FROM THE OFFICE
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The Administrator Office
will be closed
December 23th - 25th
NEXT BOARD MEETING
TUESDAY, DEC 1st
7:30 PM
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BLOOD DRIVE
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Sunday, December 14, 9:00am-1:45pm
Emmanuel Synagogue
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Kol HaChadoshot
"What's news and 'nu' in the Beth David community" |
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From The Rabbi
 A few weeks ago, our Shabbat parsha retold the story of the night when Jacob had a dream wherein he envisioned a ladder ("and behold there was a ladder standing on the earth with its top reaching heavenward ..."). The night was traumatic for Jacob, as he was fleeing the threat of his brother Esav. Among the commentaries was one who asked an important question - when Jacob was sure that the ladder had been lowered from Heaven specifically on his account, why did he not climb it to escape his troubles? The picture is almost imaginable; it happens often with natural disasters that a hovering search helicopter will lower a ladder of rope to raise and save a person caught in the cusp of disaster. How did Jacob know that the ladder was not there for him to climb?
The short and easy answer is that the ladder was occupied by angels and not intended for human climbing. A more sophisticated answer is nuanced in the verse itself, "v'rosho ma-giyah hashamay-mah - its top reached heavenward". The ladder pointed towards Heaven but possibly did not reach Heaven. The ladder was functional only for what it represented; it was not intended to be a short cut to anywhere.
In 2004, an educator named Rafe Esquith published a book entitled There Are No Shortcuts. Esquith teaches at a Los Angeles inner-city school known as the Jungle, where few of his students speak English at home, and many are from poor or troubled families. Yet, many of his students go on to top tier universities; and many of those students credit Esquith with showing them how to succeed. No matter the depths out of which a journey begins, there is no limit to the heights that can be achieved and realized. Perhaps this imagery was the intended message of the ladder in the dream. Indeed, Jacob awoke the next morning with resolve and determination; and the rest of the story speaks for itself.
Risk is a vehicle of achievement; its dividends are the fruits of accomplishment. This is not to negate the hazards of failure; but there are times when the greater hazard is to side step opportunity. It was a risk to be a Maccabee in the days of Chanukah, but Judaism would have been in far greater danger without Maccabees. Esther was afraid to confront her king, but Haman presented an untenable alternative.
Itzak Perlman, the celebrated violinist, was born in Israel seventy years ago. In late November, he received from President Obama the Medal of Freedom, a milestone in the life of the naturalized American citizen. In an NPR interview a few days before the award presentation, he was asked if he had played his best music yet. Perlman chuckled and suggested that there always needs to be a new horizon waiting to be conquered. Whether or not he has already played his best music is not a function of the past, it is a function of the future. It is an answer that will be defined by his future. It is a matter of a ladder already reaching Heaven versus a ladder reaching towards Heaven.
Jacob's experience reminds all generations that dreams do not envision destinations, they envision journeys. His journey led to the birth and emergence of the Israelite nation. The Maccabee journey led to the continuance of the Israelite nation and Torah as a way of life. Perlman's journey is not yet completed, and neither are any of ours. Like the celebrated ladder in Jacob's dream, the flames that count our eight nights of Chanukah also reach Heavenward. They do not reach Heaven, but they point our attention in that direction. May we never stop dreaming, may we never stop reaching. There are ladders in every life, all of them leading to higher places. |
Pre-Chanukah Kiddush Concert; December 5 
Manginah is the Jewish A Capella choir of Brandeis University. They will be helping us welcome Chanukah with a pre-holiday concert.
Contributions are welcome,
donations will be used to enhance Kiddush that day and to provide an honorarium to the choir.
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Chanukah Primer 
What is Chanukah? The Hebrew word Chanukah means "dedication." In the 2nd century BCE, the Syrian-Greek regime of Antiochus sought to pull Jews away from Judaism, with the hopes of assimilating them into Hellenism -- Greek culture. Antiochus outlawed aspects of Jewish observance -- including the study of Torah -- which began to decay the foundation of Jewish life and practice. During this period, many of the Jews began to assimilate into Greek culture. In response, a band of Jewish settlers took to the hills of Judea in open revolt against this threat to Jewish life. Led by Matitiyahu, and later his son Judah the Maccabee ("The Hammer"), this small band led guerrilla warfare against the Syrian army. Antiochus sent thousands of well-armed troops to crush the rebellion -- but the Maccabees prevailed. Jewish patriots entered Jerusalem in the winter of 164 BCE. The Holy Temple was in shambles, defiled and desecrated. They cleansed the Temple and re-dedicated it on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. When it came time to re-light the Menorah, they searched the entire Temple, but only one small jar of oil bearing the seal of the High Priest could be found. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, until a new supply of oil could be secured. From then on, Jews have observed a holiday for eight days in honor of this historic victory and the miracle of the oil. Today, the observance of Chanukah features the nightly lighting of a special Chanukah menorah, adding one new candle each night. Other customs include playing games with the dreidel (a top with Hebrew letters on the sides), eating holiday delicacies like potato latkes (pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts), and the distribution of charity.
Why 8 Days? The world was created in seven days, there are seven notes in the musical scale, and seven days of the week. The number seven represents the physical world that we can touch and smell and feel. The number eight, on the other hand, transcends the natural world.
The Greeks had a particular dislike of the mitzvah of Brit Milah, the circumcision of a baby boy on the eighth day after his birth. Circumcision offended the Greek idea of perfection of the human body. Public nudity was accepted in Greek society because every "body" was another piece of art. To the Greeks, circumcision was mutilation of a masterpiece, like spraying graffiti on a mural.To the Jew, Brit Milah is one of the most essential expressions of Jewish identity. A human being can only achieve its greatest beauty if affected by a relationship with God. The perfectly sculpted human recognizes and embraces the reality of a transcendent soul.The days of Chanukah are eight days of transcendence, days of opportunity to look both within ourselves and beyond, to sense that there is far more to our existence than the world of nature could ever contain. The Greeks detested Brit Milah because of its "eight-ness," because it represents transcendence. The miracle of the oil lasted for eight days as a reminder that Jewish life is hewn from the "Rock" of transcendence.
Halachic Highlights The lighting of the first candle will be Sunday night, December 6, anytime after 5:00pm. On Friday night, the Chanukah candles are lit before the lighting of Shabbat candles. On Saturday night, Chanukah candles are kindled after Havdallah.
Many families practice the tradition of kindling with wicks and olive oil rather than candles, thereby more accurately recreating the Maccabee experience. Additionally, it is encouraged to sing songs and retell stories of spiritual survival while the flames are burning.
The flames of the menorah should burn at least 30 minutes into every night; and because the menorah is kindled early on Friday to accommodate Shabbat, the candles (or oil) should be sufficient to last 90 minutes.
There is no textually mandated imperative to exchange Chanukah gifts, while there does seem to be precedent for the distribution of "Chanukah gelt" to children as an acknowledgement of their commitment and achievements in Torah study. Jewish values are enhanced when the custom of "Chanukah gelt" is coupled with the mitzvah of Tzedakah.
The short form of Hallel is recited in conjunction with Shacharit each of the eight mornings, and Al HaNisim is added to each Amidah and Birkat HaMazon.
The month of December, with its manifold displays of holiday motifs, is an excellent opportunity to teach and talk about spiritual diversity and religious tolerance. Unlike Purim, pogroms and the Holocaust which sought to destroy Jewish life, Hellenism sought to terminate Jewish faith and culture. Our holiday observances, in addition to celebrating our own theological survival and the continuity of Judaism, can be tools of outreach and enlightenment. Chanukah can be eight rays of light into the winter's darkness, a model for all people.
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The Return of "Al Regel Echad" (a.k.a.) Speed Sermon
Shabbat, December 19
Last year, the congregation enjoyed a special Shabbat Kiddush program called "Al Regel Echad" ("While Standing on One Foot"). Members submitted questions for Rabbi Adler to answer at a Q&A Kiddush. The Rabbi was timed with answers limited to no more than one minute each! The questions were asked by a moderator, and all questions were anonymous. Do you have a question to submit? You can bring a question in a sealed envelope to Kim in the shul office, marked "Al regel Echad" or "Speed Sermon"; or questions may be submitted to Karen Benjamin by CLICKING HERE. The questions will be vetted by a committee, so please submit your question(s) by December 15. |
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Fast of Tevet, December 22
עשרה בטבת, Asarah BeTevet, the tenth day of the Hebrew month of Tevet, is a fast day that is observed from before dawn to nightfall. The fasting commemorates the siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylonia, an event that began on that date and ultimately culminated in the destruction of Solomon's Temple (the First Temple) and the conquest of the Kingdom of Judah. 
AM Tefilot - 6:30am
PM Tefilot - 4:00pm
Fast ends - 5:08pm
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Within our Congregation
Our congregation joins with the Schwartz families in Sharon and New Haven in mourning the murder of Ezra Schwartz. May his eighteen short years prove to be a beacon of hope and inspiration.
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The Theology of Judaism, Tuesdays @ 7:00-8:00pm, at Beth David. Talmudic texts are used to explore the beliefs of Judaism as well as Judaism's expectations for the future.
The Weekly Parsha Wednesdays @ 12:00-1:00pm This class is a "lunch-n-learn", and no previous text study is required. This group convenes in the library of Beth David Synagogue.
Talmud Sanhedrin, Thursdays @ 12:00-1:00pm This class studies a passage from the Babylonian Talmud, Sanhedrin addresses matters pertaining to the Jewish legal system. The group is hosted by Mr. Harry Weller and meets at the Rocky Hill offices of the Connecticut States Attorney, 300 Corporate Place.
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Fundraising Opportunities at Beth David
SCRIP-Purchase gift cards to Big Y, Crown, Stop & Shop and Shop Rite. Beth David receives 5% of all sales. This is a great fundraiser because there is no cost involved to Beth David or the scrip purchaser. Simply come to the Beth David office, purchases these cards in multiples of $100; and then use them like cash at the store. Crown gift cards can be reloaded in the store at the cash register.
TREE OF LIFE-Honor yourself or family with a leaf on the Tree of Life. Bronze, silver & gold leaves available. Our "tree" adorns the synagogue lobby, with many leaves ready to be engraved. Call Tracy to negotiate prices.
MEMORIAL PLAQUES-Remember a loved one with a bronze memorial plaque. Each plaque costs $360 and will be illuminared on the anniversary of your loved one's passing as well as all holidays when Yizkor is recited.
BINGO-This is Beth David's largest on-going fundraiser. It supports the majority portion of the Beth David's yearly fundraising goal. Volunteering is an opportunity to meet other shul members and work off your MEP.
Call Tracy in the office with any questions about any of the above fundraising opportunities.
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DONATIONS
RABBI'S DISCRETIONARY FUND:
In Memory of
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Leona Newman, yahrzeit
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Karen and Neil Newman
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Robert Wolf, yahrzeit
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Norma and Jeffrey Wolf
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Tammy Cohen, yahrzeit
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Alberto Cohen-Abbo
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Minna Bromberg, yahrzeit
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Richard Bromberg
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Elizabeth Spiegel, yahrzeit
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Annie and Patrick Rich
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Ludwig Spiegel, yahrzeit
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Annie and Patrick Rich
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Gertrude Feldman, yahrzeit
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Ruth Yancovich
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Samuel Michelson, yahrzeit
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Robert Kreger
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Irving Schein
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Devora and Bob Epstein
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Simon I. Roatberg, yahrzeit
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Louise Rossman
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Ruth Ginsberg, yahrzeit
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Meyer Ginsberg
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Julius Katz, yahrzeit
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Cheryl Wolmer
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Elsa Sulzbacher, yahrzeit
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Cheryl Wolmer
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Rose Fallman, yahrzeit
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Ruth Yancovich
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Israel Gordon, yahrzeit
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Lisa and David Gerrol
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KIDDUSH FUND
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Nachman Sandal, yahrzeit
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Maryam Sandal
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Jacob (Jack) Jacobson, yahrzeit
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Margie and Benjamin Zivyon
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Irving Schein
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Selma Schein
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Anita Shear
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Carol and Roger Vertefeuille
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Bernice and Judah Nedzar
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Zina Pachter, yahrzeit
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Margarita Ungar
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Nakhman Margolin, yahrzeit
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Bella and Michael Klebanov
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Morris Neiman, yahrzeit
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Elaine and Ed Schwartz
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Moises Perel, yahrzeit
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Fanny and Aaron Cohen and his grandchildren
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In loving memory of her dear husband Henry on his birthdate
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Ruth Yancovich
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The Engagement of Shira Silver to Alex Langer
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Hilary and David Silver
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Jonah Kaye's twenty Parshah cards and Safta Robyn's incredible Shabbat "Hot Soup"
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Elayna and Mark Kaye
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John and Pam Schachter in honor their 23rd Wedding Anniversary
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Ed Schwartz doing the Haftorah
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Elaine Schwartz
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Ed Schwartz's 70
th Bar Mitzvah Anniversary and Jonah's Parshah cards
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Robyn and Harry Weller
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Welcome to the Manginah
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Ruth Yancovich
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Helen Neuman
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Boris Stambler in honor of his birthday and the release of Jonathan Pollard
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Yahel and Michael Gutman in honor of their 6 th
Wedding Anniversary
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CHESED FUND
In Memory of
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Leah Dorman
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Judith Frankel and Lee Weinstein
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Alma Sussman
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Lisa and Sam Kassow
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David Jacob's beloved mother, Gloria
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Lisa and Sam Kassow
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Irving Schein
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Susan and David Martin
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Ruth and Myron Weiner
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Susan Bob Quigley
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Anna Darling, yahrzeit
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Selma and Robert Darling
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Tammy Cohen
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Beth Schiro, The Auerbach Schiro Foundation
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GENERAL FUND
In Memory of
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Irving Schein
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Reverend James E. Gilg
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Judith Frankel and Lee Weinstein
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Khaia Katselnik, yahrzeit
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Klara and Yefim Katselnik
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Gertrude Feldman, yahrzeit
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Laurence Coe
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Sophie Sandler, yahrzeit
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Susan and Robert Sandler
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Louis H. Sandler, yahrzeit
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Susan and Robert Sandler
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Abner Franford, yahrzeit
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Susan and Robert Sandler
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Ida Blum, yahrzeit
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Richard Blum
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Mollie Homar, yahrzeit
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Benjamin Homar
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Esther Feinstein, yahrzeit
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Paula Feinstein
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Anna Darling, yahrzeit
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Jean and Michael Selinger
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In Honor of
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Rabbi and Leslie Adler's new grandson, Menachem
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Robert Kreger
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Cheryl and Scott Brenner
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Jonathan Freeman
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Rabbi William Cohen Sacred Books Library
In Memory of
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Abraham Isikoff, yahrzeit
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"Todah Rabah" - Thank You for Your Support
We acknowledge our recent contributors and the generosity that has benefitted the mission and the cause of our congregation.
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Happy Birthday
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Sima Gutman
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December 2
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Robert Kalmar
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December 4
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Serena Feingold
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December 5
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Noah Gelber
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December 5
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Abraham Anavim
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December 7
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Grigory Malakh
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December 9
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Daniel Braune-Friedman
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December 9
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Michael Drescher
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December 10
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Alex Jacobson
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December 10
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Ari Klau
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December 10
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Svetlana Veprinsky
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December 10
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Robin Gold
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December 10
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Michael Selinger
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December 12
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Rebecca Stambler
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December 13
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Rabbi Y. Adler
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December 16
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Nathan Hyman Schachter
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December 18
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Michael Gutman
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December 19
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Martin Freilich
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December 21
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Masha Stambler
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December 21
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Fanny Cohen
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December 22
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Rachel Fiedler
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December 22
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Ronen Elefant
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December 23
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Benjamin Cooper
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December 24
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Rebecca Allen
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December 25
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Kara Weinstein
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December 25
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Lauren Beslow
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December 26
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Rebecca Fried
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December 28
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Rabbi Stuart Snyder
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December 28
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Daniel Klau
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December 29
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Miriam Klau
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December 29
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Naomi Cohen
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December 31
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Natan Cohen
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December 31
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Happy Anniversary
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Michael & Yahel Gutman
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December 5
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Henry and Amy Mondschein
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December 12
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Ben and Jyll Shapiro
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December 13
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Daniel and Michele Schwanke
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December 18
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Larry & Leah Berson
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December 22
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Martin & Sharon Freilich
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December 23
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"Where coming to shul is like coming home."
Our pledge is to make every visit to Beth David a warm, welcoming and satisfying experience. Let us know how we are doing. Your input helps us measure our success.
Sincerely,
Beth David Synagogue
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