June 14, 2009

 

Dear Friends,

 

Shavua tov to you all.Yesterday’s Parashat HaShavua was Shlach Lcha, where Moses sends all the princes of the 12 tribes to explore the land of Israel. From this parasha we learn the meaning of the modern Hebrew word “shlicut”, or mission. I believe that everyone in this world has a mission, as individuals, as a community, and as a nation. Last week part of our mission here at Or Hadash was achieved through our Wards of State Bar Mitzvah program, which was completed by the Ahuzat Yeladim Boarding school children, on Thursday June 11^th, here in the synagogue. Also, at the end of this newsletter I will tell you about Or Hadash’s victory and recent tax exemption as granted by the municipality of Haifa and the ministry of interior, which will help us to continue on in the future with many other good “missions” doing G-d’s work here in Haifa.

 

 

On Thursday, June 11^th, Or Hadash celebrated the Bnei Mitzvah ceremony for the 9 Wards of State children who participated in our 2009 Ahuzat Yeladim Bar Mitzvah program. These children are mostly from immigrant families-four of which are Ethiopian. All of the children have had problems in their personal lives due to unstable living situations at home, and sadly, they have all grown up without a father. The children, who now live in the custody of the State, have been studying at Or Hadash for several months leading up to this joyous day. The ceremony itself was a very overwhelming experience for us at Or Hadash, and many people are still talking about it days later. Below is a summary of the events for you all to read and enjoy.

 

In attendance at the Bnei Mitzvah ceremony, were the children’s family-if not immediate, then distant, and friends. The service was also attended by many community members, volunteers, and Or Hadash staff, and was a very emotional and moving experience for everyone involved. 

 

At the Bnei Mitzvah ceremony, the children put on their personalized Taliot, and then their Tefillin, and later read from the Torah. The children, who learned the order and significance of the service during their 10 learning sessions with the Rabbi and program volunteers, sang out the prayers loudly, and with conviction. When it was time, the children were then each called up to the Torah to read their portion, after which, the proud audience clapped and cheered for each child’s achievement. Following the end of the Torah service, the children read speeches to the community before them, to express their great gratitude towards the community, for coming together to give them such a special and vital experience in their lives.

 

Then, important community members were welcomed to the Bima to speak. First, Mirjam Jurrman, Or Hadash’s Vice President, came to speak of how proud a moment this was for her and for the community of Or Hadash. This was followed by a speech from Shlomit Beker, Or Hadash board member, and head of the Or Hadash Sisterhood’s volunteer team for this program, and an emotional speech from the head of the Ahuzat Yeladim Boarding school.

 

Afterwards, the children were handed roses to give out to those who had touched them most during the program. The Or Hadash volunteers were as follows: Ami Perelman; Babi bazi; Vered Itotzan; Pnina Sohetzky; Jacqueline Zohar; Reuven Adler; Fanny Tinor; and Chava Mayer. Once the roses were handed out, the service was concluded, as it was started, with festive Jewish songs. As always, our Rabbi, Dr. Edgar Nof was warm, personable, and dedicated to each one of the nine kids. He led the outstanding and very spiritual service for the big crowd of nearly 200 people, despite the fact that Thursday is a working day in Israel!

 

The crowd then went out into the Or Hadash corridor, which had been transformed into a banquet hall, filled with a feast of food. Once the guests had filled their plates, they headed out to the courtyard, which was filled with tables and flowers for a lovely celebratory meal. Then, as a special surprise, the children were delighted to each get their own personalized cake, to share with their family and friends. This was very moving for the children, who seldom received even a birthday celebration growing up.

 

While there were nine participants on the 11^th, there are an additional 4 children whose ceremonies were delayed for social and familial reasons. However, we look forward to sharing their special moment with them at a later date.

 

Overall, the 2009 Wards of State Bar Mitzvah program was one that had a great impact on many people’s lives. Firstly, it had a very positive effect on the students, who participated, and secondly, it warmed the hearts of all those involved. Finally, the reward for everyone was the celebration of a happy moment in these young Jewish men’s lives.

 

In addition to the 9 Wards of State children who celebrated their Bnei Mitzvah with us on Thursday, we also celebrated two other Bar Mitzvah ceremonies of children from the community on Saturday, June 13^th. We are very proud of all of our children who were able to celebrate their big day with us at Or Hadash.

* For legal reasons we can not publish a picture with the faces of the children.

We would also like to offer a big mazal tov to the children of our sister congregations in the States, who have recently celebrated their Bar/Bat Mitzvah in America. We would like to congratulate Naomi Zecher, daughter of Rabbi Elaine Zecher of Temple Israel, Boston, as well as Nate and Talia Jaffe, children (twins) of Rabbi Howard Jaffe of Temple Isaiah, Lexington, MA. We hear that Naomi, Nate, and Talia, all had wonderful and beautiful ceremonies.

 

 

On Tuesday, June 9^th, Congregation Beth El of Boca Raton, Fl, led by Rabbi Dan Levin and Cantor Lori Shapiro, visited Or Hadash for a tour and evening meal. The group was warm and inquisitive, and made for wonderful company, as we sat down to a delicious evening meal together in the synagogue.

 

 

On Wednesday, June 10^th, another group from Boca Raton, of Congregation Bnai Israel, visited Or Hadash. The group was lead by Rabbi Richard Agler, and was just as plesant as their fellow Floridians the night before. The group spent a very nice evening with us as the synagogue, learning about Or Hadash’s mission of social action, and Reform Judaism in Israel and abroad. We then shared another wonderful meal together to conclude the night.

 

 

On Friday June 12^th, we had a morning visit from Congregation Etz Chaim in Chicago. The group was lead by Anne Stein, Etz Chaim’s director of education. The group enjoyed our busy Friday morning, as they learned about Or Hadash’s Reform Jewish vision, and mission of Tikkun Olam projects, amidst the hustle and bustle of the community.

 

I want to finish now with a wonderful note to tell you that just a few moments ago, Or Hadash finally got a tax exemption from paying annual municipality taxes as high as $35,000 each year! These taxes have been a major worry and concern of ours, especially in the past two years, and will be a great relief to be free of. I want to thank our executive director, Ami Perelman for his good work on this issue. Together, with our combined efforts, we were able to receive an official exemption, and therefore be recognized by the State of Israel and the city of Haifa, as a legitimate synagogue-like all other synagogues in Israel. This is a great victory for us and Reform Judaism in Israel. Below you will see the pictures of me and Ami celebrating this amazing feat.

 

 

 

 

                                                           

 

 

          

 

 

Wishing you all a happy and productive week to come!

 

Shavua Tov,

Edgar