THIS MONTH HaHodesh
AT CHIZUK AMUNO CONGREGATION AND SCHOOLS Engaging Jewish Life & Learning MAY 2018 | Iyar / Sivan 5778
RABBI’S COLUMN This month I found a blessing in that which is hidden from the eye. In advance of Passover I studied the Talmudic tractate Ta’anit RABBI DEBI WECHSLER which concerns itself with narratives of rain, fasting, Torah Study and other miscellany. In it I rediscovered Rabbi Yitzchak’s teaching that, “Blessing is found only in something that is hidden from the eye.” Later teachers explain its meaning that life’s most authentic blessings cannot be found in anything quantifiable such as wealth or possessions. The Talmud wants to teach us that true blessing is found in the realm of the spirit. Many of us can testify to the accuracy of this statement in our own lives as it relates to friendship, acts of loving kindness, family relationships, and Shabbat and festivals. My experience has also found its truth in the hidden blessings of our own community which cannot be quantified or counted. Last month our community welcomed a new Jew into our faith - a young woman who found beauty and meaning in our tradition and our congregation. She identifies with Am Yisrael, the Jewish people, and understands her Jewish role in human redemption. Her conversion was hidden from view but was without doubt one of the most significant blessings of the month for Chizuk Amuno. A hidden blessing was discovered as some of our school parents sat and studied Jewish text together. Instead of dropping off their children and Continued on Page 2
Please join us for
Peter, Paul, & (Hazzan) Manny ’s Retirement SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 7:30 P.M. PRECEDED BY A CONGREGATIONAL MEETING AT 6:45 P.M. AND FOLLOWED BY A GALA DESSERT RECEPTION. In honor of over twenty years of service as Hazzan of Chizuk Amuno Congregation and in recognition of his election as Hazzan Emeritus, we are pleased to invite you to an evening of celebration in honor of Hazzan Emanuel “Manny” Perlman. The musical event will highlight Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary, with Peter returning to Chizuk Amuno to honor our retiring Hazzan in concert, and with Noel/Paul Stookey participating through video, and of course, Manny joining in the celebration. The evening will allow us to experience the rich history of Peter, Paul and Mary, and the trio’s cultural and moral phenomenon, as we pay tribute to Hazzan Manny Perlman for his legacy of caring, music, and artistry.
RSVP and Pay Online for General Admission and Donor Reserved Seats at www.chizukamuno.org/concert Committee: Phyllis & Leonard Attman and Anne & Steven King, Co-Chairs Lowell Glazer and Susan & Herbert Garten, Honorary Co-Chairs Naomi & Lawrence Amsterdam, Ronald Blavatt, Hannah & Alan Feiler, Debby Hellman, Susan & Richard Kolker, Ellen & Alan Mogol, Marlene Pollack, Livia & Antony Rosen, Janet Berg & Everett Siegel, Barbara & Thomas Steinhardt, Bonnie & Roy Ziegelstein.
RABBI JOSHUA Z. GRUENBERG TO BECOME OUR SENIOR RABBI We are delighted to inform you that on March 26, 2018, the Chizuk Amuno Congregation voted in favor of the Board of Trustees’ recommendation for Rabbi Joshua Z. Gruenberg to become our Senior Rabbi. Rabbi Gruenberg has enthusiastically accepted, with gratitude. We eagerly look forward to Rabbi Gruenberg joining us this summer. In the coming months, we will be sharing more information about the events surrounding this exciting rabbinic transition and your opportunity for continuing involvement. Thank you for your participation and support. Sincerely, Sandi Moffet and Stephen Pomerantz, Co-Chairs Transition Committee