During the year, some of our Shabbat services will have a special theme.
We also have Tot Shabbats and Learner’s Services.
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The Hebrew word Vatikim refers to the individuals who started and established something. Sometimes translated as “veteran”, not referring to those in the military, rather “The Founding Fathers”. For Temple Beth Torah it would be those who signed the papers of incorporation, or the 501c3, or donated the money to establish the Temple. The initial members, etc. It does not refer to those who have given money or volunteered after the organization was established.
Think of the individuals who founded our Republic, or established the State of Israel.
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Have you ever wondered why we stand for the Shema but sit for the V’ahavtah? Or why open the ark at different times in the service? These questions and more will be answered at our upcoming Torah 101 Service – a traditional Saturday morning Shabbat service annotated by the Rabbi and our Cantorial Soloist. In addition to answering your questions about why or what we do in services, our 6th and 7th grade B’nai Mitzvah students will take turns leading different parts of the service to practice for their upcoming simchas.
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From the the book of Second Samuel written in 630 BCE: “But the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him.”
All pets and small barnyard animals are welcome to attend our Pet Shabbat on Saturday, September 7 at 10:00 AM. During the brief service we will pray as a community of pet owners and have each individual animal blessed.
Because God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.
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This Shabbat we celebrate a very special moment in the Torah, a very musical moment in Jewish biblical history. This Shabbat is Shabbat Shirah. It is the Sabbath of Singing. Many congregations highlight this Shabbat by creating services brimming with extraordinary music to celebrate Moses and Miriam leading the Israelites across the Sea of Reeds (The Red Sea) and out of Egypt.
This Shabbat we read Parashat B’shalach from Chapter 15 in the book of Exodus. This section is important for several reasons. It is visually, liturgically and musically important. Shabbat Shirah gets its name from part of the sedra (weekly Torah reading) known as Shirat HaYam (song of the sea). Visually, this song/poem is laid out very differently from the rest of the Torah so it is very obvious to the reader and to the congregation during Hagbah (the lifting of the Torah after it is read) that something special is happening. It is known as ‘brick on brick.’ There are several additional songs/poems in the Torah that are also written differently than the rest; another great example is Parashat Haazinu in Deuteronomy Chapter 32, which is written in two narrow columns.
…excerpted from an article by Cantor Marni Camhi on the URJ Website. The full article may found here: https://reformjudaism.org/shabbat-shirah
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With our busy schedules, we often leave little time to focus on exactly what we want and need. Join us in taking time to help restore wholeness in our daily lives, in our relationships, in our health, in our families, and in our actions. By seeking God together through prayer, song, meditation, and community, we enhance the connection between mind, body, and spirit.
At this special Shabbat service we will recognize people both in and outside of our congregation who are “survivors” of cancer. The term “survivor” encompasses person, family member, or friend whose life has been touched by cancer.
The daffodil is one of the first flowers of spring and a worldwide symbol of hope. Named accordingly, Daffodil Days— is an annual American Cancer Society program—which has helped spread cancer awareness and raise money towards a cure for more than 40 years.