ha
H desh Summer 2020
Sivan – Elul 5780
From Rabbi Lerner Zooming into the Future It was the summer of 586 BCE when the Babylonian army laid siege to Jerusalem. Facing the major superpower of the time, the small Judean army did not stand a chance. Things had been going downhill for some time as the Israelites tried to align themselves with Egypt, the other superpower of the time. Finally, on the ninth of Av, King Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the city and the First Temple was burned to the ground. A trauma that began with the Assyrians destroying the Northern Kingdom of Israel 140 years earlier was now complete. The Judean empire was no more; its leaders were exiled to the banks of the Euphrates to weep and mourn. That should have marked the end of the Israelite civilization. There had been many other civilizations in the ancient world. Some examples include the Assyrian Empire, the Babylonian Empire, the Persian Empire, the Roman Empire. They all rose and then fell and that was that. Until 586 BCE, the Israelites had a nice little run of about a millennium plus or minus; they had a thriving culture, a Temple, and some great texts. But that should have been it. Like the other great civilizations, the Israelite civilization should have come to an end. (continued on page 12)
Our Upcoming Events We hope you have been doing well despite these difficult times. Please note that all events listed for the summer are currently expected to be virtual, and the Temple Emunah building will likely remain closed until the fall, and perhaps beyond, depending on decisions made by Governor Baker and our own team and ad hoc health committee. We are still confirming details about many of our upcoming events, so stay tuned for more information. We appreciate everyone’s patience and flexibility as we navigate these new norms. Links to join our Zoom meetings for events are sent out in our weekly emails, and are also listed on our Google calendar. To find our calendar, go to the main page of our website, and click on the right-hand tab at the top of the page. For Shabbat, we also live-stream services, for those who wish to participate that way. For questions regarding Zoom or other event issues, please be in touch with Raveetal Celine at rceline@templeemunah.org or 781-861-0300.
E M U N A H 60 CLOSING EVENT
Join us on Zoom for morning minyan, Shabbat services, holiday programming and more!
pm Sunday, May 31 at 7:00
rs * * Installation and Hono 60 Film * * New Music* * Emunah more! * *Champagne Toast and
Join us on Zoom
www.TempleEmunah.org
Inside: President................................... 2 Inclusion.................................... 3 Services/Holidays...................... 4 Minyan Story............................. 4 Social Connecting...................... 5 Family Programs....................... 5 Adult Education......................... 6 Religious School/Youth............. 7 Pre-school................................. 8 Library....................................... 9
בתוך Sisterhood...........................10 Brotherhood........................11 Emunah 60 ........................12 Family Table........................13 Ladle Fund..........................13 Yahrzeits..........................14-17 Donations.......................17-20 E60 Donors ........................21 Calendar.........................22-23