From the Presidents – Oct. 4, 2024
Hello Everyone!
L’Shanah Tova! Starting this week we will observe the traditions that have sustained the Jewish community for thousands of years. As we celebrate the start of 5785, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the symbolism inherent in the observance of Rosh Hashanah. Specifically, when we sit down with our families for the seder on Erev Rosh Hashanah, every course provides a guidepost for the goals of this holiday. We are all aware of eating apples in honey to wish us a sweet new year but there is so much deeper meaning. We eat a circular challah to represent the cycle of life and the circularity of time. The pomegranate connects us to the 613 commandments in the Torah that we yearn to fulfill. Beets are included because the Hebrew word “Salak” means to depart, as we wish our enemies to do. Squash is included because its Hebrew word “Kera” means to rip apart or tear, as we wish to tear up negative judgements. Even the apple itself has a deeper meaning because it has the same numeric value as “seh akeida”, meaning “the lamb of the binding”, relating the story of the near sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham in the hopes that the lessons of that legend will inspire us in the future. This year, as we gather around the dinner table, look for the not-so-hidden meanings in the food all around us to promote ever greater awe for this remarkable holiday.
Torah Study on Zoom takes place every Saturday at 10:15 AM. Our next Shabbat Evening Service, hosted by Rabbi Dean and Cantor Marney will be on Friday, October 4, at 7:30 PM. And Finally, we look forward to seeing you all for Kol Nidre on Friday, October 11th at 7:00 PM, and Yom Kippur services, starting at 10:00 AM.
Thank you everyone!
If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
If I am not for others, what am I?
And if not now, when? -Rabbi Hillel
~ Anna and David, Co-Presidents, Temple Beth Hillel
From the Presidents – Oct. 11, 2024
October 11, 2024 by tbhrich • president
Hello Everyone!
And L’shanah Tova! It was wonderful to see everyone at our Rosh Hashanah services and look forward to our Yom Kippur services this weekend. We wanted to give our thanks to Rabbi Dean for leading our service for the final time and a special thanks to Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller for her assistance in the service as well. And sadly, while we are observing these holy days, we have also marked the one year anniversary of the October 7 attack by Hamas against Israel. That day will forever be etched in our minds and our grief remains ever present for those who lost loved ones or are still waiting for the return home of their loved ones. Incredibly, the conflict continues to rage even a year later with no end in sight with ever higher levels of suffering. Yet we cannot forget one of the key features of Yom Kippur: atoning for our sins and starting the new year with a clean slate. Inherent in that theme is the message of hope; that we have the chance to restart. Let us then hope and pray that this upcoming year will be a time of renewal, healing, and possibility.
And as a reminder, our Yom Kippur services will begin with Kol Nidre on Friday, October 11, beginning at 7:00 p.m. The main morning service will be held on Saturday, October 12, starting at 10:00 a.m. along with various services throughout the day. Torah Study on Zoom takes place every Saturday at 10:15 AM. Our next Shabbat Evening Service, hosted by Rabbi Dean and Cantor Marney will be on Friday, October 18, at 7:30 PM.
Thank you everyone!
If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
If I am not for others, what am I?
And if not now, when? -Rabbi Hillel
~ Anna and David, Co-Presidents, Temple Beth Hillel