On a recent Shabbat morning we completed the reading of Genesis. In accordance with tradition, after the last word, the Torah was lifted by the reader and everyone said Hazak, Hazak, Venit Hazek, “Be Strong! Be Strong! And may we all be strengthened!” Although the origins of this tradition apparently refer to the actual physical strength required to lift the Torah, the phrase has significance today. (more…)
WikiLeaks: Israel, Gulf States Conducted Secret DiplomacyA classified 2009 diplomatic cable disclosed through the website WikiLeaks recently provided a rare glimpse into the secret and often high-level diplomacy between Israel and Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, all countries that officially do not recognize the Jewish state. Contrary to the condemnatory rhetoric opposing Israel in public, behind the scenes Arab diplomats have asked Israel to carry messages to the U.S. government and urged tougher action on Iran.click Israel Matters! 43 to read the complete issue.
The opinions expressed on this webpage represent those of the individual authors and, unless clearly labeled as such, do not represent the opinions or policies of Temple Beth Sholom. William Ury is a mediator, writer and speaker, working with conflicts ranging from family feuds to boardroom battles to ethnic wars. He's the author of "Getting to Yes." He offers an elegant, simple (but not easy) way to create agreement in even the most difficult situations -- from family conflict to, perhaps, the Middle East.Click on the triangle or the picture to start the video.
Raul Castro Attends Celebration of the Jewish Community of Cuba by ALBERTO NUNEZ BETANCOURT Havana, Monday, December 6th, 2010 A happy coincidence, Army General Raul Castro Ruz, President of the Councils of State and Ministers, described the date of the celebration of the Jewish people and important passages in our history, when meeting with members of the Jewish Community of Cuba in the Synagogue Board headquarters, during the fifth night of Hanukkah, the traditional celebration also known as festival of lights, which in Hebrew means consecration. Raul recalled that on 5 December, 54 years ago, the Granma expedition, having landed, they were surprised and had their first combat, which was a great opening loss. But thirteen days later they met up with a group of men with Fidel in Cinco Palmas, where the Commander in Chief, with only seven rifles and a great conviction of victory, said: Now we can win…
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Biden: “No Daylight Between Israel and the US”US Vice President Joe Biden delivered an impassioned speech in support of Israel at the recent Jewish Federations of North American’s General Assembly in New Orleans.click Israel Matters! 42 to read the complete issue.
Many of you know that I feel passionately and strongly about Shabbat observance. I am not one to judge others on what level of observance they maintain and by no means consider my personal level of observance as a gold standard. Instead, I feel that the inner peace and relaxation that accompany Shabbat and prayer are worthy of sharing and encourage people to participate at whatever level they are comfortable. For me, my favorite place to observe Shabbat is at Temple Beth Sholom. If for some reason I am not there, you will likely find me in my second favorite place – the woods.
The opinions expressed on this webpage represent those of the individual authors and, unless clearly labeled as such, do not represent the opinions or policies of Temple Beth Sholom.Jewish Theological Seminary Hosts Islamic Triumphalists by Alan Jacobs American Thinker November 14, 2010 http://www.meforum.org/2781/jewish-theological-seminary-islamic-triumphalists Audience members in the packed Jewish Theological Seminary auditorium just down the block from Columbia University might have been gratified to see hijabs and yarmulkes adorning the heads of Muslims and Jews coming together for interfaith dialogue on the evening of October 25. The title of the event, "Islam in America: Assimilation and Authenticity," drew a large, mixed crowd, perhaps three hundred strong, eager for interreligious conversation. The anticipation of imams and rabbis in reserved front seats, or students filling other rows to the brim, was understandable -- isn't this, after all, the conversation Muslims and members of other faiths need to start having? This optimism at…
The Isaiah Food Project is Temple Beth Sholom’s ongoing initiative providing specifically identified grocery items to area food banks every month. Since it started in September of this year, there have been multiple deliveries to both the Jewish Family Service and the Hamden Food Banks. Approximately $250 was spent per delivery per food bank which meant that over 200 lbs of food was delivered to each agency each month. The Hebrew School students have now joined the Isaiah Fund Project in providing these groceries, thereby increasing the items we can donate. There will be a decorated container at the Temple with two specific requests needed for the month. When you see the sign, please keep these items in mind as you shop and drop them off the next time you are at the synagogue. Targeted items for December are tuna fish and cans of soup. Also, please consider making…
click triangle to start video... The opinions expressed on this webpage represent those of the individual authors and, unless clearly labeled as such, do not represent the opinions or policies of Temple Beth Sholom. In November 2010, Alice will celebrate her 107th birthday. She is looking forward to the party!