Counting the Omer and Counting Our Days Today is the 27th day of the Omer
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be?" - Marianne Williamson
"Humility is delicate in nature. If you are too humble, you may diminish yourself. If you are not humble enough, you may diminish others. True humility requires accessing a deep well of compassion for yourself and others." - Rabbi Lovett Graff
This week's counting of the Omer highlights the virtue of Hod (humility and splendor). We hope that as we shelter in place, you can find ways to remain true to yourself, and share your light and power with others. Rabbi Karen and Rabbi Micah
Shabbat Evening Service Livestream Friday, May 8 Shabbat at 6:30 pm
Please join us via livestream to celebrate Shabbat. All ages are welcome to participate. A more casual camp/retreat style service. And Spring Birthday Blessing! Do you have a birthday in March/April/May? Email Leah if you would like the rabbis to include your name. Although we cannot be together this Shabbat for our congregational retreat, we can still welcome in Shabbat together!
Saturday, May 9 at 10:00 am Congregational Shabbat Morning Service
An intergenerational, musical, uplifting service with the rabbis including communal Torah reading and study. All ages are welcome to participate. Enjoy your own Shabbat lunch and Oneg after. Click below to register and join:
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.
Lunchtime Talmud this Thursday, May 7, 12:00-1:00 pm
We are continuing our study of Talmud Brachot (Blessings) with the rabbis via Zoom. Join us for meaningful and lively discussion. For a copy of the text, click here. All are welcome! Rabbinic intern SAM Luckey will teach this week.
The Temple's Gifts from the Heart Annual Campaign continues through the spring. Your annual giving supports all of our temple programs, even when they are online. Your gifts also help us to be able to care for our building, sustain our staff, and support our community. Any amount is welcome. To give online use this link or send a check to the temple office. THANK YOU!
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. We invite you to take a moment to fill out this brief survey here: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 who might be willing to help a congregant in need.
Shorashim News
Shorashim Religious School
Shorashim and Double Chai will receive separate emails about how learning experiences are continuing online. Closing activities and festivities will take place next week. We look forward to being together again soon. REGISTRATION FOR 2020-21 WILL BE OPEN THIS WEEK! Hebrew learning and Double Chai continue May 5/6. Grades K-6: No Shorashim RS this Sunday, May 10, 9:30-11:30 am Happy Mother's Day!
Sisterhood & Brotherhood
Sisterhood Book Club
Join us for the Sisterhood Book Club at TONIGHT at7:00 pm. We will be discussing The Pendulum by Julie Lindahl, a story about the author's grandparents roles in the Third Reich. Please join us via Zoom.
Sisterhood Meeting
Join us for the Sisterhood meeting at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, May 13. All are welcome. Join us using Zoom.
Sisterhood Coffee Hour
Time for coffee? Join us for the new Sisterhood Coffee Hour at 11:00 am on Tuesday, May 19. You can connect with others you haven't seen in a while and get to others. Join us with Zoom.
Sisterhood Havdalah
Mark your calendars for a Havdalah gathering and Rosh Chodesh Sivan celebration on Zoom with Rabbi Karen on Saturday, May 23 at 7:30 pm. All women are welcome!
Ways You Can Do Good
TZEDAKAH
The mitzvah of tzedakah, righteous giving, is a core value of our tradition and culture at Temple Beth David. The Social Action Committee knows that you want to help during this time of need. Here are ways you can make a difference: Food Insecurity: Volunteer with the Greater Boston Food Bank Volunteer at the Dedham Food Pantryor the Westwood Food Pantry Volunteer to pack or deliver food in several locations around the Boston area through Boston Cares Family Friendly: Send cardsto Hebrew Senior Life residents to cheer them up. Donate Blood: American Red Cross Massachusetts General Hospital Brigham/Dana Farber
Family Table
Financial contributions to Family Table are always gratefully accepted. Donations can be made by check to JF&CS (1430 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02451) with Family Table in the memo line. For online gifts, please visit www.jfcsboston.org/Give/Donate-Online and write Family Table in the "Please apply my gift to" section.
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.
TBD Israel Trip 2021
Join Temple Beth David for our second congregational trip to Israel in April 2021! Registration is now open.Visit this linkfor more information and to register. Contact Rabbi Micah with any questions.
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.
