March 5 2021 l 21 Adar 5781
CONGREGATION BEIT T'SHUVAH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
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Dear Congregants,
In our current Torah portions, we are reading that the journey out of Egypt towards the Promised Land was a difficult journey for the Children Israel, filled with danger and difficulties. However, in the midst of it all, there were miracles and beautiful moments.
Our journey out of the slavery of addiction towards a life of recovery is also difficult. At Beit T’Shuvah, we know that all too well. Yet, we continue on that journey with the loving support of each other.
This week was one of those weeks which made me proud to be a part of this community as we gathered together as family to support each other in our grief over the loss of loved ones. Coming together to mourn and remember is, of course, not something new for us. In fact, we do it rather well, not necessarily because we do it a lot, but because we are a loving and supportive community that is capable not only of loving deeply, but is also incredibly capable of expressing that love. That is truly the miracle and beauty of Beit T’Shuvah.
We are, indeed, like no other community. We are family.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Micha'el Akiba
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THIS WEEK'S TORAH PORTION
By: Chaplain Adam Siegel
This week's parashah gives us one of the starkest insights into our fragmented nature - of our often conflicting inclinations that, when combined together, make us both imperfect humans and holy souls. We see the struggles created and endured by the Israelites and their leaders during the tragedy of the golden calf. And we rediscover the plus side - as many of us have learned - that catastrophic experiences also provide the basis for future growth and transformation.
The narrative opens with Moses and G!D, alone on the mountain top, continuing their conversation about the various laws and instructions that will govern communal life. Meanwhile at the base of the mountain, as Moses' absence stretches from days into weeks, the Israelite community is growing more and more restless. Eventually, this separation from their leader - the one they trusted; the one who led them out of oppressive bondage - becomes intolerable...click here to read more.
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Devin K. for 2 years of sobriety.
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We are still celebrating birthdays each week on Zoom!
To sign up to take a Sober Birthday cake at Beit T'Shuvah, click here.
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Dear Beit T'Shuvah, Thank you for giving me back hope! I am forever grateful for you. Love always, Devin Khedari
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If you would like to sponsor shabbat at
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Shop, donate and share with your friends.
*Shipping is available upon request*
*50% off this week with coupon code*
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Tribute donations are a wonderful way of marking life cycle events for your loved ones and friends and supporting Beit T'Shuvah.
Janice Kamenir-Reznik & Benjamin Reznik in honor of Zoe Lillian Reznik Slater
Jessica Gorelick in honor of Jonathan Gropman
Karen & Gary Fox in memory of Alan Murray
Nancy Beckerman in memory of Bernice (Bunnie) Labinson Moss
Susan & Neal Epstein in memory of Lillian Scharf
Mary Frances & Robert Tokar in memory of Paul Appelbaum
Esther & Alvin Appelbaum in memory o fPaul Appelbaum
Jackie & Keith Elkins in memory of Ryan Kopald
Janet & Bobby Rosenblum in memory of Ryan Kopald
Patricia & Julian Edelman in memory of Zachary Wohlman
Joni Hayes in memory of Zachary Wohlman
If you are interested in sending a beautiful tribute, please contact Development . You can also send a tribute online by Clicking Here. Beit T'Shuvah will promptly send a card to the family or friend you are recognizing.
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THIS WEEK'S SPOTLIGHT
Finn G.
Why make your bed? You’re just going to mess it up again tonight. What’s the point? A question that we’ve all asked ourselves at one point or another, and the truth is, it’s more important than it may seem. Besides the sense of accomplishment you get so early in the morning, it sends a message–You deserve to sleep in a well made bed because you matter. That’s why when I called resident Finn G. to do an interview for this spotlight and he told me to please hold as he just needed to finish making his bed, I smiled because I knew that this was a different Finn than the one that walked into Beit T’Shuvah almost 9 months ago.
Finn is a Los Angeles native who grew up hanging out in the skate parks of Venice. He was always getting into trouble as a young adolescent in the neighborhood. His days consisted of riding his bike and skateboarding in between smoking weed and tagging (graffiti). He first tried hard drugs at the young age ...click here to continue reading.
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Our Spring Adult Education series begins Tuesday April 6th at 7pm with Rabbi Micha'el teaching THIS IS OUR SHABBAT: Learning Jewish Liturgy.
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Slingshot Ten to Watch: EBI |
We are pleased to announce that our Elaine Breslow Institute has been recognized by The Slingshot Fund as one of the Ten To Watch for changemaking organizations in the Jewish community! Slingshot mobilizes young Jewish philanthropists as funders and active change agents, who, with their partners, shape the Jewish community to be vibrant and continuously evolving. Our partnership and recognition by Slingshot will place our work in front of an enthusiastic audience of young Jewish leaders, and we are delighted and thrilled at this opportunity to accelerate and extend our message.
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Beit T’Shuvah has raised nearly 3,000 through the Amazon Smile program to help save the lives of those suffering from addiction. Be a part of the movement and choose Beit T’Shuvah as your set featured charity on Amazon Smile by clicking the link below for all of your amazon purchases! Click here to shop through amazon smile.
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Friday night services held via zoom at 6:30pm PT.
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Beit T’Shuvah Sisterhood T-shirts $30.
Multiple Colors Available!
Contact Dana Gache:
Phone: 3103516408
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Beit T’Shuvah Custom Masks |
Stay safe while supporting Beit T’Shuvah with masks custom made by Creative Matters. Perfect gifts for alumni, staff, residents, people in recovery or community members!
$10 per mask
Designs:
One Day At A Time
In This Together
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Alumni Process group for residents who have left BTS during the pandemic.
Wednesdays at 12pm.
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Whether your loved one is still in treatment or they have already moved on to the next chapter of their journey, we would like to provide a platform in which families get to talk about their shared experiences and wisdom.
This group is for families of our current and former residents.
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Saturday Morning Services |
Saturday morning Prayer and Meditation at 10:30am PT.
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Come learn on Saturday mornings at 9:30am PT with Rabbi Micha'el Akiba.
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Baked T'Shuvah's founder Jackie Elkins is licensed by the state and you can order the Baked T'Shuvah challah you know and love!
Pick up at BTS. Must prepay. Order online here.
Available flavors: Plain, Chocolate Chip, Salted Caramel or Raisin. Orders need to be placed no later than Wednesday!
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We are still celebrating birthdays each week on our Shabbat Zoom.
To sign up to take a cake, please contact Jillian.
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Monday through Saturday at 9am PT. Join the Facebook group:
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Life in Uncertain Times: Coping Strategies Before, During, and After Corona. With Rabbi Joseph. Mondays from 12-1pm PT/3-4pm ET.
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BTS community AA meeting: Thursdays at 7pm.
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Past newsletters are now available online. Please click here to view.
For anyone that shops at Ralphs, please consider registering your phone with their community care program and select Beit T'Shuvah as your charity.
For anyone that purchases items on Amazon, all you have to do is go to Amazon Smile and choose Beit T'Shuvah as your charity and a percentage of each purchase will be given back to us.
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