Morah Judy

Blog Problem

2009-09-23T12:05:00.000-07:00

Shalom,

For all my millions of followers out there who are wondering what's going on...

...what's going on is that for some reason the Temple's Constant Contact doesn't like my blog address and every time it goes out in an email, the emails go into spam or spasms and do not reach the intended recipient. Hence, I am going to have to try a new blog carrier or whatever it's called. I apologize and will hopefully rectify this after the chaggim/holidays.

Best wishes for a sweet, happy & healthy new year,
Morah Judy

Hiatus

2009-08-12T12:57:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've posted mainly due to the fact that my blog seems to have been interfering with the Temple's Constant Contact email list. Since my blog was preventing anyone from getting email, we had to eliminate using it in my email. Until I have time to set up a new blog, I will not be regularly contributing to this one.

But since I'm here, I'd like to tell you to come to Temple on September 9th for our Religious School Open House/Orientation. It begins at 4:00 p.m. and we'll be having a fun pizza dinner at around 5:30 -- so you don't need to rush home and cook.

Watch your snail-mail and email for details.

Bnai Mitzvah

2009-06-30T07:17:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday and Sunday Rabbi Glazier, our upcoming 7th grade class and I spent a wonderful weekend with our pre-Bnai Mitzvah students on a Kallah/Retreat. Through the generosity of our members, Randy Kay & Marji Meyers who allowed us to use their camp, we drove out to Lake Iroquois in Hinesburg, had dinner, did havdallah and watched a Bnai Mitzvah related video which spurred a lively discussion. The students spent the night with our brave chaperones, Dana & David Rachlin, and parents returned in the morning to continue to discussion, read with their child their assigned Torah portions and answer questions on the whole process. A great time was had by all and it was a fine opportunity to get to know each other outside of the Temple setting.

Chaveirim

2009-06-23T19:18:00.001-07:00

Chaveirim means friends. And this past Sunday a group of 20 or so of us friends went to Mary Haas's house to sing to Mary. We sang "Hinei Mah Tov" and "Lechi Lach." Mary is ill and needed cheering up. Do you know anyone who is sick and may need meals, rides, cheering up, visitation, etc.? Under the leadership of Tim Cope, our Chaveirim committee is here for that purpose.

Edith Sanderson

2009-06-02T09:35:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday Bruce & I attended the unveiling of the grave of Edith Sanderson. Edith and her husband Warren became members of Temple shortly after I moved here almost 11 years ago. They immediately involved themselves in the fabric of Temple life, joining committees, attending services and events and making friends. Edith, in addition to her serving on our Adult Education Committee, was an active member of Sisterhood. She had many civic interests as well, particularly the League of Women Voters. Intelligent, erudite and well traveled, Edith exuded a calm steady presence. I miss her very much.

Shavuot

2009-05-26T06:53:00.000-07:00

Please join in worship this Thursday evening as we celebrate the holiday of Shavuot as well as our Confirmation ceremony during this festival service on Thursday, May 28th at 7:30 p.m. If you would like to attend the pre-service dinner at 6:00, go to the Temple's website and RSVP.

Last Day

2009-05-21T12:38:00.000-07:00

With today being the very last day of school, there's still plenty going on at Temple.

I hope you can attend Friday night services when four of our teens will be speaking about their trips to Israel this past summer. And don't forget that Saturday morning services continue. We have services every week from now through the end of June.

big holiday coming up -- Shavuot. It begins at sundown next Thursday, May 28th. During the service we have 2 Chai Schoolers being Confirmed-- Chad Edwards-Kuhn & Jake Silver. Their parents are making a dinner in their honor at 6:00 before the service. Please RSVP if you plan to attend the dinner. After the service we will have dessert along with a study of the Book of Ruth.

Saturday, May 30, we will have a Shabbat morning/Shavuot service as well as a Yizkor service, which is customary on the 3 major pilgrimage holiday -- Sukkot, Passover and Shavuot.

Don't forget, starting in June, all Friday evening services will be at 6:00

Last Week

2009-05-18T07:10:00.000-07:00

Shalom,

We had a wonderful BBQ yesterday. A special thanks to Dave Chafetz & Mike Gower for organizing it and for their great grilling skills.

We still have Wednesday & Thursday classes this week so I hope to see everyone there.

This Friday night we have a special treat-- 4 of our high school students will be speaking during services about their trips to Israel this past summer with NFTY and Young Judaea. Please join us. Services at 7:30. And don't forget, we still have Saturday morning services now through the end of June.

Max Wall z"l

2009-05-14T14:47:00.000-07:00

Today was a very sad day for the Burlington community. Rabbi Max Wall was laid to rest. As my mother would say, nobody younger should go, but even at age 93 one cannot help but feel sad for the loss. It was a wonderful funeral with personal eulogies given by Rabbi Chasan, Father Berube, Mark Stoler and 2 of Rabbi Wall's grandchildren. Although I did not know Rabbi Wall very well, having only been here 10 years and he was already retired, I knew him from my attendance at holiday services at OZ. He always had a kind word, a joke to tell and a warm smile on his face which lit up his whole face. When I would read Haftarah he would always come up to me afterwards to tell me how much he enjoyed it. He led a full, rich life and we're all the richer for having known him.

One week to go

2009-05-13T13:53:00.000-07:00

Shalom Everyone!

Just a reminder that we're winding down with one week to go. Even though our BBQ is this Sunday, we still have classes next Wednesday & Thursday. I hope all of you can come Sunday, even the non-Sunday school families.

while you're here, check out http://www.israelscouts.org/

Yom HaAtzmaut

2009-05-07T14:24:00.001-07:00

Check out some of the scenes from our joint Temple Sinai - Ohavi Zedek Israel Independence Day Celebration

Israel Scouts Friendship Caravan

2009-05-04T06:20:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBJxn1BK42c

They're coming again this year. June 10th. Would you like to be a host family? Get in the mood. Watch the video.

Teacher Appreciation Shabbat

2009-04-30T07:11:00.000-07:00

I hope to see all of you tomorrow night at our 5:30 Folk Service to honor our teachers on Teacher Appreciation Shabbat

This Wednesday

2009-04-27T08:32:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that all our students are invited to participate this Wednesday in the Yom HaAtzmaut/Israel Independence Day celebration at OZ. Please have your child there at 3:45.

Yom Ha'

2009-04-21T07:12:00.000-07:00

Last night the Burlington community came together for a very touching Yom HaShoah / Holocaust Day memorial service. Rabbi Joshua Chasan had some very well-chosen remarks about how even today the world is still condemning Israel, the lastest being at the UN conference in Geneva. Many members of both Temple Sinai and Ohavi Zedek Synagogue read from the Holocaust service in our prayer book, Mishkan T'filah. The Jewish Community Choir sang some beautifully moving songs, "Eili, Eili" and "Ashrei HaGafrur," both poems (set to music) by Hannah Senesh, the freedom fighter from Hungary who died by trying to save Jews in Europe. One of her poems, "Ahsrei HaGafrur" [Happy is the Match], was set to music by our own resident composer, Bruce Chalmer. (What a wonderfully talented guy!) The other song, Ani Ma'amin was an old Vishnietz tune brought to the U.S. by Elie Wiesel and arranged by the head of the Zamir Chorale, Matthew Lazar. All were very moving.

And coming up Friday is part of the local celebrations of Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel Independence Day. DO NOT COME TO TEMPLE SINAI FOR SERVICES FRIDAY NIGHT. There won't be any services here. DO go to Waterman Memorial Lounge at UVM at 6 for a community service led by three congregations: Temple Sinai, OZ, and UVM Hillel. Also featured in the service Jewish Community Choir. A catered Kosher oneg follows the service.

More fun than a barrel of ??

2009-04-20T14:38:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBJxn1BK42c

We are so fortunate to have the Israel Scout Friendship Caravan coming again this June 10th for a wonderful show. Check out the video on YouTube

Spring Break News

2009-04-16T14:06:00.000-07:00

Please note that there is no school the next 2 Sundays, April 19 & 26 due to
spring break. also, no classes on the 22nd & 23rd.

Shabbat services are affected.

On Monday April 20th here at 7:30 pm there is a community Holocaust Memorial service.

On Friday, April 24th, there is a COMMUNITY SHABBAT SERVICE at UVM at the Waterman Memorial Lounge at 6:00 pm. There are NO services here that night.

There IS a Saturday morning service at Temple on the 25th at 10 a.m. as part
of the learning series

And on Wednesday, April 29th, ALL the school children in ALL GRADES are
invited to participate in a joint Temple Sinai - Ohavi Zedek Synagogue
celebration of Yom HaAtzmaut/Israel Independence day AT OHAVI ZEDEK. So please send your child even if Wednesday is not her/his usual day of school.

2009-04-14T14:14:00.000-07:00

Shalom Everyone,

I'm so thrilled that the Israel Scout Friendship Caravan is returning to our Temple this June, June 10th to be exact. If you would like to be a host family for 2 nights, please sign up on our website: www.templesinaivt.org

Birkat HaChamah

2009-04-13T07:05:00.000-07:00

Shalom Everyone,

Here are a few photos of our very popular Birkat HaChamah, the Blessing of the Sun ceremony/service we held this past Wednesday. With about 50 folks in attendance, Bruce led us in a lively explanation of the reason why we celebrate. And just as we started the service to bless the sun, the snow stopped and the sun came out, a little, which enabled us to make the blessing. Afterwards we ate the last of the chametz and had a burning of the bagels. We'll do this again in 28 years!

Here Comes the Sun!

2009-04-07T06:44:00.000-07:00

Shalom,

I hope you can read this Yellow type. I'm using yellow because tomorrow we celebrate the Blessing of the Sun, Birkat HaChamah. The sages say the sun comes to the same position in the sky as it was exactly on the 4th day of the CREATION OF THE WORLD. And this phenomenon happens only once in every 28 year cycle. So tomorrow morning at 6:15 A.M. group of early risers will be here to celebrate and to have our final CHAMETZ meal followed by the ceremonial BURNING OF THE BAGELS.

Tiles & Smiles

2009-04-06T06:55:00.000-07:00

Shalom Chaveirim:

These pictures are from the April 2009 Mah Jongg Marathon which Sisterhood sponsored this past Sunday. Always a fun event, this year our Sisterhood president, Marjie Sheppard, wrote "The Mah Jongg Shuffle," which we hope will become the anthem for the Mah Jongg movement.

On another note, don't forget that the Blessing of the Sun ceremony this Wednesday is at 6:15 AM, in the morning, NOT the evening.

This Past Sunday

2009-04-02T08:53:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday I went to the Waterfront Theatre for a "Tonight Show" type show called, "So...Jew Live in Vermont." It was the 2nd year that this fun, local, variety show was held and hosted by the ever amiable Vermont State Legislator and stand-up comedian, Jason Lorber. Jason's guests were Secretary of State Deb Markowitz, actress-activist Kathryn Blume; businessman Paul Millman, and film-maker Jeff Farber. All of them are Jews living and working in Vermont. And of each guest Jason asked them how their being Jewish affects what they do and how they do it.

For example, Paul Millman runs a business on a socialist-type system. He, being the CEO, makes only $20,000 more than the highest paid worker in the shipping department. All the employees share in the profits and in the running of the company and in decision making. When asked by Jason about how Mr. Millman came to this, he replied that all his life his parents and grandparents were socialists, activists and organizers. He always assumed it was the Jewish way to do things-- to look out for everyone. Each of the guests talked about their commitment to Tikkun Olam and how it colors the choices they make in life.

I bring this up for two reasons. One, as Jews the Torah tells us to take care of one another-- feed the hungry, clothe the naked, take care of widows and orphans, etc. and two, as Jews living in Vermont we should come out in huge numbers to support Jewish events in Vermont. This particular event was to benefit Hadassah. Tzedakah boxes were handed out to help fund Young Judaea, which has seen its funding greatly reduced. I know many of you parents in particular look for Jewish social activities outside Religious School. We're fortunate to have a Young Judaea youth group in town to provide a social and cultural milieu for our youth. I hope you will show your support through tzedakah but particularly by sending your child to their activities.

Upcoming

2009-04-01T12:20:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that there's a 5:30 Folk Service this Friday. Also, this Thursday is the last day of Chai School and also of Torah Chanting Class.

It's almost April

2009-03-31T06:57:00.000-07:00

Shalom Everyone,

With April upon us, Passover is just around the corner. Please note that several congregants are organizing a Family Seder on the evening of April 8th. If you'd like to participate, please contact Aimee Loiter 985-1534.

Mazal Tov

2009-03-26T15:56:00.000-07:00

...to Courtney Wright who is having her Bat Mitzvah this Shabbat. Kol Hakavod!

Last night and tonight

2009-03-25T08:17:00.001-07:00

Tonight, our 5th graders/Kitah Hey are having a family education workshop and will be making their very own seder plates.

Last Night and Tonight

2009-03-25T08:12:00.001-07:00

Last night we had a most informative talk by Internet Safety expert and Temple member, Gary Kessler, about how to keep your children safe on computers and cell phones. With everything in the news these days, it was great to have Gary here giving us concrete information on safety.

TONIGHT!

2009-03-24T06:06:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, March 24th at 7:00 Gary Kessler will be here to talk about Internet Safety for Children. This presentation is for parents whose children use (or will soon be using) the internet and cell phones. Find out how to keep your child safe.

Busy Weekend/Busy Week

2009-03-23T08:58:00.000-07:00

We had a most busy weekend here at Temple with 2 Friday evening services, a dinner, Torah study and Shabbat morning services, an Aleinu Saturday night -- where Louise Stoll, (see picture) gave a most informative talk about Magen David Adom and the wonderful and life-saving work they perform in Israel every day and throughout the world. If you're looking for a charity to support, ask Louise for more information. Yesterday our new Jewish History Course began and Temple also had an informative meeting with the Spiritual Committee.

Tomorrow night, Tuesday, March 24th at 7:00 Gary Kessler will be here to talk about Internet Safety for Children. This meeting is for parents whose children use (or will soon be using) the internet and cell phones. Find out how to keep your child safe.

Wednesday, family education workshop for 5th grade families.

Saturday, Bat Mitzvah of Courtney Wright.

Change in Family/Tot Shabbat

2009-03-20T12:22:00.000-07:00

I'm so sorry to have to report that Gigi is unable to lead our service tonight. I hope you'll come anyway and wish her father a refuah schleimah, a full and speedy recovery from his illness.

I hope you'll stay for dinner as well at 6:00

This Week at Temple

2009-03-18T07:21:00.000-07:00

Please stop by classroom #5 to our new art exhibit which was created by the Chai School Students from fall semester in an Art Course taught by Penny Pizer, the Windows to Your Jewish Soul. You can read an explanation of the projects, how they were created and why and see the beautiful artwork the students did. And while you're browsing art, stop by the table in the Religious School hallway to see the "Golems" our 6th graders created.

Thursday march 19th at 5:00 Social Action Committee is holding a planning meeting for Mitzvah Day. I know we have many socially conscious members who would be a great addition to this planning session.

You loved Gigi Weisman when she entertained here with Robert Resnik at our past few Brisket Bake-off/Chanukah parties. Now Gigi is leading our final Family/Tot Shabbat of the year. This Friday, March 20th at 5:30. Stay for dinner (please go to our website to reserve)

21st at 7:00 p.m. is the next in our Aleinu series. Guest speaker, Louise Stoll, recently back from her trip to Israel as a board member of Magen David Adom. This is a fun, informal and informative evening.

22nd from 9:30-11:30 the Spiritual Committee is having an informal feedback session about services. Please come.

Does your child have a cell phone? Use the Internet? Will s/he soon be old enough? Then you won't want to miss this informative talk by Gary Kessler this coming Tuesday evening at 7:00 (March 24th) on Internet Safety in our Technological Age.

Shabbat with Gigi

2009-03-16T07:11:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to have Gigi Weisman leading Family/Tot Shabbat this Friday. Gigi has been entertaining children all over the state with her wonderful music and lively personality. She and Robert Resnik have entertained at our past several Brisket-Bake-Off/Chanukah parties, much to everyone's delight. I hope you can join us for services at 5:30 and stay for dinner. RSVP at www.templesinaivt.org

I'm Back!

2009-03-14T12:18:00.000-07:00

Shalom Everyone,

My blog is up and back after help from my Yedid Nefesh (Bruce) figuring out how to get back in. It seems too much Caribbean sun addled my brain and I couldn't remember my username and password.

Please note that the Jewish History Class which was supposed to begin on Sunday, March 15th is being postponed one week due to a family emergency on the part of the course's teacher.

Speaking of March 15th, the Cholent cook-off at David & Vivien's home is still a go. It's not too late to join us at Chrain Farm in St. Alban's at 3:30. Let me know if you need a ride.

Food, food and more food. Sisterhood Passover tasting is this Monday, March 16th at the home of Shani Mekler.

Enjoy your vacation

2009-02-19T15:57:00.000-08:00

Shalom Everyone,

Please note that school is closed and classes resume Wednesday, March 4th. Temple Office is open and there are services Friday March 20th and 27th at 7:30 p.m. Have a wonderful vacation.

DO NOT let YouTube remove this video!

2009-02-19T08:30:00.000-08:00

This video clearly shows Hamas using a school as a launching pad for missile attacks on Israel, yet no US media has aired it - - WHY???

The IDF broadcasting on You Tube, presented by Capt. Avichai Adraee,
an Israel officer speaking Arabic, showing and explaining in full
clarity what is really going on in Gaza and how Hamas terrorists
operate from the midst of civilian neighborhood, schools and mosques
and how they used a United Nations school as shelter while firing
mortar bombs at Israeli soldiers, thus endangering Palestinian
civilians. This clip actually shows a missle being fired directly from
the school itself, while U.N. representatives in Gaza and around the
world protect the terrorists and criticize Israel for "bombing
innocent schoolchildren" in their schools.

However, YouTube wants to remove this video by using the excuse that
not enough many people are logging in. So please watch the video
once, twice and three times and also forward this e-mail to as many
people so they also log in and the IDF will be able to have its voice
heard.

Click on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sznMP3dnCg&feature=PlayList&p=24B346594DCE3F37&index=5

Today In History

2009-02-19T07:05:00.000-08:00

Three Portuguese Marranos from Ferrara were burned in Rome's Campo dei Fiori at the command of Pope Gregory XIII. One of them, Joseph Saralbo, proudly proclaimed that he had helped 800 Marranos return to Judaism. According to reports, he asked the Jews of Rome not to mourn for him stating "I am on my way to meet immortality."

Silent Auction

2009-02-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

Gan Yeladim is holding a silent auction. For more information go to: chabadvt.org/auction

Snow Day????

2009-02-18T06:54:00.001-08:00

I'm listening to the forecast of another possible snowstorm in this area. I think the Wednesday teachers are going to have a conniption fit if we have to cancel another Wednesday. I'll keep listening and keep you posted.

Today in Jewish History, 23 Shevat

2009-02-17T08:59:00.000-08:00

On this date in 1918, the Jewish Legion left England to join the Allies in liberating Palestine from the Turks. Four years earlier, Zev Jabotinsky had proposed that a Jewish legion be formed, but the British resisted the idea of Jewish volunteers fighting on the Palestinian front; this led instead to the establishment of the Zion Mule Corps. Meanwhile, Jabotinsky pursued his project of a Jewish Legion, which was eventually designated as the 38th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers. It included British volunteers, members of the former Zion Mule Corps, a large number of Russian Jews, and later joined by a large number of American volunteers. A few years later, the Jewish Legion was demobilized by the anti-Zionist British Military Administration. Yet it would be remembered as the first organized Jewish fighting force since Roman times, and a precursor to the Israeli Defense Force (IDF).

Shabbat, Motzei Shabbat and more

2009-02-15T11:30:00.000-08:00

for important news about Saturday morning services, see below*

As many of you know, I am not in the office Fridays, hence, no blog posting. Yesterday, being Shabbat, I didn't post either.

We had a busy weekend at Temple with a fun Tot/Family Shabbat and dinner Friday night. At our 7:30 we had some special guest visitors. Rabbi Shana Margolin gave a very insightful d'var Torah about God and justice, and discoursing on the Noahide laws. Also, we were favored with a visit from a Confirmation class from the Congregational Church in Essex. Rabbi Margolin, Bruce & I met with the students and chaperones before the service. They stayed for the service and oneg. I asked them what they thought of our services. They thought they were 'cool.' They were impressed by how much singing we do. I also noticed that many of them were following along in the prayer book and trying to sing along with us. It was great.

Saturday morning we had a lively study group, the portion was the Yitro, in which we are given the 10 Commandments.

Motzei Shabbat, Saturday night, we gathered at Judy Rosenstreich's house for Aleinu, our living room lecture series which we hold 3-4 times throughout the year in a member's home. We were treated to a talk (and pictures) about Jewish communities in Kaifeng, Azerbaijan and Iceland, by David Franklin, the Honorary Consul to Iceland. The talk was both informative and entertaining.

*due to the popularity of the Saturday morning learning services, Bruce will be continuing them from March through the month of June. Torah Study group continues to meet each Saturday at 9 am and services begin at 10 am.

Bible and Birthdays and Candy

2009-02-12T06:44:00.000-08:00

Last night we had an interesting discussion in "What is the Bible?" class. The question posed was that if the Torah was written by more than one author, does that take away from its "authenticity?" We've been reading a wonderful book by Richard Friedman, "Who Wrote the Bible?" If you'd like to borrow a copy, I have an extra one. I highly recommend it.

On another note, I want to wish a Happy Birthday to 3 great men in history, Abraham Lincoln, Charles Darwin, and Seth Chalmer. The first two men have changed the course of history and knowing Seth, I believe he too will have a great influence on the world in some way.

Passover Candy Orders are due today.

Chai School meets tonight

Religious School Directories

2009-02-11T13:10:00.000-08:00

School directories were emailed on January 11th and again on the 20th. If you deleted the email without printing or copying it and would like me to email you one again, let me know.

Reminders

2009-02-11T07:03:00.000-08:00

It's Wednesday, February 11th. Did you remember to RSVP for Friday night dinner? For ALEINU Saturday night? Go to our website: www.templesinaivt.org

Israeli Elections and Passover Candy

2009-02-11T06:57:00.000-08:00

It's official, sort of. The Kadima Party in Israel barely edged out Likud in the elections. Could Israel see its second female Prime Minister? Now the party leaders need to build a coalition by going to the heads of the other parties. And you thought our system was hard to understand.

On another note, MISS BARTON'S Passover candy orders are due tomorrow. Please do all you can to support this fundraiser. It helps pay for Religious School programming, such as the Israel Scout Friendship Caravan, which is scheduled to come here JUNE 10th.

Election Day

2009-02-10T09:44:00.000-08:00

It's Election Day in Israel. It's still too early to predict a clear winner. The election process in Israel is quite different than in the United States. Israeli voters elect a party to become Prime Minister, the highest office in the land. The president in Israel is pretty much a figure head. For an in-depth look at the Israeli system, go to
http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20816FD355D0C708EDDAE0894DC484D81

Morah Judy

2009-02-10T06:42:00.000-08:00

Shalom everyone. This is my first attempt at blogging. I have created this blog to keep you posted on things happening at Temple Sinai, particularly in the areas of education-- at all levels. I hope you will 'tune in' regularly.

For starters, this coming Friday, February 13, we are having a Family/Tot Shabbat service at 5:30. As usual, we will have a dinner afterward. Did you know that you could also attend the dinner if you are planning to come to the later, 7:30, service? Speaking of the later service, we have a special guest speaker at that service, Rabbi Shana Marolin, who will talk about God in the Details.

OY! what a busy weekend. Saturday morning at 9 Torah study group meets. Then at 10 we are having the final in the learn-and-do Shabbat morning service series. I know many of those who've attended have been enjoying it and asking for it to continue. Stay tuned.

And Saturday night... at 7:00 pm at Judy Rosenstreich's house we are having the next speaker in our Aleinu series, David Franklin, Ad.E., the Honorary Consul to Iceland, who will speak about Jews in Iceland, Azerbaijan, and Kaifeng. With so much going on, I hope you can come to at least one of the events.