Shabbat, June 11: Nasso (Sivan 12) 8:00am 8AM Minyan 8:30am Sephardic Minyan 9:00am Main Minyan 9:15am Latest Shema 10:00am Youth Groups 10:30am Tot Shabbat 11:00am Graduation Kiddush 6:40pm Gemara Shiur 8:00pm Mincha 8:25pm Rabbi's Parsha Shiur 9:05pm Maariv 9:18pm Havdalah
Sunday, June 12 (Sivan 13) 7:00am Shacharit 8:00am Shacharit 9:00am Red Cross Blood Drive (Ends at 2:00pm) 10:00am Art of Prayer Class 8:15pm Mincha/Maariv
I am very excited for the opportunity to share words of Torah with you. Each week, in this spot, I 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 by Rabbi Avi Geller entitled 'Achieving Levels of Personal Holiness', which shares an interesting idea about Traditional Jewish Pluralism.
[...] The 12 princes donated 6 wagons to the Temple for the Levites to transport the Tabernacle from place to place, besides the holy vessels that were carried on their shoulders. The princes then dedicated the altar with the first donated offerings. [...T]hey made sure to be first in line at the dedication ceremonies.
God said, "Let each prince bring on a different day," in order to prevent jealousy among them, and to emphasize that they are all equal, unique, and important in the eyes of God. The 12 tribal princes all brought the exact same offering - without collaborating in advance. But they each brought it with different intentions. [...]
In this section, the Torah repeats the exact service for 12 times and then gives a sum total. Why does the Torah, which is generally stingy with words, have to suddenly be so generous with the dedication of the tabernacle? [In a similar vein,] In the story of Eliezer finding a wife for Isaac, why does the Torah tell us this story over again and again?
The Torah loves originality! If you can think of a novel way to come to Torah (within the bounds of Jewish law of course), the Torah devotes much time and effort for it to speedily come to fruition! Eliezer figured out, by himself, that the best wife for Abraham's son Isaac was one who performed kind deeds. The Princes each had a new way to serve God, so the Torah goes to great lengths to list these accomplishments. That's Jewish pluralism! (Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe)
To illustrate this idea, imagine a study hall on the holiday of Sukkot, and inside are the Vilna Gaon, Maimonides, the Baal Shem Tov, the Ben Ish Chai, and Rabbi S.R. Hirsch -- all shaking the 4 species! Although they seem to be doing the same act, each one has a totally different and unique intention. These are the many ways to serve God [...]
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Graduation is, according to the Cambridge dictionary, ”the fact of finishing a degree or other course of study at a university or school”. I would add that it is a time of transition: celebrating the end and looking to a new beginning. This week we are celebrating many graduations and life events for our congregation. Whether it is graduating from nursery school to graduating from college, all of these people are looking to make their mark on their future, the next part of their lives. It is so exciting to see so many people, young and older looking towards the future with hope and gratitude and enthusiasm.
This past week we graduated from Counting the Omer to Shavuot. We celebrated with inspirational davening, fascinating learnings, Torah Slam, delicious food, and great community support. The shul was vibrant and alive with help, cooperation and participation from many. Thank you to everyone who helped.
Sons of Israel is also in transition for the month of June. We have voted in a new Board of Directors and Presidents. They will be assuming their roles on July 1, 2022. To make this a smooth transition, there have been many meetings to bring everyone “on board” comfortably. As I “graduate” from President to IMP, Immediate Past President, I look forward to what amazing things this new board will bring to SOI.
Due to the increased number of cases nationwide and specifically in our community, mask wearing is highly recommended inside but not mandatory. Vaccination, including booster immunizations, are highly recommended.
Masks are optional for all minyanim and programs.
Out of concern for fellow shul attendees, if you are feeling sick, we ask that you please refrain from attending. Thank you for your cooperation.
Rabbi Michael Davies, Donna Moskowitz, and the Covid Task Force
Mazel Tov to Gail & Robert Belfer on the marriage of their son Dr. Joshua Belfer to Dr. Ashtyn Katz.
Mazel tov to Meira Weiss on winning the International SCP Shavuos Challenge.
Mazel Tov to Lynn and Bill Jungresi on their grandson Coby's Bar Mitzvah in Israel.
Mazel tov to the Panitch Family on Eliana's Yemenite Henna.
Thank you to Joyce Joseph, Estelle Lerner, Sheryl Malamud, Donna Moskowitz, and Lianna Weinberg for baking delicious treats for kiddush. A great time was had by all.
Thank you to last week's kiddush crew Gerald Mindel, Adam Shulman, Malka Moskowitz, Lianna Weinberg, and Gavi Weiner
Thank you to Ora and Rabbi Davies for spearheading such beautiful Shavuot programming.
Thank you to the following people who provided security during Shabbos and Shavuos: Debbie Fineberg (doors and indoor minyan), Jeff Liss (cameras and All Night Learning), Harvey Chaitoff (cameras), Seth Cohen (cameras), Robbie Friedner (cameras), Chemmie Sokolic (cameras), Gerald Mindel (doors), Ari Rynderman (doors and cameras), Gila Davis (cameras), Mike from OPS, Donna Moskowitz (doors) and Sam Tilonsky (doors). IMPORTANT The sanctuary emergency exit doors were left open for several hours on Shabbos. It was eventually closed by a situationally aware member. Doors are not to be propped open and left unattended under ANY circumstances.
Security and safety first and foremost!
Condolences to Dr. Ashlyn Katz and Dr. Josh Belfer
on the passing of Ashlyn's mother Beverly Plit.
Florence Axelrod – Fruma bas Sarah Gavriel Yehuda ben Chaya Sarah Eytan Raphael Shraga ben Dina Sarah David Partnow - David Avram ben Tilla Razel Robert Shapiro - Doniel-Avraham ben Hannah Aaron Moshe ben Ruth Yosef Simcha Chaim Ben Sarah Chana Gaela bas Pinina Jackie Nussbaum - Eta Ruchmam bas Chaya Golda Chayim Gedalya haLevi ben Henya Shari Goldberg Marcia Heine D'niel Asher ben Esther Risha
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
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.
Shoprite Scrip Now Available SOI Office Monday-Friday 10-2 Yaeli Sokolic at ycsgraphix@gmail.com Flo Shulman at florence.shulman@gmail.com
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 Monday to Friday 10-2pm
Congregation Sons of Israel 720 Cooper Landing Road Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
