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Shir Chadash Newsletter
February 1 - February 7, 2024
22 Shevat - 28 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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Dear Shir Chadash community,
Last week, I offered a few suggestions about supporting Israel through your diet. This week, I’ll focus on supporting Israel through your use of science and technology. By the way, not all of the items listed are technological at all, and the others are suitable even for very basic users (like myself).
First, if you go to the supermarket, do you buy cherry tomatoes? I do, because they’re healthy, tasty, easy to use (just cut them in half and toss in salad) and more stable than larger varieties. But where do cherry tomatoes come from? They were developed by researchers at the school of agriculture of the Hebrew University in the 1970’s, and they’ve become popular all over the world.
Another example – your Kindle reader. The platform on which the reader operates was developed in Israel by Oracle, and today Amazon is the world leader in electronic books. I myself have a Kindle and find it very useful in terms of saving the space which used to be taken up by books, especially those I’d already read and wasn’t going to touch for years. And let me add that it’s a lot easier to pack your Kindle than boxes of books
Last but by no means least is the navigation system Waze. Available as an app on your phone, it’s so sophisticated, with its ability to update for traffic tie-ups, that it has essentially replaced the navigation device on the console on your car. Truth be told, I rely on the installed device on my car as the back-up, and my cell phone as the primary system.
Of course, the list of contributions in the area of science and technology is long. If you’re up for it, you could even try reading Singer and Senor’s book Start Up Nation, which offers fascinating insight into just why Israel enjoys such success in this area.
~ 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, February 1st
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
Friday, February 2nd
6:15 pm, Shabbat Evening Services
Saturday, February 3rd
9:30 am, Shabbat Morning Services, followed by Kiddush lunch
10 am, Babysitting
6 pm, Mardi Gras Lock-In for 2nd-8th Grade
This event has been cancelled due to inclement weather - Please consider attending TOMORROW'S Children's Mardi Gras Programming and Parading we have planned in its place!
Sunday, February 4th
9 am, SHUL SCHOOL
9:15 am, Minyan with Men's Club, followed by breakfast
12 pm, Children's Mardi Gras Programming, followed by Parades with Shir Chadash - email educationdirector@shirchadash.org to learn more
Tuesday, February 6th
7 pm, Great Jewish Novels (of the 20th Century)
"The Pagan Rabbi" by Cynthia Ozick -
email rabbiscott@shirchadash.org to RSVP
Wednesday, February 7th
10 am, Sisterhood Class: The Bible Says...That?
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Thursday, February 8th
8 am, Morning Minyan on Zoom
5 pm, YAS Does Muses - at the corner of Napoleon & Prytania- RSVP HERE
Friday, February 9th
6:15 pm, Shabbat Evening Services
Saturday, February 10th
9:30 am, Shabbat Morning Services, followed by Kiddush lunch
10 am, Babysitting
Sunday, February 11th
NO SHUL SCHOOL - MARDI GRAS BREAK
9:15 am, Minyan with Men's Club, followed by breakfast
Monday, February 12th - Lundi Gras
OFFICE CLOSED
Tuesday, February 13th - Mardi Gras
OFFICE CLOSED
Wednesday, February 14th
10 am, Sisterhood Class: The Bible Says...That?
Thursday, February 15th
8 am, Morning Minyan on Zoom
Friday, February 16th
6:15 pm, Magical Musical Kabbalat Shabbat with Basya Schechter & David Buchbinder, followed by dessert oneg - Registration is appreciated
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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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Due to the storms expected on Saturday night and the rescheduling of the Mad Hatters parade, the tough decision was made to cancel the Children's Mardi Gras Lock-In this upcoming Saturday night.
Instead our Mardi Gras celebration will take place on Sunday afternoon!
Everyone (not just children and their families) are welcome to join us for parades.
Email Chaviva Sands at educationdirector@shirchadash.org for more information!
No registration necessary!
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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: THIS TUESDAY,
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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MAH JONGG SUNDAYS AT SHIR CHADASH | |
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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: February 18 | March 17
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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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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 | |
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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