News Journal, Delaware section, 12-31-12

Faiths grasp ideal of 'pebble in pond'
The News Journal www.delawareonline.com 12-31-12 Delaware
...The Jewish faith has already celebrated the start of its new year during Rosh Hashanah in September. Still, Rabbi Michael Beals of Congregation Beth Shalom in Wilmington has sometimes given a nod to the lesser-known St. Sylvester’s Day when
the secular calender turns, he said.
...
In Israel, restaurants will avoid losing their kosher licenses by celebrating St. Sylvester’s Day on Dec. 31 rather than marking the end of the calendar year, said Beals, who has taken to wishing people a “Happy Sylvester” around this time of year.

Cute stories aside, Beals said the most poignant moment of his sermon during the weekend came while praying for peace.

The Iranian government’s move toward nuclear capability has hung heavy over the end of 2012, he said, while the Middle East has again been rocked by conflict.

“Every single time a Jewish person ends a prayer – we’ve done this for 2,000 years – we always pray for peace,” Beals said. “It’s our biggest hope and desire. It seems really elusive, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t pray for it.”

Jamaican Shabbat and Ethical Wills

Dear Haverim

*This Friday night, December 28, 6:30 p.m. (Happy Hour 6 p.m.), Kabbalat Shabbat.

Sermon topic: Jews of Jamaica: Celebrating 50 Years of Jamaican Independence -- with Jamaican-inspired drinks at Happy Hour. Note: Bob Marlee -- M.O.T. (his grandmother was Jewish!).

*This Satuday morning, December 29, 9:30 a.m., Parashat V'yehi:Writing Your Ethical Will - Guaranteeing Your Imortality.

*Note: Tuesday, January 1st -- later 9:00 a.m. start time. Happy Sylvester!

Shabbat shalom!

Rabbi Michael

From Gun Control to Yoga to Teshuva

Dear Haverim:
*Tomorrow night, Friday, December 21, 6:30 p.m, (Happy Hour 6 p.m.), assuming the world does not end, my sermon topic will be:

A BRIEF JEWISH GUIDE TO GUN CONTROL.

*Saturday, December 22, 8:45 a.m, Shal-OM Yoga. Join us in the chapel for Yoga with a Jewish accent, with Zach. If you have never tried Jewish yoga why not come and give it a try – it will make you pray better!
*Saturday, December 22, 9:30 a.m. My sermon topic will be:

JOSEPH, RAMBAM & WEIGHT WATCHERS WEIGH IN ON TESHUVAH – inspired by Parashat Ha Shevuah – Vayigash.

*Please note LATER 9 a.m., minyan time on Tuesday, December 25. Happy Challah Daze!



Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Michael

Jewis Love Affair w/Chinese Food + Chanukah & Globalization

Dear Haverim:

            As we near the end of Chanukah, I am placing a strong emphasis on study this weekend, and I hope you will find time to embrace the student in you, and join me for all or some of these study opportunities.

       *Tonight, 8 p.m., Friday, December 14.  From Lokshen to Lo Mein.  I will explore the Jewish fascination with Chinese food, especially on December 25.  Join me for this tasteful topic plus a history of the Jews of China. An oneg Shabbat with kosher Chinese fare imported from Cherry Hill will follow.

       *Saturday, 9:30 a.m., December 15.  Shabbaton for the Hebrew School (10:15 am).  My sermon topic will be a study session, with texts provided.  Subject –

            Chanukah: Development, Globalization and the Miracle of the Maccabees. (material provided by the American Jewish World Service).

Looking ahead…

       *Saturday night, 7 – 10 pm, Teen Pa-Jew-Ma Dance.  Hosted at CBS, co-sponsored by Adas Kodesch, Congregation Beth Emeth and Temple Beth El.  We hope to bring all our community Jewish teens together for synagogue-based social and ritual programs.  We hope it will lead to mixed dancing. We will begin with Havdalah.  Music by DJZ and photobooth by Professor Looney. Cost: $15 cash at door.

            *Sunday night, 7 pm – Teddy Roosevelt and the Jews. Presented by the Rabbi Jacob Kraft Education Foundation. With Rabbi Lance Sussan, PhD, Senor Rabbi, Congregation Keneseth Israel, Elikins Park, PA. Dessert to follow.

            Stay informed. Be moved.  Attend worship services and study sessions at Congregation Beth Shalom!

            Shabbat shalom and Happy Chanukah!

                Rabbi Michael

Palestine Statehood to Dream Analysis

Haverim:




Stay informed, be connected, build community – attend Shabbat services and weekend programs at Congregation Beth Shalom (and in our community).



Friday, December 7, (Pre-Service Oneg 6:00pm), 6:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat services. My sermon topic will be: Palestine Statehood: A Time to Dance or A Time to Mourn?



Saturday, December 8, 9:30am, my sermon topic will be: Parashat Vayeshev: Dream Analysis-Speaking vs Listening.



In the evening, it is time to celebrate Chanukah. Begin your celebration with Havdalah, then light your first Chanukah candle and three blessings: 1. Lehadik ner shel Chanukah, 2. Asher asiti l'avoteynu, and 3. Shecheyanu. Complete prayers are available online.



Next Saturday evening, Community-wide Chanukah Teen Pa-Jew-Ma Party. Please be a supportive parent or grandparent and get your teens here!