Beth El logo - no address
July 29- August 5
20 Av - 27 Av
High Holidays 5782


Click on the video to watch a message from Rabbis Olitzky and Marder about our exciting plans for High Holiday Services 5782. Then, register to attend in-person services by August 13!

This Week
Parashat Ekev: A Legacy of Peace

By Rabbi Marcus Mordecai Schwartz
JTS Torah Online

Why do we still need kohanim? What purpose do hereditary priests—the descendants of Aaron—serve in a culture that appoints religious leaders based primarily on education? Whatever authority rabbis have stems mostly from their knowledge and individual personalities, but the kohanim inherit theirs. Leviticus 21 describes the kohanim as a holy caste who, due to nothing other than heredity, assume the religious leadership of B’nei Yisrael. Their heritage is not land, like the other clans of Israel; rather, their legacy is God, Sanctuary, and sacrifice alone. Click here to continue reading.
Friday, July 30 at 5:30 pm
Welcome Shabbat together in the park with blessings and a bring-your-own picnic dinner.

Saturday, July 30 at 9:30 am
We ask that all attendees remain masked while indoors. As part of the Summer Darshan series, we are honored that Seth Wainer 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 30 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 Olitzky and Ira Levin. The service will be held on the grassy area adjacent to the tent.
Learn to Leyn
Thursday, July 29 at 8:00 pm
Join Rabbi Marder for the final Torah trope class tonight. Click here to join via Zoom.

Restorative Justice
Did you miss the panel session in which Rabbi Olitzky participated last week on policing and restorative justice in Maplewood? Watch the recorded session 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

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!

Neshama Minyan
Friday, August 27 at 6:00 pm
We are thrilled to announce that our musical, meditative Kabbalat Shabbat service is back - outdoors! We'll begin with a community dinner at 6:00 pm, followed by the service at 7:00 pm. Register here for dinner following the service.

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.
Mazal Tov

Mazal Tov to Lori Klinghoffer on receiving the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award from National Women's Philanthropy of Jewish Federations of America.
This Week
Friday, July 30

Saturday, July 31
Sunday, August 1

Monday, August 2
7:45 am: Morning Minyan
Tuesday, August 3
Wednesday, August 4
Thursday, August 5
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