Community means standing together during the good and also the challenging, offering support and words of comfort. We see a glimpse of this in our Torah portion, Tetzaveh.
“You shall further command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of beaten olives for lighting, for kindling lamps perpetually (le-ha’alot ner tamid)” (Exodus 27:20).
What is interesting about the concept of the ner Tamid, the lamp which we must perpetually light, is that one would think that it does not need to be lit during the day time, only the night. The sun provides the light that the Israelites might need in the desert. Our portion tells us that we keep the light alive even when there is an abundance of light. There is more to the light than utility. Not only is it symbolic of our dedication, but we perpetuate it so that we never forget how to light it. I’ll use the example of a wind up watch. Even on days when you don’t need a watch, one must keep up the practice of winding it because the gears might rust and it won’t be present when you need it the most. The same is true of community, prayer, and study. We support the community and maintain these ties so that we can be together in great joy and in heavy challenges.
We are currently in a time of uncertainty. The Corona Virus is spreading across the world. While it takes the lives of some and upends the lives of others, we look for things to steady us, the parts of the world that remain constant. This is the concept of “Tamid.” Our Torah and our prayers articulate our hopes, our fears, and our needs. If you need to speak to anyone, feel free to reach out to the synagogue at 516-781-3072 or rabbi.bernstein@cbohr.org.
We remind you to take all precautions to be safe and healthy and please stay home if you are ill.
Let us offer a prayer for healing:
May the One who blessed our ancestors — Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Matriarchs Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah — bless and heal all who are ill. May the Holy Blessed One overflow with compassion upon them, to restore them, to heal them, to strengthen them, to enliven them. The One will send them, speedily, a complete healing — healing of the soul and healing of the body — along with all the ill, among the people of Israel and all humankind, soon, speedily, without delay, and let us all say: Amen!
Wellness Precaution - Update
Dear Congregants,
While we continue to see the spread of the Coronavirus throughout the world and the first cases being reported in New York I want to remind everyone to be conscientious and cautious about attending services or programs at the Shul.
If you are feeling ill, if you have been in the company of someone that is ill, or recently traveled to a country reporting high levels of the Coronavirus, please refrain from attending services, events or programs at the Synagogue. I also suggest when attending services to please refrain from shaking hands and kissing. We should also avoid hugging, kissing, and touching the Torah as it is paraded around the synagogue.
Please keep your children home from Hebrew school if they are exhibiting any signs of a cold or the flu or have been in the presence of someone that is ill. Make sure that you contact your physician or health care provider if your child or anyone in you household is exhibiting signs of the Coronavirus.
Our custodial staff has increased the frequency of cleaning the bathrooms and all door knobs. The Shul will provide lysol wipes at the entrance of the sanctuary and continue to take precautionary steps to prevent the contracting and spread of the Coronavirus.
Thank you
Bruce Nelson
SERVICES
Friday, March 6 - Friday, March 13
Friday 6:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat Service
Saturday 9:00 AM Nosh and D'rash 9:45 AM Shabbat Service 10:30 AM Junior Congregation
Sunday
9:00 AM Minyan
Monday 6:30 AM Minyan 5:45 PM Young Family Purim and Pizza 7:00 PM Megillah Reading
Tuesday 8:00 AM Minyan - Megillah Reading
Thursday 8:00 AM Minyan
Friday 8:00 PM Kabbalat Shabbat Service
Click on the links below to register for any of these programs
Our Alix Rubinger Kosher Food Pantry needs increased membership contributions as well as ideas for other sources of income. We are now serving 15 to 20 families per week. While a lot of food is contributed to our pantry from supermarkets and other synagogues, it is still necessary to purchase needed food items.
Checks can be made out to the Alix Rubinger Kosher Food Pantry or made out to CBO with an indication that the funds go to the pantry account.
Please remember that this is OUR Pantry.
Thank you.
As a member of CBO, you have a Shul Cloud Account within our Website. Your login is your email (the email you use to receive this email). If you don't know your login password, you can reset it HERE Why do I need to login? By clicking on "My Account." You can view and update your information on your account.
Click on "Edit my profile"
Make sure that the information is your profile is correct, e.g. your Hebrew name and birthday, work and contact information.
Add your family members and/or make sure that their information is correct.
Add yahrzeits so you can be notified of future occurrences.
Register for many of our exciting events and programs.
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Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism