April 15, 2021 • Volume 17 No. 42 |
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Dear chevrei (friends),
Today is 3 Iyar in the Hebrew Calendar, and Jewish Israelis are celebrating Yom HaAtzma'ut—Israel’s Independence Day, marking 73 years of Statehood. Traditionally, the Hebrew date is 5 Iyar; however, because of Shabbat falling on 5 Iyar, this year’s observance occurs a couple of days earlier.
Indeed, what a complex life Israel has experienced in its brief history. I recall being in Jerusalem for the 30th anniversary. The air was filled with hope and promise. Yom HaAtzma'ut in 1978 occurred barely six months following President Sadat’s historic address in the Knesset.
On that day, I was called up for mishmar ezrachi—Israel’s Civil Guard, and stood on the corner holding an M-1 rifle, as President Sadat’s limo sped by. I was breathless and gushing with excitement in the same moment. Yom HaAtzma'ut that year was marked by a remarkable concert in the valley in front David’s Citadel that cost 30 shekels--$7.50.
Forty-three years later, and how different the feel is in Israel today. Finding moments of unity is not an easy task. The past four elections reflect the deep divisions within Israel. In many ways Israel parallels our own United States in which American unity appears as an elusive ideal. In 1849, 73 years after the founding of America, our country was churning the wheels of discontent as seeds of opposition were being planted, only to sprout into The Civil War in 1861.
Every country has its peaks and valleys—triumphs and defeats. It is incumbent upon each generation to uphold the ideals upon which a country is founded and to pledge to realize those values and goals each and every year. Israel is a precious Jewish homeland and a country that has contributed much to the welfare of the world. Personally, it has shaped me in numerous ways, and I am grateful to have lived 1 ½ years of my life there. I often do not agree with its political positions; and, I have a profound love for its people and land. Not every American veteran supported all of the political or social mores of their time when they went to war; however, each soldier defended America’s honor on the battlefield.
Celebrating Independence Day, whether in Israel or the United States, is about touching the founding values of the country. The day must give pause and enable citizens the opportunity to stand proud and united—acknowledging that tomorrow there is still much work that needs to be done to ensure those values are passed l’dor va dor—from one generation to the next.
Happy Birthday Israel!
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Have You Read?
Have You Signed Up?
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Sisterhood Common Read
Sunday, April 25th, 10:00 am via Zoom
The Zoom event to discuss the book chosen for the Sisterhood Common Read is An Innocent Bystander: The Killing of Leon Klinghoffer, by Julie Salamon, who will be joining in!
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Don't Miss Other Events Below! |
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Shabbat Services: Friday, Saturday |
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Friday, April 16
6:00 pm Shabbat Evening Service (Casual Welcome and Conversation at 5:45 pm via Zoom Meeting ID: 885 5732 2368, Passcode: 7wW055) via LiveStream
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Saturday, April 17
9:00 am Shabbat Torah Study and Morning Blessings (Shabbat Greetings at 8:50 am via ZOOM Meeting ID: 820 2427 9550, Passcode: 2uRykB) with Rabbi Hirsch and via LiveStream
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Click for the online Shabbat Leaflet
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Temple Israel On-Going Programming |
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Daily Check-Ins can be found on the Temple Facebook page or in Connections on the Temple Website.
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Kehillah Shirah on Thursdays, 10:30 am via ZOOM ON-GOING.
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The Responsa Class is an opportunity to spend some study time with Rabbi Hirsch, on Fridays 9:00 am, discussing thought-provoking and interesting issues. Connect via ZOOM: Meeting ID: 206 879 5603 Passcode: 3GAeKM.
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Kehillah Shabbat on Friday, 10:30 am via ZOOM ON-GOING.
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Outdoor Movie Night - "The Mamboniks"
Saturday, May 1st, 7:30 pm IN-PERSON, limited capacity, $18 per family
This was a Sisterhood event that didn’t take place because of COVID last year, so it’s coming back THIS year, with the support of Brotherhood, who is co-sponsoring!
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Congregational Mitzvah Season
Among some....
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There is still more cloth for Project Linus Blankets. Contact Mia Egelberg to make arrangements to pick up more!
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Toni Hoffman and Berdie Stein welcome volunteers to the Temple Israel Cares Committee. As co-chairs they're very excited to have volunteers join them in carrying out the Temple Israel Cares mission and to care for the Temple Israel community.
Their first committee meeting will be THIS Tuesday, April 20th, 7:00 pm (zoom link to follow, upon request). Meanwhile please consider what activity you’d like to do - new initiatives include new member engagement with Shabbat bags and when allowed Shabbat dinners, more Temple care outreach, member activities, and baby blankets knitted/crocheted by volunteer members for Kehillah and community members.
Send your name(s) and contact information to either Toni Hoffman or Berdie Stein, Temple Israel Co-Chairs, and the Zoom link to join the first meeting will be forwarded.
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Temple Israel Cares: Temple Israel Cares offers our members support during times of joy and sorrow. We reach out to congregants during times of illness, bereavement, and celebration, furthering our mission of being a caring community rooted in Jewish ideals. |
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Spotlight - Camp Pinebrook |
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Honor Israel Independence Day with these great reads... |
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In the Community - Social Action News! |
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Westchester To Help Seniors Navigate Vaccine Appointment Process
Westchester County's Department of Seniors Programs & Services will be helping seniors navigate the vaccine appointment process.
The department has an information and assistance phone line that is available to help Westchester's seniors from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm weekdays at (914) 813-6300.
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To reach Temple Israel clergy or staff, click here.
Visit our website for more information.
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We are a community that adds meaning and purpose to modern lives through an inclusive approach to Judaism. We live our Jewish values in our worship, celebration, lifelong learning and Tikkun Olam–the repair of the world. |
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