What's Happening at Local West Orange Synagogues

Going deeper in our study and our beliefs
Throughout the month of May, B'nai Shalom hosted three outstanding lectures which outlined different "approaches" to Jewish beliefs:  Rational Judaism, Zionist and Mystical Judaism.

These evening venues gathered serious crowds to learn in a traditional lecture format. This July, we will take the topics Creation, Revelation, and Providence and study them in a less formal "Shabbat Kiddush Lunch-n-Learn" on Saturday afternoons following morning services.

Creation is the first topic. Traditionally minded Jews don't ask, "Did God Create the Universe?" Rather the question was more "How does our scientific understanding match or conflict with what we have learned in Torah?" As such, questions like "Was the universe created out of something, or out of nothing?" were battled for centuries. In our day, modern science asks us "Was the Universe created in an instant, or over time?" We will explore this and more on July 7th.

Revelation is next up: Our Torah teaches us that God spoke many times not only to individual prophets, but to the children of Israel at Mount Sinai, and in an ongoing way after. Yet Jewish sacred texts are no longer written. Did God stop talking? How do we hear from God today, and what does that mean about the sacred nature of our literature? We will study God Talking on July 14th.

Finally, "What have You done for me lately?" Perhaps the greatest challenge to the world in the wake of the Shoah is the question of God's action or inaction. Certain theologies of divine intervention have a lot to answer for. We will frankly examine the question of Divine Control and Free Will. What does God actually do in our lives?  July 21st wraps up the series.

As we prepare to send the kids to camp, and to begin coming and going from the Shore or other vacation spots, B'nai Shalom is preparing to add meaningful learning and contemplation to your life.  "Come and Learn."

Shabbos, Friday, June 8

Service times are as follows:
Friday candlelighting: 8:10 p.m.
Evening Services: 7 p.m.

Saturday, June 9

Torah Reading – Parashat Beha’alotecha
Services: 9 a.m.
Afternoon service: 8:10 p.m.
Study with Rabbi Tobin, evening and Havdallah service

Daily Minyanim:
Sunday: 9 a.m.
Monday-Friday: 7 a.m.
Sunday – Thursday: 8 p.m. 

This Shabbat

Saturday – B’nai Shalom will honor its 2012 graduates from grade school, middle school, religious school, high school, college and advanced degree programs.

11 a.m.: Minyam Meyuchad- a Shabbat service and program for adults with special needs.
11 a.m.: – Torah and Tefillah – a program for 5-7 year olds.
11 a.m.: -Shabbat Fun – A parent-led Shabbat service for children under 5 and their parents. 

Upcoming Events

Thursday, June 14 – 7:15 p.m. Special Torah Fund Event - Rabbi Tobin will discuss ”My Road to B’nai Shalom” A parve dessert will follow the discussion. All are welcome. Minimum donation of  $18 to Torah Fund requested. RSVP to Sisterhood@bnaishalom.net. 

8:30 p.m. – Talmud Class with Rabbi Mayer Rabinowitz 

Friday, June 15 at 5:45 p.m.: Early Family Shabbat Service and dinner: A gathering of families with young children to celebrate Shabbat together. Reservations required for dinner. $15 adults, $8 children age 3 and up. Contact programs@bnaishalom to RSVP. 

Wednesday, June 20 12:30 p.m. - Hazak year–end meeting and luncheon with entertainment by Rick Busciglio performing songs of Frank Sinatra. $10 per person. RSVP requested. 

7:15 p.m.: Art Lecture by Artist in residence: Barbara Israel Bortniker on The Incredible Influence of Jewish Women on 20th Century Art. A Sisterhood sponsored event. 

Learn with Rabbi Tobin on three Shabbatot in July to follow up on the Approaches to Judaism series. These will take place following Kiddush.

Saturday July 7 - Creation
Saturday, July 14 - Revelation
Saturday, July 21 – Personal Providence