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Excerpts from Or L’Dor – September/October 2010
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Message From President Betsy Solomon
As I begin my second year as our synagogue’s president, I realize two things. I love this synagogue; I have since my family joined Beacon Hebrew Alliance 34 years ago. This is my extended family, and I know that it is for many of you, too. I knew this before, but I am increasingly cognizant of what a phenomenon this is. I also realize that running a synagogue is a team effort. I was only vaguely aware how many cogs there are to this machine, and how many members quietly contribute their time, energy and expertise with little recognition. It wasn’t so much that I thought that magic kept the stair chair in working order; I simply took for granted that it would work if someone needed it. I noticed when the memorial plaques in our sanctuary were lit up, but never thought how that happened, and while I was pleased to see what a welcoming children’s center we have, I only vaguely wondered how it came to be. There are many such examples.
Most of us know who does much of the more visible work at BHA. We see those who seem to live in the kitchen, cleaning and cooking. We know who faithfully sends us the newsletter and updates – even though she seems to magically know everything. (Actually, members update her, just as they update our bikkur cholim chair about a member’s illness - and if nobody makes those contacts, nobody else finds out!) We know who runs our school and organizes many of our community holiday celebrations, even if we don’t realize how big a job that is and how many helpers, as well as extra hours, are required.
Trust me, our stalwart volunteers are getting tired. Maybe frequent and sincere thanks will shore them up for a while; please go out of your way to recognize those whose efforts you see. More importantly, please support their efforts when you are asked, responding promptly to calls for help and requests for RSVPs so efforts aren’t wasted or feelings hurt – and please participate in BHA events! If you see something that needs doing, please volunteer. We all know that our synagogue needs money to survive and prosper. I’m here to tell you that we need some of your time, too.
My family and I wish you all a happy, healthy, low-stress, high-satisfaction year, a year that allows you to share your blessings with your synagogue. Our synagogue family will do our best to share our blessings with you.
L’shana tova tikatevu…Betsy
Message From Rabbi Josh Wohl
Our sages taught: “If a man opens his heart even as slightly as a needle’s eye, God will open it as wide as the gateway to the Temple hall” (Shir Ha Shirim Rabbah 5:2). During the High Holidays God is not only a judge but our partner in our struggle to achieve moral purity. All of us strive to achieve Teshuva, to cleanse our souls so that we may begin the year anew. Unfortunately many of us don’t know where to begin.
Our tradition teaches us four essential steps that we must fulfill to achieve complete repentance: Recognition, Repentance, Renunciation, and Redress.
Initially we must engage in a process of introspection and recognize the sins that we have committed over the past year. I would advise that we shut off our electronic devices and spend at least an hour reflecting on the year that has passed. The consciousness of sin must be followed by a sincere confession to God where we repent for our mistakes. Having confessed our sins, the true penitent must pledge in his heart of hearts to never repeat the sin. For remorse without resolution is inadequate as sincere Teshuva involves a commitment to change our behavior. Finally, if we have offended someone over the past year with harsh words or hurtful deeds we must summon up the courage and ask for that person’s forgiveness.
The month of Elul is upon us, let us all engage in the four steps of Teshuva as we become at one with one another and with God.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: BHA IS INCORPORATED!
Some of our members were asking about BHA’s organizational structure and questioning what liability issues our congregants might be exposed to. Wonder no more! Beacon Hebrew Alliance’s founders arranged to have us certified as a religious corporation in 1921, and a framed copy of the documentation on file with Dutchess County is now posted in the synagogue lobby. Being incorporated means that members are insulated from claims against BHA, including our cemetery, and we aren’t liable for any wrongdoing of a fellow member – which is comforting even though we don’t expect to ever need to know that! Many thanks to Klaus Solomon for his extensive research, and to Steve Golub, USCJ’s Vice President of Finance, for his helpful input.
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BHA Publicity Committee Volunteers Needed
The synagogue is looking for a couple of volunteers to be responsible for BHA publicity. BHA is such an active congregation, and many people in the area have no idea! Committee members will send listings of upcoming events and articles on past events to various publications. This is really important to BHA’s growth and success! Please consider volunteering, and contact Dave Alperstein at bhavicepresident1@gmail.com <mailto:bhavicepresident1@gmail.com> or Betsy Solomon at bhapres@gmail.com <mailto:bhapres@gmail.com> .
BHA Religious School Scholarship Program
This year, BHA hopes to continue our Scholarship Fund for member families who are having serious financial difficulties. Last year, all contributions were distributed and greatly appreciated. Please send donations, marked “Scholarship Fund”, to the synagogue at P.O. Box 7, Beacon, NY 12508.
Donate Your Leftover Paper Party Goods
Got a bunch of mismatched paper party leftovers? Please donate them to BHA for Onegs and for Religious School snack time. The shul is in constant need of paper goods, including hot and cold cups, and if the stuff is clogging up your cupboards, we’d gladly use them. Please place all donations on the long shelf in the multi-purpose room and our Oneg/Kitchen elves will put them to good use.
Bikkur Cholim Committee Serves the Sick and Needy
We are very pleased that Laurel is continuing to chair BHA’s Bikkur Cholim committee to visit/help members of our community who are ill. This group performs an important mitzvah that is always greatly appreciated. Committee members may be asked to visit someone at home or in the hospital, do a little grocery shopping, or perform some other simple but meaningful task for a recovering congregant. Please volunteer your time by contacting Laurel at laurelb@optonline.net. Also, please let Laurel know if someone in the shul is ill and in need of support.
Rabbi Brent Spodek Heading BeaconJewishLearning.org
BHA congregant Rabbi Brent Spodek has been working in close consultation with BHA to organize some learning for adults and children in Beacon. More information is available at www.beaconjewishlearning.org <http://www.beaconjewishlearning.org/> . Established activities include a Tots Sing A Long for families with children 2-5 years, and a Jewish Learning Group for adults. There are holiday celebrations, too! Questions regarding programs should be directed to Brent at brent.spodek@gmail.com.
Save Your BHA Photos
Rachel Zollner, BHA’s Second Vice President, has assumed responsibility of synagogue historian. As an ongoing project, Rachel will create photo albums for BHA to chronicle the life and times of the shul. If anyone takes photos at any BHA event, please select the five best shots and email them to Rachel at: bhavicepresident2@gmail.com <mailto:bhavicepresident2@gmail.com>
What’s Your Email address?
We don’t want to leave anyone out of the loop. Please send Ellin Feld or Laura Liebeck your most up-to-date email information, including those new college addresses!
Got News? Send it in!
There’s lots going on with everyone’s lives: new babies, graduations, new jobs, retirements, important accomplishments. Let’s fellow congregants know. If you’ve found a great new source for kosher food, Jewish entertainment, fun, family-friendly activities, share it. We’ll put it in the newsletter. Send news to Laura Liebeck at lliebeck@aol.com.
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UPCOMING BHA SERVICES
RELIGIOUS SERVICES FOR SEPT. & OCT.
(Everyone is welcome, no tickets needed. Donations are greatly appreciated.)
Friday, Sept. 3 at 7:30 pm (led by Jeff G.)
Wednesday, September 8 @ 7:30 pm for Erev Rosh Hashanah
(led by Rabbi Josh and Cantor Ellen)
Thursday, September 9 @ 9:30 am for Rosh Hashanah Day 1 Services
-Children’s Service (led by Cantor Ellen) during Torah Reading-
6:00 pm for Tashlich, followed by Mincha
(led by Rabbi Josh and Cantor Ellen)
Friday, September 10 @ 9:30 am for Rosh Hashanah Day 2 Services
(led by Rabbi Josh & Cantor Ellen)
7:30 pm for Shabbat Services (led by Cantor Ellen)
Saturday, September 11 at 9:30 am for Shabbat Shuvah (led by Rabbi Brent Spodek)
Friday, September 17 @ 6:40 pm sharp for Kol Nidre
(led by Rabbi Josh & Cantor Ellen)
Saturday, September 18 @ 9:30 am for Yom Kippur Services
(led by Rabbi Josh & Cantor Ellen)
– Children’s Service (led by Cantor Ellen) during Torah Reading
5:50 pm sharp for Yom Kippur Afternoon Services - final shofar blast at 7:50 (led by Rabbi Josh & Cantor Ellen)
Thursday, September 23 @ 9:30 am for Sukkot Services (led by Rabbi Josh)
Friday, September 24 @ 7:30 pm for Shabbat Services (led by Cantor Ellen)
Thursday, September 30 @ 9:30 am for Shemini Atzeret with Yizkor Services
7:00 pm for Simchat Torah Celebration (led by Rabbi Josh)
Friday, October 1 @ 7:30 pm (led by Cantor Ellen)
Friday, October 8 @ 7:30 pm & Saturday, Oct. 9 at 9:30am (led by Rabbi Josh)
(Rebecca’s Bat Mitzvah)
Friday, October 15 @ 7:30 pm for (led by Cantor Ellen)
Friday, October 22 @ 7:30 pm & Saturday, October 23 at 9:30 am (led by Rabbi Josh)
(Micah’s Bar Mitzvah)
Friday, Oct. 29 @ 7:30 pm (led by Cantor Ellen)
NEWS & EVENTS
Religious School Registration is Sunday, September 12
Registration for BHA’s religious school, including tots through Bar Mitzvah prep, is set for 9:00 – 10:00AM on Sunday, September 12. Orientation and first day of classes follow. A light breakfast is included! Please note that membership is not required for the tots program, although it is for children in grade 1 and up. Please call BHA Voicemail, 845-831-2012, for more information.
Sukkah Building Day Set for Sunday, September 19 at 9 am
The annual Sukkah building project begins at 9 am on Sept. 19. Bring gloves and any appropriate carpentry tools! Time permitting, and with sufficient numbers of volunteers and equipment, the building’s gutters will be cleared.
BHA Book Club to Meet October 3 at Bank Square Coffee House
The next book club meeting will be Sunday, Oct. 3 at 10 am at the Bank Square Coffee house (formally The Muddy Cup). The group will be discussing “The Frozen Rabbi” by Steve Stern. The November meeting has been set for Sunday, Nov 7 at 10 am, and the group will discuss “A Tale of Love and Darkness” by Amos Oz – for anyone who wants to read ahead. New members are always welcomed!
Yom Kippur Food Drive for Hunger
BHA is collecting non-perishable food for our annual drive to help the hungry. Please bring your grocery bags full of non-perishable food and personal care items (even pet food) to the synagogue by Kol Nidre, depositing them at the back of the downstairs sanctuary. After the holiday, the donations will be delivered to the Community Action Partnership in Beacon, which distributes food to the needy. Paper grocery bags are available on the information table and outside the upstairs sanctuary.
Blood Drive A Success
BHA’s blood drive, organized by Rachel Gropper with the aid of the New York Blood Center, “drew” 22 pints of blood! While this was not enough for Rachel to secure the scholarship money she had hoped to achieve, it benefited people who need it! Rachel can still work towards her goal with addition blood donations. If anyone is planning to give blood, reference BHA and Rachel’s group number (12179) and she’ll receive the credit for the donation. Special thanks to all our BHA donors. |
Todah Rabah (“Thank You”):
€ To the Ritual Committee for planning out the High Holiday schedule of services.
€ To Rachel Gropper for organizing the BHA Blood Drive and to all the congregants who so willingly gave their blood.
€ To the summer lay leaders who gave their time and energy to lead services for fellow congregants.
€ To Klaus Solomon for his work on BHA’s incorporation paperwork. |
Remember: Volunteer, BHA Needs You!
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