Shabbat graphic
  Shabbat Shalom  
from
Temple  Beth El
Friday, June 16, 2017 / 22 Sivan, 5777
Parashat Sh'la Numbers 13:1-15:41

Dear Friends,

I heard a story on the radio recently.  I can't recall who was telling the story; I believe it was a liberal columnist, or political pundit. He was commenting on an interview with the popular conservative radio host Glenn Beck.  The liberal writer reflected how pleasantly surprised he was when he and Beck found common ground based on one fundamental question.  Before they began their conversation Beck asked his guest, "What do you fear most?"  They shared their fears and in the process humanized one another and could then begin a more spirited debate about which policies are best for our country (and one would imagine would help reduce fear).  They didn't agree on much, if anything, except being able to hear what frightens them from their different political and life perspectives.  It was a step in being able to hear someone whose views are quite different from yours. I just wish they would've asked each other what gives them hope.
 
My friend and colleague, Rabbi Vered Harris wrote a thoughtful Torah commentary for ReformJudaism.org this week. In it she speaks about the fear that the 12 Israelite Scouts experienced and reported on when they returned from scouting the Promised Land.  "All the people we saw [in the land] are men of great size. . .and we looked like grasshoppers to ourselves, and so we must've looked to them." (Numbers 13:33)
 
Rabbi Harris writes, "They had the fruits brought from the Land to tempt them, the saw how good it could be, and they even had God with them, but they were stymied by fear."  "Fear," she says, "is a powerful emotion."
 
Indeed it is. 
 
Coping with fear, working to overcome it, and even finding hope that can come out of that morass can be challenging.  However, if we are able to focus on the light in our lives, more than the darkness, think how much more enriching each day could be?  Even that small glimmer of light that offers a sense of hope can be a powerful antidote to sometimes crippling fear.  Look for that light and focus on that rather than the darkness.
 
Please link to Rabbi Harris' Torah commentary and learn from her insights as well.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Charles Briskin 
Refuah Sh'leimah
For those recovering from an illness:
Barbara Mozlin
Vivian Rigler
Jack Lebental
Irene Tyson 
Elaine Grove
Beth Wahba 
David Shneer 
Andy Kauffman  
Wendy Waterman
Jackie Grossman

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.  
Upcoming Services
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Friday, June 16
6:30 p.m. Musical Shabbat Service featuring the Moody Jews

Saturday, June 17
10:00 a.m. Meditation Service

Friday, June 23
7:30 p.m. Shabbat Service with Torah reading
Celebrating June adult birthdays and anniversaries with an aliyah to the Torah.

Saturday, June 24
10:00 a.m. Torah on the Trails walking Friendship Park Trails
Meet in the parking lot of the Deane Dana Friendship Park Nature Center, 1805 West 9th Street, San Pedro.

Friday, June 30
7:30 p.m. Shabbat Koleinu Service welcoming Cantor Natalie Young
Celebrate a Shabbat of musical melodies with Cantors Natalie Young and Ilan Davidson. Cantor Natalie Young is an award-winning composer who proudly serves as the cantor at Temple Beth El in Aliso Viejo. Her work can be found in various publications including:  Shirei Ha-T'fillot by the British Movement for Reform Judaism, the
Ruach Songbook, and the Shalshelet Festival Songbook. Her songs have been featured at URJ Biennials, American Conference of Cantors conventions and various concerts and festivals around the country. Many of her songs have been recorded by other artists. 

Friday, July 7 - BBQ & Family Shabbat in the TBE 4th of July BBQ Courtyard
4:00 p.m. Half Pint Havurah & Hallah Bake
5:30 p.m. BBQ Shabbat Dinner
6:30 p.m. Family Shabbat Service outside in the TBE Courtyard
BBQ dinner including adult beverages. Dinner $10/adult; $5/child; $30/family max. RSVP for dinner to Carrie here. Shabbat Service including July birthday blessings for children under 13 followed by an ice cream social Oneg Shabbat after services.  Dinner and services are outside; please dress appropriately. 

Saturday, July 8
9:30 a.m. Lay-Led Shabbat Shaharit (morning) Service
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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