Shabbat Shalom GRJC

Weekly Emails to the Congregation

Parshat Vayigash 2009

Shabbat Shalom to the GRJC family,

We light our Shabbat candles today at 4:22 pm. Friday night services will begin at 8 pm and Saturday morning services will begin at 9 am. Cantor Michelle Freedman will join us this Shabbat.

We will read this Shabbat from parashat Vayigash. At the beginning of our reading, Jacob, having heard that his son Joseph is still alive, decides to go and see him. Jacob says, ?I must go and see him before I die.? While Jacob may soon pass on, his son who he thought was dead is now once again alive. This reversal of reality provides enough inspiration for Jacob to go down to Egypt. The reversal of reality is even stronger considering that Joseph had provided food, and therefore life, to his family even when they still thought him to be dead.

When we think about how Jacob holds on to life in order to be able to see Joseph, and in the end to bless all his children, we may think about how people we care about hold on to life in order to participate in simchas and other family events. People also hold onto life when there is conflict in families. It becomes difficult for them to let go when there is conflict.

The best way to avoid situations of this kind is to pursue reconciliation long before impending death makes these situations even worse with all the emotions that accompany the end of life. Methuselah lived 900 years, Moses lived to 120, and life expectancy in the USA is roughly 78 years. Life is short! (Even though some days or years feel endless). The anxiety that goes along with confronting our friends and relatives with whom we've had tense relations in the past is often the hardest part of reconciliation. When we read about Joseph meeting his brothers again, we see how they came together again despite years of silence and their mistreatment of Joseph. Somehow they found reconciliation, and somehow we can too. There are many professional counselors and mediators available through Jewish Family Services and other organizations that can help. (What better 2009 Resolution could there be than to pursue reconciliation among family members!)

Please include the soldiers and citizens of Israel in your prayers and thoughts at this difficult time. The following is a prayer from an Israeli siddur:

Our Divine Guardian, Rock and Redeemer of Israel, bless the State of Israel, the beginning of our redemption. Shield it beneath the wings of Your steadfast love and spread over it the shelter of Your peace. May a spark of Your spirit inspire the actions of its President, Prime Minister, officials, judges and advisors that they may follow the path of righteousness, liberty and freedom. Strengthen the hands of those who build and protect our Holy Land and grant them salvation and life. Grant peace to this land and everlasting joy to its inhabitants.(Siddur ha'avodah she'ba'lev)


Rabbi's Announcements

Adult Education: Haftarah chanting class resumes this Sunday at 10 am.

Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah class resumes this Sunday at 11 am. Adult Bnai Mitzvah students : We are starting in earnest this Sunday to prepare for the service that you will lead.  Please join me this Sunday at 11 so that we can begin to give out the prayers and begin to learn to lead them.


GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sunday, Jan. 4, 9:00am - 1:00pm
Sunday School / Hebrew School resumes

Sunday, Jan 4, 2:00 pm
REMINDER: In response to the bias incident on Dec. 23 involving three Glen Rock youths who spray painted anti-Semitic symbols and messages on private and public property in town, the Glen Rock Borough Council, the Religious Communities of Glen Rock, and the Community Relations Advisory Board will lead an interfaith prayer service at the temporary Boro Hall headquarters, 175 Rock Road (behind CVS parking lot).  Members of the Glen Rock Jewish Center and citizens of Glen Rock and surrounding towns are encouraged to attend this gathering.


Monday, Jan. 5
9:00am Nursery School resumes

6:30 - 7:45pm Bogrim meeting for post-b'nai mitzvah youth (in 7th-9th grades)
Please let Laurie Herman know (lauriebh@optonline.net) if your child will or will not be coming, as the subject of the meeting will depend on the number of youths attending.

7:30-9:45pm: Melton II Adult Ed Class - Youth Lounge
Tuesday, Jan 6 and Wednesday, Jan 7, 9:30-10:45 am
Winter sessions of Mommy and Me begin in the Social Hall


Tuesday, Jan 6, 11:30am - 12:15pm and Thursday, Jan. 8, 9:45am - 10:30am
50+ Club Senior Aerobics continue in the Social Hall


Thursday, Jan. 8, 11:45am -1:30pm
Movin On' Lunch for widows and widowers: $5.00 donation for lunch
Guest speaker Arlene Goldberg will discuss her experiences hosting a disabled Israeli military veteran for two weeks this past May during the annual visit of these soldiers through the Zahal Shalom program.


Friday, Jan. 9, 6:30pm
Tot Shabbat with Jill Gurian in the Social Hall
Shabbat Sheli with Rabbi Tow in the Sanctuary


Saturday, Jan. 10, 10-11am
Junior Congregation with Cantor Michelle Freedman


LOOKING AHEAD

Saturday night, January 17, 8:30-11:00pm
CHEESECAKE ALY'S BROADWAY CLASSICS DESSERT THEATER
An evening of music and desserts featuring our own James Michael and guest vocalists and musicians. Admission is $36 per person.  You received your invitation flyer in the mail for this delightful evening, which also serves as a kickoff for our ongoing fundraiser with Cheesecake Aly products. Return your rsvp now, as seating is limited!




Sunday afternoon, January 25, 2:00 - 5:00 pm
PRIVATE SCREENING OF "HITLER'S PAWN"
An award winning documentary which tells the story of Margaret Lambert, a German Jewish high jumper who trained for the German Olympic team for the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games. Under threat of losing the Olympic venue, Hitler initially agreed to allow Jewish athletes to compete, but then removed Lambert from the team just prior to the opening ceremonies. Following the screening, we will be joined by the director of the documentary, Glen Rock's own George Roy, and Margaret Lambert herself, who will discuss the events covered by the documentary and answer your questions.
This event is open to all temple members free of charge but BY RESERVATION ONLY so please contact Rob Weiss to reserve your spot. Seating space will be limited.

Sunday February 1- Super Bowl Party, presented by the Men's Club.  Festivities begin an hour before kickoff. Watch the game on our GIANT TV in the Social Hall. Food and non-alcoholic beverages provided.  Bring your own beer or kosher wine. Admission is $10 per adult; $5 per child.  Open to GRJC members and their guests. Contact Rob Weiss for more details or to reserve your spot.


With blessings,

Rabbi Tow