jobs.  We might want to consider putting a community career corner section on our website.  Congregants could submit a summary of their company, address of the company, a link to their website, and their contact information.  My company offers a referral bonus, which I would donate to the Temple.   In the meantime, anyone looking for a job can go to www.Daymon.com.  Daymon Worldwide is a sales and marketing organization that specializes in retailer/store brand products.  We have offices in CT and around the world.  Our CT jobs can range from IT, Finance, Marketing, Packaging Design and Human Resources.  If they see a job they are interested in, they can contact me at jgillman@daymon or 203-352-7538.Thanks

Janice Gillman

 

 

Tzedakkah Corner

The Domus Foundation

Sheryl Young of our congregation works for the Domus Foundation, which provides community-based programming for troubled teens.  One of their programs is Domus House, a residential facility for ten abused or neglected teenage boys.  They are trying to collect items for the house that will make it more "home-like", including new or very gently used blankets (greatest need), throw pillows, framed or unframed posters, picture frames, etc. Also needed are: a kitchen table, kitchen chairs, small sofa, living room-type chairs, end tables and coffee tables, floor lamps, table lamps, and area rugs. Basically, many things in the house and apartments are old, torn, stained, or broken, and need to be replaced.

 

Prospective donors can call Sheryl to arrange for pick-up or drop-off.  Sheryl can be reached at 975-1990 or SherylAYoung@aol.com

 

See the Domus website at http://www.domuskids.org/.  Thanks to Sheryl for offering us this Tzedakkah opportunity.

 

 

 

 

Spiritual Journey on the Web

High Holidays Online

 

 

Go to http://www.myjewishlearning.com/index.htm for a number of Rosh Hashanah articles, including a multi-media feature on listening to the shofar. 

 

Guided Learning: Take a Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur mini-course

 

For college students and others, the Hillel site has a number of downloadable features, at http://www.hillel.org/Hillel/NewHille.nsf/FCB8259CA861AE57852567D30043BA26/59F054B76866E47385256B13005553FE?OpenDocument, or click on Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur

 

For a quick kids quiz on the Jewish calendar, go to http://www.jafi.org.il/education/year.html

 

 

High Holidays On the Air:

For those who are shut-in, in the hospital or stuck in Ghana, and there is no Jewish community nearby, here is an option for the 21st century: The Temple of the Air Yom Kippur television program is airing nationally on the Hallmark network early in the morning on Sunday, October 5th and then being repeated in ten large markets at noon.  While the half-hour program was originally created by Temple of the Air in 2002 for the "homebound", the program ended up reaching a much broader audience.

 

To Take a Rosh Hashanah Quiz, go to http://www.beliefnet.com/section/quiz/index.asp?sectionID=&surveyID=189

 

 

Required Reading and Action Items

 

http://www.thejewishweek.com/news/newscontent.php3?artid=8494 “Who Shall Be At Peace? Beating back despair in these days of joy and renewal” (Gary Rosenblatt, the Jewish Week)

 

Moment Magazine Survey: Is there one way to be Jewish?

 

Next week, our congregation will be participating in a nationwide campaign to encourage tourism to Israel. For a preview…

New Holiday Pledge Card: Visit Israel - Ron Kampeas (JTA)
    A pledge card slated to land on thousands of pews this Rosh Hashanah comes from a grass-roots campaign asking for pledges from Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, and Reconstructionist congregants to visit Israel in 5764.
    This year, the number of tourists to Israel likely will reach 1.3 million - a 50% rise - thanks mostly to the rise in Jewish tourism, particularly from the U.S.
    The pledge card campaign is being run in coordination with the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations and all the major denominational streams.
    See also U.S. Synagogues Urging Tourism to Israel (AP/Newsday) and http://www.thejewishweek.com/top/editletcontent.php3?artid=3019

Why Israel's Policy is Far from Wrong - Barry Rubin (Jerusalem Post)

  • If one assumes there can be no peace with a Palestinian leadership unwilling to keep its commitments and uninterested in compromise, the only choice is to continue fighting until the other side is ready to stop.
  • In this difficult situation Israel does have a reasonably appropriate strategy:
    • Fight the Palestinian-imposed war, trying to minimize threats to Israeli citizens, and capture or punish terrorists. Inflict costs that will encourage the other side to implement a real cease-fire.
    • Make clear that Israel is ready to accept an independent Palestinian state and other aspects of a peace agreement in order to give the other side an incentive to end the conflict.
    • Improve Israeli defenses to lower casualties and show that the terror strategy does not work.
    • Maintain vital international support, especially from the U.S., even at the price of restraining Israel's defensive military efforts somewhat.
    • Request international pressure on the PA, including bypassing Yasser Arafat.
    • Encourage an alternative Palestinian leadership willing to make peace, or at least a real cease-fire.

Arafat Must Be Stopped - Mortimer B. Zuckerman (U.S. News)

  • It took Yasser Arafat just 100 days to torpedo the hope of President Bush that the Palestinians could be served by a new leader.
  • Israeli intelligence, using sources and intercepts, has concluded that Arafat is a central factor in the resumption and escalation of terrorist acts that blew up the peace process. Four months into the intifada, on Feb. 12, 2001, Arafat asked a group of Palestinian senior officials, "Why don't the Israelis have more dead?" Then he added, "You know what you have to do" - a statement that marked the beginning of the suicide bombing onslaught.
  • Since the cease-fire was officially announced on June 29, 2003, there have been no fewer than 240 terrorist attacks on Israelis, an average of three per day.
  • Arafat has never dropped the mentality of the "national liberation organization" - formed before Israel was in the West Bank, whose purpose is to liberate all the land of Israel from the Jews. As the Washington Post summed up in an editorial: "It is obvious that he will never renounce violence against Israel or agree to a final peace settlement with a Jewish state."
  • When I met with him at his request two years ago, he had the nerve to tell me that the terrorist bombing of a discotheque on the Tel Aviv beach that killed 21 youngsters was an Israeli sting operation organized to inspire sympathy for Israel around the world.
  • This is not the "cycle of violence" that the media keep mentioning, only the continuous and gratuitous murder of Jews. The Palestinian militants' hatred of the Jews is open, unapologetic, and unrivaled on the world stage since the Third Reich.
  • This is the Palestinian export to the world: suicide terrorism. Suicide terrorism cannot be appeased but must be defeated and destroyed. The Israelis understand that terrorism involves the collaboration between the bomber and his controller; those behind the suicide terrorist can be deterred by inflicting unacceptable damage on them through targeted killings and by occupying their sanctuaries.
  • President Bush in a speech on the Middle East on June 24, 2002, made two things clear: One was that Arafat and his gang of thugs tainted by terrorism must go; the second was that the obstacle to a Palestinian state is not Israel but Palestinian tyranny, corruption, and terrorism, and until that is ended, there will be no progress to a Palestinian state and no American support for it.

 

 

http://www.israel-mfa.gov.il/mfa/go.asp?MFAH00tg0 Shimon Peres’ remarks upon receiving the Nobel Peace Price in 1994.  Peres turned 80 this week and was feted with a gala celebration.

 

Ambassador Simcha Dinitz Dies
Simcha Dinitz, a former chairman of the Jewish Agency and Israeli ambassador to Washington in the 1970s, died Tuesday in Jerusalem at the age of 74. Dinitz also served as director general of the foreign ministry and later of the prime minister's office, as well as political adviser to prime minister Golda Meir. (Ha'aretz)

 

Saddam's Secret Jewish Archives (Moment)

 

Pilots Refusing to Serve in Territories to be Dismissed - Amos Harel
In response to a letter signed by 27 reserve pilots refusing to take part in operations in the territories, Air Force Commander Dan Halutz on Thursday issued an order to ground the nine pilots who still do active duty with the force. If the pilots do not retract their statement, they will be dismissed from active service. Former president and one-time air force commander Ezer Weizman said the group lacked "morality," that their letter was a "disgrace," and that they should "put their tail between their legs" and get out of the air force "as quickly as possible." He likened the call to refuse orders to a "cancer" which had to be cut out "immediately, before it spreads." (Ha'aretz)

 

The Pilots' Controversy - Nahum Barnea
The path to hell is paved with good intentions and, unfortunately, the 27 air force pilots who signed the letter decided to go all the way. Their rationale is lame, and their conclusion impossible. There isn't, nor can there be, an army by request. The pilots' letter teaches that something is happening in the Israeli Left. A few of the older signers were among the founders of "Peace Now." For them the call for soldiers' refusal to serve is new. Terrorism brings out the worst not just from the Sharon government, it also brings out the worst from the "Peace Now" pilots. (Yediot Ahronot-Hebrew)

 

Arafat's Bonus Round - Romesh Ratnesar
In a meeting with Fatah leaders last Thursday, Arafat shouted down anyone who dared to question his choices for the new cabinet. Arafat's aides acknowledge that he did indeed subvert Abbas, who was once Arafat's first lieutenant. "He felt that Abu Mazen was going to take his crown," says a senior Arafat aide. "Arafat's morale is high," says a top Palestinian official, "not because of Israel's threat against him but because he got rid of Abu Mazen." Many top Palestinian officials believe Arafat's strategy is to eviscerate all credible alternatives to his leadership, leaving the U.S. no choice but to prod Israel to resume peace talks with him. U.S. and Israeli officials say they have no interest in giving Arafat another chance. (Time)

 

Road Map Rubble - Arnold Beichman
No matter what Israel gives or pledges to give, there will be no peace now or in the foreseeable future because neither Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Egypt or, most visibly, Osama bin Laden will permit Israel, a democratic, modern state, to exist. In other words, "peace negotiations" are not about giving up the settlements or some other fictitious issue. They are about Israel's existence. Gulf War III now under way in Iraq is an Arab war to prevent another democracy from being created in the Middle East - a Muslim democracy. (Washington Times)

 

Behind the Attack on Sharansky (Caravan for Democracy)
 The man who "pied" Sharansky last week at Rutgers, Abe Greenhouse, 25, is no prankster. Earlier this summer, he was arrested in Israel along with other ISM militants for interfering with Israeli security operations.  A member of the International Solidarity Movement, he defiled the Western Wall recently with a note, "End the mother**** occupation!"

 

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

Coming this October!!!!

 

TGIS (Thank God it’s Shabbat)

 

A rotating series of Friday night experiences

For all tastes and all ages

At 6:30 PM

Week 1 --- in the chapel, a traditional Beth El Service

Week 2 --- in the Sanctuary, Family Friday

Week 3 --- in the lobby: a creative Theme services

(on October 17, we will be welcoming Young Couples and the theme will be nature)

 

Week 4 --- a Carlebach-style service, featuring Hasidic nigunim and joyous meditation.

 

Plus our ongoing Tot Shabbat series (weeks 1 and 3 at 6:45, and Tiny Tot Shabbat on week 2 at 4)

 

Got it??

 

 

 

Lunch and Learn Series

Led by Rabbi Joshua Hammerman

 

Judaism, Business and Ethics for Our Time –

 

Using rabbinic sources, the group will explore the ethics of the marketplace, including deceptive advertising, employer-employee relations, consumer rights (and wrongs) and insider trading.

 

Please RSVP to rabbi@tbe.org so that sufficient materials can be ordered

 

Meets Monthly, beginning Wed. Oct 1, 12:30 -1:30

 

At Benjamin and Gold, P.C., 350 Bedford Street 4th floor

Parking in rear of building (at corner of Pedigree Ski Shop), or metered parking on the street in front of building and also behind Baby and Toy Superstore, across the street.

(many thanks to Dan Benjamin for providing the space)

 

 

 

 

WE ARE STARTING ANOTHER ADULT BAR/BAT MITZVAH CLASS!!!!

 

THE CLASS WILL BE TAUGHT BY RABBI HAMMERMAN, CANTOR JACOBSON AND BARB MOSKOW,

COVERING ALL THE BASICS: SYNAGOGUE SKILLS AND PRAYER, JEWISH TRADITIONS, LITERATURE AND HISTORY.

 

THE CLASS WILL ORGANIZE THIS SPRING, CONTINUE IN THE FALL AND CULMINATE IN

A B’NAI MITZVAH SERVICE IN NOVEMBER OF 2004.

 

PEOPLE WITH DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS ARE WELCOME

 

PLEASE RSVP IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, TO OUR EDUCATION OFFICE, 322-6901 X306

 

 

 

Temple Beth El is having an art auction on November 15 at 7 pm.  We are going to have a variety of artwork and can request specific artists and works.  We are serving finger foods, wine, beverages and dessert.  Admission is $10 pp/$18 per couple by November 7. At the door, the admission is $15 pp/$25 per
couple.

It's an easy way to support TBE.  There's free babysitting, with sign up by November 7.  There's a registration form and more information at www.tbe.org.  It's listed under "upcoming events" on the right hand side of the page.

 

This promises to be a wonderful evening.

 

On Wednesday, October 1 at 7:30

Beth El will be welcoming a talk by Berta Alchanati, formerly of Athens, Greece, now living in Netanya, Israel.

Berta and her parents were one of the few surviving families of the great Greek Jewish community of Salonika during WWII.  She was in hiding in Athens for the remainder of the war and later married, had two sons and made Aliyah a few years ago, preceded by her children.  Berta will speak on the History of the Jews of Greece, from ancient times to WWII.

 

 

JOIN THE CROWD OF ALMOST 100  HAPPY LULAV  AND ETROG WAVERS!

 

GET YOUR RED HOT

STUDENT SIZED LULAVIM AND ETROGIM

 

Q     What is the Jewish equivalent of seeing

       every kid in Yankee stadium raising their

       bats high on bat day?

 

     A:  Seeing every kid in our synagogue

              enthusiastically waving his/her

              lulav & etrog on Sukkot!

So nu...

How do we make this happen?

 

Well, we are offering a very special student

lulav and etrog set for only $18.00!!!

 

        Unbelievable...but true!!!! You can wave your very own lulav and etrog in our gigantic Lulav Parade on Sunday October 12th. But the fun doesn’t stop there. You can wave your lulav & etrog every morning, and when Sukkot is over, we’ll teach you how to turn your lulav and etrog into a havdalah set!!

 

                                                                                                               

STUDENT SIZED LULAV & ETROG ORDER FORM

 

Name                                                                              Phone                                       

 

# of sets                at $18.00 per set Total = $                         

 

Please return this form  by October 5th with your check payable to:

Temple Beth El Religious School

350 Roxbury Rd, Stamford, CT 06902

 

 

 

E-mail from the Front” 

Go to http://www.tbe.org/sog/Emailfromthefront.htm and scroll down to the most recent entries.

 

 

 

Time for a Joke…

 

Some Jewish Personals – thanks to Jeff Erskine for forwarding them

 

Sincere rabbinical student, 27. Enjoys Yom Kippur, Tisha B'av, Taanis Esther, Tzom Gedaliah, Asarah B'Teves, Shiva Asar B'Tammuz. Seeks companion for
living life in the "fast" lane.

 2.  Shul Gabbai, 36. I take out the Torah Saturday  morning. Would like to take  you out Saturday night.  Please write.

 3.  Couch potato latke in search of the right  applesauce. Let's try it for eight  days. Who knows?

 4.  Divorced Jewish man seeks partner to attend shul  with, light Shabbos candles, celebrate holidays, build  Sukkah together, attend brisses and Bar Mitzvahs.
 Religion not important.

 5.  Orthodox woman with get, seeks man who got get, or can get get. Get it? I'll  show you mine, if you show  me yours.

 6.  Yeshiva bochur, Torah scholar, long beard, payos.  Seeks same in woman.

 7.  Worried about in-law meddling? I'm an orphan!  Write.

 8.  Nice Jewish guy, 38. No skeletons, no baggage, no  personality.

 9.  Female graduate student, studying Kaballah, Zohar,  exorcism of dybbuks. Seeks mensch. No weirdoes,  please.

 10. Staunch Jewish feminist, wears tzitzis, seeking  male who will accept my independence, although you  probably will not. Oh, just forget it.

 11. Jewish businessman, 49. Manufactures Shabbos  candles, Chanukah candles, Havdallah candles, Yahrzeit  candles. Would like to light your candle.  Seeks
 non-smoker.

 12. Israeli professor, 41, with 18 years of teaching  in my behind.  Looking for American-born woman who speaks English very good.

 13. Eighty-year-old bubbe, no assets, seeks handsome, virile, Jewish male, under 35. Object: matrimony. I can dream, can't I?

 14. I am a sensitive Jewish prince whom you can open your heart to share your innermost thoughts and  deepest secrets. Confide in me.  I'll understand your
 insecurities. No fatties, please.

 15.Jewish male, 34. Very successful, smart, independent, self-made.  Looking  for girl whose father will hire me.

 16. Single Jewish woman, 29, into disco, mountain climbing, skiing, track and  field. Has slight limp.

 17. Jewish princess, 28. Seeks successful businessman of any major Jewish denomination: hundreds, fifties, twenties.

 18. Desperately seeking schmoozing! Retired senior citizen desires female  companion 70+ for kvetching, kvelling, and krechtzing.  Under 30 is also OK.

 

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPONSOR A SHABBAT-O-GRAM IN HONOR OF YOUR FAMILY’S SIMCHA AND HELP OUR CONGREGATION AT THE SAME TIME – SIMPLY SEND A CHECK FOR $100 TO THE TEMPLE OFFICE, INDICATING THAT IT’S TO SPONSOR A SHABBAT-O-GRAM, LET US KNOW WHO IT IS HONORING, AND WE’LL DO THE REST! YOUR SIMCHA WILL BE SHARED WITH THE HUNDREDS OF OTHERS WHO ARE ON OUR MAILING LIST OR WHO HAPPEN BY OUR WEB SITE.

 

The Web link for this week's Shabbat-O-Gram is - http://www.tbe.org/2003/sog/030926.htm - The site is continually updated during the week with corrections and additions.  Feel free to forward this link to your friends. People can subscribe to the weekly Shabbat-O-Gram at www.tbe.org.   I also send out mailings to college students, Gen Xers and teens, so let us know if you wish to be placed on any of those lists.  If you wish to unsubscribe, contact office@tbe.org.  

Friday, September 19, 2003

SHABBAT-O-GRAM for September 19, 2003 and Elul 23, 5763

SHABBAT-O-GRAM for

September 19, 2003 and Elul 23, 5763

Rabbi Joshua Hammerman, Temple Beth El, Stamford, Connecticut

 

Shabbat Shalom

Special “Welcome to Isabel” Edition

 

 

 

 

PARENTS OF COLLEGE STUDENTS – GET YOUR KIDS ON OUR E-MAIL LIST!!!!

SEND E-MAIL ADDRESSES TO office@tbe.org

 

 

 

Previous Shabbat-O-Grams can be accessed directly from our web site (www.tbe.org).

 

 “Get the Scoop on Temple Beth El”

THIS WEEKEND, TWO MORE FABULOUS OPPORTUNITES TO INTRODUCE YOUR FRIENDS TO THE WONDERS OF TBE (INCLUDING TOMORROW MORNING!!).  THESE “OPEN HOUSE” EVENTS DEMONSTRATE THE DIVERSITY OF OUR PROGRAMMING AND OUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY, WARM, ENRICHING JEWISH EXPERIENCES FOR ALL AGES…. (BRING YOUR FELLOW BETH EL’ers TOO)

Saturday, September 20, at 6:30 PM – “Havdalah at the Beach,” at Cove Island Park – loads of fun for all ages

Sunday, September 21, at 9:00 AM – Spectacular Family Education program preparing us all for the High Holy Days

Havdalah at the Beach

(join us to celebrate the calm after the storm)

Saturday, September 20 at 6:30 pm at Cove Island Park. Families should bring their own picnic dinner, and we will supply the ice cream immediately preceding Havdalah. Precise directions can be found at http://cityofstamford.org/ParksAndRecreation/DirectionsCummingsCove.htm (basically, take Washington Blvd. to Tresser Blvd., make a left on Tresser Blvd., take Tresser to Elm Street, make a right on Elm Street, follow Elm Street to Cove Road. Take Cove Road to Cove Island Park). When you go over the bridge from the parking lot, stay on the paved path on your far right. Follow the path all the way down to Horse Shoe Beach."  Follow the signs that say "Temple Beth El."

 

OUR ANNUAL FAMILY EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN

The entire congregation is invited (and bring friends)

 

FOCUS ON THE FALL FESTIVALS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21  9:00 am-11:30 am

Both sessions I & II meet together for this special event

Activities will include:

"CHICKEN SWINGING, TORAH DANCING, CRUMB THROWING,

WIND SOCKING, SHOFAR BLOWING, BEE KEEPING, AND EGG SHAKING SONGS," A RAFFLE FOR A SHOFAR AND FOR LULAV AND ETROG SET, AND , AS PART OF THE “SCOOP” SERIES, THERE WILL BE APPLE ICE CREAM AND HONEY ICE CREAM!!!!!

 

Hachnasat Orchim

(welcoming guests)

The generous spirit of our congregants continues to amaze me.  Welcoming guests (Hachnasat Orchim) is one of our most important mitzvot.  (It’s one I’m personally looking forward to doing for the entire congregation on the 2nd day of Sukkot, Oct. 12, at my “Open House Sukkah” after services) Thanks to the congregant who sent me the following invitation, which I pass along to you. 

I want to extend an invitation to anyone in the community who is without family or would like a family to be with on Rosh Hashanah - We are having friends and family over for gathering/dinner on Sat 9/27 in the late afternoon and our house is open.  Please let me know if there is anyone you know of and I will be happy to contact them.

If you know of someone who might benefit from this invitation (or would like to share the holiday with someone) please contact me at rabbi@tbe.org.  Also, this congregant has offered to provide pro bono legal service in the estate or elder law area to a needy person.

 

 

JUST THE FACTS…

 

Friday Night

Candles: 6:39 PM

Tot Shabbat 6:45 PM

Kabbalat Shabbat Service: 6:15 PM, outdoors, hurricane permitting (otherwise in the sanctuary) – casual dress

Shabbat Morning:

Service: 9:30 AM 

Children’s services: 10:30 AM  (This week’s Jr. Cong hosted by 4th grade – last week approximately 50 students came to our Jr. Cong!  A reminder of my long-standing invitation, now that fall activities have begun: It is perfectly OK to come to our adult or children’s’ services on your way to or from somewhere else, even if it means coming here in uniform!)

Torah Portion – Nitzavim-VaYelech

Read the Masorti commentary at http://www.masorti.org/mason/torah/index.asp. JTS commentary is at: http://learn.jtsa.edu/topics/parashah/. USCJ Torah Sparks can be found at http://uscj.org/item20_467.html. UAHC Shabbat Table Talk discussions are at http://uahc.org/torah/exodus.shtml. Other divrei Torah via the Torahnet home page: http://uahcweb.org/torahnet/. Test your Parasha I.Q.: http://www.ou.org/jewishiq/parsha/default.htm. CLAL’s Torah commentary archive: http://click.topica.com/maaaiRtaaRvQhbV2AtLb/.  Nehama Liebowitz archives of parsha commentaries: http://www.torahcc.org/nechama/gilayonarchives.htm.  For a more Kabbalistic/Zionist/Orthodox perspective from Rav Kook, first Chief Rabbi of Israel, go to http://www.geocities.com/m_yericho/ravkook/index.html. For some probing questions and meditations on key verses of the portion, with a liberal kabbalistic bent, go to http://www.jewishealing.com/learning.html. To see the weekly commentary from Hillel, geared to college students and others, go to  http://www.hillel.org/hillel/NewHille.nsf/FCB8259CA861AE57852567D30043BA26/DF7D129F15B3DF0885256AB80058E9C3?OpenDocument. For a Jewish Renewal and feminist approach go to http://rabbishefagold.hypermart.net/Torah1.html or to http://www.reclaimingjudaism.org/TakingTorahPersonally.htm

Mazal Tov to Jarad Evans on becoming Bar Mitzvah this Shabbat morning. 

Havdalah at the Beach (Cove Island) – 6:30 PM.

Morning MinyanDaily at 7:30 AM,  Sundays at 9:00 AM in the chapel  PLEASE SUPPORT OUR MINYAN AS OFTEN AS YOU CAN!

 

Reminder: Next Friday (1st night of Rosh Hashanah) services will begin at 6:30 PM, as we switch to our new permanent start time)

 

Spiritual Journey on the Web

 

Hurricanes and Judaism

For all I know, you may not be able to read this for a few days, thanks to Isabel chugging up the coast.  But at the risk of Isabel’s overstaying her welcome, here is some background on some of the aspects of Isabel, in our tradition, and others. 

Hurricanes and Halacha -- the Orthodox Union has compiled a list of what to do if a hurricane coincides with Shabbat.  Find it at http://www.ou.org/resources/hurricanehalacha.htm.  Te first bit of advice is best – if a hurricane is happening on Shabbat, STAY HOME!  In Jewish law, safety comes first.

What’s in a Name?

n      http://www.chretiens-et-juifs.org/article.php?voir%5B%5D=1372&voir%5B%5D=3865 -- The storm over a hurrcane that was named “Israel.”

n      Isabel (Izevel) in the Bible (a real bad egg, AKA Jezebel): http://bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Def.show/RTD/ISBE/Topic/Jezebel

Storm and Spirit

n      Psalm 29 (which we sing when we put the Torah away on Shabbat morning, as well as just before Lecha Dodi on Friday nights) is a classic psalm where divine power is perceived in the wilds of a storm. Translated text is at http://www.sacred-texts.com/bib/jps/psa029.htm.

n      See some background and text of the Psalm from a Christian perspective at http://www.bibleteachingnotes.com/ot/psalm/psalm029.asp.  The psalm might have connections to ancient Near Eastern mythology – see the Ugaritic parallels at http://www.facadenovel.com/dcterms.pdf, and also go to http://www.bibleandscience.com/languages/ugaritic.htm and http://www.apologeticspress.org/defdocs/rr1993/r&r9307a.htm.

n      “The Perfect Storm” story from Aish ha Torah: http://www.aish.com/spirituality/odysseys/The_Perfect_Storm.asp

 

FOR THE HIGH HOLIDAYS….

 

From www.Jewishfamily.comA Thriving Diaspora: "As the High Holidays approach, and we reflect on all that is wrong in Israel and beyond," writes acclaimed author Larry Tye, "it is critical that we heed and take hope from what is going right."  Also, check out  Making T'Shuva Count: One of the major themes of the High Holidays is that of t'shuva, or repentance. And if we are to truly get a fresh start in this new year, says Rachel Kadish, then it is our responsibility to do t'shuva correctly.

 

The Elul Journal, by Rabbi Rami Shapiro (on PDF), an excellent resource for self-reflection, meditation and preparation: http://www.simplyjewish.com/PDFs/Elul_PDF.pdf

 

http://learn.jtsa.edu/topics/diduknow/jrpguide/12_part2.shtmlhttp://learn.jtsa.edu/topics/diduknow/jrpguide/12_part3.shtml -- Rabbi Isaac Klein’s (Conservative) Guide to Jewish Practice – on Elul and teshuvah

http://www.ou.org/chagim/elul/default.htm -- from the Orthodox Union

http://www.inner.org/times/elul/elul.htm -- a Kabbalistic approach

http://www.franion.com/StarElul_pages/week1.html -- material (excellent) from a STAR project on Elul, in which our synagogue participated

 

http://www.ritualwell.org/Rituals/search.html -- Creative new rituals and meditations for the holidays.

 

CLAL Holy Days: Rosh Ha'Shanah
"On Rosh Ha'Shanah, Jews proclaim that God is creator and ruler of the universe. But while Rosh Ha'Shanah celebrates cosmic Creation, its central message is addressed to the individual: You are not fixed by your past. Through Creation, the world came into being; it has a beginning and an end. The individual also has a beginning and an end. In the dramatic imagery of the High Holy Days, each person is on trial for his/her life in this period. "On Rosh Ha'Shanah it is written, and on Yom Kippur, it is sealed; who shall live, and who shall die?" Facing death, would you live your life the same way? Or would you be more considerate and loving, more ethical, more adventurous, more creative?" By Yitz Greenberg (from CLAL)

 

 

 

 

 

Required Reading and Action Items

 

This week the Embassy of Israel launched it’s new children’s website at http://www.israelemb.org/kids/  You can tour the country and find out about its history and symbols.  Very cute.

 

From Masorti.org -- Visit their new website, www.masorti.org , which was launched recently.  It has new navigation features that will allow you to easily find out more about Masorti programs. Sign up for our newsletters online. 

 

Inside the War on Hamas - Romesh Ratnesar (TIME)
    The number of alerts of possible terrorism attacks inside Israel climbed last week to 40 a day, up from an average of 15 a day in August.
    Israeli commanders in the West Bank say they have taken steps to seize the offensive.
    A senior Israeli intelligence official says security forces have widened the focus of their raids from "ticking time bombs" - the suicide bombers - to the entire "ticking infrastructure," including the strategists, bombmakers, and paymasters.

 

What to Do About Arafat - Ze'ev Schiff
No Palestinian prime minister has a chance to operate independently, especially on security matters, as long as Arafat is nearby. If there is any chance at all for this to happen, it will happen when Arafat is far away. In any case, there is a consensus among the security forces that removing or killing Arafat will broaden the bloody clashes, which could spread to Israeli Arabs. (Ha'aretz)

 

The Cost of Expulsion - Dennis Ross
It is easy to see the logic of expelling Yasser Arafat. In the year 2000, he had the opportunity to end Israeli occupation, and he said no. Instead of ending the conflict he allowed the intifada to erupt, destroying the peace camp in Israel and bringing extraordinary suffering to his own people. Not only is he unwilling to make peace, but he is determined to block any other Palestinian from doing so. Expulsion is not cost-free. It will probably produce the collapse of the Palestinian Authority and trigger violence and greater chaos for at least a period of time. The cost might be worth it over time if there was a pathway to work on reform on the inside and peace on the outside. Palestinians must see what can be gained. They must see what Arafat continues to cost them. If Israel is not ready to pay the price of expulsion in terms of credible new initiatives, then the message is clear: Don't do it. (Wall Street Journal-16Sep03)

 

Should Israel Target Arafat? - Alan Dershowitz
There can be absolutely no doubt of the legality of Israel's policy of targeting Hamas leaders. Hamas has declared war against Israel. All of its leaders are combatants, whether they wear military uniforms, suits, or religious garb. There is no realistic distinction between the political and military wings of Hamas, any more than there is a distinction between the political and military wings of al-Qaeda. The official policy of Hamas, like that of al-Qaeda, is the mass murder of civilians. The decision to employ that policy was made by its so-called "political" leaders. The U.S. properly targeted bin Laden and his associates, as well as Saddam Hussein and his sons. Under international law, combatants are appropriate military targets until they surrender. They may be killed in their sleep, while preparing military actions, or while participating in any other activity. They need not be arrested, or even given a chance to surrender. Only if they come out with their hands up, or waving a white flag, or affirmatively manifesting surrender by some other means, may they avoid the ultimate sanction of a war they started, namely death. Any democracy facing threats to its civilian population comparable to those faced by Israel would respond in much the same way Israel is now responding to the terrorism being conducted by Hamas and other terrorist groups. (Toronto Globe & Mail)

 

Israel Should Never Again Negotiate Peace with Terrorists - Yossi Klein Halevi
None of us who at first supported the Oslo process imagined that it would end in the worst wave of terrorism in Israel's history. The more territory Israel ceded, the more terrorism it received in return. After three years of terrorist war, few Israelis believe anymore in the possibility of a comprehensive solution. At best, Israelis envision a series of interim solutions that will gradually ease the intensity of the conflict, rather than resolve it. The Israeli consensus is that this conflict isn't about Palestinian occupation but Israel's existence. However problematic, the West Bank settlements aren't the main problem. The reason there is no peace isn't because Jews live in Hebron but because they live in Tel Aviv. (Los Angeles Times)

 

Road Map for Arafat's Removal - Editorial
It is always open season on terrorists, as the leaders of Hamas are discovering. Yet one master killer, the King of Terror himself, Yasser Arafat, has enjoyed complete immunity as he weaves his conspiracies against peace. Arafat's diabolical influence over Palestinian and Israeli society must be ended. Israel was entirely right to decide that he will be removed. If anything, the move was overdue. What the Israelis have done is set out a meritorious course to ultimately terminate Arafat's ability to meddle and to foment trouble. Aside from his years as leader of the PLO - pioneering new methods of hijacking, bombing, and murder - Arafat has, for the last decade, used his West Bank base to frustrate all moves toward a peaceful settlement. (New York Daily News)

 

Should Arafat be Deported? - Barry Rubin
Arafat's goal is still total victory, and he and his colleagues have continued to persuade most Palestinians, including poisoning the next generation's mind, that this should be their objective. While Arafat cannot push the Jews out, he will kill a lot more people trying. Certainly, Israel has the right to expel Arafat. He was allowed to return on the basis of his supposed acceptance of the peace process, willingness to reach a real treaty ending the conflict, and readiness to stop the terrorism and incitement. Having violated every conceivable aspect of all his agreements, he has no standing to remain. (Jerusalem Post)

 

Sharansky: Israel More Sensitive to Human Rights than Any Other Democracy - Julia Duin (Washington Times)

Knesset Minister and former Soviet dissident Natan Sharansky, speaking at the University of Maryland Wednesday during a tour of 13 U.S. and Canadian college campuses, said:

  • Israel does not deserve its reputation on some college campuses as a human rights violator but should instead be lauded as the Middle East's lone bastion of democracy.
  • Arab countries can embrace democracy; political analysts used to say Japan and Russia were not capable of democracy either.
  • I know Israel demonstrates more sensitivity to human rights than any other democracy in the world.
  • Only in Israel, women have full rights; in the other countries of the region, women cannot travel without the permission of their husbands. People of different sexual orientations [are protected]. Only in Israel, Arab members of Parliament can freely criticize their country.

 

 

Project Go Israel

 

Project Go Israel is a brand new initiative that seeks to reinvigorate Israel travel programming in synagogues across North America.  The lynchpin of this effort is a “pledge” campaign over the upcoming holidays.  Rabbis will devote time during the High Holidays to stress the importance of travel to Israel, asking congregants to turn in pre-distributed cards on which they can pledge to visit Israel within twelve months.  The Israel Ministry of Tourism will follow up with these communities and individuals to facilitate private trips and group missions.

 

This project creates a unique opportunity for Jewish unity.   Jewish National Fund has partnered with the Ministry of Tourism, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, and hundreds of synagogues and communal groups from every corner of the Jewish world on this historic initiative to offer Israel tangible assistance.  An airplane of visitors creates 15 permanent jobs for Israelis.  This is an immediate economic infusion to a country that has lost more than 18,000 tourism-related jobs and nine billion dollars in revenue. 

 

All we ask from you is a few minutes of your time.  First, click here to register your pledge to visit Israel at the Project Go Israel website.  Second, speak with your rabbi, cantor, and fellow congregants about joining this continent-wide initiative.  The Project staff will supply everything from “how to” guides to publicity materials to the pledge cards themselves.  Your rabbi need only:

 

  • introduce this initiative from the pulpit
  • designate a pledge campaign point person within your congregation—someone who will be in email contact with the Project staff while working with your synagogue’s staff

To let the Project staff know that you will work help this exciting program succeed,  please click here to visit the website listed above.  If you have any questions, please contact the project’s coordinator, Eli Sacks, at (212) 840-1166 or goisrael@perrydavis.com.

 

We urge you to seize this opportunity.  Click here to visit the Project Go Israel website for an electronic version of this card.  Ask your synagogue leaders to place this card in the hands of fellow congregants this High Holiday season.

 

Jewish National Fund has always worked actively for the welfare of Israel.  This High Holiday season, let’s show how much we care.  Let’s make a difference for Israel by bringing Jews to Israel.

 

Shanah Tovah,

 

Ronald S. Lauder                     Stephen Wolnek                                               Russell F. Robinson

President                                  Vice President, Community Relations                Executive Vice President

 

P.S. You can also make a difference by contacting local Jewish groups—JCCs, organization chapters, etc.—about this pledge campaign.  For more information, contact the Project staff at the number and email above.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Selichot Program
“Trembling With Hope”
Film, Discussion and Service (with coffee)
 “Trembling Before God”

 

Saturday, Sept. 20 @ 8:30

In the chapel

 

Join us as we see and discuss one of the most talked-about documentaries in years.  “Trembling Before God” speaks of the inner crises faced by gay and lesbian Jews within traditional communities. It has a lot to do with all our communities, and with the High Holiday themes of reconciliation and return.  Join us for a viewing of the video, followed by a discussion and then an inspiring (and brief) Selichot service.  Once again, as last year, Selichot coincides with the Hebrew Yahrzeit of 9/11 2001.

 

 

 

 GETTING READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS

THROUGH

BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT

      

 

On Wednesday, September 24, Westport resident Ann S. Katz, certified Svaroopa Yogaä teacher, will lead a 90-minute class to prepare students for the High Holy Days.  Designed for both men and women, the Wednesday morning program will be held from 10:00 – 11:30 am at Temple Beth El, 350 Roxbury Road, Stamford, CT.

 

This class in spiritual Judaism integrates Jewish philosophy with yoga postures, meditative prayer and conscious breathing.  Using the “breath of life” participants learn how to access the “One” in their bodies; using the yoga postures they access the “Union” of body, mind and soul, and using Hebrew prayer and chanting they access the “Spirit” of renewal.

 

The breathing for relaxation, gentle stretching for release of muscle tension, readings from Jewish texts, and reflection make for a unique, spiritual experience uncommon in today’s busy world.  Ann’s session is a distinctive, new experience for those who have participated in other, more traditional yoga classes.

 

Ann, who describes herself as both “a student and practitioner of Judaism, yoga and meditation,” brings a spirit of compassion, integrity, wisdom, and love to her yoga classes supplemented by her many years of human relations experience within the academic, profit and not-for-profit communities.  Her unique approach touches the divinity within each participant.  It truly puts the “spirit” back into Judaism.

 

To register, please email Temple Beth El at office@tbe.org.   If you need personal assistance the telephone number is 203-322-6901. The cost is $10 for the class.

 

To contact Ann, her website is www.annkatzyoga.com or email annkatzyoga@hotmail.com or call 203-226-2701.  Please contact her for additional information regarding her workshops, classes, individual instruction in meditation, yoga therapy, Embodymentä and cancer support. 

 

 

 

Coming this October!!!!

 

TGIS (Thank God it’s Shabbat)

 

A rotating series of Friday night experiences

For all tastes and all ages

At 6:30 PM

Week 1 --- in the chapel, a traditional Beth El Service

Week 2 --- in the Sanctuary, Family Friday

Week 3 --- in the lobby: a creative Theme services

(on October 17, we will be welcoming Young Couples and the theme will be nature)

 

Week 4 --- a Carlebach-style service, featuring Hasidic nigunim and joyous meditation.

 

Plus our ongoing Tot Shabbat series (weeks 1 and 3 at 6:45, and Tiny Tot Shabbat on week 2 at 4)

 

Got it??

 

 

 

Lunch and Learn Series

Led by Rabbi Joshua Hammerman

 

Judaism, Business and Ethics for Our Time –

 

Using rabbinic sources, the group will explore the ethics of the marketplace, including deceptive advertising, employer-employee relations, consumer rights (and wrongs) and insider trading.

 

Please RSVP to rabbi@tbe.org so that sufficient materials can be ordered

 

Meets Monthly, beginning Wed. Oct 1, 12:30 -1:30

 

At Benjamin and Gold, P.C., 350 Bedford Street 4th floor

Parking in rear of building (at corner of Pedigree Ski Shop), or metered parking on the street in front of building and also behind Baby and Toy Superstore, across the street.

(many thanks to Dan Benjamin for providing the space)

 

 

 

 

WE ARE STARTING ANOTHER ADULT BAR/BAT MITZVAH CLASS!!!!

 

THE CLASS WILL BE TAUGHT BY RABBI HAMMERMAN, CANTOR JACOBSON AND BARB MOSKOW,

COVERING ALL THE BASICS: SYNAGOGUE SKILLS AND PRAYER, JEWISH TRADITIONS, LITERATURE AND HISTORY.

 

THE CLASS WILL ORGANIZE THIS SPRING, CONTINUE IN THE FALL AND CULMINATE IN

A B’NAI MITZVAH SERVICE IN NOVEMBER OF 2004.

 

PEOPLE WITH DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS ARE WELCOME

 

PLEASE RSVP IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, TO OUR EDUCATION OFFICE, 322-6901 X306

 

 

 

Temple Beth El is having an art auction on November 15 at 7 pm.  We are going to have a variety of artwork and can request specific artists and works.  We are serving finger foods, wine, beverages and dessert.  Admission is $10 pp/$18 per couple by November 7. At the door, the admission is $15 pp/$25 per
couple.

It's an easy way to support TBE.  There's free babysitting, with sign up by November 7.  There's a registration form and more information at www.tbe.org.  It's listed under "upcoming events" on the right hand side of the page.

 

This promises to be a wonderful evening.

 

On Wednesday, October 1 at 7:30

Beth El will be welcoming a talk by Berta Alchanati, formerly of Athens, Greece, now living in Netanya, Israel.

Berta and her parents were one of the few surviving families of the great Greek Jewish community of Salonika during WWII.  She was in hiding in Athens for the remainder of the war and later married, had two sons and made Aliyah a few years ago, preceded by her children.  Berta will speak on the History of the Jews of Greece, from ancient times to WWII.

 

 

JOIN THE CROWD OF ALMOST 100  HAPPY LULAV  AND ETROG WAVERS!

 

GET YOUR RED HOT

STUDENT SIZED LULAVIM AND ETROGIM

 

Q     What is the Jewish equivalent of seeing

       every kid in Yankee stadium raising their

       bats high on bat day?

 

     A:  Seeing every kid in our synagogue

              enthusiastically waving his/her

              lulav & etrog on Sukkot!

So nu...

How do we make this happen?

 

Well, we are offering a very special student

lulav and etrog set for only $18.00!!!

 

        Unbelievable...but true!!!! You can wave your very own lulav and etrog in our gigantic Lulav Parade on Sunday October 12th. But the fun doesn’t stop there. You can wave your lulav & etrog every morning, and when Sukkot is over, we’ll teach you how to turn your lulav and etrog into a havdalah set!!

 

                                                                                                               

STUDENT SIZED LULAV & ETROG ORDER FORM

 

Name                                                                              Phone                                       

 

# of sets                at $18.00 per set Total = $                         

 

Please return this form  by October 5th with your check payable to:

Temple Beth El Religious School

350 Roxbury Rd, Stamford, CT 06902

 

 

 

E-mail from the Front” 

Go to http://www.tbe.org/sog/Emailfromthefront.htm and scroll down to the most recent entries.

 

 

 

Time for a Joke…

 

Moses on His Walkie Talkie


Nine-year-old Joey was asked by his mother what he had learned at Sunday school.

"Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

"When he got to the Red Sea, he had his engineers build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely.

"Then he used his walkie-talkie to radio headquarters for reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved."

"Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you?" his mother asked.

"Well, no. But if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd never believe it!"

 

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPONSOR A SHABBAT-O-GRAM IN HONOR OF YOUR FAMILY’S SIMCHA AND HELP OUR CONGREGATION AT THE SAME TIME – SIMPLY SEND A CHECK FOR $100 TO THE TEMPLE OFFICE, INDICATING THAT IT’S TO SPONSOR A SHABBAT-O-GRAM, LET US KNOW WHO IT IS HONORING, AND WE’LL DO THE REST! YOUR SIMCHA WILL BE SHARED WITH THE HUNDREDS OF OTHERS WHO ARE ON OUR MAILING LIST OR WHO HAPPEN BY OUR WEB SITE.

 

The Web link for this week's Shabbat-O-Gram is - http://www.tbe.org/2003/sog/030919.htm - The site is continually updated during the week with corrections and additions.  Feel free to forward this link to your friends. People can subscribe to the weekly Shabbat-O-Gram at www.tbe.org.   I also send out mailings to college students, Gen Xers and teens, so let us know if you wish to be placed on any of those lists.  If you wish to unsubscribe, contact office@tbe.org.