10/23

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10/23

10/23/2015 11:23:56 AM

Oct23

This Shabbat we put Bellmore and Merrick on the Jewish map. Our team of rabbis in the area, in partnership with the Merrick Bellmore Jewish Community Council (MBJCC) has worked together to create a variety of meaningful moments of connection. Jewish communities all over the world are plugging into this idea, from Barcelona to New Zealand and of course Bellmore and Merrick. Click here to see this international project. We are showing the world this is a vibrant place to raise your family and grow Jewishly. Our synagogues are not distinct entities sitting as Islands. We are more like the peninsulas on which we live, having our own distinct shape and identities but connected in vital ways. Our Parasha, Lech Lecha, implores each individual to go on their journey. God tells Avram (not renamed Avraham, yet) to leave his native land and his father's house for a land that God would show him. Sometimes we need permission and a gentle push to move outside of our comfort zone.

This is the goal of the Shabbat project, to encourage each individual to try something new. But in this context, I believe it challenges us to expand what we consider our community. It is not enough to remain within our individual synagogue walls, our home base. We must hear the call that Avram heard and venture our hearts out to the greater community. Thursday night was the first time I ever visited Beth Am of Merrick and Bellmore. I went to be supportive and to enjoy the great challah bake. What a fantastic night! But I have to be honest. I am ashamed to say that in my two years here, this was the first time I ever stepped foot in Beth Am. What held me up? Too often, busy schedules and tunnel vision keep us from sharing resources and creating meaningful avenues for connection to the larger Jewish population of this area. We don’t always think to invite each other to share ideas and moments of connection. I am so thankful to the other rabbis and the MBJCC for putting our minds together to break through some of the walls that exist between us. When we work together, our community will flourish and grow. God sends Avram on a journey without showing Avram the destination. There is a trust and an excitement as well as optimism and courage that is necessary for such an endeavor. These are the qualities that we need now as we work together as a larger community to continue putting Bellmore and Merrick on the map.

Take a look at everything we have going on below, especially our free comedy show on Saturday night, the 24th, featuring my very talented and funny husband, Aaron Friedman. We have a vibrant community. Let’s enjoy this journey together.

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Bernstein

Comedy Show

Family Service with our new service leader, Rachel Merker