‘How To Die in Oregon’ Movie Screening and Discussion, May 20, 3:30 pm at Bridgeport
May 15th, 2012Posted in Newsletter | Comments Off
All Nashira classes join in Shir Tikvah learning and prayers on Shabbat Behar-Bekhukotai Shabbat morning May 19
May 14th, 2012* Bereshit (PreK-K, Bonnie’s class) and Shemot (1st-2nd grade, Rachael’s class) – Tot Shabbat, 10.30am, followed by a bagel Kiddush.
* VaYikra (parent-child Hebrew with Hillary and Lily) and BaMidbar (Hebrew words and concepts with Julie): Torah service: arrive by 11am
to join the congregational and participate in the Torah service. Stay for the concluding prayers and share Kiddush hallah and juice.
* Devarim (Jana’s class) and bat/bar mitzvah candidates (Rabbi’s class): Torah study 9am (bring your Humash, get a bagel), Tefilah 10.30am (pick one or stay for both!)
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Lag B’Omer
May 9th, 2012Lag B’Omer is celebrated in the middle of the mourning period which accompanies the counting of the Omer. Occurring on the 18th of Iyar, this year May 10th, typical observances include family and congregational picnics, bonfires, playing with toy bows and arrows, eating carob and honoring teachers. The day is also joyous in the temporary lifting of the Omer’s restrictions and so weddings, haircuts and music are all allowed on this day.
There are at least three different stories explaining the origin of Lag B’Omer:
- In one such story, the students of the famous Rabbi Akiva lost their respect for one another and experienced a plague as a result. The plague ended on the 18th of Iyar and this caused much rejoicing, which became the celebration of Lag B’Omer.
- In another story, the students of Rabbi Akiva were dying as soldiers resisting against the occupation and the battles ended on this day.
- A third story says that this day is the yahrzeit of Rabbi Simeon, one of Rabbi Akiva’s students and an eminently respected Rabbi for his work and writings. On his death bed, he specifically requested to be remembered in joy and not in sorrow and so this day becomes a celebration, even though it occurs during the traditional period of mourning.
The variety of creation stories for Lag B’Omer does not imply that one is factual and the others fantasy, but, rather, the various explanations for the celebration allow each aspect of the day to have many meanings.
The traditional bonfire can serve as a reminder of everything from the fire burning in the room where Rabbi Simeon studied, to the intense light brought to the world through the brilliance of his teachings. The bow and arrow toys provide a reminder of the wars fought against the Romans, but the arcing shape of an arrow can also be a reminder of the rainbow and covenant between the God and the Israelites. Picnics go along with the bonfires, and the seasonal warmth makes them an ideal setting for commemorating the holiday, celebrating life and learning, and remembering joy, even during the mourning of the Omer.
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President Obama Speaks Out on Marriage Equality
May 9th, 2012Posted in Newsletter | Comments Off
Bring a Friend to Shir Tikvah: Saturday Morning Services, April 21
April 16th, 2012Be part of a new effort to grow our congregation in a gentle welcoming way!
If you have questions, please contact Betsy Kauffman at betsy.s.kauffman@gmail.com
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