What's Happening in West Orange Synagogues?

Supporting Israel 

Here at B’nai Shalom, we have a strong record for support of Israel.

As we watch the recent events unfolding in Israel and the Gaza Strip, we remain steadfast in our love and support of Israel.

But we are disgusted by certain media coverage whose selective amnesia ignores the simple fact that these missiles have been being shot at Israel for months and months now. We are grateful that the United States in recent years authorized and installed the Iron Dome air defense system to protect against this very situation. And we wait for news of the conflicts’ escalation or resolution, but we’re not sure where it will go. But what can we do as a religious community to help?

While the political and military leaders set the course, we simply must reaffirm our commitment to Israelis on the ground. And so we have focus initiatives with the Jewish National Fund and the Masorti movement in Israel.

First, our support of Jewish National Fund: The need for the protected playgrounds of Sederot has been proven by the missiles in past months and the incessant shelling this week.

The JNF has dedicated itself to the safe and environmental development of Israel’s towns and infrastructure. Those efforts are poignantly affirmed in times like this and their need well beyond Sederot is now obvious to the world.

What can you do? For immediate JNF relief, click here.

And for our commitment to development of sustainable communities, you can treat yourself to the Jan. 12, 2013 concert by Sederot native and Israeli Idol champion Hagit Naso, exclusively at B’nai Shalom. All funds raised from tickets go to B’nai Shalom and the JNF, so help us make this a great event.

Beyond that, relationships with specific people and communities is the real Israel.

In Arad, we are supporting the Masorti/Conservative movement through overseas memberships in Shirah Hadashah congregation.

Each B’nai Shalom family can join this fledgling sister congregation for $36, receiving updates and knowing we have a home community when in Israel – just 90 minutes from Tel Aviv.

The financial impact of these memberships on the modest Shirah Hadashah will be tremendous.

Now, more than ever, we need to build the foundation of a safe and permanent Israel for our people through investment and relationship. 

B’ahavat Yisrael, in Love of Israel, 

Rabbi Robert L. Tobin

This Shabbat the Torah portion is Parashat Vayetze.

Service times are as follows:

Friday, Nov. 23
Candlelighting: 4:15 p.m.
Friday Evening Service: 6 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 24
Shabbat morning services: 9 a.m.
Mincha: 4:15 p.m., study with Rabbi Tobin, Maariv and Havdallah

Minyanim:
Sunday morning: 9 a.m.
Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.
Evenings: Sunday–Thursday: 8 p.m.

Upcoming Programs at B’nai Shalom
Wed. Nov. 28 – Hazak senior trip to the Folksbiene Theatre in New York City to see The Golden Land. $50 includes bus transportation and tickets.
7 p.m.: When Leaders have Clay Feet - a course on Leaders of the Bible. Taught by Janice Colmar.
Men’s Club Toy Drive will continue until Dec. 3. Bring newunwrapped toys, books, puzzles, school supplies to B’nai Shalom. They will be distributed during the holidays.
Donations of kosher grape juice boxes are being collected by The Joint Chaplaincy Committee of the Jewish Federation of MetroWest for those affected by the recent storms throughout parts of New Jersey. Drop them off in the box at B’nai Shalom.
Save the Date – Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 8:30 p.m. for a Pre-Chanukah lecture by Rabbi Tobin on Maccabees of Today: A Clash of Politics and Religion – If Chanukah were today, who would the players be and what would we think of them?