TTT: Vayera 5772

Torah Thoughts for Today
Shabbat Vayera 5772
Rabbi Mark Mallach
Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael, Springfield, NJ

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IMPORTANT NOTES FOLLOW BELOW

PARASHAT Vayera
November 12, 2011 – 15 Heshvan 5772
Annual: Genesis 18:1 – 22:24
Triennial Cycle: Genesis 19:1 – 20:18
Haftarah: II Kings 4:1 – 37

“I thought,” said Abraham, “surely there is no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.” (Gen. 20:11)

COMMENTARY:
Rashi: When a stranger arrives in a city, do people ask him about what he would like to eat or drink, or do they ask him about his wife?
a. What question is Rashi answering here?
b. How can we compare this to our own cities?

Answers:
a. How did Abraham know that there was no fear of God in the place?
b. People often get a first impression of a city determined by whoever they first have to deal with.
So, what would a 1st time visitor to NYC think if their 1st encounter is at OWS?
Your thoughts as always are welcome…

REMINDERS:

A. Sunday, November 13:
1. 9 AM:
a. Religious School
b. Morning Minyan
2. 7:45 PM: evening minyan

B. November 11 & 12, 2011:
1. Scholar in Residence Shabbat – Galeet Dardashti
a. 6:30 PM: Shabbat Dinner – RSVP needed
b. 8 PM: Services begin
2. Friday night services, November 11th will include:
a. Special Blessing/Recognition of our Veterans:
1) Veterans, please attend and where attire that signifies that you are veteran (if you have such)
2) Presentation of Colors by JWV
b. Dedication of the Rabbi Rueben Levine Memorial Sculpture
3. Saturday, November 12th:
a. 9:30 AM: Shabbat morning services – Dvar Torah by Galeet Dardashti
b. Kiddush Luncheon
1) Galeet Dardashti will present a program on Jewish Liturgical music – from the Siddur to Pop
2) Luncheon is open to all
C. Thursday, November 17th, 7:45 PM: Torah on Tap
D. Friday, November 18th:

1. 6:30 PM: Kids Kabbalat Shabbat program
2. 8 PM: late service

E. Saturday, November 19th, Bat Mitzvah of Elana Neher

F. Sunday, November 20th, 7 – 8 PM: Step Up For Israel – 2nd in the series of films and discussion on advocacy for Israel

G. Monday, November 21st , 7:30 PM: Springfield Interfaith Clergy Association Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Community Service – hosted by Temple Shaa`rey Shalom

H. Thursday, December 1, 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

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…)

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

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