Weekly Newslinks

You can sponsor this newslink for $36 in honor or in memory of a dear one.

This newslink is sponsored by Sheryl & Daniel MalamudThank you for all of your kindnesses this and past years. Your messages, visits, rides, minyanim, meals and more are what makes this community special.

Announcements & Upcoming Events

                                         Important Safety Update 
                                            Synagogue Access
For everyones safety, the driveway from the new gym to the Mens Mikvah entrance is blocked because of the current phase of construction on our campus. The trench being dug is too wide and deep for people to safely cross.

If you come to shul using the path from Acqueduct Lane, please access the front doors by walking along the back of the building up past the Keilim mikvah and Mikvah Ohel Leah then around the building to the main entrance.    

If everything goes according to plan, this inconvenience should only last one or two weeks.

Thank you for your continued cooperation in keeping everyone safe.
​​​​​​​
Respectfully,
Sam Tilonsky
Security Chair

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 excerpt from an article from Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski entitled 'The Torah Isn't for Angels', which speaks to how we view ourselves and what we can do to improve.

The Midrash says that when Moses ascended to heaven to receive the Torah, the heavenly angels objected, saying to God, “The Torah is too holy to be given to mortals who will not appreciate it and revere it. Let the Torah remain here, among us.” God told Moses to rebut the angels' argument. Moses said, “The Torah says `You shall not covet your neighbor's wife.' Does that apply to you? The Torah says, `You shall not steal.' Are you capable of stealing anything? The Torah says, `You shall not murder.' Can you kill one another?” With this argument, Moses triumphed over the angels and brought the Torah to us.

The point of this Midrash is that angels are totally spiritual and do not need a Torah. It is precisely because of the animal component in man that we need a Torah. If a person wishes to know what impulses are part of human nature, he need only read the 365 prohibitions of the Torah. Every one of them is a commandment to avoid doing something which our animal body desires! Why, then, should a person disown any feeling as though having it means that one is decadent? There is no reason to disown any thought or feeling. We need only realize that this originated from our animal-like body, and that it is our duty to master it.

Tiferes Yisrael on the Mishnah cites a Midrash that a king who had heard of Moses' greatness sent his artists to the Israelite encampment in the desert to draw a picture of Moses. When they returned, he gave the picture to his physiognomists, the wise men who were capable of describing a person's character by a study of his face. The physiognomists reported that this picture was of a person who was narcissistic, arrogant, lustful and capable of the worst kind of behavior. This was so incongruous with what he had heard about Moses that he decided to see for himself. Upon meeting Moses, he saw that the picture his artists had drawn was precise to the minutest detail. He asked Moses how his physiognomists could have been so wrong. Moses explained that the physiognomists can describe only the character traits with which a person was born. “All those things they said of me are innate. I was born with all those traits. However, I transformed them all and channeled them toward positive and desirable goals” (Tiferes Yisrael, end of Kiddushin).

This is what Moses was telling the Israelites. “The Torah is not in heaven. It was not intended for angels who have no improper impulses. It is a Torah for mortals, for human beings whose animal bodies can generate desires that a person may wish to disown as being alien. It is not necessary to do so. We have the strength and capacities to be master over our behavior.

“It is very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart to perform it.”

When we recognize and acknowledge our faults, that is the beginning of our ability to improve upon them and start to work towards becoming our best selves.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Davies
Rabbi@SOICherryHill.org

           
“A positive attitude will have positive results because attitudes are contagious”        -Zig Ziglar

SOI seems to be going through a metamorphosis – "a change of physical form, structure, or substance especially by supernatural means."  In between Mincha and Maariv, there is thought-provoking learning.  On Shabbat, an upbeat, poignant sermon is given in multiple minyanim.  The other week Rabbi Davies leined at the outdoor minyan and indoor minyan, read the haftorah, gave a sermon at the indoor minyan and Sephardic minyan.  He made kiddush and later benched.  I was exhausted watching him. 

Rabbi Davies seems to have ignited a spark in this community.  He is bridging gaps with the Tri-County Vaad of Rabbis, reaching out to our neighboring Orthodox Rabbis, connecting with Federation and having conversations with people who have not affiliated with SOI for a while along with long time members.  He has already officiated, unfortunately, at a funeral and attended a Shalom Zachor. 

I anticipate that Rabbi Davies’ positive attitude will spill over to the rest of our community.  Each time we have a meeting, which is very often, I continue to be amazed by his insight and input. I am aware that many people have reached out to Rabbi Davies for various reasons.  His consultations are not a two-minute phone call.  He answers shylahs with a full explanation.  He is taking the time to get to know people and their families.  If you have not had that opportunity yet, please reach out to him at rabbi@soicherryhill.org. Just as a reminder, to myself and everyone else, Rabbi Davies has only been here for 4 weeks. 

The effects from Rabbi Davies ‘can-do’ spirit has proven even more contagious than COVID-19.  We offer no resistance to a positive attitude and hope you will emulate our new Rabbi and what he has already brought to our SOI community in four short weeks. Whether you have been here 5 days or 50 years,  be positive.    Let this attitude go viral.  Step up, volunteer, and continue this enthusiasm throughout the community.

Next week starts Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.  In the Artscroll Machzor it states,” The judgement of Rosh Hashanah evaluates each person as an individual and as part of the larger group.  It may well be that a particular human being may add little or nothing to G-d’s glory – at least not enough to make him deserving of a reprieve in the Heavenly judgement.  But man does not stand alone.  He is part of a group, and his actions and his very presence affect others as well.  As a solitary human being he may be wanting, but his family or community may function better because he is there.”  Help SOI to function better in this coming year by sharing of yourself, your talents and of your time. Be an influencer – influence the growth of SOI.

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     

These recipes are all traditional recipes I make for Rosh Hashanah yearly.  Enjoy!!

                                             SELKA
                   (Moroccan-Style Beet Green Salad)      4 servings
Sephardim partake of beet greens on Rosh Hashshana in the hope that any enemies with wither and shrink  like fresh greens do when they are cooked.  Beet greens are not only tasty, but also healthy providing plenty of vitamin A. 
Ingredients:
Beet greens ( leaves and stems) from 1 large bunch of beets 
1 1/2 T olive oil                                                            pinch paprike
1-2 cloves garlic, finely minced                                   pinch salt
2T fresh lemon juice                                        
Directions:
1. Wash the beet greens very well making sure to remove all soil.  
2. Cut the leaves and stems into small pieces
3. Place in a medium sized sauce pan, add cold water to cover and bring to a boil over high heat: lower the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes.
4. Drain well squeezing out all excess water
5. Stir in the remaining ingredients, adjusting to your taste.
6. Chill, mixing occasionally.
7. Dry the saucepan, and heat the oil over medium heat
8. Add the beet greens and garlic and cook, stirring for 10 minutes.  
9. Add lemon juice, paprika and salt and stir for a minute longer.
10. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
11. Serve hot, chilled or at room temperature.
                                  Courtesy of "The Jewish Holiday Cookbook"

• High Holiday Seating  
• Camp Shofar
• Lulav/Etrog Sale

• ​​​​​​​ Honors Bidding

Disclaimer: Everything is tentative due to COVID updates 

NCSY Updates
More info to come about Holiday plans
Weekly Cherry Hill Latte & Learning every Monday night (starting September 13)
Cherry Hill NCSY Succos BBQ in my sukkah! (September 23rd)

The Voting Age in the United States is lowered to 18 yrs old when the 26th Amendment to the US Constitution is ratified

Malibu Barbie $1.94
Etch-A-Sketch $2.83
Rock Em Sock Em Robots $8.99

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. 

KEY RECALL
If you have a master key, please return it to the office.  We will be re-keying all of the locks.
If, as a member, you would like a fob to gain access to the building during minyan times, we would be glad to activate one for you.  Please contact Jean Klein at officeadmin@soicherryhill.org.

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
Postponed starting until after the High Holy Days
For questions please contact Bill Jungreis at soiprez2014@gmail.com.

______________________________________________________
                          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. You do not need to be a Board member to be involved.

Welcome new members Asaf and Rachel Mizrahi
Welcome To The Community
Rachel & Matti Rosenberg
Rikki & Elliot Zahler

Mazel tov to Charlie and Dina Kivolowitz on the birth of a baby boy
Shalom Zachor Friday night at 27 Ivy Lane from 9:15-10:15
Vaccinated and masks requested

• Thank you to Aliza Sadiky, Naama Weiss, Gali Brody and Devora Linetsky for running groups
• Thank you to  Debbie Fineberg, Baila Silverman, Seth Cohen, Avi Rynderman, Harvey Chaitoff, Jeff Liss, Sam Tilonsky, & Mike from OPS.
• Thank you to Etyan Irwin for organizing and implementing the beautiful Rosh Hashanah gifts for the community.
• Thank you to Karen Cohen for organizing the delivery routes and for polishing the silver on our beautiful torahs.
• Thank you to the Brockman Family for sponsoring the Kiddush last week.
• Thank you to Chaim Kress for changing the Torah Mantles
• Thank you to the OU for waivning membership fees for the year due to COVID expenses.
  

 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 see past submissions.

Florence Axelrod – Fruma bas Sarah
Estelle Lerner- Esther Ethel bas Rochel
Andy Rauer – Avigayal bas Peshe Ella
Sheryl Malamud 
Amy Goldwasser
Gavriel Yehuda ben Chaya Sarah 
Raphael Shraga Ben Dina Sarah

David Partnow - David Avram Ben Tilla Razel 
Machla Leah bat Chava

 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

ATTENTION TEENS AND PARENTS OF TEENS
Please complete the following survey so we can better serve our teen population.
​​​​​​​https://forms.gle/gC5mEC1LUQz1hYRDA

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

Back to School Wellness Tips from the JFCS Counseling Department 
 
The new school year is a time of excitement and anticipation—but also anxiety—for many families. As children in South Jersey return to school amidst COVID-19, some of them might be experiencing more than the usual back to school jitters. The JFCS Faye Manger Counseling Department offers some tips to help parents take care of themselves and set their kids up for success this year. From validating kids’ feelings to sticking to a routine, check out this great video to help kids navigate the new school year successfully:  https://vimeo.com/591620761 

ERUV UPDATE
As a part of creating a new organization for the community eruv, we are making a new email server for the eruv status and other eruv related information.    
 
Sign up to receive email communications by clicking here and filling out a short form
 
After Sukkos the official announcement of the weekly status of the Eruv will come from the new email server.

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!

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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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                                       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.  

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 Thursday and Friday this week