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D'Var Torah
Parashat
Balak
June 22, 2013
Numbers
23:27 - 25:9
Haftarah
Micah
5:6 - 6:8
using the Triennial
Year III schedule
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What's Happening
This Week At Beth Or
Tuesday, June 18
Wednesday, June 19
Chit Chat at Beth Or 10:00 am
Thursday, June 20
Friday, June 21
Kabbalat Shabbat Service 8:00 pm
Saturday, June 22
Bibliodrama 10:15 a.m.
Sunday, June 23
Choir Practice 3:00 pm
Wednesday, June 19
Chit Chat at Beth Or 10:00 am
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 Temple Beth Or Events
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Save The Date 
Bibliodrama
Sunday, June 23
Choir Practice
Sunday, June 30
Choir Practice
Sunday, July 7
Choir Practice
Saturday, July 13
Havdalah and Movie Night at Beth Or
Sunday, July 14
Red Tent Women's Reading Group
Choir Practice
Monday-Tuesday, July 15-16
Tisha B'Av
Friday, July 19
School Supplies Drive Begins
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 Temple Beth Or |
Shabbat Shalom! 
Kabbalat Shabbat Service this Friday evening at 8:00 p.m. will be led by Rabbi Mark Kram.
Oneg Shabbat will follow services.
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Parashat Balak
APPRECIATING WHAT'S OURS!
Rabbi Mark S. Kram, Miami, FL
It's amazing to hear that sometimes people of their own ethnic group don't appreciate the gifts they have inherited. We take so much for granted - customs, traditions, foods, and practices.
Yet there are others who have learned of our practices for traditions and find a new appreciation or even see a parallel with their own family customs.
This week's portion addresses the conflict between Balak and Balaam. One, a ruler, commands the other Balaam, to curse Israel -- something not unheard-of throughout the history of the world.
But Balaam, refuses. Because in spite of the ruler's power and sway, Balaam refuses. Ultimately he follows the ruler's command, even striking the animal upon which he is riding three times to get him to do his bidding.
In spite of being struck repeatedly by the whip, the animal refuses. Later in the story it becomes apparent that when God gives Balaam the vision to see only what the animal saw - an angel waving a flaming sword blocking his path.
But the core of the story is Balaam's appreciation of Israel because he coins the term that we use in nearly every single prayer or worship service, the Mah Tovu: "How goodly are your tents O Jacob, your dwelling places Oh Israel."
We sing it near the beginning of services. Multiple melodies were created to reiterate this prayer.
But understand this from the Torah: It is a non-Jew who was able to appreciate the dwellings of the Jewish people. So typical. The specialness or the uniqueness or the wonder of our own traditions and customs are sometimes only recognized by those outside of our religious family.
Sometimes we need to step back in order to appreciate what we have. When we do, amazing things happen.
I hope to see you Friday night and Saturday for Biblio-drama. Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Mark
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Chit Chat at Beth Or
The Chit Chatters are back at Beth Or this Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.
This discussion group addresses topics of local, national and international interest with a distinctly Jewish approach. We talk about cultural, legal, educational, social, political, religious and secular subjects, with a text usually from the media to start us off.
Now that we are back at the Temple, there's always room for one more, so please don't hesitate. If you're available, so are we.
If you want to be included on the Chit Chat email list, please contact Mike Leslie at hebrewnatl@aol.com.
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Thank you, thank you!
...to those who have generously donated to Beth Or...
Norma Salz, in honor of the new officers and board of directors and Rabbi Kram, in gratitude for all the years that have given meaning to my life. Yasher Koakh.
Adrienne Rich Hochman & Howard Hochman, in memory of her father, Maurice Rich.
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Stand With Us
StandWithUs is an international, non-profit organization. Founded in 2001, StandWithUs is dedicated to informing the public about Israel and to combating the extremism and anti-Semitism that often distorts the issues.
We work by supporting people around the world who want to stand up for Israel and educate their own local campuses and communities. We believe that knowledge of the facts will correct common prejudices about the Arab-Israeli conflict, and will promote discussions and policies that can help promote peace in the Middle East.
Through print materials, speakers, programs, conferences, missions to Israel, campaigns, focus on social media and internet resources, we ensure that the story of Israel's achievements and ongoing challenges is told on campuses and in communities, the media, libraries, and churches around the world. Based in Los Angeles, StandWithUs has fifteen offices across the U.S., and in Israel, Paris and the UK.
This YouTube video tells a story:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl-80McB_HM&feature=player_embedded
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Beth Or Website Update...
Stay tuned for an announcement of a workshop about Facebook and using Beth Or's Facebook Fan page to its fullest to promote who we are as a Jewish Jewel, instead of the best kept secret in South Dade.
www.bethormiami.com 
Get noticed by your temple!
Ad copy can be sent to the Temple and will be forwarded to the Facebook/Website mavens.
Camera-ready business card size ads will be rotated through the website for $180 per year.
Send ads by e-mail to drmikebethor@comcast.net
and the check to temple.
The Temple Directory is available in PDF to members.
Webmaven:
Natalie Kaminsky
Natalie can be contacted via the Temple office at 305-235-1419 or kaminskynat@gmail.com. All messages will be forwarded.
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Calendar Planning for 2013-14
Check out the Google calendar, currently accessible from www.bethormiami.com and the What's Happening and Save the Date segments of this publication. The calendar is always being updated, so check often!
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 Garden and Grounds Mangos are ripening! Watch for fruit from the trees on the north side of the property and from one or two of the trees on the south side! Beth Or's ORGANIC GARDEN continues to grow! Let's put the 'Or' in 'Organic" Wilfredo Candelaria, a local Master Organic Gardener kindly offers free advice and consultation to Beth Orians wanting to get their hands dirty and fill their plate with home-grown produce! Call Wilfredo (786) 234-7520. Five Raised Bed Custodians: 1-Jane Weinstock 3' x 8' 2-Mark Rosenbloom 4' x 4' 3-Pat Barron 3' x 8' 4-Karen Steinberg-Lewis 3' x 8' 5-Diane Pearl 3' x 8' If YOU want to operate a beds there's no charge - most supplies freely available (or BYO) >>> CONTACT Jeff Tucker and Grow Your Own!
JMTucker007@gmail.com
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Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU Presents "Fryd on Fire" by Carol Fryd
The Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU (JMOF-FIU), the only museum dedicated to the story of 250 years of Florida Jewish heritage, arts and culture, is proud to present Fryd on Fire by Carol Fryd, a pioneer of digital art whose captivating artworks of Miami and its cultural intersections meld the human figure with fabulous flora and fruit.
Fryd's creations blend classic art with 21st century technology to create her own unique technique which include collage, drawings, photography, objects and paint, ranging from realism to abstract expressionism to portraiture. Fryd on Fire opens May 21 and will remain on display through October 20.
At right, Roses, Roses, Roses, collage on canvas, 2012.
Fryd is inspired by her hometown of Miami Beach, with its colorful palette of people and panorama. Bright, fiery colors dominate this show, with the excitement and hot juicy hues of Fryd's works matched only by the intensity and heat of the Miami sun.
"The bright hot yellow light of the Miami Beach sun transforms every color to an intensity no Northerner ever experiences," said artist Carol Fryd, of her inspiration. "The cerulean blue tropical sky intoxicates me. Nothing here is muted. The people come from everywhere and there is a cacophony of Cuban, Spanglish, Haitian, French and southern drawl and chivalry, with an imported New York sophistication, that creates Miami's unique culture. Passions run high in this city and yet somehow we all live together and grow and learn to tolerate and be appreciative of one another. Our city is 'on fire' with an intensity found nowhere else."
Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU: The museum is housed in two adjacent lovingly restored historic buildings, at 301 Washington Avenue on South Beach, that were once synagogues for Miami Beach's first Jewish congregation. The museum's focal point is its core exhibit, MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida, 1763 to Present and its temporary history and art exhibits that change periodically. Now on display: Bat Mitzvah Comes of Age through September 15, 2013.
For more information: 305-672-5044 or www.jewishmuseum.com.
0625
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SHALOM TV IS NOW ON ATLANTIC BROADBAND DIGITAL PLUS SERVICE CH 168
Atlantic Broadband is now carrying the new Shalom TV Channel in Aventura, Bal Harbour, Bay Harbor Islands, Golden Beach, Miami Beach, North Bay Village, South Miami, Sunny Isles Beach, Surfside and portions of unincorporated Miami Dade County. 
The Channel Features Daily News Directly From Israel and Analysis of Events Affecting the Jewish Community Here, In Israel and Around the World.
The network features unique news, public affairs, culture and entertainment shows that reach viewers of every age.
The Shalom TV Channel is the exclusive television home of the 92nd Street Y in New York City. There is Children's Programs every morning and every afternoon; the opportunity to learn to read Hebrew or study a page of Talmud as part of Shalom TV's array of Jewish Studies programs.
Every Friday evening, the Shalom TV Channel broadcasts live Sabbath services for those unable to attend a synagogue in person. Additionally, original entertainment series on Shalom TV include "The Wisdom of Dr. Ruth Westheimer," "From Date To Mate," "Muzika," "Jewish NYC, " "New Jewish Cinema," "Jewish Broadway," and weekly movies in Shalom TV's unique "Jewish Film Festival."
Shalom TV On Demand may also be found on Atlantic Broadband' s Free VOD, Channel 1, Select "Free TV Favorites", Select "Cable Favorites", Scroll to find and select "Shalom TV.
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Miami-Dade JCCs Are Ready for Summer Fun!
Summer is here and Jewish community centers across Miami-Dade County are offering a variety of activities to meet the interests of any child. Camps run from June 17 to August 9, 2013.
North Dade:
Camp Sol Taplin of the Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center offers a safe, exciting and transformative experience for children ages two to 15. From swimming and sports, to music, drama and art, Camp Sol Taplin works to ensure that every child has endless opportunities to explore his/her interests and discover new ones. Offerings include the highly popular Extreme Sports Camp, Extreme Adventure Camp, the theatre-focused J-CAT Summer Stock Camp, and the dance-oriented T'Nuah (dance) Camp.
Each year, Camp Sol Taplin host guests from Israel - Summer Shlichim (cultural emissaries) who bring their talent, skills and love of Israel to share with Miami children. Shlichim have recently completed their Israeli army or national service and are experienced in areas of formal and informal education as counselors, teachers, youth or childcare workers. During their time together, the campers and Shlichim have the opportunity to explore cultural differences and similarities, resulting in stronger bonds between Miami and Israel.
Camp Sol Taplin is located on the Michael-Ann Russell JCC's Sanford L. Ziff Campus, 18900 NE 25 Avenue, North Miami Beach.
Formerly known as Camp Regesh, Klurman Family Day Camp (or Camp Klurman, for short) has been enhanced by the opening of the state-of-the-art Galbut Family Miami Beach JCC on the Simkins Family Campus, located at 4221 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach. The brand-new facility expands the scope and quality of the programs offered by Camp Klurman. Some of the additions include a beautiful new pool for swimming lessons, a field for outdoor sports activities, a full indoor gym, a gymnastics center, an art room and much more. Camp Klurman offers a general camp experience; specialty camps for sports, gymnastics and dance; a travel camp; and a counselor-in-training (CIT) program.
Camp Klurman is also offering a Pre-K program this year, and will now serve children from that age through 9th grade. In addition, MBJCC's partner, Lehrman Community Day School, will run Camp Lehrman, a separate camp for children ages two years through kindergarten located at 727 Lehrman Drive (77th Street), Miami Beach. MBJCC will offer transportation between the two camps to ensure that parents have one-stop drop-off opportunities for their children.
South Dade:
The Dave and Mary Alper Jewish Community Center on The Jay Morton-Levinthal Campus has something to offer children with a variety of different interests. Programs cater to the adventurer, the musically inclined camper and everything in between. Among the camp's diverse offerings are sports and adventure camps; performing arts camp; and Hobby Hour, where campers can choose from 40 activities, including 3D multi-media art, field games, water polo and more. The camp is located at 11155 SW 112 Avenue, Miami.
Dynamic opportunities abound at the Alper JCC's Camp Tikvah, an exceptional camping experience for children with special needs. The programs are specifically designed for children between the ages of five and 19 who have cognitive and/or physical disabilities. All activities are developed for the particular needs of each child, and are offered in a stimulating, hands-on environment designed to instill confidence, develop social and life skills, increase attention span and improve fine and gross motor abilities.
Alper JCC offers an inclusion program for high-functioning special-needs campers to participate in the general camp, where appropriate. Throughout the day, campers will have an advocate to guide them.
All of the JCCs in Miami-Dade County receive funding and scholarship support from the Annual Greater Miami Jewish Federation/UJA Campaign, enabling people of all ages to benefit from social-service, recreational, educational and cultural programs year-round.
Camp Dates:
June 17-August 9, 2013
For more information about the camps, space availability and registration, call:
- Michael-Ann Russell JCC Membership Office: 305.932.4200, ext. 145 or 146
- Camp Klurman of the Galbut Family Miami Beach JCC: 305.534.3206
- Camp Lehrman of the Lehrman Community Day School: 305.866.2771
- Dave and Mary Alper JCC: 305.271.9000, ext. 271
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