Shabbat Shalom GRJC

Weekly Emails to the Congregation

Shabbat Kedoshim 2008

Shabbat Shalom to the GRJC family,

We light our candles this Friday evening at 7:36 pm.  Friday evening services will begin at 8 pm, and Saturday morning services will begin at 9 am.  Abigail Strassberg will become a Bat Mitzvah this Shabbat.  The Strassberg family welcomes everyone to Shabbat services to participate in this simcha.

Friday night we will recognize all MAY BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES!  Everyone who has a May birthday or anniversary is invited to come on Friday evening for a special blessing and songs.

We read this week from the beginning of parshat Kedoshim.  This parasha stands out from the rest of the weekly readings in Leviticus.  Although the parasha discusses the relationship between people and God, which is the theme of Leviticus in general, the context of that discussion is, for the most part, not the sacrifices that ancient Jews brought to the altar.  The context is, rather, the relationships between people in God’s world.  The verse, “Love your fellow as yourself,” is at the heart of the message of parshat Kedoshim.

On Friday evening, we will engage in a discussion about one verse from the parasha, “You shall not hate your fellow human being in your heart…” (Leviticus 19:17)   We will reflect on the way that Jewish thinkers have understood this statement from the Middle Ages through the late nineteenth century.

What does it mean for us to not hold hatred in our hearts?  It seems like an almost impossible task to avoid retaining negative feelings against someone when that person has hurt us or wronged us in some way.

Perhaps the second half of the verse can help us to better understand the first half, “…Rebuke your fellow human being!”  The Torah teaches us to offer constructive criticism as a way of bringing feelings and issues out into the open.

How do we handle our negative feelings toward others?  Do we find that we keep them inside until they seem to disappear?  Why is it often difficult for us to confront others with the feelings that we have?

With wishes for a Shabbat of peaceful rest and reflection,

Rabbi Tow

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The May GRJC Bulletin is at the printer and may not get into home mailboxes until Monday, so please note the following programs and events occurring over the next few days:

Annual GRJC Membership Meeting to elect new slate of officers and trustees:  Sunday morning, May 4, 9am, in the GRJC Library. All members are invited and encouraged to attend.

Aleph Class Siddur Cover Workshop: Sunday, May 4, 11am-1pm in the GRJC Youth Lounge.  All Aleph (first year Hebrew School) students and their parents will create customized felt covers for their personal siddurim which they will receive at Erev Shavuout services on June 8.

Sisterhood Fundraiser at Couture Past & Present: This high-end consignment shop on 24 Prospect Street in Ridgewood will be open for a private sale on Sunday, May 4 from 2:00-5:00 pm.  Wine and cheese will be served.  Shop for gently-used designer clothing as well as new handbags, shoes and jewelry.  Remember Mother’s Day is almost here!  Make sure to mention GRJC when you shop. (All major credit cards accepted)

Rosh Chodesh Women’s Group: Sunday, May 4, 6:30-8:00 pm. Welcome the month of Iyar with discussion in a friendly atmosphere. No Hebrew or prior participation is necessary. A light meal will be served.  Non-members are welcome.

Melton Adult Ed Class: Monday, May 5, 7:30-9:45pm in the GRJC Social Hall.

GRJC Board of Trustees Meeting: Tuesday, May 6, 8:00pm in the GRJC Social Hall.

AND DON’T FORGET:

SATURDAY NIGHT, MAY 17 9:00 PM
COMEDY NIGHT AT THE GLEN ROCK JEWISH CENTER
RSVP by May 9 and get an early-bird discount on seating.  See the reservation form here and in the May bulletin
 

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