Shabbat Shalom
November 21 (5 Kislev, 5781)
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Dear Friends,
Our Parsha sheds a lot of light on brotherhood, friendship and people with diverging paths. In light of that, I hope that you will enjoy our latest podcast on Parshat Toldot, "When Should You Break A Friendship?" I am also really excited that this Chanukah Kesser will be hosting a Menorah Building Competition. This will be a great opportunity for kids and families to get creative, build a menorah and share it with the community. Plus, we will be offering donuts and coffee to the community on December 13, after our virtual Chanukah celebration which will take place on December 12. See details below.
The Midrash teaches us that, in the times of the Mishna, there was an elderly woman who was suffering from her failing health. She went to one of the sages of the generation to discuss this. In the course of the conversation, she disclosed her practice of attending the synagogue every day to Daven. Upon hearing this, the sage remarked that she should cease this practice. She stopped going to Shul, and, three days later, she passed away.
This Midrash is meant to illustrate the idea that Davening in a Shul is a source of life, in some cases, literally. Hashem’s presence dwells in the Shul, so going to the Beit Kenesset is a way to connect with the Giver of Life. In the case of this woman mentioned in the Midrash, “letting go of Shul” was akin to letting go of life. Ironically, this teaching also sheds light on how important it is that we maintain high standards of health and well-being in Shul. Were the Shul to become a source of illness and contagion due to carelessness, it would undermine the very meaning and purpose of Shul, which is to strengthen our connection to Hashem, the Giver of Life.
I am grateful to be part of a community where we are all partners together in building a Shul that is a model of health and safety during this time of pandemic. Last Shabbat and Sunday morning, we had one person present who tested positive for COVID-19 shortly thereafter. In light of that factor, coupled with the recent surge of COVID-19 in Oregon, we have temporarily closed our Minyan out of an abundance of caution for public health and safety. We anticipate reopening on Monday, November 30.
Because we observe strict standards with respect to the use of face masks, physical distancing, and attention to hand hygiene, the risk of COVID-19 transmission at Kesser minyan is low. Minyan attendees are not required to quarantine or seek testing. However, should you develop any symptoms of illness, please immediately isolate and contact your physician to ask about getting tested for COVID-19.
I am grateful to our Minyan Oversight Committee for all of their help: Tuvia Berzow, Yossi Daitchman, Dr. Charles Elder & Dr. Joaquin Espinoza.
It is important that we do our very best to keep our Minyan open while also balancing the need for community Tefilla with the need for community health and well-being. It’s a testament to our community that, as of today, we are not aware of a single case of virus transmission at Kesser Israel since we reopened in May. We Daven that we will continue to be a place of public prayer in good health.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Ken Brodkin
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Minyanim are temporarily closed. Click here to view the health update. We anticipate that live services will resume on Monday, November 30. |
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Daf Yomi - ONLINE
Join us daily for Daf Yomi with Rabbi Fischer. Click this link to join the class live, and click here to see the schedule. You can download the entire Talmud for free on your mobile device with apps like Sefaria and E-Daf.
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Sunday Gemara Group
Join Rabbi Ken Brodkin every Sunday morning at 9:15 am to explore practical Halacha and Gemara. Click here to join.
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Parshat Hashavua
Join Rabbi Fischer Monday evening at 7:30 pm to learn about the weekly Torah portion and get involved with a Q&A. Click here to join the Zoom meeting. To enhance your experience, read the Parsha before class. |
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Garbonzos - Falafel Bar
The Garbonzos food cart is located in the MJCC parking lot. It is open Sunday - Thursday 11:00 am - 7:00 pm and Friday 11:00 am - 5:00 pm. The menu includes pita sandwiches, plate options, soup, and sides. Garbonzos is gluten free and vegan. Click here for the full menu. To place a phone order call (503) 475 - 4875.
Kosher Meals to Go Available from Cafe at the J (Weekly)
(Orders due Tuesday by 8 pm, Pickup Thursday between 3-5 pm)
Allen Levin of Century Catering & Cafe at the J is preparing kosher meals for people to take home and serve. Currently, orders are due by 8:00 pm Tuesday for pickup between 3:00-5:00 pm Thursday at the turnaround in front of the MJCC. The menu offers soup; entrees including schnitzel, fish, beef, chicken and burger options; and dessert. Meals certified by Oregon Kosher. If there is interest, a kosher pizza night might be added. For the coming week’s menu and to order meals, email [email protected] by Sunday 6:00 pm to sign up to receive the weekly menu. (If you do not receive a confirmation, please try again.)
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Want to share announcements, community news, or events? Click here to send your news.
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Jewish Free Loan of Greater Portland
Are you or someone you know experiencing financial difficulties as a result of COVID-19? Jewish Free Loan of Greater Portland is here to help and is offering COVID-19 Crisis loans of up to $1,000 for community members. Loans are interest free. Click here to find out more.
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November 20 - November 27
We anticipate that live services will resume on Monday, November 30
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20
Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat - 4:20 pm
Candle Lighting - 4:17 pm
SHABBAT, NOVEMBER 21
Shacharit - 8:30 am
Mincha/Maariv - 4:10 pm
Havdalah - 5:23 pm
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27
Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat - 4:15 pm
Candle Lighting - 4:12 pm
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CHOLIM LIST: Each week during the Torah Reading we make a misheberach for those who are ill. Click here for our current misheberach list. To make changes, please send an email to Michael Rosenberg at [email protected].
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