Preview for Shabbat 9/23-24/11

September 22nd, 2011 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Shabbat Preview

Thursday, September 22, 2011 – 23 Elul 5771
Preview for Shabbat Nitzavim/Vayelekh

Saturday, September 24: 7 PM – Minha, followed by S`likhot program – Kol Nidrei – 18 Voices – a stunning documentary on the history and impact of Kol Nidrei, followed by S`likhot services – OPEN TO ALL

SERMONIC OPPORTUNITITES
If you would like to give a Dvar Torah, the following dates are available, please let me know:
Friday, October 21 – 8 PM service
Saturday, October 22 – 9:30 AM service
Friday, October 28 – 8 PM service
Saturday, October 29 – 9:30 AM service

UPCOMING EVENT REMINDERS:

A. Sunday, September 25:
1. 9 AM: Morning Minyan & Religious School
2. 7:45 PM: Evening Minyan

B. Saturday, October 1, 9:30 AM: Minyanaires Shabbat – Join us in honoring our dedicated Minyanim on Saturday, October 1 for Minyanaire Shabbat. The service will be followed by a special Kiddush luncheon in their honor, sponsored by the Temple Board. If you are a minyan regular and would like to participate in this service at any level, please let us know

C. Thursday, October 6, 8 PM: Coffee & Clergy Corner – Springfield Barnes & Noble: Rabbi Mallach & Reverend David Knecht, Holy Cross Lutheran Church – will lead a topical discussion on issues that we all face – OPEN TO ALL – this is the inaugural evening for this event

D. Saturday, October 15, 9:30 AM: The Kiddush Luncheon will be sponsored this Shabbat by Kate Stern in commemoration of the 1st Yahrzeit of her husband, Martin, may his memory be for a blessing

You can also visit my website at: http://ridinrebbe.com/

For updated information go to: http://www.tbaynj.org/

II. September 23, 2011 – 25 Elul: Shabbat Nitzavim/Vayelekh

A. Candle Lighting Time: 6:35 PM
B. 8 PM: Kabbalat Shabbat services
1. Kiddush Soloist: Lesley Brooks
2. Sermon Theme – Healing Service
3. L`kavod Shabbat – Special Honors
a. Responsive Readings:
b. Open Ark for Aleinu:
4. Bima Officers: Jeff Scherzer & Scott Rothbort
5. Oneg Shabbat: Sponsored by the Women’s League

II. Saturday, September 24, 2011 – 25 Elul: Shabbat Nitzavim/Vayelekh

A. 9:30 AM: Shaharit L`Shabbat in the Sanctuary:
1. Shabbat Coordinator: Marilyn Garlen
2. Baal Tefillah Preliminary Service (Prayer Leader): Larry Horwitz
3. Baal Tefillah Shaharit: Lesley Brooks
4. Dvar Torah: Rabbi
5. Baalai Koreh (Torah Readers): Ken Melman & Lesley Brooks

6. Baal Maftir (Haftorah Reader): Lesley Brooks
7. Gabbayim (Torah Proctors): ?
8. Baal Tefillah Musaf: Rochelle Shvartsman
9. Special Aliyot

IF YOU WOULD LIKE AN ALIYAH, PLEASE LET US KNOW!!!!!
a. Congregational Aliyah:
b. B`nai Mitzvah Anniversary Aliyah:

10. Bima Officers Scheduled: Jeff Scherzer & Scott Rothbort
11. The Kiddush luncheon following services is sponsored by EAC
B. 10:30 AM: Youth Services ARE in session
1. Grades 4 – 6 are in the Chapel
2. Mini-Minyan, grades K – 3 are in classroom # 2
3. 10:30 AM: “BABYSITTING & BLESSINGS”

C. 12:30 PM: Exploring Judaism Class: Belonging (AHM YISRAEL) – this class will meet in the Board Room approximately 20 minutes after the conclusion of Shabbat morning services – ALL ARE WELCOME – it is geared to those potentially interested in exploring conversion or those who just want to explore and learn more

Next Shabbat: Shabbat – Haazinu – Shabbat Shuvah

NEXT POTENTIAL CONGREGATIONAL ISRAEL TOUR
There have been inquiries about the next potential congregation Israel tour, such an event depends on several factors:
1. Currently exploring departure dates for the end of June, 2012
2. Having a nucleus of participants to make it viable – 20 adult minimum
3. Having a chairman to organize
If anyone is interested, please let me know and we can discuss the possibilities (NOTE: HAVE GOTTEN MANY RESPONSES, INTEREST IS CLEARLY GROWING… it is looking better & better, but REALLY do need a chairman…)

Shabbat Shalom

Dvar Torah: Ki Tavo 5771

September 15th, 2011 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Sermons

And walk in God’s ways (Deuteronomy 28:9)
והלכת בדרכיו (דברים כח:ט)

Shabbat Shalom.
I attended an event during the week together with Rabbis Josh Goldstein of Shaa`rey Shalom and Chayim Marcus of Congregation Israel. As we waited for the event to begin, Rabbi Marcus asked the 2 of us if we thought Springfield would support a fleishig kosher Chinese restaurant. It would be certainly nice to have such a restaurant in town, and we can only hope that it gets such support, but the track record of kosher establishments in town has been pathetic, except for Bagels Supreme.
The conversation then turned to kosher delis in the area, and when one such was mentioned, I responded that I don’t permit their entry into our building. When Rabbi Goldstein asked me why; I explained that this establishment is Hillul Shabbat, that it violates the Sabbath. Rabbi Goldstein’s response surprised me, he said, “It’s good to see a representative of liberal Judaism take a stand on halakha!”
As you all well know, there are clear differences of interpretation between the movements when it comes to halakha, which begs the question: What is Halakha?
The most common translation is law. In this week’s Torah portion, Ki Tavo, we find the original use of this word: והלכת בדרכיו – And walk in God’s ways (Deuteronomy 28:9).
Moshe is advising the Israelites that they are to “walk in God’s ways.” Sound advice, indeed, but how does the verb holekh – to walk, become halakha – law?
Rather than viewing the phrase “and walk in God’s ways” as good advice, most authorities consider this verse to be one of the 613 commandments, instructing us to follow in the ways of God; meaning, to obey God’s commandments.
However, I found one commentator that gives a slightly different spin to this verse, Rabbi Yosef Albo, 15th C. Spain, (Sefer Ikkarim (essay 3, chapter 29) explains that והלכת בדרכיו – And walk in God’s ways means that we must follow God’s ways of kindness. “Just as God is compassionate, so must you be compassionate…just as God performs acts of kindness, so too you must perform acts of kindness.” He further teaches, paraphrasing the Talmud (Sotah 14a), that this verse commands us to clothe the naked, visit the sick and bury the dead, as well as perform other acts of kindness in our quest to emulate the ways of God.
What a delightful way to understand the concept of halakha! Instead of the minutia of how to keep kosher; Albo emphasizes the importance of extending our hands to help those in need.
Likewise, our Sages taught in Perkei Avot, the Ethics of our Ancestors, 1:2: Ahl sh`loshim d`varim ha`olam o`made – On 3 things the world stands – ahl haTorah – ahl haAhvadoh – on worship – v`ahl gemillut chasadim – on deeds of loving kindness. Indeed, gemillut chasadim—acts of loving kindness—represent one of the three major pillars upon which the world rests.
This week’s Torah portion invites us to “walk in God’s ways,” and as we prepare for the upcoming High Holy Day season, I invite each of you to find ways to engage in acts of gemillut chasadim, and thus, we build a stronger base for our community and our world to stand upon!
Kain y`hee ratzon – ALUASA.

Prvw 4 Shabbat Ki Tavo 5771 – 9/16-17/11

September 15th, 2011 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Shabbat Preview

Thursday, September 15, 2011 – 16 Elul 5771
Preview for Shabbat Ki Tavo

ACT NOW!
Sign Petition to Oppose Palestinian Unilateral Declaration of Independence by September 19th
This September, the United Nations General Assembly will hold a vote on whether to endorse a unilaterally declared Palestinian state. It is imperative that we are prepared to oppose this initiative. The Community Relations Committee of MetroWest and Central NJ (CRC) has co-sponsored an online petition with the Israel Action Network (IAN) to reject Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) and promote bilateral negotiations. Help prevent new flames of violence in the Middle East and support a mutually negotiated peace. Speak out in opposition to the UDI by signing the petition and sharing the link with your family and friends. Take action now!

Babysitting and Blessings.
We are excited about a new program this year, Babysitting and Blessings.
This program is offered every Shabbat morning, beginning September 24, during our Shabbat services.

We are delighted when parents bring their children to Shabbat Services, which begin at 9:30 am in the Main Sanctuary. Babysitting and Blessings then begins at 10:30 am in Room 10 with our Early Childhood Program teachers Cheryl Gottfried and Orlanda Nissani. Your children can join their friends for familiar games, stories and snacks while you enjoy a relaxing and meditative service in the sanctuary.

Join us for a delicious Kiddush luncheon and visit with your friends following the service each week.
.
UPCOMING EVENT REMINDERS:

A. Sunday, September 18:
1. 9 AM: Morning Minyan & Religious School
2. 7:45 PM: Evening Minyan

B. Thursday, Sept 15, 7:45 PM: Torah on Tap
C. Friday, September 23: 8 PM: Shabbat Service + Healing Service
D. Saturday, September 24: 7 PM – Minha, followed by S`likhot program – Kol Nidrei – 18 Voices – a stunning documentary on the history and impact of Kol Nidrei, followed by S`likhot services – OPEN TO ALL
E. Saturday, October 1, 9:30 AM: Minyanaires Shabbat – Join us in honoring our dedicated Minyanim on Saturday, October 1 for Minyanaire Shabbat. The service will be followed by a special Kiddush luncheon in their honor, sponsored by the Temple Board. If you are a minyan regular and would like to participate in this service at any level, please let us know

F. Thursday, October 6, 8 PM: Coffee & Clergy Corner – Springfield Barnes & Noble: Rabbi Mallach & Reverend David Knecht, Holy Cross Lutheran Church – will lead a topical discussion on issues that we all face – OPEN TO ALL – this is the inaugural evening for this event

G. Saturday, October 15, 9:30 AM: The Kiddush Luncheon will be sponsored this Shabbat by Kate Stern in commemoration of the 1st Yahrzeit of her husband, Martin, may his memory be for a blessing

You can also visit my website at: http://ridinrebbe.com/

For updated information go to: http://www.tbaynj.org/

II. September 16, 2011 – 18 Elul: Shabbat Ki Tavo

A. Candle Lighting Time: 6:48 PM
B. 8 PM: Kabbalat Shabbat services
1. Kiddush Soloist: Cantor
2. Sermon Theme –
3. L`kavod Shabbat – Special Honors
a. Responsive Readings: Psalm 98 – Isabell Adler
b. Open Ark for Aleinu: Jules Wasserman
4. Bima Officers: Pam Kornspan & Marietta Peskin
5. Oneg Shabbat: Sponsored by the Women’s League

II. Saturday, September 17, 2011 – 18 Elul: Shabbat Ki Tavo

A. 9:30 AM: Shaharit L`Shabbat in the Sanctuary:
1. Shabbat Coordinator: Larry Horwitz
2. Baal Tefillah Preliminary Service (Prayer Leader): Larry Horwitz
3. Baal Tefillah Shaharit: Cantor
4. Dvar Torah: Rabbi
5. Baalai Koreh (Torah Readers): Ken Melman &

6. Baal Maftir (Haftorah Reader):
7. Gabbayim (Torah Proctors): ?
8. Baal Tefillah Musaf: Cantor
9. Special Aliyot

IF YOU WOULD LIKE AN ALIYAH, PLEASE LET US KNOW!!!!!
a. Congregational Aliyah:
b. B`nai Mitzvah Anniversary Aliyah:

10. Bima Officers Scheduled: Pam Kornspan & Marietta Peskin
11. The Kiddush luncheon following services is sponsored by EAC
B. 10:30 AM: Youth Services ARE in session
1. Grades 4 – 6 are in the Chapel
2. Mini-Minyan, grades K – 3 are in classroom # 2
3. 10:30 AM: “BABYSITTING & BLESSINGS”

C. 12:30 PM: Exploring Judaism Class: Doing (AN APPROACH TO MITZVOT) – this class will meet in the Board Room approximately 20 minutes after the conclusion of Shabbat morning services – ALL ARE WELCOME – it is geared to those potentially interested in exploring conversion or those who just want to explore and learn more

Next Shabbat: Shabbat Nitzavim-Vayelekh

NEXT POTENTIAL CONGREGATIONAL ISRAEL TOUR
There have been inquiries about the next potential congregation Israel tour, such an event depends on several factors:
1. Currently exploring departure dates for the end of June, 2012
2. Having a nucleus of participants to make it viable – 20 adult minimum
3. Having a chairman to organize
If anyone is interested, please let me know and we can discuss the possibilities (NOTE: HAVE GOTTEN MANY RESPONSES, INTEREST IS CLEARLY GROWING… it is looking better & better, but REALLY do need a chairman…)

Shabbat Shalom

TTT: Ki Tavo 5771 – 9/13/11

September 15th, 2011 by admin | No Comments | Filed in TTT

Torah Thoughts for Today
Shabbat Ki Tavo 5771
Rabbi Mark Mallach
Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael, Springfield, NJ

TONIGHT!!!!! TWO BIG KICK-OFFS!!!!
Teen Institute – Grades 8 – 11
Attn: All parents of a student in 8th through 11th grade – This evening, September 13, 2011, at 6:15 PM, is the opening BBQ & Session of Teen Institute, our temple’s Hebrew High School program, taking place in the temple’s courtyard. POI: Recent studies have documented the profoundly positive effect that such programs have on the solid level of Jewish identity in young Jewish adults who have attended a Hebrew High School program. We know how over-programmed our kids are in this day and age, but shouldn’t there be time to squeeze in building a stronger Jewish identity?
BTW: this program is open to ALL Jewish teens

READ HEBREW AMERICA CRASH HEBREW READING CLASS & Adult Bnai Mitzvah Class Starting!
Do you want to learn how to read Hebrew or brush up on your Alef Bet for an upcoming Simha? TBAY is offering a FREE 5 week Hebrew Reading Crash Course sponsored by Read Hebrew America, on Tuesdays at 7:30 pm, beginning September 13. This class is open to all! Refreshments will be provided.
Following the completion of our Hebrew Reading Crash Course, we will begin a new Adult B’nai Mitvzah class, also on Tuesdays. If you did not have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah and are interested in fulfilling this rite of passage, this class is perfect for you! Learn prayer in the Siddur, Haftorah and Torah portions, practice with speeches and receive guidance and support throughout the process. There is a fee for the two year B’nai Mitzvah class but confidential financial support is available. Please contact the synagogue office (973-376-0539 ext 13) for more information.
Babysitting and Blessings.
We are excited about a new program this year, Babysitting and Blessings.
This program is offered every Shabbat morning, beginning September 24, during our Shabbat services.

We are delighted when parents bring their children to Shabbat Services, which begin at 9:30 am in the Main Sanctuary. Babysitting and Blessings then begins at 10:30 am in Room 10 with our Early Childhood Program teachers Cheryl Gottfried and Orlanda Nissani. Your children can join their friends for familiar games, stories and snacks while you enjoy a relaxing and meditative service in the sanctuary.

Join us for a delicious Kiddush luncheon and visit with your friends following the service each week.

NEXT POTENTIAL CONGREGATIONAL ISRAEL TOUR
There have been inquiries about the next potential congregation Israel tour, such an event depends on several factors:
1. Currently exploring departure dates for the end of June, 2012
2. Having a nucleus of participants to make it viable – 20 adult minimum
3. Having a chairman to organize
If anyone is interested, please let me know and we can discuss the possibilities (NOTE: HAVE GOTTEN MANY RESPONSES, INTEREST IS CLEARLY GROWING…)

IMPORTANT NOTES FOLLOW BELOW
PARASHAT KI TAVO
September 17, 2011- 18 Elul 5771
Annual: Deut. 26:1 – 29:8 (Etz Hayim, p. 1140; Hertz p. 859)
Triennial: Deut. 26:1 – 27:10 (Etz Hayim, p. 1140; Hertz p. 859)
Haftarah: Isaiah 60:1 – 22 (Etz Hayim, p. 1161; Hertz p. 874)
(Prepared by Rabbi Joseph Prouser, Baldwin, New York)
SUMMARY:
The Israelites are commanded to present the first fruits of their produce to the Priest at God’s chosen shrine. The worshipper is then to recite a declaration familiar to modern Jews from the Passover Haggadah: “Arami oved avi… My ancestor was a wandering Aramean…” This recitation of Israelite origins represents the very first scripted liturgy for Jewish worship and reflects our liturgy’s emphasis on historical experience. A prescribed verbal declaration, including a request for God’s blessing (“from your holy abode, from heaven”) similarly accompanies the tithe that Israelites provide for the support of Levites and strangers, widows and orphans.
The Israelites are admonished once again to be faithful to God and God’s commandments; God’s reciprocal devotion to His chosen people is assured.
When they will cross the Jordan to enter the Promised Land, Israel is commanded to erect stone pillars, coated with plaster, on which God’s laws are to be inscribed. These steles are to be dedicated with sacrifices to be offered on an altar of unhewn stone that the Israelites are instructed to build on Mount Ebal.
Israel prepares for the recitation of blessings and curses. (The ceremonious presentation was prescribed earlier, in parashat Re’eh.) The tribes of Shimon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin are assigned to Mount Gerezim for the blessing; Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zevulun, Dan, and Naphtali are to be present on Mount Ebal for the curses. Twelve specific sins (some would say, eleven specific sins and a final, generalized description of sin) are detailed, identified as worthy of being cursed, and individually acknowledged as such by a collective, national “Amen.” Offenses of cultic, sexual, moral, and violent character are included among these execrable sins.
Blessings for compliance with God’s commandments are given: “Blessed shall you be in the city and blessed shall you be in the country, Blessed shall be the issue of your womb. The Lord will make you the head, not the tail.” (This last blessing customarily is repeated on Rosh Hashanah eve.) These are followed by a further statement of largely parallel curses for Israelite disobedience to God: “Cursed shall you be in the city and cursed shall you be in the country. Cursed shall be the issue of your womb.” Thi passage, called the tochechah exhortation, includes particularly vile curses: “Your carcasses shall become food for all the birds of the sky. The Lord will strike you with the Egyptian inflammation, with hemorrhoids, boil scars. madness, blindness, and dismay.” Remarkably, the Torah reader customarily substitutes prescribed euphemism for the harshest of the Hebrew terms! So feared was this scriptural passage, nevertheless, that some communities have a history of skipping the section entirely. Others have required the Torah reader or shamas to accept this aliyah as a condition of employment. Still others, instead of assigning so unseemly a text as a Torah “honor,” simply announced “Yaamod mi she-yirtzeh” – “Let whoever wants it come forward!” In any case, it is common to read these verses quickly and quietly, dispensing with so unpleasant a text with all possible dispatch.
The parashah concludes with a firm admonition (for those who missed the message in the previous section!?) faithfully to adhere to God’s covenant, and to recognize in Israel’s historic experience God’s miraculous guidance and beneficent, providential care.

For your consideration:

The section that elucidates the Blessings and Curses is powerful and dramatic; it also resonates into our modern era. Israel is once again at the crossroads of standing between blessings and curses. The blessings: a country that continues to be our Jewish National Homeland, a source of technological innovation to the world, a truly democratic island in the midst of Middle Eastern turmoil, and the only true partner that the USA has for peace in the region. The curses: Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, Syria and internal social turmoil.

Your thoughts as always…

REMINDERS:

A. Thursday, Sept 15, 7:45 PM: Torah on Tap
B. Friday, September 23: 8 PM: Shabbat Service + Healing Service
C. Thursday, October 6, 8 PM: Coffee & Clergy Corner – Springfield Barnes & Noble: Rabbi Mallach & Reverend David Knecht, Holy Cross Lutheran Church – will lead a topical discussion on issues that we all face – OPEN TO ALL – this is the inaugural evening for this event

You can also visit my website at: http://ridinrebbe.com/

For updated information go to: http://www.tbaynj.org/

UDI- Unilaterl Declaration of Indepence

September 12th, 2011 by admin | No Comments | Filed in TBAY in The News

On 9/20 a motion will come before the UN Security Council to grant “member-state” status to Palestine (UDI), go to the IAN site below for more information:

Israel Action Network also shared a link.
Publications
www.washingtoninstitute.org