Shabbat graphic
  Shabbat Shalom  
from
Temple  Beth El
Friday, December 30, 2016 / 1 Tevet, 5777
Parashat Mikeitz Genesis 41:1-44:17

Dear Friends,

As we continue our celebration of Hanukkah, lighting the 7th and 8th candles tonight and tomorrow night, we are reminded of the power of light, in its physical and symbolic manifestations.  As I wrote last week, with each passing night of Hanukkah, there is even less moonlight visible, especially tonight as we observe Rosh Hodesh Tevet, the celebration of the first day of the Hebrew month of Tevet.  On the first day of a Hebrew month, no moon is visible.  All the more reason, especially in December, we need the light of the Hanukkah candles to provide light. 
 
Light works in many different ways.  Sometimes it can illuminate something that is obscured.  Sometimes it is so bright that it shows blemishes and imperfections.  Sometimes light that is too bright can blind us as well, and keep us from seeing things clearly.
 
Over the past week, a bright spotlight has been focused on the tense and difficult relationship between President Obama and Prime Minister Netenyahu.  The United States' decision to abstain rather than veto U.N. Security Council Resolution 2334 condemning all settlement construction activity in the West Bank and this week's speech by Secretary of State John Kerry has caused a great amount of concern and consternation while also generating a lot of conversation within the Jewish community, both in the United States and Israel.
 
As I do my best to interpret the actual text of the U.N. resolution; U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power's remarks; Kerry's speech; and Netanyahu's remarks, I also look to thoughtful, cogent and measured responses from a variety of policy experts and pundits, both Israeli and American. 
 
Below, I include many of those that I have found most helpful to help me better understand the situation.  Each one in its own way has helped me cut through some of the more bombastic and incendiary language I've seen elsewhere and get to the essence of the short and long term effects of recent events. 
 
I share some of these opinion pieces and analyses with you, in no particular order, to help you better understand as well and to form conversations with more nuance in the days and weeks ahead.  I hope you find them as insightful as I have.
 
Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom.  Please join us tonight at 6:00 for nosh and 6:30 for services as we light the 7th candle and celebrate Shabbat in the Round wearing our Ugly Hanukkah Sweaters.
 
Rabbi Charles Briskin
 
 
David Harris, CEO of the American Jewish Committee:  Dear Secretary Kerry
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Link to this resource page from the JCRC of the San Francisco Bay Area of articles compiled by members of their staff, many of which I've already included and others I have not.  This also includes statements from major American Jewish organizations and full texts of the resolutions and speeches.
Year-End Giving
As year-end approaches, don't forget tax-saving opportunities with Temple Beth El. 

Your donations help children go to Jewish summer camp and attend Torah School, provide needed funds for additional programs for our members, and offer tzedakah in many other ways.  

Now is your opportunity to save on your taxes and provide for our sacred community. 

Did you know that your mandatory IRA distribution is tax free if you have it sent directly to TBE?
 
 
Donate online or contact Shoni in the Temple Beth El office with questions. 
Refuah Sh'leimah
For those recovering from an illness:
Barbara Mozlin
Vivian Rigler
Jack Lebental
Irene Tyson 
Elaine Grove
Beth Wahba 
Marc Newman
Bunky Victor
Ashley Felsher
David Shneer 

To add a name to this list, please contact the TBE Office. We will not add names until we are notified by the family. Thank you.  
Condolences
We offer our condolences to:


Hal (Barbara) Matles and
Judy Pendrick, on the death of their brother (brother-in-law), Victor Matles.

May Victor's memory be for a blessing. 
Upcoming Services
Friday, December 30
6:00 p.m. Latke Pre-Oneg
6:30 p.m.  Hanukkah Shabbat Service in the Round and Ugly Hanukkah Sweater Shabbat
Join Rabbi Briskin for a festive one-hour service in Al Manuel Hall. Wear your Ugly Hanukkah Sweater to services. W e will worship together and light the 7th night candle during our Festival of Lights.  



Friday, January 6
4:00 p.m. Half-Pint Havurah Shabbat Program for families with young children (through 2nd grade).    Contact Carrie in the TBE Office with questions.

6:30 p.m. Family Shabbat Service
Our fun and lively worship experience, just one-hour long features a Shabbat story and birthday blessings for children under 13.

Saturday, January 7
10:00 a.m. Refuat Ha'nefesh-A Service of Healing for Body, Mind and Soul
Please join us for this special healing service that utilizes a blend of music, poetry, prayer and meditation.

Friday, January 13
7:30 p.m. Shabbat Service with a Torah reading
Tonight we welcome TBE member Cantor Stephen Richards to lead services with Rabbi Briskin. Adam Paul will chant Torah and Rabbi Briskin will offer a sermon. We will also celebrate January birthdays and anniversaries with an aliyah to the Torah.

Saturday, January 14
9:30 a.m. Lay-Led Shabbat Shaharit Service
9:30 a.m. A discussion on a Jewish topic
10:30 a.m. Shabbat morning Torah Service
Noon Potluck kiddush lunch
We hope to see you soon at Temple Beth El.
Find us on the web at: www.bethelsp.org
Call the office for more information: 310-833-2467  
Or drop by for a visit:   1435 W. 7th Street, San Pedro 90732
 
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