Dear Haverim:

*Tonight, October 25, 6:30 p.m., Kabbalat Shabbat. (Happy Hour 6 p.m.). Sermon topic: Parshat Hayyei Sara: One Drop of Kindness Can Make a World of Difference.  Inspired by the series, Chicken Soup for the Soul, I will link Rebecca’s behavior in the Torah portion to practical application in our own lives, through the midah of chesed.

*Tomorrow, October 26, 9:30 a.m., Shabbat services.  Sermon topic: Parshat Hayyei Sara: What Will Be YOUR Legacy?  Although this Torah portion is called “The Life of Sarah,” it seems to deal exclusively with her death – or does it?  Please come armed with at least one piece advice you have learned that you would want to share with the next generation, as we explore the idea of what can we leave behind after we have parted this world for the next. Arlene Wilson is sponsoring the Kiddush Lunch in honor of her taking a Hebrew name and an alliyah.

*Sunday, October 27, 9 a.m., Morning Minyan- Hebrew School is off today so make an extra effort to come and make a minyan.

9:05 a.m. – The Rabbi Speaks, on WDEL 1150 on your AM dial.  I will be tackling the subject of how to deal with Halloween from a Jewish perspective.  In nine minutes I will try to create bridges between this pagan-based holiday and the highest of Jewish values.

10 a.m. – Crash Course in Hebrew.  Vered Nohi-Becker will attempt to teach you the basics of Hebrew in this fast-paced, four hour marathon.  Free of charge and definitely worth the price.

Spend this weekend at Congregation Beth Shalom!

Shabbat shalom!

Rabbi Michael

Middah Moment

KAVOD - Respect.  In next week's Torah portion, Toldot, God shows kavod for Rebecca by heeding her cries and explaining on what is going on with her pregnancy.  Essau shows kavod for his elderly father by being present, and preparing his favorite food to comfort him.  Rebecca shows kavod for Isaac, by creating a deception rather than confronting Isaac with the fact that God came to her, and not to him.  And Jacob constantly withholds kavod in his treatment of his older brother, by robbing him of both birthright and blessing.  How can we add dimensions of kavod into next week's daily living experiences?