A New Jewish Year is upon us, and we are very excited for all the wonderful programs and events in store this year for our community!
A NEW YEAR, A NEW OPPORTUNITY, A GREAT NEW FEELING.
YOU MATTER AND CAN MAKE AN IMPACT!
At this most critical time in Jewish history, it is more important than ever to get involved in Jewish life, give your children meaningful Jewish connections and grow, educate and lead your families in Jewish traditions.
We encourage you to join us for a Shabbat Service, participate in a Women's Event, sign up your child to Hebrew School, have your teen make an impact through the Jteen and Jteen Jr. awesome volunteer events throughout the year and stop in for a Torah class!
We look forward to celebrating Jewish life together in good health and happiness! Click below for a list of all upcoming events you can choose from.
Saturday, September 21 Morning Service: 10:00am Kiddush: 12:15pm Evening Service: 6:25pm Shabbat Ends: 7:35pm Kiddush Sponsored by The Kiddush Fund in honor of
Chai Elul - the 18th of Elul
commemorating the birthdays of
the Baal Shem Tov and the Alter Rebbe You are invited!
Jteen Opening Night was an incredible evening, introducing this year's theme "I make a Difference" with over 70 teens joining to hear from our own IDF soldier, Jacob Chernavsky sharing his experiences fighting in Gaza, writing Shanah Tovah cards to soldiers, Tefillin and Shabbat candle lighting commitments, and enjoying a pizza dinner!
Hebrew School is off to an amazing start! Children are so excited to be back, learning and experiencing Jewish life together!
A little boy once returned home from Hebrew school and his father asked, "what did you learn today?" He answered, "The Rabbi told us how Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt." "How?" The boy said "Moses was a big strong man and he beat Pharoah up. Then while he was down, he got all the people together and ran towards the sea. When he got there, he has the Corps of Engineers build a huge pontoon bridge. Once they got on the other side, they blew up the bridge while the Egyptians were trying to cross." The father was shocked. "Is that what the Rabbi taught you?" The boy replied, "No. But you'd never believe the story he DID tell us!"
WEEKLY eTORAH
This week we read about Bikkurim, the first fruit offerings Jewish farmers in the Holy Land were commanded to bring in thanksgiving to G‑d for the land and its produce. On a basic level, Bikkurim remind us never to become ungrateful for the things we are blessed with in life. Interestingly, the law only took effect fourteen years after the Jewish people entered the Promised Land. It took seven years to conquer and another seven to apportion the land amongst the twelve tribes of Israel. Only when that process was completed did the law of the first fruits become applicable. But why? Surely there were quite a few tribes who were settled earlier. No doubt, some of the farmers who had received their allotted land had planted and seen the first fruits of their labors. Why then were they not required to show their appreciation immediately by bringing the Bikkurim offering? The Rebbe explains that in commanding this mitzvah the Torah uses the phrase, "And you shall rejoice with all the good that the L-rd your G‑d has given you." In order to be able to fully experience the joy of his own blessings in life, a Jew must know that his brothers and sisters have been blessed as well. As long as one Jew knew that there were others who had not yet been settled in their land, he could not be fully content. Since simchah, genuine joy, was a necessary component in the mitzvah of Bikkurim, it could only be fulfilled when everyone had been satisfied. Only then can a one experience true simchah, a sincere and genuine joy. Knowing that our friends and cousins are still fighting to conquer the land — or even not yet enjoying their own share in of land — somehow takes away the appetite for celebration, even if we personally may have reason to rejoice. One Jew's satisfaction is not complete when he knows that his brother has not yet been taken care of. So, if you have a job, think of someone who doesn't. If you are happily married, think of those still searching for their bashert and try making a suitable introduction. And as the holiday season is almost upon us, if you will be privileged enough to be able buy new things for your family, spare a thought for those who cannot contemplate such a luxury. And when you plan your festive holiday meals with your family and friends, remember to invite the lonely, the widow and the single parent, too. In this merit, please G‑d, we will all be blessed with a joyous and sweet new year. -adapted from www.chabad.org
