This Week at Adas Emuno

Jan. 16, 2020
Dear Friends,
  As we enter the Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, and begin the book of Exodus in our annual Torah reading cycle, we'll look at the connection between the two at our Shabbat Evening Service (7:30 PM).

   Our Shabbat Morning Torah Study (10:00 AM) begins its second semester of Turning Points in Jewish History with the epic event that transformed the Jews and Judaism- the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Second Temple.

    At our Sunday school service (and Confirmation) we will also celebrate the legacy of Dr. King and the Exodus.

Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Schwartz

Lance will be filling in for the Rabbi the next two weeks. Lance will lead services this Friday and next week. His d’var torah will focus on the poet Emma Lazarus. Lance writes:

We all know the lines, "give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free," which are engraved on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, but how much do you know about the greatest Jewish-American writer of the 19th century, native New Yorker Emma Lazarus? This week's d'var torah will be devoted to the story of the woman whose words helped to shape and define our national character and gave voice to the aspirations of the Jewish people, and will include readings of her poetry.

This Week at Adas Emuno

Dec. 28, 2019
Dear Friends,
  Our celebration of Hanukkah continues at our Shabbat- Hanukkah Evening Service (7:00PM), when we first light our outdoor menorah and then our 119 year-old congregational menorah.
  Since this is the last service of the secular year, its also time for my annual The Rabbi's Top-Ten Jewish News Stories of the Year.

  The next morning we finish the first semester of Turning Points in Jewish History at our Shabbat morning Torah study (10:00 AM). 

     On Saturday evening join us for lighting, latkes, dreidels, and song at our Community Hanukkah Party (7:00 PM). Bring your menorah and latkes (if they are better than Trader Joe's!).

Shabbat shalom and Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year,
Rabbi Schwartz

PS Please note that religious school resumes on Jan. 5, Torah study on Jan. 18 and Lance Strate will graciously fill in for me with the cantor at services on Jan. 3 and 10.

• Community Candle Lighting - 7 PM - Beginning Sunday, December 22 and continuing every night of Chanukah on the front lawn.  Join us (regardless of weather) for blessings, songs and maybe even a holiday themed joke.
• Community Chanukah Party - 7 PM - Saturday, December 28 in the social hall.  We'll begin by lighting the outdoor menorah.  Then we'll warm up inside with some tasty latkes, jelly donuts and more.  You are welcome to bring a menorah to light in the social hall and your favorite latkes to share.  You can enter your best latkes into the latke contest and earn bragging rights all year.  Bring friends and family to this festive annual tradition at Adas Emuno.  Fun for all ages!

Hi everyone!

My name is Hannah Futeran and I am madrich at the Hebrew school. I am also a member of the Bergen County Junior Commission on the Status of Women. As part of this group, I am collecting NEW socks, hats, and gloves for Project Homeless Connect, which supports homeless people in Bergen County. This is a great way for members of our congregation to help those who are less fortunate during the holidays. I have put a collection box in the sanctuary and will collect the donations on the morning of January 12. We are so grateful that the synagogue is supporting this good cause!

Thank you so much,

Hannah

This Week at Adas Emuno

Dec. 20, 2019

  Hanukkah here we come!

  At our Shabbat evening service (7:30 PM) we'll learn some little known facts about Hanukkah. 

  At our Shabbat morning Torah study (10:00 AM) we'll look at the Maccabean revolt that started the whole story through the lens of the Books of the Maccabees. 

  Beginning Sunday night we will light our ancient menorah outside the Temple at precisely 7:00 PM. As our president Michael Fishbein said last week, the real miracle is that our menorah still works.
  Rain or shine or snow we'll say the blessings, sing a new song, and tell a new story (or joke) every night. 
   Keep in mind that next week we'll also light our antique indoor Temple menorah (nearly 120 years old) at both our Shabbat service on the 27th and our Hanukkah party on the 28th.

Shabbat shalom and Happy Hanukkah,
Rabbi Schwartz

This Week at Adas Emuno

Dec. 12, 2019

  ***We mourn the tragic deaths of three members of the Jewish community in Jersey City and a police officer there. Our hearts go out to their families.***

  We welcome our 5th Grade to our December Family Shabbat Service (7:30 PM) to help lead the prayers and offer a skit on Hanukkah (it's getting close). 

   At our Shabbat Morning Torah Study (10:00 AM) we will learn about the abuse of power and impeachment of King David, who nonetheless is allowed to remain in office. Relevant?!

   A special "Hanukkah Hour" Tot program takes place on Sunday (9:30 AM) during religious school. Any child age 1-4 is welcome with a parent.

    Mark your calendar: Hanukkah begins Sunday eve the 22nd. We have our outdoor menorah lighting at 7:00 PM sharp every night, and our annual party Sat. eve, the 28th.

Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Schwartz

Congregation Adas Emuno’s Early Childhood Program welcomes children ages 1-4 years old and their caregivers for a fun-filled morning. Children will learn about Hanukkah through music, storytelling, games, crafts, and food. 

Bring your family to celebrate and meet new friends. Open to the Community. RSVPs preferred, but drop-ins are always welcome. (RSVP kklein7304@gmail.com)

When: Sunday 12/15/19

Time:  9:30am - 10:30am

Where: 254 Broad Avenue, Leonia (enter on High Street)

News from our religious school

Last month we were delighted by our 6th grade's participation in our Family Shabbat service.  They sang beautifully almost all of the prayers, leading the congregation in song and presenting a wonderful skit on the week's Torah portion about Abraham, Sarah and the VERY unexpected arrival of their son Isaac.  This month the 5th grade will be leading our service on December 13th with a presentation on Channukah.  Please come everyone to these wonderful family services which are fun, short and to support our children as they raise us in song.  The onegs always have good treats for all to enjoy and it's a great way to get to know each other.  

This Week at Adas Emuno

Dec. 5, 2019
Dear Friends,
   Lincoln famously said that "a house divided against itself cannot stand".
   Yet our country was deeply divided both at its founding and today, never mind during the Civil War.
   It’s particularly instructive to understand how our Founders dealt with division, as did the Founding Family in our Torah portion -- which we will examine at our Shabbat Evening Service (7:30 PM). 
    This theme continues at our Shabbat morning Torah study (10:00 AM).
     This Sunday is our annual Mitzvah Mall (11:15 AM), one of our nicest social action programs. Come learn about organizations making a difference in our community and receive beautiful donation cards which make wonderful Hanukkah gifts.

Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Schwartz