From Maya Angelou to Shavuot

Dear Haverim,

*TOMORROW MORNING, FRIDAY, May 30, 7:30 am, CELEBRATE!

Our life-long congregant, Frank Levy, has used his recent retirement to strengthen his Torah-reading skills under Cantor Elisa (you can too!).  He will chant Rosh Hodesh Torah for the New Month of Sivan, at CBS!! (Note: we will NOT be holding our community minyan at AKSE that day).  Frank is sponsoring a bagel ‘n lox celebratory breakfast following minyan.

11 a.m., Funeral services for our beloved congregant, Henry Topel, followed by interment and meal of condolence back at CBS.

4 p.m., Shivah Mincha services in memory of Henry Topel, CBS.

6 p.m., Pre-Shabbat Happy Hour.

6:30 p.m., Kabbalat Shabbat.  Drash: Maya Angelou, z”l and her Jewish Connections.

*SATUDAY, May 31, 9:30 a.m., Shabbat services (10:15 a.m. Torah service).  Drash: Phenomenal Woman! And the OTHER Women in Parshat Naso – A Salute to Maya Angelou.

*SUNDAY, June 1, 9 a.m. Morning Minyan (we need help making a minyan when Hebrew School is on break).

10 a.m., Graveside funeral services for Bruce Baker (father of congregant Amie Baker), Jewish Community Cemetary, followed by meal of condolence at Siegel JCC.

8 p.m. Shiva services for Bruce Baker¸2300 Riddle Ave., #308 (off Augustine Cutoff).

*MONDAY, June 2, 7:30 a.m., Morning Minyan

8 p.m., Shiva services for Bruce Baker¸2300 Riddle Ave., #308 (off Augustine Cutoff).

*TUESDAY, June 3, 7:30 a.m., Morning Minyan

8 p.m. Shavuot Services. Program: FAITH JOURNEYS.  Old and New Congregants Share their Attraction to Judaism.  If you wish to be inspired and rekindle your Jewish faith, this program is for you!  We will punctuate each speaker with delicious dairy desserts and culminate our study with a visit to AKSE to help them get to midnight.

*WEDNESDAY, June 4, 9 a.m. SHAVUOT SERVICES Day I.

*THURSDAY, June 5, 9 a.m., SHAVUOT SERVICES Day II (including Yizkor).

Please join us as we celebrate Shabbat, Shavuot and the lives of some incredible human beings and the lives they led.

Shabbat shalom and Chag Sameach!

Rabbi Michael

WEEK 7 ― MALCHUT ― SOVEREIGNTY, LEADERSHIP

During the seventh and final week of counting the Omer, we examine and refine the attribute of Malchut ― nobility, sovereignty and leadership. Sovereignty is a state of being rather than an activity. Nobility is a passive expression of human dignity that has nothing of its own except that which it receives from the other six emotions. True leadership is the art of selflessness; it is only a reflection of a Higher will. On the other hand, Malchut manifests and actualizes the character and majesty of the human spirit. It is the very fiber of what makes us human.

Malchut is a sense of belonging. Knowing that you matter and that you make a difference. That you have the ability to be a proficient leader in your own right. It gives you independence and confidence. A feeling of certainty and authority. When a mother lovingly cradles her child in her arms and the child's eyes meet the mother's affectionate eyes, the child receives the message: "I am wanted and needed in this world. I have a comfortable place where I will always be loved. I have nothing to fear. I feel like royalty in my heart." This is Malchut, kingship.

Wednesday, May 28, Day 43 ― Chesed of Malchut: Loving-kindness in Nobility

Healthy sovereignty is always kind and loving. An effective leader needs to be warm and considerate. Does my sovereignty make me more loving? Do I exercise my authority and leadership in a caring manner? Do I impose my authority on others?

Exercise for the day: Do something kind for your subordinates

Thursday, May 29, Day 44 ― Gevurah of Malchut: Discipline in Nobility

Although sovereignty is loving, it needs to be balanced with discipline. Effective leadership is built on authority and discipline. There is another factor in the discipline of sovereignty: determining the area in which you have jurisdiction and authority.

Do I recognize when I am not an authority? Do I exercise authority in unwarranted situations? Am I aware of my limitations as well as my strengths? Do I respect the authority of others?

Exercise for the day: Before taking an authoritative position on any given issue, pause and reflect if you have the right and the ability to exercise authority in this situation.

Friday, May 30, Day 45 ― Tiferet of Malchut: Compassion in Nobility

A good leader is a compassionate one. Is my compassion compromised because of my authority? Do I realize that an integral part of dignity is compassion? Tiferet ― harmony ― is critical for successful leadership. Do I manage a smooth-running operation? Am I organized? Do I give clear instructions to my subordinates? Do I have difficulty delegating power? Do we have frequent staff meetings to coordinate our goals and efforts?

Exercise for the day: Review an area where you wield authority and see if you can polish it up and increase its effectiveness by curtailing excesses and consolidating forces.

Shabbat, May 31, Day 46 ― Netzach of Malchut: Endurance in Nobility

A person's dignity and a leader's success are tested by his endurance level. Will and determination reflect the power and majesty of the human spirit. How determined am I in reaching my goals? How strong is my conviction to fight for a dignified cause? How confident am I in myself? Is my lack of endurance a result of my low self-esteem? Do I mask my insecurities by finding other excuses for my low endurance level?

Exercise for the day: Act on something that you believe in but have until now been tentative about. Take the leap and just do it!

Sunday, June 1, Day 47 ― Hod of Malchut: Humility in Nobility

Sovereignty is God's gift to each individual. Hod of Malchut is the humble appreciation of this exceptional gift. Does my sovereignty and independence humble me? Am I an arrogant leader? Do I appreciate the special qualities I was blessed with?

Exercise for the day: Acknowledge God for creating you with personal dignity

Monday, June 2, Day 48 ― Yesod of Malchut: Bonding in Nobility

Examine the bonding aspect of your sovereignty. Healthy independence should not prevent you from bonding with another person. On the contrary: self-confidence allows you to respect and trust another's sovereignty and ultimately bond with him. That bond will strengthen your own sovereignty, rather than sacrifice it.

Does my sovereignty prevent me from bonding? Could that be because of deeper insecurities of which I am unaware? Do I recognize the fact that a fear of bonding reflects a lack of self-confidence in my own sovereignty?

Exercise for the day: Actualize your sovereignty by intensifying your bond with a close one.

Tuesday, June 3 Day 49 ― Malchut of Malchut: Nobility in Nobility

Examine the sovereignty of your sovereignty. Does it come from deep-rooted inner confidence in myself? Or is it just a put-on to mask my insecurities? Does that cause my sovereignty to be excessive? Am I aware of my uniqueness as a person? Of my personal contribution?

Exercise for the day: Take a moment and concentrate on yourself, on your true inner self, not on your performance and how you project to others; and be at peace with yourself knowing that God created a very special person which is you.

After the 49 days of Counting the Omer, after having fully achieved inner renewal by merit of having assessed and developed each of our 49 attributes, we arrive at the fiftieth day. On this day we celebrate the Festival of Shavuot, the giving of the Torah (Matan Torah). After we have accomplished all we can through our own initiative, then we are worthy to receive a gift (matan) from Above which we could not have achieved with our own limited faculties. We receive the ability to reach and touch the Divine; not only to be cultivated human beings who have refined all of our personal characteristics, but divine human beings who are capable of expressing ourselves above and beyond the definitions and limitations of our beings.

Excerpted from "A Spiritual Guide to Counting the Omer"

Cantorial Insights to Census Counts

Dear Haverim:

*TOMORROW, Friday, May 23, 6:30 p.m., Kabbalat Shabbat (6 p.m. Happy Hour). Cantor Elisa will be our darshanit, fresh back from the Cantors’ Assembly, with great insights and perhaps a few new tunes.

*Saturday, May 24, 9:30 a.m., Shabbat services (10:15 a.m. Torah service). Lew Bennett will be our guest darshan. Topic: Parshat B’Midbar – Taking the Census (with a Talmudic digression).

*Sunday, May 25, 9 a.m., Morning Minyan. (Note: with Hebrew School on break, it is more difficult to achieve a minyan so please help us).

*Monday, May 26, 9:00 a.m. MEMORIAL DAY – Please note later start-time for this National Holiday, to accommodate more congregants, including students, attending this weekday service.

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Michael

Omer Meditations - Week 6

WEEK 6 ― YESOD ― BONDING

During the sixth week of counting the Omer, we examine and refine the emotional attribute of Yesod or bonding. Bonding means connecting; not only feeling for another, but being attached to him. Not just a token commitment, but total devotion. It creates a channel between giver and receiver. Bonding is eternal. It develops an everlasting union that lives on forever through the perpetual fruit it bears.

Bonding is the foundation of life. The emotional spine of the human psyche. Every person needs bonding to flourish and grow. The bonding between mother and child; between husband and wife; between brothers and sisters; between close friends. Bonding is affirmation; it gives one the sense of belonging; that "I matter", "I am significant and important". It establishes trust ― trust in yourself and trust in others. It instills confidence. Without bonding and nurturing we cannot realize and be ourselves.

Wed., May 21, Day 36 ― Chesed of Yesod: Loving-kindness of Bonding

Love is the heart of bonding. You cannot bond without love. Love establishes a reliable base on which bonding can build. If you have a problem bonding, examine how much you love the one (or the experience) with which you wish to bond. Do I try to bond without first fostering a loving attitude? Is my bonding expressed in a loving manner?

Exercise for the day: Demonstrate the bond you have with your child or friend through an act of love.

Thurs., May 22, Day 37 ― Gevurah of Yesod: Discipline of Bonding

Bonding must be done with discretion and careful consideration with whom and with what you bond. Even the healthiest and closest bonding needs "time out", a respect for each individual's space. Do I overbond? Am I too dependent on the one I bond with? Is he too dependent on me? Do I bond out of desperation? Do I bond with healthy, wholesome people?

Exercise for the day: Review the discipline in your bonding experiences to see if it needs adjustment.

Friday, May 23, Day 38 ― Tiferet of Yesod: Compassion in Bonding

Bonding needs to be not only loving but also compassionate, feeling your friend's pain and empathizing with him. Is my bonding conditional? Do I withdraw when I am uncomfortable with my friend's troubles?

Exercise for the day: Offer help and support in dealing with an ordeal of someone with whom you have bonded.

Shabbat, May 24, Day 39 ― Netzach of Yesod: Endurance in Bonding

An essential component of bonding is its endurance; its ability to withstand challenges and setbacks. Without endurance there is no chance to develop true bonding. Am I totally committed to the one with whom I bond? How much will I endure and how ready am I to fight to maintain this bond? Is the person I bond with aware of my devotion?

Exercise for the day: Demonstrate the endurance level of your bonding by confronting a challenge that obstructs the bond.

Sunday, May 25, Day 40 ― Hod of Yesod: Humility of Bonding

Humility is crucial in healthy bonding. Arrogance divides people. Preoccupation with your own desires and needs separates you from others. Humility allows you to appreciate another person and bond with him. Healthy bonding is the union of two distinct people, with independent personalities, who join for a higher purpose than satisfying their own needs. True humility comes from recognizing and acknowledging God in your life. Am I aware of the third partner ― God ― in bonding? And that this partner gives me the capacity to unite with another, despite our distinctions.

Exercise for the day: When praying acknowledge God specifically for helping you bond with others.

Monday, May 26, Day 41 ― Yesod of Yesod: Bonding in Bonding

Every person needs and has the capacity to bond with other people, with significant undertakings and with meaningful experiences. Do I have difficulty bonding? Is the difficulty in all areas or only in certain ones? Do I bond easily with my job, but have trouble bonding with people? Or vice versa?

Examine the reasons for not bonding. Is it because I am too critical and find fault in everything as an excuse for not bonding? Am I too locked in my own ways? Is my not bonding a result of discomfort with vulnerability? Have I been hurt in my past bonding experiences? Has my trust been abused? Is my fear of bonding a result of the deficient bonding I experienced as a child?

To cultivate your capacity to bond, even if you have valid reasons to distrust, you must remember that God gave you a Divine soul that is nurturing and loving and you must learn to recognize the voice within, which will allow you to experience other people's souls and hearts. Then you can slowly drop your defenses when you recognize someone or something you can truly trust.

One additional point: Bonding breeds bonding. When you bond in one area of your life, it helps you bond in other areas.

Exercise for the day: Begin bonding with a new person or experience you love by committing designated time each day or week to spend together constructively.

Tuesday, May 27, Day 42 ― Malchut of Yesod: Nobility in Bonding

Bonding must enhance a person's sovereignty. It should nurture and strengthen your own dignity and the dignity of the one you bond with. Does my bonding inhibit the expression of my personality and qualities? Does it overwhelm the one I bond with?

Exercise for the day: Emphasize and highlight the strengths of the one with whom you bond.

From Redeeming the Captive to Reward & Punishment

Dear Haverim:

*Tomorrow, Friday, May 16, 6:30 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat. (6 pm Happy Hour).  Sermon topic: Rescuing Nigerian School Children as seen through Jewish Values-Pidyon Sh’vuyim.  The capture of Nigerian school girls and their captors’ threat to sell them as unwilling brides at discounted prices, has captured the headlines and inspired outrage both inside and outside of Nigeria.  Jews have had extensive experience with being held captive, starting with the biblical stories of Joseph, moving forward.  We will apply Jewish law and lore to this timely issue.  We will also explore the next kabbalistic value as we continue our Omer count, on Day 32 of the Omer.

*Saturday, May 17, 9:30 a.m. Shabbat services (10:15 Torah reading).  Sermon topic: Parshat Behukotai: Applying Fundamental Ideas of Free Will and Reward & Punishment to Our Lives Today. During lunch we will review Chapter Five of Pirkei Avot as part of continuing Adult Education.

Shabbat shalom!

Rabbi Michael

Omer Meditations Week 5

WEEK 5 ― HOD ― HUMILITY

During the fifth week of counting the Omer, we examine and refine the emotional attribute of Hod or humility. Humility ― and the resulting yielding ― should not be confused with weakness and lack of self-esteem. Hod or humility is modesty ― it is acknowledgment (from the root of the Hebrew word "hoda'ah"). It is saying "thank you" to God. It is clearly recognizing your qualities and strengths and acknowledging that they are not your own; they were given to you by God for a higher purpose than just satisfying your own needs. Humility is modesty; it is recognizing how small you are which allows you to realize how large you can become. And that makes humility so formidable.

A full cup cannot be filled. When you're filled with yourself and your needs, "I and nothing else", there is no room for more. When you "empty" yourself before something greater than yourself, your capacity to receive increases beyond your previously perceived limits. Humility is the key to transcendence; to reach beyond yourself. Only true humility gives you the power of total objectivity. Humility is sensitivity; it is healthy shame out of recognition that you can be better than you are and that you can expect more of yourself. Although humility is silent it is not a void. It is a dynamic expression of life that includes all seven qualities of love, discipline, compassion, endurance, humility, bonding and sovereignty.

Day 29, Wed, May 14 ― Chesed of Hod: Loving-kindness in Humility

Examine the love in your humility. Healthy humility is not demoralizing; it brings love and joy not fear. Humility that lacks love has to be reexamined for its authenticity. Sometimes humility can be confused with low self-esteem, which would cause it to be unloving. Humility brings love because it gives you the ability to rise above yourself and love another. Does my humility cause me to be more loving and giving? More expansive? Or does it inhibit and constrain me?

Exercise for the day: Before praying with humility and acknowledgment of God, give some charity. It will enhance your prayers.

Day 30, Thurs., May 15 ― Gevurah of Hod: Discipline in Humility

Humility must be disciplined and focused. When should my humility cause me to compromise and when not? In the name of humility do I sometimes remain silent and neutral in the face of wickedness? Humility must also include respect and awe for the person or experience before whom you stand humble. If my humility is wanting, is it because I don't respect another?

Exercise for the day: Focus in on your reluctance to commit in a given area to see if it originates from a healthy, humble place.

Day 31, Fri., May 16 ― Tiferet of Hod: Compassion in Humility

Examine if your humility is compassionate. Does my humility cause me to be self-contained and anti-social or does it express itself in empathy for others. Is my humility balanced and beautiful? Or is it awkward? Just as humility brings compassion, compassion can lead one to humility. If you lack humility, try acting compassionately, which can help bring you to humility.

Exercise for the day: Express a humble feeling in an act of compassion.

Day 32, Shabbat, May 17 ― Netzach of Hod: Endurance in Humility

Examine the strength and endurance of your humility. Does my humility withstand challenges? Am I firm in my positions or do I waffle in the name of humility? Humility and modesty should not cause one to feel weak and insecure. Netzach of Hod underscores the fact that true humility does not make you into a "doormat" for others to step on; on the contrary, humility gives you enduring strength. Is my humility perceived as weakness? Does that cause others to take advantage of me?

Exercise for the day: Demonstrate the strength of your humility by initiating or actively participating in a good cause.

Day 33, Lag B’Omer, Sun., May 18 ― Hod of Hod: Humility in Humility

Everyone has humility and modesty in their hearts, the question is the measure and manner in which one consciously feels it. Am I afraid to be too humble? Do I mask and protect my modesty with aggressive behavior? Humility must also be examined for its genuineness. Is my humility humble? Or is it yet another expression of arrogance? Do I take too much pride in my humility? Do I flaunt it? Is it self-serving? Is my humility part of a crusade or is it genuine?

Exercise for the day: Be humble just for its own sake.

Day 34, Mon., May 19 ― Yesod of Hod: Bonding in Humility

Humility should not be a lonely experience. It ought to result in deep bonding and commitment. There is no stronger bond than one that comes out of humility. Does my humility separate me from others or bring us closer? Does my humility produce results? Long term results? Does it create an everlasting foundation upon which I and others can rely and build.

Exercise for the day: Use your humility to build something lasting.

Day 35, Tues., May 20 ― Malchut of Hod: Nobility in Humility

Walking humbly is walking tall. Dignity is the essence of humility and modesty. The splendor of humility is majestic and aristocratic. Humility that suppresses the human spirit and denies individual sovereignty is not humility at all. Does my humility make me feel dignified? Do I feel alive and vibrant?

Exercise for the day: Teach someone how humility and modesty enhance human dignity.

From Yom Ha Atzma'ut to Mother's Day

Dear Haverim:

*TONIGHT, Friday May 9th, 8 PM Kabbalat Shabbat services. Please note our later start time. Second Friday Shabbat and the Rabbi Jacob Kraft Educational Foundation presents: “In the Sands of Sinai: A Physician’s Account of the Yom Kippur War,” with author Dr. Itzhak Brook. This program marks both the 40th Anniversary of the Yom Kippur War and the 66th Anniversary of the State of Israel. A dessert oneg will follow services.

*SATURDAY, May 10th, 9:30 AM Shabbat services. Our Kehillah and Confirmation students will lead services, leyn from the Torah, and chant Haftarah. The morning we will focus on the CONFIRMATION of our oldest Hebrew School students, where they will present thought pieces on WHY IS JUDAISM IMPORTANT TO ME? I would like to especially invite our older congregants to come, for some inspiration for their neshamas and the younger Hebrew school students to come, to be inspired regarding their future growth as students and as Jews.

*SUNDAY, May 11th, 9 AM Morning Minyan. With Hebrew School now completed for the year, we will need more congregants to come to this service to ensure a minyan. We have been lacking minyanim throughout the past week. Please help.

9:05 AM - THE RABBI SPEAKS - MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL. If you cannot attend Morning Minyan, then please tune in to 1150 AM, WDEL, as I site Torah, Sophie Tucker and The Prince of Egypt, in an ecclectic salute to Mother's from a Jewish perspective.

Shabbat shalom and Happy Mother's Day to you ALL!

Rabbi Michael

Celebrating Israel at 66 at CBS

Dear Haverim:

*TOMORROW, Friday, May 2, 6:30 p.m.  SHABBAT KOLEYNU.  Cantor Elisa has created a wonderful musical program, featuring both professional musicians and our CBS Hebrew School students in a musical salute to Israel at 66.  Services will culminate in a festive dessert oneg.

*Saturday, May 3, 9:30 a.m. Shabbat services.  Our celebration of Israel at 66 continues with our guest speaker, Elad Stohmayer, Deputy Consul General.  His topic will be: ISRAEL: BEYOND THE HEADLINES.  Elad will begin his talk at 11:30 a.m., and continue with an interactive “q-and-a” session over an Israeli-themed kiddush lunch following services.

ADULT EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

1. Wednesday mornings after Minyan: Pirkei Avot mini-study.

2. Thursdays, noon, Library: Parshat Ha Shevua Torah study.

3.  Saturdays, starting May 10^th, Pirkei Avot during lunch.

4. Ongoing through Shavuot: Daily Omer Meditations

Come to Congregation Beth Shalom for musical, spiritual and intellectual growth!

Shabbat shalom!

Rabbi Michael