From the Rabbi's Desk...
 
Rabbi Irwin Huberman
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January 29, 2010
Shabbat of Song (Shabbat Shira)
Congregation Tifereth Israel has a unique Shabbat morning service planned.
This Saturday (tomorrow) marks Shabbat Shira, the Shabbat of Song, as we recall the Jews' crossing of the Sea of Reeds (Red Sea) with the Egyptians in hot pursuit. It is marked by a beautiful poem recited by Moses after the Jewish people make it successfully to the other side.
With Miriam leading the woman in dance, it is the first display of "artistic expression" in the Torah.
During the past three years, CTI has joined other Conservative congregations in the United States and Canada in turning over the service to women as a sign that the beauty of prayer and song is universal, and not gender specific.
However, we feel that the message of equality between men and women no longer needs to be actively expressed, especially here at CTI.
Therefore, tomorrow morning's service will be led by a number of men and women who don't usually get to lead. There will be new faces on the bimah, and a number of people reading from the Torah for the first time.
More than a dozen people will be participating as the Cantor and I take a back seat. Please join us for our unique Shabbat Shira, as we celebrate song and new voices.
2011 Israel Trip Update
Discussions are now under way for CTI to return to Israel in July 2011.
I am in contact with a good friend who is one of Israel's top archeologists and guides.
We are currently developing an e-mail list for those interested in this trip.
If you would like to be updated on the progress of this trip, please e-mail me.
Hebrew Classes
So, how's your Hebrew?
On Thursday evenings beginning in March, CTI will be offering a six week Hebrew class for beginners and intermediates.
This will be taught again by our Hebrew school teacher, Liliana Halac. Liliana has shown great results, especially for those who have been frustrated over the years. Please e-mail me.
if you are interested. There will be a small charge.
Classes will run from 6:30 pm to 7:30pm.
Programming Notes:
Here are some advance notices of programs and events on the horizon:
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Rabbi Molly Karp will continue her series "Women in the Torah" on Sunday morning, February 14 with a teaching and discussion titled "Purim: Esther and Vashti Unmasked."
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Shabbat Across America is tentatively booked for Friday night, March 5. This will include a dinner and an enhanced musical service. Details will be announced shortly.
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CTI will again hold a second Passover Seder, to take place on Tuesday, March 30. Please stay tuned for more.
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The Academy for Jewish Religion will be holding its annual ordination ceremonies for rabbis and cantors on Thursday, May 13 at 4:00pm in Riverdale. Please e-mail me
if you would like to attend as my guest. I have approximately fifty tickets available.
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New Commandments for 2010
A week from Saturday, CTI will re-enact one of history's most important events.
On that date, we will be reciting the Ten Commandments as we recall the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai, and the expression of ten of the most important benchmarks of human behavior.
However, it is important to note that the Torah is not fixed. Part of the key to Jewish survival has been our ability to interpret and update the Torah from generation to generation. There are stories in the Talmud of how Moses himself did not recognize the Torah fifteen hundred years after Sinai. The words were the same, but the world had changed.
Therefore, again this year, I will ask you, that if you had the chance to suggest to God additional commandments for the Jewish people and humanity in 2010, what would those be?
I am asking you to please e-mail me
your thoughts on this, and we will read those "additional commandments" at our services a week Saturday.
If you could add to the Ten Commandments, what would you suggest?
Kabbalat Shabbat
Tonight, as usual, we will begin our Friday night musical services at 8:00pm.
Our daughter, John's sister Sarah, is visiting from London, England and will be attending services.
Please join us for what promises to be another wonderful Shabbat at Congregation Tifereth Israel.
Shabbat shalom v'kol tuv (will all goodness)
Rabbi Irwin Huberman
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