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February 2013                   Purim Issue                      Adar 5773
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Beth Elearning's mission: to provide you with an eclectic assortment of
 web-based Jewish learning content and original articles that are relevant, stimulating and suitable for people at all stages of learning.


onlineclass Online Weekly Torah Portion Class 

Wouldn't it be great to learn about the weekly Torah portion right from the comfort of your home?

 

Each Wednesday at 1:30 p.m., Rabbi Sowalsky presents a 15-20 minute synopsis of the weekly Torah portion.   

After that there's time for questions and discussion.

Class members sign in remotely, and may participate either over the Internet, or by telephone. (There is no actual class in the Beth El Temple building) This class is free.

 

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We are most appreciative for the guidance provided by Rabbi Rosen, Rabbi Garber, Rabbi Rosenbaum,

 Rabbi Sowalsky and Cantor Ness.

 

Lifelong Learning Committee:

Rabbi Howard Rosenbaum, Amy Goldman, Roz Hahn, Lois Koteen, and Steven Stier

 

The Beth Elearning Newsletter is available to members and non-members.

 

To add e-mail addresses or to opt out, send an e-mail request to beth.elearning@gmail.com

 

Newsletter Editor: Steven Stier

Newsletter layout: Amy Goldman

(Logo design assisted by Leah Goldman)

 
featuredFeatured Video  [top]
Rabbi Garber shares an interesting and timely lesson we can all learn from Esther. 
(uploaded by Rabbi Garber on  YouTube.com) 
congregantEliane Freund: Congregant Contributor   [top] 
The Purim-Havdalah Connection

BY ELIANE FREUND
I can still remember my childhood delight in recognizing for the first time that the phrase that is uttered collectively in the Havdalah service every Saturday night in synagogues and Jewish homes and that so poignantly ushers out the Shabbat and ushers in the work week, is partly derived from one of the last chapters of the Book of Esther:  "The Jews had light, and gladness and joy and honor" (Esther 8:16). The wish is that we, today, merit that same deep and abiding happiness in our own lives just as our ancestors experienced upon being delivered from mass destruction as chronicled in the Book of Esther. While I was content as a child in merely recognizing the textual connection between the havdalah service and the Book of Esther,as an adult, I have long thought about its significance. [click to continue...]
YoungYoung Learner's Corner  [top] 
A fun, current video for kids about Purim!
(from gdashcast.com on YouTube) 
socialactionSocial Action and Purim [top] 
Giving matanot l'evyonim (gifts to the poor) has always been a Purim tradition. Explore creative ways to fulfill this mitzvah in this article.
(from reformjudaism.org)
Read how the Purim story can be the inspiration for all of us to pursue acts of kindness.
(from blogs.ajws.org) 
general
General Purim Articles [top] 
The plot and themes of "the whole Megillah" in an easy to read format.
(from myjewishlearning.com)
A cornucopia of basic Purim information; the Purim story, the traditions, the food and even recipes, it's all here! 
(from jewfaq.org)
When Esther and Mordechai requested that Purim be declared a holiday for future generations, there was much controversy.  Find out why in this interesting piece.
(from uscj.org)
Did you know that Esther actually had two names? And that she was actually alluded to in the bible? Read more in this fascinating article.
(from beingjewish.com)
music  A Pair of 
Purim Music Videos                   (based on "Raise Your Glass" by Pink) [top] 
(uploaded by the Fountainheads on
 YouTube.com)
(uploaded by the Maccabeats on YouTube.com)