Jan. 20, 2022 Dear Friends,    We are immensely relieved and grateful that the rabbi and three congregants of Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, escaped unharmed from their hostage ordeal this past Shabbat, even as we decry continued acts of anti-Semitism and terrorism.      While Tu Bishvat, the New Year of Trees, is a minor Jewish holiday that occurred on the full moon this past Monday, its celebration of the earth and its seasons resonates in our eco-conscious times.   We'll emphasize this connection at our Shabbat Evening Service (7:30 PM).   Saul, the first king of Israel, was betrayed by his son, daughter and protegee David...or so he felt.   We'll sort out a very complicated family situation at our Zoom Shabbat Morning Torah Study (10:00 AM).    And its that time of the year-our Souper Bowl!    Bring your donated cans of soup to the bin on the school porch any time between now and the Super Bowl. Shabbat shalom, Rabbi Schwartz

Jan. 13, 2022

Jan. 6, 2022 Dear Friends,  One year ago today we experienced one of the darkest hours in American history.  Not to put a dampener on the new year, but we're obliged to discuss this awful anniversary.   I'll ask for your thoughts after our Zoom Shabbat Evening Service (7:30 PM).    We begin our second semester of "The Rise and Fall of Ancient Israel" at our Zoom Shabbat Morning Torah Study (10:00 AM). The epic story of Samuel, Saul and David will occupy the next 5-6 weeks- it is grand and there is so much resonance with events today. You are welcome to join us even if you never have before.    Our bi-monthly Zoom Adas Emuno Book Clubmeets on Monday (7:30 PM). Topic: The Magician of Lublin, a classic novel by the Nobel prize winning novelist, Isaac Bashevis Singer. Shabbat shalom, Rabbi Schwartz

Dec. 30, 2021 Dear Friends,   I'll let you in on a big secret- this week's Livestream Shabbat Evening Service (7:30 PM)  is pre-recorded, because both the cantor and I are away.    But you will not want to miss my annual Rabbi's Top-Ten Jewish News Stories!    We review the event filled past year through a Jewish lens.    Keep in mind that you can watch the livestream on Shabbat/New Year's Eve or anytime after that.    Both Torah study and Religious school are on break.    We pray that 2022 will bring health and peace to our families, our country and the world.     Shabbat shalom and Happy New Year, Rabbi Schwartz

Dec. 23, 2021 Dear Friends,    Yes, we will have services for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve (though not in person)- Shabbat is Shabbat!       From time to time I take note of a Jewish obituary- a life well-lived, worthy of comment, but perhaps missed amongst all the news.   Such is the case of Aaron Feurerstein, a Massachusetts factory owner whose loyalty to his workers made national headlines in 1995 and who passed away last month.    I'll speak about him at our Zoom Shabbat Evening Service (7:30 PM).    Both Torah Study and Religious School are on break this week and next.    Enjoy the winter break, but stay safe! Shabbat shalom, Rabbi Schwartz

Dec. 16, 2021 Dear Friends,    We come to the end of the epic Book of Genesis this week.    Is it "happily ever after" for Joseph and his family after the big reunion?    Let's talk about it at our Shabbat Evening Service (7:30 PM) which will be Livestreamed.     From time to time a Jewish hero arises who is all out of character from the typical.     Such is the case with Samson, the Jewish superman.     We'll read his story from the Book of Judges at our Zoom Shabbat Morning Torah Study (10:00 AM) Shabbat shalom, Rabbi Schwartz

Dec. 9, 2021 Dear Friends,   One of the most emotional and significant moments in the entire Torah occurs in this week’s Torah portion, when Judah encounters Joseph.    We'll discuss why it is so important at our Shabbat Evening Service (7:30 PM).   The Book of Judges describes a dramatic but troubling chapter in the early history of our ancestors.    For the next few weeks we read excerpts of this often overlooked part of the Hebrew Bible.    You're always welcome to join us at our Zoom Shabbat Morning Torah Study (10:00 AM).   Start reading: The  next Adas Emuno Book Club meets Jan. 10 and we are discussing the Nobel prize winning Isaac Bashevis Singer's classic The Magician of Lublin. Shabbat shalom, Rabbi Schwartz

Dec. 2, 2021

Nov. 25, 2021

Nov. 18, 2020 Dear Friends,    You might call him "the lost patriarch". In comparison to his father and his son, Isaac had a rather uneventful and unfortunate life. But we'll offer an appreciation of Isaac at our Shabbat Evening Service (7:30 PM)       Joshua was no Moses, but his life was eventful and dramatic. We'll take a last look at Joshua and the conquest of Canaan at our Zoom Shabbat Morning Torah Study  (10:00 AM).     Get ready for Hanukkah at our Zoom Hanukkah Cooking Class this Sunday evening (7:00 PM).      We are proud to host the Leonia Community Thanksgiving Service this year on Tuesday (8:00 PM). Two new pastors from the Methodist and Baptist churches will be joining us, and Student Cantor Karlin will be joined by a variety of singers. Help us be good hosts and neighbors by attending in person.         Finally, the Adas Emuno 150 Exhibit at the Leonia library is now open for viewing. Kudos to Michael Fishbein and Richard Alicchio for their fine work. Shabbat shalom, Rabbi Schwartz For Livestream Services: Go to YouTube.com and enter Adas Emuno Streaming in the search box. About 5 minutes before, find the service that is