At the beginning of the second Parsha, Massei that we read this Shabbos, the Torah lists for us the 42 journeys that we travelled as we trekked from Egypt towards the Holy Land. Rashi asks, Why was it necessary to review the exhaustive list of all places where we encamped – He advances two answers:
1. To demonstrate that although we did stop 42 times, almost half were during the first year and when Aharon died, therefore in effect there were only 20 encampments in 38 years – not so taxing after all.
2. Rashi also brings a Midrash that compares our journey to that of a father who rescues his son when the son was deathly ill, when he heals, they review together at length the great and miraculous moments that led to his recovery with gratitude.
Both of Rashi’s comments include the vital lesson of doing a CAREFUL REVIEW whenever necessary.
So many emails and texts go out with embarrassing errors that could easily have been avoided if there was a CAREFUL REVIEW before pressing send.
So many tests and assignments would have scored much higher if there was a CAREFUL REVIEW before turning them in.
Most importantly, how many relationships could have been restored and strengthened if people would have had the courage and interest to do a CAREFUL REVIEW before severing ties.
As we enter the sad and mournful 9 Days this week which commemorate the days of destruction of our Temples / Houses of Worship. We are reminded that our national destruction occurred simply because of arrogance, egos and Sinat Chinam - a lack of Brotherly Love.
I implore all who are reading this to do a CAREFUL REVIEW whenever possible, for if not there will be much more to mourn for. Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Epstein
As we enter the 9 days prior to Tisha B’Av, a time of mourning for the Jewish community, and hopefully being at the tail end of COVID, it is time to re-access our priorities and our strengths.
It is way past time for the Jewish people to come together as one to fight anti-semitism. The definition of anti-semitism according to Britannica is “hostility toward or discrimination against Jews as a religious or racial group. The term anti-semitism was coined in 1879 by the German agitator Wilhelm Marr to designate the anti-Jewish campaigns under way in central Europe at that time.”
Together we are stronger than when we stand alone. If you have one uncooked spaghetti, it is very easy to break. Put a whole handful together, it is much more difficult. There is a rally this Sunday in DC at 11 am entitled “NO FEAR: A Rally in Solidarity with the Jewish People.” Be a part of something bigger than yourself. Show the world and our law makers that anti-semitism is unacceptable.
Coming together as a community, in support of each other, is another way to help fight anti-semitism. Accepting our differences, embracing our uniqueness, and welcoming in new people is the only way we will grow as a community.
As a reminder, minyan Friday night is 6:45. We would love to see more people at SOI davening and especially helping to bring in the Shabbos Bride. Saturday morning there are outdoor and indoor minyanim, 9am and 8:30 am respectively.Children's groups start at 10 and Tot Shabbat at 10:15. Outdoor kiddush is a great way to meet new people and enjoy a beautiful spread by sisterhood. At 4:30 our Women's Summer Learning series continues at the SOI tents.
We are celebrating the rich history of Sons of Israel, this, our 50th year in Cherry Hill and our 128th anniversary. Join with us and watch our community grow through Mitzvot, learning and prayer, and throw some fun in there too. Save August 1st as our kick-off date for this fantastic year and bright future.
Shabbat Shalom
Donna Moskowitz
American Red Cross Service to Armed Forces FOOD DRIVE The Southern New Jersey Chapter is collecting non perishable items for the Red Cross Food Cupboard at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst available to military, veterans, and their families. What to Donate: Dry Pasta Canned Tuna/Chicken Mac and Cheese Mix Pasta Sauces Rice Beans Peanut Butter and Jelly Cereal Oatmeal Now through July 31, 2021 Drop off donations at: SONS OF ISRAEL (lobby) or TEXT/EMAIL JON BENDER to make other arrangements (856-745-3342 or jb@benderpc.com)
Please Note: Highlighted section reserved for social distancing and unvaccinated people
Membership Committee Updates: As SOI begins its new fiscal year this month, we would like to remind everyone that while the Synagogue sustains itself on generous benefactors and donors, the yearly membership dues is an essential component as well. Your prompt payment or set up of a monthly payment plan in your Shul Cloud is really appreciated.
Invoices were sent out via email on June 2nd. If you did not receive your invoice or would like to have it sent again, any questions about dues, or help with dues due to your unique situations please do not hesitate to reach out to Heshy Chaitoff, heshychaitoff@gmail.com or Michael Partnow,mrpmjp@aol.com. All communication with the financial secretaries are held with the strictest confidence.
We appreciate your continued support and look forward to another amazing year! Heshy Chaitoff Financial Secretary Michael Partnow Asst. Financial Secretary ______________________________________________________ SOI Committees 2020-2021 Advertising Chemmie Sokolic chemsok@aol.com Bikur Cholim Larry Miller twinks-3043@msn.com Fundraising Historical Society president@soicherryhill.org Jubilee Helene Raush raushfamily@comcast.net Sabrina Spector sabrinaspector@gmail.com Helen Baker bakera412@comcast.net Membership Heshy Chaitoff heshychaitoff@gmail.com Michael Partnow mrpmjp@aol.com Programming Chani Wiesman chaniwiesman@gmail.com Sabrina Spector sabrinaspector@gmail.com Suzie Mindel suziepm@yahoo.com Ritual Heshy Chaitoff heshychaitoff@gmail.com Security Sam Tilonsky drsamod@gmail.com Sisterhood sisterhood@soicherryhill.org Youth Sabrina Spector sabrinaspector@gmail.com Suzie Mindel suziepm@yahoo.com Welcome Aliza Chaitoff alizachaitoff@gmail.com
Thank you to Karen Cohen, Devora Delman, Aliza Delman, Esther Shapiro, Malka Moskowitz, Sylvia Levine and sisterhood for a beautiful kiddush.
Thank you to Aliza Sadiky and Devora and Shmulik Linetsky for running groups
Thank you to Debbie Fineberg, Jeff Liss, and Sam Tilonsky for security
This week our featured "Neighbors" are Hannah and Justin Kaufman and Family We are optimistic that we will all soon be able to return to shul together, however as of yet, things are not quite back to normal. Many of us have not seen our friends from shul for months. Additionally, many new families have moved to the community, but due to the pandemic, we have not had a chance to meet and get to know each other. To help us stay connected, we are bringing a new feature called "Won't you be my neighbor". If you would like to be featured here, please contact Chani Wiesman. In this feature, you will get to meet new families as well as become reacquainted with familiar faces.
Click here to meet Hannah and Justin Kaufman and see past submissions
Welcome to the community Dr. Norman & Lainie Fastman Moshe & Shira Anaki & Family
Florence Axelrod – Fruma bas Sarah Estelle Lerner- Esther Ethel bas Rochel Andy Rauer – Avigayal bas Peshe Ella Bruce Goldhagen - Berel Dov Ben Chia Sheryl Malamud Yoni Yares Amy Goldwasser Gavriel Yehuda ben Chaya Sarah Robbie Friedner Raphael Shraga Ben Dina Sarah
David Partnow - David Avram Ben Tilla Razel
Since the tehillim group is not meeting again until after COVID, following is a link to the prayers for good health and healing that you can recite for our ailing members
Mazel tov to Jeff and Menorah Schwartz on the birth of their 2nd grandchild, Devorah. Mazel tov to Jeff & Liz Liss for their son Asher being awarded 1st place Nationwide in the Bronka Weintraub Bekuit Program – Gemara Contest
There are many ways to support our Shul: Yartzeit Plaque ($400) Shabbat Security ($180) Chumash for the sanctuary ($75) Newslink ($72) Siddur for the sanctuary ($50) Welcome Basket ($18) Bottle Club ($36) https://www.soicherryhill.org/sponsor
The community is invited to join Samost Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) on Tuesday, July 27 at 1:00pm for Transitioning through the Decades, a virtual panel discussion addressing transitions through the decades in later life. Whether you are facing a life transition currently or planning for one soon, the agency will help guide you through the maze of age-related resources. Join us to learn about positive planning for retirement, volunteer opportunities, resources for caring for an aging loved one, and tools for coping with loss and grief. This program is free and open to the community, but advance is registration required at https://bit.ly/3wtpbPn.
AARP Smart Driver Course The AARP Smart Driver Course, for drivers over 50, teaches proven driving techniques to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. It’s been 3 years since Sons of Israel hosted the last AARP Safe Driver Class and multiyear discounts on auto insurance are expiring. Due to Covid, classroom Driver Safety courses are currently suspended, however, the course is available on line at www.AARPdriversafety.org Upon completion of the course, you could be eligible for a multi-year discount on your auto insurance. For additional information, please feel free to contact Elyse Krug at elysebeth1@verizon.net.
*********************************************************** Our Jubilee Year is Starting 50 Years in Cherry Hill/Established 1894 We are asking you to submit statements, stories, anecdotes about what you love about SOI. They will all be featured in the newslink and other celebrations throughout the year. See flyer below. ****************************************************************************************
We will re-evaluate the location at the end of the month. We look forward to seeing all of our families at SOI!
This week's Women's Summer Learning Series - 4:30pm - Speaker: Ilana Weiss Hosted by Aliza Sadiky at the SOI tent. Topic: Ohev Shalom V'Rodef Shalom: An interactive shiur about responding to bullying . Appropriate for women of all ages and girls going into 3rd grade and up.
Next class is July 13 Each class stands on it's own
On-Line Directory Congregation Sons of Israel is launching another initiative to connect the South Jersey orthodox community. We will be hosting an online directory that will include Orthodox-affiliated residents of Cherry Hill and the environs.
We are endeavoring to be all-inclusive. We hope all the Orthodox institutions in the area will pass along the attached flyer to their constituents and encourage them to participate.
As we emerge from the Corona pandemic, we think it is more important than ever that we engage and collaborate. Together we are stronger as a community.
The fine print: • If you are receiving this email, your name is in our database and will be included in the directory. • We will not be using the directory to solicit for Congregation Sons of Israel. • We will not sell the list for commercial purposes. • The directory will not be available to the general public; only Orthodox-affiliated residents will have access through a password protected portal. • The directory will go live on July 7th. You can opt-out prior to that by emailing your intention NOT be included to eytan.Irwin@gmail.com . • Anyone can always change their intention (either to opt-in or out) anytime by logging into the ShulCloud portal at SOICherryHill.org . • Further details of information to be included in the directory, as well as how to change or add to it, will be forthcoming. • We encourage everyone to check the information in the database for accuracy and make any necessary changes.
Reminder: If your mailing information has been changed, please update it on our website by logging on at soicherryhill.org If you know someone who is not receving our weekly email, please let the office know
Office Hours Next Week for Jean Klein: Tuesday to Friday 10:00am - 2:00pm
Congregation Sons of Israel 720 Cooper Landing Road Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
