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Shir Chadash Newsletter
January 18 - January 24, 2024
8 Shevat - 14 Shevat 5784
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Security Reminder: Please be aware that due to security concerns, we are, for the time being, implementing a new security protocol in which we will require Photo ID from non-members or unfamiliar faces joining us for services. We hope you understand and still decide to join us in prayer as we observe and celebrate Shabbat. | |
Health Reminder: With the return of Winter, also comes the return of rising numbers of Covid, flu, and RSV in our community. If you are feeling ill, please consider staying home and participating in services online to protect those around you, especially the more susceptible members of our Congregation. | |
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Our Annual Congregational Meeting will be held THIS SUNDAY, January 21st at 11 AM, with a delicious pancake breakfast starting at 10 AM.
Your input will be important to the incoming board and officers. While in-person attendance is optimal, for those who cannot attend in person, you may also attend the meeting by Zoom by following THIS link.
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In order for us to estimate how many persons we can expect to attend in-person and by zoom, we ask that you register HERE, indicating whether you will attend in-person or by zoom, and if in-person, whether you will be attending both the pancake breakfast and the meeting or only the meeting.
Registration is encouraged but is not required.
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Dear Shir Chadash community,
Last week, I offered a few suggestions about supporting Israel through your advocacy. This week, I’ll focus on supporting our Jewish students on college campuses.
The most obvious starting point is to support the Hillel and/or campus Chabad at the institution of your choice. The professionals in these roles are the first line of defense for our young people who are understandably confused, shocked and upset at some of the experiences of recent months. Let’s make sure that we’re investing the resources we need to promote a vibrant, strong Jewish presence on our college campuses.
Second, we need to educate our young adults on the history of Israel and the Middle East. Where do you go to get good information? One very good resource is the concise Myths and Facts: A Guide to the Arab-Israeli Conflict by Mitchell Bard. You can order a copy on Amazon, and while the most recent edition is a few years old, it’s useful for context and to provide talking points. And it’s a small book, so don’t worry about it taking up too much space in a crowded dorm room or taking an entire semester to read.
And finally, make sure students go on Birthright, Onward Israel or a related program. It should go without saying that if someone offers you a free trip to Israel you should take it, but sometimes a young adult needs a little push. Offering a little spending money for the trip wouldn’t be a bad idea, and it’s been known to make the trip more memorable.
We need to teach our Jewish students how to defend themselves, not with fists but with facts, not with coercion but with conviction, not with prejudice but with pride. These steps bring that closer to reality.
As I have noted in the past several weeks, hopefully everyone is taking as many positive and affirmative steps to support Israel as possible. Of course, if you need additional help, the leadership of both Shir Chadash and of the New Orleans Jewish community, are here to assist you. Below, you will find a list of resources which can help, whether you are seeking pastoral support, an opportunity for pro-Israel advocacy, or a chance to help Israel financially. Please feel free to take advantage of these resources as fully as you like. And if you need additional help, please feel free to call us in the office.
Rabbi Scott Hoffman
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PASTORAL CARE
These are unprecedented times and we understand that some may need an extra helping hand or someone to talk to. Whether you are one of the many in our community who have friends, family, or loved ones in Israel, or you need a compassionate ear to help come to grips with this past week's events, please don't hesitate to reach out to Rabbi Hoffman at the office, 504-889-1144, or by email at rabbiscott@shirchadash.org.
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RESOURCES
We are fortunate enough to have several Jewish organizations, both local and national, that are continually updating their websites with resources that may be helpful in navigating this difficult time. Please see some below:
The Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans
The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
For those who wish to directly serve the country’s needs in Israel, these short-term volunteer opportunities are currently available:
Jewish National Fund (four days of structured group volunteering per mission)
Volunteers for Israel (1-3 week stints of non-combat service on an IDF base)
Camp Ramah has scheduled Solidarity and Service trips to Israel for adults, teens, and college students - To Sign up to receive updates, fill out this form.
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The synagogues of West Esplanade, Shir Chadash, Beth Israel, Gates of Prayer, and Chabad, are joining together with a very special initiative to pray for Israel by collectively reciting the entire book of Psalms as a community each week that the Israel-Hamas war is ongoing.
Congregants are encouraged to sign up for one psalm each, which they will commit to reciting, in Hebrew or English, once weekly.
Together, with the power of our community and our faith, we can do our spiritual part to support Israel!
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JFS (Jewish Family Service) is offering free counseling to Israeli members of our Greater New Orleans community. Simply call (504) 831-8475 and ask for Michelle or email her at michelle@jfsneworleans.org. | | | |
Shir Chadash Calendar
All links have migrated to our webpage. Click here to get there!
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Thursday, January 18th
6 pm, YAS (Young Adult) Torah on Tap with Rabbi David Cohen-Henriquez - at Cooter Brown's Tavern - Registration is appreciated
Friday, January 19th
6:15 pm, Davening, Dinner, and Discussion: How AI is Changing the World - You may still register & purchase tickets HERE
** Although the dinner and discussion will be in-person only for those who purchased tickets ahead of time, anyone may still attend services in-person or live-stream them online.**
Saturday, January 20th
9:30 am, Shabbat Morning Services, followed by Kiddush lunch
10 am, Babysitting
10:30 am, Learn to Lead (for ages 7-12)
6:15 pm, PJ Library Pajama Havdalah - email educationdirector@shirchadash.org to RSVP or learn more!
Sunday, January 21st
8 am, Teen Mitzvah Project - email educationdirector@shirchadash.org to RSVP or learn more!
9:15 am, Minyan with Men's Club
9:30 am, SHUL SCHOOL: Special Tu B'Shevat Program at Longue Vue Gardens - Register HERE
10 am, Pancake Breakfast, followed by our Annual Congregational Meeting - Registration is appreciated
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Wednesday, January 24th
10 am, Sisterhood Class: The Bible Says...That?
6 pm, NOLA Nights: Tu B'Shevat Teachings & Terrariums - Register HERE
Thursday, January 25th
8 am, Morning Minyan on Zoom
Friday, January 26th
6:15 pm, Shabbat Evening Services
Saturday, January 27th
9:30 am, Shabbat Morning Services, followed by Kiddush lunch sponsored by Sheryl & Peter Title in honor of Sheryl's birthday
10 am, Babysitting
Sunday, January 28th
9 am, SHUL SCHOOL
9:15 am, Minyan with Men's Club, followed by breakfast
10:30 am, Sunday Mah Jongg
11:30 am, Family Fun Fest (at the Metairie JCC) - RSVP HERE
Wednesday, January 31st
10 am, Sisterhood Class: The Bible Says...That?
Thursday, February 1st
8 am, Morning Minyan on Zoom
5:30 pm, MSJE King Cake Challah Happy Hour with YAS (Young Adults at Shir Chadash) - at the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience - Register HERE
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Shir Chadash Events & Announcements | |
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Mix, sip, mingle and decorate a king cake challah at MSJE’s King Cake Challah Happy Hour with YAS! We’ll use edible glitter, icing, and sanding sugar to create the most deliciously decadent king cake challahs while sipping batch cocktails, wine, beer and soft drinks. Plus, DIY a Mardi Gras beaded bracelet or two, or three! $20 entrance fee provides one mini king cake challah to decorate plus unlimited drinks.
Thank you to our community partners, SerenaBakesBread and MSJE, for making this program possible!
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CLASSES WITH RABBI HOFFMAN | |
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Great Jewish Novels
(of the 20th Century)
Once a month, Tuesdays, 7 PM
@ Rabbi Hoffman's Home
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Next Class: February 6th
"The Pagan Rabbi"
by Cynthia Ozick
The twentieth century saw the flourishing of multiple genres of Jewish literature. Great novels were written in pre-war Europe, the newly-established state of Israel, and the first immigrant generation in the United States. Come and discuss the ways in which this literature shaped, and was shaped by, our Jewish world.
Please RSVP to Rabbi Hoffman at rabbiscott@shirchadash.org
Click here for the full 2023-2024 schedule and book list
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Lunch & Learn:
Codes of Jewish Law
With gratitude to the Nat Leon Fund
Once a month, Tuesdays, 11 AM
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Next Class: February 20th
Join Rabbi Hoffman for a one-hour session followed by a delicious catered lunch, provided free of charge thanks to the generosity of the Nat Leon Fund. We will be looking at the various codes of Jewish law and see how Jewish sources have wrestled with questions both timeless and current. You do not need to bring anything but a hunger to learn – and perhaps a hunger for lunch. Translations will be based, wherever possible, upon the materials found in www.sefaria.org.
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Sisterhood Class: The Bible Says... That?
Wednesdays. 10 AM
In-person and available on Zoom
The so-called “historical” books of the Bible – that is, Judges, Joshua, I/II Samuel, and I/II Kings are filled with exciting and colorful stories. But are these stories satirical? Are they filled with hidden messages? Are they both didactic and entertaining? Come and join us for an exploration of these books of the Bible and learn that our ancestors’ tastes were not always far removed from our own. All materials will be provided, so just come and enjoy.
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Minyan will be in the Chapel
at 9:15 am, followed by breakfast.
Zoom participation remains an option.
Everyone welcome!
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Thursday Shacharit Minyan | |
Join us at 8 am for our
virtual weekday minyan.
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Click here for the most recent
Family Newsletter
to learn more about upcoming
children's programming!
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Click here for the most recent Shul School Recap!
If you have not yet registered your child(ren) and wish to enroll them,
please do so HERE or contact
Chaviva Sands at educationdirector@shirchadash.org.
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Top 10 Reasons to Join Sisterhood! | |
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10. Sisterhood needs & values you
9. Interesting discussions & conversations
8. Opportunities to learn new skills
7. Being a part of something bigger than yourself
6. Connections to individuals around the world
5. Longest ongoing Torah study class in NOLA
4. Innovative programming
3. Increased longevity & decreased stress
2. Unmatched support system
1. Lasting friendships
For details about membership, dues payments, or contributing, please click HERE.
Information and/or questions, contact Charisse Sands at 504-231-6464 or annsandsc@aol.com (Sisterhood in subject line)
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It’s time to order your 2024 Mah Jongg cards. A portion of each card sold is donated to Shir Chadash Sisterhood. Thank you for your support!
The selling of Mah Jongg cards last year earned $365 for Shir Chadash Sisterhood.
Regular cards are $14 and large cards are $15.
To order a card, please send a check made out to:
Harriet Hillson
4839 Bissonet Dr.
Metairie, LA 70003.
The deadline for ordering cards is January 26, 2024.
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Come play Mah Jongg at Shir Chadash once a month on Sundays at 10:30 AM!
New and experienced players are welcome!
Upcoming Dates: January 28 | February 18 | March 17
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UPCOMING CLASSES & PROGRAMMING! | |
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Rosh Chodesh Gathering & Learning
As advertised, Sundays at 10:30 AM
Next Session: April 14th
Rosh Chodesh is a special time for women to gather and learn. This year Sisterhood will be studying the Girls in Trouble curriculum, a project of Alicia Jo Rabins. We will follow individual women through their stories in the Torah by engaging in studying Torah text, considering the story’s relevance to our own lives, and generating our own creative interpretations. This curriculum brings biblical women to life, demonstrating the power of these often understudied stories and highlighting the ways in which they can help us navigate our own complicated lives.
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Community Events and Announcements | |
Join MSJE for a screening of Rosenwald, the incredible story of how businessman and philanthropist Julius Rosenwald joined forces with Booker T. Washington and African American communities in the segregationist Jim Crow South to build more than 5,000 schools. The feature-length documentary film was created by Jewish filmmaker Aviva Kempner. Light movie refreshment will be served during the screening. | In 2012, a casual conversation between Atlanta orthopedic physician Dr. Reuben Sloan and his patient Gail Cohn would go on to change both their lives, revealing an incredible shared connection to the Holocaust and World War II that reached back through a painful yet inspiring family history. The two began sharing the story of their unbelievable discovery with audiences all over the country in an emotional live presentation called “Corresponding Angles.” In honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Dr. Sloan and Gail Cohn are bringing their program to MJSE. | |
Now on exhibit at the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, “A Better Life for Their Children: Julius Rosenwald, Booker T. Washington, and the 4,978 Schools that Changed America” is an evocative series of black-and-white photographs by Andrew Feiler memorializing the Rosenwald schools, a network of nearly 5,000 modest schoolhouses built to educate underserved Black students in the segregated south. The project, the joint dream of a Jewish philanthropist and a Black educator, narrowed the Black-white education gap that plagued Southern and border states, strengthened Black-Jewish relations, paved the way for the civil rights movement, and helped to build a new African American middle class. | |
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Contact Us
OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 3 PM
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