Nitzavim-Vayeilech, Deuteronomy 29:9-31:30, Parshat Hashavua for Shabbat, September 9, 2023
In one week we will stand together at the beginning of Rosh Hashanah and the start of another year. We welcome the Jewish new year with serious introspection, not with revelry. On Rosh Hashanah we recommit to being the best people we can. In the Jewish view of human development we are works in progress; on a path of growth and change. This week’s Torah portion begins with the words, “You stand this day, all of you, before your God —your tribal heads, your elders, and your officials, every householder in Israel. your children, your wives, even the stranger within your camp, from woodchopper to waterdrawer—to enter into the covenant of your God.” (Deuteronomy 29:9-11) All of us stood together, before God, at Sinai. Not just those present on that day. All of us, to this present day. Our Torah portion asks us, what do we stand for, what are our values and commitments? Rosh Hashanah is an opportunity to reflect on who we are and what we care about and then to put those commitments into action. In one week we will all stand together in the synagogue. As you prepare for that day, think about what you stand for when you stand with your community.
From the Presidents – Sept. 14, 2023
September 14, 2023 by tbhrich • president
L’Shana Tova Everyone!
First of all, we wanted to thank all of our volunteers who helped out at our booth in the Solano Stroll this past Sunday. We had a lot of interest in our booth, including spins of the fortune wheel and requests for information about our congregation and the upcoming High Holy Days. Thanks to all of your efforts, we have gotten the word out to even more people about our community and hopefully we will see TBH grow even more in the near future. We also wanted to thank Rabbi Dean for leading our Slichot Potluck this past Friday.
It is also that wonderful time of year when the High Holy Days are upon us again. Starting this Friday evening we will be welcoming in a new year through Rosh Hashana and continuing through the reflections of the Day of Atonement. There will be apples, honey, round challahs, sumptuous meals, and plenty of family time for all. We are looking forward to seeing everyone at services. And along with being one of the most important holidays of the year, Rosh Hashana is also a great time to think about what it means for us to be Jewish. Does being Jewish mean simply attending the High Holidays once a year in synagogue? Or observing Shabbat each week? Or performing mitzvahs? Or volunteering time to assist those in need? Or engaging in Torah Study? All of these activities, or a combination of them, can all solidify our identities as Jews. This holiday season, consider what actions or beliefs form your Jewish identity and express them with pride. When we all bring those actions and/or beliefs together, we create the Jewish communities we all know and love.
And for those who wish to make a difference in our own community, we highly encourage you to consider joining the Temple Beth Hillel Board of Directors next year. Our Board is always on the lookout for members who have ideas for the future of the temple and the ability to carry out that vision. And as we have discovered, serving on the Board makes us appreciate how much Temple Beth Hillel means to us and our children.
Looking ahead, the High Holiday services will be taking place between September 15 and September 25. Erev Rosh Hashanah Services will begin on Friday, September 15 at 7:00 p.m. and Rosh Hashanah Morning Services will be on Saturday, September 16, at 10:00 a.m, and all are invited to a small reception out in the courtyard following the service at 1 pm. The following week, Kol Nidre services will be on Sunday, September 24, at 7:00 p.m. and Yom Kippur morning services will occur on Monday, September 25 at 10:00 a.m., with afternoon services beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Finally, our regular services will continue through the rest of the year. Our next regular Shabbat Service after Rosh Hashana will take place on Friday, October 6, at 7:30 p.m. Torah Study will continue every Saturday at 10:15 p.m. And of course, our wonderful Religious School will be restarting on September 24 every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Lastly, the Family Shabbat service will be held next week on Friday, September 22, so as not to interfere with Erev Rosh Hashana. Please help spread the word. We’ll see y’all at the High Holiday Services! 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 B Stein and David Zimring, Co-Presidents, Temple Beth Hillel