The fall holidays are behind us and this week we begin a new cycle of Torah readings and turn to the story of creation, Bereshit, beginnings. What feels new at the turning of the year? How can we make this year a time of connection, even as we continue to observe COVID protocols? How can we support one another as we turn towards the winter – with shorter days and more isolation? Remember: In our reading we are told that “it is not good to be alone.”
Our service is on ZOOM and begins at 6:00 p.m. Join us for candle lighting, blessing one another, kiddush, motzei and invoking an angel to bless us during the week ahead.
Zoom Link
Meeting Id: 978 470 037
Passcode: 183618
Shabbat Morning:
Bar Mitzvah of Phinn Evans
Our services for the next four Shabbatot will be hybrid, in person and on Zoom and services begin at 10:00 a.m.. We will celebrate with the Evans family as Phinn reaches the age of Mitzvot. Phinn has been a familiar leader at our Shabbat and holiday services, and we look forward to hearing him lead davening, read Torah and Haftorah and serve as our teacher this Shabbat. We are at the start of a new year and Phinn will explore the meaning of beginnings.
This Shabbat we also announce the coming new month of Heshvan, also known as the bitter month of Heshvan (Marcheshvan) because of its lack of holidays. In our community, it is not a bitter month at all as we celebrate three b’nai mitzvah in coming weeks and restart our Adult Education program.
If you want to follow the service in the siddur from home, please arrange with the office to borrow a prayer book and humash, purchase a set on line, or download the siddur PDFs, availabe by clicking here. This week's parsha is available by clicking here .
Zoom Link Meeting Id: 836 9213 7751
Passcode: PMitzvah21
Israel Trip: New Dates and Itinerary
Our B’nai Tikvah trip to Israel has been postponed due to the ongoing COVID situation. Our new dates are May 11-23, 2022. You can see the new itinerary here www.bnaitikvahma.org/israel-trip . A new registration form for those who would like to join us will be available soon. Interested? Have questions? -- please contact me ( rabbi@bnaitikvahma.org ).
Rabbi’s Lunch and Learn:
Jewish Storytelling from Rebbe Nachman to the Coen Brothers www.bnaitikvahma.org/event/lunch-and-learn-5782
Mondays, noon-1, In person and on ZOOM
October 4, 11, 18, 25; November 1; December 6, 13, 20
The Hasidic revolution involved a return from Judaism’s longtime focus on law (halacha) to the Jewish storytelling (aggadic) tradition. Hasidic stories range from fairy tales about lost princesses to stories of wonder-working rabbis. How did the medium impact the message? Why stories? How does this tradition continue in new forms today? Our class will conclude with watching the Coen brother’s film, A Serious Man (2009). All readings will be distributed in class and on line. No prior knowledge assumed.
Rabbi’s Wednesday Evening Class:
The Moral Thinking Behind Jewish Law (Halakhah) www.bnaitikvahma.org/event/jewish-law-5782
Wednesdays, 8-9 p.m. ZOOM only
October 6, 13, 20, 27; November 3; December 1, 8, 15, 22
Starting with the Mishnah (220 C.E.), our class will read classics of Jewish Law, asking what ethical ideals underpin specific legal rulings. All texts will be read in English; no prior experience assumed. Texts will be screen shared in class.
SPECIAL MINI-CLASS:
Arabic as a Cultural Bridge -- A Class About Israeli Society www.bnaitikvahma.org/event/arabic-as-a-bridge
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday October 5, 6, 7 / 12 noon to 1:30 pm (Zoom only)
May Arrow, Director of Language Programs, The Abraham Initiatives
How well do you know your neighbors? How well do Jewish Israelis know their Arab Israeli neighbors? Using basic Arabic as an entry point, this three- part series introduces students to Arab Israeli culture and society. The class is based on the introductory Arabic courses that May Arrow teaches to Israeli newsrooms, mayors and city council members, academic staff, university campuses, and other key Israeli institutions. May was raised in a small Arab Israeli village and her teaching style blends basic language instruction with storytelling on topics ranging from living in small villages, coffee preparation, and matters of etiquette. Participants will learn enough Arabic vocabulary to break the ice at the shuk and to gain a perspective on Arab Israeli society.
Adult Ed Course with Reb Nikki Thursday, May 1st 8:00p to 9:00p What are we talking about when we talk about "Israel"?
The name "Israel" in Jewish texts can have many meanings: the person, the nation, the land, and the modern state. In this six-session class, we will be examining different uses of the name "Israel" by looking at sources ranging from the Torah to modern thinkers. Together, we will gain deeper understanding into its meaning by looking at the connections between and teasing apart the differences among the range of meanings of the word, and be able to discern what we are talking about when we talk about Israel.
Adult Ed Course with Reb Nikki Thursday, May 8th 8:00p to 9:00p What are we talking about when we talk about "Israel"?
The name "Israel" in Jewish texts can have many meanings: the person, the nation, the land, and the modern state. In this six-session class, we will be examining different uses of the name "Israel" by looking at sources ranging from the Torah to modern thinkers. Together, we will gain deeper understanding into its meaning by looking at the connections between and teasing apart the differences among the range of meanings of the word, and be able to discern what we are talking about when we talk about Israel.
