January 7, 2021 | 23 Tevet 5781
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Included in This Week's Newsletter
Prayers for Peace - Cantor Abramson
Morning Shabbat Service
Havdallah/Musical Event
Debbie Friedman Tribute
Upcoming Shir Ami and JFS Classes
NEW - Men's Study Group
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(Written on Wednesday evening for this mornings newsletter)
Dear Shir Ami Members and Friends,
I write to you with a troubled heart as I reflect on the events which transpired yesterday at our nation's capital.
The words of the Psalmist are swirling in my head:
My soul is utterly terrified, You Adonai, how long?
Return, free my soul, protect me. Protect us for the sake of your name. I am worn out with my sighing, with my tears, I flood my bed. My eyes are dimmed with anger. Turn away from me all of you who do evil, Protect me Adonai, accept my prayer. (from Psalm 6)
While I am filled with anger and sadness, I am also reminded that our Jewish tradition is one which speaks of civic responsibility.
Rabban Shimon ben Gamaliel used to say: on three things does the world stand: "On justice, on truth and on peace, as it is said: 'Execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates' (Zechariah 8:16)."
While my heart aches as I have followed the news since yesterday afternoon, I am inspired by the Jewish tradition's wisdom: Rabban Gamaliel understood that a just and civil society must rest on shared civic commitments to justice, truth, and peace.
Let us draw strength from the words of the Rabban Gamliel and find nourishment in the comfort of community. I invite all of you to join us for services on Shabbat morning, January 9th as we sing. pray and reflect as a community. Together, we can chart a path forward grounded in the values of justice, truth and peace.
L'Shalom,
Cantor Jill Abramson
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Upcoming Shir Ami Services |
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A Bit of Broadway,
A Bisl Yiddish and
a Bit of This and That:
Songs of Renewal, Hope
& Good Cheer
Saturday, January 30th
6:30 PM via Zoom
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Join us for Havdallah followed by a virtual performance and sing-along of music from the American Songbook featuring Jewish themes and composers. Performers will include Cantor Jill Abramson, Rabbi Emerita Vicki Axe, Rick Lake and some more of our talented congregants.
To see the very fun video recap from our 2019 Bima to Broadway event click here!
It's hard to believe that was just one month before the pandemic hit.
If you have a singing talent that we just don't know about yet and you'd like to perform at this event, please email Cantor Abramson to let her know. [email protected]
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Living and Learning Classes |
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Shir Ami's
Rosh Chodesh Study Group
Monday, January 11th
7:30 PM via Zoom
Read chapters 5 and 6
My Jewish Year, 18 Holidays, One Wondering Jew
by Abigail Pogrebin
Interested in forging a deeper sense of spirituality and connection to the holidays? Come celebrate the New Month and do a "deep dive" into the Jewish calendar with other women from Shir Ami. Noted author and feminist, Abigail Pogrebin, takes us on a one year journey through the entire Jewish calendar in her book, My Jewish Year.
· Each session is a stand alone.
· The book will be our guide but if you haven't read the chapter you can still participate.
· The discussion will focus on the themes of the holidays (the book is the backdrop).
· Each participant is invited to procure her own copy of the book.
Here is a free link to the first 6 chapters of the book click here
Bring your own cup of tea!
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Essential Jewish Conversations:
Values and Beliefs
Monday, January 18th
7:30 PM via Zoom
Topic: Tikkun Olam/Repair of the World:
What Specifically Are We Supposed to Repair?
Join us as we focus on the Jewish perspective on a range of beliefs and values. Join Cantor Abramson this month as we explore Tikkun Olam and what specifically are we supposed to repair.
Call it a symposium, a salon, a forum or a debate, Jewish life has long been centered around a vibrant exchange of ideas and viewpoints—a sacred conversation meant to bring meaning to our lives.
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Men's Study Group:
"Unbinding Isaac" by Aaron Koller
Sunday, February 7th
10:30 AM via Zoom
Led by Cantor Jill Abramson with participation of Rabbi Jonathan Malamy
"Unbinding Isaac," by Aaron Koller provides a daring look into one of the Torah's most troubling and challenging stories. Join together with men from the congregation over Zoom to discuss this iconic story and connect it to the larger question of male identity in Reform Jewish life. You are welcome to purchase the book but it is not required. There will be reading handouts emailed to those who register prior to the class. Even if you haven't read the handouts, you can still participate. If the class is a hit, we will schedule more.
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Learn, Listen and Talk with Fellow Heart Warriors: 3 part series about Living Well After Heart Surgery, presented by JFS of Greenwich in collaboration with Stamford Hospital and the American Heart Association.
Lunch and Learns at noon on 12/9, 1/6 & 2/3.
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Becoming Eve: My Journey from Ultra-Orthodox Rabbi to Transgender Woman. Abby Stein, the first openly transgender woman raised in a Hasidic home will be in conversation with Avam Mlotek to share her journey. Sponsored by JFS/URJ-JCC.
Tuesday, January 12th, 8 PM
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Among the singers at this special event, will be both our very own Cantor Jill Abramson and Cantor Ellen Dreskin who was our guest Cantor during our transitional year in 2018. Please sign up to join people around the country who will come together to sing Debbie Friedman's beautiful songs together. To register, click here.
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Shir Ami has made a commitment along with other congregations to help combat racism. Here are some of the upcoming ways we are contributing to this effort.
On January 5th, Cantor Abramson along with other faith leaders from the Greenwich and Stamford area attended a four hour training for clergy with Stamford Stands Against Racism.
Panel discussion, open to all, is entitled:
Race and Religion
Seeking the Beloved Community: Faith through the lens of Race
Tuesday, January 19th
Noon to 1 PM
Cantor Abramson along with Maher Hussein, President Islamic Center of NY (Stamford) and Rev. Robert Union Baptist Church will discuss their personal awakenings and awareness of race within their faith. They will also explore the work they are doing within their congregations of faith to create the “Beloved Community.”
Click here to register. Pre-registration is required for this event.
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Build community through Social Action projects: |
Recruit some Shir Ami friends to participate in one of these projects with you!
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- Opportunities to support and volunteer at Building One Community
- Sandwich making for individuals at The New Covenant Center
- Ways we can each help combat racism
- Shopping for Seniors with JFS
- Dignity Grows supplies essential toiletries to people in need
- and more worthwhile activities...
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For a full listing of all local events of Jewish interest visit the websites for:
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CongregationShirAmi.org
203-900-7976
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