THE SHMOOZE A Weekly Newsletter for Members and Friends of Bais Abraham Congregation Hyim Shafner, Rabbi Rori Picker Neiss, Maharat Parshat Yitro 7 February 2015 Candle Lighting 5:10 p.m. Shabbat Ends 6:11 p.m. (according to www.myzmanim.com) This Shabbat and Bais Abe Events Contacts Shul Office (314) 721-3030 [email protected] Rabbi Hyim Shafner [email protected] Maharat Rori Picker Neiss [email protected] Greg Storch, President [email protected] Kiddush Sponsorship [email protected] Shmooze Submissions [email protected] Davening Schedule Shabbat 5:10 p.m. – Fri. Mincha/Maariv 9:00 a.m. – Sat. Shacharit 4:51 p.m. – Sat. Mincha, Maariv Sunday 8:30 a.m. – Shacharit Monday – Friday 6:30 a.m. – Shacharit Office Hours Monday: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Cholent Kiddush All are invited to a Cholent Kiddush following Shabbat morning services. Kiddush is sponsored by Alice Thomas to celebrate the Thomas family birthdays of Michel, Micheline, and Alice. A cake is being provided by Berta and Alberto Goldgaber in honor of all of the birthdays, including Berta’s. Happy Birthday to all! Discussion at New Jewish Theatre – February 7th Join Rabbi Shafner and financial advisor Robert Medow for a talk back discussion after the February 7th performance of "Imagining Madoff" at the New Jewish Theatre at the JCC. For more information on the show, visit the website: http://www.newjewishtheatre.org/productions/imagining_madoff Bais Abraham Shabbat Retreat – Registration Open! Bais Abe will be going on a community retreat in beautiful rural Missouri on March 6-7, 2015. Visit the website: http://baisaberetreat.weebly.com/ for details on the itinerary, special guests, and registration information. Register now while there is still room: $80 for adults and $40 for kids 312. Please note that after filling out the registration form, you will need to go back to the website to make the registration payment. There is financial assistance available; please contact Rabbi Shafner for more information. Shalom and Welcome! We at Bais Abe pride ourselves on hospitality and openness to Jews of all backgrounds. We strive to build a community rooted in mutual respect and commitment to Torah values and Halacha (Jewish law). Please feel free to contact Rabbi Shafner at [email protected] for any information that may be helpful to you. If you would like a place for a Shabbat meal, our eager hosts would love to welcome you. Please email [email protected]. Bais Abraham Board of Directors Greg Storch President Gabe Douek Vice President Daniel Picker Deepen Your Davening Join Rabbi Shafner every Shabbat morning at approximately 10:15 am in the Gardner Beit Midrash for an explanatory prayer class and discussion. All are welcome! Treasurer Dan Weisz Secretary Phyllis Shapiro Immediate Past President Directors: Aviva Buck-Yael Barbra Danin Larry Friedman Morey Gardner Tessa Gardner Barry Ginsburg Alexander Griffel Judy Hoffman Harvey Iken Judith Medoff Alan Nemes Roz Neuman Michael Novack Dan Scharff Stuart Shilcrat Alice Thomas Rob Wasserman Richard Wise Bais Abraham Book Club – February 22nd The next gathering of the Bais Abraham Book club will be on Sunday evening, February 22nd, at 7:30 pm at the Nemes-Chapel home, 6940 Waterman Ave. We will be talking about the second section of the book "Myths, Illusions, and Peace: Finding a New Direction for America in the Middle East" by Dennis Ross and David Makovsky. Open to all. Community Trip to Jewish India Survey We are exploring a community trip to Jewish India. Learn the history, experience the sights, and meet the people. Please fill out the short survey to let us know your thoughts. You can access the survey via the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FT3XBXL Book Recommendation from Rabbi Shafner Reb Dovid Sears, a Breslov friend of mine and a prolific writer, has just released a revised edition of his book on Vegetarianism and Judaism. Here is a link to more information on this book and others: http://visionofeden.blogspot.com/ - Hyim Purim Festivities at Bais Abe Purim begins the evening of March 4th. See the flyer in this week’s Shmooze for Bais Abe and community events! Time to Order Matza Bais Abraham has hand-baked round Shmurah Matza for Passover available to its members at the low subsidized price of $14 a pound for regular or whole wheat. Call or email the Shul office by March 4th to place your order. The price for non-members is $20 a pound. Bais Abraham Joins AmazonSmile Every time you shop on Amazon, you can benefit Bais Abe. Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. It's simple to register. Just click on this link and designate Bais Abraham Synagogue as your charity of choice. http://smile.amazon.com/ch/43-0782212 Make your Black Friday purchases really count! Contact Phyllis Shapiro [email protected] with any questions. Programming Update from Ella our Shelicha Would you like to help with planning either of these new exciting events at Bais Abraham? Email Ella Bakobza <[email protected]> for more info or to volunteer: First ever Bais Abraham Community Passover Seder with Sephardi and Ashkenazi customs. Great Passover food and community First annual Bais Abraham Yom Haatzmaut event- looking for ideas, people and Israel inspiration. Contact Ella for more info. Kiddush/Lunch Volunteer Coordinator Stewart Shilcrat is our new (and first!) coordinator of volunteers to help with Shabbat kiddushes and lunches at Bais Abraham. He hopes to set up a rotating roster of volunteers to set up, serve, and clear off each week. If you are willing to be added to the roster (say, for set up the first Shabbat of each month, or for serving every other week), please let Stewart know, [email protected]. And if he asks you to join the team of volunteers, please say yes! Our Weekly Shabbat "Tefilat Yeladim" (Children's Service) Our weekly Tefilat Yeladim is a wonderful opportunity to introduce your children (or grandchildren!) to the beauty of praying with a community on Shabbat morning. We use a special colorful children's siddur with illustrations (by Koren publishers) that familiarizes the children with the prayers they will hear in shul as they grow up. Spearheaded by Caley Chill and supported by the Benot Sheirut, services will be at 10:30 every Shabbat in the Bais Abe auditorium. Tefilat Yeladim is sponsored by the Feen family and an anonymous donor. Shul Announcements Maharat Rori’s classes (with the exception of the Shalhevet Women’s Kollel) are on temporary hiatus. Auditorium and Playroom Clean-up Thank you to Martha Ginsburg and Phyllis Shapiro for bringing order to our auditorium and playroom, all made possible by progress on the new kitchen which is nearing completion. Everyone is asked to do his/her share to help keep the auditorium neat and clean. Support the Shul While Shopping Every time you shop at Schnucks, you can earn money for Bais Abraham. Our shul participates in Schnucks’ "Scrip" program. It's easy. Just show your Bais Abe scrip card when you check out and your purchases create automatic contributions to the shul of up to 3% of your purchase price. Our mathematical consultant ran the numbers and estimates that if we have full participation, the shul can make approximately $6,000 a year. Email or call the office for a scrip wallet or key-chain card and begin earning money for the shul on your next trip to Schnucks. Chesed Committee Opportunity STL Food Rescue’s mission is to alleviate hunger in our community by collecting perishables that would have been discarded from local food retailers and immediately delivering them to the organizations most in need. Volunteers pick up food on Mondays and/or Wednesdays from the Whole Foods in Town & Country, when they close at 10:00 p.m., and deliver the food to either Tomchei Shabbat or the Kollel. To sign up, please use https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ah2z9GUSGE0mdFVUUjJseUF1OGhSZmRVOFdG ZVlMOHc&usp=sharing_eil#gid=16 or contact the shul for more information. Do you “Like” Bais Abe on Facebook? Find Bais Abe on Facebook at www.tinyurl.com/BaisAbeFacebook. Sponsoring a Kiddush at Bais Abe Sponsoring a Kiddush or "Lunchish" is a wonderful way to mark a simcha or yahrzeit. Or you can honor a loved one by sponsoring one of our monthly Lunch & Learns. Now, you can also sponsor seudah shlishit for just $54! If you would like to sponsor (or co-sponsor) any of the above, please contact Alayne in the office or Kiddush Chair, Judy Hoffman ([email protected]). They will go over costs and help you plan the Kiddush or lunch you want. Please help shul members plan ahead by letting us know about your wish to sponsor at least 10 days in advance. Thank you! Reminder: No perfume/cologne in the synagogue Please refrain from wearing perfume/cologne in the synagogue because some of our members are highly allergic. If you inadvertently arrive at the shul wearing any scents, please wash them off. Attention: people with nut allergies If you have a nut allergy, for your safety please assume that any foods or beverages served at Bais Abe may contain nuts or have been prepared on equipment that processes nuts. Please feel comfortable asking those in charge of food or beverages about their nut content and they will try to provide it if possible. Upcoming Kiddush and Shabbat Calendar February 14 Cholent Kiddush Sponsor Invited February 21 Cholent Kiddush Sponsor Invited February 28 Cholent Kiddush Sponsor Invited To RSVP for an event email [email protected] or call 721-3030. Bais Abraham Learning-at-a-Glance Class Instructor Basics of Judaism Rabbi Shafner “Torah on Tap” Rabbi Shafner Women’s Class: Book of Shoftim (Judges) Alternating between Rabbi Shafner and Maharat Rori Picker Neiss Midrash Tehillim Maharat Rori Picker Neiss Parshat Hashavua Maharat Rori Picker Neiss Women’s Torah Learning Group Beit Midrash Chevruta (Partner) Study Deepen Your Davening/Explanatory Prayer Class Time & Place Mondays, 7:30 p.m. at Bais Abe Periodic Monday nights see Shmooze for exact dates and times Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. Gardner Beit Midrash Wednesdays, 9:15 a.m. Home of Leslie Litwack Wednesday, 1:00 p.m. Home of Adinah Raskas Maharat Rori Picker Neiss Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m. at Bais Abe You and your chevruta (partner) Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. in the Bais Abe Auditorium Rabbi Shafner Each Shabbat, approx. 10:15 a.m. in the Gardner Beit Midrash Shalhevet Women’s Kollel Partnered learning + shiur with Maharat Rori Picker Neiss 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month, 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 pm at Bais Abe Hinenu Shabbat Study Group Stuart Klamen Each Shabbat, 1 hour before the printed mincha time St. Louis Jewish Community News Jewish Disability Awareness Month February is Jewish Disability Awareness month and the St. Louis Jewish Community Inclusion Initiative, facilitated by Jewish Federation of St. Louis, is joining other communities in recognizing and increasing the awareness of the needs, strengths, opportunities and challenges of people with disabilities in our Jewish communities throughout North America. The following events will take place in St. Louis in February: February 8, 2015 @ 4 pm – 6 pm – St. Louis Myseum An afternoon of interactive fun (with a Jewish twist) at the St. Louis Myseum, for families with pre-school – 5th grade children. A respite room for children with special needs will be available. $4/person; max $16/family. February 5 and February 12, 2015 @ 7 pm – 8:30 pm – Teacher Workshops on “Introduction to Creating an Inclusive Classroom” and “Strategies for Creating an Inclusive Classroom. The workshops are held at CAJE classes and are open to Jewish educators. February 22, 2015 @ 2 pm – 4 pm – Let’s Celebrate Inclusion! JCC Staenberg Family Complex A fun, educational and free event for kids with disabilities and their parents. A financial advisor will present information for parents on how to adequately plan for their and their child’s future, while the kids will enjoy a special Zumba class and a fun balloon activity. Brodsky Library to screen David: One Boy, Two Faiths The Saul Brodsky Jewish Community Library’s “Monday Movie Night Series” will continue with a screening of David: One Boy, Two Faiths, on Monday, February 9, 2015 at 7:00 pm.The film will be shown at the Jewish Federation Kopolow Building, 12 Millstone Campus Drive. Movie snacks and drinks will be served. Admission is $5.00 per person; free to Friends of the Library. Reservations are required. For more information or to make a reservation, call 314-442-3720 or email [email protected] The Rabbi Noah Weinberg Memorial Lecture – February 11th Rabbi Shaul Rosenblatt will speak on "Finding Light in the Darkness" on Wednesday, February 11 at 7:30 pm. Rabbi Rosenblatt will show us how to grow from life's toughest challenges. Inspired by his personal experiences with his first wife's struggle with a terminal illness, he gives a powerful lesson in coping with painful challenges & developing pure faith. Suggested donation is $10. RSVP by calling 314-862-2474 or emailing [email protected]. The talk will be at the Aish Firehouse, 457 N. Woods Mill Rd., Chesterfield, MO 63017 Nishmah Pre-Passover Journey – March 10th Nishmah is privileged to be able to honor Karen Sher, the co-founder and past President of Nishmah as well as celebrating Nishmah’s 10th Anniversary during Nishmah’s Journey, our signature prePassover event, to be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2015, at the JCC Staenberg Family Complex. We are thrilled to welcome musical artist, Michelle Citrin. Registration for the event is open till March 2nd (earlybird deadline is this Friday February 9th). Deadline for tributes is February 25. Register Online with Tribute payments can be sent with copy of form from the attached invitation to Nishmah, 2 Millstone Campus Dr, St. Louis MO 63146 or you can email tributes to [email protected]. and pay online at www.nishmah.org Kosher Pre-packed Meals at Wash. U. The Bon Appétit Management Company, which provides most of the food on WU's campus, has expanded the locations where Kosher sandwiches and similar may be purchased. On the Danforth campus they can be found at the following locations: Law School, Whispers Café, Etta’s Café, Stanley’s Café, Holmes Lounge, Bergson Café (in DUC), Paws n Go Market (S40 House) and Village Market. In addition they are now also available on WU's Medical Campus in the Shell Café, located in the McDonnell Sciences Building, 4565 McKinley Ave. Always look for the Vaad Hoeir sticker. The challah bread currently produced by Bon Appétit is not certified Kosher. This may change in the future. The Jewish Food Pantry Needs Our Help The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry is looking for these specific items in order to provide wellbalanced nourishment for the community in need: Peanut Butter and Jelly, Canned Chili/Beef/Pasta with Meat, Kosher Foods, Canned Tuna Fish, Canned Vegetables, and Healthy Cereal (Hot or Cold). Currently, the Jewish Food Pantry is feeding over 8,000 individuals in a month. The need is great so please help in any way you can. Thank you. Items should be brought to your temple or synagogue collection site. For further information, please contact Louise Levine, 636-227-1259. Community ListServe The St. Louis Jewish Community has an active ListServe where members can offer items for sale, ask for items or services, read about community events, and more. The ListServ is a perfect place to offer items that you no longer need that someone else may enjoy. Many people benefit from such posts. To become a member of the community ListServe just email [email protected] Posting is easy! Just email your post to [email protected]. Shmooze Classified Israel Tour Guide This is to recommend as your tour guide in Israel my cousin Phil Field. Phil, who made aliya seven years ago, just passed the tour guide certification exam! He is engaging, personable, and of course knowable about every part of Israel. Explore his website to learn more: www.philfieldtours.com Phyllis Shapiro Kosher Beef and Turkey Jerky Hungry for kosher beef or turkey jerky? Contact Yonah Shafner or Eitan Oberlander at SO JERKY, 314-915-1990. 10% of profits go to Bais Abraham. Advertising in Shmooze Classified You can advertise in Shmooze Classified for two weeks for $18. We have a readership of about 200. Please send text to [email protected] and a check to the shul office. שלום שבת Submit articles and announcements for publication by Thursday morning to [email protected]. Advertise in the Shmooze Classified section and on Bais Abraham’s website for two weeks for $18. For further news and general information about our shul please check out our website at www.baisabe.com. The Shmooze© is a community publication of Bais Abraham Congregation, 6910 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri, 63130. Hyim Shafner, Rabbi.
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