Scholar In Residence
Rabbi Michael Cohen
Judaism and The Environment
January 31 – February 1, 2020
Join Sinai and Rabbi Cohen as we celebrate Shabbat together and reflect and learn Judaism’s teaching about the environment, and our responsibilities to it.
Anti-Semitism – A four part class with Rabbi Edleson
Are you interested in learning more about the sources, causes and history of anti-semitism and to better understand some of the events happening around us? The class will explore anti-semitism in early writings of Christianity, in medieval literature, and in modern times.
Contact Stacie with any questions.
VOTE REFORM – MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD IN ISRAEL TODAY!!!
Between January 21 and March 11, elections for the World Zionist Congress (WZC) will take place in the United States. We need your vote in order to help the Israel Reform Movement.
Why Is It Important?
The WZC has a huge financial impact on the Israel Reform Movement – approximately a quarter of its annual budget comes from the National Institutions, who receive their mandate from the WZC.
More in Rabbi David’s January 15 email.
January 21, 2020 article in the Jerusalem Post.
How Do I Vote?
In a simple online process with a $7.50 processing fee ($5 if you are between the ages of 18-25).
If you need help voting, our temple administrator, Stacie, will be happy to assist you. Please note you have to be able to access your email when voting. Voting is $7.50 for adults or $5.00 for ages 18- 25.
Through a generous donor, we have funds to take a group of up to 10 young people from Temple Sinai to this year’s AIPAC Policy Conference March 1-3, in Washington, D.C. Rabbi Edleson will accompany them, together with another adult.
If you have a child or close family member who is 15 to 21 years of age, and think they may be interested in learning more about Israel on topics ranging from technology to treatment of minorities, hearing directly from the Congressional leaders, and getting the experience of lobbying Vermont’s Congressional delegation, please encourage them to sign up by emailing Temple administrator Stacie.
Rabbi will be in touch about a meeting before we go, and to get information needed to buy plane tickets. We cannot buy plane tickets without names, so please sign up as soon as possible. Contact Rabbi Edleson if you have questions.
Quick Links
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Weekly Newsletter – Click Here
Read about what’s happening in our synagogue, community, and upcoming events.
Last Week’s Newsletter
Rabbi David’s Blog
Weekly messages and announcements
The Sermons
…and nothing but the Sermons
Rabbi’s Music/Video Selections
Religious School Director Judy’s Blog
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COMING SOON!
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Upcoming Services (January 24-25)
Friday
KABBALAT SHABBAT SERVICE – 6:30 pm
Join us for this service to start the Sabbath. The service is filled with music, prayer, and reflection on this week’s Torah portion. This week; ever wonder:
✡ When and why we bow during services?
✡ Why some people take steps forward and backward?
✡ Why we stand when we do?
✡ What is “shuckling?”
This week, we’ll learn about Jewish prayer choreography so your can join the dance! (or not) Following the service, join us for Kiddush and an Oneg in the Weisbein Social Hall.
Saturday
SHABBAT MORNING SERVICE (Shacharit) – 9:30 am
A one-hour, peaceful chanted service, mostly in Hebrew, with a focus on the “greatest hits” of Shabbat Shacharit services, plus some new tunes – a great way to get to know the service and start your day. All are welcome.
TORAH STUDY – 10:30 am
Torah study with bagels/donuts and coffee will begin at 10:30am and go until Noonish. Our Torah Study is a vibrant exchange of ideas about the weekly Torah portion, bringing both traditional commentary and recent scholarship to bear on the text. It is a lively salon style, participatory Torah study where all are welcome, and no background or Hebrew is needed!
We continue the book of Exodus with Parashat Va-eira, wherein Moses and Aaron are instructed by God to deliver the Israelites from the land of Egypt. They demand Pharoah let the Israelites go, and the first seven plagues are brought upon the Egyptians in the wake of Pharoah’s repeated refusals to free them.
Read the Parashat (Hebrew & English) Torah Commentary (reformjudaism.org)
This week, Rabbi Rick Jacobs discusses Parashat Va’eira and reflects on the commonalities between revolutionary leaders like Moses and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and how important it is that we fight tirelessly against injustice.
Become a Temple Sinai Ambassador!
The Membership Committee is initiating a Membership Ambassador Program. The goal of the program is to connect each new member with a current member who will welcome the new member, check in with them periodically to answer questions, and invite them to services and/or special events to ensure that new members are feeling connected with Temple.
If you would like to be an Ambassador or would like more information about the program please contact Stacie Gabert.
Chaverim has you covered!
Need a ride to or from services and/or Temple events? Please contact our Chaverim Committee, and they will help arrange a ride for you from someone in your area that is coming to that service or event.
Coming to a service or event at Temple Sinai and willing to provide a ride? Please let the Chaverim Committee know that you are willing to give rides to people in your area.
Social Action Opportunities
Your Social Action Committee is developing a list of important volunteer activities. This list will be updated on a regular basis and will always be available on the Tikkun Olam-Social Action webpage.
