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July 22- July 29
13 Av - 20 Av
Policing and Restorative Justice

















TONIGHT, July 22 at 8 pm

Join Rabbi Olitzky along with area clergy for an important conversation on policing and restorative justice in Maplewood. Submit any questions here. Zoom information available in the flyer.
This Week
Shabbat Nachamu: Finding Comfort For Moshe

By Rabbi Rachel Marder

Despite Moshes’ pleading in Parashat V’ethanan (“I plead”) this week, God angrily refuses to let him enter the Land of Israel. “Enough! Never speak to Me of this matter again… look at it well, for you shall not go across this Jordan” (Deut. 3:26-27). Moshe explains to the Israelites that “I must die in this land; I shall not cross the Jordan” (4:23). Why the redundancy? If he is going to die in the wilderness, of course he won’t cross the Jordan. The midrash explains that “I shall not cross the Jordan” indicates that even Moses’ bones won’t cross into Canaan (Sifrei Bamidbar 135). Unlike Joseph, Moshe can’t even be buried in the land. We often wish the Torah had a different ending for Moshe. As a loyal servant and prophet we would expect that he would receive everything he wanted. But like all of us, Moshe does not get to accomplish all that he had hoped to. Franz Kafka wrote of this injustice in his diaries: “He is on the track of Canaan all his life; it is incredible that he should see the land only when on the verge of death.” Click here to continue reading.
Friday, July 23 at 6:15 pm
It's summertime and time to be together. Join Beth El friends of ALL ages for a delicious, outdoor catered dinner at the synagogue for those who pre-registered. Children's meals available. Kabbalat Shabbat service to follow.

Saturday, July 24 at 9:30 am
We ask that all attendees remain masked while indoors. As part of the Summer Darshan series, we are honored that Mike Finesilver will deliver the D'var Torah. To attend services virtually, join via Livestream. After services, we will enjoy a Kiddush lunch outdoors.

If you are interested in giving a D'var Torah at Shabbat morning services this summer, please email Rabbi Olitzky.
Saturday, July 24 at 11:00 am
Bring a blanket or chairs to sit on, and prepare to celebrate Shabbat with song, prayers, and active participation with Rabbi Marder and Ira Levin. The service will be held on the grassy area adjacent to the tent.
Are you interested in learning to chant Torah? Join Rabbi Marder for two more sessions and you'll be chanting in no time. We will meet on July 22 and July 29 at 8 pm. Join via Zoom here.

Calling for Hesed Heroes

Would you like to work on a project for fellow Beth El members showing your care and support? The Hesed committee works on short-term projects that enhance the sense of community and connection we feel at Beth El. This could be anything from baking to sending occasional care packages to decorating holiday cards. If you'd like to include your information in this form, we'll occasionally reach out asking for volunteers for various projects throughout the year (there's no obligation to do anything just by signing up. We just want to know who is interested!) Please fill out this form by August 11 and reach out to Emily Tedeschi with any questions.

Are Your Kids Going to Overnight Camp?
Our Rabbis and Morah Rivka Nelson want to write to your kids while they are at camp this summer! Please email Rabbi Marder or Rivka Nelson with their address.
Looking Ahead

Grove Park Shabbat
Friday, July 30 at 5:30 pm
Welcome Shabbat together in the park with blessings and a bring-your-own picnic dinner.

Young Family Friday – PJ Shabbat!
Friday, August 13 at 5:30 pm
Join Rabbi Marder, Morah Rivka Nelson and Jill Kimelman for a musical and engaging service for children and families in the outdoor tent. Children are welcome to attend in their PJs and bring a stuffed animal friend. Come at 5 pm to make a special Sh'ma pillowcase. Please email Morah Rivka if you'll join for the art project. The service will follow at 5:30. Bring a vegetarian dinner to picnic outside afterward. Whatever the weather, we will be covered by the tent!

We are excited to share that registration for our Beth El Teen Civil Rights trip to Georgia and Alabama is now open! The trip led by Teen Coordinator Talia Feldman and Rabbi Olitzky will take place Oct. 31-Nov. 2. Teens will visit Ebenezer Baptist church, the Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Museum, and many other important sites. The trip is open to rising 8th-12th graders.
Rosh Hashanah is Coming! Order Your Rosh Hashanah Honey and Benefit Beth El
Send a sweet greeting of kosher clover honey, complete with a personalized message, to your family and friends anywhere in the world. You can place your order through our fundraising site: orthoney.com/BEN. Each 8 oz. jar of honey is $13. Shipping is free until July 7 and $5.50/jar for orders placed after July 7. While orders will be accepted through the High Holidays, the deadline for guaranteed delivery before Rosh Hashanah is August 6. Please contact Aliza Weinstock with any questions.

Each year, Jews around the world spend the month leading up to High Holidays preparing themselves for the days of awe. During the month of Elul join Hadar and Rabbi Marder for a deep dive into teshuvah. Watch the kick off virtual lecture with Rabbi Shai Held on August 8 at 7:30 pm and then join Rabbi Marder for several sessions exploring different Jewish approaches to teshuvah. We’ll gather on August 8 ahead of the lecture, August 15, 22, and 29 at 7:30 pm. Our learning will conclude with another live virtual lecture on September 5 at 7:30 pm with Rabbi Held. Email Rabbi Marder to learn more and to RSVP.

Mazal Tov

Mazal Tov to Susan and William Adelson on the upcoming wedding of their daughter Rebecca Adelson to Quentin Cantu. Thank you to the Adelsons for sponsoring Kiddush this Shabbat in honor of their aufruf.

Mazal Tov to Merav Fine Braun and Adam Braun, and big brother, Doron, on the birth of a baby boy on July 16. We are helping them adjust to being a family of four by providing meals for them. Click here to sign up to bring them a meal.

Mazal Tov to Julia and Ben Henig, and big brother, Adin, on the birth of baby girl Skye on July 16. We are helping them adjust to being a family of four by providing meals for them. Click here to sign up to bring them a meal.
This Week
Friday, July 23
Saturday, July 24
Sunday, July 25

Monday, July 26
7:45 am: Morning Minyan
Tuesday, July 27
Wednesday, July 28
Thursday, July 29
Congregation Beth El is an inclusive, egalitarian synagogue affiliated with United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism, serving Essex, Union, and Morris counties. We can be reached by calling 
973-763-0111.

Jesse M. Olitzky, Rabbi
Rachel A. Marder, Rabbi
Steve Zeidwerg, Executive Director
Danielle Weitz, Director, Thelma K. Reisman Preschool  
Rivka Nelson, Director of Religious Education
Karen Freeman-Pettis, Assistant Director
Terry Pridgen, Coordinator of Maintenance Services

Jehiel Orenstein z"l, Rabbi Emeritus