Cantor Ed Gerber has let us know that several adult members of Ohr Kodesh have begin learning to chant Torah under his careful instruction. What a wonderful skill to learn, and what a terrific way to honor Rabbi Fishman as part of Pledge 25!
Cantor Gerber has let us know that he'd be happy to teach others who have an interest. You can reach him at Cantor@ohrkodesh.org
Monday, November 30, 2009
Bethesda REALLY Cares
Our member Andy Shoyer has been organizing a group of volunteers at Bethesda Cares, helping to feed the hungry by preparing sandwiches. Volunteers purchase ingredients, prepare lunches (thirty each of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cheese sandwiches, pieces of fruit, cookies) and deliver them each Sunday for distribution by Bethesda Cares. Volunteers (individuals and families) sign up for two Sundays a year. You can contact Andy Shoyer at ashoyer@sidley.com
In part because of our Pledge 25 effort, Andy reports a record number of families have decided to participate in this effort.
Kol Hakavod to Andy and those who are participating.
In part because of our Pledge 25 effort, Andy reports a record number of families have decided to participate in this effort.
Kol Hakavod to Andy and those who are participating.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Paula is the Best!
The smell of baking challah was only outdone by the aroma of chocolate babka at Paula Shoyer's class on Jewish baking. We all knew that she was a wonderful baker, but we didn't all know what a wonderful teacher she is! Her enthusiasm was wonderful, and we all enjoyed our "hands-on" participation. We are all eagerly awaiting the publication of her forthcoming book. What a great addition to Pledge 25.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Dvar Torah Shabbat Vayera: Hachnasat Orchim Begins at Home
The following is an excerpt of a d'var Torah presented by Ohr Kodesh Board member Ellen Elow-Mintz. Consider fulfilling some of your Pledge 25 hours by extending hospitality to fellow congregants and guests.
Long before Sinai and the handing down of the commandments, Parshat Vayera lays out two fundamental mitzvot that help define g’milut hasidim, acts of lovingkindness, and God’s day-in-day out expectations of the Jewish people. God appears as Avraham is recovering from his circumcision, modeling for us the importance of bikkur holim, visiting the sick. In the midst of this visit, Avraham notices the approach of three men and redirects his attention from God to welcome and attend to these visitors. Rather than taking Avraham to task for looking away from God, the rabbis teach that hospitality to others, hachnasat orchim, is greater than welcoming the Divine Presence. In welcoming strangers we are doing God’s will and if we were to focus solely on God we would be ignoring those in need. In the context of a synagogue community, hachnasat orchim should mean more than recognizing and welcoming those who are visiting from the outside. Despite sitting in the same “Shabbat neighborhood” each week, we often have forgotten or never learned the names of our neighbors. Please take a moment and look around your neighborhood and identify one or two people whose names you may have forgotten. During kiddush, please make a point to go up and ask his or her name and provide yours.
Long before Sinai and the handing down of the commandments, Parshat Vayera lays out two fundamental mitzvot that help define g’milut hasidim, acts of lovingkindness, and God’s day-in-day out expectations of the Jewish people. God appears as Avraham is recovering from his circumcision, modeling for us the importance of bikkur holim, visiting the sick. In the midst of this visit, Avraham notices the approach of three men and redirects his attention from God to welcome and attend to these visitors. Rather than taking Avraham to task for looking away from God, the rabbis teach that hospitality to others, hachnasat orchim, is greater than welcoming the Divine Presence. In welcoming strangers we are doing God’s will and if we were to focus solely on God we would be ignoring those in need. In the context of a synagogue community, hachnasat orchim should mean more than recognizing and welcoming those who are visiting from the outside. Despite sitting in the same “Shabbat neighborhood” each week, we often have forgotten or never learned the names of our neighbors. Please take a moment and look around your neighborhood and identify one or two people whose names you may have forgotten. During kiddush, please make a point to go up and ask his or her name and provide yours.
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