March 2010 | Adar - Nisan 5770
P ub N ight
Chizuk Amuno’s Snow Spirit February 12, 2010 | 28 Shevat 5770
Music by Three of a Kind
No doubt we’ve all seen enough snow for now. Here’s hoping you are warm and well, fully back to your routines and responsibilities. Our synagogue building was closed for a couple of days during the “Blizzard of 2010.” As the snows fell, members of our Board of Trustees and Gemilut Hasadim Committee made phone contact with more than 200 of our synagogue members 80 years and older. Our callers hoped to bring cheer and to discover that everyone they spoke to was comfortable. We prepared to offer simple assistance, if necessary. I’m happy to report that everyone was fine. We extend our most sincere thank you to all those who placed calls.
Jonny Lewis, Leslie Pomerantz, and Michael Hoffman Wine and Ale Tasting courtesy of DiWine Spirits ~ Pub Food Relaxation ~ And lots and lots of schmoozing with your Chizuk Amuno friends
Saturday, March 13, 7 p.m. $50 per couple/$25 per individual For more information, or to RSVP please contact Nancy Hudes, communityevents@chizukamuno.org, or call 410/486-8641.
On Shabbat morning February 5, 2010 a hearty group of about 90 braved the major snowstorm, and the very difficult conditions so much snow creates, to join together in joyous celebration. It was a remarkable day, a unique experience for everyone able to attend safely.
Sponsored by the Congregational Life Committee, Linking Chizuk Amuno’s Affiliate Groups
Spiritually everyone felt fortified overcoming the weather’s challenge to attend a synagogue service during a major snow event. Some of us also successfully met this challenge back in December. Yet, here we were again on this harsh winter Shabbat morning, holding our weekly service and celebrating as a student in our synagogue community became Bar Mitzvah. Reflecting on the intensity and spirit of the service, his comment afterwards is that he wouldn’t trade this Bar Mitzvah morning for the sunniest of days! In this context, as the Talmudic sage Raba says, “Snow is a benefit.” After enjoying lunch, many of us walked home together. It was a fun Shabbat adventure, with one family pulling their lucky kids on sleds as we all made our way. That snowy Shabbat is a very powerful reminder.
Zaiman Educational Alliance Artist-in-Residence
Rabbi Matthew L. Berkowitz
Creator of cover artwork on Birkon Kol HaMesubim, All Who Are Gathered, Chizuk Amuno’s Birkat HaMazon bencher Rabbi Berkowitz will spend five days at Chizuk Amuno, working with students, faculty, and learners in all of our schools.
Glassgold Kallah – Shabbat Dinner Friday, March 12, 7 p.m. “Rembrandt and the Rabbis: Jacob Wrestling”
Glassgold Shabbat Message Saturday, March 13, Shabbat Services
“The Drama of Passover: From Ritual to Revolution”
So many things are beyond our ability or position to control. In Jewish tradition this consciousness fosters our reverence before God and our humility in being human. It also defines our vulnerabilities, and occasionally, our fears. Acting in response to a weather pattern we can’t direct inspired our celebration. We were strengthened in each other’s presence, living that Shabbat day rejoicing in our awareness of God and caring for our friends at a time threatening their celebration. We were not forced to stop. We were compelled instead to go on.
The Harold and Sybil Effron Memorial Lecture Sunday, March 14, 2 p.m. “The Four Children Unmasked”
Chizuk Amuno Community Second Seder Celebration
Sometimes snow stops us, briefly. Other times we shovel on through. But, at all times our proper concern is not whether or not we can. Our proper concern is with what awareness and purpose we should live each of our days.
Tuesday, March 30, 6:30 p.m. We invite you to join with Rabbi Shulman and Hazzan Perlman as we enjoy the traditions and the joy of Pesah together.
Those attending Chizuk Amuno Congregation on a very snowy February 5, 2010 or December 19, 2009, those calling to reach out to our older members during the big snowstorm, those making the extra effort to assure a daily minyan, and all of us in our various pursuits, represent this. So do the massive snow banks surrounding us now. Every day, whatever our circumstance, and to the best of our abilities, we can choose to live aware of God and care for one another.
Space is limited to 150 participants. Deadline for reservations and payment is Friday, March 5. $42 per adult; $28 per child (ages 3 -12) We thank Chizuk Amuno Congregation Brotherhood for their support of our Community Seder.
B’Shalom Rav, Rabbi Ron Shulman
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