Shabbat Blast 8/25/17: Open Eyes

Coming Soon!!! The Congregation Beth Ohr High Holiday Mechina service! A New Idea for an Old Concept! The service is for families and learners where adults and kids will explore the High Holiday service in an accessible and meaningful way. We are looking for input from all members. Please contact the Rabbi at rabbi.bernstein@cbohr.org, the Cantor at cantor.myerson@cbohr.org, Mrs. O. at principal@cbohr.org, and Sheree Jarmol at 1froggy@optonline.net with any comments or concerns about this meaningful event.

Congregation Beth Ohr is creating a Caring Committee. This group of individuals will be available to help with transportation to Doctors, Hospitals, or other Medical Visits. If you are in need of a ride, or if you are available to help, please contact the office at 516-781-3072

Dear [first_name],

Sometimes the news cycle brings us to a point where we feel like shutting down. We read of stabbings, of cars taking the lives of crowds of people, and of illness and natural disasters.

There has always been suffering and tragedy in the world, but the difference today is that we have access to know about all of it. When we say that “ignorance is bliss,” we must acknowledge that with iPhones and smart tv’s not one of us has the luxury of being ignorant. Within a few seconds we can gain knowledge from the police report down the street and and the BBC interview taking place on another continent.

So how do we function with so much overwhelming access and knowledge? Much of the time we put blinders up. We cannot possibly absorb the magnitude of the news around us, so we create tunnel vision. It helps us cope and function. But where does this willful ignorance end? There are moments when we must step out into the discomfort of the news cycle to engage and speak out.

The ancient prophets were those people who could not put blinders up. They were acutely aware of the unrighteousness around us. If we were also so aware, would we not also scream at the top of our lungs that the poor are hungry and the sick are suffering?

When the text of our Parasha, Mishpatim, says, “tzedek tzedek tirdof,” “justice, justice, thou shalt pursue (Devarim 16:20),” we are reminded to never stop chasing a just world. We may be tempted to rest and close our eyes because perfection is not possible. But every time we close our eyes, the scales of injustice grow heavier towards pain and suffering.

Shabbat can be our day in which we focus our eyes on our homes, our families, and only that which is within the fence of our own small little hamlet, our eyes open to one another with less global static. But we must always dance with the tension of self preservation and the pursuit of a greater justice. May we do so with eager minds and compassionate hearts.

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Bernstein

Join Congregation Beth Ohr for an evening of fun and laughter.

Saturday, November 11, 2017

8PM

Tickets $25

Please Note: We will not bill your account for this event.

Payment must be submitted in advance of the performance.

DON’T DRINK THE WATER

An early comedy classic by Woody Allen in which a caterer from New Jersey and his wife

end up trapped behind the Iron Curtain.

Contact the Temple Office to Reserve Your Seats!!

RSVP's Required by September 15!

STUDIO THEATRE

141 Wellwood Avenue

Lindenhurst NY, 11757

Weight Watcher Rabbi - A New You for a New Year! Judaism for the Body and Soul

This is a FREE one time session and will be held on Sunday, September 10, 2017 at 10:00 AM.

Please click here to register on line or contact the temple office.

Monthly Meditation

Second Monday of every month, schedule permitting, in a quiet room at 7PM.

There, we will enjoy hot tea and a personal meditative space.

Doors will be closed at 7:20 without further admittance to maintain the quiet atmosphere.

Rabbi Bernstein will then lead us in a guided meditation.

You do not need to attend all sessions.

2017: September 11, October 9, November 13, December 11

2018: January 8, February 12, March 12, April 9, May 1 4

Please bring a yoga mat, blanket, or cushion of your choice.

RSVPs are appreciated but not required. Call office or online at: http://www.cbohr.org/event/monthly-meditation.html
Chairs will be available for those who do not wish to sit on the floor.

SHABBAT LOUNGE!

Come and relax with us “lounge-style” before Kabbalat Shabbat

Enjoy a drink and some light nosh

2017: October 13, November 10, December 8,

2018: January 12, February 9, March 9, April 13, May 11, June 8, July 13,

In order to provide adequately, RSVPs to the Temple Office are greatly appreciated

Blessing of the Animals

Sunday, October 22, 2017 at 12 Noon
Bring your lovable pet to the grass outside the Temple as we celebrate the animals that bring us joy.

If inclement weather is forecast, we will reschedule.

Please join Rabbi Dahlia Bernstein and Guest Speakers from the community, including

Rabbi Daniel Bar-Nachum, Rabbi Tracy Kaplowitz and Rabbi David Siegel,

to learn about the Jewish View on modern topics.

This is a FREE Event held at Panera

Open to the Community. Friends are welcomed.

Please click here to register on line or you may contact the temple office at (516) 781-3072.

HAZAK ACTIVITIES

Pepper, Silk and Ivory, The Jews of China, Japan and India
Presented by Rabbi Marvin Tokayer
Wednesday, September 6th at 1:30 PM

Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts
Wednesday, September 13th- 8:30 AM Departure

Although quite far off, put Wed. Nov. 8 on your calendars. Rabbi Bernstein will be accompanying us on a visit to the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) for an interesting day – a tour of the facilities, some interaction with students, a visit to the rare books collection, some learning with one of Rabbi Bernstein’s teachers, and lunch at the Seminary. Details about time and cost will be sent in a later mailing.

Game Days (all Mondays at 1:30 PM): Sep. 11, 25; Oct. 16, 30; Nov. 13, 27; Dec. 11

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For further details please refer to flyers in recent mailings and in lobby of synagogue. Or call Bill Berkowitz (516) 221-2056 or Lucy Safir at (516) 221-4107.

Pre-registration recommended for in-house-programs, and pre-payment for trips.

Congregation Beth Ohr, in conjunction with The Friedberg JCC, will be hosting a Bereavement Support Group for those who have lost a spouse in the last year. Congregation Beth Oh will be hosting these meetings on Tuesdays, July 11 through August 29 at 11 AM. If these times are not convenient or you would like more information, please see our Partners In Caring Page.

Family Kabbalat Shabbat! Beginning in September, Join us on the first Friday of every month for a special Family Service. Services will begin at 6:30. Dinner or a special themed snack will follow!

The Alix Rubinger Food Pantry is open and volunteers are always needed. Please call the office if you can offer your time. We are looking for people to staff when the doors are open, as well as come in on off hours to maintain the space and stock the shelves with donations.

Thank you to Lauren Lefkowitz for building the lovely bin. Please use this for all of your donations!

Heading to Israel in 2018. Informational sessions have occurred. We have hit our Max! If you would like to get on the waitlist, contact the office. Click here for a detailed itinerary!

Rabbi's Bar/Bat Mitzvah Class! Mondays at 6PM, join the Rabbi for an informative class to learn all about the Torah/Haftorah Service, the prayers and tunes associated with it, and the history of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah service. This is geared toward those who do not have any background in the Torah Service. Flyer is available here.

Junior Congregation is done for the year. Watch for the dates for Next Year! Miss Rachel is looking forward to coming back and spending Shabbat with all of the students!!!