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WWW.SHIRCHADASH.ORG

Friday

6:15 PM


Shabbat Evening Services

In-person and live-streamed

Saturday

9:30 AM


Shabbat Morning Services

followed by Kiddush Luncheon

In-person and live-streamed

Saturday

10 AM


Babysitting

Saturday

Following Kiddush Lunch

(approx. 1 PM)


Games Afternoon

Sunday

9:15 AM



Morning Minyan

followed by a special Men's Club breakfast sponsored by Janice Stern

in memory of Louis Stern on his yahrzeit

In-person and on Zoom

Wisdom from the Well:

Drawing from the Deep Reservoir of Jewish Knowledge

RE'EH: CHOOSING BLESSINGS

IN OUR LIVES



The opening words of this week’s Torah portion, parashah Re’eh, say: “See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I am commanding you today; and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn from the way that I am commanding you today, to follow other gods that you have not known”

(Deuteronomy 11:26-28).


The Midrash Tanchuma on Re’eh highlights the importance of tzedakah as a path for us to choose blessings. It states that giving charity is not just a commandment but a way to emulate God, who is compassionate and generous. Often translated as “charity”, the word “tzedakah” comes from the root “tzedek,” meaning justice or righteousness.


The Midrash recounts a story of a wealthy man who gave generously to the poor. When asked why he gave so much, he replied, "I am merely a treasurer for God. The more I give, the more He entrusts me with". Our resources are not truly ours but are given to us to distribute justly and compassionately.


In our daily lives, we have countless opportunities to practice tzedakah. Whether through monetary donations, volunteering our time, or offering a kind word, each act of tzedakah brings us closer to fulfilling our divine purpose. The Rambam (Maimonides) taught that the highest form of tzedakah is to help someone become self-sufficient. This can be through education, job training, or providing resources that enable them to support themselves.


The Baal Shem Tov, the founder of Chassidism, taught that tzedakah has the power to transform both the giver and the receiver. He explained that when we give tzedakah, we are not just providing material support but also uplifting the soul of the recipient. This act of giving creates a spiritual connection that elevates both parties. The Baal Shem Tov emphasized that tzedakah should be given with joy and a full heart, as this enhances its spiritual impact.


Let us incorporate more tzedakah into our lives. By doing so, we not only help those in need but also bring justice, righteousness, and holiness into the world.


- Rabbi David Cohen-Henriquez

Parashat Re'eh

Shabbat Mevarchim HaChodesh

Torah: Deuteronomy 12:29 - 14:29

Maftir: Deuteronomy 14:22-29

Haftarah: Isaiah 54:11 - 55:5


The Torah reading for this week is in the panel above. If you do not have a Chumash at home, you can find it on the link below. We are reading Triennial Year 2, but you might like to read the full portion (“Full Kriyah”).

Brochure

Our Shabbat brochure with yahrzeits and simchas for this week is attached. You might wish to take special notice of those who are sick, and take a moment to direct your thoughts towards them.

Thank you!

Thank you to all those listed below who performed the mitzvah

of supporting our community these past two weeks.

Caring Committee Fund


To: Rabbi Deborah Silver

In memory of your beloved father, Michael Silver

From: The Lustig Family


To: Linda and Mark Greenbaum and Family

In memory of Ralph Seelig

From: Steve and Pat Klein


To: Linda Greenbaum & Family

In memory of Ralph Seelig, our very dear friend. He will be sorely missed.

From: Sue Rae & Ken Bishop


General Fund


In appreciation of an Aliyah and generous hospitality

From: Carlos E Adame


To: Pearl and Dave Meltzer

In honor of Pearl and Dave Meltzer on the occassion of Dave's one hundredth birthday.

From: Donald M Meltzer


To: Lisa & Elliot Finkelstein

In honor of Lisa & Elliot Finkelstein's anniversary

From: Deena Gerber


To: Ricardo Totah & Sarah Lustig

In honor of the ongoing, wonderful work done by Ricardo Totah and Sarah Lustig

From: Wesley & Norman Galen


Gilda Finkelstein Gift of Israel Fund


To: Lisa & Elliot Finkelstein

In honor of the 50th Anniversary of Lisa and Elliot Finkelstein

From: Debbie & Leon Pesses


To: Linda, Sam & Stanley Seelig

In memory of Ralph Seelig

From: Michael & Denise Abadi


In memory of Nettie Heim

From: Ken & Barbara Pailet


Nat Leon Education Fund


To: Esther & Marc Hendler

In honor of the 40th Anniversary of Esther and Marc Hendler

From: Debbie & Leon Pesses

Rabbi's Discretionary Fund


To: Linda Greenbaum

With love, affection and respect for Ralph Seelig

From: Ellen & Stan Kessler


To: Rabbi David

Todah Rabbah for a beautiful naming ceremony for our daughter and granddaughter, Annie.

From: Evan & Sara Pesses and Leon & Debbie Pesses


In appreciation of Rabbi David’s Intro to Judaism Course

From: Abigail Stevenson


To: Sonya Batten

In honor of the birthday of Sonya Batten and the 25th anniversary of her marriage to Gary Batten

From: Anne Garrett


To: Rabbi David Cohen-Henriquez

In honor of Rabbi David Cohen-Henriquez on his upcoming Installation at Shir Chadash

From: Wesley & Norman Galen


Stan Bleich Lagniappe Fund


In memory of Solomon Joseph

From: Caron Bleich


Yahrzeit Fund


In memory of Aline Sterbcow

From: Paul & Laurie Sterbcow


In memory of Shirley Seelig

From: Linda Greenbaum


In memory of Morris Mishlove

From: Sol Heiman


In memory of Gertrude Weinstein

From: Leslie & Sandy Krilov


In memory of Donald Felder

From: Marilyn & Martin Felder


In memory of Shopse Pailet

From: Marilyn Pailet Zackin


In memory of Maurice Pailet

From: Marilyn Pailet Zackin


In memory of Sol Sherman, father of Sue Rae Bishop

From: Sue Rae & Ken Bishop

Click here to sign up!

The synagogues of West Esplanade - Shir Chadash, Beth Israel, Gates of Prayer, and Chabad - are joining together with a very special initiative to pray for Israel by collectively reciting the entire book of Psalms as a community each week that the Israel-Hamas war is ongoing.


Congregants are encouraged to sign up for one psalm each, which they will commit to reciting, in Hebrew or English, once weekly.


Together, with the power of our community and our faith, we can do our spiritual part to support Israel!

Here are some links to additions to our service:

PRAYER FOR ISRAEL'S CAPTURED AND MISSING

PRAYER FOR THE STATE OF ISRAEL

HATIKVAH

Contact Us

OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Friday, 9 - 3

David Cohen-Henriquez

Rabbi

rabbidavid@shirchadash.org


Ricardo Totah

Executive Director 

 execdir@shirchadash.org

David Wesson

Coordinator of Education & Musical Engagement

davidwesson@shirchadash.org



Sarah Lustig

Office Manager

shirchadash@shirchadash.org


Quick Links

Shir Chadash Website


Online Giving


Shir Chadash Family-Established Funds


Great Non Profits Reviewed


Jewish Federation of GNO

Crescent City Jewish News


Southern Jewish Life


Jewish Community Day School


PJ Library


USCJ

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