A Message from Rabbi Mark Kram

Dear Friends,

It is with a great deal of sadness and sorrow that I write these words to you. The murders of three young Israeli teens leaves an indelible mark on each of our souls. We can only imagine the pain the parents feel, and the distress each Israeli feels as days went by until their bodies were found not far from Jerusalem, in the West Bank.

And now, with the death of a young Palestinian, the cause of which is yet to be determined, also fills us with horror if it was associated with the deaths of the three young Israeli teens in any way.

Will there be an escalation in tension and actions? What will be the price each side pays? When will the acrimony, hostility and animosity end?

In the meantime, we at Beth Or offer our condolences to the families of the innocents, and our prayers to all sides and to others who have a stake in seeking peace for all and strengthening the hands of people of goodwill in this conflict, and everywhere they may live.

May we all see peace soon, in our days,

Rabbi Mark S. Kram

The Committee for Community Service

Dear members,

The first Beth Or Day at the Chapman Partnership for the Homeless was a big success. Beth Or volunteers involved the children who live at the shelter with arts and crafts, an outdoor obstacle course and cupcake decorating activities. The children were simply a joy with the older ones helping the tots and all participating and enjoying the day while expressing gratitude every step of the way.  

Our next event there will be on Saturday, July 19^th from 1 -3 PM. We are calling this one, Fun and Games! Contact Andrea Loring ( andrealor@bellsouth.net) if you would like to come and get acquainted with our new partner agency.

At the end of the summer or in the Fall, we would like to plan another Beth Or Day with a theme based around the talents of our members. Are you a musician? Can you orchestrate a drum circle or a sing-a-long? Can you do magic tricks? Can you coach a field day? Please let Andrea Loring know how you can contribute and we will schedule that activity around the members who come forward. The children will make you so glad you shared your talent - come to the July event and you'll see.  

This year, we would like to support the Beth Or/Chapman partnership also by directing all of our donation drives for their benefit. Currently, the collection box is for school supplies and new socks and underwear. Later, we will conduct donation drives for other requested items. We hope that by focusing all of our charitable donations and volunteer efforts to our partner organization, Beth Or will make a big difference in the lives of people who really need and appreciate our help.

Let Andrea know if you can come on July 19 and if you have a talent to share on another date. Please donate generously.

Sincerely,

The Committee for Community Service

Helping out Holocaust Survivors 

This appeal comes from Vicki Brail, who was contacted by a Bonnie Schwartzman, Director of the Kosher Food Bank, Jewish Community Services of South Florida.

Many JCS clients are in need of towels and linens. They do not mind if they are very gently used and in good condition.

If you have some extra towels or sheets and are cleaning out your closets this summer, please feel free to drop them at the JCS Kosher Food bank, Bet Shira Congregation or contact Eileen Far at 305-804-3771 and we will distribute them to these seniors in need.

House, Garden and Grounds News    

 

Our old Irrigation System is being fixed- one sprinkler at a time.  More asphalt patches for potholes and breaks.  Ramp and exterior Stairways due for repainting with Skidproof terra cotta paint.  Watch transformation of Oneg Room Exit Door, about to get a 'makeover!'  PS. White ingress-egress driveway arrows garnered positive feedback- thanks!

Cleaning, child care or senior citizen companion/personal hygiene 1-3 days/week.  She's earned certificates in Basic Health Care Work, Nurse Aide and Orderly and more...  

Contact Jeff Tucker 305-607-9721 and Andrea Loring 305-710-0364 support 24-year -old Zakkiyah 'Keke' Copeland's efforts to provide caring and attentive service to a Beth Or congregant.

Donations needed:

Movies on DVD  + Mens work shoes approximate  size 10.  Please see Jeff Tucker.