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Shir Chadash Newsletter
October 26 - November 1, 2023
11 Cheshvan - 17 Cheshvan 5784
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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. | |
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Mazel Tov to Eli Toshav
and all his family
on the occasion
of his Bar Mitzvah!
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Dear Shir Chadash community,
As the war in Israel enters its fourth week, let’s maintain our unwavering support for Israel. We should always bear in mind that there is no separation between us and our brothers and sisters in Israel. This week, let's focus our efforts on charitable giving. The war is having an impact on Israel's economy, and your contributions will help to mitigate the massive negative effect on people's lives.
We, 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.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
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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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. | | | |
UPDATES ON OUR SHIR CHADASH FAMILY IN ISRAEL | |
Shir Chadash welcomes Lauren Blum, daughter Peter and Sheryl Title, and her daughter Bria, 2, who are visiting from Israel. The Blum family lives in Tel Aviv, where husband/father Ariel is staying to help out in the current situation. Bria, as of her first day in New Orleans this past Tuesday, is already attending the JCC nursery school. Lauren is expecting the family’s second child in February. | | | |
We are glad to learn that the children and grandchildren of Avi and Fanya Gedalia are safe in Hod HaSharon, Israel. Located near our sister city of Rosh HaAyin, daughter Osnat with her three girls and daughter Inbal with her four boys are in daily communication with Avi and Fanya. Part of the disruption of daily (and nightly) life in Israel is the frequent need to seek safety in bomb shelters, so all of the grandchildren these days go to sleep in their “safe rooms”. We pray for their continued safety as we wish them all the best. | | | |
If you or a direct family member is in Israel and would like to provide an update to the community as well, please email Sarah Lustig at shirchadash@shirchadash.org. | |
Shir Chadash Calendar
All links have migrated to our webpage. Click here to get there!
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Friday, October 27th
6:15 pm, Shabbat Evening Services
Saturday, October 28th
9:30 am, Shabbat Morning Services celebrating the Bar Mitzvah of Eli Toshav, followed by Kiddush lunch sponsored by Meir & Jill Toshav
10 am, Babysitting
Sunday, October 29th
9 am, SHUL SCHOOL
9:15 am, Minyan with Men's Club, followed by breakfast
Wednesday, November 1st
10 am, Sisterhood Class: The Bible Says...That?
Thursday, November 2nd
8 am, Morning Minyan on Zoom
6:30 pm, YAS (Young Adults at Shir) Pumpkin Painting Night with Moishe House - Register HERE
Friday, November 3rd
6:15 pm, Shabbat Evening Services
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Saturday, November 4th
9:30 am, Shabbat Morning Services, followed by Kiddush lunch
10 am, Babysitting
Sunday, November 5th
9 am, SHUL SCHOOL (no Gan class)
9:15 am, Minyan with Men's Club, followed by breakfast
6 pm, Shir Chadash Annual Gala: Mensches & Merriment, honoring Fran & Barry Ivker, Rochelle Sackett, Diane & Mark Schleifstein, Janice & Louis Stern z"l, and Miriam & Bruce Waltzer
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT - If you would still like to attend, contact the office to be put on the waiting list!
Wednesday, November 8th
10:15 am, Guided Tour of Besthoff Sculpture Garden with Sisterhood
Thursday, November 9th
8 am, Morning Minyan on Zoom
Friday, November 10th
6:15 pm, Shabbat Evening Services
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Shir Chadash Events & Announcements | |
Young Adults at Shir Chadash Presents... | |
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: THURSDAY,
November 16th
"Night"
by Elie Wiesel
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: November 28th
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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UPCOMING CLASSES & PROGRAMMING! | |
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Games with Sisterhood
Monthly, Sundays at 10:30 AM
Next Session: November 19th
Join us at Shir Chadash for Mah Jongg, Rummikub, or bring a game of your choice and friends. Snacks and coffee provided.
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Rosh Chodesh Gathering & Learning
Monthly, Sundays at 10:30 AM
Next Session: December 10th
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 | |
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The 14th Annual NAMIWalks New Orleans is the major community event supporting NAMI New Orleans, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Serving the parishes of Jefferson, Orleans, St. Bernard, and Plaquemines, NAMI New Orleans offers hope, help, and healing for people and their families affected by mental health challenges through support, education, advocacy, and psychosocial services.
NAMIWalks builds mental health awareness, promotes community engagement, and supports its vital services. Gates open at 9 am and the walk starts at 10 am. You’ll be entertained by belly dancing, festive music, Second lining with a jazz band, Krewe of Dolly, Pussy Footers, face painting, children’s art projects, food, and a welcoming, stigma-free environment.
Please join fellow congregant Liz Yager, by registering to walk and/or donate to your favorite walker.
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Scott Hoffman
Rabbi
Executive Director
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Chaviva Sands
Director of Education & Programming
Sarah Lustig
Office Manager
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