What's the Spiel? - Parshat Vayechi

In Parshat Vayechi, the twelve sons of Yaakov gather around their ailing father's deathbed and receive the blessings that were "destined to come upon each one" (Rashi on Bereshit 49:28). As he blesses his children, Yaakov occasionally utilizes vivid animal imagery in order to capture the essence of their complex personalities.

Among the children Yaakov compares to a beast is Naphtali, as it says, "Naphtali is a gazelle sent off who delivers beautiful sayings" (Bereshit 49:21). Indeed, Naphtali was blessed to be a faithful messenger who would physically rush to deliver good tidings to his brothers. However, messengers do not innovate, they do not create. Rather, they simply carry out, as Rav Hirsch writes, "Naphtali does not act on his own initiative; he acts only as an agent of others. He is not creative himself, but what others prescribe for the welfare of the community he adopts and carries out quickly and effectively" (Commentary on Bereshit 49:21). Thus, Naphtali's physical speed is used to serve the physical needs of others.

However, the Izbitzer Rebbe understands Naphtali's swiftness and grace in a wholly different way. According to the Izbitzer in his work, Mei HaShiloach, "Naphtali possesses the tremendous ability to see through happenstance and mundane affairs to ask immediately, 'Who created all these?' Since he recognizes God in everything, he is swift to give thanks to God for everything" (Parshat Vayechi 1:7). Based on the words of the Izbitzer, Naphtali's speed has less to do with his physical ability to relay messages to his brothers and more to do with his quick mind and keen insight to see God in everything, and therefore, he is always to first to offer his gratitude to God for His gifts. Hence, the "beautiful sayings" Naphatali is quick to deliver are the beautiful words he composes to God, as the Targum Yonatan notes, "When [Naphtali] shall open his mouth in the congregation of Israel to give praise, he shall be the chosen of all tongues." Indeed, Naphtali is swift as a gazelle. However, I think there is an important connection between Naphtali's physical speed and his spiritual quickness. When we perceive God's gifts in our lives, when we catch a glimmer of the Divine spark within the shadows of the mundane, we have an obligation to be the messengers of that knowledge and awareness and relate it to others as speedily as we can. By being quick to give thanks to God the instant we recognize His hand in our lives and in the world around us, by relating the blessings and wonders we perceive to others with speed and dispatch, we will be able to elevate and encourage those around us to look for the sacred in their lives as well, and to give praise to God for them.

This Shabbat, may we all be inspired by the speed of Naphtali – by his physical and spiritual speed. May we all see ourselves as being messengers of "good tidings," which can uplift spirits and transform community. May we all be as swift as gazelles to recognize God's goodness in our lives, and may we all be as swift as gazelles to share that goodness with all those around us.

Shabbat Shalom!

-Rabbi Dan

Shabbat Morning Drasha: "Yaakov, the Chosen Patriarch: Changing With God"

Shiur After Mincha: "Birkat HaBanim: Deconstructing Yaakov's Blessing"

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Schedule of Services

at B'nai Abraham

We encourage everyone to daven privately when unable to attend services. Use the private time to connect to Hashem. Public prayer definitely adds to our prayer experience. Yet we also have the capacity to create a profoundly meaningful private experience with the Divine. Let us seek such an experience in the coming days.

December 18 - Kiddush cancelled due to weather!

CTI Announcements

CTI is very happy to welcome iACT!

iACT – Interfaith Action of Central Texas

iACT cultivates peace and respect through interfaith dialogue, service, and celebration, with the purpose of building healthy relationships between the faith communities of Central Texas.

The Passport Program gives participants the opportunity to travel to the houses of worship and various community celebrations of many different faith traditions. By the end of the year, all Passport Program participants will have had twelve opportunities to visit different congregations and four separate opportunities to attend community celebrations. Those who attend earn a stamp in their iACT Passport book for each visit. It is the hope of iACT that exposure and interaction amongst people of diverse faith traditions, cultures, and institutions will help build a deeper understanding and appreciation for all of our neighbors in communities across Austin.

Passport Program Leader

Simone Talma Flowers – Executive Director of iACT

Shalom Austin Mask Policy Update

Based on the declining COVID-19 reported incidents, the CTI Medical Committee recommended a revised mask policy that was approved by the Board of Directors.

Masks are optional for vaccinated individuals. Unvaccinated people are required to wear a mask. This applies for everyone ages two and up.
Children are welcome at shul, but all children ages two and up who are not vaccinated must be masked. Children under two do not need to wear a mask but must be accompanied by a parent at all times.
The committee recommended the resumption of a full Kiddush. The caveat being that the Kiddush must be held outside and we must continue to offer the option of pre-packaged snacks.
We will continue to monitor the local situation and may need to modify these policies as circumstances change.

Additionally, the Medical Committee strongly recommends that all members get vaccinated for the protection of everyone in our community and beyond.

Please bring your mask to synagogue.

Backup masks will be available if needed.

I’m There for You: Supporting Family

and Friends Through Grieving

DECEMBER 21 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Presentation will discuss:

Learning how you can help family, friends and yourself
What is pregnancy and infant loss?
Understanding the grief
Effects of Grief
Spiritual effects moving through the grief
The Jewish view
Family and community response
Do’s and Don’ts
The grandparent’s role
How Nechama comfort helps

Presented by: Reva Judas, Founder and Executive Director of NechamaComfort

Reva Judas is the founder and Executive Director of NechamaComfort, an organization that supports families dealing with infant and pregnancy loss. She has counseled people around the world and has trained medical staff, clergy, lay leaders, and communities in best practices for supporting grieving families. Reva received her Chaplaincy Certification from Hackensack Medical center and is a Resolve Through Sharing (RTS) certified Infant Pregnancy Loss Facilitator. She holds a BS in Human and Child Development. Reva Judas participated in the OU Impact Accelerator as part of its first cohort.

Click HERE to register for the program.

As a service to the wider community, the Orthodox Union has researched various online platforms and has organized, collected and curated many key resources in one centralized location for your convenience. Please visit together.ou.org for a wide range of information covering the following areas: Adults, Leadership, Parenting, Seniors & Elders, Technology, Torah and Youth. Check back at together.ou.org as updates will occur regularly.

CTI is virtually open for all classes! Attend online with video and audio, or join through phone call alone. Visit tiferetaustin.org for more information on how to join these exciting classes:

'Building a Palace in Time: The Many Meanings of Shabbat'

Sunday 7:00pm

In this class, we will not only explore how to keep Shabbat, but why we do so in the first place.

· Why is Shabbat so preciously unique to the Jewish people?

· Why did God make the observance of Shabbat so essential for a spiritual relationship with Him?

· How does Shabbat and its observance help us better understand ourselves as individuals and as a community?

· How do all of the laws and observances of Shabbat help us better understand and experience

· what spiritual freedom is really all about?

“Building a Palace in Time: The Many Meanings of Shabbat” will operate like a book club and will meet via Zoom on Sunday evenings, from 7:00-8:00, beginning on April 11th. With each new unit, a different book will be assigned, and we will work through each book according to scheduled readings and thought prompts. Individual members are responsible for obtaining the assigned books, all of which can be easily found on Amazon.com.

This class is free of charge. No prior background is required, and all are welcome and encouraged to attend!

For more information, please contact Rabbi Dan at rabbidan@tiferetaustin.org, or (512) 410-0336 ex. 101.

TYT Tuesday Night

The Book of Ezekiel

Tuesday 7:00pm

The Book of Ezekiel is one of the most mysterious but essential books of the Tanakh. Who was Ezekiel? When was he prophesying? Were his prophecies meant for his time or the distant future? In this TYT series, we will take an in-depth look at the life, times and ageless message of the Prophet Ezekiel in a way which will make his contribution to Jewish texts, history and destiny truly come to life! A priest stuck in exile, dreaming of the perfect Temple in a perfect homeland - a man pinning for spiritual life, but only experiencing physical privation - what is his message really all about? God asks Ezekiel to do many strange things - things even contrary to Jewish law! Were they literally true, or were they merely metaphorical? Come and join the CTI Tuesday evening Take Your Tanakh class, as together, we learn about the Prophet Ezekiel!

TYT Wednesday Mornings

The Book of Second Samuel

Wednesday 8:15am

Come and join the TYT community and learn about the life and times of King David! II Samuel explores how a young David establishes both his kingdom and his kingship. Despite great promise, potential and ability, David is nevertheless beset by external and internal enemies, fighting both physical and spiritual wars. Come and see how David struggles to unite a broken and battered kingdom, establish a capital city and win the support of his people, while at the same time, striving to remain true to God’s Torah and lead a righteous life. No longer the ruddy youth, playing the harp and running for his life, II Samuel takes us through the long journey of David’s maturation process, omitting nothing, all the while exploring larger questions of morality, repentance, power and politics. While we extol David as one of the greatest Jewish heroes and leaders of all time, this book will frame his life and story in its proper context, look under the surface, and examine the complex personality of King David! This class meets each Wednesday morning, except of Jewish holidays, at 8:15am.

Mishne Torah k'Seder Friday Mornings

Mishne Torah k'Seder

Friday 8:15am

Come and join Rabbi Dan on Friday mornings at 8:15am for an in-depth exploration of the Rambam's Mishne Torah. This class will go through the Rambam's classic work on halakha (Jewish law), in a way which both engages and transforms the reader on a spiritual and intellectual level. Why did the Rambam write the Mishne Torah? What was he trying to achieve? How does the Rambam's interpretation of Jewish law, theology, history and culture differ from his rabbinic contemporaries who also wrote comprehensive Jewish legal works? What were some of the great disputes this work sparked, and why? You don't want to miss out on this great opportunity to learn what the Mishne Torah is all about.

Questions? Suggestions? Interested in Volunteering? Please contact our Committee Chairpersons.

Finance Committee: Gary Gerstenhaber

Fundraising Committee: Beth Shapiro

Membership Committee: Sarah Wander

Chesed Committee: Lynn Kane

Kiddush Committee: Henna Tatham

Ritual Committee: Joel Tendler

The next CTI Board meeting is Wednesday, January 12 at 7:00pm. If you are a CTI Member you can login to our website and see all scheduled Board meetings by clicking here.

For those new to the community, check out this introductory video

featuring Rabbi Dan and a few of our wonderful CTI community members!

Birthdays

Marnina Arshawsky on December 19

Harold Bolnick on December 20

Ester Smith on December 24

If you have any birthdays or anniversaries you would

like to add, please update your profile on our website.

Yahrzeit Remembrances

Benjamin Brener, Father of Lazaro Brener, on Friday 20 Tevet

If you have a Yahrzeit that you would like the congregation to acknowledge, or if you have a correction that needs to be made, please update your profile on our website.

DONATIONS

Thank you to Anonymous donors.

Thank you to Arthur Altman for his Aliyah donation.

Thank you to Michelle Berry for her donation in Honor of Rabbi Millner’s teaching.

Thank you to Jay Rubin for his Aliyah donation.

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We encourage you to use electronic payments by credit card or eCheck through CTI's website at www.tiferetaustin.org when fulfilling the mitzvah of giving Tzedakah to mark family events and milestones, including Yahrzeits, and in honor of CTI and our community.

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Spiel sponsorships are now available for a donation of $18. Advertise your business or dedicate an issue of the spiel in memory of a loved one or to celebrate a Simcha. Contact admin for more details.

Donations can be made via our website at www.tiferetaustin.org, by pressing "Make a Donation" in the sidebar, using the "Donate to CTI" button on the top left of this email, or by sending your check to: Tiferet Israel P.O. Box 27254, Austin, TX 78755. Please make check payable to Tiferet Israel and please indicate what the donation is for.

Refuah Shelayma to:

Allene Novy-Portnoy; Hannah Bassa bat Sarah Osnat
Avshalom ben Hannah Bassa
Cindy Newman
Debbie Tendler; Devorah Rachel bat Rivka Leah
Janet Goldberg; Shayna Masha bat Chasha Mina
Ken Friedman
Rebecca Millner; Rivkah bat Shoshana
Sheina Ruchel bat Henya Leah
Tzvi David ben Rivka Golda
Yoel Simcha ben Chaya Risha
Sulta bat Nedgma
Zvi Aharon ben Bayla
Yaira bat Sarah
Shimon ben Sarah
Hinda bat Yehudit
Tamar bat Chaya
Ilana bat Gheita
Joel Tendler; Yehoshua Mordechai ben Tziporah Perel
HaRav Avram Meir ben Eli Yosef v'Shira Chanah.
Rabbi Harold Liebowitz, Ha Rav Chaim Alter ben Necha.
Baruch Akiva Ben Rivka
Miriam bat Helen
Rivka Michal bat Sarah Chana
Lori Garza

Shoshana bat Yocheved
Miriam bat Rachel v'Mordechai
Alta Shoshana bat Shulamit
Meir Psachia ben Tziril
Geni Berman Abitbol
Beilya Golda bat Leah
Yosef Yehoshua ben Sarah
Jonathan Malawer (Yosef ben Bracha)
Bowie Alarcon
Fivel ben Sarah HaLevi
Adam ben Chanah
Rafael ben Sheindal Leah
Aharon Asher ben Chaya Naomi
Esther Malka Fraida bat Serel Chaya Raiza
Kalev Boaz Chai ben Aliza
Esther Reva bat Malka
Avraham ben Rut
Peter Janson, Faival ben Tzur
Sheva Eva bat Bella.
Dorit Iken, Dorit Chana bat Orah
Moshe ben Rut
Shulkah Malka bat Tziporah
Yehudit bat Sara
Chandal bat Basia
Shmuel Dovid bat Malka
Anthony Ben Devorah
Shayna Leah bat Yehudit

Wishing all Cholei Yisrael a Refuah Shlayma.

Dear Tiferet Friends,

If you placed a name on the Refuah Shelayma list and G-d willing the person is well,

please let us know. Also, if you have a friend or family member who needs

prayers for healing, again please let us know at admin@tiferetaustin.org

Online Shopping that Benefits CTI

Don't forget to bookmark our special links to AmazonSmile and Artscroll.com -- you will have the same shopping experience and CTI gets a generous percentage of your shopping dollar. Please bookmark and start shopping!

AmazonSmile Info

To Get Started with AmazonSmile

AmazonSmile will make a donation to CTI based on the amount of your eligible purchases made on the AmazonSmile website. The AmazonSmile website looks identical to the regular Amazon.com website, except that when you log in the banner at the top of the window shows that you are on the AmazonSmile website and displays the charity that you are supporting. There is also an additional item in the dropdown menu labelled “Your AmazonSmile”. The AmazonSmile page offers a convenient shortcut icon or bookmark for your browser to take you to AmazonSmile for your shopping.

ArtScroll

Using the CTI Website

Logging in is easy via the login button at the top of the web page. Your login ID is your email address.

Once logged in, many of the fields are pre-filled for you, to make it easier and quicker to register for an event or make a donation, and so on.

But that's not all! You will also have access to the online Member Directory, the CTI Bylaws, the minutes of Board meetings and the President,Treasurer and Rabbi Reports and other documents, all under the Resources tab. With more coming all the time!

If you have any questions or comments about the website, please contact our webmaster Joel Tendler at webmaster@tiferetaustin.org.