August 30^th, 2009

 

 

 

 

Dear Friends,

 

Last week we read Parashat Shoftim (Judges) from the Torah, which teaches us about pursuing justice in our lives, and striving to do what is right. his week we read Parashat Ki Tetze, which talks about all Jews behaving in a moral way, even in complicated sitations. At Or Hadash we believe deeply in acts social justice and Tikkun Olam, in our own lives, and in the lives of those in need in the community. We also believe that justice and morality are imperative to the existence of Reform Judaism in Israel.

 

Last Shabbat Or Hadash was very glad to have two Bnei Mitzvah for new immigrants and members of the Diaspora. First, there was a Bnei Mitzvah of two twins from France who have a big family in Israel, and the second was the Bar Mitzvah of a boy whose family immigrated to Israel from Russia. Also, this past week marked the first Ethiopian Bat Mitzvah at Or Hadash. Please see below for more information on this remarkable child’s studies and ceremony, among new on other wonderful events and guests.

 

 

As I wrote in the last newsletter, Malkay Alamu, the first Ethiopian Bat Mitzvah girl at Or Hadash, had her ceremony yesterday on August 29th. The ceremony went very well, and the experience was a positive and happy one for the community. This is a historical moment for Or Hadash, and I hope to only see many more young Ethiopian girls follow in Malkey’s brave footsteps. Please see below for pictures from the beautiful ceremony.

 

 

 

 

On Tuesday, August 25^th, I was able to spend the day at Or Hadash and in the city (Haifa) with David and Nilma Igdaloff of Temple Beth El, Boca Raton,FL. David is the son of Norman Harris, who was once a resident of Haifa, and who generously donated Or Hadash’s elevator, which allows us to welcome elderly and handicap people into our synagogue. David and Nilma also graciously helped us to build our preschool playground outside many years ago, as well as our computer library, and were among the first donors to Or Hadash in the 1980s. Additionally, under the leadership of Rabbi Moti Rotem, Nilma and David had Bat Mitzvah ceremonies for their three daughters at Or Hadash. 

 

During their time in Haifa, the Igdaloffs and I visited the grave of Norman Harris, and a cemetery for victims of terror. We then toured Or Hadash, and enjoyed a delicious Middle Eastern lunch together at the Abu Yussef Restaurant.

 

Today, David and Nilma are dedicated to helping the Jewish community in Argentina through their organization, Association Israelita de Las Pampas (AIP). AIP helps the Jewish community to cope with the aftermath of economic hardship and political corruption, while focusing on rebuilding Jewish communities that are currently battle their biggest obstacle- assimilation. For more information on this project, or to learn how you can contribute, please contact: iggycorp@aol.com.  I am personally proud to be part of AIP international board, where we hope develop a triangular relationship between the United States, Argentina, and Israel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last weekend we were fortunate to spend time with 9 new Rabbinical students from HUC: Allison Tick of North Shore Congregation Israel - Glencoe, IL; Amanda Greene of North Shore Congregation Israel - Glencoe, IL; Rachel Kaplan of Temple Chai - Long Grove, IL; Albert Marks of Ohabai Shalom - Nashville, TN; Eric Mollo of Agudath Achim - Huntingdon, PA; Molly Plotnik of Temple B'nai Torah - Bellevue, WA; Rachel Levin of Temple Ahavat Shalom - Northridge, CA; Jonathan Fisch of Temple Beth Torah - Ventura, CA; and Allie Harris of Lakeside Congregation - Highland Park, IL.

 

The students, who were very active in our services, were able to help me bless a newly graduated convert to Judaism, as well as our Bat Mitzvah girl, Malkay Alamu. The students were a great addition to our weekly services, and brought a warm feeling to the community. We welcome our new friends back to Or Hadash anytime throughout their time at HUC, and in the future.

 

 

On August 10th, we warmly welcomed Rosa Canovas of Barcelona, Spain to Or Hadash. Rosa was one of 24 students from Barcelona to convert to Judaism in 1993 in association with the World Union of Progressive Judaism. This was the first group conversion in 500 years due to Jewish hardship in Spain. I was very happy to have Rosa with us for services and also during the week-when we were able to spend the afternoon of Monday, August 17^th together. While I am a Zionist who loves Israel and speaking Hebrew in my daily life, it was very nice to speak Spanish with Rosa, and to reach out to more friends from Western Europe.

 

 

 

 

 

5) Two meetings for Youth

This weekend there were two meetings at Or Hadash for youth in the community and their parents. The first was for the youth involved in Or Hadash youth activites, which are associated with Noar Telem. At this meeting, 30 community members and board members, including: President-Yuri Kligerman, and Vice President- Mirjam Jurmann, gathered to discuss the past year’s activities alongside the youth who work so hard to create and participate in quality youth programming  at Or Hadash and in the community.

 

The second meeting, which took place yesterday evening, August 29^th, was a beautiful Havdallah dinner for this past year’s Bnei Mitzvah children and their families. This meeting was attended by 120 people, and was a very special celebration for all of our proud Bnei Mitzvah families.