Rabbi's Letter

June 13, 2019
10 Sivan 5779
Dear Friends,

I often wonder why funerals tend to be cast in a sadness for a future lost rather than a celebration of a life well lived. This coming weekend we have a chance to celebrate both, Hank Lathrup’s wonderful life as well as Elaine’s inspiring return to health after such a traumatic brush with death herself.  We will gather this Shabbat evening, the 14 th of June 2019 at 6:30  for the service with an oneg to follow. Join us as, by the rhythm of prayer and the melodies of the Kavanotes, we will remember and celebrate Hank and rejoice over Elaine’s return home.

And then on Sunday the 16 th at 3PM  we will share in the unveiling of Hank’s head stone at the cemetery. What a beautiful opportunity to remember and celebrate the beauty of a life well lived because that is exactly how Hank lived his life and so many of his loved ones can attest to the impact that he has had on their lives. What a sweet and meaningful legacy. The love and care of everyone involved in what has been pegged, the “Elaine Shabbat” from the music to the food, to the joy is going to be a treat for all. Please join us!
A life well lived is a precious gift
Of hope and strength and grace,
From someone who has made our world
A brighter, better place
It’s filled with moments, sweet and sad
With smiles and sometimes tears,
With friendships formed and good times shared
And laughter through the years.
A life well lived is a legacy
Of joy and pride and pleasure,
A living, lasting memory
Our grateful hearts will treasure

- Author Unknown
I want to say a hearty MAZEL TOV to the Schreiber and Zimmer families for the wedding this coming weekend of Mark and Julia. I’d also like to offer a hearty MAZEL TOV to the Katz family for the wedding of Matthew and Brittney this weekend as well. Such JOY all around!!!!!
We are all hard at work singing our Beatles tunes for your spiritual enjoyment for the  21 st of June BEATLES SHABBAT . Services that night will be followed by a light supper.

                                       Can’t wait to sing together….
We had a wonderful time preparing dinner and serving the homeless at the Good Shepherd Center. Thank you to all who joined in, Donna, Mitch, Hal, Cindy, Susan, Kate, Barry L and Joelle. What a lovely group of kind souls you are! I appreciate you all!
We had a terrific showing for our next ISRAEL TRIP, which is set for October 15 th – 25 th 2020. There’s still room but we are filling up. It is very exciting so please call the office to let us know of you want to join this great trip and meaningful experience. 
Join Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity and several other local worshiping communities in building homes, hope, and community. 
Thank you to Mitch and Donna Ratner, who are taking charge of the organization for this Faith build. They have stepped up to help me make this happen! Please reach out and join in on this wonderful experience.

August 25th is going to be B'nai Israel's primary work day. Please know that we will be giving instructions on how to sign up to participate. MORE INFO TO COME!
Dear Friends,

Please stand with me and a world full of faith leaders who are passionate about the need to continue and actively CARE about the innocent children who are being traumatized by needlessly being separated from their mothers and fathers as they await a response to their parent’s plea for asylum. We Jews don’t have to care because we know in our own DNA and in our collective psyche that this violence of love’s shredding has happened to us at the hands of a tumultuous history. No, we should stand against this because we are human, because babies belong connected to their Mother's love and to their father's protection. Seeking asylum is not a crime - it is a cry for help and safety for our children’s lives. We Jews never had the chance to seek asylum, no country ever offered it for us. Please don’t let this atrocity fall by the wayside of your heart. They need us to care and to speak up. 
We Jews call it, the ONENESS OF GOD!

May blessings follow you and inspire you to bless others. How beautiful are the wisdom lessons of our heritage, Oh God!!! How beautiful indeed.
באהבה ושלום

Shabbat Shalom to all!
 
הרב אלישבע בת דוד ודבורה
 
Rabbi Julie Kozlow
(910) 762-1117 ~ B'nai Israel phone
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