A Thought to Begin the Week

(From My Facebook Page on Friday)

Eight weeks ago today.

I was outside the operating room lying in my hospital bed waiting to be wheeled in for open heart surgery.

Was I a bit nervous?

Is Matzah unleaven?

They told me I wouldn’t remember much from that day and I really don’t.

But I remember that moment before I went into the operating room.

A man was cleaning the hall.

So early in the morning.

As he came near my bed, he paused from his daily task. He came close to me, looked at me with the kindest of eyes, put his hand on my shoulder and gently said:

“You got this, friend.”

I felt an immediate sense of strength and hope.

I bet he does that every day for people as he cleans the corridors of the Cleveland Clinic.

And I bet he doesn’t even realize what he does for people.

I will never forget that.

I will probably never see him again but I can forever repay him by trying to always be that kind of person.

That person who reminds another that they are stronger than they think.

That they are loved in this world.

That they “got this”.

That they have a friend.

G-d bless him.

-Rabbi Victor Urecki

Join Us for a New Passover Tradition for Our Community!

The Second Night Experience

A New Passover Tradition at B’nai Jacob Synagogue

Thursday April 6th, 2023

5:30 pm 

This unique and inclusive dinner led by Rabbi Urecki and prepared by Marilyn will blend contemporary and traditional elements in a very casual way for a “seder” experience that will feel both familiar and fresh. A casual setting, uplifting songs, and holiday comfort food will combine for a welcoming and enjoyable evening that’s a good fit for those new to Judaism, people with children, or those just looking for a space to wind down and enjoy the sounds and tastes of this important holiday.

Just $10 per person

Children under 12 are free

RSVP by March 29th by sending a check made out to the B'nai Jacob Pulpit Fund or emailing us to reserve a spot for you and/or your family here.

Save The Date

April 2nd at 6:00 PM

Classes This Week

Adult Hebrew One on One



As scheduled

Hebrew One on One

A Bissell Torah

Thursday, March 16th

4:15pm

Bissel Torah



CELEBRATING A PASSOVER SEDER

IN THE MIDST OF THE CIVIL WAR

April 3rd

11:00AM

Love Hope Center for the Arts

Fayetteville, West Virginia

Join us as we unveil a new Civil War Trails sign at Love Hope Center for the Arts on April 3rd, at 11:00am. The community is invited to attend the event located at 100 Rotan St., Fayetteville, WV 25840 on the 161st anniversary of the historic Passover Seder which took place there in 1862. Guests speakers will include Dr. Joseph Golden from Temple Beth El,in Beckley, Ennis Smith who is the Director of Destination Development for the West Virginia Department of Tourism, and other elected and local officials.

This is the first Civil War Trails site in the nation which champions the story of Jewish soldiers. The men under the command of the President to-be Rutherford Hayes who were camped in the wilds of West Virginia managed to pull together all the items required to properly observe the Passover holiday. Drew Gruber who oversees the multi-state Civil War Trails (CWT) program said, “In the midst of our nation’s darkest hour, these soldiers came together, enabled by the larger community and in doing so they offered peace and hope to a nation at war.”

Parking for the unveiling is available at at Polecat Tacos, 190 S Court St, Fayetteville, WV 25840. For more information about the unveiling, please call Civil War Trails at 757-378-5462.



Don’t miss ExploringJudaism.org, the digital home for Conservative Judaism. This site features a wide range of topics and creators including weekly Torah content (with study guides) thanks to our partners at the Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center & Conservative Yeshiva.

B'nai Jacob Synagogue

1599 Virginia St. E

Charleston, WV 25311

304-346-4722

 www.bnaijacob.com

"Traditional Judaism for

a Modern World"

Proud Congregation Member of USCJ

Congregation B'nai Jacob | www.bnaijacob.com