Despicable acts are being committed against women and children, from the Egged Bus discrimination to the ongoing violence in Beit Shemesh. Although the Beit Shemesh acts are those of a minority, due to the involvement of high ranking Israeli elected officials, these incidents are receiving international attention.

We are deeply distressed by these acts that are so contrary to the teachings of our Torah and choose to make our voices heard in the hope that others will also join in the effort, offering encouragement to the Israeli government to take further steps to stop the ripple effects of this violence and distortion of Torah values.

We commend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres for speaking out against gender segregation in Israel.  Each of us is created in The Divine Image.

This is not only a gender/women’s issue; it’s an issue for the soul and future of the Jewish people.

To quote Rabbi Yakov Horowitz of Israel: “As the colossal Chilul Hashem and distortion of genuine Torah values is escalating, it is incumbent on decent Jews worldwide to do our part to distance ourselves from this behavior and loudly proclaim that this is not the way of our Torah. It is of paramount importance that we do so not only before the media and the world at large, but also that we explain this to our impressionable children in the starkest of terms. Our work with children and teens over the years has clearly indicated that “Hate Does not Have an Off Button” – meaning that the toxic message of intolerance is one that has long-term harmful effects. Many people in our community insist, “Everyone understands that these are a small bunch of radicals who do not have the support of any rabbinic leaders.” But that is simply not the message resonating around the world nowadays. The 1% is getting all the media attention due to the passiveness of the 99%.”

The paralysis needs to stop! As we conclude our celebration of Chanukah, the Feast of Dedication,  let all of us, as individuals and collectively, dedicate ourselves to serving as a shamash – as those who spread light!

  ]]> http://kehillahofarizona.org/swc-launches-national-tv-campaign-on-cnn-fox-to-air-for-duration-of-un-general-assembly-vote-watch-video-below/feed/ 0 http://kehillahofarizona.org/please-vote-online-to-support-israel/ http://kehillahofarizona.org/please-vote-online-to-support-israel/#comments Sun, 18 Sep 2011 01:46:00 +0000 Rabbi Sharfman http://kehillahofarizona.org/?p=518 On September 20^th, the UN is expected to hear a resolution on establishing a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, along with other provisions. Please note that no where am I suggesting that the Palestinians should not have their own land or national identity (nor am I suggesting that Israel always does the right thing). But once again, we are vulnerable.

Please don’t just follow the news media. There’s so much history of the Middle East that is critical for us to review and remember – I’ll remind you that had the twenty one Arab nations accepted the United Nations’ 1947 partition plan, they would have wound up with almost 90% of the total area. They rejected it, because, in Arab eyes, no one–except themselves—had or has any rights at all in the region which they call “purely Arab patrimony” …Dar a-Islam. To this day, a provision in the Palestine National Charter states that one of their goals is to drive Israel to the sea! A Palestinian State along side of Israel, yes, but not instead of or a threat to Israel’s existence!

PLEASE VOTE ONLINE TO SUPPORT ISRAEL

The following initiative is being circulated throughout various Jewish communal agencies:

Next week, the United Nations General Assembly may hold a vote on whether or not to endorse a unilaterally declared Palestinian state and it is important that we be prepared to oppose this initiative. While we believe that that the ultimate goal of the peace process, as underscored by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu in his recent address to the US Congress, is “two states for two peoples: a Palestinian state alongside the Jewish state,” only through bilateral negotiations between the parties to the conflict can a true peace with secure and recognized borders be achieved.

In an effort to raise our collective voice against a unilaterally declared Palestinian state, please read and sign the online petition sponsored by the Israel Action Network (see the long list of sponsors at the bottom of the petition)to reject UDI and promote bilateral negotiations.

Circulate the petition to your social and organizational networks via E-mail, Facebook, and Twitter.

Thank you for partnering with us in this important effort.

Israel Petition 

This September, the United Nations General Assembly may hold a vote on whether or not to endorse a unilaterally declared Palestinian state and it is important that we be prepared to oppose this initiative. While we believe that the ultimate goal of the peace process, as underscored by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu in his recent address to US Congress, is “two states for two peoples: a Palestinian state alongside the Jewish state,” only through bilateral negotiations between the parties to the conflict can a true peace with secure and recognized borders be achieved.

In an effort to raise our collective voice against a unilaterally declared Palestinian state, the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix has co-sponsored an online petition with the Israel Action Network to reject the UDI and promote bilateral negotiations.

We invite you to click here to sign the petition.

So many of our holy days and holy days have observances centered around the home. The High Holy Days are synagogue centered with a huge emphasis on community as well as our own individual introspection!

The following is a short introduction to help you prepare:

Selichot – a special program and service (means ‘petitions’) generally held the Saturday night prior to the start of Rosh HaShanah to help prepare our hearts and souls for the upcoming holy days. Kehillah’s Selichot programs are interactive and uplifting. Definitely worth attending!

Kever Avot – it is traditional to visit the graces of loved ones around the High Holy Day season, connecting us to generations past and as a demonstration of our love and appreciation.

Rosh Hashanah – literally, ‘head of the year’/our New Year, even though it falls in Tishrei, the seventh month on the ancient Hebrew calendar! The Rabbis gave this day special significance and designated it as the new year, celebrating the creation of the world, marked by the sounding of the shofar on Rosh Hashanah morning.

Symbols  and Vocabulary

Shofar – ram’s horn blown as a wake up call to arouse our hearts and souls to examine our actions over the past year and set about improving.

Round Challah – often with raisins is traditionally eaten. The circular shape is a reminder of the ongoing cycle of life

Apples and Honey are eaten as a reminder and hope that we be blessed for a sweet year ahead

Yom HaDin – Rosh Hashanah is known as the Day of Judgment and tradition describes a Book of Life in which our fates are inscribed for the year. We are asked to enagage in Tzedakah, Teshuvah and Tefillah to set us on a course for a healthy, happy, blessed year ahead.

Tzedakah – ‘performing acts of justice through giving’, usually monetary donations, seen as our obligation to help others and share some of that with which we have been blessed. It is appropriate to make donations in support of one’s synagogue and community, in appreciation.

Teshuvah – often translated as ‘repentence’, I prefer ‘a re-turning’ to our best selves, a key concept of the High Holy Days

Tefillah – sincere prayer from the heart, whether scripted or spontaneous; the word is actually a reflexive verb meaning ‘judgment of oneself’

Greeting for Rosh Hashanah – L’shanah tovah tikateivu v’teichateimu, May you be written and inscribed for a good year

Yom Kippur – literally, the Day of Atonement or at-one-ment, on which we abstain from eating and drinking to put us in a more humble mood in order to be able to intensify our work of examining and reflecting on our actions over the past year. Much of the day is spent in synagogue during which we engage in prayer and reflection leading to forgiveness and healing.

Kol Nidre – the name given to the service on the eve of Yom Kippur, but in actuality, the name of one of the most beloved liturgical prayers we offer as we seek forgiveness. Yizkor (memorial service) is part of Yom Kippur afternoon. The day ends with a final tekiah gedolah/grand blast of the shofar and a beautiful Havdalah ceremony.

Greeting for Yom Kippur – G’mar chatimah tovah, May the inscription in the Book of Life be a good one for you

Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman

Congregation Kehillah of Arizona

www.kehillahofarizona.org

Experience a moment of prayer at the Western Wall, see Masada and reflect on the tragic events that took place there two thousand years ago, witness the vitality of modern Tel Aviv, and enjoy the unique spirituality of Kabalah in the mystical City of Tzfat.

These are only some of the activities which we will experience together with your fellow congregants, family and friends on a trip that will deepen your connection to Israel and your Jewish heritage.

A trip to Israel is not just about seeing the sites.

It’s about creating an experience that will be remembered and cherished.

Feel free to pass this information on to your family and friends and invite them to join in this trip

If you have any questions or need any additional information please contact me.

ALL NIGHT LONG SHAVUOT LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Featuring Community Leaders and Teachers

Receiving, Learning, and Living Torah

Tuesday, June 7 at 7:30 PM to Wednesday, June 8, 2011 7:00 AM

Location: Congregation Or Chadash, 9096 E. Bahia #106, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Refreshments will be served throughout the entire night! COST: FREE

–Your Choice: Come to one session, come to several sessions, come to all sessions–

7:30-8:00 PM-  Maariv

8:00-8:45 PM- Tikkun Kick-Off presentation

“Receiving Torah  on All Levels”- Facilitators:  Rabbi Micah Caplan (Congregation Or Chadash), Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman (Kehillah of Arizona)

8:45-9:15 PM

Chevruta Sudy – “Speed Torah Learning”-Facilitators:

Rabbi Caplan, Rabbi Sharfman

9:15-9:30 PM- Summary of Chevruta learning-

Facilitators:  Rabbi Caplan, Rabbi Sharfman

9:30-9:50 PM- BREAK FOR FOOD, DRINK, SOCIALIZING

9:50-10:40 PM (There will be two sessions at this time)

“Alef Bet Yoga”- Marci Sheer- Professional Yoga Instructor (Please bring a yoga mat if you have one.  If not, no worries.  Appropriate for all ages and levels)

“Torah through Medical Ethics”-Dr. Sherman Minkoff and Dr. Marc Bernstein

10:50-11:30 PM (There will be two sessions at this time)

“Torah through Israeli Dancing” -Pam Pullman and Amnon Haimovich, Israeli Dance Instructors; “Modern Israel and Torah- Finding a Connection”-

Sharron Topper- Amitai, Shlicha for the Greater Phoenix Jewish Community

11:30-11:50 PM- BREAK FOR FOOD, DRINK, SOCIALIZING

11:50 PM-12:30 AM

“Rethinking and Reclaiming Resurrection”

Facilitators:  Rabbi Barton and Marcie Lee, Executive Director of Hillel and Instructors at Arizona State University

12:35 AM-1:15 AM

“Which and Whose Torah was Given at Sinai?”

Facilitator:  Aaron Scholar, Director of the Bureau of Jewish Education.

1:15-1:35- BREAK FOR FOOD, DRINK AND SOCIALIZING

1:40-2:30 AM

“Sinai Revisited: Reexamining the Event of Revelation in Modern Jewish Thought”- Facilitator:  Dr. Marc Krell

2:40-3:30 AM

“Torah through the Poetry of Yehuda Amichai”

Facilitator:  Rabbi David Frankel

3:30-3:45 AM- BREAK

3:45-4:30 AM

“Understanding the Ten Commandments In A Much Different Way”

Facilitator:  Rabbi Micah Caplan, Congregation Or Chadash

4:30-5:25 AM

“Transforming Jewish Learning into Jewish Living”

Facilitator:  Michelle Distel, Education Director at Congregation Or Chadash

5:30 AM-7:00 AM- Sunrise Outdoor Shavuot Service at Congregation Or Chadash