Keeping Connected   December  2024

Dear Friends,

As Rob mentioned in his newsletter article, Chanukkah is a time when we recall the dedication of our ancestors who fought against forces of hate and prejudice in order to live, believe and worship freely. The dedication required a commitment to stand up against idolatry, discriminating laws and forces of assimilation. At the same time it required the will to standup to those in their own community who were willing to conform by sacrificing the ethics, rituals and traditions that were central to Judaism.

There has never been a time in my life when I have not been able to find a relevancy in the themes of our holidays, but this year, I feel a particular resonance with the history and message of Chanukkah. Perhaps it is because I feel the Jewish community is especially vulnerable right now to discrimination and prejudice. Perhaps it is because I know that many Jews feel this fear so acutely that they are even afraid to wear identifying clothing or jewelry in public. Perhaps it is because as a community we need to remain viligent to maintain safety and security. Perhaps it is because I see the rapid erosion of the separation of church and state in America, as indicated by such things as the  posting of Christian interpretations of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms in states like Oklahoma as well as the approval of a bible-based curriculum in Texas for grades K-5. Almost all of the stories and translations are from the Christian tradition. It is true that school districts are not “required” to integrate this curriculum, but if they don’t they will probably lose state educational funding. Perhaps it is because white nationalist hate groups have started to feel more emboldened.

In light of these trends, what can we do to rededicate ourselves to Jewish life in a meaningful way? I do not have one answer, because there are so many ways for us to express our Judaism; culturally, spiritually, ethically and more.  I do believe, however, that it is essential for us to support and preserve the Jewish institutions in our lives, whether they be the synagogue, the Federation, Jewish schools, Jewish social service agencies, Jewish human rights organizations, and more. In the time of the Maccabees, King Antiochus realized that in order to assimilate the Israelite population, he had to undermine the institutions of Jewish life; the Temple, the schools, the rabbinic centers, Jewish charities of that time period. So too with us, without these communities and organizations, we lose the supports and community we need to insure a vibrant, secure Jewish life for all of us.

This year, as we all think about how we might give tzedakah before the end of the year, I urge you to consider including some of the institutions of Jewish life.

Wishing you and your loved ones light in the winter darkness and may you always remember that you have the power to bring light into the world.

Chag Chanukkah Sameach,

Rabbi Shoshana M. Perry

Keeping Connected   November 202

Dear Friends,

As many of you heard in my remarks during the High Holidays, I raised concerns about the impact of climate change on our planet and how our faith commands us to take the mitzvah of Shomrei Adamah/Protecting the Earth as an imperative. In the Torah itself there are countless texts and mitzvot that underly this religious principle. I also shared this text from the Midrash, Kohelet Rabbah:

“Then the Blessed Holy One created the first human, God took Adam around to all the trees of the Garden of Eden and said: “Look at My works, how beautiful and praiseworthy they are! And all that I have created, it was for you that I created it. Pay attention that you do not corrupt and destroy My world: if you corrupt it, there is no one to repair and mend it after you. (Kohelet Rabbah 7:13:1)”.

In my Kol Nidre sermon I explained that I had felt personally impacted by two climate disasters this year; the wildfires in Northen California outside of Chico and in Asheville, North Carolina and its environs, the impact of Hurricane Helene. For those of you who did not hear the sermon, I was the rabbi in Chico, California and have maintained strong connections to that community. I have also visited Asheville and the surrounding communities. It is a beautiful part of the world. Ironically I know several people from Northern California who have relocated to Asheville to escape the horrible dangers of the out-of-control wildfires that California now experiences. The devastation of Asheville feels more personal because during my recent trip to Israel this winter, I got to know the rabbi of the Reform congregation, Rabbi Batsheva Meiri. Her congregation, as was the entire area, was profoundly impacted by the hurricane. A colleague of ours Rabbi Asher Gottesfeld Knight, the Reform rabbi in Charlotte, NC, has been keeping colleagues in the loop about the status of the Reform synagogue community in Asheville. If you feel motivated to contribute to help them, you can do so through a special fund that was set up through the Charlotte synagogue. I provided Rabbi Gottesfeld Knight’s letter below.

Tonight we will be celebrating the end of Sukkot with the festival of Simchat Torah. As we mark this season of harvest and plenty, let us remember that the bounty of our earth is dependent upon all of us being good stewards of our planet.

L’shalom,

Rabbi Shoshana M. Perry

————————————-

Rabbi Gottesfeld Knight’s letter:

I have received numerous requests for an update about how to support our colleague Batsheva Meiri and Congregation Beth HaTephila in Asheville. I connected with Batsheva today. She has asked me to provide you with an update as they continue to weather the aftermath of the devastating hurricane.

While progress is being made, the challenges are still immense, and the road ahead feels long and uncertain. There are moments of light, but the weight of what remains to be done is heavy on the entire community.

Most of the city has power again, but the basic need for clean, potable water remains unmet. For now, families are still trekking to neighborhood water stations every day to refill jugs just to drink, shower, or do dishes. There is no set date for when this will change. Internet access is still unreliable, with many, including Batsheva, relying on sporadic hotspots. After a month-long break, schools are reopening, but teachers and students will return to buildings stocked with bottled water. The strain on families, especially those who couldn’t leave the city, is overwhelming.

At Congregation Beth HaTephila, four families have lost everything. Imagine what that means—not just losing a home, but facing a future of uncertainty and bureaucracy as FEMA and insurance move slowly, leaving these families hanging. Batsheva herself has been denied insurance coverage. It’s impossible to go anywhere in Asheville without seeing the destruction—piles of debris everywhere, with estimates suggesting it will take 70,000 trucks to clear the waste from the city. Major areas, like the River Arts District and Biltmore Village, were decimated. Congregation Beth HaTephila has it’s own repairs to make and yet is also offering space to the historic All Souls Episcopal Church, which is still so deeply mired in storm mud that it requires Hazmat suits to enter.

But through the wreckage, there’s been remarkable kindness. Relief workers from all over North Carolina and beyond have stepped in, and organizations like World Central Kitchen have provided meals to families. People from as far away as Israel have reached out to offer support. Schools reopening is a critical lifeline for many families who didn’t have the option to evacuate. And yet, the emotional toll is heavy. The constant state of crisis has worn everyone down. Executive functioning feels frayed for so many.

And the challenges are not just emotional. Congregation Beth HaTephila is facing a significant financial crisis. They are down by at least $125,000 from expected revenues. This isn’t just a line in a budget—this shortfall is putting the future of the community at risk. To help bridge this gap, Congregation Beth HaTephila is launching a dues relief fund to help families stay connected to temple life, instead of having to choose between meeting immediate needs and maintaining their Jewish communal ties. Every dollar helps both families and the congregation itself.

This is where your support can make a difference. If you are looking for a way to make a tangible impact, you can donate directly to Rabbi Batsheva Meiri and Congregation Beth HaTephila. 100% of the funds will go toward helping the congregation stay afloat during this crisis.

Donate to Rabbi Batsheva Meiri and Congregation Beth HaTephila

Additionally, Jewish Family Services of Western North Carolina has been leading many of the relief efforts in the region. They have set up a fund to support recovery in Western North Carolina, and you can donate to this crucial work here:

Donate to Jewish Family Services of Western North Carolina

This is more than just helping a congregation and a colleague recover from a disaster. It’s about giving families hope that they can rebuild. It’s about restoring the sacred spaces where people find connection, comfort, and meaning. The storm may have hit Asheville, but its impact is felt across our community.

Thank you for standing with Batsheva and Congregation Beth HaTephila during this time of need. Your support is the reminder they need—that they are not alone, that we, as colleagues and as a Jewish community, stand together, and that hope is not lost. Together, we can help them rebuild their lives, one act of generosity at a time.

With gratitude and hope. Moadim L’simcha.

Asher

https://tbe.shulcloud.com/form/rbm-discretionary-fund.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawGIrmFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHfZnZnwUPHIRv-rZ3Mv3EPxjiQ9qerWriyufvOeVrhsJ6d_KHUQXmAPgaw_aem_RjZYzsoFHEMQXbLtfhnHmw

 

Keeping Connected   October 2024

Dear Friends,

Yesterday, although it was 3 days and counting until Erev Rosh Hashanah, I decided to put my to-do list on pause and seize the day by taking Lucca for a walk at the cranberry bog in Carlisle. It was a glorious day filled with light, color and crispness. At this time of year I feel like the liturgy, themes, music, memories, and logistics of the Days of Awe course through my brain and body, almost like a parallel circuitry and I am not exaggerating when I say that almost everything I do seems steeped in meaning or potential for a spiritual connection to the holidays.More

Keeping Connected   September 2024

Dear Friends,

Sunset tonight marks the beginning of the month of Elul; the month leading up to the High Holidays. It has become customary to use this time as a period for reflection, conversation and action. Jews do not mark Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as separate days in time, but rather as a part of a process. Elul is the beginning of this process. It is possible to celebrate the New Year without seizing this opportunity, but doing so is sure to add to the richness and depth of experience that these Days of Awe can afford us. I have offered a diverse list of suggestions below for you to consider as you think about how you want to prepare for this coming New Year.

You can also develop your own plan by taking the three components – reflection, conversation and action – and commit to one thing in each area.

 For instance, you can

1. Choose to spend the month reflecting on one aspect of your life (goals, beliefs, career, roadblocks, etc.)
2. Think of a few people or even one person, that you have been hoping or needing to have a meaningful conversation with and then make it happen.
3. Think of an area in your life or in someone else’s life that you can impact by doing something and then do it!

This has been a challenging year for so many and my hope is that these upcoming holidays will be a time for meaningful change and renewal. Please keep a look out for upcoming information about how we will celebrate and mark the Days of Awe at Congregation Shalom.

Warm regards,

Rabbi Shoshana Perry

Offerings from Hebrew College:

https://hebrewcollege.edu/elultogether/

Resources compiled by Rabbi Jill Berkson Zimmerman:

Books

This is Real and You Are Completely Unprepared by Alan Lew (z’’l) Absolutely my favorite book of all time about the High Holy Days – profound and wise, Can’t recommend it enough. (Also available as eBook)  http://www.amazon.com/This-Real-Completely-Unprepared-Transformation/dp/0316739081

60 DAYS: A Spiritual Guide to the High Holidays by Rabbi Simon Jacobson  https://shop.meaningfullife.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=60D

Websites and Email subscriptions

Rabbi Rachel Barenblat (The Velveteen Rabbi) has a blog you can subscribe to. She is quite talented and insightful and always refreshing:  http://velveteenrabbi.blogs.com/blog/2013/08/blogelul-1-prepare.html

Rabbi Yael Levy is posting weekly and daily inspirations.  You can subscribe to her blog here and also follow her on Facebook and Twitter:  http://mishkan.org/a-way-in

Rabbi Phyllis Sommer is blogging and tweeting Elul.  Check out her website to subscribe:  http://imabima.blogspot.com

Journey into the High Holy Days with Amichai Lau-Lavie, the incredibly talented founder of Storahtelling has a daily email you can subscribe to.  For the options on receiving his insights:  http://labshul.org/?p=472

Meditation Preparing for Rosh Hashanah (podcast) by the amazing artist, singer and meditation teacher, Laura Hegfield:http://www.shinethedivine.com/podcasts/meditations/minuchablev/minuchablevrh.mp3?utm_source=Eluletter&utm_campaign=July+Newsletter&utm_medium=email

Rabbi Simon Jacobson has a daily email you can subscribe to, as well as a book called 60 Days, A Spiritual Guide to the High Holidays, Sign up for the daily newsletter here: http://www.meaningfullife.com/subscribe/index_60days_subscribe.php

Jewels of Elul – a daily email by different Jewish author, thinker or artist put together by Craig Taubman.  This year, the topic is Welcoming.  Subscribe here:  http://www.letmypeoplesing.com/jewels/

Rabbi Mark Hurvitz:  funny Tom Lehrer video about “being prepared” (Mark you are dating yourself) and APPS (yes)  that include a daily shofar alarm: http://www.davka.org/2013/08/07/prepare/

Daily Meditations and Writing Exercises on Repentance by Rabbi Debra Orenstein  http://www.rabbidebra.com/elul-meditations.html?utm_source=Eluletter&utm_campaign=July+Newsletter&utm_medium=email

Preparing for the New You from Reform Judaism Magazine (reflections from 9 Jewish thinkers) http://reformjudaismmag.org/Articles/index.cfm?id=3080&utm_source=Eluletter&utm_campaign=July+Newsletter&utm_medium=email

Ted Talks:  Try Something New for 30 Days by Matt Cutts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnfBXjWm7hc

Landlord (Forgiveness)  – Jewish Food for Thought (animated series)  http://jewishfoodforthought.com/?page_id=20&utm_source=Eluletter&utm_campaign=July+Newsletter&utm_medium=email

Beautiful translation and Hebrew of Psalm 27 by Rabbi Yael Levy, traditionally recited daily during the month of Elul:  http://mishkan.org/sites/default/files/Ps27_yael_levy_translation.pdf

(Thank you to the Institute for Jewish Spirituality for sharing the some of these resources. To learn more about IJS and to subscribe to their newsletter: http://jewishspirituality.org/?utm_source=Eluletter&utm_campaign=July+Newsletter&utm_medium=email

Keeping Connected   July 2024

Dear Friend,

When I was a rabbi at Temple Isaiah in Lexington, my position required me to have titles for all sermons and newsletter articles. After doing that for four years, I can honestly say I was ready to leave that job responsibility behind. I am simply not good at coming up with titles. That is why I find it so ironic that I immediately thought of a title for my newsletter article this month: “True Confessions of a Rabbi at the End of June”!

Number 1: After a long year, it always feels difficult to decide what to write about for my July newsletter. Honestly, just as kids get “summeritis”, so do rabbis.

Number 2: Although I am already thinking about the High Holidays and planning for the new year, I am also thinking about the list of guilt-free “summer beach reads” that I have been anticipating with excitement for months.

Number 3: I suspect that most members of the community have similar feelings to #1 and #2.

In light of my confession, I decided to do something silly and Google the purpose of summer beach reading. I found this written at the CNN website: “In other words, a beach read doesn’t ask the reader to ponder the grim realities of the modern world or plunge into the depths of the human experience. Rather, it offers a break from the slog of daily life and the constant drumbeat of depressing news stories.” Hmmmm, this actually resonated for me and I wonder if others are feeling the same way. Right now, with the war in Israel, Gaza and perhaps Lebanon, the rising concern regarding anti-Semitism, the challenging political environment in the United States, the emerging threat of right-wing governments in Europe and more, most of us are feeling a sense of uncertainty and at times overwhelmed. Summer, like Shabbat, is a built-in opportunity to find renewal and healing and most of us feel drawn to the break like a moth to a flame!

But what exactly is a beach read? Amanda Bergeron, who selects fiction for Penguin Random House’s “beach read” list writes, “When looking for the next big summer read….she’s drawn to fast-paced stories with compelling characters. If it transports the reader to another location, all the better. Readers want to be transported. When you think of an) escape often you think light, but I think it’s the ability to inhabit another world or another set of shoes and just spend time in those pages.”

This all got me thinking about the theme of Jewish summer experiences and Jewish summer reads. Are there things we can do to feel transported to another time and place, things we can do to feel renewed and alive, things we can do to nurture our sense of hope and possibility? I would say there are and in times that feel so difficult, it is okay to not “escape” from the realities we face, but to create little islands of uplift and a spiritual and emotional vacation. In this regard, I decided to share with you some ideas to take into the summer. I hope you choose at least one thing to do or read from the lists below and hopefully more.

Happy Summer,

Rabbi Shoshana Perry

PS – Confession number 4 – I used Chat GPT to come up with the lists below!

Activities that will blend summer fun and weather with Jewish culture, prayer and traditions.

• Outdoor Shabbat Dinners: Host or attend Shabbat dinners in a park, on the beach, or in your backyard. Enjoying Shabbat meals outdoors can be a refreshing change.
• Jewish Summer Camps: Enroll kids in Jewish summer camps, which offer a mix of fun activities and Jewish learning in a beautiful outdoor setting.
• Festivals and Cultural Events: Look for Jewish festivals, fairs, and cultural events happening in your area. These can include music, food, crafts, and performances.
• Community Service: Participate in Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) projects, such as community clean-ups, volunteering at shelters, or organizing charity drives.
• Nature Walks and Hikes: Organize or join hikes and nature walks that incorporate Jewish teachings about nature and the environment. Consider doing a study session or meditation in a natural setting.
• Cooking and Picnicking: Prepare traditional Jewish foods and have picnics with family and friends. Try out summer-friendly Jewish recipes like cold soups, salads, and grilled dishes.
• Outdoor Havdalah: Celebrate Havdalah outdoors with a bonfire, singing, and storytelling. It’s a wonderful way to mark the end of Shabbat under the stars.
• Learning and Reading: Use the longer days to catch up on Jewish reading, whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or studying Jewish texts. Join or start a summer reading group or book club.
• Music and Arts: Attend concerts, theater performances, or art exhibitions that feature Jewish artists or themes. Explore Jewish music and dance.

Three Different Book Lists:

For light, enjoyable Jewish reads that are perfect for summer, here are ten recommendations:

1. “The Ladies Auxiliary” by Tova Mirvis: A charming novel about a group of women in a tight-knit Orthodox Jewish community in Memphis, Tennessee.
2. “The Unorthodox Match” by Naomi Ragen: A heartwarming story about a modern woman returning to her Orthodox Jewish roots in search of love and belonging.
3. “The Saturday Wife” by Naomi Ragen: A humorous and satirical novel about the life of a rabbi’s wife struggling with her role and identity.
4. “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay” by Michael Chabon: An engaging and adventurous story of two Jewish cousins in the comic book industry during the 1930s and 1940s.
5. “The Family Man” by Elinor Lipman: A witty and light-hearted novel about a middle-aged man who reconnects with his long-lost daughter and finds new purpose in life.
6. “Goodbye, Columbus” by Philip Roth: A collection of short stories that offer humorous and poignant insights into the lives of Jewish Americans.
7. “The Matzah Ball” by Jean Meltzer: A delightful rom-com about a Jewish woman who secretly loves Christmas but ends up organizing a major Hanukkah event.
8. “Modern Girls” by Jennifer S. Brown: A historical novel set in 1935 New York City, following the lives of a Jewish mother and daughter navigating unexpected challenges.
9. “The Frozen Rabbi” by Steve Stern: A whimsical tale about a rabbi who has been frozen in ice for a century and is discovered by a modern-day teenager.
10. “The Last Watchman of Old Cairo” by Michael David Lukas: A captivating novel that weaves together stories of different generations connected by a famous Cairo synagogue.

These books offer a mix of humor, romance, and light-hearted storytelling, perfect for a relaxing summer read.

Here are ten great books to read over the summer that reflect various aspects of Jewish life, history, and spirituality:

1. “As a Driven Leaf” by Milton Steinberg: A historical novel about Elisha ben Abuyah, a rabbi who struggles with faith and doubt in ancient times.
2. “My Name Is Asher Lev” by Chaim Potok: The story of a young Hasidic artist torn between his religious upbringing and his artistic passion.
3. “The Sabbath” by Abraham Joshua Heschel: A profound exploration of the meaning and significance of the Sabbath in Jewish life.
4. “Night” by Elie Wiesel: A powerful memoir of Wiesel’s experiences during the Holocaust.
5. “The Chosen” by Chaim Potok: A compelling narrative about two boys from different Jewish backgrounds growing up in Brooklyn during the 1940s.
6. “Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life—in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There)” by Sarah Hurwitz: An accessible and engaging exploration of Jewish spirituality and tradition.
7. “Jewish Literacy” by Joseph Telushkin: An essential guide to Jewish history, culture, and religious practice.
8. “People Love Dead Jews: Reports from a Haunted Present” by Dara Horn: A thought-provoking collection of essays on how the world views Jewish history and identity.
9. “Maus” by Art Spiegelman: A Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel depicting the Holocaust through the author’s father’s experiences.
10. “Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor” by Yossi Klein Halevi: A heartfelt attempt to bridge understanding between Jews and Palestinians, offering a personal and historical perspective.

Here are ten good Jewish summer reads that offer a mix of fiction, memoirs, and thought-provoking non-fiction:

1. “The World That We Knew” by Alice Hoffman: A mystical tale set during World War II, combining historical fiction with elements of Jewish folklore.
2. “Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love” by Dani Shapiro: A memoir exploring identity and family secrets through the lens of Jewish heritage.
3. “Kaddish.com” by Nathan Englander: A darkly humorous novel about a secular Jew navigating the complexities of modern religious obligations.
4. “The Weight of Ink” by Rachel Kadish: A historical novel that spans centuries, focusing on two women—a 17th-century scribe and a modern-day historian—connected by a series of mysterious documents.
5. “Here I Am” by Jonathan Safran Foer: A novel that delves into Jewish identity, family dynamics, and the complexities of modern life.
6. “Jewish Noir” edited by Kenneth Wishnia: A collection of dark, gritty short stories by contemporary Jewish authors, exploring themes of crime, guilt, and justice.
7. “The Golem and the Jinni” by Helene Wecker: A captivating blend of historical fiction and fantasy, featuring Jewish and Middle Eastern folklore.
8. “The Aleppo Codex: A True Story of Obsession, Faith, and the Pursuit of an Ancient Bible” by Matti Friedman: A gripping non-fiction account of the journey of an ancient Hebrew manuscript.
9. “Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots” by Deborah Feldman: A memoir about leaving the Hasidic community and forging a new identity.
10. “The Lost Shtetl” by Max Gross: A novel imagining a small Jewish village in Poland that has remained untouched by the modern world and its sudden encounter with contemporary society.

Keeping Connected    June 2024

Dear Friends,

Shavuot is the festival which marks the anniversary of the receiving of Torah at Sinai; the Torah being the foundation of our people’s spiritual, ethical and cultural heritage. Shavuot has many traditions, amongst them studying of the Ten Commandments, eating dairy foods and saying Yizkor for our loved ones. This year, at Congregation Shalom, we plan on the keeping each of these three traditions. On Erev Shavuot, June 11^th, we will have a wonderful evening of singing, prayer, celebration, study and engagement: a Zoom service with music by Sue Horowitz and a program of text study, storytelling and more with guest teacher Marge Eiseman. The following morning at 9:00 am there will be Zoom Yizkor service with Ari Strasser leading the music. More