What's Happening in West Orange Synagogues?

Lag B’Omer – A good excuse for being happy. 

Do you need an excuse to be happy? Judaism has a tremendously rich cycle
of holidays and personal observances which move us through the growth and
emotions of life well lived. If you need the excuse, one is always around the corner. 

In the fall, we rejoice in Creation on Rosh Hashanah, only to be profound and repentant on Yom Kippur 10 days later. We note the temporary and fragile nature of our lives on Sukkot, while celebrating the fruitful harvest and the eternal cycle of Torah at Simchat Torah. 

A month without holidays in the fall, Cheshvan, is called “bitter” in rabbinic tradition, and the darkest month of winter holds the brilliance of Chanukah lights, miracles and joy for over a week. 

In the middle of winter here, we note the turn of rising sap in Israel at Tu Bishevat, and Purim ends the winter with a sometimes raucous day of dress up and silliness while recalling the very serious lessons of anti-Semitism and injustice in the Book of Esther. 

Passover – six months away from Rosh Hashanah – defines the role of God in history, and our purpose to leave exile and injustice and seek the Land of Israel with its promise freedom and redemption. 

Modern History gives us 3 recent commemorations for the Jewish people as YomHaZikaron (Israeli Memorial Day) reminds us of the price paid for freedom, followed by Yom HaAtzmaut – Israeli Independence day when the long awaited ingathering of the Jewish People in large numbers to our ancestral lands is celebrated. 

And in three weeks we will note the end of the seven-week journey from Egypt to Mount Sinai when we observe the holiday of weeks, Shavuot, and the giving of the Torah – and event that, through the Jewish people, transformed the Western World and the Middle East for all time. So important is that journey from Pesach to Sinai, from Spring planting to Spring harvest, from potential to reality, that we are commanded to count every day of this period of time – seven full weeks of days, one at a time. 

This time is called the “Omer” for the barley sheave waved in the Ancient temple services. And this Sunday is “Lag” or the 33rd day of that time period. The time of waiting for the barley to grow since Pesach is a time of trepidation. Will it grow?

The time of wandering from Egypt to Sinai is a time of fear and doubt. Will there be food and water? Where are we going? Will we survive? On the calendar, we note the fallen soldiers – and the holocaust on Yom HaShoah – and are reminded of our fragility even now. 

So it is not surprising to know that Lag B’Omer – the 33rd day – is a counterbalance to those deep feelings of concern. It is a day of joy. Legend has an ancient plague and a violent dispute ending on this day. But the truth also is that we can only hold ourselves back from rejoicing for so long as Jews. Life is meant to be celebrated. 

So this Sunday we rejoice. Weddings can be held. Moon bounces, music and more will be experienced. We will be reminded that life is about joy.

Service times are as follows:

Friday, April 26
Candle lighting 7:29 p.m.
Evening services 7 p.m.

Saturday, April 27
Morning services: 9 a.m.
Torah Reading: Parashat Emor
Mincha, study, Maariv and Havdallah: 7:30 p.m. 

Daily Minyanim:
Sunday 9 a.m.
Monday–Friday 7 a.m.
Sunday – Thursday 8 p.m.

Upcoming Events:

Sunday, April 28: Lag B’omer Celebration 4-6:30. p.m
Relay Races, Bonfires, Bouncy House, Barbecue and Family Fun. Food for purchase: $1 per item (Hot Dogs, Falafel, Knishes, Tofutti Cuties). In the parking lot (weather permitting) 

Sunday, April 28: Jewish Composer Lecture by Seth Saltzman on The Music and Life of Jerome Kern. $8 admission. 6:45 p.m. 

Wednesday, May 1: Hazak Seniors Trip to the Folksbiene Theatre to see “Megille Itzik Manger”. The cost is $50 for tickets and bus. Call to reserve a seat. 

Thursday, May 2: Talmud Class with Rabbi Mayer Rabinowitz (also on May 9, 23 and 30.) 8:30 p.m. 

Saturday, May 4: Torah Study on Parashat Behar/Bechukotai with Janice Colmar 10 a.m. 

Wednesday, May 8: NORPAC Mission to Washingron- Deluxe Bus will leave from B’nai Shalom – Three kosher meals and meeting time with members of Congress to discuss the importance of the US/Israel Relationship. For more information or to make your reservation, contact Barbara Bortniker at (973) 325-3125. 

Saturday, May 11: Shabbat Fun - a parent-led service and program for families with chidren under 5 years. (also on May 25) 

Tuesday, May 14: Erev Shavuot Services at 7:45 p.m. followed by Tikkun Leyl Shavuot at B’nai Shalom at 8:30 p.m. Torah Learning Sessions, refreshments and social time as we celebrate receiving the Torah together. 

Wednesday, May 15:
First Day of Shavuot Services: 9 a.m. Followed by Sisterhood’s Annual Dairy Shavuot Luncheon

1 p.m. – Kids and their families will participate in The Great Sinai Birthday Search as we celebrate the Torah with Rabbi Tobin 

Thursday, May 16:
Second Day Shavuot Services 9 a.m. with Yizkor Service 

Saturday May 18:
Religious School Graduation during Shabbat morning services. 

Sunday, May 19:
9 a.m.–11 a.m.: B’nai Shalom members will volunteer at the Kosher Food Pantry at Oheb Shalom in South Orange. 

Wednesday, May 22:
Hazak Meeting 12:30 p.m. program TBA 

Monday, May 27:
Memorial Day Social Action Soup Kitchen Event at Christine’s Kitchen – B’nai Shalom members will be preparing and serving a holiday meal at the Soup Kitchen in West Orange.