Shabbat Message - July 19, 2024

This week's Torah portion, Balak (Num 22:2-25:9), features a donkey who's smarter than a prophet. This is not to hard to imagine as donkeys are quite intelligent as you can see here.

Tonight's CJC Shabbat gathering will be in Miramar, with a service at 6:00 pm and a Shabbat dinner at 7:00 pm. Click here for the address. If you can only join by Zoom, you can save and use this link at 6:00 pm. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/862473039

In the Jewish calendar, next Monday marks the beginning of a sobering three-week period of reflection.

The 17th day of the Hebrew month of Tammuz, which begins Monday evening, is said to commemorate several calamitous events in Jewish history. According to tradition, it was on that day when Moses broke the tablets he had been given on Mount Sinai. And it was on that day when the walls of Jerusalem were breached by the Romans before they ultimately destroyed the Second Temple.

The three-week period that follows the 17th of Tammuz will end on the 9th of Av, known in Hebrew as Tisha b'Av. Traditionally observant Jews fast on these two days, and abstain from listening to music, getting married, and cutting their hair during the three-week period between them.

Although I would not describe myself as traditionally observant, I will be reflecting in the coming weeks on the calamitous events that could transpire in the coming months and - God forbid - years, if we don't learn from our past mistakes. I'll refrain from discussing politics here, but you probably know what's on my mind and what causes me great concern and trepidation.

I will be hoping and praying during these next three weeks that there will soon be a reason to rejoice and to renew my hope in the future. Until then, I will stay positive, informed, and engaged. There is nothing to be gained by dwelling in despair and losing hope; but there is also nothing to be gained by ignoring the gravity of the situation before us.

Please reach out to me or to trusted friends, to offer and to find support; and to share an appreciation for the blessings we enjoy and seek to protect for generations to come.

Shabbat Shalom,

Reb Moshe

SHABBAT SERVICE AND DINNER TONIGHT

Join us for a friendly, informal and musical Shabbat service at 6:00 pm and a potluck dinner at 7:00 pm in Miramar. Click here for the address. If you can only join by Zoom, use this link for the service at 6:00 pm - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/862473039

Upcoming gatherings:

August 2 - Family Shabbat Service & Dinner at Holy Family Episcopal Church

August 16 - Service & Dinner at Roxanne & Elissa's home in Ocean Colony

September 13 - Service & Dinner at Nancy & Gary's home in Montara

Don't miss this year's SF Jewish Film Festival

The SFJFF44 opened last night and will continue through August 4. Audiences and filmmakers alike are invited to learn from one another with curiosity and respect and to join in celebrating the full spectrum of Jewish identity around the globe. For a program guide, click here.

Jewish Meditation Practice Every Weekday Morning

It's a well-documented fact that meditation has many beneficial effects, and that establishing a regular discipline or practice is the hardest part. You are invited to join a group of practitioners for a 20-minute silent meditation (M-F) at 6:45 am. The benefit of having others participating is huge. Email Steve Slomka for details and the Zoom link.

Israeli Dancing at the PJCC this Sunday, July 21 at 3:00 pm

All ages, all levels. Each class will start with some basic steps followed by teaching beginning dances, intermediate instruction, and time for experienced dancers to request their favorites. Register here.

Community Chavurah Game Night – Saturday, August 10, 7:30 pm



A variety of games will be available (Mexican Train, Backgammon, Word Yahtzee, Cards, Dice, etc.) Potluck dessert; BYOB. In a home with a cat in Half Moon Bay. Limited to the first 14 participants who RSVP. Email Linda Goldstein

Communal Tisha b'Av observance on Monday, August 12, 7:30 pm

Tisha b'Av is an annual commemoration of many calamities that befell the Jewish people since ancient times. This year, CJC will participate in an observance with other Northern Peninsula synagogues at Congregation Beth Jacob in Redwood City. We will read Eicha (Lamentations) and observe traditional Tisha B’Av rituals. Reb Moshe will share some teachings along with other local rabbis, and reflect on the connections between Tisha B’Av and October 7th. RSVP here.

CJC Book Club to discuss Jacobo's Rainbow on Weds, August 14, 7:00 pm. For more information, email Vaughn.

The History of Jewish Music - Let's Start at the Very Beginning... A New CJC virtual series taught by Rabbi Moshe & Cheryl Hankin begins Tues, September 3 at 7:00 pm.

Tickets Are Now On Sale For Rabbi Moshe's Silver Soiree on September 7 Seating is limited. Get your tickets here. Sponsorships are also available here. This will be an important fundraiser for CJC to enhance our programming and outreach. Enjoy live music and presentations, drinks, appetizers and desserts, and a live auction with exciting offerings. More details can be found here.

Calling All Teens (and adult chaperones who would like to go) Join your MOT friends at Jewish Heritage Night at Oracle Park on Thursday, September 12 at 6:45 pm when the SF Giants play the Milwaukee Brewers.

Enjoy a night of festivities with pregame performances, music and food, and receive a hoodie featuring “Go Giants” in Hebrew/Yidish with your special event ticket. Find more information, email Lisa Rojany.

Hebrew Classes - Familiarity with the Hebrew language can be a key to feeling comfortable in Jewish settings. Here are a few options for adult learning starting in September:



- Learn to Read Hebrew for Adults, an online ten-session course. Learn the shapes and sounds of the Hebrew alphabet with a warm and supportive educator.

- Reading Hebrew Prayers, an online six-session course for those who can sound out Hebrew words. Gain comfort and fluency reading prayers in Hebrew.

- Hebrew Reading Review, a one session practice session to renew and refresh your Hebrew reading skills. For more information, click here.

The CJC Singers will begin rehearsing for the 2024 High Holy Days, which begin in early October. We’d love to have more male singers. If you can read music that’s a bonus, but not required. We will have a few rehearsals in August and September. Contact Reb Moshe if you are interested.

Volunteers needed to assist with the weekly breakfast-for-those-in-need, served every Thursday morning at Coastside Lutheran Church in HMB. Even if you can only come once in a while, help is needed. Call Linda at (650) 766 5374.

The Coastside Community Backpack Drive helped 521 children attending the Cabrillo School District; we anticipate the need will be similar this year.

The rabbi has donated $250 from his Discretionary Fund but much more will be needed. If CJC members would like to help, you can donate through PayPal by clicking here or you can send a check to: Holy Family Episcopal Church / P.O. Box 215 / Half Moon Bay, CA 94019-0215. Please indicate "BACKPACKS" on the memo line. For more information, mail Ken.

We also need volunteers to help with the stuffing of the backpacks and totes with school supplies and distributing them to the children August 2-8. Volunteer here.

CJC members around the world - Share with us your adventures

The Dubnicoff family visited the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam this week!

Wondering what else is coming up? You can always check our website and calendar here.

Rabbi Moshe Heyn serves as CJC's Spiritual Leader, advancing the interests of the broader community through a vocal and visible Jewish presence on the Coastside.

The Mission of CJC is to provide an inclusive community that supports connection to Jewish life, both cultural and spiritual, on the coast from Pacifica to Pescadero.

We rely on the generosity of our members and friends. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation using the Donate button below to support our presence in the local community.