Chayei Sarah -- Genesis 23:1-25:18, The Parashat Hashavua for Saturday, November 3, 2018
We call our Torah, Etz Chayim, a Tree of Life. How cruel then, that 11 Jews were murdered in the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh this last Shabbat. How do we take in the horror of this crime? We are shocked by the worst mass killing of Jews in American history. But this is not the first time innocent Jews have been victims of hateful violence. We just have not experienced it here. How should we respond, with more hatred, with fear, or with healing and unity? Our Torah teaches us always to choose life, that we must strive to come together. We see that in this week’s Torah portion. Ishmael and Isaac have been estranged for most of their lives since Abraham and Sarah drove Ishmael out of the family after Isaac’s birth. But here, near the end of this week’s parsha, we read, “And Abraham breathed his last, dying at a good ripe age, old and contented; and he was gathered to his kin. His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite, facing Mamre,” (Genesis 25:8-9) Our sages teach that later in life, Isaac sought out his brother Ishmael and visited him at his camp. Over time Isaac healed the wounds that divided them and they came together again as brothers. This is how they could bury their father together. Our Torah teaches us that we must answer hate with love and defy anyone who tries to divide us, by working for unity, connection and equality for all. Our lives depend on it.
From the President
In difficult times like these, the most human way to cope is to seek healing and comfort together. The entire West County community has been invited to join us for Shabbat this week. Please make an extra effort to be with us Friday, November 2 for the potluck at 6:30 and services at 7:30.
The Unite Against Hate vigil in Richmond on Sunday, November 11 was in planning before Tree of Live. Now it is even more relevant.
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. It is perfectly acceptable for us to be there and receive the love and healing of our brethren.
The key speaker will be Dewanda Joseph, who organizes healing circles for parents of murdered children.Again, please join us at Richmond Civic Center from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM.
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
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.
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.
Thank You to our Sponsors for Making the GRIP Harmony Walk a Success
Thanks to all of our sponsors for making our GRIP walking team a success this year. A few of us took part with the backing of our wonderful TBH community. Check out our pictures on Facebook.
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.
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 twelve 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.
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:
