CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS

Ongoing

Kosher Senior Café and Programming. In-person lunches 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday – Thursday* at the Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, and Fridays (except 8/4)* at Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. In-person (and on Zoom most Tuesdays and Thursdays) programming from 11 a.m.-noon followed by lunch and a guest speaker or discussion noon-1 p.m. The second Tuesday of the month is “Susie’s Corner” with Susie Adler. Every Wednesday is chair yoga with Neal. The third Thursday of the month is a book chat with Neal Drobnis. *Friday, 8/4, at Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich; Monday, 8/7, and Tuesday, 8/8, are offsite field trips (preregistration required). Suggested donation: $3 per lunch for those age 60 and older as well as for younger adults with a disability. Other adults may purchase a meal for $6.50. The Kosher Senior Café is a program of Jewish Collaborative Services and is supported by the Jewish Alliance of Greater RI and Blackstone Health. Information and RSVP, Neal at neal@jfsri.org, Elaine at elaine@ jfsri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 107.

Project Shoresh Ladies’ Partners in Torah Night. Sundays 7:45-8:45 p.m. Providence Hebrew Day School, 450 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Partner-based study group. On-site facilitators available. Free. Information, projectshoresh. com.

Temple Emanu-El Mahjong. Tuesdays 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Both new and advanced players are welcome. Drop-ins welcome. Information, Shosh@teprov.org.

Project Shoresh TNT (Tuesday Night Torah). Tuesdays 7:45-8:45 p.m. Ohawe Sholam, 671 East Ave., Pawtucket. Warm yourself up with the flame of Torah. Drop-ins welcome. Refreshments served. Information, projectshoresh.com.

Project Shoresh Lively Kabbalat Shabbat. Fridays. Services will begin at the commencement of Shabbat. Be in touch for exact timing each week. Providence Hebrew Day School (side entrance), 450 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Welcome Shabbat with a few inspiring words, melodious songs and traditional services. Open to all. Information, projectshoresh.com.

Temple Sinai Shabbat Evening Service. Fridays 6 p.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Song, prayer and reflection offered in person or on Zoom. With Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser and Cantor Deborah Johnson.

Zoom link at templesinairi.org. Information, dottie@templesinairi. org or 401-942-8350.

Cape Cod Synagogue Shabbat Services. Fridays 7 p.m., except second Friday of the month 6:30 p.m. when Family Shabbat Services take place. 145 Winter St., Hyannis, Mass. With Rabbi David Freelund. In person and livestreamed on website, Facebook, Cape Media, YouTube and Community Television Comcast channel 99. Information, 508-775-2988 or capecodsynagogue.org.

Temple Beth-El Shabbat Morning Service. Second Saturday of the month 9-10:15 a.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Shabbat morning minyan with lay participation incorporating study, Torah and Haftarah readings. In person or via Zoom. Information, Joie Magnone at jmagnone@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Temple Beth-El Torah Study. Saturdays except second Saturday of the month 9-10:15 a.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Delve into the weekly portion with Rabbi Sarah Mack and Rabbi Preston Neimeiser. In person only. Information, Joie Magnone at jmagnone@ temple-beth-el.org or 401-3316070, ext. 100.

Temple Sinai Shabbat Breakfast & Torah Study. Saturdays 9:30-11 a.m. Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Breakfast followed by interactive discussion at 10 a.m. with Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser or others in the community. Information, dottie@templesinairi.org or 401-942-8350.

Temple Habonim Torah Study. Saturdays (no Torah Study when Bar or Bat Mitzvah) 10-11 a.m. Rabbi Howard Voss-Altman leads weekly Torah study on current portion. Via Zoom. Information, Adina Davies at office@templehabonim.org or 401-245-6536.

Cape Cod Synagogue Shabbat Services. Saturdays 10:30 a.m. 145 Winter St., Hyannis, Mass. With Rabbi David Freelund. In person and livestreamed on website, Facebook and YouTube. Information, Cape Cod Synagogue at 508-7752988 or capecodsynagogue.org.

Temple Sinai Shabbat Morning Service. Saturdays 11 a.m.-noon (10:30 a.m. when celebrating a Bar or Bat Mitzvah). 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. In person and via Zoom. Information, templesinairi.org or Dottie at 401-942-8350.

Friday | August 4

Temple Torat Yisrael Virtual Kabbalat Shabbat Songs & Torah

Services. 5:45-6:30 p.m. Lay-led services via Zoom. Information and Zoom link, Temple@toratyisrael. org.

Temple Beth-El Kabbalat Shabbat Service. 5:45-6:30 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. In person or via Zoom. Information, Joie Magnone at jmagnone@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Congregation Agudas Achim Kabbalat Shabbat. 7-8:30 p.m. 901 N. Main St., Attleboro, Mass. Join us in the sanctuary for Kabbalat Shabbat with singing, readings, a prayer for healing and Mourners’ Kaddish. Information, office@ agudasma.org.

Saturday | August 5

Temple Torat Yisrael Virtual & In-person Shabbat Services. 9:30-10:30 a.m. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Lay-led, in-person services with Zoom available. Information, Temple@toratyisrael. org.

Sunday | August 6

“Two Paintings at Yale, the Jewish History of Newport” followed by Town Hall. 2 p.m. Newport Historical Society, 82 Touro St., Newport. Lecture by Rabbi Meir Soloveichik, senior Rabbi, Congregation Shearith Israel, of New York, and acting Rabbi, Congregation Ahavath Israel, of Newport. Town Hall led by the two congregations to address their new partnership. Light refreshments. Free. Information, Dr. James Herstoff at bmitu@cox.net.

Tuesday | August 8

“The Power of Hello”: Community Security Training. 3-4:30 p.m. Congregation Beth David, 102 Kingstown Road, Narragansett. Prepare for the upcoming Jewish holidays with Napoleon Brito, manager of community security. Open to all; geared toward those working as greeters or ushers in their synagogue at the High Holy Days. Free. Information and RSVP, Napoleon Brito at nbrito@jewishallianceri.org.

Wednesday | August 9

“The Power of Hello”: Community Security Training. 3-4:30 p.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Prepare for the upcoming Jewish holidays with Napoleon Brito, manager of community security. Open to all; geared toward those working as greeters or ushers in their synagogue at the High Holy Days. Free. Information and RSVP, Napoleon Brito at nbrito@jewishallianceri.org.

Thursday | August 10

Screen on the Green: “The Princess Bride.” 8 p.m. Field behind Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Watch this PG-rated movie under the stars. Come as early as 7 p.m. to grab a spot and enjoy lawn games and Palagi’s ice cream. Information, Devorah Phillips at dphillips@jewishallianceri. org or 401-421-4111, ext. 163.

Friday | August 11

Temple Beth-El Kabbalat Shabbat Service. 5:45-6:30 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. In person or via Zoom. Information, Joie Magnone at jmagnone@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Temple Torat Yisrael Cookout & Open House and FNL Musical Shabbat Service. 6 p.m. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Enjoy the cookout, meet Rabbi Ari Saks, and take a tour of the building and grounds. All welcome. Free. At 7 p.m., join Rabbi Saks as he leads his first service with the TTY community at a musical service with the TTY band. Oneg to follow. RSVP (by 8/9) and information, Temple@toratyisrael.org.

Temple Habonim Beach Shabbat. 6:15 p.m. Barrington Beach, 87 Bay Road, Barrington. Bring your own chair or blanket, and welcome Shabbat on the beach. In case of inclement weather, the services will be moved inside to Temple Habonim. Information, office@ templehabonim.org.

Saturday | August 12

Temple Torat Yisrael Virtual & In-person Shabbat Services.

9:30-10:30 a.m. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Led by Rabbi Ari Saks. In person with Zoom available. Information, Temple@ toratyisrael.org.

Congregation Agudas Achim Shabbat Services. 10 a.m.-noon. 901 N. Main St., Attleboro, Mass. Services will include misheberach l’holim, a prayer for healing, as well as Mourners’ Kaddish. Information, office@agudasma.org.

Tuesday | August 15

District 1 Candidate Forum. 5:30-7 p.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Join the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island in welcoming candidates in the District 1 congressional special election. Childcare available with preregistration. Preregistration (requested) and information, Stephanie Hague at shague@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 127.

Wednesday | August 16

“The Power of Hello”: Community Security Training. 7:15 p.m. Temple Habonim, 165 New Meadow Drive, Barrington. Prepare for the upcoming Jewish holidays with Napoleon Brito, manager of community security. Open to all; geared toward those working as greeters or ushers in their synagogue at the High Holy Days. Free. Information and RSVP, Napoleon Brito at nbrito@jewishallianceri.org.

Thursday | August 17

Splash into Summer. 4-5 p.m. The Splash Pad at Police Cove Park and Boat Ramp, 100-106 County Road (intersection of County and Matthewson Roads), Barrington. Join Lyndsey from PJ Library and Rabbi Howard from Temple Habonim to meet other families for water play and a frozen treat. Information and RSVP, Adina at office@templehabonim and 401245-6536 or Lyndsey at lursillo@ jewishallianceri.org and 401-4214111, ext. 141.

Friday | August 18

Temple Torat Yisrael Beach Shabbat and Potluck Dairy Picnic. 5:30-8 p.m. Goddard Memorial State Park, 1095 Ives Road, East Greenwich. Welcome Rabbi Ari Saks as he leads his first TTY Beach Shabbat. Informal, interactive family service with lots of singing. Potluck dairy picnic immediately following service. Dessert provided. Bring beach chairs and blankets. Meet under Pavilion Porch. Information, Temple@ toratyisrael.org.

Temple Beth-El Kabbalat Shabbat Service. 5:45-6:30 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. In person or via Zoom. Information, Joie Magnone at jmagnone@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Congregation Agudas Achim Kabbalat Shabbat. 7-8:30 p.m. 901 N. Main St., Attleboro, Mass. Join us in the sanctuary for Kabbalat Shabbat with singing, readings, a prayer for healing and Mourners’ Kaddish. Information, office@ agudasma.org.

Saturday | August 19

Temple Torat Yisrael Virtual & In-person Shabbat Services. 9:30 a.m.-noon. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Rabbi Ari Saks will officiate his first Bat Mitzvah at TTY during this special service, which will be in person with streaming available. Information, Temple@toratyisrael.org.

Sunday | August 20

Congregation Agudas Achim Open House. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 901 N. Main St., Attleboro, Mass. Food, fun, crafts and live music at our annual Open House. Learn about our vibrant religious and school life. Rain date: 8/27. Information, office@agudasma.org.

76th Annual George Washington Letter Reading Honoring Religious Freedom. 1 p.m. Touro Synagogue, 52 Spring St., Newport. Every summer, Touro Synagogue Foundation partners with Congregation Jeshuat Israel to host this event, including letter reading and keynote address, honoring our nation’s heritage of religious freedom. In person and livestreamed on the Touro Synagogue Facebook page. Information and RSVP (limited seating), meryle@tourosynagogue.org or 401-847-4794, ext. 207.

Friday | August 25

Temple Torat Yisrael Virtual Kabbalat Shabbat Songs & Torah Services. 5:45-6:30 p.m. Lay-led services via Zoom. Information and Zoom link, Temple@ toratyisrael.org.

Temple Beth-El Membership Picnic & Shabbat Under the Stars. 5:45-8:30 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Prospective, new and current members are invited for an end- of-the-summer dinner followed by a fun, musical outdoor Shabbat service and an ice cream truck oneg. Information and RSVP (by 8/18), Joie Magnone at jmagnone@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Saturday | August 26

Temple Torat Yisrael Virtual & In-person Shabbat Services.

9:30-10:30 a.m. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Lay-led services both in person and via Zoom. Information, Temple@ toratyisrael.org.

Congregation Agudas Achim Shabbat Morning on Zoom. 10 a.m.-noon. Virtual services will include misheberach l’holim, a prayer for healing, as well as Mourners’ Kaddish. Information, office@agudasma.org.

Monday | August 28

Temple Sinai 8th Annual Golf Classic. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Valley Country Club, 251 New London Ave., Warwick. Enjoy a day of golf while supporting the temple’s educational program, the development of programs to assist low-income and elderly members, and the maintenance of the building. Cost (includes breakfast and lunch): $190 individual player; $760 foursome. $36 lunch only. Information and registration, dottie@templesinairi. org or 401-942-8350.

SEP. 1 | 11AM–2PM

The Jewish Alliance, Dwares JCC & Jewish Collaborative Services cordially invite you to attend our “Senior” Prom. Senior Prom attire encouraged · Please consider a $5 Donation

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Torah portion, the Book of Job acknowledges that good people do suffer, but that it is beyond the ability of human beings to understand why. We were not there at the creation and we are not privy to God’s ways.

The law of “Ekev” says that our suffering is, in part, our own fault. Evil things happen to us when we fail to sanctify God’s presence in our lives. And that is true to some extent.

The Book of Job says that we have no answers to questions about human suffering, and that is also true to some extent. We are left to find truth hovering somewhere between two contradictory statements.

In this world, which is filled with contradictions, we sometimes feel that everything is random and there is no “because,” hidden or knowable, to explain the universe. At other times, we rebel against this seeming meaninglessness and insist that there is a “because,” even if it lies beyond the grasp of our understanding, that gives our existence purpose and reason.

There is a divinity that shapes our ends, as Shakespeare wrote, and our actions do play some role in hewing them. However, it is not for us to understand exactly how or why some suffer and others enjoy fortune.

We try to make the best choices we can in life, not in order to receive a reward, but because the struggle to find meaning and purpose is itself its own reward.

RABBI JEFFREY GOLDWASSER is