Elul is the Hebrew month leading up to the High Holy Days. During this month, which begins tomorrow night, we are encouraged to take a look inward at how we have responded to the blessings and challenges of the past year. It is a time for cheshbon hanefesh, an accounting of the soul, where we examine who we are and who we wish to be in the coming year. It is a time of self-reflection, forgiveness, and exploration. Beginning this Shabbat evening, we will use the special prayer book for Elul.
We look forward to sharing opportunities for you to start to prepare for the New Year including a Rosh Chodesh celebration, special prayers and music, daily email reflections (see below), and upcoming classes. Please look for information about "High Holy Days 5781 Reimagined" coming soon. We wish you well as the summer days start to wane. - Rabbi Karen and Rabbi Micah
Mazel Tov to Nathan Feinfeld, son of Marjorie Feld and Michael Fein, who will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah this Shabbat morning at Congregation Dorshei Tzedek.
Torah Portion: Shoftim (Deuteronomy 16:18 – 21:9)
Shabbat Evening Service Friday, August 21 Shabbat at 6:30 pm Outdoors At Temple Weather Permitting & Livestream "Shabbat in the Lot!"
It is looking like another nice evening outdoors! Celebrate Shabbat outdoors at Temple with social distancing or through live-stream at home. Seating according to household groups will be in the Temple parking lot by the Beit Simcha. Children are welcome!
Saturday, August 21 at 9:00 am Early Shabbat Service Lay-Led Minyan and Torah Study via Zoom
Email info@templebethdavid.net for any zoom link or to have your name added to the distribution list.
UPCOMING at TBD
Lunchtime Talmud THIS Thursday, August 20, 12:00-1:00 pm
We are continuing our study of Talmud Brachot (Blessings) via Zoom. Join the Rabbis and fellow congregants for meaningful and lively discussion. All are welcome, beginners, too! For a copy of the text,click here.
Sunday Sandwich Hevre (SSH)
For our monthly commitment to Father Bills & Mainspring Shelter, instead of bagged lunches we are collecting hotel sized toiletry items, including shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. Items can be dropped off at the Nagle's home THIS Friday, Aug. 21 or Saturday, Aug. 22. There will be a box outside where you can place the items. Thank you!
Confirmation Rescheduled for September 4
All are welcome to celebrate our 5780 Confirmation Students on Friday, September 4 (September 11 weather date) at 6:00 pm outdoors and livestream as they lead our community in prayer and share their personal beliefs and reflections.
Elul Class with Rabbinic Intern Batya Ellinoy
All are welcome to join rabbinic intern and cantorioal soloist Batya Ellinoy in an exploration of Rabbi Alan Lew's Book, This is Realy and You Are Completely Unprepared: The Days of Awe as a Journey of Transformation. You are encouraged to read the book. Batya will help guide your personal High Holy Day preparation with reflections, music, and discussion. Dates coming soon.
Shorashim News
Shorashim Religious School
REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR THE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR! We look forward to welcoming our K-12 students and families. Find the link to online registration and more information about our education programs below. Please contact Rabbi Karen with any questions. Begins September 13!
Log into your ShulCloud member account first to make registration easier. Contact Leah if you need assistance.
TONIGHT at 6:30 pm via Zoom, the Temple Beth David Brotherhood invites you to Hearing Men's Voices. HMV is for men who wish to connect with other men through discussion of interesting and important topics such as family, work, ways of having fun, Judaism, and health and well-being. HMV is a confidential program that is enjoyed and valued by participants.
Sisterhood Rosh Chodesh
Join us at THISSunday, August 23 at 5:00 pm for a Rosh Chodesh celebration with Rabbi Karen. We welcome all women to these intimate gatherings to celebrate the new month of Elul. Bring a beverage and appetizer if you'd like. We will explore the themes of the month, start to prepare for the New Year, and enjoy connecting with one another.
Sisterhood Book Club
Join us on Wednesday, September 2 at 7:00 pm to discuss Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, the acclaimed historical novel following a Korean family eventually migrates to Japan. The characters are subjected to issues of racism and stereotypes, which seem especially relevant today.
Staying Connected
It is important that we stay connected as a community. The clergy and Temple Beth David Board are here for you. We invite you to take a moment to fill out this brief survey:COVID-19 Needs Surveyto find out if you are someone who needs help with groceries, technology, or other day-to-day needs, or if you are someone willing to help a congregant in need.
Temple Beth David has been a wonderful support for our neighbors who are living with food insecurity. Our donations of canned salmon and whole grain pasta are combined with donations from other congregations to provide much needed supplies to families in need. Here is how you can help! Place an order on Amazon from the Family Table Wish list via this link. (Quantities of 12 cans or 8 boxes are more helpful and less wasteful than delivery of single items). Ship to the JF&CS Waltham location: 1430 Main Street, Waltham MA 02451 If you are able and willing to do delivery of food to families in need, either from Waltham or Canton, please contact Lisa Katz. Thanks to everyone for their ongoing support in this difficult time!
Are you celebrating a special birthday, anniversary, or lifecycle occasion? Let the Rabbis know. Receive a special blessing during services in honor of a significant moment in your life. Share your simcha in our Shofar newsletter. Please let the Rabbis know if you have a loved one who would like a visit or to be included in our prayer for healing. Temple Beth David's Caring Connections committee is here to support you.
L'Dor V'Dor (From Generation to Generation)
If you are interested in making a future gift to the L'Dor V'Dor Endowment Fund, or you have made arrangements for TBD in your estate plan, please contact Immediate Past President Paul Greenberg.
Community Virtual Learning
Elul Reflections
Join the Women's Rabbinic Network for a month of inspiring video teachings, sent via email as well as posted on our Instagram and Facebook, that will provide you with short kavanot, spiritual offerings to help you reflect, explore, and contemplate as you continue your journey into the Jewish new year. We welcome you to sign up for this spiritual journey:
Join us on a fascinating two-year journey through the narrative of the Jewish people from ancient to present times. Explore in-depth four key area of Jewish history: Hebrew Bible, Rabbinics, Medieval, and Modern. Begins October 2020!
Enjoy a free class! —- a sample class will take place on Tuesday, September 8 at 7:30 pm. Me'ah is a program that surveys the history of the Jewish people from their beginnings to the 20th century. Click here for more information.
The temple's administrative staff and clergy are currently working remotely.LeahandLindacan be reached via email during regular temple office hours Tuesdays-Fridays. The rabbis are available by phone, Zoom, or in person.
For pastoral needs, call the main temple phone number and you will be directed to the rabbis.
Convenient shopping for meaningful gifts for the holidays, B'nai Mitzvah celebrations and house gifts. All profits benefit Temple Beth David. For further information contact Rachel Watsky
