SPONSORS We thank our community partners for their collaboration: We want to thank the following underwriters for their generous support to Under One Tent: Jo-Ann & Arnold Jacobson, M.D. We also wish to thank our region’s rabbis and cantors for their creative ideas and support.

HELPING HANDS Right now, there is an elevated demand for assistance due to the unprecedented crisis caused on October 7th with the attack on Israel. Now more than ever, we have to lend a helping hand to those in need, and show support to those that help others. Below are some of the organizations we think you may wish to support now, during holiday seasons, and whenever you can. We appreciate all that you do for them. Thank you!

PHOTO GALLERY 1/54 On Sunday, April 30, 2023, IsraFEST75 brought together the East Bay Jewish communities for a taste of Israel which celebrated its 75th birthday that week. The event was convened and underwritten by the Contra Costa JCC in partnership with the local synagogues and Jewish organizations. It was a beautiful, sunny day. Children familiarized themselves with Israel through various fun activities. There were also short films, lectures and concerts for adults. These are some of the images from that special day. End of Summer Pool Party 1 End of Summer Pool Party 2 End of Summer Pool Party 5 End of Summer Pool Party 1 1/5 On August 21, families from all over Contra Costa came together for CCJCC's "End of Summer Pool Party." The kids and parents had a good time enjoying one of summer 2022's last hot days in a fun and exciting environment. The Contra Costa JCC brought the community together for the 2nd Annual Menorah Competition on Monday, November 30, at Congregation B'nai Shalom. It was a great evening of families celebrating the second night of Hanukkah. We thank all our cosponsors who made this event possible and everyone who joined in the fun. Edible Science (Winner) The Light of the Diaspora (2nd Place) Here We Go... Edible Science (Winner) 1/25 Summer Day at the Pool (1) Summer Day at the Pool (2) Summer Day at the Pool (9) Summer Day at the Pool (1) 1/9 On August 22, the CCJCC brought together young families with kids and tweens to have some splashing cool fun at the San Ramon Pool and Aquatic Center. These images are testament to the awesome time the kids had that day! The CCJCC & NCSY Project Impact offers four different tracks for teens and families with young children to explore ways for Tikkun Olam ( repair the world). One of those tracks is assembling food and care packages for the homeless youth. O n Sunday, March 21, 2021, participants who signed up in advance came together to work and help those who are less fortunate. ProjectImpact2 ProjectImpact3 ProjectImpact4 ProjectImpact2 1/5 Purim 2021 Purim 2021 - Noa Baum Purim 2021 1/2 On Thursday, February 25, 2021 the community came together for Erev Purim. There were costume contests for kids and families, singing, storytelling with Noa Baum and Megillah reading. Just two quick screenshots from that fun evening. In the 2020 CCJCC Family Menorah Contest , more than 20 families exhibited their spirit and creativity. Here are the menorahs they made and presented virtually on December 16, 2020. Contest 3 Bronson Family - Winner Schotland Family Stamp Menorah Contest 3 1/21 Get Your Butt Outside & Hike with Friends on October 24th was the first in what will be many innovative and exciting Young Families Programming events coming to our community in 2020-2021. Here are some photos from the hike. Hiking in Mt. Diablo State Park We found a happy place. I made this. Hiking in Mt. Diablo State Park 1/10 Violins of Hope: Along the Trade Route event on January 30, 2020 at Congregation B'nai Shalom brought the Contra Costa community together for a memorable evening of music. Violins of Hope Violins of Hope Violins of Hope 1/2

THE 2nd ANN020 CCJCC FAMILY MENORAH CONTEST In the 2020 CCJCC Family Menorah Contest, more than 20 families exhibited their spirit and creativity. The contestants explained what materials they used for their menorahs and why they picked those items. The judges awarded the top prize which was a Nintendo Switch to the Bronson family. They decided to give a surprise second place winner prize as well. While the judges were...judging...the families were entertained by the Magical Nathaniel who incorporated the "light" of Hanukkah into some of his magic tricks. When the pre-teen of the winning family explained why he and his siblings made their menorah out of boxes, he said, "We all feel incredibly boxed up now during the coronavirus. But it is very important to find the light and joy in the box. We should make things beautiful and find the joy in spending time with our families." That is why he and his five siblings chose to take boxes and other scraps around the house and make them into something beautiful. We thank all the participants, judges and organizers of this memorable program. Below are the images of the participating menorahs that were shared with us. For those who missed the chance to dial in, watch the recording of the Zoom contest here . Winner: The "Light out of the Box" Menorah Kayden (10), Kyla (6), Callie (3) and their three siblings Second Place: The "Rainbow Glow" Menorah Ellah (10), Tali (6), Jen (47) The "Bird" Menorah Jacob (10), Ezra (6) The "Be a Hero, Wear a Mask" Menorah Esther (13), Keren (7) The "Stamp" Hanukkiah Oren (10), Lielle (6) The "Robot Piggy Bank" Menorah Jamie (3) The Menonster Helen (10), Miriam (5) The Marshmenorah Helen (10), Miriam (5) The "Sparkle the World" Menorah Dalila (7) The Womenorah Simone Elias (11), Lazarre Elias (8), Jessica Kraft The "Olive" Menorah Olive (4) The "Meyer" Menorah Meyer (1 1/2) The Menorian Falcon Sydney (11), Benjamin (8) The "Mechanical Pencil" Menorah Lucy (11) was writing down ideas when inspiration came. Menorah Ilai (11) The "Branch" Menorah Max (8) picked this branch on a walk in the reservoir and later added the acorns from their backyard. The "Latke Recipe" Menorah Shane and Sloan The Challah Menorah Debbie (67) The "Pirates of the Caribbean" Menorah Anat Sorkin, Tavor Levin The Lego Menorah Lit for 5th Night Ella and Maya The "Giant Box" Menorah Matan (7), Noa (5), Nava (5)

2022/5782 PASSOVER COMMUNITY EVENTS Friday, April 15, 5:00 PM Temple Isaiah’s Community Seder 2022 This in-person potluck seder is for members and their guests. Register here by Thursday, April 13! sign-up ends when all seating spots are filled. Saturday, April 16, 6:00 PM Beth Chaim Communal Virtual Passover Seder Join Rabbi Dan for a communal, virtual seder. We will have participation with questions, sharing stories, songs and eating traditional Passover foods in our own homes. We will also include small group discussion in breakout rooms. If you would like to be a facilitator (we will have a training session) and provide guidance in encouraging attendees to engage and have dialogue, email our Spiritual Life Director, Larry Candeub at thefivedeubies@gmail.com . Saturday, April 16, 6:00 PM Cong. B'nai Tikvah's Community Passover Seder - A Celebration of Rebirth and Renewal Join us for a celebration of the rebirth and renewal of spring on April 16 at 6:00 pm at our in-person Community Seder in our own social hall. This evening will be a wonderful opportunity for us to connect, share a delicious catered meal, and experience a spiritual and musical journey through the Haggadah led by Rabbi Chabon, moving from a life of bondage to renewal and coming back to life. As part of our celebration, participants are asked to bring flowers that represent freedom and rebirth to you and your family. Members: $75/adult, $35/child Guests: $95/adult, $45/child Register here for the seder! Friday, April 22, 10:30 AM Congregation Beth Emek's Passover 7th Day Festival & Yizkor Service The last day of Pesach is observed with a festival morning service, including the prayer known as Yizkor. “Yizkor” means “May (God)remember…”. We recall all of our loved ones who have died, and rededicate ourselves to live in such a way as to honor their memory. We also read aloud the names of congregants and their immediate relatives who have died during the past year. Please join us for this beautiful service, and to celebrate the conclusion of Pesach. The service will also be available on Zoom and live-streamed to ensure it is accessible to all. Check this week’s Once Around Beth Emek for the Zoom registration link to participate online. You can also join services on any of our online streaming platforms: Beth Emek Live , our dedicated page for live-streamed services and programs. You’ll also find an online version of Mishkan T’filah, songsheets, and other supplemental materials on this page. Facebook Live YouTube Live Watch via Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Find the BoxCast app and then search for “Congregation Beth Emek”

D'VAR TORAH: A LOOK AT THE TORAH PORTION OF THE WEEK Each week we will share different commentaries on the Torah portion and/or the holiday. D'var Torahs we shared in 5780 September 4, 2021 NITZAVIM, DEUTERONOMY 29:9-30:2 From MyJewishLearning.com: Writing Women into the Torah by Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses From SouthStreetTemple.org: Nitzavim August 28, 2021 KI TAVO, DEUTERONOMY 26:1-29:8 From MyJewishLearning.com: When you Enter In by Nancy Reuben Greenfield From ReformJudaism.org: From Temple Sacrifices to High Holiday Rituals by Cantor Evan Kent August 21, 2021 KI TEITZEI, DEUTERONOMY 21:10-25:19 From ReformJudaism.org: The Power of Collective Memory by Cantor Evan Kent Ki Teitzei for Teens , Shabbat Sha-raps August 14, 2021 SHOFTIM, DEUTERONOMY 16:18-21:9 From ReformJudaism.org: Social Justice in My Bones by Evan Kent Shof'tim for Teens , Shabbat Sha'raps August 7, 2021 RE'EH, DEUTERONOMY 11:26-16:17 The Office of Rabbi Sacks: Defining Reality by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks MyJewishLearning.com: Telling and Retelling by Anat Barber July 31, 2021 EIKEV, DEUTERONOMY 7:12-11:25 From MyJewishLearning.com: Winning the Divine Lottery by Rabbi Dan Ross From ReformJudaism.org: Survival and S ustenance by Jonathan Cohen From RabbiSacks.org: To Lead is to Liste n by the Late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks July 24, 2021 VAETCHANAN, DEUTERONOMY 3:23-7:11 From MyJewishLearning.com: Inverse Tablets by Mindy Berman The Smallest of Peoples by Pamela Katz July 17, 2021 DEVARIM, DEUTERONOMY 1:1-3:22 From Chabad.org: Recalling the Story, Long After It's Told by Karen Wolfers-Rappaport From RabbiSacks.org: Family Edition by the Late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks July 10, 2021 MATOT-MASEI, NUMBERS 30:2-36:13 From ReformJudaism.org: Out of the Shadows and Beyond the Fear: Zelophehad's Daughters' Daughters by Rabbi Carol Bailin Ph.D. From RabbiSacks.org: Family Edition by the Late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks July 3, 2021 PINCHAS, NUMBERS 25:10-30.1 From MyJewishLearning.com: Dispossession of Women’s Land by Rachel Farbiarz Zeal and Peace by Rabbi Howard Alpert June 26, 2021 BALAK, NUMBERS 22:2-25.9 From ReformJudaism.org: How to Avoid Getting Stuck in Balak's Trap by Dr. Ruhama Weiss, Ph. D. Whose Word is it Anyway? by Steven Kushner June 19, 2021 CHUKAT, NUMBERS 19:1-22:1 From ReformJudaism.org: In the End, There Was Love by Rabbi Alex Kress Experiencing Torah Through Reckless Abandon in the Wilderness by Dr. Ruhama Weiss, Ph.D. Shabbat Sha-raps (for Teens) From MyJewishLearning.com: Responding to Thirst by Jordana Schuster June 12, 2021 KORACH, NUMBERS 16:1-18:32 From Schechter.edu: The Elusiveness of Honor by Rabbi Prof. David Golinkin From Reform Judaism.org: How Leaders Can Use Guilt to Control a People by Dr. Ruhama Weiss, Ph.D. June 5, 2021 SH'LACH, NUMBERS 13:1-15:41 From MyJewishLearning.com: The Perils of Groupthink by Rabbi Asher Lopatin From SouthStreetTemple.org: Torah Portion Sh'lach May 29, 2021 BEHA'ALOTCHA, NUMBERS 8:1-12:16 From MyJewishLearning.com: Leaving Childhood Behind b y Rabbi Shimon Felix From ReformJudaism.org: Bringing Up Israel--Parenting a New Nation by Rabbi Lisa Grushcow May 22, 2021 NASSO, NUMBERS 4:21-7:89 From MyJewishLearning.com: In the Priestly Blessing, Seeing Parenthood’s Trajectory by Noah Arnow Children and Jealousy by Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses May 15, 2021 BAMIDBAR, NUMBERS 1:1-4:20 From MyJewishLearning.com: When Women are Invisible by Sivan Rotholz From American Jewish World Service: Bamidba r by Rabbi David Singer May 8, 2021 BEHAR, LEVITICUS 25:1-26:2 From The Office of Rabbi Sacks: The Power of a Curse by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks From ReformJudaism.org: Joining God as Resident Strangers in the World by Rabbi Ben Spratt May 1, 2021 EMOR, LEVITICUS 21:1-24:23 From Jewish World Service: Dvar Tzedek by Rachel Farbiarz From MyJewishLearning.com: The Cruel Demands of Purity and Beauty by Dr. Shulamit Reinharz April 24, 2021 ACHAREI MOT-KEDOSHIM, LEVITICUS 16:1-20:27 From The Office of Rabbi Sacks 2021: Sprints and Marathons by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks 2017: Judaism's Three Voices by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks April 17, 2021 TAZRIA-METZORA, LEVITICUS 12:1-15:33 From MyJewishLearning.com: Illness, Isolation and Lessons Learned by Rabbi Hazzan Rachel Tilchin From Aish.com: Fred Rogers and the Power of Words by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Lesson in Humility by N.Y. Safran (Family-focused discussion) April 10, 2021 SHEMINI, LEVITICUS 9:1-11:47 From ReformJudaism.org: You Are What You Eat: The New World of Kosher Food by Rabbi Lance Sussman Shemini for Teens , Sha-raps March 27, 2021 TZAV, LEVITICUS 6:1-8:36 From ReformJudaism.org: From the Altar to the Bimah—What is Expected of a Leader? by Rabbi Dvora E. Weisberg Never Too Proud to Wield the Sacred Shovel by Rabbi Ben Spratt Tzav for Teens , Shabbat Sha-raps March 20, 2021 VAYIKRA, LEVITICUS 1:1-5:26 From ReformJudaism.org: The Power of Sacrifice, Then and Now by Rabbi Dvora E. Weisberg From MyJewishLearning.com: The Pending Guilt Climate and the Global Climate by Shlomo Levin March 13, 2021 VAYAKHEL-PEKUDEI, EXODUS 35:1-40:38 From website dedicated to teachings of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks: Celebrate From Aish.com: Revenge is a dish best not served by Harry Rothenberg Coloring Pages for Ages 2-6 March 6, 2021 KI TISA, EXODUS 30:11-34:35 From Aish.com The Injustice of Judgement by Rabbi Yitzchak Zweig For Children--Caring for Others by Nesanel Y. Safran February 27, 2021 TETZAVEH, EXODUS 27:20-30:10 From Aish.com Crushed for the Light by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Balancing Our Children's Education . A Video with Eitiel Goldwicht Coloring Pages for Ages 3- 7 February 20, 2021 TERUMAH, EXODUS 25:1-27:19 From MyJewishLearning.com: Hidden Gifts by Rabbi Nicole Auerbach From Keshet online: A Mandatory Donation by David Katzenelson February 13, 2021 MISHPATIM, EXODUS 21:1-24:18 From ReformJudaism.org: A Continuity of Law by Rabbi Reuven Greenvald Mishpatim for Tots - Kids and Compassion February 6, 2021 YITRO, EXODUS 18:1-20:26 From the Office of Rabbi Sacks: A Nation of Leaders by the late Rabbi Lord Sacks From ReconstructingJudaism.org: Hearing the Voice of God by Rabbi Howard Cohen January 30, 2021 BESHALACH, EXODUS 13:17-17:16 From AJWS.net (American Jewish World Service) Parshat Beshalach by Alana Alpert From MyJewishLearning.com: Parashat Beshalach: Summary by Nancy R. Greenfield January 23, 2021 BO, EXODUS 10:1-13:16 From Aish.com: The Story We Tell About Ourselves by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Finding Courage (for Parents & Kids) by Nesanel Yoel Safran Visualizing the Exodus Experience by Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski January 16, 2021 VA-EIRA, EXODUS 6:2-9:35 I (God) Appeared [to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob] From ReformJudaism.org: What It Takes to Fulfill the Promise by Rabbi Stephanie M. Alexander Why So Many Plagues by Rabbi Mary Zamore Shortness of Breath, Shortness of Spirit by Rabbi Sarah Bassin From MyJewishLearning.com: Who Really Hardened Paharaoh's Heart? by Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg January 9, 2021 SHMOT, EXODUS 1:1-6:1 From Aish.com: How We Relate to God Depends on How We Relate to Others by Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski Coloring Pages for Kids From MyJewishLearning.com : These are the Names by Rabbi Bradley Artson January 2, 2021 VAYECHI, GENESIS 47:28-50:26 From MyJewishLearning.com: The Legend of You and Me by Rabbi Devin Maimon Villarreal From ReformJudaism.org: Shabbat Sha-raps for Teens December 26, 2020 VAYIGASH, GENESIS 44:18-47:27 From MyJewishLearning.com: When Dreams Come True by Hanan Schlesinger Preparing for Exile by Rabbi Yitzchok A. Breitowitz From ReformJudaism.org: Shabbat Sha-raps for Teens December 19, 2020 MIKETZ, GENESIS 41:1-44:17 In parshat Miketz we learn of how Joesph arrived in Egypt and his plan to bring Benjamin there as well. From MyJewishLearning.com: Coercion vs. Love by Rabbi Noah Arnow From Aish.com: Coloring pages for children Ages 3-8 Three Approaches to Dreams by Rabbi Lord Sacks December 12, 2020 VAYEISHEV: GENESIS 37:1-40:23 Jacob now settled in the land of his father's sojourning, in the land of Canaan. - Genesis 37:1 From ReformJudaism.org: The Most Painful Parts of Joseph’s Story Can Teach Us about Ourselves by Rabbi Michael Dolgin Who is the Support Cast in the Story of Your Life by Rabbi Dan Moskowitz December 5, 2020 VAYISHLACH, GENESIS 32:4-36:43 Jacob now sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, in the countryside of Edom. - Genesis 32:4 From Aish.com: Coloring Pages for 3 – 6 year olds Who’s In Control by Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman The Jewish Journey by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks November 28, 2020 VAYETZEI, GENESIS 28:10-32.3 From MyJewishLearning.com: The Place with No Name by Rabbanit Alissa Thomas-Newborn From ReformJudaism.org: Shabbat Sha-raps for Teens November 21, 2020 TOLDOT, GENESIS 25:19-28:9 From MyJewishLearning.com: Why Rebecca Pushed Jacob to Get Esau's Blessing by Rabbi Nathan J. Diament From ReformJudaism.org: The Greatest Threat to Civilization by Rabbi Michael Dolgin November 14, 2020 CHAYEI SARAH, GENESIS 23:1-25:18 From ReformJudaism.org: What Torah Can Teach Us about Overcoming Loneliness by Rabbi Michael Dolgin Chayei Sarah for Teens--Shabbat Sha-raps From Aish.com: Coloring Pages on Chayei Sarah for Toddlers and Elementary Students November 7, 2020 VAYERA, GENESIS 18:1-22:24 From Jtsa.org: Itzik's Journey by David G. Roskies Women of Faith by Amy Kalmanofsky From ReformJudaism.org: Vayeira for Teens--Shabbat Sha-raps October 31, 2020 LECH LECHA, GENESIS 12:1-17:27 From Aish.com: An 8 Year-Old Behind the Wheel by Rabbi Yechezkel Freundlich (Torah for children) From Rabbisacks.org: The Courage Not to Confirm by Rabbi Lord Sacks From usy.org: Lech Lecha by Aviya Cammy (for teens) October 24, 2020 NOACH, GENESIS 6:9-11:32 From Reformjudaism.org: Noach for Tots—How do We Understand Our Children? by Diana Fersko Noach for Teens—Shabbat Sha-raps From MyJewishlearning.com: The Earth was Filled with Violence by Daniel Bloom (for adults) October 17, 2020 BERESHIT, GENESIS 1:1-6:8 Bereshit is perhaps the most read part of the Torah as it starts our collective story. Summary from My Jewish Learning: In this Torah portion, God creates the world. After Adam and Eve eat the forbidden fruit, they are banished from the Garden of Eden. Later Cain kills Abel. God then considers destroying all of Creation. From Reformjudaism.org: A Special Podcast with Singer David Broza ( One can select to hear the podcast or read the transcript) What does it Mean to be Human by Rabbi Michael Dolgin From Myjewishlearning.com: The Two Creation Stories by Rabbi I. Schorsch The Power of a Name by Rabbi Andrew Davids Commentary for Sukkot From My Jewish Learning: This portion covers all the “sacred occasions” that are mentioned in the Torah. It is only at the very end that Sukkot–and its symbols of the sukkah and four species–is mentioned. In the Reform tradition only the part that specifically focuses on Sukkot (Leviticus 23:33-44 ) is read on the holiday 22:26. The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 22:27. When an ox or a sheep or a goat is born, it shall stay seven days with its mother, and from the eighth day on it shall be acceptable as an offering by fire to the LORD. 22:28. However, no animal from the herd or from the flock shall be slaughtered on the same day with its young. 22:29. When you sacrifice a thanksgiving offering to the LORD, sacrifice it so that it may be acceptable in your favor. 22:30. lt shall be eaten on the same day; you shall not leave any of it until morning: I am the LORD. 22:31. You shall faithfully observe My commandments: I am the LORD. 22:32. You shall not profane My holy name, that I may be sanctified in the midst of the Israelite people -I the LORD who sanctify you, 22:33. I who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God, I the LORD. 23:1. The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 23:2. Speak to the Israelite people and say to them: These are My fixed times, the fixed times of the LORD, which you shall proclaim as sacred occasions. 23:3. On six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there shall be a sabbath of complete rest, a sacred occasion. You shall do no work; it shall be a sabbath of the LORD throughout your settlements. 23:4. These are the set times of the LORD, the sacred occasions, which you shall celebrate each at its appointed time: 23:5. In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, at twilight, there shall be a passover offering to the LORD, 23:6. and on the fifteenth day of that month the LORD’s Feast of Unleavened Bread. You shall eat unleavened bread for seven days. 23:7. The first day shall be for you a sacred occasion: you shall not work at your occupations. 23:8. Seven days you shall make offerings by fire to the LORD. The seventh day shall be a sacred occasion: you shall not work at your occupations. 23:9. The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 23:10. Speak to the Israelite people and say to them: When you enter the land which I am giving to you and you reap its harvest, you shall bring the first sheaf of your harvest to the priest. 23:11. He shall wave the sheaf before the LORD for acceptance in your behalf; the priest shall wave it on the day after the sabbath. 23:12. On the day that you wave the sheaf, you shall offer as a burnt offering to the LORD a lamb of the first year without blemish. 23:13. The meal offering with it shall be two-tenths of a measure of choice flour with oil mixed in, an offering by fire of pleasing odor to the LORD; and the libation with it shall be of wine, a quarter of a hin. 23:14. Until that very day, until you have brought the offering of your God, you shall eat no bread or parched grain or fresh ears; it is a law for all time throughout the ages in all your settlements. 23:15. And from the day on which you bring the sheaf of wave offering – the day after the sabbath-you shall count off seven weeks. They must be complete: 23:16. you must count until the day after the seventh week-fifty days; then you shall bring an offering of new grain to the LORD. 23:17. You shall bring from your settlements two loaves of bread as a wave offering; each shall be made of two- tenths of a measure of choice flour, baked after leavening, as first fruits to the LORD. 23:18. With the bread you shall present, as burnt offerings to the LORD, seven yearling lambs without blemish, one bull of the herd, and two rams, with their meal offerings and libations, an offering by fire of pleasing odor to the LORD. 23:19. You shall also offer one he-goat as a sin offering and two yearling lambs as a sacrifice of well-being. 23:20. The priest shall wave these-the two lambs together with the bread of first fruits as a wave offering before the LORD; they shall be holy to the LORD, for the priest. 23:21. On that same day you shall hold a celebration; it shall be a sacred occasion for you; you shall not work at your occupations. This is a law for all time in all your settlements, throughout the ages. 23:22. And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap all the way to the edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger: I the LORD am your God. 23:23. The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 23:24. Speak to the Israelite people thus: In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe complete rest, a sacred occasion commemorated with loud blasts. 23:25. You shall not work at your occupations; and you shall bring an offering by fire to the LORD. 23:26. The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 23:27. Mark, the tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. It shall be a sacred occasion for you: you shall practice self-denial, and you shall bring an offering by fire to the LORD; 23:28. you shall do no work throughout that day. For it is a Day of Atonement, on which expiation is made on your behalf before the LORD your God. 23:29. lndeed, any person who does not practice self-denial throughout that day shall be cut off from his kin; 23:30. and whoever does any work throughout that day, I will cause that person to perish from among his people. 23:31. Do no work whatever; it is a law for all time, throughout the ages in all your settlements. 23:32. It shall be a sabbath of complete rest for you, and you shall practice self-denial; on the ninth day of the month at evening, from evening to evening, you shall observe this your sabbath. 23:33. The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 23:34. Say to the Israelite people: On the fifteenth day of this seventh month there shall be the Feast of Booths to the LORD, [to last] seven days. 23:35. The first day shall be a sacred occasion: you shall not work at your occupations; 23:36. seven days you shall bring offerings by fire to the LORD. On the eighth day you shall observe a sacred occasion and bring an offering by fire to the LoRD; it is a solemn gathering: you shall not work at your occupations. 23:37. Those are the set times of the LORD which you shall celebrate as sacred occasions, bringing offerings by fire to the LORD – burnt offerings, meal offerings, sacrifices, and libations, on each day what is proper to it- 23:38. apart from the sabbaths of the LORD, and apart from your gifts and from all your votive offerings and from all your freewill offerings that you give to the LORD. 23:39. Mark, on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the yield of your land, you shall observe the festival of the LORD [to last] seven days: a complete rest on the first day, and a complete rest on the eighth day. 23:40. On the first day you shall take the product of hadar trees, branches of palm trees, boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days. 23:41. You shall observe it as a festival of the LORD for seven days in the year; you shall observe it in the seventh month as a law for all time, throughout the ages. 23:42. You shall live in booths seven days; all citizens in Israel shall live in booths, 23:43. in order that future generations may know that I made the Israelite people live in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt, I the LORD your God. 23:44. So Moses declared to the Israelites the set times of the LORD. This English translation is reprinted with permission from Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures published by the Jewish Publication Society . Saturday, September 26, 2020 HA'AZINU, DEUTERONOMY 32:1-32:52 This is the 53rd weekly Torah portion ( פָּרָשָׁה‎, parashah) and the 10th in the Book of Deuteronomy. It constitutes Deuteronomy 32:1–52. Here, Moses shares a song to the Israelites that emphasizes their covenant with God. From MyJewishLearning.com: When It’s Better to Do Verse by Rabbi Arnow From Aish.com: Don’t be Spoiled by Neshanel Safran (Commentary for Children & Their Parents with questions to ask) The Arc of the Moral Universe by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks (Advanced Commentary) Torah Commentary for Rosh HaShanah 2020 From ReformJudaism.org: Yom Sheini shel Rosh HaShanah for Tweens by Barbara Kadden From Reform Judaism Blog: How Midrash and Commentary Help Us Read Between the Lines

How to Host a Seder & More Just like Passover 2020, this year for Passover we may have to recreate our own charoset made of fruits and nuts our parents and grandparents never contemplated using. We will probably find horseradish and purchase matzah, but we may still have to lead our own seder and not join our relatives or friends. Still social distancing this Passover season, we may still be looking for items for our Seder dinner(s), consider being innovative. Over the centuries, different Jewish communities made the food their own while maintaining the symbolism which “told” the Exodus story. The many different charoset recipes reflect the foods available to each Jewish community. Think ahead and check with your rabbi, cantor and/or religious leader for resources, stores and food substitutions. Let the story of the Exodus be the “centerpiece” at your Seder. And we hope you use the links below to help you prepare for this year's Seder and beyond! Passover 101 from MyJewishLearning.com, a great website where you can learn from how to prep for the holiday to understanding the terms, to picking the right Haggadah. One Table Passover 2021 has excellent resources that provides information on leading your own Seder, as well as recipes. PJ Library Passover Hub is perfect for kids. American Jewish World Service's downloadable Haggadah is oriented towards social action. Let’s Make Your Passover Haggadah Together! The haggadot.com website enables you to create your own Haggadah and emphasize different parts of the Passover story. How to celebrate Passover during the Pandemic , from Kveller.com How to cook for Passover during a Pandemic , from My Jewish Learning.com/The Nosher Passover Tips for Seders in the Time of the Coronavirus from Forward.com How Different Will This Night Be? 10 Tips to Your Virtual Seder by Jewish Journal. How to Host a Virtual Passover Seder , from Heyalma.com How to Plan an Online Passover Seder from Forward.com Digital Content to Enliven This Year's Virtual Seders from URJ.org . Watch How to set your table for a Passover Seder with Rabbi Nicki Greninger of Temple Isaiah . This Kveller article is ideal to share with teachers and parents of young children . From a Red Sea diorama to hand puppets, from a matzah print to "kinetic rice and sand," there is something for everybody for a fun-filled experience and/or to add to one's holiday decor. Like Facebook? Join the group Jewishlive . ReformJudaism.org 's Passover checklist can be found here . If you are hosting a Passover Seder for the first time, here is what to do . The 14 Steps for a Traditional Seder is a wonderful guide by My Jewish Learning . How to Host a Seder by Mash Up Americans. The Complete Guide to Hosting a Seder by Forward.com . Jewish Study Network has on-line sessions if you want to join. Alephbeta.org is offering free online accounts during our self-quarantine. It is a favorite site for parents with teenage children.

The bibliography for "Will the Real Ari Ben Canaan Please Stand Up" includes several excellent books (names in blue font in the document) on the history and voyage of the ship Exodus 1947 as well as other books on Aliyah Bet in general and on the pre-WWII, WWII and post-WWII foreign policies that impacted Jewish immigration from Europe to British-mandated Palestine. Many of these books discuss US immigration policies prior to WWII, the 1938 Evian Conference and the history of the British mandate for Palestine. For more information on this subject, please contact: rivagambert@gmail.com . Bibliography

SUKKOT The Feast of Booths Read More SUKKOT The Feast of Booths (Tabernacles) It is traditional to start building a sukkah (booth) immediately after Yom Kippur even though the holiday begins five days after the Day of Atonement on the 15th of the Hebrew month of Tishrei. Sukkot is associated with rejoicing, living in booths or, if that is not possible due to weather or other reasons, trying to eat some meals there. A sukkah is a temporary booth, which must be partially open to the sky and whose roof should be partially made up of plant material like palm fronds or branches. Sukkot is both an agricultural holiday celebrating the end of the year’s harvest in the Land of Israel, as well as a time when we remember the Jewish people’s 40 year-long wandering in the desert after our Exodus from Egypt. This holiday is also called the “Festival of Ingathering.” It is a tradition to welcome guests to one’s sukkah, which is often decorated with hanging decorations and/or artwork. Sukkot is both an agricultural holiday celebrating the end of the year’s harvest in the Land of Israel, as well as a time when we remember the Jewish people’s 40 year-long wandering in the desert after our Exodus from Egypt. This holiday is also called the “Festival of Ingathering.” It is a tradition to welcome guests to one’s sukkah, which is often decorated with hanging decorations and/or artwork. In Israel and in Reform congregations, Sukkot is a seven-day festival while in Conservative and Orthodox congregations outside of Israel it is celebrated for eight days. For a more detailed description of the holiday, visit myjewishlearning.com . Sukkot Date 202 4 : Starts at sunset on October 16 and ends at nightfall October 23. Customs Building a sukkah and inviting guests to join you in the sukkah for meals Decorating the sukkah with hanging decorations and/or artwork Sleeping in the sukkah Holding together and shaking the four species of plants found in Israel—palm, myrtle and willow (lulav) along with a citron (etrog). Blessings Here are the blessings for this holiday , including blessings when shaking the lulav. And to learn how to shake the lulav, watch this video . Resources from My Jewish Learning Sukkot 101 Celebrating Sukkot without a Sukkah Sukkot Vocabulary Laws for Building a Sukkah Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah at home Recipes 5 Ingredient Shortcut Recipes for Sukkot

D'VAR TORAH: A LOOK AT THE TORAH PORTION OF THE WEEK Each week we will share different commentaries on the Torah portion and/or the holiday. D'var Torahs we shared in 5781 September 24 , 2022 NITZAVIM, DEUTERONOMY 29:9-30:20 From ReformJudaism.org: Peoplehood, Responsibility, and Intentionality by Rabbi Jacqueline Mates-Muchin September 17 , 2022 KI TAVO, DEUTERONOMY 26:1-29:8 From MyJewishLearning.com: Forging the Intergenerational Self by Rabbi Jethro Berkman September 10 , 2022 KI TEITZEI, DEUTERONOMY 21:10-25:19 From MyJewishLearning.com: Sins of the Father by Amy Deutsch September 3, 2022 SHOFTIM, DEUTERONOMY 16:18-21:9 From MyJewishLearning.com: The Emergence of Environmentalism by Rabbi Neal J. Loevinger August 27, 2022 RE'EH, DEUTERONOMY 11:26-16:17 From MyJewishLearning.com: The Kosher Turkey Debate by Rabbi Joshua Heller August 20, 2022 EIKEV, DEUTERONOMY 7:12-11:25 From ReformJudaism.org: All You Need is Love by Shira Milgrom August 13, 2022 VA-ET'CHANAN, DEUTERONOMY 3:23-7:11 From ReformJudaism.org: Do not Make Yourself a Pesel, Lest Torah Become an Idol by Shira Milgrom August 6, 2022 DEVARIM, DEUTERONOMY 1:1-3:22 From MyJewishLearning.com: Tzedek vs.Tzedakah: Justice vs. Charity by Adina Gerver July 30, 2022 MATOT-MASEI, NUMBERS 30:2-36:13 From MyJewishLearning.com: The Spiritual Trauma of Taking a Life by Rabbi Asher Lopatin How to Model Genuine Curiosity by Or Mars July 23, 2022 PINCHAS, NUMBERS 25:10-30:1 From ReformJudaism.org: Confronting Violence and Injustice Against Women by Rabbi Alex Kress July 16, 2022 BALAK, NUMBERS 22:2-25:9 From ReformJudaism.org: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Curse the Children of Israel by Phillip Rice July 9, 2022 CHUKAT, NUMBERS 19:1-22:1 From ReformJudaism.org: Growth Means Taking Responsibility by Beth Ellen Young July 2, 2022 KORACH, NUMBERS 16:1-18:32 From ReformJudaism.org: Not All Rebellions Look (or End) Like Korach's Did by Rabbi Carole B. Balin, Ph.D. June 25, 2022 SH'LACH L'CHA, NUMBERS 13:1-15:41 From ReformJudaism.org: Transforming Trauma by Beth Ellen Young June 18, 2022 BEHA'ALOTCHA, NUMBERS 8:1-12:16 From MyJewishLearning.com: God Hears, But What We Do Matters Most by Rabbi Elaine Zecher June 11, 2022 NASSO, NUMBERS 4:21-7:89 From MyJewishLearning.com: Surrogate Judaism by Rabbi Joshua Heller June 4, 2022 BAMIDBAR, NUMBERS 1:1-4:20 From MyJewishLearning.com: When Women Are Invisible by Sivan Rotholz May 28, 2022 B'CHUKOTAI, LEVITICUS 26:3-27:34 From Reformjudaism.org: When It's Hard to Believe Life Will Get Better by Rabbi Billy Dreskin May 21, 2022 BEHAR, LEVITICUS 25:1-26:2 From MyJewishLearning.com: Economic Justice for Insiders and Outsiders by Rabbi Joshua Heller May 14, 2022 EMOR, LEVITICUS 21:1-24:23 From ReformJudaism.org: Emerge from Your Cave and See God's World Around You by Rabbi Ben Spratt May 7, 2022 KEDOSHIM, LEVITICUS 19:1-20:27 From MyJewishLearning.com: Stumbling Blocks of Consumerism by Carmi Wisemon April 30, 2022 ACHREI MOT, LEVITICUS 16:1-18:30 In Achrei Mot (After Death) , named as such because it focuses on what happens to the Israelites after the death of Aaron’s two sons, Madab and Abihu, we learn of the concept of the “scapegoat.” As described in this parsha, on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the High Priest is to take two male goats and by using lots, identify one for God and the other one for Azazel. The goat marked for God is slaughtered as a sin offering and its blood is used to cleanse the Tent of meeting, the altar and the Holy of Holies. Then the High Priest is to confess all of the sins of the Israelites over the second goat and that goat is to be set free in the wilderness. Thus, the original meaning of the expression “scapegoat.” At the High Holidays, we think about our actions over the past year. Our prayers of repentance at this time are for sings against God. However, sins against people demand more than just prayer. Maimonides emphasized the need to voice confession to the person(s) we have hurt. Repentance also should not be done in a quick “I’m so sorry,” but must come out of serious soul-searching. According to Maimonides, the true penitent is also someone who commits a sin and is later given the opportunity to commit the exact same sin but chooses not to do so. In contemporary times, is it enough to write “I’m sorry” just on social media and not face to face (whether in-person or by zoom) with the person you have hurt? Does a quick “sorry” immediately after inflicting pain (emotional and/or physical) make one a true penitent? Must, as Maimonides emphasizes, true repentance demand that some length of time must take place during which contemplation has been carried out? These are a few questions to consider as we try to make amends. April 9, 2022 METZORA, LEVITICUS 14:1-15:33 From MyJewishLearning.com: The Toothpaste Sacrifice by Rabbanit Alissa Thomas-Newborn Modern Untouchables: Our Sins of Exclusion by Rabbi Justin David April 2, 2022 TAZRIA, LEVITICUS 12:1-13:59 From ReformJudaism.org: The Disease that Walls Get by Dr. Rachel Adler March 26, 2022 SH'MINI, LEVITICUS 9:1-11:47 From ReformJudaism.org: Birds of a Feather (Don't Always) Flock Together: Sacred Ornithology and Efforts for Peace by Cantor Jill Abramson March 19, 2022 TZAV, LEVITICUS 6:1-8:36 From ReformJudaism.org: Command [Aaron and His Sons] March 12, 2022 VAYIKRA, LEVITICUS 1:1-5:26 From ReformJudaism.org: Encountering God in the Sacred Silence by Rabbi Ben Spratt March 5, 2022 PEKUDEI, EXODUS 38:21-40:38 From The Jerusalem Post: Mystery of the Cloud by David Wolpe February 26, 2022 VAYAKHEL, EXODUS 35:1-38:20 From MyJewishLearning.com: And the Loveliest of All was the Unicorn by Rabbi Avi Weinstein February 19, 2022 KI TISA, EXODUS 30:11-34:35 From ReformJudaism.org: Parashat Ki Tisa: Waking Up to Freedom by Rabbi Hilly Haber From RabbiSacks.org: Can there be Compassion Without Justice? by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks February 12, 2022 TETZAVEH, EXODUS 27:20-30:10 Seeing the Holy in Our Work by CCJCC Under One Tent Program Director and EBIJFF Director Riva Gambert February 5, 2022 TERUMAH, EXODUS 25:1-27:19 From MyJewishLearning.com: In Forgiveness, Making Space for the Divine by Rabbi Brent C. Spodek January 29, 2022 MISHPATIM, EXODUS 21:1-24:18 From ReformJudaism.org: Beyond Welcoming the Stranger by Rabbi Hilly Haber From Kosher.com: Watch The Power of Giving January 22, 2022 YITRO, EXODUS 18:1-20:23 From ReformJudaism.org: Advice from a Father-in-Law by Rabbi Ellen Weinberg Dreyfus January 15, 2022 BESHALACH, EXODUS 13:17-17:16 From MyJewishLearning.com: An Indirect Route by Nancy Reuben Greenfield January 8, 2022 BO, EXODUS 10:1-13:16 From ReformJudaism.org: Why Firstborns Are Such a Big Deal in the Torah by Rabbi Ana Bonnheim From RabbiSacks.org: Telling the Story by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks January 1, 2022 VA'EIRA, EXODUS 6:2-9:35 From ReformJudaism.org: The True Purpose of the Plagues by Ana Bonnheim Va'eira for Teens: Shabbat Sha-raps December 25, 2021 SHEMOT, EXODUS 1:1-6:1 From MyJewishLearning.com: Stop Making Excuses and Step Up to the Plate by Rabbi Michelle Missagieh How Two Midwives Tricked Pharoah by Hannah G. Pressman December 18, 2021 VAYECHI, GENESIS 47:28-50:26 From ReformJudaism.org: Vayechi is a Reminder of the Power to Keep Hope Alive by Rabbi Michael Dolgin December 11, 2021 VAYIGASH, GENESIS 44:18-47:27 From RabbiSacks.org: The Unexpected Leader by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Does My Father Love Me? by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks December 4, 2021 MIKEITZ, GENESIS 41:1-44:17 From ReformJudaism.org: Israel in Egypt: From Valued Subjects to Persecuted Minority by Rabbi Paul Kipnes Forgiveness and Reconciliation with the Past by Ellen M. Umansky, Ph.D. November 27, 2021 VAYESHEV, GENESIS 37:1-40:23 From MyJewishLearning.com: The Light at the End of the Tunnel by Rabbi K. Rosenbaum Caring for One Another, A Resource for Families by Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses November 20, 2021 VAYISHLACH, GENESIS 32:4-36:43 From MyJewishLearning.com: A Tale of Two Jacobs by Rabbi Justin Goldstein November 13, 2021 VAYETZEI, GENESIS 28:10-32:3 From MyJewishLearning.com: The Place with No Name by Rabbanit Alissa Thomas-Newborn November 6, 2021 TOLDOT, GENESIS 25:19-28:9 From MyJewishLearning.com: Did Esau have ADD/ADHD? by Steven M. Brown October 30, 2021 CHAYEI SARAH, GENESIS 23:1-25:18 From ReformJudaism.org: "Resident Foreigners" and the Wisdom of the Oxymoron by Rabbi Dan Moskovitz From MyJewishLearning.com: Was Abraham's Second Wife Really Hagar? by Rabbi Kerry M. Olitzky October 23, 2021 VAYERA, GENESIS 18:1-22:24 From RabbiSacks.org: The Binding of Isaac by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Negative Capability (Family Edition) by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks October 16, 2021 LECH LECHA, GENESIS 12:1-17:27 From MyJewishLearning.com: Finding the Courage to Begin by Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses Questions to Consider Yourself Based on this Parsha: How are you a blessing in your life to others? What journey did you go on that had a major impact on your life? October 9, 2021 NOACH, GENESIS 6:9-11:32 From MyJewishLearning.com: Parachat Noah: Summary by Nancy Reuben Greenfield Parashat Noach Quiz From ReformJudaism.org: Naming Naamah, Noach's Wife (and the Other Torah Women, too) by Rabbi Paul Kipnes October 2, 20 21 BERESHIT, GENESIS 1:1-6:8 From MyJewishLearning.com: Being Like God by Ben Harris From SouthStreetTemple.org: Genesis September 25, 2021 CHOL HAMOED SUKKOT, EXODUS 33:12-34:26 From SouthStreetTemple.org: Chol Hamoed Sukkot (Intermediate Day), Exodus, Torah September 18, 2021 HA'AZINU, DEUTERONOMY 32:1-32:52 From MyJewishLearning.com: Paradigm Shift by Rabbi Rachel Sabath Beit-Halachmi The Times They Are A-Changing by Rabbi Neil Loevinger September 11, 2021 VAYEILECH, DEUTERONOMY 31:1-31:30 From MyJewishLearning.com: Commentary by Nancy Reuben Greenfield From RabbiSacks.org: Consensus vs. Command by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks