Congregation Beth Israel Weekly News & Updates

Chag sameach! At sundown, we transition into the important festival of Shavuot, which marks the giving of the Torah. How can you observe this holiday?

• Tonight, study the 10 Utterances (aka the Ten Commandments, found in the 20^th chapter of Exodus), or the book of Ruth, or any other Jewish text that calls to you.
• Prepare Shavuot food from a recipe cherished by one of the hostages or their families. Jim Farber, president of the Jewish Federation, kindly purchased Shavuot of Longing: Their Recipes on our Table, published by the Hostage Forum. The book is in the office, located on the desk on the west wall, and you are invited to come peruse the book and make a copy of one recipe in the office. Want more than one recipe? Make a donation and receive your own! 

• Tomorrow and Thursday, enjoy festive meals. Traditionally, we eat dairy meals during Shavuot. Be sure to include blessings before and after you eat and festive singing!
• Join us Thursday morning at 9 am for a traditional Shavuot service hosted by Congregation Beth Israel, complete with Yizkor. All are welcome.
• Join us Friday at 6:30 pm for a Shabbat/Shavuot combined service hosted by Temple Emanuel. All are welcome.

Pride Shabbat last weekend was a great success. I want to once more thank Brandon Milroy and Ezekiel Aurelius for all the time and love they poured into making it a vibrant day of love and joy and pride, as well as thanking all who attended and all those who supported the event with food.

This week, Shabbat is again special, not only because Temple Emanuel will celebrate Shavuot on Friday, but also because Congregation Beth Israel B’nei Mitzvah students will be helping to lead the Saturday morning service as they prepare for their special day. Please ensure that we have a minyan on Saturday morning – this will be Robyn’s first opportunity to lead the congregation!

L’shalom,

Rabbi Linda