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Message Rabbi Norbert Weinberg
We will soon converge at our synagogue to mark Rosh Hashanah, the New Year of 5779. The year going out has been hard and trying on us as a nation and we ask what has happened to our ideals and to our sense of common cause. Of course, as Jews, we also know that “ Ain Chadash Tachat Hashemesh”-There is nothing new under the sun, or, in common parlance,” Been there; done that.”.
According to an ancient tradition, on Rosh Hashanah God created humanity and in so doing, completed the action of Creation.
Do not imagine that it was an easy thing to create the first Adam. Do not imagine That the heavens were pleased with the whole process. Thus it is said that when God was about to create the first Adam, the angels in heaven were in an uproar.
All had been in harmony, and all has been in accord with God --up until he said, "Let us make Adam~Humanity." At this moment, dissension entered the universe.
One school demanded ,'Don't do it' and the other demanded ," Do it.
Lovingkindness said " Create him for he will be a kind and loving being.
Justice said " Create him, for he shall do justice."
Peace said," Don't create him, for he is only strife and contention."
What did God do? He threw truth to the ground ! God turned to the angels and said, " Stop your arguing! Naasah Adam., Adam has already been created."
What a controversial creature we be that the angels in heaven themselves must disagree and that peace is ignored and the truth itself is thrown to the ground in order to make way for the human being.
In this Midrash, our Sages must have known that some two millennia after they taught, we would still be caught up in our strife and our lies, personal and public. They understood that God must have known full well what a “brave new world” he created “that had such people in it.”
If we understand that God saw full well what his creature could do, we can also understand God’s belief in the potential of his creation, that we could lift ourselves above our strife and contention and carry out acts of lovingkindness and peace. It is that Divine faith in our potential and capability that brings us together, under one roof, in this Bet Knesset, House of Gathering. This year, we will gather ourselves, our thoughts, hopes, and aspirations together and usher in a much better 5779.
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Message From Rabbi Steven Rosenberg
It’s a Wonderful New Year in the Neighborhood
Fifty years ago, Fred Rogers had a simple but important mission: To find a way to convey positive messages to children about who they are and that their feelings matter. Here are some of his words:
“Love isn’t a state of perfect caring. It is an active noun like “struggle.” To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now.”
“If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of.”
There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.”
“One of the greatest dignities of humankind is that each successive generation is invested in the welfare of each new generation.”
“Forgiveness is a strange thing. It can sometimes be easier to forgive our enemies than our friends.”
“It can be hardest of all to forgive people we love.”
“Like all of life’s important coping skills, the ability to forgive and the capacity to let go of resentments most likely take root very early in our lives.”
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
Rogers, an ordained minister, saw the new medium of Television as an amazing tool to bring these important values to children.
So why is a rabbi talking about Mister Rogers during the High Holy Days? Because his messages were also deeply Jewish ones.
Roger’s most famous message, “I like you just the way you are,” is succinct, powerful and such an important message for today: Accept people where they are. Accept them for what they are and like them for who they are, not what you want them to be.
The Jewish tradition teaches us to “love your neighbor as yourself.” It goes without saying that in order to fulfill this commandment, we must also love ourselves first. In other words, we need to like ourselves just the way we are as well.
As our community grows together at Hollywood Temple Beth El, we would be well served to learn from Mister Rogers wise words and heartfelt thoughts:
"As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has--or ever will have--something inside that is unique to all time. It's our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression."
That is what a community does at its best. Each day we should encourage each other to be the best “you.” To accept, honor and love our each other just for being themselves, with the simple words, you are welcome here and you matter just by you being you!
As this New Year approaches, let us all learn Fred Rogers’ wonderful and important words of acceptance, love, community and human dignity. Let us go forward with the understanding that the only way to build a healthy and long-lasting community are built upon the values of compassion, caring and mutual respect.
If Mister Rogers was here with us today, I am sure he would say, “You make our community special by just being you.”
I wish you and your family a sweet, happy and healthy new year.
L’Shanah Tovah,
Rabbi Steven Rosenberg
Director of Outreach and Engagement
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Welcome to our Family
Hazzan Stacey Morse
Born of a brilliant hippie Democrat and a Republican “McGyver,” our new hazzan lives for harmony – in all forms.
Her family drove from New York, harmonizing all the way ... when Stacey was a toddler. Her Hebrew name, Shira, means Song. Her family’s havurah created the only synagogue in Manhattan Beach.
Our new sheliach tzibbur (messenger of the congregation) has led services and life-cycle events throughout the country, internationally, and on the high seas. Stacey even led services for our armed forces by invitation. She has created and led healing services and drum circles, harmonized for an R&B label, and been blessed to sing with Cantors Phil Baron, Ilan Davidson and Hershel Fox.
She is honored to be with HTBEL, and looks forward to davening with Rabbi Rosenberg and Rabbi Weinberg, in both the Ashkenazic and Sephardic traditions.
Stacey attended Brandeis University, CSUDH, and the Academy of Jewish Religion, studying privately with Cantor William Sharlin (z”l). (También habla y entiende el español, pero es una historia muy larga!) After receiving her Masters, Stacey taught English grammar, religion, and Hebrew to children and adults.
She has also written and edited calendars, newspapers, magazines, and even a physics journal at UCLA. She may also hold the record for the oddest jobs held while working on her theses.
Like the rest of the Morse family, Stacey has sailed and ridden motorcycles her whole life. She is a member of the Renaissance Faire, and a member of her local C.E.R.T. (Community Emergency Response Team). Most of all, she loves to hear the congregation harmonize with her.
Come make a joyful music with Stacey Morse
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COUNTDOWN TO HIGH HOLY DAYS
For a whole month before Rosh Hashanah, we begin to build up to what is intended as the greatest communal and individual meet-up with the Eternal and Infinite.
That month is known as “ Elul”, which is seen as an acronym for “ Ani- Ledodi V’dodi Li” ( I am for my beloved and my beloved us for me, from The Song of Songs). We mark that season with a special Psalm and the Shofar is blown at every weekday morning service.
Sephardic Jews go a step further, with extra prayers, Slichot, recited every day, at the crack of dawn; Ashkenazic Jews tend to take it easier, and begin the Slichot only on the Saturday night, a week before Rosh Hashanah.
To help us get in the mood, every Shabbat leading up to Rosh Hashanah will be dedicated to a different theme of the season. Services begin at 9:45 AM.Discussion at 11:45 AM.
Join us for Nosh and Drosh at 1 PM on Shabbat
August 11—Rosh Hashanah- The Beginning of the Year. Where does this come from? Why isn’t it in the Torah? What is in the Torah? What do our great sources tell us about this season
August 18—Return- Teshuvah. Are we in charge of our fate? Is it in the cards? Is it in our DNA? A look at Jewish sources.
August 25— Music and the Holidays - Those tones that hit a primal inner-self. The Rosh Hashanah Leitmotif and other melodies, Featuring Hazzan Stacey Morse. Learn the melodies of the service
September 1- The poetry of the Mahzor. What is in this magic prayerbook that we read and do not comprehend?
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Memorial Plaque Appeal
Over the years and generations your loved ones names have been inscribed in our Temple’s Memorial Plaques. We honour their life, love and commitment to our synagogue.
Your help is needed to maintain the memorial plaques for your loved ones. To continue our service of honor to you and your loved ones, we ask for a yearly donation of $18.00 per plaque.
For your donation HTBE will ensure
- the inclusion of your loved one’s name in our Memorial Book for Yizkor prayer
- turning on of yahrzeit lights for your loved one
- turning on of lights for your loved one at all Yizkor services
- any necessary repair and maintenance of your loved ones’ plaques
- email or US post reminders to you of the yahrzeit of your loved one
We thank you for your continued support of Hollywood Temple Beth El. We welcome and greatly appreciate your generosity and ask anyone who is able, to give beyond the measure stated here.
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Book of Remembrance / Memorial Book
Honour the memories of loved ones
It is the tradition of HTBE to publish our High Holy Days Remembrance and Memorial Book as a loving reminder of those we held close. This book offers a source of comfort to those of us who grieve and honors the life and memory of our loved ones. It includes the names of those who remember, the ones being honored as well as the special prayers and meditations for use when observing Yahrzeit.
Prayers and meditations are written in Hebrew, English and Russian.
Names are not automatically renewed. To include your loved ones please submit the names of your loved ones as shown below.
Suggested Donation: $18.00 per name
PLEASE PRINT NAMES CLEARLY Deadline: September 1 2018
Remembered By: Name of loved one. Relationship to you
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Support your community. Become a member
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High Holy Days Tickets and Membership Fees and Dues
Active Military and First Responders Free to all Services.
Please contact the office for ticket.
We strongly encourage members and guest to use a ride share service where possible
Basic
☐ Membership: One Adult Household with children under 21- $300
Includes 1 High Holy Days tickets and Parking for High Holy Days.
☐ Membership: Two Adult Household with children under 21- $600
Includes 2 High Holy Days tickets and Parking for High Holy Days
☐ Membership: Individual Membership - $200
Includes 1 High Holy Days tickets and Parking for High Holy Days
☐ Membership: Students- $75
Includes 1 High Holy Days tickets - NO Parking
☐ General Admission for High Holy Days Services only -$100.00
Includes 1 High Holy Days tickets - NO Parking
☐ General Admission for High Holy Days Services only - $175.
Includes 1 High Holy Days tickets and Parking for High Holy Days
Other
Book of Remembrance - $18.00 per name
Memorial Plaque Maintenance Donation - $18.00 per Name
New Memorial Plaque - $500.00
Sisterhood - Membership $36.00
Sponsor a High Holy Days Machzor* – (Minimum Donation $36.00)
My Donation Amount: $
Sponsor or Honouree’s name will be entered in High Holy Days Machzor
Special High Holy Days Honors
Aliyah
Rosh Hashana Day 1:
- Cohen (Honouree Must be a Cohen.)$175.00
- Levi(Honouree Must be a Levi.)$175.00
- – 5 125.00
Maftir 125.00
Haftarah 125.00
Yom Kippur:
- Cohen (Honouree Must be a Cohen.)$175.00
- Levi (Honouree Must be a Levi.)$2175.00
- – 6 $125.00
Ark Openings/Closing - $72
Rosh Hashana Day 1 or Yom Kippur
Avinu Malkenu
Start of Torah Service
End of Torah Service
Musaf Amidah
Aleynu (in the Amidah)
Kol Nidre Ark Opening/Closing - $100
Hagbah 1 & 2 - $72
Rosh Hashana Day 1 or Yom Kippur
Gelilah 1 & 2 - $72
Rosh Hashana Day 1 or Yom Kippur
Annual Giving
In this coming year we appeal for your generosity in giving. Your commitment is valued and greatly appreciated.
Donations maybe made in single lump sum or on a monthly plan. If you are able, please consider donating at a level show below.
Community Builder - $18 - $150
Listing in our recognition booklet
High Holy Day Honour – To be determined
Friends Circle - $151 - $500
Carry a Torah on Kol Nidre
Above plus invitation to special appreciation event
Special HTB Donor “T” Shirt
Deborah Society
Leaders Nevi’im - $501 -$3000
Above plus Invitation to special Leaders Society appreciation event
1 copy of High Holy Days Machzor signed by Rabbis Weinberg and Rosenberg
Dinner with the Clergy
Aliyah on High Holy Days
Benefactors Society
Builders Bonim - $3001 and above
Above plus Invitation to special Leaders Society appreciation event
Dinner with the Clergy
Family Household High Holy Days tickets
Aliyah on Rosh Hashana Day 1 and Yom Kippur
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A Spiritual Boot Camp for the High Holy Days and Beyond
with noted speaker and author-Gilla Nissan
“The best way to get rid of darkness is simply to add light”( Rabbi A Steinsaltz)
A Course in Signs & Wonders - Featuring Noted speaker and author-Gilla Nissan
With added guest appearance by vocalist Catherine Braslavsky, noted teacher of the “Return of the Sacred Voice”
Thursdays evenings, 7:30 -8:30 PM, begins August 9.
Special: 1st Session Free. Pay only if you decide to continue.
Discover your true roots and identity through the Hebrew Letters of your name with Kabalistic views on Torah and the coming New Year of 5778. What does it mean for you to be in the “Here and Now” as a Jew, with insights from the teachings of Kabbalah. This is a rare opportunity to develop practices and expand consciousness via meditation, visualization and learning to explore our inner “Neshamah”, our inner essence.
Centuries before Freud and Jung, or Dr. Phil, the wise scholars of the Kabbalah served as the first healers of the soul. Their wisdom and insights can help us build ourselves up today as well.
Gilla Nissan, author of The Hebrew Alphabet: A Universal Guide with Signs and Wonders, brings the techniques of Gurdjieff together with the teachings of Rabbi Jonathan Omer-Man, through the insights of Jewish mystic wisdom, to lead us to a higher plane with meditation, visualization and guided imagery.
Series 1: Five sessions, running Thursdays, August 9-Sept 6. 7:00-8:30PM. The month of introspection leading to the elevation of the High Holy Days. Opening session, Thursday, August 9, will feature Catherine Braslavsky on the musical sound of Alef, the silent letter.
Series 2: Five sessions. Thursdays, Sept. 20 through Oct 18 .The season of our rejoicing and reflections on the theme of happiness and joy that is the focus of Sukkoth
For more information on Gilla Nissan: http://thehebrewletter.com/about
For a sample of Catherine Braslvasky’s chanting a Ladino melody:http://www.naturalchant.com/mp3/La%20Vida.mp3
Registration for each series is through www.Eventbrite.com.
Fee for each series is $60 for five sessions. Minimum- Ten registrants for each series. Please call 323-656-3150 to register
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SPONSORS NEEDED
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SPONSOR
A FRIDAY NIGHT SERVICE IN MEMORY OF YOUR LOVED ONES OR IN CELEBRATION OF A SPECIAL OCCASION (BIRTHDAY, WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
OR
You may fully or partially sponsor an event! All donations are welcome. We want to keep and expand our services. Please take part in keeping HTBE moving forward!
HTBE Joins with Jewish Family Services in our ANNUAL SOVA DRIVE
Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles { SOVA depends on your donations to meet the ongoing hunger crisis in our community. Donations directly benefit the nearly 12,000 people who visit our three pantries each month – people of all ages, races and religions. Please be as generous as you can be – the need has never been greater. Listed below are our greatest needs.
Peanut Butter, Canned Tuna/Fish, Rice, Canned Meats, Canned or Dry Soup, Whole Grain Cereal, (beef stew, chili w/meat, chicken etc.)
We also welcome other non-perishable foods, personal hygiene items and children’s books including:
Dry Beans, Dry Pasta, Dry Milk, 100% Juice, Oatmeal, Tomato Sauce , Canned Beans, Canned Vegetables,
Canned Fruit, Canned Pasta, Cooking Oil, Kosher Foods, Diapers/Wipes, Soap, Shampoo/Conditioner, Deodorant, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes
Please avoid expired, opened or perishable foods.
For more information, please visit www.jfsla.org/SOVA Or call Kathi Dawidowicz at (818) 988-7682 ext. 120.
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