Sinai Update – Week of May 19-25, 2013
Parashat B’ha’alotecha (Numbers 8:1 – 12:16)
Reflections on the Torah Portion – Rabbi Andy Vogel
Well before self-help books appeared in bookstores, Jewish tradition identified humility as an important personal characteristic. Humility is highlighted in this week’s Torah portion as a Jewish value; God calls Moses “very humble; more than any person on the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3), even though he spoke to God “face to face,” as Deuteronomy reports, and “beheld the face of Adonai” (Num. 12:8). In this week’s portion, Moses is described as humble because his desire for shalom bayit, family harmony, was greater than any impulse to retaliate in anger against those who levied accusations against him (see Numbers 12). And, in a Midrash on last week’s Torah portion, Aaron, Moses’ brother, is also identified as humble, along with his sister Miriam.
Of what value is humility? The medieval teacher Bahya ibn Pakuda (11th century Spain) taught that when we remember our humble origins, we come closer to purifying our souls and coming closer to God. Cultivating a sense of appreciation for our gifts, honoring others, and remembering how fleeting our time is on earth are all worthwhile spiritual challenges embodied in the personal characteristic of humility. It leads us toward a path of holy living.
- Rabbi Andy Vogel
This Shabbat @ Temple Sinai
Join us for Erev Shabbat services this Friday, May 24, at 7:30 p.m., led by Cantor Toubes. The oneg is sponsored by Amy Ansell and Jim Statman
Thank you, Temple Sinai!
Last Shabbat I was treated to one of the most memorable evenings of my life as we celebrated, among other things, my ten years of being Director of Education here at Temple Sinai. I was deeply touched by the lovely tributes given by various members of the congregation. Imagine my surprise, however, when I was presented with an exquisitely designed book containing notes written by YOU, my Temple Sinai community. These heartfelt notes prepared by students and “grownups” alike were very much appreciated. Thank you to everyone who made this magical Shabbat celebration possible.
~Heidi Smith Hyde, Director of Education
Healing Service — tonight, Wednesday, May 22, 7:30 p.m.
The Healing Service that is co-sponsored by Temple Sinai and congregation Am Tikva celebrates its Bar/Bat Mitzvah as it turns 13 on Wednesday, May 22. Our first service was held in May, 2000 and we have continued to meet every other month ever since. Our Healing Service includes meditations, prayer, singing and the caring support of our healing circle. Please join us for this special occasion.
~Deena Blau
Parlor Meeting for prospective Religious School parents CANCELLED
Please note that the parlor meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 22 at the home of Bonny and Yuval Gilbert has been CANCELLED. If you would still like to learn more about our religious school program for students in Grades K – 10, please contact Director of Education, Heidi Smith Hyde, at 617/277-5883.
No Shabbat Morning Torah study discussion this Saturday
Due to the holiday weekend, there is no Shabbat morning Torah Study discussion this Saturday, which usually occurs on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month. Our next Shabbat morning Torah Study discussion will be held on Saturday, June 8 at 9:00 a.m.
URJ fund for Oklahoma tornado relief
The Union for Reform Judaism is accepting donations in the wake of the deadly tornado in Oklahoma. The URJ is working closely with our congregations in the affected region to assure the safety of their congregants, their neighbors, their structures and to determine next steps in relief work. URJ President Rabbi Rick Jacobs said, ”For now, we will collect donations and distribute them to the American Red Cross and others on the ground in Oklahoma. As other needs arise, perhaps including volunteers to assist with the clean-up and rebuilding, we stand ready to help in any way possible.” To make a donation online visit www.urj.org/relief . Checks can be sent to the Union for Reform Judaism (Attn: Oklahoma Tornado Relief), 633 Third Ave., New York, NY 10017.
Lavatory renovation
The three bathrooms near Ehrenfried Hall are undergoing renovations the last two weeks of May. Please use the rest rooms across from Weintraub Auditorium or near Larkin Library over that two week period. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Please submit your Religious School registration forms
Please remember to submit your 2013 – 2014 religious school registration forms by the end of this month. If you prefer, you can access the form online atwww.sinaibrookline.org/
~Heidi Smith Hyde, Director of Education
Come to Temple Sinai’s Annual Meeting – Sunday, June 2, 10:00 a.m.
Join members of the congregation for our Annual Meeting, preceded by a light brunch, which will be held on Sunday morning, June 2. Brunch begins at9:30 a.m. and the meeting will follow promptly at 10:00 a.m. On the agenda is approval of a slate of the Board of Trustees for 2013-2014 and reports on Temple activities over the past year. All members are invited to join us for this “brunch and business” conclusion to the year.
Distinguished Service Award honors Mike Klau — Friday, June 21 at Erev Shabbat Services
For the past 55 years, Temple Sinai’s Distinguished Service Award has been given annually to a person who has given years of devoted service to Temple Sinai and Judaism. The criterion of “years of devoted service” is important because we acknowledge someone who has consistently contributed over a long period of time; not just for one year or one event, but over a period of time. It certainly takes those years of devoted service to be a successful president of the congregation for three years. Thus, we are delighted to announce that the award will be given to Mike Klau as he finishes his term as president. Michael’s contributions to the Temple precede and go well beyond his role as president. They cover everything from being the one man audio-visual team for Sinai films and speakers to being the one man recruiting squad to get our children to Jewish summer camp (especially URJ Camps Crane Lake and Eisner). Please save the date and join us at Shabbat services on June 21st as we honor Michael Klau.
~Distinguished Service Committee: Alex Cooper, Rochelle Seltzer, Lillian Shulman (z’l), and Jeremy Wolfe
Saturday, June 29, 7:30 p.m., “Who’s Tyndall?”
You are invited to a reading of David Miller’s latest play, “Who’s Tyndall.” The play explores the life and mysterious death of John Tyndall, a 19th century physicist who did pioneering work in global warming. Players from the Temple Sinai Purim Shpiel, including Barry Hayes, Stan Bolotin and Renee Miller, are featured in the performance. Refreshments and discussion follow the reading. Suggested donation is $10 and all proceeds will benefit Temple Sinai. All are invited!
In the community….
Artsbridge, the leadership training program for Israeli and Palestinian teenagers, is hosting an evening of music at Scullers in Boston on Tuesday, June 11, featuring international award-winning Israeli Palestinian singer Mira Awad, accompanied on the Oud by Nabil Ata. Tickets are $36. For tickets, please go tohttp://www.