Dear Members of Or Chadash,  

 

            Winter is typically a season for dormancy. A time when the trees and other plants, as well as many animals, shut down or hibernate during the cold weather. Not so for us humans. We have been busy. Presidential elections, significant legislation on taxes and perhaps gun control, a Superbowl game, and even a few Jews planting trees for Tu B'Shevat have kept Americans running around - not to mention the quotidian tasks of work and school and family.

            We are fortunate that we are able to replenish our energies daily, not requiring months of down-time to make it through another year. But the constant running about takes a toll on us. Shabbat is meant to help, but far too few of us seize the opportunity to take a much-needed rest - despite what thousands of years of history fought to achieve. There seems to be no off-season for most of us. That is not good for athletes. And it is not good for any of us, really.

            Cantor Lisa Levine has written a book called "Yoga Shalom", merging the practices of yoga with Jewish prayer modes. In an effort to bring the meditative rewards of yoga to a uniquely Jewish expression, she has developed a blend of these ancient traditions to benefit mind, body and spirit.

            This month - this Sunday, in fact - Or Chadash is inviting everyone to a private yoga class (OC members and friends only) in Bedminster. While we will be doing traditional yoga with a Bikram trained instructor, I am happy to lend you the Yoga Shalom book for your own exploration. I hope you will RSVP and join us as we find new ways to connect with one another, honor our own need for quiet time and promote a greater awareness of a healthful life.

 

 

Shalom, 

Rabbi Joseph M. Forman

 

Dear members of Or Chadash,

What could be better than supporting our mission statement and eating hamantashen at the same time!  By now, everyone should have received in the mail the opportunity to participate in our traditional Mishloach Manot minhag.  As always, hamantashen will be included, but this year, a portion of each Mishloach Manot order will be donated to help the Jersey Shore communities affected by Hurricane Sandy.  At Or Chadash, acts of Tikkun Olam are part of our fiber, and we should all be proud of our continued efforts.  Thanks to the Purim Committee members for all their hard work in support of our membership and our community.

Jeff Berg
President

"Hava, Hava Nashira, Shir Halelluyah!"  "Let us sing, sing halelluyah!" On January 26 we opened our Friday night service by singing these words. The Torah portion for that week was Beshalach, which contains the song of the sea, the passage from which we draw the words, "mikamocha baelim Adonai," "who among the gods is like You, Adonai?"  It has become a custom to name this Shabbat "Shabbat Shira," the Shabbat of song; and synagogues all over the world commemorate this Shabbat with services that are centered around music.  At Or Chadash we were blessed to have our choir and students from our religious school join together to provide a service that was filled with music from beginning to end. What a joy it was to be present and hear all of our voices singing songs both new and old unto God. What added joy to know that communities all around the world were participating in similar worship on the very same evening.  As we join as  a universal community  we experience that common thread that links us together with our traditions across the globe and across the generations, giving meaning to the words "L'dor vador," "from generation to generation.

On March 8th we will have another opportunity to take part in an extended communal experience as we celebrate Shabbat Across America. On this evening congregations across the country will join together for Shabbat dinner and services enhanced by the awareness that families across the nation will be sharing in the same experience.  Our 6th and 7th grade classes will be participating in services as well which promises to be a blessing for all who attend.  Please come and join our extended family as we celebrate with congregations across the country!

Bles-sings,
Kathy

  Religious School students celebrate the holiday of Tu B'Shevat with a yoga pose appropriately titled "Tree Pose."