Vayera Weekly Bulletin November 8, 2014 | 15 Cheshvan 5775

Weekly Bulletin
Amalgamated Hebrew Men of England (1975)
100 Elder Street, Toronto ON M3H 5G7 | 416.633.3838
Vayera
Hertz Chumash
Torah Reading pp. 63-76
Haftarah pp. 76-79
Etz Hayim Chumash
Torah Reading pp. 99-122
Haftarah pp. 124-126
November 8, 2014 | 15 Cheshvan 5775
www.beby.org
REMEMBRANCE DAY NOVEMBER 11TH. LEST WE FORGET.
We extend a warm welcome to our special guest speaker,
Judge Thomas Walther. Judge Walther, a retired German judge
turned Nazi hunter is looking to enlist help from Canadian Jews to
prosecute a former Auschwitz guard.
~ The Congregational Kiddush will be held in the Foyer following services ~
60th Anniversary Launch!
Monday, November 17th @ 7:30 pm
The Sefer Haftarah Parasha
is dedicated in honour of
Jason’s Bar Mitzvah, November 2, 1998
by Al, Jan & Lisa Mervin
Check out Rabbi Morrison’s article in
Mercaz-Canada Autumn Newsletter
Services for Week of November 9th
Sunday ................................. 7:30 & 8:30 am
Monday - Friday ................... 7:15 & 8:15 am
Sunday - Thursday ........................... 4:45 pm
Friday evening.................................. 4:45 pm
Shabbat Candle Lighting .................. 4:34 pm
Hashkama Minyan............................ 7:30 am
Shabbat Services ............................... 8:45 am
Let’s Party like it’s 1955!
Dance to the music of the 50’s & 60’s
performed by Of Gentlemen and Cowards
led by Simon Edwards
Emcee Adam Foxman with Comedian
Brandon Sobel and his comedy troupe!
œÕ«i\ÊfÈäÊvœÀÊÈäÊÞi>ÀÃÊUÊ-ˆ˜}i\ÊfÎä
Hors d’oeuvres, dessert, cash bar
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We extend a Mazel Tov to Devorah, daughter of Mindy & Freddy Jacobs
on the occasion of her Havdallah Bat Mitzvah.
Mazel Tov to grandparents Ellen & Solly Stern.
At this time, we lovingly remember the late Ben & Sally Jacobs l”z
~ We extend our condolences to~
Juan Knapp and family on the loss of his mother, Frida Knapp l”z
Shirley Springer, Jeff Springer, Hannah Springer and Rochelle Title and families on
the loss of husband and father, Henry Springer l”z
BEBY reserves the right to make copy & editorial changes.
DEADLINE THURSDAY NOON of each week.
Beyond that time we cannot guarantee that your
event will appear in the bulletin.
We regret any errors and omissions that may occur.
Please contact the office to make corrections.
The Shabbat Study Group
will resume December 13th
Shabbat Mincha — 4:35 pm
Shabbat Ends — 5:45 pm
ALLERGY ALERT!! Many of our members suffer from asthma or other breathing difficulties. Please be
considerate of those who are chemically sensitive to fragrances and other scented products - your
discretion in applying scented products when attending Shul is appreciated.
HALACHA (JEWISH LAW) prohibits the use of audible beepers, cell phones, electronic games and any
type of photographic equipment on Shabbat and Yom Tov.
We thank you in advance for your cooperation in preserving the sanctity of Shabbat.
Yasher Koach and thank you to our Shabbat Ushers!
WEEKLY PROGRAMMES
RABBINICS STUDY GROUP – Daf Ha’Shavua - The Weekly Page of Talmud.
For beginning or intermediate students, study the first Tractate of the Talmud
known as Masechet Berachot. “The primary focus of the tractate is the
myriad ways in which a Jewish person expresses his faith during his life.” 35
minutes prior to Mincha. Study group resumes December 13th.
SUNDAY
FREE HEBREW READING CLASSES - LEVELS I AND II WITH MICHAEL KINRYS:
Level I begins October 26 for 5 weeks. 9:15 - 11 am. Call to register. Level II
begins Feb. 22/2015 for 6 weeks.
THE LIBRARY ~10 am - 12 noon. Drop by and peruse our many fabulous
new titles! A Treasure of Yiddish Stories by Irving Home; Jewish Museums of
the World by Grace Cohen Grossman.
The KADIMA CENTRE: 2-3:30 pm. For info on student registration, contact
Marcel Cohen at 416.633.3838 or marcelcohen2003@yahoo.ca. More info
available from www.beby.org. We are looking for adults to volunteer who
are compassionate, patient and positive.
TANACH STUDY GROUP - TBA.
MONDAY
MAH JONGG AT 12:00 NOON. All welcome. Call the office 416-633-3838 to join.
Donation of a Toonie. Refreshments served.
No Class November 17th
RABBI’S STUDY CLASS: PROBING THE PARSHA: A detailed study of a particular
theme emanating from the weekly Torah portion. Each theme is linked to an
essay topic found in the new book, The Observant Life - The Wisdom of
Conservative Judaism for Contemporary Jews. The book is encouraged
but not required for participants. Boardroom. 7:15 - 8:15 pm.
FRUMBA & NIA! WOMEN’S CARDIO DANCE FITNESS
- Sponsored by Sisterhood.
7:30 pm. For more information on upcoming class schedules and pricing,
contact Bette at frumbadance@gmail.com.
TUESDAY
SISTERHOOD STUDY GROUP - 10 - 11:30 am | Rabbis Morrison and Lipson
alternate weekly. Ask The Rabbi with Rabbi Morrison: Brief English
responsa to modern halakhic questions from the perspective of Conservative
Judaism. Topics will cover Bible, ethics, gender, interfaith, symbols, conversion,
kashrut, lifecycle, holy day cycle, women’s issues, theology, and more.
Rabbi Lipson’s Weekly Topic: Studying the Book of Shmuel (Samuel) and
the Book of Kings — Politics & Power in Biblical Israel.
WEDNESDAY
TALMUD CLASS WITH DR. AARON NUSSBAUM | 9:15 am. Chapel.
MAH JONGG AND RUMMIKUB HOSTED BY SISTERHOOD. Games begin at
12:30 to 3:30 pm. Donation of a Toonie. Refreshments served. Mah Jongg
Games and Rummikub games needed. If you have one to donate, contact
the office.
SISTERHOOD PRESENTS ISRAELI FOLK DANCING WITH SHOSHANA FRANK.
"EGINNERSPMs)NTERMEDIATE!DVANCEDPMPERCLASS)NFO
Call Shoshana Frank at 905.889.9419.
THURSDAY
NASH & DRASH 2014 - Nov 27, Tuesday December 16 (Chazzan’s Chanukah
Musical Special) January 22, February 19, March 26 (Pre-pesach Nash & Drash
WITHTHE#ANTOR!PRILAND-AYPP
THE MARTY KESHEN CHESED COMMITTEE NEEDS YOU!
If you would like to volunteer with home and hospital visits, Shiva
calls, etc. please call the office and leave a message for Rochelle Kerzner
Committee Chair or email chesed@beby.org
SISTERHOOD KNIT/CROCHET AND CHAT GROUP. We invite you
to join our knitting and crochet group. Learn to crochet a kippah, or knit a
baby blanket. Knit a hat for the Soldiers! We provide the yarn, pattern and
coffee! Join us weekly, Mondays at 10 am. Speak to Miriam if you would
like to participate.
Please pick up a flyer or check our web site /facebook page for more information on our upcoming events.
SHABBAT
TISH & TORAH - Rabbi Lipson leads learning sessions for the Parashat
Hashavuah at 10:00 am in the Boardroom.
COMING
NOVEMBER EVENTS
BEBY Annual Meeting
Sunday November 9th
Poland/Israel Planning Trip
Monday November 10th @ 8 pm
Board Installation
Saturday November 15th
60th Anniversary Launch
Monday November 17th
Speakers Series: Women’s Lives - Part II
Wednesday November 19th
Brunch/Lecture with Dr. Carol Greenwood
Sunday November 23rd
Reel & Spiel - Crossing Delancey
Wednesday November 26th
Girls Night Out
Thursday November 27th
Grey Cup Party
Sunday November 30th
SAVE THE DATES!
Speakers Series: Women’s Lives - Part III
Wednesday December 10th
Yehuda Rosenberg Tribute Dinner
Friday December 12th
Eco-Friendly Chanukah Energy Savings
Monday December 15th
Pre-Chanukah Nash & Drash
Tuesday, December 16th
Annual Chanukah Party
Tuesday, December 16th
Shabbat Shira Concert
Thursday, January 29th
CHAZZAN’S CORNER
Davening Class - Chazzan Edwards offers an informal,
hands on practical class - Monday evenings following Mincha services.
No Class Nov.17th.
Pre-Chanukah Nash & Drash with Chazzan Edwards & Tara
Abrams, Cantorial Soloist. Tuesday, December 16th at 12 noon.
Shabbat Shira Concert with Chazzans Edwards & Alex Stein of
Adath Israel, Thursday January 29th at 7:30 pm
FYI: Please be aware that in the event of a medical emergency, our Security Personnel are
EVENTS
YOUTH & YOUNG FAMILIES
(Formerly Na’are Emet)
Junior Congregation
Shakin’ Up Shabbat!
THE BETH EMETH GREENING COMMITTEE
s
s
s
s
s
s
The Zero-Waste Lifestyle by Amy Korst:
Buy in bulk to save money and reduce waste from packaging
Buy flour, pasta, rice, spices, dry baking supplies, olive oil,
honey, shampoos and conditioners in bulk
Use reusable tote bags or mesh produce bags
Arriving home, store bulk foods into re-purposed glass jars
Plan numerous, nutritious meals based on these bulk foods to
create no waste
Buy larger sizes of pet food
every Shabbat at 10 am with a fun activity
led by Elie Morrison and Samara Gottesman
or by our ShinShinim Omer Itzhak & Yotam Meizeles.
New program with lots of fun activities and games!
See you there!
Sam Kotzer Shabbat & Festival Gan Program
OPEN YEAR ROUND FOR NURSERY SERVICES.
10 am - 12 noon | BEBY Babies Room (lower level)
Structured weekly Shabbat programming
for children ages 1 through JK,
including Tefillot, songs, games, and healthy snacks.
Hilda Swirsky, RN, BScN, MEd, Chair,
hswirsky@hotmail.com or Fay Rakoff, rakoff@gmail.com
Café Shinshinim:
Contact youth@beby.org or call 416
633.3838 for MORE INFO or to RSVP to
any program.
Tuesday November 11th at 7 pm
Topic Remembrance Day and Yom HaZikaron
- thoughts and reflections. Join Omer and
Yotam for their lively bi-weekly programs
covering a range of current topics.
YOUTH EVENTS
PJ PLUS is a parent (or grandparent!) and tot program for 1.5 -3
years old. This 9 week program runs Sunday mornings right here
at Beth Emeth! Your first class is FREE! 9:30 - 10:45 am in the BEBY
Babies Room.
PROGRAM INFO:
Women’s Lives Series From Church to Cholent
with Michèle Sankar:
Michèle started her life as a religious Roman Catholic in small-town
Ontario, yet went on a journey which led her to become a Torahobservant Jew. She is a teacher in the GTA where she lives with her
husband and three children. Admission: $20.
Nutrition, Vitality & Your Brain
with Dr. Carol Greenwood
Sunday November 23rd at 11:30 am
Professor, Author and Senior Scientist with the Baycrest Foundation
Join us for a delicious brunch and a talk on the merits of good nutrition
and brain health. Dr. Greenwood’s work focuses on the relationship
between diet and brain function. $10 per person.
Reel & Spiel presents Crossing Delancey (1988)
Wednesday November 26th at 7:30 pm
A Manhattan single meets a man through her Jewish grandmother’s
matchmaker. Director: Joan Micklin Silver. Starring Amy Irving, Peter
Riegert, Reizl Bozyk and Jeroen Krabbe. Introductory remarks by Bruria
Cooperman. Join us for popcorn, refreshments & dessert. Tessler
Lounge.$5 per person.
Grey Cup Party!
Sunday November 30th at 5:30 pm presented by Men’s
Club. Tessler Lounge. Watch the game on our 80” screen complete
with our new sound system! Tons of delicious game food! All welcome.
Members & family guests $30. NM $50. Join the Men’s Club! Only $18.
Includes membership in the FJMC and SAVE on all of our events.
RSVP by November 17th. Men & Women welcome!
To book a Youth Kiddush please send an email to youth@beby.org.
Wednesday November 19th at 7:30 pm
MIDDLE SCHOOL — CCCS BE’TE-AVON! CHEF FOR A NIGHT!
Saturday November 15th at 8 pm.
CCCS Youth partner with Mazon Canada’s “Kosherlicious” for an
evening of cooking with Norene Gilletz! $15 per person. Bring
a non-perishable food item, to be donated to Mazon Canada!
Register at: http://www.canadianccs.ca/BeTeavon.html. Registration
deadline has been extended.
YOUNG FAMILIES SHABBAT DINNER!
Friday, November 21, 2014 at 6pm
Members Cost: Adults $12, kids $8 Family (2 adults, 2 kids) $36.
Non Members Cost: Adults $15, kids $10, Family (2 adults 2 kids)
$45. Event purchase in advance ONLY to the office by Thursday
November 20th.
GRADES 1-5: GLAZE CRAZE!
Sunday, November 23rd, 1pm. Join Beth Emeth Youth as we
have a fun afternoon painting ceramics! More details TBA.
BBYO PROGRAMS
BBYO Connect (Middle School) Saturday November 15th.
Cosmic Bowling, Stay tuned for details!
BBYO (High School) – Thursday November 20th.
The Hunger Games Mockingjay Pre-Screening for Hunger
Awareness! Stay tuned for details!
CPR trained. If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to seek out their services.
VAYERA
Taken from the Jewish Theological Seminary JTS - www.jtsa.edu
LARGE PRINT
SIDDURIM
available.
Ask an usher.
Sight and vision play an important role in the two opening narratives of Paratures some four thousand years ago. Far
shat Vayera. At the beginning of this week’s Torah reading, the newly
from only nurturing the narrow, parROSEN JUDAICA
Marty Keshen
circumcised Abraham, resting in his abode of Elonei Mamre, “looks
ticular identity toward deepening
Chesed Committee
up” and sees “three men rooted before him” (Gen. 18:1–2). Their
his roots, Abraham knows well
GIFT SHOP
presents the 10th Annual
appearance triggers a flurry of activity in the homestead of our
that one must look outward
ancestors as Abraham and Sarah scurry to perform the mitzvah
and upward simultaneously.
Call Sonia Hendler
of hakhnasat orhim, hosting guests in one’s home. These mysWe cannot selfishly and
dedicated in memory of
at
416 633.3838 x 224
terious messengers are pampered as guests, and then deliver
narrowly tend to our own
Barbara Frances Grimson l”z &
the news that Sarah will conceive. The gesture of Abraham
Norton Lorne Grimson l”z
needs while the world
setting his gaze “upward,” proves to be both a physical and
cries and burns around
Certificates and
“Drive For Dreidels”.
spiritual act. The spiritual mirrors the physical as he tends
us. In this very moment,
Please drop off all
Gift & Bridal Registry
to the needs of total strangers. Juxtaposed to this story of
such a tension is deeply
NEW, UNWRAPPED TOY DONATIONS
Available too.
generosity and kindness, we then encounter the narrative of
to the Synagogue
felt in the Land of Israel
(bin located by the
Sodom and Gomorrah with their wicked inhabitants. Interestin general, and in JeruWednesday mornings
Wilmington Street entrance)
ingly, it opens with the same men setting out on their journey,
salem in particular, as the
Gift Deadline is
10 am - 12:30 pm
and in sharp contrast to Abraham’s upwardly gazing posture,
Jewish people struggles
Friday, December 12th.
they “look down toward Sodom.” Once again, the spiritual and
or by appointment.
with the meaning of power
Think of the joy you can bring
physical acts intermingle and mirror each other. What more can
and sovereignty on the one
to a less fortunate child at
be learned about the contrast and positioning of these two stories?
hand—being a people at home
Chanukah!
and emboldened to live freely in
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch explains,
our homeland—and being attentive and sensitive to the needs of those
From the hospitable meal at Abraham’s, they stood up and looked towards
with whom we share this blessed and passion-filled land on the other hand.
Sodom . . . Sodom offered the most complete contrast to the simple pure atmosphere
Deep rootedness should propel our hands to reach out in embracing and bringing
from which these men were just emerging. They had just seen the foundation of a
others to a sense of kedushah (holiness), as we act in the sacred image of our ancesnation laid on two factors: a) sanctifying the body with all its urges and lures in pure
tor Abraham.
moral submission to God in brit milah (the covenant of circumcision) and b) practicing universal brotherly love, as in the kindness that they themselves enjoyed in AbraHirsch succeeds in sharpening our exegetical focus as we read through this text. For
ham’s home. The hospitable meal at which they had just announced the first foundait is not simply the contrast that is of import; we must also recognize these moments
tion stone of the future people of God offered such a contrast to Sodom, formed such
as “the foundation of a nation.” Abraham’s descendants must sanctify their bodies
a loftiness to the Sodomite debasement to which they now had to wend their way, that
and practice kindness to build a sacred future. Indeed, every moment in life presents
they “looked down to the plains of Sodom with criticizing gauging consideration.”
us with the choice between Elonei Mamre or Sodom; it is a decision between embracFor that is the meaning of va’yashkifu, that “they looked down.” (Commentary on the
ing the presence of God and our fellow humans and banishing the Divine from our
Torah: Genesis, 318).
midst. Abraham is a multi-dimensional Israelite, concerned about particular identity
with an eye to the universal world. May we always be blessed with the gumption and
Modern Jews wrestle daily between the two poles represented by our ancestor’s gessight of Abraham, choosing the path of Elonei Mamre.
Chanukah Toy Drive
Hashkama Minyan Sponsorships
Brian Goldman in observance of the first Yahrzeit for his father,
Samuel Goldman l”z
Sheila & Yehuda Sheen & family in observance of Yahrzeit for
Harry Radzinsky l”z and Leah Shvily l”z
Eleanor & Michael Minuk in observance of the Yahrzeits this coming
week for Michael’s father, Norman Minuk l”z and
Eleanors’ grandmother, Ida Vexler l”z
Freddy, Mindy, Meyer, Mulky and Avi Jacobs in honour of
Devorah’s Bat Mitzvah Weekend. Mazel Tov!
Terumah @ 60 Wall
A big thank you is extended to all those who have contributed to this
year’s Terumah @ 60 Appeal. Others can still participate to mark Beth
Emeth’s special 60th Anniversary. The Terumah @ 60 Appeal will
continue throughout the year with a focus on the Terumah @ 60 Wall
located at the Elder Street entrance.
A flyer is available on the Synagogue Carousel with more details.
Please pick one up before you leave or at your convenience. For
information or assistance, contact Claire Horowitz, claire@beby.org
or 416-633-3838 ext. 242. Thank you!
We would love to announce your
BREAKFAST SPONSORSHIP
right here in the weekly Bulletin!
Whatever the occasion - birthdays, anniversaries, births,
graduations, and in memoriam.
l as call th o c or i ormatio a to
r s r yo r s cial r ak ast
Weekday Morning Simchas & Sponsorships
Malcolm Weinstein in observance of 25th Yahrzeit for
Ronald Weinstein l”z
*The Bulletin deadline is THURSDAY NOON of each week.
Beyond that time we can not guarantee placement.
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