THIS Mont h h aHodesh AT CHIZUK AMUno CONGREGATION AND SCHOOLS April 2016 | Adar II–Nisan 5776 Engaging Jewish Life and Learning
Rabbi’s Column How is a playground like the Torah? Both require one to be creative. Both encourage RABBI Debi Wechsler active engagement of individuals and groups. Both adorn our synagogue. Both invite in the casual visitor and the longtime dweller. Both yield enjoyment in proportion to the effort invested. Both provide an opportunity to inspire and organize a community. Both contain some wrestling, some secrets, tales of friendship, learning new rules, and a locust or two! The author of the Psalms says that both are objects of delight. Psalm 119 says, “Lulei toratcha sha’ashu’ai az avad’ti ve’oni.” The Torah is described as a sha’ashua – a plaything. It is a wonderful image of Torah as something physical that delights us and in the context of Psalms, that rescues us from our affliction. We turn to Torah for comfort when we are grieving. We turn to Torah for companionship when we are feeling alone. We turn to Torah for inspiration when we are feeling empty and are desirous of being filled up. We turn to Torah for images of joy when we are laid low. The Psalmist says that the Torah, meaning both the sacred text of Torah and all that Torah comes to represent, is our sha’ashua our plaything that brings delight to us. ▶ Continued on page 11
The Phyllis and Louis Friedman Community Lecture
Chizuk Amuno welcomes
David Gregory Newsman and Author of
How’s Your Faith? An Unlikely Spiritual Journey Sunday, April 10, 10:30 a.m. David Gregory will share his personal and professional journey, exploring questions of personal faith, spirituality, family, and Jewish identity. Our morning will include brunch and David Gregory’s presentation followed by a discussion. We are grateful to Phyllis and Louis Friedman for making possible Mr. Gregory’s visit to our synagogue community. RSVP suggested for brunch. Please call 410-486-6400 or e-mail info@chizukamuno.org
Chizuk Amuno Receives Grant for Small Watershed Action Plan Work to Begin in April on Three Special Watershed Projects For over two years, a small dedicated group of members, led by Ann Betten, has been working on an exciting project that will enhance our property, have an impact on our environment, and will provide an educational setting for our children. Through the efforts of the Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake, Baltimore County, and Bluewater Baltimore, the State of Maryland Department of Natural Resources will be funding a Small Watershed Action project that will serve as a model for projects by other religious institutions. Three areas on our exterior have been designed to serve as both bioretention systems during heavy rainfall and as educational and ▶ Continued on page 4