M'KOR MAIL
January 3, 2019
Having heard God calling to him from the burning bush in last week's portion, Moses begins his mission this week - repeatedly going to Pharaoh in an attempt to free the Israelites from slavery. The plagues begin, but after each one ends, Pharaoh hardens his heart and refuses to let his slaves go. While we certainly feel for the Israelites, as their workload and suffering only increase the angrier Pharaoh becomes, we also find ourselves somewhat sympathetic to the plight of the Egyptians as they, too, suffer due to Pharaoh's stubbornness. It is a painful reminder of what can happen when those who rule do so with hardened hearts, and when leaders choose what is best for themselves rather than what is best for the people they lead.  
 
This Friday night, our Erev Shabbat service begins at 8:00 pm in the Sanctuary. Shabbat morning, Rabbi Hirsh will lead Torah Study (9:00 am), and Scott Kushner will lead Spice Up Your Judaism (10:30 am). Shabbat afternoon, Cantor Harrison and I will lead our service beginning at 5:45 pm, as we celebrate the Bat Mitzvah of Jillian Koenig.
 
And, Sunday morning (9:00 am), join us for a film and discussion, Gett: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem. An Israeli woman fights for three years to obtain a divorce from her devout husband, who refuses to grant his permission to dissolve the marriage. Gett explores religious requirements for Jews to divorce, dramatizes the emotional weight of the decision, and confronts the imbalance of power between husband, wife and the court. The film, first released in France in 2014, won the Best Film that year at the Ophir Awards, the Israeli equivalent of an Oscar. Following the film, I will a discussion about it and the contemporary questions it raises.
 
L'shalom,
 
Rabbi Jennifer L. Frenkel
 

If you wish to have a Mi Shebeirach said during our Shabbat services, please let us know by noon each Friday so we can give the names to the rabbis. 
In This Message
WE CELEBRATE
The Bat Mitzvah of
Jillian Koenig
daughter of Michael & Donna Koenig
 
The Birth of
Abigail Leia Weinger
great granddaughter of Sara Weinger
granddaughter of Bruce & Hilda Weinger
great niece of Jerrold Weinger
                                                           
Gemma Liv Pacewic
daughter of Ryan & Alexis Pacewic
THE WEEK AHEAD
 
Friday, January 4  
8:00 pm Erev Shabbat Service (Sanctuary; webcast)
 
Saturday, January 5             
9:00 am Torah Study, led by Rabbi Hirsh (Chapel)
10:30 am Spice Up Your Judaism, led by Scott Kushner (Social Hall)
5:45 pm Shabbat Afternoon Service (Sanctuary)
Bat Mitzvah of Jillian Koenig 
  
Sunday, January 6      
11: 00 am Purim Shpiel Auditions (Social Hall)
11:00 am Scholar-in-Residence Committee Meeting (Library)  
 
Wednesday, January 9 
10:30 am Adult Education: Biblical Judaism - Which One?, led by Yossi Afek (Chapel)
  
Friday, January 11  
6:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat Service (Chapel)
Join us for pre-service refreshments starting at 6:00 pm.  
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Please click on each event name for more information or to register for that event.    

Sunday, January 13, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm (Snow Date: January 27)

Monday, January 14, 12:00 noon

#MeToo Community Event
Monday, January 14, 7:00 pm (Off-site at Katz JCC)
M'kor Shalom partners on this community conversation paving the way to change.

Friday, January 18, 8:00 pm

Friday, January 18 - Monday, January 21

Friday, January 25 - Dinner 5:45 pm, Service 6:30 pm

Sunday, January 27, 9:15 am
 
Saturday, February 9, 5:30 pm

Wednesday, February 20, 8:00 pm (Off-site at Verizon Hall, Philadelphia)
Cantor Harrison and a few M'kor Shalom Choir members will participate in this concert. Save 15% with code: MK15.
For late-breaking news, please visit our website at www.mkorshalom.org.

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Michelle Bross
Executive Director
Congregation M'kor Shalom
850 Evesham Road
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
(856) 424-4220
(856) 424-2890 (fax)
ExecutiveDirector@mkorshalom.org