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Shir Chadash Newsletter
December 21 - December 27, 2023
9 Tevet - 15 Tevet 5784
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Please be aware that due to security concerns, we are, for the time being, implementing a new security protocol in which we will require Photo ID from non-members or unfamiliar faces joining us for services. We hope you understand and still decide to join us in prayer as we observe and celebrate Shabbat. | |
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Dear Shir Chadash community,
As the war in Israel continues, one area of concern which we may not have focused upon – but should – is Israel’s economy. How can we support Israel’s economy despite being six thousand miles away? I’ll offer three suggestions, but of course you are free to find others which suit your personal tastes.
My perennial favorite is Jerusalem’s Yad la-Kashish, or Lifeline for the Elderly. This workshop employs senior citizens skilled in various handicrafts to produce items for sale, ranging from challah covers to Chanukkah menorahs. You can donate through their website, which also offers the option to donate via check through the American Friends office in New Jersey.
A second possibility is Israel bonds. Now Israel bonds are investments, not outright gifts. As a result, you can afford to be far more generous, since ultimately the money will be restored. In many cases, you can purchase money through your 401-K, so if you aren’t planning to access all your money right now, perhaps you can make a purchase and lend Israel funds for a few years. Shir Chadash recently purchased an Israel bond on behalf of the congregation.
The final suggestion is that old standby, JNF. JNF doesn’t merely plant trees. It is today involved in all sorts of infrastructure projects. As always, you can donate in small amounts or large amounts, and you can give online or by check.
If you need additional help, the leadership of both Shir Chadash and of the New Orleans Jewish community, are here to assist you. Below, you will find a list of resources which can help, whether you are seeking pastoral support, an opportunity for pro-Israel advocacy, or a chance to help Israel financially. Please feel free to take advantage of these resources as fully as you like. And if you need additional help, please feel free to call us in the office.
Rabbi Scott Hoffman
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PASTORAL CARE
These are unprecedented times and we understand that some may need an extra helping hand or someone to talk to. Whether you are one of the many in our community who have friends, family, or loved ones in Israel, or you need a compassionate ear to help come to grips with this past week's events, please don't hesitate to reach out to Rabbi Hoffman at the office, 504-889-1144, or by email at rabbiscott@shirchadash.org.
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RESOURCES
We are fortunate enough to have several Jewish organizations, both local and national, that are continually updating their websites with resources that may be helpful in navigating this difficult time. Please see some below:
The Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans
The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
For those who wish to directly serve the country’s needs in Israel, these short-term volunteer opportunities are available to explore:
Jewish National Fund (four days of structured group volunteering per mission)
Volunteers for Israel (1-3 week stints of non-combat service on an IDF base)
Camp Ramah is developing Solidarity and Service trips to Israel for adults, teens, and college students - To Sign up to receive updates, fill out this form.
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The synagogues of West Esplanade, Shir Chadash, Beth Israel, Gates of Prayer, and Chabad, are joining together with a very special initiative to pray for Israel by collectively reciting the entire book of Psalms as a community each week that the Israel-Hamas war is ongoing.
Congregants are encouraged to sign up for one psalm each, which they will commit to reciting, in Hebrew or English, once weekly.
Together, with the power of our community and our faith, we can do our spiritual part to support Israel!
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JFS (Jewish Family Service) is offering free counseling to Israeli members of our Greater New Orleans community. Simply call (504) 831-8475 and ask for Michelle or email her at michelle@jfsneworleans.org. | | | |
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Lev Orly Langberg-Chalew
was born at 5:30 AM on
December 14, 2023, to proud parents Hannah Chalew & Sam Langberg.
Mazel tov to our excited new big sister, Izzy Langberg-Chalew and proud new Grandparents, Stuart & Gail Chalew !
Welcome to the world, Lev!
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Nechama Devorah Eisenstadter, weighing in at 6 lbs 15 ounces, was born December 16, 2023, to proud parents Rebecca & Avi Eisenstadter of Memphis, TN.
Mazel tov to our proud new Great Grandparents, Sue Rae & Ken Bishop. Congratulations also to proud Grandparents, Joel & Naomi Brown.
Welcome to the world, Nechama!
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Shir Chadash Calendar
All links have migrated to our webpage. Click here to get there!
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Friday, December 22nd
6:15 pm, Shabbat Evening Services
Saturday, December 23rd
9:30 am, Shabbat Morning Services, followed by Kiddush lunch sponsored by Marcela & Ricardo Totah in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary and Ellen & Stan Kessler in honor of their 39th wedding anniversary
10 am, Babysitting
Sunday, December 24th
NO SHUL SCHOOL - WINTER BREAK
9:15 am, Minyan with Men's Club, followed by breakfast
10:30 am, Games with Sisterhood
12 pm, Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal Ceremony - RSVP to Carol Berman at commandernolap580jwv@gmail.com
Monday, December 25th
OFFICE CLOSED
5:30 pm, Chai-nese Dinner & Movie - Inquire with the office at (504) 889-1144 or shirchadash@shirchadash.org
regarding the purchase of late tickets.
Wednesday, December 27th
10 am, Sisterhood Class: The Bible Says...That?
Thursday, December 28th
8 am, Morning Minyan on Zoom
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Friday, December 29th
6:15 pm, Shabbat Evening Services
Saturday, December 30th
9:30 am, Shabbat Morning Services, followed by Kiddush lunch sponsored by Sandy & Elliott Raisen in honor of their granddaughter, Sarah's, wedding to Justin Satzman
10 am, Babysitting
Sunday, December 31st - New Year's Eve
NO SHUL SCHOOL - WINTER BREAK
9:15 am, Minyan with Men's Club, followed by breakfast
Monday, January 1st - New Year's Day
OFFICE CLOSED
Wednesday, January 3rd
10 am, Sisterhood Class: The Bible Says...That?
Thursday, January 4th
8 am, Morning Minyan on Zoom
Friday, January 5th
6:15 pm, Shabbat Evening Services
Saturday, January 6th
9:30 am, Shabbat Morning Services, followed by Kiddush lunch
10 am, Babysitting
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Shir Chadash Events & Announcements | |
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REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED
Inquire with the office at (504) 889-1144 or shirchadash@shirchadash.org
regarding the purchase of late tickets.
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CLASSES WITH RABBI HOFFMAN | |
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Great Jewish Novels
(of the 20th Century)
Once a month, Tuesdays, 7 PM
@ Rabbi Hoffman's Home
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Next Class: January 9th
"The Bread Givers"
by Anzia Yezierska
The twentieth century saw the flourishing of multiple genres of Jewish literature. Great novels were written in pre-war Europe, the newly-established state of Israel, and the first immigrant generation in the United States. Come and discuss the ways in which this literature shaped, and was shaped by, our Jewish world.
Please RSVP to Rabbi Hoffman at rabbiscott@shirchadash.org
Click here for the full 2023-2024 schedule and book list
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Lunch & Learn:
Codes of Jewish Law
With gratitude to the Nat Leon Fund
Once a month, Tuesdays, 11 AM
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Next Class: January 16th
Join Rabbi Hoffman for a one-hour session followed by a delicious catered lunch, provided free of charge thanks to the generosity of the Nat Leon Fund. We will be looking at the various codes of Jewish law and see how Jewish sources have wrestled with questions both timeless and current. You do not need to bring anything but a hunger to learn – and perhaps a hunger for lunch. Translations will be based, wherever possible, upon the materials found in www.sefaria.org.
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Sisterhood Class: The Bible Says... That?
Wednesdays. 10 AM
In-person and available on Zoom
The so-called “historical” books of the Bible – that is, Judges, Joshua, I/II Samuel, and I/II Kings are filled with exciting and colorful stories. But are these stories satirical? Are they filled with hidden messages? Are they both didactic and entertaining? Come and join us for an exploration of these books of the Bible and learn that our ancestors’ tastes were not always far removed from our own. All materials will be provided, so just come and enjoy.
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Minyan will be in the Chapel
at 9:15 am, followed by breakfast.
Zoom participation remains an option.
Everyone welcome!
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Thursday Shacharit Minyan | |
Join us at 8 am for our
virtual weekday minyan.
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Click here for the most recent
Family Newsletter
to learn more about upcoming
children's programming!
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Click here for the most recent Shul School Recap!
If you have not yet registered your child(ren) and wish to enroll them,
please do so HERE or contact
Chaviva Sands at educationdirector@shirchadash.org.
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Top 10 Reasons to Join Sisterhood! | |
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10. Sisterhood needs & values you
9. Interesting discussions & conversations
8. Opportunities to learn new skills
7. Being a part of something bigger than yourself
6. Connections to individuals around the world
5. Longest ongoing Torah study class in NOLA
4. Innovative programming
3. Increased longevity & decreased stress
2. Unmatched support system
1. Lasting friendships
For details about membership, dues payments, or contributing, please click HERE.
Information and/or questions, contact Charisse Sands at 504-231-6464 or annsandsc@aol.com (Sisterhood in subject line)
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It’s time to order your 2024 Mah Jongg cards. A portion of each card sold is donated to Shir Chadash Sisterhood. Thank you for your support!
The selling of Mah Jongg cards last year earned $365 for Shir Chadash Sisterhood.
Regular cards are $14 and large cards are $15.
To order a card, please send a check made out to:
Harriet Hillson
4839 Bissonet Dr.
Metairie, LA 70003.
The deadline for ordering cards is January 26, 2024.
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Come play Mah Jongg at Shir Chadash once a month on Sundays at 10:30 AM!
New and experienced players are welcome!
Upcoming Dates: December 24 | January 28 | February 18 | March 17
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UPCOMING CLASSES & PROGRAMMING! | |
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Games with Sisterhood
Monthly, Sundays at 10:30 AM
Next Session: December 24th
Join us at Shir Chadash for Mah Jongg, Rummikub, or bring a game of your choice and friends. Snacks and coffee provided.
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Rosh Chodesh Gathering & Learning
Monthly, Sundays at 10:30 AM
Next Session: January 7th
Rosh Chodesh is a special time for women to gather and learn. This year Sisterhood will be studying the Girls in Trouble curriculum, a project of Alicia Jo Rabins. We will follow individual women through their stories in the Torah by engaging in studying Torah text, considering the story’s relevance to our own lives, and generating our own creative interpretations. This curriculum brings biblical women to life, demonstrating the power of these often understudied stories and highlighting the ways in which they can help us navigate our own complicated lives.
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Community Events and Announcements | |
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The Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal was created to honor, recognize and thank Louisiana veterans for their honorable military service. Medals are available to all honorably discharged Louisiana veterand to the families of those killed in action.
The Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal is available with a blue ribbon for honorable discharge; a purple ribbon for Purple Heart recipients; a black ribbon for Prisoners of War; and a yellow ribbon for those killed in action.
The Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal Ceremony will be held at Shir Chadash THIS Sunday, December 24th at noon. Light refreshments will be served – we are asking for RSVPs to Carol Berman at commandernolap580jwv@gmail.com for logistical requirements (seating and refreshments).
For more information on the ceremony or how to participate, please contact Carol at the above e-mail address.
|  | The Marriage Box: Inspired by New Orleans-native author Corie Adjmi's own life, The Marriage Box follows Casey Cohen, a carefree 16-year-old cheerleader who gets in with the wrong crowd and is abruptly relocated from the Big Easy to the Big Apple, where she is suddenly pulled into an unfamiliar, insular world of Shabbat dinners, religious school, and marriage prospects. Adjmi will join us at the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience for an in-person author talk on January 10th at 6:30pm, sharing stories of her Southern upbringing, the culture shock of moving between two very different worlds, and how she has managed to find – and create – her own sense of Jewish meaning. This is a free, in-person event. | |
Now on exhibit at the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, “A Better Life for Their Children: Julius Rosenwald, Booker T. Washington, and the 4,978 Schools that Changed America” is an evocative series of black-and-white photographs by Andrew Feiler memorializing the Rosenwald schools, a network of nearly 5,000 modest schoolhouses built to educate underserved Black students in the segregated south. The project, the joint dream of a Jewish philanthropist and a Black educator, narrowed the Black-white education gap that plagued Southern and border states, strengthened Black-Jewish relations, paved the way for the civil rights movement, and helped to build a new African American middle class. | |
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Contact Us
OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 3 PM
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