The Psalms teach us, "Happy are those who dwell in Your house, they will sing your praises forever." (Psalm 84:5) We send good wishes into your homes as we all continue to navigate these difficult days. Your Temple Beth David community is here for you. Volunteers are available to deliver groceries and assist with technology. Please let us know if we can help you. In this message you will find a variety of ways we can continue to connect with one another. Check the temple website for other updates. We look forward to connecting with you this week!
Torah Portion: Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1−5:26)
Shabbat Evening Service Livestream Friday, March 27 Shabbat Service at 6:30 pm
Please join us via livestream to celebrate Shabbat and pray together. As this is a Shorashim Family Shabbat Experience, students are encouraged to join along from home! All ages are welcome to participate. We look forward to virtually welcoming in Shabbat together. Shabbat Shalom!
Saturday, March 28 at 9:00 am Early Shabbat Service Lay-Led Minyan, Bagels, and Torah Study continues via Zoom (For information contact Rabbi Karen)
This Week at TBD
"Office Hours" with the Rabbis
Rabbi Karen and Rabbi Micah Citrin are available for individual appointments by phone or Zoom Tuesdays-Thursdays. Please email the rabbis or leave a message on their temple voicemail to set up an appointment. We are here for you.
The rabbis are also hosting some Zoom coffee talks on the following days and times. This is an informal opportunity to check-in, connect, recognize the good in our lives, and consider a piece of wisdom from Jewish tradition. When you click on a meeting, you will be asked to register with your name and email: Wednesday, March 26 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Coffee with Rabbis Wednesday, April 1 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Coffee with Rabbis
Lunchtime Talmud Thursday, March 26 at 12:00 pm
Lunchtime Talmud continues this Thursday with the rabbis. Please click here to participate in the Talmud class. Texts will be sent to you. All are welcome.
Challah Making Workshop Friday, March 27 at 1:00 pm
Get ready for Shabbat and join temple member Renee Goldberg via Zoom as she takes us through the steps of making challah and teaches about the customs surrounding this ancient weekly ritual. You will focus on making the dough and after it rises, braid and pop it in the oven. Renee teaches the Shorashim cooking elective along with other temple members. Register here to make challah!
Sunday Matinee, Keeping the Faith - A Virtual Movie Party March 29 - 3:45 p.m.
Get together with temple friends via Zoom to watch the comedy, Keeping the Faith (PG-13) a movie about three childhood friends, a rabbi, a priest, and the "girl-next-door" who reunite as adults. The film is hilarous, romantic, and addresses issues of identity, faith, and friendship. Great for tweens to adults. BYO popcorn, drinks, etc. And find out how Rabbi Karen is connected to the rabbi in the film!
Here's how it will work: 1) Rent the film through prefered provider (On-Demand, Netflix) 2) Get on Zoom at 3:45 for a quick introduction by the rabbis. Register Here. 3) Stay on Zoom as we watch the film, use chat function to comment OR watch on your own and get back on Zoom for a brief closing discussion with the rabbis.
New Passover Class Monday March 23, March 30 and April 6, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Crossing the Sea Together: Passover Preparation for Our Times Taught by Rabbinic Intern SAM Luckey The Exodus story is rich with spiritual and social lessons. We will study texts and stories together and consider how we can build community through the seder rituals even while we are physically separated from many of our loved ones. Click here to register After registering for the Zoom class you will receive more information about how to join the meeting. All are welcome.
Passover is Coming April 8
Given the current situation, many plans for Passover have changed. Since we are not able to continue with our seder match, here are a few ways you will be able connect with others on the first night of Passover: 1) Gather with family and friends for seder via Zoom. We will try to help you connect with fellow congregants. 2) Stay tuned for information about a class with the rabbis on how to lead a seder and other seder resources we will send by email. 3) Join the rabbis via Zoom for their family seder, the more the merrier!
Staying Connected
It is important that we stay connected as a community at this time. The clergy and Temple Beth David Board are here for you. You can expect a phone call from Temple Beth David lay leaders to check in, say hello, and find out if you need anything. We invite you to take a few minutes to fill out this brief survey here:COVID-19 Needs Surveyto find out if you are someone who needs help with groceries or other day-to-day needs, or if you are someone who might be willing to help a congregant in need.
Ma Chadash? What's New?
TBD Congregational Retreat - POSTPONED
We hope to find a new date soon and will be in touch with those who had registered for the May 8-9 retreat regarding registration refunds.
Let's All Go To The Ball Game! Tuesday, May 26 at 7:10 pm
Red Sox Jewish Heritage Night at Fenway Park! Temple Beth David has reserved 50 tickets in the Grandstand at $33 each. Click here to reserve your seats!
Shorashim News
Shorashim Religious School
Shorashim and Double Chai will receive separate emails about how learning experiences are continuing online.
Grades K-6: Friday, March 27 Shorashim Family Shabbat Experience at 6:30 pm - tune in to the livestream service (in place of Sunday session) Grades 3-6: March 31/April 1 - Hebrew learning continues through home practice and Face Time with teachers Double Chai Teens: Wednesday, April 1 - Dinner gathering and classes continue via Zoom
For more information about our Shorashim education program, click here.
TBD Israel Trip 2021
Join Temple Beth David for our second congregational trip to Israel in April 2021! Registration is now open.Visit this link for more information and to register. Contact Rabbi Micah with any questions.
Resources
You can view Jewish resources to help guide us through this challenging time here: ResourcesWashing hands with warm soap and water for at least 20 seconds helps to keep us healthy. We are attaching a blessing for adults and kids that can be recited as you wash your hands, and hope it adds a spiritual dimension to your daily hygiene!
The mitzvah of tzedakah, righteous giving, is a core value of our tradition and culture at Temple Beth David. While it may be difficult to bring canned salmon and pasta to temple right now, there are still ways we can give. With kids out of school who receive free lunches and work being disrupted for many in the greater Boston area, the services of food banks will be in great demand. Please consider making a tzedakah contribution to the following organizations: Westwood Food Pantry Family Table The Greater Boston Food Bank
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.
Sharing Our Lives
Are you celebrating a special birthday, anniversary, or lifecycle occasion? Let the Rabbis know. Receive a special blessing during services or sponsor an Oneg 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.
The Temple's administrative staff and clergy are currently working remotely.LeahandLindacan be reached via email during regular temple office hours Tuesdays-Fridays.
For pastoral needs, please 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.
