June 8, 2023/19 Sivan 5783

Included in This Newsletter

Shabbat Service - 6/23

Weekly Torah Portion

Rabbi Levy's Last June Class

July Classes with Rabbi David Markus

Press Release About New Rabbi in UJF New Jewish Voice

New Greenwich Jewish News

Interfaith Blood Drive - 6/17

Parashat Beha'alotechah

D'var Torah by Rabbi David Levy

The name of our portion, Beha'alotechah, means when you raise lights. It begins the description of the menorah, the seven branched candelabra that is the most iconic symbol of the Jewish people. It appears on the Arch of Titus, showing the sacking of Jerusalem, it is the official symbol of the State of Israel, and this is the origin of that iconic emblem. But every once in a while, you read something that sticks to you so closely about this image, and that lesson comes from Chabad. The Lubavatcher Rebbe taught that this symbol teaches us that each of us has the responsibility to kindle the light in others. As you consider how you offer that light to another person, I encourage you to read the chassidic story:

https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/2183/jewish/The-Lamplighter.htm

Asking Big Questions:

How do we love? 

Tuesday, June 13th

7:30 PM via Zoom

Please join Rabbi Levy for his final class at Shir Ami.

Why are we here? What does community look like? How do we find meaning? The best questions often don’t have concrete answers, but we enrich ourselves by struggling with the questions. We look forward to unpacking these questions together!

THIS IS REAL AND YOU ARE COMPLETELY UNPREPARED

Join Shir Ami's new rabbi, David Evan Markus, for a seven-session online class exploring the heart and soul of the High Holy Day journey from early summer through Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot. Members and registered guests will have access to recordings in case you miss a class.

Together we'll track the flow of ideas, emotions and practices of Judaism's timeless rituals, and begin rousing ourselves (both individually and as a community) – to go deep and high into this Season of Meaning. Participants are strongly encouraged to purchase Rabbi Alan Lew's book, This is Real and You Are Completely Unprepared (available from any online bookseller), which we'll read together.  

Rabbi David says, "This book changed my whole understanding of spiritual time and the layers of teshuvah (returning to our best selves, each other, and the One we call God). The book is such a masterpiece that I read it anew every year as part of my own High Holy Day preparations. My copy has become so weathered by love and notes that I'm holding it together with paper clips and rubber bands. I am certain this book will touch you, too."

Sessions will be as follows (all via zoom at 7:30pm unless otherwise noted):

Tues, July 11 – The Walls Crack: Intro to the Season / 17 Tammuz

Tues, July 25 – The Walls Fall: On Tisha b’Av

Tues, Aug 15 – The Horn Sounds: On Elul

Tues, Sep 5 – I Heard My Name: Selichot

Mon, Sep 11 – This is Real: Rosh Hashanah

Tues, Sep 19 – At-One-Ment: Yom Kippur

Mon, Sep 25 – The Walls Fell: Sukkot (held on Yom Kippur afternoon, time TBD)

Advance registration required, please click below.

Free to Shir Ami members, $140 for nonmembers.

Interfaith Blood Drive

Saturday, June 17th

8:00 AM to 1:30 PM

First Presbyterian Church of Greenwich

Please join together for this mitzvah - Shir Ami has stepped up twice a year to give this gift of life. NEW: prior exclusion of those who had lived abroad have been lifted!

Patients count on blood donations year-round, but this time of year, schedules can get hectic with time off and fun summer activities which can sometimes lead to a drop in donations. Yours can help avoid critical blood shortages. Register here, using Zip Code 06830, or Sponsor Code FPCG; or call 1-800­-RED CROSS (1-800­-733-2767). Contact Barbara Salop with any questions: 1-203-496-1604.

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