June 10, 2021 • Volume 17 No. 50 |
|
Dear chevrei (friends),
Tomorrow begins the Hebrew month of Tamuz. Although, Tamuz is a summer month, often associated with blossoming trees and flowers, in Jewish history, the 17th of Tamuz marked the beginning of the destruction of both the first and second temples in Jerusalem—catastrophic moments in our people’s past. Surely the second temple’s destruction in 70 C.E. was a "lifequake" for the Jewish people. Despite the obvious mourning of lives lost, exile from a homeland and a way of ritual life forever altered, Judaism continued to thrive. The years and centuries that followed embraced a rich new chapter in Jewish history. The sacrificial system was replaced by prayer and the Talmud’s evolution helped to interpret biblical law and provided a blueprint for everyday Jewish life.
In the moment of change, whether or not traumatic, there is uncertainty and, perhaps, trepidation: So, too, for a congregation. Last year, I had no doubt some congregants (perhaps many) were skeptical as to what the coming year would look like with an interim rabbi. How would the congregation emerge whole from a schism that cut so deeply into the congregation’s spiritual core? I can’t say that total healing has happened over the past 11+ months, and, I do believe that the congregation is more whole—on much firmer ground. This positive change did not happen without many sacred partnerships forged over this past year. These partnerships helped to break down some of the barriers dividing precious constituent groups of the congregation: congregants, staff, and leadership. The new governance document adopted by the board and By-Law changes voted last night, lay the groundwork for massaging and strengthening those sacred partnerships and infusing the congregation with the Jewish values of kavod (respect/honor) and kedushah (holiness).
In August, when Rabbi Rosenbaum becomes the congregation’s next settled rabbi, he will be assuming the leadership of a congregation that has gone through its own winter and can see new life emerging, like small buds, for all to embrace.
Thank you for letting me be part of your sacred journey. May you go from strength to strength.
Shabbat Shalom,
|
|
Shabbat Services: Friday, Saturday |
|
Friday, June 11
10:30 am Kehillah Shabbat via Zoom
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
Click here here for In-Person Shabbat Service Limited-Capacity Friday services. LiveStreaming will also be available.
|
|
Saturday, June 12
9:00 am Shabbat Torah Study and Morning Blessings (Shabbat Greetings at 8:50 am) with Rabbi Hirsch ZOOM (Meeting ID: 820 2427 9550, Passcode: 2uRykB)
5:00 pm Shabbat Afternoon Service/Bat Mitzvah Hannah Manasse via LiveStream
|
|
|
Click for the online Shabbat Leaflet
|
|
SAVE THE DATE
Saying Goodbye to Rabbi Hirsch!
Friday, June 11th, 6:00 pm
Shabbat Evening Service followed by oneg
|
|
|
Temple Israel Events & Opportunities! |
|
|
|
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.
LAST CLASS is TOMORROW FRIDAY JUNE 11TH. In-person or Zoom
|
|
|
|
Temple Israel's Oral History Project
One of the oldest human (and Jewish) traditions is story-telling. Now at Temple Israel, we are continuing a project to collect our stories.
Temple Israel is a congregation of hundreds of families, each with its own stories.
|
|
We need someone with technical expertise. Are you a high school or college student? Do you need community service hours? Contact Warren Agatston if you're interested
|
|
|
|
Congregational Mitzvah Season
See how you can make a difference!
|
|
|
|
Thinking About Camp?
Check out these titles...
|
Questions on Camp Books? Contact Stephanie, the Temple Librarian, at (914) 636-1204 or email stephkras11@gmail.com
|
|
Inter-Religious Coalition / Social Action Committee |
|
This Food Drive began Friday May 28th, and will continue through Thursday June 24th. The Temple is open Monday - Friday, socially distanced with a mask.
Please bring your donated food items and put in the Social Action Corner bin at Temple Israel. Monetary contributions are also always welcome. Mail to: HOPE Community Services, 50 Washington Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10801. Or, click here to donate on-line.
Click for more information on this Food Drive.
|
|
Temple Topics
bi-monthly bulletin
|
|
You can connect with clergy through Daily Clergy Check-Ins which can be found in Connections on the Temple Website.
|
Mission Statement
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
