From the Rabbi's Desk...
 
Rabbi Irwin Huberman
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February 19, 2010
CTI Cares Meeting
Our congregation can be proud of its ongoing efforts to help those in need within the Jewish community and beyond. But is there more we can do?
There will be an informal meeting Sunday, 7:00pm at the synagogue of those currently involved with CTI Cares Committee and those looking to join or volunteer held Sunday at 7:00pm at the synagogue .
CTI Cares is currently involved in initiatives to feed the needy, serve our local homeless shelter, visit those who are ill or homebound, organize Shiva for mourners, and much more.
We are also linked with Partners in Community Care (PICC), a coalition of more than a dozen synagogues on the North Shore that provide counseling and other assistance.
So, how do we put this all together, and are there those currently falling in the cracks?
Whether you are a currently active on this committee, or are looking to join or volunteer, come on Sunday evening for this open discussion.
Kabbalistic Passover
Are you looking for some new ideas for your Passover Seder?
Are you interested in knowing more about Kabbalah, (Jewish mysticism)?
Then please mark on your calendar Saturday evening, March 20 as we welcome back Rabbi Simcha Raphael, a colleague and friend from Montreal.
Rabbi Raphael is a Kabbalist and great story teller who spoke to us last fall about “Jewish Views of the Afterlife.” He will be back next month to talk about, “How can this Passover be different than all other Passovers?”
Following Rabbi Raphael’s talk, we will continue with a Melaveh Malkah, a traditional “coffee house” which will include music, singing, and storytelling.
We’ll begin on Saturday, March 20 at 7:30pm.
Purim: Spreading the Joy
One of the nicest traditions on Purim is the giving of food and other items to friends and those in need. This is called “Mishloach Manot”— the sending of gifts. This phrase is often shortened to “Shalach Manoss” and usually involves giving two different types of food, one of which is prepared (cooked or baked) to at least one person.
As we studied in our Maimonides class, the sharing of food and charity on Purim is a way of guaranteeing, that a few times a year, everyone—regardless of financial status—is able to experience the joy of the holiday. There exists a rabbinic teaching that we should not only give gifts to friends but to someone who is new in the community, to those who are needy, and to those whose spirits would be bolstered by knowing that someone cares. It is one reason why, again this year, CTI is serving as an agent to provide Shalach Manot from person to person.
If you click on http://www.ctionline.org/10pbaskets.pdf, you’ll see an order form to send these baskets to members and staff within our congregation and beyond. It’s also a way for the congregation to raise some money, part of which will go towards those in need.
Although the deadline is listed as today, Friday before Shabbat, orders will be accepted until 9:00am Monday.
Please spread the joy on Purim as we celebrate this ancient story of happiness and triumph.
Purim Evening
There are three things to remember for Purim evening, Saturday, February 27.
There will be a special Purim program and costume party for children beginning at 6:30pm.
There will be a public reading of the Meggilat Esther, the story of Purim, at 7:00pm, and at 8:00pm CTI’s merry band of thespians will unveil this year’s edition of the Purim Spiel.
Watch your mailbox for our pre-Purim flyer with all the details.
Things You Should Know
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There is a series of articles in local papers about the tragic passing of Pat Workman. A fund has been set up in Pat’s memory, and there will be more information regarding a night of tribute in the weeks to come. Any donations in her honor can be contributed to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund, c/o CTI.
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Last week one of our members misplaced a head covering following services. The head covering is a gift from a friend who is currently in failing health. It is off-white lace with a small flower, and has a comb inside. Please let me know if you recall seeing it.
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A weekly knitting group is currently being organized. Please contact Fredda Klopfer.
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Cantor Gustavo and I have established formal office hours. The Cantor will be available each Monday and Wednesday from 10:00am to 3:00pm. I will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We are available at other times but those will be formal times to make appointments.
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Sacred Things
For the past few weeks in our Torah reading we have been examining the laws of how we should interact with each other and with God.
We’ve discussed laws of charity, compassion, respect, restitution, and much more. But this week the Torah does an about face. It talks about “things.”
Within our tradition, “things” play an important role. Many of us have a menorah, a tallit, a Kiddush cup, and a piece of jewelry or other item which has a special place in our home or brings back the memory of a departed loved one.
Our tradition tells us not to worship materialism, but it also tells us through this Torah reading that “things” are important. This week we read about the first menorah, the ark which housed the Ten Commandments, the curtains that partitioned the ark, and many more sacred items that remain part of our Jewish traditions to this day.
I am often asked why it is important to have synagogues and other places of worship. Indeed, why can’t we do all of this on our own?
I will answer that question this evening at our Musical Shabbat services. But here is a hint. It involves the sacred triple play: Sacred actions, sacred time, and sacred space.
Indeed, within our tradition, material things can play an important role in our lives. But they are only one part of a larger picture which we will discuss tonight and tomorrow morning.
As always, everyone is welcome at our services. Enjoy our unique Friday services. Bring a musical instrument. Bring a friend.
Best wishes to everyone for a peaceful Shabbat. May we all enjoy the blessings of sacred time and space.
Shabbat shalom, v’kol tuv (with all goodness)
Rabbi Irwin Huberman
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