Vayera -- Genesis 18:1-22:24, The Parashat Hashavua for Saturday, October 27, 2018
Strangers can be scary. As children we are taught to not talk to strangers. Societies often fear the other: the immigrant, the one who looks different, the one who speaks with an accent, the one whose food and culture are not like our own. This may be normal human behavior but, as it does with so many so-called normal attitudes, Judaism does not accept it and demands that we behave differently. This is clear from this week’s Torah portion, when Abraham looks up and sees three strangers approaching. “As soon as he saw them, he ran from the entrance of the tent to greet them and, bowing to the ground, he said, ‘My lords, if it please you, do not go on past your servant. Let a little water be brought; bathe your feet and recline under the tree.’” (Genesis 18:2-4) As soon as Abraham sees these strangers, he goes to them and offers them a place to rest and, with Sarah’s help, prepares a feast for them. What Abraham doesn’t know, is that these strangers are God and two angels. We are taught that every human being is created in the Divine image. While we will never encounter God directly, as our Torah teaches Abraham did. But we can choose to see the holy in every human being, rather to see them as strangers, as alien, as dangerous. The choice is ours. Will we choose to be open and welcoming as our ancestors Abraham and Sarah did? Or will we choose to turn away from the stranger? The decision is in our hands.
From the President
The plans are now set for the Unite Against Hate vigil in Richmond. The date had to be moved to Sunday, November 11, still at 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM.
The vigil is in memory of all victims of gun homicides in Richmond. Following the candlelight vigil, we will hold an interfaith ‘service’ with speakers/leaders of various faith groups in the Richmond/El Sobrante area. The focus will be on acceptance, understanding, respect and care for those of different faiths, races, ethnicities and identities from our own.
The key speaker will be Dewanda Joseph, who organizes healing circles for parents of murdered children.
Hanukkah is coming soon - we are looking for volunteers for the Latke Party on December 2nd.
We are what we do.
-- Neil Zarchin
Temple Beth Hillel’s Annual Hanukkah Celebration and Latke Luncheon Sunday, Dec. 2 12-3:00 PM
Temple Beth Hillel invites the community to its annual Hanukkah celebration, traditional latke luncheon, and celebratory candle lighting ceremony. Bring your favorite Hanukkah Menorah and a few candles-- join the candle lighting ceremony led by the synagogue’s religious school students.
Enjoy a complete latke luncheon with all the trimmings —candle lighting and luncheon begin at 12:30 p.m. Original arts and crafts created by TBH members and students will be available.
The Temple Gift Shop will be open with holiday menorahs, candles, and other gifts.
All foods and crafts are reasonably priced. Temple Beth Hillel’s Hanukkah party is a family event open to the community. If you could help out as a volunteer to make the event even more special, please reach out to
Jane Durango.
Learn more
SOCIAL ACTION PROGRAMS
We are commanded to leave the corners of our fields and the gleanings of our harvest and vineyards for the poor and the stranger. Our congregation supports those in need and is committed to diminishing hunger in our community by participating in the following programs:
TBH Volunteer Day at the GRIP Souper Center -- Wednesday, November 28 from 9:45 AM to 1:00 PM - Volunteers Needed
Our next GRIP Souper Center day is Wednesday, November 28, from 9:45 AM to 1:00 PM.. If you can volunteer for food preparation (9:45-11:15), serving (11:25-1), or both; or if you cannot come this month but can be on the list for future months, please contact
Jane Kaasa. We have been short of volunteers lately, so your help is vitally needed.
GRIP Harmony Walk 5k Race against Homelessness and Hunger -- This Saturday, October 27 at 9:00 AM - 1 PM
Get your pledges to your walkers right away!
Make your checks out to GRIP and convey them to the walker you are sponsoring before the walk. Do not make the checks out to TBH or give them to the office.
This is the major fundraiser for the Greater Richmond Interfaith Program, of which we are a founding member. GRIP provides hot meals at the Souper Center; a family shelter and veteran housing; intensive case management, immediate basic needs, and links to community programs; and alcohol and other drug services and referrals
Food for Thought: Donations and Volunteers Needed
Our winter break food distribution is rapidly approaching. We greatly appreciate the support of all who donated to the High Holy Day Appeal. Additional donations are always helpful and welcomed. (Please write a separate check to Temple Beth Hillel and note that it is for Food for Thought.) Religious School families are collecting peanut butter, and others are seeking food donations.
We are aiming to feed 350 families in at least nine schools. These students are all eligible for free school lunches, and the families are selected by the schools.
We need volunteers to help with food distribution on December 17, 18 and 19. Those who have participated have found it an especially meaningful experience. If you can volunteer or if you know of a source for food donations, contact
Jeff Romm.
Now Available: Blessings and Music for B’nai Mitzvah
Whether you’re studying to be a bar or bat mitzvah or want to refresh your memory, you can now listen to Cantor Fran recite the blessings and sing the music of the
b’nai mitzvah (Torah) service. Blessings and music for the
Sunday morning tefillah service are also available.
TBH Religious School is looking for a 3rd-5th Grade Teacher
If you know someone who you think would be qualified, please contact
Larry Fox.
Grief and Growing: A Healing Weekend for Bereaved Individuals -- November 30 - December 2
A program of the Bay Area Jewish Healing Center, Grief and Growing is professionally guided by griefcare specialists, providing a supportive Jewish environment where people of all ages and backgrounds can meet and work with others who have experienced similar losses. Scholarships are available. Register by October 26.
Learn more or 415-750-3436.
Hebrew Free Loan -- Interest-Free Lending
Hebrew Free Loan provides interest-free loans to help Jewish individuals in Northern California overcome financial challenges and pursue life dreams. Loans can be for various purposes, including personal and family issues, education, home-buying, business or unemployment, health care.
Learn more.
Help Food for Thought When You Shop
If you shop at Amazon, sign up for AmazonSmile by going to https://smile.amazon.com/, and selecting Temple Beth Hillel and Richmond Jewish Community Center Inc, Location: Richmond, CA, as your charity for donations. AmazonSmile has the same products and policies as Amazon and regularly donates 0.5% of all purchases. Learn more about the program
Sign up for the Lucky supermarket S.H.A.R.E.S program using your telephone number, and select Temple Beth Hillel. These stores donate 3% back to the Temple, which is used for Food for Thought.
Escrip also offers the opportunity for donations through other purchases, including online purchases and local restaurants, by registering your credit card.
Help Food for Thought continue to provide food for those in need.
If you wish to donate directly to Food for Thought, please write a separate check to Temple Beth Hillel and note that it is for Food for Thought. In any case, make sure to specify where you want your donations to go. This is especially true for electronic donations, which do not break down the totals.
Remember the Hungry and the Homeless – Keep the Barrels Filled
When you come to services please bring a non perishable food item. Cereal and peanut butter are in particular demand. Let’s keep the red barrels filled and in this way we can share our plenty with our neighbors.
In addition, you can bring hotel toiletries and other toiletries for Rubicon Programs to give to homeless participants. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, towels and deodorant are especially needed. There is a drop box for these outside Arlene's office. Please let Hallie know if you would like a donation receipt by contacting her at
hallief@yahoo.com.
Keeping In Touch With Us
We have two main ways to communicate with our community:
