Thoughts & Teachings

Lessons from our synagogue
  • Rabbi Deborah Wechsler · Israel in Our Lives

    In 1949 as David Ben Gurion presided over the first observance of Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel Independence Day,) he issued a challenge to the people of Israel. “Let us stand silent in memory of our dearly beloved sons and daughters who gave their lives for the liberation of our homeland and the security of our people. They gave all they had. They poured out their lifeblood for the freedom of Israel, even as the living waters quench the thirst of the arid soil. Not... Read More

  • Rabbi Deborah Wechsler · Between Destruction and Redemption

    Life is lived in stages.  In as much as we experience moments and days, we live within stages.  Experiences are categorized according to when they are lived.  Milestones mark the beginnings and endings of these stages, but then we live within them, each with their special character that colors our memories of them. Our Jewish life is no different.  With milestones marking significant moments, both our lives and our years are divided into stages of living,... Read More

  • Rabbi Ron Shulman · Preparing for Passover

    As we anticipate our Passover holiday we are what some people have called, “Eve of Pesah” Jews and people. We are poised like at no other time before this unique festival to consider the meanings of freedom and human dignity. When we come to our Seder tables we know that there will be no hametz, no leavened foods or products. We will eat only matzah. Yet as food, matzah can only be made of any grain that is able to become hametz. For the Seder and the full... Read More

  • Rabbi Deborah Wechsler · Shabbat Parah: Getting Ready for Pesah

    This Shabbat we call Shabbat Parah, the first of four special Shabbatot leading up to Pesah, the festival of witnessing. The purpose of the redemption from Egyptian slavery, the purpose of God’s intervention through the plagues and the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart in the Exodus narrative was, “So that you may tell the story in the hearing of your children and your children’s children.” (Exodus 10:2) We were redeemed from Egypt so that we might tell the story... Read More

  • Rabbi Ron Shulman · Purim

    Why didn’t Mordecai bow down to Haman? After all, that is how the whole megilah gets started, right? Well not quite! But it is Mordecai’s act of disobedience and disrespect that motivates Haman’s desire to destroy the Jews of Shushan. When the other men in King Ahashueros’ court asked Mordecai why he refused to bow before Haman, all Mordecai told them was that he was a Jew. Why didn’t Mordecai bow down to Haman? Perhaps he felt that, as a Jew, it was not appropriate... Read More

  • Dan Goldfarb · Torah Writing Reflection

    On behalf of my wife, Renée, and our sons, Micah and Joshua, I wanted to share how pleased we are to have found Chizuk Amuno as our family’s congregation. We joined as new members this past summer, and since then, we have thoroughly enjoyed new member gatherings, Shabbat and holiday services, adult education discussions, and more. Our sons rave about their Rosenbloom religious school classes and the Youth activities as well. I would like to take a minute to... Read More

  • Janice Brodsky · Torah Writing Reflection

    When I as a child, out of all my well loved toys, my favorite possession was a 6 inch Torah with a “gold” plastic cover with blue Hebrew lettering that I got in my second year of Sunday school at Temple Emmanuel.  I kept this treasure in a small decorated shoe box, which I’d  lined with soft cotton to  protect it.  My Torah was beautiful and I felt such  joy whenever I took it out of the box.As an adult, I’ve often dreamed of having the ability to facilitate... Read More

  • Rabbi Deborah Wechsler · Tu BiShevat

    The first time that our Rabbis taught us about Tu BiShevat they did so in the Mishna.  That magical book which pulled together all areas of Jewish life into one code.  From prayer to purity, from the festival cycle to the Temple service – nothing was beyond the reach of the Rabbis of the Mishnah.  In the first Mishnah of tractate Rosh Hashanah we learn that there are four new years.  Four opportunities to celebrate and mark time, to step back and reflect on... Read More

  • Rabbi Ron Shulman · Hanukkah: It's About the Light

    Hanukkah isn’t about the oil. Hanukkah is about the light! We symbolize that light of God’s presence on Hanukkah when we kindle our Hanukkiyot, celebrating our Festival of Lights. The legend about the oil is but that, a legend. No where is it recorded or remembered in the actual texts and histories of the Maccabees or the Bible. Told only in the Talmud hundreds of years later to embellish upon Hanukkah’s spiritual potential. Before there was Hanukkah there... Read More

  • Rabbi Deborah Wechsler · Parshat Toldot

    Esau does something which our tradition sees as reprehensible.  Parshat Toldot tells the story of Esau selling his birthright (his status as the first born) to Jacob for a bowl of lentil stew.  Our Rabbis find it outrageous that Esau would willingly abandon something so valuable for something so transitory. We see it as evidence of Esau’s bad character.  But we each have our own bowl of lentil stew, that thing which seemed at the time to be so attractive to... Read More

Today's Services

7:30 AM Morning Minyan

6:15 PM Afternoon Minyan

May 17 25 Iyyar

Our Next Shabbat

Fri, May 18

6:00 PM Oneg Shabbat/Minhah

6:15 PM Kabbalat Shabbat

7:58 PM Candle Lighting

Sat, May 19

9:15 AM Shabbat Morning Service

9:15 AM Shabbat Service Schedule

Recent Sermon

April 21, 2012

Shoah U'Tekumah

Rabbi Deborah Wechsler

Transcript

The People vs. Joseph's Brothers

May 26, 9:00 pm

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Prayer & Reflection

A community generated wall of prayers

  •   May this time of year when we celebrate the special event of graduation bring us contentment and everlasting joy as well as...

      May this time of year when we celebrate the special event of graduation bring us contentment and everlasting joy as well as pride from family members whom we love so very much.  Truly, it is a blessing to share in their happiness.

    -Stuart Aiken

  • We pray that the State of Israel, the dawn of our people's redemption, experience security and peace. May the light of our tradition's...

    We pray that the State of Israel, the dawn of our people's redemption, experience security and peace. May the light of our tradition's ideals guide Israel's people and leaders. May those who defend our people's historic homeland find strength, courage, and humanity in their task. May Israel and her neighbors know peace. Amen.

    -A Prayer for the State of Israel

  • I pray to be able overcome disappointment. I pray to accomplish something new. I'm thankful to family and friends for their support...

    I pray to be able overcome disappointment. I pray to accomplish something new. I'm thankful to family and friends for their support, and grateful to God for the promise of a new beginning at this Passover season. Amen.

    -Hopeful

  • Hag Pesah Kasher v'Sameah! Wishing you a joyous and sweet Passover!

    Hag Pesah Kasher v'Sameah! Wishing you a joyous and sweet Passover!

    -Happy Passover!

  • We grieve with the Jews of Toulouse, France after the terror at Ozar HaTorah school. The victims, Rabbi Jonathan Sandler and his sons...

    We grieve with the Jews of Toulouse, France after the terror at Ozar HaTorah school. The victims, Rabbi Jonathan Sandler and his sons Arieh, 5 years old, and Gabriel, 3 years old, along with 8 year old Myriam Monsenego were buried in Israel on Wednesday. Our prayers for comfort go out to their families and community. Our prayers for human dignity and decency go out toward all people that such angry, senseless violence cease in our world.

    -CAC

  • We reach this transition in time aware that our counting days is a way of marking the course of our lives. For it is time in which...

    We reach this transition in time aware that our counting days is a way of marking the course of our lives. For it is time in which we live: the moments we cherish, the events we anticipate, and the meaning of what happens every day. At different seasons in our lives, we wish for both the goodness of a Shanah Tovah and the hope of a Happy New Year. In the year 2012, may our days be marked by our gratitude for the course of our lives as we look forward and not back hoping to greet happiness and contentment.

    -On The Eve of 2012

  • In a world not always bright and happy, as you stand before your Hanukkah Menorah each night ask one another what you see in the light...

    In a world not always bright and happy, as you stand before your Hanukkah Menorah each night ask one another what you see in the light. The Light Is What We See (A poem for lighting the Hanukkah Menorah) When the world appears dark Hope and blessing are what we need. Hanukkah’s meaning reminds us, L’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah - The light is what we see! Light reflects God’s love, and also our delight. Light reflects compassion, in our hearts both day and night. Light reflects goodness, to be done with all our might. From times of old until today, Respect and dignity are what we need. Hanukkah’s meaning reminds us, L’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah - The light is what we see!

    -Happy Hanukkah! The Light is What We See!

  • Mindful of many things, personal and global, this Shabbat we are thankful for the blessings of our lives and grateful for the challenges...

    Mindful of many things, personal and global, this Shabbat we are thankful for the blessings of our lives and grateful for the challenges we face. We pray that our families and friends, the Jewish people and all of humanity may know blessings of goodness, life, and peace. Amen

    -Prayer for this Shabbat

  • May we always remember to see the good in others and to overlook their faults. In compassion and joy, may we grow closer to one another...

    May we always remember to see the good in others and to overlook their faults. In compassion and joy, may we grow closer to one another and ever nearer to God.

    -A Medieval Jewish Prayer

  • Source of life and love, on this Sukkot festival we are grateful. Mindful of the passing of the seasons, we give thanks for all that...

    Source of life and love, on this Sukkot festival we are grateful. Mindful of the passing of the seasons, we give thanks for all that shelters and sustains us, for all with whom we share our lives, and for the joy of our Jewish heritage. May the Sukkah of Peace cover all who need, and everyone in our world. Amen.

    -Hag Sukkot Sameah!

  • AS A KID, SITTING IN SHUL WITH MY FATHER AND MY ZAIDIE, I WAS FASCINATED BY THE WORDS OF THE UN'TANEH TOKEF PRAYER. THE IDEA OF ALL...

    AS A KID, SITTING IN SHUL WITH MY FATHER AND MY ZAIDIE, I WAS FASCINATED BY THE WORDS OF THE UN'TANEH TOKEF PRAYER. THE IDEA OF ALL MANKIND PASSING BEFORE GOD, AND BEING JUDGED EACH YEAR FOR INCLUSION IN THE BOOK OF LIFE IS PRETTY HEADY STUFF FOR A 10 YEAR OLD. NOW I'M THE ZAIDIE, AND TRUST ME, IT'S EVEN MORE HEADY. WITH THAT IN MIND, AS I STAND BEFORE YOU, GOD, TONIGHT TO EXPRESS MY PERSONAL KAVANAH, MY FIRST THOUGHTS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN, AND ALWAYS WILL BE FOR MY FAMILY. EACH ONE OF US HAS HAD HIS OR HER OWN STRUGGLE BUT WITH THE LOVE AND STRENGTH OF OUR INCREDIBLE FAMILY, EACH HAS BEEN FORTUNATE TO COME THROUGH NOT MERELY UNSCATHED, BUT ACTUALLY STRONGER AND MORE APPRECIATIVE OF WHAT WE ARE AS A FAMILY.FOR THOSE BLESSINGS WE GIVE THANKS TO YOU, AND ASK FOR THE CONTINUED KINDNESS, MERCY AND COMPASSION THAT YOU HAVE BESTOWED ON OUR FAMILY. GUARD US, GUIDE US AND PROTECT US. BUT, FOR SO MANY IN THE WORLD TODAY THE WORDS OF THE UN'TANEH TOKEF PRAYER,"WHO SHALL LIVE AND WHO SHALL DIE; WHO BY WATER AND WHO BY FIRE; WHO BY SWORD AND WHO BY BEAST; WHO BY FAMINE, AND WHO BY THIRST; WHO BY STORM AND WHO BY PLAGUE" HAVE REAL MEANING AND ARE NOT MERELY WORDS IN A PRAYER TO BE PERFUNCTORILY READ AND SPOKEN. I COME BEFORE YOU, GOD, TONIGHT TO ASK, IN THE SPIRIT OF TIKKUN OLAM, ON BEHALF OF THOSE ALL OVER THE WORLD NOT AS FORTUNATE AS OUR FAMILY, FOR THE STRENGTH TO DEAL WITH WHAT IT MEANS SIMPLY TO LIVE AND PROVIDE FOR THEIR FAMILIES EACH AND EVERY DAY. GUARD THEM, GUIDE THEM AND PROTECT THEM. THE UN'TANEH TOKEF PRAYER GOES ON: "WHO WILL BE DEGRADED AND WHO WILL BE EXALTED". IN THE HOPE THAT IT CAN LEAD TO EXALTATION AND NOT FURTHER DEGRADATION, PLEASE GIVE TO OUR ELECTED LEADERS, THE STRENGTH, WISDOM AND COURAGE TO PERFORM THE ROLES TO WHICH THEY WERE ELECTED; NOT TO PANDER TO IDEALOGUES OR TO GET THEMSELVES RE-ELECTED, BUT TO ACT IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CITIZENS WHO ELECTED THEM. OR, IN THE WORDS OF A ONCE AGAIN JEWISH PHILOSOPHER, SHABTAI ZISEL BEN AVRAHAM, BETTER KNOWN TO US AS BOB DYLAN: "COME SENATORS AND CONGRESSMEN; PLEASE HEED THE CALL; DON'T STAND IN THE DOORWAY; DON'T BLOCK UP THE HALL; FOR HE WHO GETS HURT; WILL BE HE WHO HAS STALLED." GUARD THEM, GUIDE THEM AND PROTECT THEM. SO, WITH ONLY 24 HOURS OR SO BEFORE WE CONCLUDE THE NE'ILAH SERVICE, THE END OF YOM KIPPUR, PLEASE ACCEPT OUR PRAYERS AND GRANT TO US AND ALL OF ISRAEL, A YEAR OF HEALTH, A YEAR OF GOOD AND A YEAR IN WHICH WE LIVE UP TO ALL THAT YOU REQUIRE OF US AND, PERHAPS EQUALLY AS IMPORTANT, ALL THAT WE SHOULD EXPECT OF OURSELVES. AMEN

    -Jan Guben

  • This Yom Kippur, seeking teshuvah and goodness, we bring to mind the circumstances of our lives and the condition of our world. As...

    This Yom Kippur, seeking teshuvah and goodness, we bring to mind the circumstances of our lives and the condition of our world. As we remember the year gone by, observing this sacred day motivates us to fill the days of this New Year with deeper awareness and gratitude. Today we turn within, seeking to be honest with ourselves in God’s presence. Where ought we change? How may we grow? What shall we renew? Teshuvah, return and repentance are our purpose. Selihah, forgiveness and reconciliation are our goal. We pray sincerely and humbly. When we return to life’s events and routines, may we bring goodness and love. Thankful for the many blessings of our lives and grateful for the challenges we face, we pray that the worthy desires of our hearts be fulfilled. In loving kindness, may our iniquities be pardoned. May we each be remembered for good and for life, endowed with health and vigor, living a year of achievement and serenity. We pray that our families and friends, the Jewish people and all of humanity may know blessings of goodness, life, and peace. Amen.

    -G'mar Tov - A Prayer for Yom Kippur

  • This Yom Kippur we think of our loved ones, families and friends, whose holy day is observed in hospital or home, responding to illness...

    This Yom Kippur we think of our loved ones, families and friends, whose holy day is observed in hospital or home, responding to illness or grief, as their reflection on life's meaning in this New Year expresses itself in the challenge to care, to support, to remember, and always, to love. May the goodness of this sacred season bring them healing of spirit and of body. May all know a measure of contentment and holiday. Amen.

    -Thinking of Others

  • As we welcome a New Year, may we welcome one another with warmth and happiness. May we express our heartfelt prayers with kavanah....

    As we welcome a New Year, may we welcome one another with warmth and happiness. May we express our heartfelt prayers with kavanah. May we enjoy the company of family, friends, and our synagogue community these High Holy Days. May our lives be healthy and content. May our world be filled with goodness and peace. Yehi ratzon sh’t-hadesh aleinu shanah tovah u’m-tukah! May it be God’s will to renewfor us a year of goodness and sweetness!

    -L'Shanah Tovah!

  • We delight that our students and teachers return to school happy after a productive, enjoyable summer. We pray their learning and friendship...

    We delight that our students and teachers return to school happy after a productive, enjoyable summer. We pray their learning and friendship brings them excitement and helps them grow. May it be a good and creative school year for all.

    -Welcome Back