Lag B’omer, the 33rd day of the counting of the Omer fell on Sunday May 22. This is a happy holiday on our Jewish calendar, traditionally marked by outings to fields, games, sports and bonfires.
B’nai Shalom celebrated with a fun indoor Field Day (due to the weather) full of sports and games, crafts and ice cream for young children. We thank the organizers, Jessica Wise and Elke Luftig for once again offering a fun holiday activity that children and parents could all enjoy.
Also on Sunday, our Sisterhood held a book review of The Help by Kathryn Stockett. This book generated a wonderful discussion by the participants.
This coming Monday, May 30, B’nai Shalom members will be providing a delicious Memorial Day meal at Christine’s Kitchen at Holy Trinity Church for the needy in our community.
This is an annual event sponsored by our Social Action Committee that involves so many of our members cooking, setting up and serving the meal as well as providing holiday cheer with patriotic songs to the recipients. B'nai Shalom is also collecting some specific items to fill the food pantry, as they are serving over 500 recipients at this time.
As we get ready to enter June, much effort and planning is directed towards our upcoming Gala on June 12, to honor Rabbi Stanley and Cecille Asekoff for 39 years of service to our congregation and the greater Jewish community. It should be a wonderful tribute to them upon Rabbi Asekoff’s retirement.
Prior to that, our regular Shabbat programs continue, with Torah study discussion of Parashat Naso, led by Janice Colmar Michaelis on Saturday, June 4 at 10:30 a.m. and Shabbat Fun, our parent-run Shabbat service for families with young children on Satuday, June 11 at 11:15 a.m.
June 5 is the Israel Day Parade in NYC and we encourage everyone to go to show their support for Israel. That evening at 7pm, you can come back and enjoy B’nai Shalom’s Jewish Composers Music Lecture featuring the Music of Stephen Sondheim. These music lectures, led by Seth Saltzman, are always a treat, not to be missed. Admission is $8.
Also, early in June is the holiday of Shavuot, celebrating the time of the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. It is also one of the harvest festivals celebrating the gathering of the first fruits in Israel. The holiday begins on Tuesday evening, June 7.
Following evening services, B’nai Shalom will have its Tikkun Leyl Shavuot, a traditional night of learning at the home of Rabbi and Cecille Asekoff. A group of teachers will present different topics for discussion throughout the evening and refreshments and schmooze time will be plentiful.
Then on the first day of Shavuot, Wednesday, June 8, students who have completed a high school Jewish education program in a Day school or a Religious School setting will be honored with the Rabbi Mozeson Award during services. B’nai Shalom’s Sisterhood will serve a delicious dairy luncheon following the service. Family sponsors are welcome.
During the second day of Shavuot, June 9, Yizkor, the memorial service, will take place during the morning service. The Book of Ruth will also be read. Later in the day, at 4 p.m., young families are invited to enjoy a Story Time and Ice Cream Party to continue the learning and dairy themes of this holiday at the synagogue. Shavuot at B'nai Shalom offers much food and more importantly, food for thought.
Wishing all a Chag Shavuot Sameach!
This Shabbat the Torah portion is Parashat Bemidbar
Service Times are as follows:
Friday, May 27
Candle lighting: 7:58 p.m.
Evening Services: 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 28
Shabbat morning service: 9 a.m.
Mincha/Ma’ariv: 7:55 p.m.
Daily Minyan:
Sunday: 9 a.m.
Monday (Memorial Day) 9 a.m.
Tuesday-Friday: 7 a.m.
Sunday –Thursday: 8 p.m.
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