January 15, 201524 Tevet 5775
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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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Torah with star

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

To make a donation to commemorate a yahrtzeit, please click here.  If you are a member of the synagogue and a yahrtzeit for your loved one is not on the list, please contact the synagogue office so we can update our records.

   Please click here if you wish to permanently memorialize a loved one by purchasing a yahrtzeit plaque.  

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B'nai Israel Synagogue  
5085 Walnut Lake Road
West Bloomfield, Michigan  48323
248-432-2729
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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.


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
 

 

UPCOMING YOUTH AND FAMILY ACTIVITIES
FAMILY CAMP 2015:  FEBRUARY 27-MARCH 1ST.   
torahTeen 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.

Ramah 2015
Camp Ramah in Canada
January 20th, 6:30 p.m.
Open House for 
Prospective Parents and Campers
RSVP by January 13:aviva@campramah.com

  HDS logo HILLEL DAY SCHOOL
ECC-5TH GRADE FAMILY OPEN HOUSE
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21ST, 5:30 P.M.
Dinner, dessert and activities.  
RSVP to Amy Schlussel:  
248-539-1484 or aschlussel@hillelday.org  

To stay current on all youth and family activities, contact Ilana Glazier to join the B'nai Israel Families Facebook Group.
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.
Mazel Tov 
Happy Birthday!

Birthday Cake

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

 

Jewish Wedding


 


 


 

JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES 

 15 Marvin & Edith Kozlowski

 18 Ofer & Julie Ohana

 23 Mark & Elaine Segal

To make a donation in honor of someone's birthday or anniversary, please click here.

If your birthday or anniversary information is not listed, please email the synagogue so we can update our records.

Caring Community Information

Please submit any times you wish to place on the mishebeirach list to Michael Golob:  e-mail Michael Golob.

 

 

HFLHEBREW FREE LOAN:  Providing loans, providing dignity.  click here for more information on how Hebrew Free Loan can help you. 

 

USCJ logo
B'nai Israel Synagogue is affiliated with USCJ, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.

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