Shir Tikvah

‘How To Die in Oregon’ Movie Screening and Discussion, May 20, 3:30 pm at Bridgeport

Editor — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:15:41 +0000

The film How to Die in Oregon presents the stories of patients who have considered or chosen to end their lives under the Death With Dignity Act. It provides a starter for conversations about the ethical and legal controversy surrounding the act. This screening of the film will be followed by discussion led by Sue Porter, client case manager for Compassion & Choices of Oregon, who appears in the film and will answer questions about it. Rabbi Ariel Stone will offer insights into Jewish legal and ethical perspectives. The showing is open to the public, and free of charge.

All Nashira classes join in Shir Tikvah learning and prayers on Shabbat Behar-Bekhukotai Shabbat morning May 19

Editor — Mon, 14 May 2012 21:21:24 +0000

* 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!)

Lag B’Omer

Editor — Wed, 09 May 2012 22:35:04 +0000

Lag B’Omer is celebrated in the middle of the mourning period which accompanies the counting of the Omer. Occurring on the 18^th of Iyar, this year May 10^th, 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 18^th 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.

President Obama Speaks Out on Marriage Equality

Editor — Wed, 09 May 2012 22:33:26 +0000

From Rabbi Ariel: I salute President Obama’s clear support of marriage equality today. As a Rabbi I represent a tradition which celebrates the idea of evolving understanding. Religion is essentially the practice of doing kindness and justice. Through our practice, our understanding of God and God’s will evolves and deepens. While love is an eternal good that we all value, our ability to understand the true depth and meaning of love is a lifelong process for each of us. God created each of us in the Divine Image, and created in us many diverse ways of being. As we mature as a human race, may we continue to deepen our respect for all the forms of love which bless us.

To view the President’s interview from Good Morning America, click here.

Bring a Friend to Shir Tikvah: Saturday Morning Services, April 21

Editor — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 20:59:28 +0000

Be part of a new effort to grow our congregation in a gentle welcoming way!

We all have friends who have asked about Shir Tikvah or expressed an interest in visiting.

This is your opportunity to share who we are. April 21 will be the next of several Shabbat services in the coming year where you are invited to come with a friend. This might be a friend who is curious about our community, or perhaps a young family who has not yet affiliated with a congregation, or someone in your circle of friends.

It’s part of our commitment to grow our numbers in a welcoming way. We invite you to bring your friends to one of the services so they can become more acquainted with Shir Tikvah, ask questions, and we hope at some point, join.

The April date, which is a Tot Shabbat, is targeted at families. But all are welcome.

Whether you invite a friend or not, come to services and help welcome our guests.

If you have questions, please contact Betsy Kauffman at betsy.s.kauffman@gmail.com