Aug. 27, 2020

Dear Friends,
   How do we understand our history?
   That is one of the key questions behind the Book of Deuteronomy that we are currently reading in the Torah portion cycle, and the motivating force behind "The 1619 Project" and the counter "The 1620 Project" that you may have read about recently.
   We'll examine these differing schools at our Zoom Shabbat (7:30 PM).

   Next week we begin Live-stream Shabbat  from our sanctuary, and I know you will love hearing student cantor Iris Karlin with our enhanced audio-visual capability, and with guitar and piano.
    The sermon/discussion segment, however, will still continue on interactive Zoom.
    Don't worry, we'll lay out the instructions for both.

    But for now our intrepid and indefatigable president Michael Fishbein needs a crew to help him with broadcasting our Shabbat and Holiday service. Are you a bit tech-savvy and willing to do a real mitzvah? If so, please let us know!

Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Schwartz

Aug. 20, 2020

Dear Friends,
   One hundred years ago this week Congress ratified the 19th Amendment to the Constitution granting women the right to vote.

      At our Zoom Shabbat  (7:30 PM)  we will celebrate this milestone anniversary of the Suffrage Act, and discuss the Jewish pioneers who helped bring about this turning point in American history.

Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Schwartz

Dear Friends,

  As the summer winds down, it's time for my annual Torah study letter.

  This year I'm happy to announce that we will be studying Torah with Rashi.

  We'll read the weekly portion with the sage considered the greatest commentator in Jewish history.

  We'll do so with the help of a wonderful recent book called The JPS Rashi Discussion Torah Commentary.

  Torah study begins on Sept 12, and a full schedule will be listed on the congregational calendar.

  Books will be available from me during the High Holiday book distribution on Sept. 10 (7-8PM) or from the school porch all the next day.

  A contribution of $20 is kindly requested.

  You may also order the book directly from JPS (1-800-848-6224) or online www.jps.org or Amazon.

  Torah study will be conducted via Zoom until further notice, and a Zoom invitation will be forthcoming.

  While not ideal, the many of you who completed last year in this fashion know that good learning and discussion ensued.

  Please let anyone you think might be interested know, and we hope to see you there!

  Shalom,   
  Rabbi Barry L. Schwartz

Aug. 13, 2020

Dear Friends,
     Did you ever wonder why Judaism changed from a tabernacle based religion, to a Temple-in-Jerusalem based religion, to a synagogue based religion? 

     This week's Torah portion, and commentary to it, offers an interesting clue, which we will explore at our Zoom Shabbat  (7:30 PM).

      Our book club has been growing. Mark your calendar for the next meeting, Monday eve. Sept 14 (8:00 PM- note time change). The timely and provocative short story that I have selected has been posted at our website, so you can already read it: https://adasemuno.org/bookclub/.

Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Schwartz

Aug.6, 2020

Dear Friends,
     I recently read a devastating essay by a well-known London writer called The American Idiot which goes a long way in explaining not only why the pandemic is surging again but many other things happening in our country.
     Believe it or not, the roots of the phenomenon are actually addressed in our Torah portion, and I will discuss both the portion and the article at our Zoom Shabbat (7:30 PM).

     This week (or shortly) you will be receiving important information regarding the fall and Holidays, so please be on the look-out, and do not hesitate to contact me or Temple president Michael Fishbein with any questions or comments. 

Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Schwartz

July 30, 2020

Dear Friends,
   Both ancient Israel and modern Israel are fixated on borders- just look at the Torah portion and the news.
   Should Israel be annexing the West Bank? 
   Has the point of no return been passed?
   We'll look at perspectives old and new at our Zoom Shabbat (7:30 PM) 

   For those who don't receive the Jewish Standard, here is a link to last week's cover story on our Ethiopian Jewish tapestry and the new children's book I have created based on it:
https://jewishstandard.timesofisrael.com/on-eagles-wings-2/

Shabbat shalom,
Barry

July 23, 2020

Dear Friends,
  At our Zoom Shabbat Service (7:30 PM) I'll offer a tribute to civil rights pioneer John Lewis, who I had the privilege to personally meet a few years ago.
 
    I'm also hosting the next meeting of the Zoom Adas Emuno Book Club on Monday (7:30 PM), which promises to be timely and provocative.

     Finally, I invite you to join the Zoom Reform Community Tisha B'av Service on Wed. (7:30 PM) with guest speaker Rabbi Amy Bolton.

Links to join these events are in this week’s message from the Rabbi.

Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Schwartz

July 9, 2020

Dear Friends,
  The debate over facing ourselves and our history during this unsettled time is proving provocative and fascinating.
  This week I'd like to comment on the blockbuster musical Hamilton, which has just been released on the screen, in light of the current critique.

  Please note that our Zoom Shabbat  (7:30 PM) invitation has changed for the duration of the summer. See the email you received today for the new link to the service.

Shabbat shalom, 
Rabbi Schwartz

July 2, 2020

Dear Friends,
   This 4th of July feels so different, given the pandemic and the protests.
   At our Zoom Shabbat service (7:30 PM) I'll  speak about the reality behind that feeling, and invite you to share your thoughts as we approach a unique Independence Day.
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Schwartz

June 25, 2020

Dear Friends,
   What should we do with those Confederate monuments that are still standing? With monuments to past presidents who were slave owners? With explorers who were colonialists? Does Judaism, which is so concerned about memory and justice, help inform the debate?
   We'll discuss this at our Zoom Shabbat service (7:30 PM), which thanks to so many of you, continues to garner great support.
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Schwartz