SHABBAT SHALOM, GESHER SHALOM!


 
August 16th, 2019
 
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Shabbat Times: 
Candle Lighting
Evening service followed by Kabbalat Cabaret
Morning Service 
Minha 
7:35  pm
7:00 pm 
9:30 am
7:00 pm
 
  Forecast: 84/mostly sunny

IN THIS ISSUE...
Shabbat Kiddush
Join us for Kiddush on Shabbat. This is the perfect opportunity for us to experience community and get to know each other better.

Birthdays and Anniversaries 
Roz Zim
 Dylan Schulman
Bradley Skolnik
 
Marlene & Leon Perkal

   UPCOMING EVENTS
       
Saturday 8/17
Morning Service 9:30 am
Minha , S'uda Shlishit (3rd Shabbat Meal), timely topic, Maariv and Havdalah 7:00 pm
Tuesday 8/20
Sisterhood Book Club 1:00 pm "Among the Living" by Jonathan Rabb
Friday 8/23
Evening Service 7:00 pm
        
 
Torah Reading 1024                 Haftarah 1033
VA'ETHANNAN

Our Sidra continues the address to the people by Moses that began in last week's portion. Moses recounts how God denied his request to be allowed to enter the land of Israel; Moses must view the country from atop Mount Pisgah. He pleads with the nation to adhere to God's laws scrupulously - especially the laws regarding idolatry. Failure to conform to these laws will inevitably result in expulsion from the land.  Moses apportions three cities on the eastern side of the Jordan River to serve as Cities of Refuge.  In an effort to stress the importance of maintaining all the commandments, Moses recalls how awe-struck the people were at the time of the Revelation when they assembled at the foot of Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. A slightly altered version of the Ten Commandments from the one found in the Book of Exodus is restated. The most prominent of our prayers is found here: the first paragraph of the Sh'ma, asserting the exclusive relationship between God and Israel, and Israel's duty to study and observe the Torah at all times.
  Future generations should be trained, not only in the observance of the Torah, but in the account of the deliverance from Egypt. A strict warning against intermarriage and idolatry is issued. The special relationship between God and Israel is stressed again: in love, God redeemed the Israelites from slavery; it is, therefore, their duty to observe the commandments .
 
Tonight: Evening service at 7:00 p.m.
followed by:




   
Klezmer Music and Memory at a Festival Celebrating Jewish Life in Poland                      
Minha, Seudah Shlishit, Ma'ariv & Havdalah at 7:00 p.m.
During Seudah Shlishit we will read...
As the visit of Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar to Israel and the West Bank approaches, I thought this article would be a good one to read:
Can Ilhan Omar Overcome Her Prejudice?  By Ayaan Hirsi Ali  -  I was born in Somalia and grew up amid pervasive Muslim anti-Semitism. Hate is hard to unlearn without coming to terms with how you learned it.    
And see this related article which I received yesterday morning :  
I was/am proud of Israel for allowing them to enter Israel. I sure hope that Bibi does not succumb to the President's pressure  and reverse the decision.   President Trump Urged Israel to Deny Entry to Two U.S. Congresswomen , Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, In an Unusual Effort to Punish Domestic Rivals. 
Israel is still weighing whether to deny entry to Ms. Omar and Ms. Tlaib, officials said on Thursday. Both women have been vocal in their support of the Palestinians and the boycott-Israel movement.    
And then yesterday afternoon the report was confirmed...
AIPAC issued a rare statement of dissent, taking issue with the Israeli Government's new position:

This decision also allows Tlaib and Omar to now take the high road, which Israel has just ceded:
Omar wrote: "The irony of the 'only democracy' in the Middle East making such a decision is that it is both an insult to democratic values and a chilling response to a visit by government officials from an allied nation."
The AJC also issued a statement:
"Our understanding is that the congresswomen did not request any meetings at all with Israeli officials, members of Knesset (Parliament) of any mainstream party, nor briefings on any subject from leading Israeli experts. The failure of the legislators to include any Israeli perspectives whatsoever reveals this to have been not a fact-finding mission, but rather a propaganda exercise. They went so far as to call the trip a "Delegation to Palestine," making it clear that they were not coming to hear from various points of view, but rather to undermine the very legitimacy of the State of Israel."
Still the AJC concluded: "While we share the concerns of the Israeli Government, we believe that this decision will do more harm than good."
I wrote to a friend that this "is a terrible, self-serving decision by Bibi-or he caved to Trump, who has not asked anything of Israel until now in consideration for the US moving its embassy to Jerusalem or recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan. Banning Tlaib and Omar is a trifling "ask" by Trump, and Bibi may not have been able to say no.
This decision may help Netanyahu in the upcoming election, but it will harm Israel's standing in the world to as a democratic nation. As usual, Bibi the politician wins out over Bibi the statesman."
And just now (8:50 a.m.):
Israel Will allow Rashida Tlaib to Enter the West Bank to Visit her Grandmother, a Day After Denying Entry to Her and Another Lawmaker, Ilhan Omar.                                                          
The irony here is that Tlaib advocates a one-state solution (i.e. that is the dissolution of Israel), while Omar, who is still banned from visiting Israel, advocates for a 2-state solution!
                                       
This Week's Yahrzeit Observances
We hope that our weekly listing of yahrzeit observances will serve 2 purposes:
1)     To remind those who have the yahrzeit for a second time, much closer to the date of the actual observance
2)     To alert friends and acquaintances that someone they know is observing a yahrzeit. We hope that you will show them your support by joining them at our minyanim, and helping to assure that Kaddish can be recited with a minyan 
                            
Alfred Strauss will be observing yahrzeit for his father, Joseph Strauss on Friday evening, August 16th
Nili Cohen will be observing yahrzeit for her mother, Ray Ostrowitz on Saturday evening, August 17th
Jack Reisner will be observing yahrzeit for his father, Abraham Reisner on Saturday evening August 17th
Solomon Arbeiter will be observing yahrzeit for his mother, Esther Arbeiter on Sunday evening, August 18th
Heidi Skolnik will be observing yahrzeit for her mother, Mrs. Jinny Skolnik on Sunday evening,  August 18th
Gerald Topiel will be observing yahrzeit for his mother, Pauline Topiel on Sunday evening,  August 18th
Ann Rosenberg will be observing yahrzeit for her daughter, Arlene Rosenberg DaSilva on Monday evening, August 19th
Carolyn Tauber will be observing yahrzeit for her grandmother, Mollie Horowitz on Monday evening, August 19th
Ethel Chesen will be observing yahrzeit for her son, Jeffrey Chesen on Tuesday evening, August 20th
Marilyn Saposh will be observing yahrzeit for her mother-in-law, Miriam Saposh on Tuesday evening, August 20th
Nili Cohen will be observing yahrzeit for her father, David Ostrowitz on Wednesday evening, August 21st
Shifra Ruda will be observing yahrzeit for her father, Benjamin Dubin on Thursday evening, August 22nd
Anne Sommer will be observing yahrzeit for her father, Max Sommer on Thursday evening, August 22nd
Marcia Sherman will be observing yahrzeit for her mother, Helen Spirer on Thursday evening, August 22nd



Important/Interesting Reads     
This announcement was made last Saturday night, timed to coincide with the start of Tisha b'Av.
This is BIG NEWS!!!! (next 2 articles):
Rare Jewel Found in Babylonian Destruction Layer on Mount Zion                                                  
This offers hope that one-on-one encounters may eventually lead to mutual respect and a marginalization of those in Palestinian society who resort to violence:
Palestinian Teens Mourn Murdered Israeli Student                                                              
And so does this:

Palestinian and Israeli Discovered a Shared Past When They Met as Washington Interns        
Do Jews Carry Trauma in Our Genes? A Conversation With Rachel Yehuda.                                                                   The innovative neuroscientist discusses how the Holocaust, famine, and other catastrophic experiences can affect our DNA  
With certain conditions (like a private graveside service, zero publicity and only speaking about his relationship with his family members) I would officiate at Jeffrey Epstein's funeral service. I'm also betting they won't be asking me!
 Will Jeffrey Epstein Get A Jewish Burial Despite Crimes?   
 
Despicable!!!

Report: Ex-French Spy Chief Made Deal with Palestinian Terrorists               
Netanyahu Will Try to Mediate Netween Russia and Ukraine in Kiev, Russian Media Says                              


Israel

Israel's Women's Lacrosse Team Gave an Incredible Gift to Their Kenyan Opponents                                     
Muslims Attack Jewish Visitors to Temple Mount on Tisha B'Av                                                          
 
I was sorely tempted to put this next article under Anti-Semitsm/Anti-Zionsim:
Guardian Edits Out Palestinian Violence from AP Story on Temple Mount Clashes                                       
  Israeli Kids Talk about Living near Gaza            
Camp Koby: Fun and "Therapy Lite" for Bereaved Children                                                            
The Unique Status of the Jerusalem Suburb of Wadi Hummus                                                            
Jordan Halts Film that Refers to Historical Jewish Presence                                                                
Israel's MDA Helps Build First-Responder System in Chile                                                        
Druze Officer Appointed Military Secretary to President Rivlin                                                        
             
This dilemma has been in the making for years. Now, given the immigration craze in the U.S. the Filipinos' situation will give Israel's version of this crisis prominence. And the Israelis weren't smart enough to figure out that this would happen????
Born in Israel, Hundreds of Filipino Children Risk Expulsion                               

BDS / Anti-Semitism / anti-Zionism
These first 3 articles are on the same theme:

Former FBI agent, Ali Soufan: I Spent 25 Years Fighting Jihadis. White Supremacists Aren't So Different
The Religious Hunger of the Radical Right  
Until we understand what really drives extremists, we will not be able to stop them.                               
Good news and it was accomplished quickly!            

California Praised for Scrapping Controversial Ethnic Studies Curriculum Amid Antisemitism Fears
Canadian Paper Apologizes After Running Cartoon Seen as Anti-Semitic                                                
Holocaust Denying Blogger Says She Has Been Banned from France for 40 Years                                          



The Palestinians
Palestinians Invoke Retracted "Zionism is Racism" Resolution in UN Hearing on Their Incitement and Racism      
UN Asks Palestinians to Explain Hate Speech, Anti-Semitism                                                             
  Is anybody really surprised?
The PA Initiated Tisha b'Av Clashes on the Temple Mount    
                                                            
Israel to Build Defense Wall to Protect Road Near Gaza           



Iran / Syria / Hezbollah                               
U.S. Arranges Talks Between Israel and U.A.E Over Iran                                                      
Iran's Inflation Hits 40 Percent, Highest in 23 Years                                                                
Give Iran Sanctions Time to Work                                                                                    
German Exports to Iran Halve in 2019 as U.S. Sanctions Bite
                                                             
U.S. Seeks to Seize Iranian Tanker in Gibraltar                                                                          
 
The Iranian Conquest of Syria                                                                                                     


Hi-Tech
Israel Develops Sonar to Identify Hostile Divers                                                                    
New Israeli Satellite Aims to Deepen Understanding of the Universe                                                      
U.S. Studies Israeli Anti-Tunnel Technology                                                                               
Israel Develops "Suicide Drone" to Bring Down Enemy UAVs                                                        
Israel's NICE Wins $137 Million U.S. Air Traffic Control Deal                                                                                                                                                               
 
Germans Flock to Israel Seeking Technology                                                                                                                                                     







Pop Culture
Ariana Grande and Barbra Streisand Perform Together in Epic Duet 
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Kate McKinnon Attend 'Fiddler On The Roof' In Yiddish          
 
Meet Alexander Rosenberg, the Jewish Glass Blower Who Leaves Us 'Blown Away'  
Ever wonder what it's like to be on a Netflix reality TV show?                                                          
 
'Schitt's Creek' Star Dan Levy to be Honored by GLAAD
                                                           
Jackie Tohn Tells Us All About That Seder Scene in 'GLOW' 
"It's a heavy thing that I got to talk about my family's history and inherited trauma from the Holocaust on television. It's an honor," actress Jackie Tohn shared with Alma. We chatted with the GLOW star about how her own family's Holocaust story wound up on Netflix. 











In 2018, more than 1,850,000 Jews of all ages, in dozens of countries, on six continents, connected to each other and to Israel through The Jewish Agency's work.  

Explore our 2018 Performance Report >
After Tragedy: Offering Aid and Solidarity.No matter the situation, the people of Israel will never have to face the aftermath alone. Together we carry a message of great hope.

Read more >
From Ukraine to Israel: Home at LastThe Jewish Agency gives people immigrating to Israel the tools they need to settle into promising new lives.

Read more >
Fighting Anti-Israel Sentiment on CampusNo one should feel the need to hide their Jewish or pro-Israel identity. We empower young Israelis to help Jewish students feel safe and connected on campuses around the world.

Read more >


So&So Sunset Opera
Aug 24 | 7:30PM
Brooklyn Army Terminal
Greatest hits of opera accompanied by a symphony orchestra with the sunset as a backdrop.
So&So is a collective of international musicians focused on producing symphony experiences. Founded by violinist, conductor Daniel Zinn, the group now brings opera scenes to the Brooklyn Army Terminal.
Daniel Zinn is a classical violinist who was born in Jerusalem. Currently studying for his Master's in New York, he holds a B.A in music from the Jerusalem Academy of Music.
Free admission.


Theater
Hanna Senesh
(a play with music and song)
Performances July 29 - August 18, 2019
Museum of Jewish Heritage
An award-winning play.
Written and Directed by David Schechter.
Developed in collaboration with Lori Wilner.
Based upon the diaries and poems of Hannah Senesh, translated from the Hungarian by Marta Cohn and Peter Hay
Music composed and arranged by Steven Lutvak.
On the eve of the Holocaust, many left Europe for Palestine to save themselves.
Very few went back to save others.
This one-woman show tells the true story of Hannah Senesh, the heroic young Jewish woman who escaped from Axis-allied Hungary in 1939 to the safety of British Mandate Palestine. There she joined Haganah and then bravely volunteered for a daring Special Operations mission to parachute back into Europe to save Jews from the Holocaust. Hannah's story and indomitable spirit, along with the moving diary and poetry that she left behind, serve as an enduring inspiration to people everywhere standing up to the powers of hatred and oppression.



Art
Mika Rottenberg : Easypieces
June 26- September 15
New Museum
This exhibition marks the first New York solo museum presentation of work by New York-based artist Mika Rottenberg.
Employing absurdist satire to address the critical issues of our time, Rottenberg creates videos and installations that offer subversive allegories for contemporary life. Her works interweave documentary elements and fiction, and often feature protagonists who work in factory-like settings to manufacture goods ranging from cultured pearls (NoNoseKnows, 2015) to the millions of brightly colored plastic wholesale items sold in Chinese superstores (Cosmic Generator, 2017).


Exhibition
ZAZ10TS presents:
Nature of Wonder
Artist Shony Rivnay
June 13- September 2
10 Times Square
Titled "Nature of Wonder" by Shony Rivnay provides a glimpse into obscurity, freedom, and a natural curiosity that we all experience in our creative lives. It is an opportunity to think, but also to let go of thinking. It is a pathway into joyous viewing and a simple understanding of how things work.

Art
What's Love Got to Do With It?
Group exhibition organized by Rosario Güiraldes and Lisa Sigal, Open Sessions Curators
August 15 - September 16
The Drawing Center
Don't miss Keren Benbenisty's work in this group exhibition!
Open Sessions 2018-2020: What's Love Got to Do with It? is an exhibition by the thirty-one artists who are participating in Open Sessions, a two-year program at The Drawing Center that provides opportunities for selected artists from around the world to contextualize their work in terms of drawing through conversation, public programs, and exhibitions. Featuring new drawings and drawing adjacent works by a diverse and international group of artists, who come from myriad perspectives and geographic locations, ranging from the Americas to Africa, Asia and the Middle East, What's Love Got to Do With It? takes as its theme, the universal discourse of love, which, the curators contend, is as democratic as drawing is.


Art
Fragile: Works from the Everglades National Park Collection
Keren Anavy & Tal Frank collaboration - A group exhibit featuring work by AIRIE Fellows Curated by Deborah Mitchell.
On view June 1, 2019 - October 1, 2019.