Weekly Newslinks

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Announcements & Upcoming Events

                                       COVID UPDATE - Mask Recommendation
In accordance with the CDC guidlines, which recommend universal mask wearing in public indoor settings in areas with substantial Covid transmission, we strongly recommend wearing masks at all heavily attended indoor shabbat services, regardless of vaccination status. Masks must continue to be worn by all unvaccinated individuals (including those with prior Covid infection) inside the SOI campus.
We are looking forward to a joyful holiday season and welcoming many congregants and guests alike into our synagogue. As the reality of High Holy Day tefillot will result in many people, including those traveling from out of town, being together for long periods of time, masks will be required at all indoor services during the chagim. Vaccinated baalei tefillah will be permitted to lead services without a mask.
 
We will continue to seek guidance from the CDC, the NJ Department of Health, and the rabbinic and medical leadership of the OU to help keep our synagogue safe and we expect that our policies and recommendations may change as the pandemic continues to unfold. Thank you all for helping to keep our synagogue and our community safe.

Thank you for your cooperation.  

Parking Lot Demolition Update
Please be aware!
For the next few weeks driving around the building will not be possible and access may be limited to the upper lot. Proceed with care, following the markers provided by the construction workers. 

I am very excited for the opportunity to share words of Torah with you. Each week, in this spot, I will look to share an idea I've found that speaks to me and that I think will resonate with you as well. 
This week, I share an article from Rabbi Shraga Simmons of Aish HaTorah entitled 'Pleasure of Eating', which speaks to our mandate to enjoy this world and make the most of the what it offers us.
I often ask my students what was the first command given in the Torah. Most answer that it was the command given to Adam and Chava not to eat from the Etz HaDaas. I am quick to let them know that, in fact, the first command is to eat from all of the trees of Gan Eden and only then does HaShem limit them from eating of the Tree of Knowledge. Rabbi Simmons builds on this theme in this week's Parsha - I hope you enjoy it!

​​​​​​​Parshat Ki Teitze includes an interesting labor law: When workers are picking produce in a field, like strawberries for example, they are permitted to eat as many strawberries as they want while they work. The Torah recognizes that it's cruel to give someone access to food - but deny them the right to eat it.
Based on the same reasoning, the Torah forbids one to muzzle an animal who is plowing a field.
There are some interesting extensions of this law. For example, it's forbidden to put food in front of guests - and then make them wait before eating. Can you imagine bringing out chicken to a holiday feast - but first making everyone sit through a 20-minute speech?!
Another interesting law was determined by the great 20th century American sage, Rabbi Moshe Feinstein. He was asked about the commercial breeding of livestock, where they feed the animals chemicals in place of food. Based on this parsha, Rabbi Feinstein ruled that this practice is forbidden, since it deprives the animals of the pleasure of eating.
The Almighty has given us a world full of delicious foods and pleasures. The Talmud says that one of the first questions we'll be asked upon getting to Heaven is: "Did you taste all the different fruits?" God gave us access to these fruits, so that we would partake of them. Judaism stresses pleasure, not denial. The only condition is that we show appreciation to God for all that He so graciously gives us.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Davies
Rabbi@SOICherryHill.org

   “Working with other people just makes you smarter; that’s proven.”
                                               Lin-Manuel Miranda
Welcoming Rabbi Davies to our August SOI Board meeting was the highlight of the night.  Working as a team is refreshing, inspiring and helpful.  The  D’var Torah by Heshy Chaitoff, to start off our meeting, is summarized by stating that the Gemara includes ethics and morals in addition to technical laws to stress the purpose of the mitzvot,  which is to perfect ourselves in all areas of our lives, not just by actions alone.  Rabbi Davies volunteered to work with the next volunteer to deliver the d’var torah at the September Board Meeting. 

Following is a summary of our meeting.  Please note that you do not have to be a Board Member to volunteer or to have your voice heard.  Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and help SOI at the same time.  There is a list of committees on the newslink with contact information below and you are always welcome to reach out to me.
·        Advertising Committee reported that we are looking into a new screen in  the lobby, updating the newslink and start advertising on our website.  If interested, please contact Chemmie Sokolic at chemsok@aol.com
·        The renovation of the front of the building is progressing.  We are waiting on pictures from the architect of the canopy so we can coordinate with security to complement the front doors.
·        COVID Committee has been working very hard to include the need for safety and the comfort of the congregation.  A statement from them will follow.
·        We have a great new Fundraising Team: Dan Drabkin, Ilana Weiss, Heshy Chaitoff, Yaeli Sokolic, and Judy Herzberg.  They all worked so beautifully bringing Rabbi Davies to us, they have now volunteered their enthusiasm, expertise, knowledge and persistence to fundraising.  They have a huge job ahead of them and could use more volunteers.  The SOI Jubilee GALA will  be February 27th. SAVE THE DATE.
·        We are pleased that our membership list continues to grow both with families new to the community and familiar faces as well.”.  If you need more information on your status or to sign up for SOI membership, please contact Heshy Chaitoff, heshychaitoff@gmail.com or Michael Partnow at mrpmjp@aol.com.
·        The OU Community Fair will be virtual this year.  They are providing training to help set up our virtual booth.  The Fair will be February 13, 2022.
·        The Ritual Committee has been working overtime in preparations for the upcoming holidays.  Yizkor Book and Kol Hanaarim campaigns are going strong.  The deadline for both is August 22 and links are on our home page and in the newslinks. The new honey campaign will also be coming to a close.  Get your orders in and support SOI and Israel at the same time.  Seating reservations are ongoing.  Please get your preferences in as soon as possible so we can insure all minyanim will run.  At this point, you may pick a section to sit in, and either indoor,  outdoor or vasikin minyanim.  We are being COVID cautious and will try to distance seats. 
·        We will be getting new doors leading to the sukkah on August 30th thanks to the Security Committee’s grant from Homeland Security.  Volunteers are always needed as security greeters and camera monitors on Shabbat.  If you are interested, please contact Sam Tilonsky at drsamod@gmail.com
       Sisterhood's Membership meeting is this Thursday.  Come and make new friends, be creative and support SOI Sisterhood.
·        15 new families have moved into our community so far this summer and our Welcoming Committee has delivered baskets to all, provided welcome meals and liasons to help them get settled in Cherry Hill.
·        The Youth Committee is trying to find a leader for the 3rd-5th grade group.  Camp Shofar registration is open. It is babysitting for the High Holidays.  Please see the attached flyer for more information and sign up as soon as possible so we can arrange staffing.
·        Rabbi Davies’ goal is to try to meet as many people as possible, along with his regular Rabbi duties.  If you have not had an opportunity to meet Rabbi Davies, you can reach him at rabbi@soicherryhill.org or extension 2 at 856-667-9700.

Thank you to Centennial Surgery Center and Eytan Irwin for donating chairs and tables to renovate Rabbi Davies office and the lobby.

Please remember to reserve your seats for the High Holidays, make your Yizkor Book, Kol Hanaarim and Honey submissions and volunteer to be a part of our great SOI team.


For the balance of Elul let us all strive to have complete tshuvah and come together as a community for the common good of SOI.

Shabbat Shalom
Donna Moskowitz     

  Roasted Carrots with Honey, Rosemany and Thyme
Ingredients:
For the Carrots:                                      For the Dressing:
2 lbs. carrots, cleaned         2 T olive oil                  1 T white wine vinegar     
2 Tlb olive oil                       1T honey                      1 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. salt                             2 tsp. fresh thyme        1 T  whole grain mustard   
¼ tsp pepper                       salt & pepper to taste    2 tsp. fresh Rosemary

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 475 degrees.
2. Cut the carrots into 2 to 3-inch pieces and then cut the small ends in half and quarter the larger end pieces. Spread them out onto a sheet pan.
3. Toss the carrots with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. 4. Roast for 15 minutes, tossing them once or twice, until the carrots are tender and brown along the edges. Remove from the pan and put into a serving dish.
5. Remove the leaves and stems from the thyme & rosemary and mince.
6. Combine the dressing ingredients in a jar and shake to combine. Taste and correct seasoning if necessary. Pour the vinaigrette over the carrots; toss slightly and serve.
Best served warm or at room temperature.

​​​​​​​​With the High Holidays quickly approaching, there is extensive planning involved:

• High Holiday Seating
• Yizkor Book   
• ​​​​​​​Kol Hanearim preparation  
• Camp Shofar

We have several volunteer opportunities for interested people. 

Disclaimer: Everything is tentative due to COVID updates 

The top 10 TV Shows were:
All in the Family
The Flip Wilson Show
Marcus Welby, M.D.
Gunsmoke
ABC Movie of the Week
Sanford and Son
Mannix
Funny Face
Adam-12
The Mary Tyler Moore Show
Here's Lucy

WAYS TO HELP SOI PAINLESSLY

 Just go to smile.amazon.com, search for Congregation Sons of Israel Synagogue.  Every qualifying purchase will send 0.5% of the total to our Shul. Over time, this will add up.

https://www.kosherwine.com/?rfsn=5940204.12e2a2

SOI  members and affiliates can click the link to go to the JCommerce websites and purchase their products. You can support SOI through the commission we earn. 

Locker rentals open to all members.

If you have previously rented a locker and are not renewing, please clean it out or we will remove the items left in there.

Thanks for your cooperation

Hashkama Minyan Update
We will be re-starting Hashkama Minyan Shabbat Shuva, September 11, 2021
at 7:30am in the Chapel.  
Kiddush immediately following davening.
For questions please contact Bill Jungreis at soiprez2014@gmail.com.

Please Note:
Highlighted section reserved for social distancing and unvaccinated people

______________________________________________________
                          SOI Committees 2021-2022
Advertising            Chemmie Sokolic  chemsok@aol.com
Chesed                  Karen Cohen        karen.e.cohen@gmail.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      Sabrina Spector      sabrinaspector@gmail.com
                            Suzie Mindel           suziepm@yahoo.com
Ritual                   Heshy Chaitoff        heshychaitoff@gmail.com
                            Chani Wiesman      chaniwiesman@gmail.com
Security               Sam Tilonsky          drsamod@gmail.com
Sisterhood           Karen Cohen          karen.e.cohen@gmail.com
Youth                   Sabrina Spector      sabrinaspector@gmail.com
                            Caryn Hurlock         cmhurlock@gmail.com
Welcome             Aliza Chaitoff           alizachaitoff@gmail.com

Volunteers are needed for fundraising, Gala and our Installation.  You do not need to be a Board member to be involved.

HELP NEEDED
To get ready fo the upcoming holidays, we have a lot of work to do.  Please volunteer for one or more of these in-person activities:
August 24 - 10:30 am - Oganize Downstairs Storage Room
August 24 - 7pm - organize Book Closet (NEED MUSCLES)
Please note date change.
Get to know areas of the shul not regularly accessable

Tzetzchem l'shalom
to Amalia, Kobi & Rafi Littwin as they leave for Israel for a year of learning

Thank you to Aliza Sadiky, Naama Weiss, Gali Brody and Devora Linetsky for running groups

Thank you to Bill Jungreis, Sam Oshlag, Avi Rynderman, Baila Silverman, Seth Cohen, Etyan Irwin, Harvey Chaitoff, Debbie Fineberg, Jeff Liss, Andy Rauer,  Sam Tilonsky.

             Mazel Tov to Shmuel & Sofia Fils on the birth of their new baby boy.
           Mazel Tov to the Lindenbergs on the dedication of a new Torah
Mazel Tov to Larry & Janet Miller on the engagement of their grandaughter Miriam Zamel to Avraham (Abbei) Weiss. Miriam is the daughter of
​​​​​​​ Amy and Zaacov Zamel

This week our featured "Neighbors" are:
                                        The Spector Family
 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 Sabrina & Aaron and Family and see past submissions.

Condolences to Aliza Chaitoff and Rabbi Marty Nasheroff on the death of
their beloved grandmother and mother, Mildren Nasheroff

Condolences to Mervyn and Deborah Becker on the death of their beloved daughter, Shoshana

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 
Amy Goldwasser
Gavriel Yehuda ben Chaya Sarah 
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

There are many ways to support our Shul:
Yartzeit Plaque ($400)
Shabbat Security ($180)
Chumash for the sanctuary ($75)
Newslink ($36)
Siddur for the sanctuary ($50)
Welcome Basket ($18)
Bottle Club ($36)
https://www.soicherryhill.org/sponsor ​​​​​​​

Adult Medium & Children's Sizes still available.

Orders can be taken for other sizes

  Monthly memory café invites participants
to leave the diagnosis at the door 
 
Café Connection – A Memory Café is a monthly JFCS program for people affected by dementia and other memory challenges, along with their care partners. On the second Thursday of each month, participants enjoy camaraderie, conversation, and a creative project together. All programs are currently being held virtually. Café Connection is free and open to the entire community – advance registration is required. To learn more, contact Reva Farenback-Brateman at 856-424-1333 ext. 1184 or rfbrateman@jfedsnj.org. 

Boscov Department Store is sponsoring Friends Helping Friends 25th Anniversary on October 20,2021 from 8AM to 11 PM!  Amazingly you will get a 25% discount on most items in the store!  All you have to do is donate $5.00 to SOI’s Bikur Cholim organization!  Get your discount shopping pass now.  Call the shul office or Janet Miller at 856-667-0860 to receive your pass!

To sponsor use the link below:

https://www.soicherryhill.org/form/newcomerkiddush

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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.
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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
The office will be open from 10-2 Monday thru Friday this week