Congregation Adas Emuno

This Week at Adas Emuno

September 07, 2023 9:18 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

Sept. 7, 2023

Dear Friends,
On this final Shabbat of the Jewish year 5783 we already prepare for the Jewish new year 5784.

At our Shabbat Evening Service (7:30 PM) we'll delve into the deep meaning of Selichot- the month long pleas for forgiveness that culminate the week before Rosh Hashanah.

We begin our new year of Shabbat Morning Torah Study (10:00 AM) looking at some of the key prayers and creative reading of the High Holidays- a great way to better appreciate our upcoming holiday services.

We begin our new year of Religious School (9:00 AM) on Sunday- welcome back to students, parents and teachers.

Our new Adult B'nei Mitzvah Class will commence on Sunday too (12:30-2:00) and if you want to know more about this great opportunity just talk to me or the cantor.

The annual Leonia Day of Peace takes place on Sunday afternoon on the lawn of the Methodist Church (4:30-6:00 PM); as always I am honored to represent the congregation.

Our Adas Emuno Book Club meets via Zoom on Monday (7:30 PM) to discuss "Who By Fire", the moving account of singer Leonard Cohen's concert to Israeli troops on the front lines during the Yom Kippur War.

Yes, the activity level at the Temple is ramping up...and I haven't even included the Holiday schedule, which starts next week!

In this regard, please send in your Book of Remembrance listings to the temple via regular mail or email now to vegitter@aol.com.

Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Schwartz

This Week at Adas Emuno

August 31, 2023 8:09 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

Aug. 31, 2023

Dear Friends,
Breaking news...that you probably missed...unless, like me, you follow biblical archology.
A report on a highly significant but highly controversial find has just been published...that relates directly to our Torah portion.
It's called the Mt. Ebal Curse Tablet, and it could be the oldest Hebrew inscription ever found, or it could be a hoax!
You can't make this stuff up, and I will explain what is going on at our Shabbat Evening Service (7:30 PM).

As we come to the unofficial end of summer, wishing you a meaningful Labor Day weekend, and note the following:
1. Torah Study starts next Saturday the 9th.
2. Religious School starts next Sunday the 10th.
3. Rosh Hashanah is two weeks away!

Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Schwartz

This Week at Adas Emuno—News on Adult B’nei Mitzvah Class

August 24, 2023 9:06 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

Aug. 24, 2023

Dear Friends,
We welcome back student cantor Joe Flaxman to his second year with our congregation.
In addition to his weekly cantorial and religious school teaching duties, we are happy to announce that Cantor Joe will also be offering an Adult B'nei Mitzvah Class! See the exciting details below.

I came across a moving story of a couple who got married in Israel, just as this past week's Torah portion speaks about the value of marriage, and a new study offers some disturbing statistics about marriage.
So this week and next I'll discuss all three at our Shabbat Evening Service (7:30 PM).

Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Schwartz

Adult B’nei Mitzvah Class starting September 10!
Weekly Sunday from 12:30-2PM
Are you looking to build a deeper connection to Jewish learning and living? Then come and join other Adas Emuno-ers on a transformative journey towards becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah or affirming your heritage. This opportunity is open to you even if you’ve already had a B’nei Mitzvah, or if you seeking to learn basic Hebrew or desire an introduction to Judaism.

Each week will begin with Hebrew and Torah skills followed by Judaic studies, including Jewish liturgy and Jewish history, the structure of the siddur, rituals, holidays, and more taught by student cantor Joe Flaxman. This is a wonderful opportunity to study and read from our sacred Torah, to deepen your own Jewish knowledge and build a community through this dedicated learning cohort! The class will culminate in a group service this spring led by class participants.
   Space is limited, so if you are interested or want to learn more please contact student cantor Flaxman at josephflaxman@gmail.com.

This Week at Adas Emuno

August 17, 2023 8:56 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

Aug. 17, 2023

Dear Friends,
It’s almost as if the Torah portion this week was written for what is happening here and in Israel right now.

Two classic teachings open the portion: the first on the need for an independent and impartial judiciary; the second on how even the king must obey the law!

We'll explore these teachings at our Shabbat Evening Service (7:30 PM).

And sincere thanks to all those who organized and who attended our annual Gathering in the Garden last Sunday. What a great get-together!

Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Schwartz

This Week at Adas Emuno—Gathering in the Garden!

August 10, 2023 12:45 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

Aug. 10, 2023

Dear Friends,
We've been so blessed to have student cantor Iris Karlin back for our summer services.
Alas, our Shabbat Evening Service (7:30 PM) will be her last, and we will miss her.
Fortunately student cantor Joe Flaxman will return on the 25th.

Whenever we travel we have unexpected encounters, often fleeting but memorable.
My last trip was no exception, be they of the human or animal kind.
Since the Torah portion mentions all kinds of animals, especially birds, I'll describe three avian encounters among others.

Another rite of summer takes place this Sunday, at our annual Gathering in the Garden (4:00 PM).
I've been told that there will hor d'oeuvres from Hummus Elite...in which case we are in for a true Middle Eastern treat.
Besides other fun activities, there will be a dunking to benefit the ALS foundation, and yes, your rabbi has again volunteered to go under!
And here's another challenge: I will donate $50 to the ALS Foundation to anyone who can beat me in a game of table tennis (ping-pong)! The table is already set up in the social hall.
So bring the family and friends and any and all prospective members you know!

Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Schwartz

This Week at Adas Emuno—6 PM Outdoor Services

August 03, 2023 8:38 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

Aug. 3, 2023

Dear Friends,
Whenever we are outdoors we are surrounded by the loveliness of nature, but also exposed to the vagaries of the weather.
We've heard so much this summer about floods, fires, and other weather extremes, made worse by humanly induced climate change.
A chapter from our Torah portion brings a provocative perspective on all this, which we will explore at our third and final Shabbat Evening Service (6:00 PM) on the patio.
Please feel free to bring your own picnic dinner for after the service (we provide drinks and desserts).

We will also enjoy our outdoors at our annual Gathering in the Garden, on Sunday the 13th (4:00 PM).
Why not plan to attend with a friend, who might be a potential member, or just for the fun of it.

Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Schwartz

If the service is moved to the sanctuary it will be livestreamed.

This Week at Adas Emuno

July 27, 2023 8:54 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

July 27, 2023

Dear Friends,
Much of Deuteronomy recounts the previous history of the Israelites in their eventful forty years journey from Egypt, via Sinai, to Israel.
This week's Torah portion contains a repetition of the Ten Commandments, and Lance Strate will reflect on the "Big Ten" , when he leads our Shabbat Evening Service (7:30 PM) with student cantor Iris Karlin.

We also note that today is Tisha B' Av,  a sad day in Jewish history, when according to rabbinic tradition, a series of calamities befell the Jewish people, from the destruction of the First Temple in 587 BCE, the second Temple in 70 CE, to the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492. For this reason some Jews fast a full or half day on the 9th of Av, and selections from the mournful book of Lamentations are read. The newly renovated Holocaust Center at Teaneck High School is open today from 1-3 for special visits.

A reminder that next week (Aug. 4) is our third and final outdoor patio service (6:00 PM), and you are invited to bring a picnic dinner afterwards.
  Attention: Weed pickers needed! Weeds are growing in the cracks between the bricks on our patio. Do a mitzvah and pick a weed! Anytime before the 4th, bring a knee pad, and thanks!

Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Schwartz

This Week at Adas Emuno

July 20, 2023 8:23 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

July 20, 2023

Dear Friends,
Even with all the protests about judicial reform and democracy, a recent article entitled "Israel's Unfinished Exodus" created a stir about another challenge in Israel that is not receiving as much attention as it should.
What is the subject, and why is it of extra significance to me?
I'll explain at our Shabbat Evening Service (7:30 PM), with student cantor Iris Karlin.

Reminders:
Our third outdoor patio service is Aug. 4. (6:00 PM); bring your own picnic for after the service.
Our annual "Gathering in the Garden" takes place Sunday Aug. 13 (4:00 PM)- details to follow.

Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Schwartz

This Week at Adas Emuno

July 13, 2023 8:22 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

July 13, 2023

Dear Friends,
The oldest term for the Jewish people is "Hebrew".
It has a most interesting origin, in part illuminated by the use of the word (as a verb) in this week's Torah portion.
We'll explore a bit of the history of the term at our Shabbat Evening Service (7:30 PM).

And even though it is not a Jewish holiday, I've been told that we will have some treats in honor of Bastille Day on Friday!

Our outdoor patio service and picnic was a hit last week.
We'll do it again once more this summer- mark your calendar for Aug. 4. (6:00 PM).
And our annual "Gathering in the Garden" takes place Sunday Aug. 13 (4:00 PM)- details to follow.

Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Schwartz

This Week at Adas Emuno

July 06, 2023 8:43 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

July 6, 2023

Dear Friends,
Welcome to our second outdoor Shabbat Evening patio service (6:00 PM).
I'm excited that both student cantors Iris and Joe will be with us.
And I'm proud to introduce my new book, published this week- Open Judaism: A Guide for Believers, Atheists and Agnostics.
Signed copies will be gifted to all who attend!
It's also BYOP (Bring Your Own Picnic) following the service- with drinks and dessert provided.
We hope to see you for singing and eating!

It would be a shanda for you to miss our next Adas Emuno Book Club meeting on Monday (7:30 PM)- a painful family memoir entitled "Shanda" by acclaimed writer Letty Pogrebin. Conversely, it would be a mechaya for you to join us for this zoom event.

Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Schwartz

PS- In the event the weather does not cooperate our service will be held in the sanctuary (with livestream) and the picnic in our social hall.