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Israel - Hamas War reaches 180 days

Friends, it is approaching 180 days since the October 7 massacre, when over 3,000 Palestinian terrorists and other Gaza residents childrened the border into southern Israel and attacked 22 Israeli towns and villages and an outdoor music festival. More than 1,200 Israelis were killed, and over 200 were taken back into Gaza as hostages. There were dozens of women raped and mutilated, some with fatal results. Half those hostages - about 134 men, women and children - are still held in atrocious conditions after SIX MONTHS of captivity. I am sure you are all also deeply saddened by the loss of life on both sides of the war, especially the innocent civilians. At this time, several Jewish organizations have initiated a letter-writing campaign, to motivate the Biden administration to continue to support Israel. I am sure you have seen some of these pleas. Here is one you might want to use at ADL: Click Here

Holocaust Survivor is Speaker at Viterbo

Join us this Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. at the Fine Arts Center, Viterbo University, for the keynote presentation from Ida Paulch Kersz, a Holocaust Survivor. This presentation is open to the public and no registration or ticket is required. All are welcome.

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Fort McCoy Announces Annual Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony

Monday, April 15

3:00 PM

Once again this year, we have been invited to speak to the personnel at Fort McCoy and their families. This is a solemn and meaningful short program, celebrated throughout our U.S. military bases. If you are interested in attending, kindly e-mail me by April 8. There are security measures if you'd like to attend at the base.

We are pleased to invite you to our April 3 program featuring some of our own Wisconsin Jewish community members who have volunteered in Israel since October 7.

Here is the registration link for Wednesday, April 3 at 7 pm Central:

Registration link

Two of the speakers are prominent in the Milwaukee Jewish community, but their stories will resonate with all of us. In addition, a young woman from another community volunteered to work on a farm in Israel for a month before returning to the States, so we can hear a younger generation perspective as well.

Several other Israel-related programs are being developed for May and June; more information to follow. Please let others you know about this important program.

What a Wonderful Purim Celebration!

Thank you all for making this Purim such a happy one. Rose and Lori Arndt baked an awesome amount of delicious hamantashen. Jennifer Short did her usual terrific job of preparing the prizes and running the prize table. Thank you to the Stokke Reich family - Adam, Eli, Silvy, and Kristy - for running their games, the 50/50 raffle, and of course the delightful Punchbowl invitation. Thanks to the Neuman family - Stephy, David, Teagan, Hudson and Eva - for their always popular candle game. Thanks to Barb Nagel for her game supervision as well. Thanks to all of you who attended and made it so much fun for kids and grownups. Thank you!

Oh, wait! You want to see some pictures? Click HERE

Congregation Sons of Abraham's

TREE OF LIFE...

...is a loving way to commemorate weddings, anniversaries, b'nei mitzvah, graduations, special occasions and memories of your family and friends. Anyone may purchase leaves in honor or in memory of their loved ones.

Our Tree of Life is on permanent display at the back of our sanctuary.

You are invited to pause and share the special memories in the lives of our community, especially in light of Jewish holidays or the High Holy Days.

Please e-mail Roger Ziff to order your special leaf!

Wednesday, April 3 7:00 PM Holocaust survivor speaks at Viterbo

Friday, April 5 - 6:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat service on Zoom

Saturday, April 6 - 10:00 AM Shabbat morning service - in person and on Zoom

Sunday, April 7 - 10:00 AM Sunday School

Friday, April 12 - 6:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat service on Zoom

Saturday, April 13 - 10:00 AM Shabbat morning service - in person and on Zoom

Sunday, April 14 - 10:00 AM Sunday School

Sunday, April 14 - Pump House Film: "Zone of Interest"

Sunday, May 5 - Yom HaShoah - Holocaust Remembrance Day

Sunday School resumes this Sunday, April 7 at 10 AM.

We are getting ready to celebrate Pesach (Passover)!

HOLD THE DATE!

Our La Crosse community-wide Yom HaShoah observance is on Sunday, May 5 at 4:00 PM. The public is invited to attend the program at the synagogue at 1820 Main Street.

Our program will begin with a welcome by Jeff Butler, our president. Next, our keynote speaker will address Holocaust remembrance in a post-10/7 world.

The Maureen and Robert Freedland Funds for the Study of the Shoah will present the Gregory P. Wegner recognition for Excellence in Holocaust Education. The commemoration ends with a meaningful candle-lighting ceremony, as we read the names of those family members who were victims of the Holocaust.

Throughout the program, we look forward to musical performances by violist Busya Lugovier and harpists from Heart Strings Harp Circle.

Call, text, or email Rabbi Brian Serle with your messages