PARSHAT VAERA
A careful reading of the Torah narrative would quickly persuade us that not all of the ten plagues are unleashed by Moses.
The midrash, in fact, attributes only three to Moses--those of hail, locusts, and darkness.The first three plagues--those of blood, frogs, and vermin--are attributed to Aaron, while still three others--insects, pestilence, and the death of the first born--come directly from God. Finally, one plague--that of boils--is triggered by all three of them jointly.
Not Superhuman
The midrash does not provide an overall explanation for the pattern. From a modern perspective, I would observe that the multiple authorship of the plagues may be intended to understate the magical prowess of Moses. In its portrait of the man, the Torah consistently brings out his failings. Though larger than life, Moses never looms before us as superhuman. Moreover, at the end, the Torah conceals his place of burial. Moses is to bevenerated, not worshipped. His persona ought not to become a cultic focal point.
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May Their Memories Be For a Blessing
1/16/2015 (25 Tevet)
Mildred Robinson
Lillian Saulson
1/17/2015 (26 Tevet)
David Jacknow
Louis Weiss
1/18/2015 (27 Tevet)
Harriett J. Beale
1/20/2015 (29 Tevet)
Sophie Silverstein
1/21/2015 (1 Shevat)
Joseph Grossman
1/22/2015 (2 Shevat)
Tillie Lantor
Edith Tucker
1/23/2015 (3 Shevat)
Marian Knoppow
Samuel Tron
1/24/2015 (4 Shevat)
Morris Fishman
Marie Garnick
Lisa Goldstone
Nancy Lynn Precour
1/26/2015 (6 Shevat)
Walter M. Stark
1/27/2015 (7 Shevat)
Rachel Orzach
1/29/2015 (9 Shevat)
Lois Shirley Pappas
Please click here if you wish to permanently memorialize a loved one by purchasing a yahrtzeit plaque.
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SHABBAT SHALOM!
SHABBAT Vaera
Friday, January 16th
6 p.m. Services, Chapel
Saturday, January 17th
9 a.m. Services, Sanctuary
10 a.m. Supervised Youth Room
Special Youth Activities with our Ramah Fellow, Sam Mellits.
12:45 p.m. Shabbat Shiur: Sinai, and Samuel: Civil Society Before Politics. Rabbi Robbins, presenter.
Kiddush Lunch is sponsored by the Kiddush Lunch Fund.
Kiddush Lunch each week is sustained by the generosity of sponsors If you would like to become part of a sponsoring lunch group, please e-mail Mindy Shuback. Donations to the Kiddush Lunch Fund can also be made directly to the synagogue.
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Snacking and yakking . . .
Sunday, February 1, 2015
3:30 - 5:00 pm
TKA/BI Social Hall
Refreshments & Fun
Join other women from our congregation to hear about our upcoming plans as well as to add your support as we work together to create a stronger B'nai Israel community. RSVP by January 23rd: Cheryl Berlin 248-763-1121 acberlin_mi@yahoo.com or Sandy Lada 248-865-9290 lada.sandy@gmail.com
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UPCOMING YOUTH AND FAMILY ACTIVITIES
FAMILY CAMP 2015: FEBRUARY 27-MARCH 1ST.
Teen D'var Torah Cafe (8-12 graders) and Shabbat Children's Workshop (ages 7-12) with Ramah Fellow, Sam Mellits.
Future dates: 1/17, 2/7, 3/7, 4/11, 5/9 PLEASE WATCH THE WEEKLY SHABBAT BULLETIN FOR DETAILS.
 Camp Ramah in Canada January 20th, 6:30 p.m.
Open House for
Prospective Parents and Campers
HILLEL DAY SCHOOL ECC-5TH GRADE FAMILY OPEN HOUSE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21ST, 5:30 P.M.
Dinner, dessert and activities.
RSVP to Amy Schlussel:
To stay current on all youth and family activities, contact Ilana Glazier to join the B'nai Israel Families Facebook Group.
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ADULT EDUCATION
Shabbat morning study with Dr. Mitch Parker:
"Reflections on the Siddur: Hallel, Birkat Hamazon and Beyond."
Future dates: 1/24, 2/7, 2/21, 3/7, 3/21, 4/11, 4/25, 5/9, 5/23.
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Mazel Tov

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS
18 Ehud Kapen
18 Benjamin Schmeltz
21 Gail Beale
21 Susan Feber
23 David Hundiak
25 Itzhak Elrom
29 Becky Benard
29 David Chudnow
31 Robin Pappas
If your birthday or anniversary information is not listed, please email the synagogue so we can update our records.
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Caring Community Information
Please submit any times you wish to place on the mishebeirach list to Michael Golob: e-mail Michael Golob.
HEBREW FREE LOAN: Providing loans, providing dignity. click here for more information on how Hebrew Free Loan can help you.
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B'nai Israel Synagogue is affiliated with USCJ, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.
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