Vaera -- Exodus 6:2-9-35, The Parashat Hashavua for Saturday, January 5, 2018

When we see injustice in the world around us, it can be easy to give up hope. There is so much that is wrong, there is so much suffering, that we don’t know what to do or how to begin, so we just throw up our hands. 

In this week’s Torah portion, before Moses confronts Pharaoh for the first time, we read, “I have now heard the moaning of the Israelites because the Egyptians are holding them in bondage, and I have remembered My covenant. Say, therefore, to the Israelite people: I am the LORD. I will free you from the labors of the Egyptians and deliver you from their bondage. I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and through extraordinary chastisements. But when Moses told this to the Israelites, they would not listen to Moses, their spirits crushed by cruel bondage.” (Exodus 6:5-7) 

The Israelites are broken by slavery. They have given up hope and, because of their condition, they cannot hear God’s promise of redemption. Yet, God’s redemption will surely come, just as the sunrise follows the darkness of night. 

At times it is tempting to give up hope, and see only darkness. But our Torah and our history teaches us that human beings can move society toward greater justice, fairness, and dignity for all humanity as long as we keep working for it and keep our faith. 

Is God our partner in this work? For some, God anchors our faith in justice as a universal principle; as the 19th Century theologian, Theodore Parker wrote, “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” This is God’s promise, that history moves toward justice. But our Torah reminds us, this week and every week, that this promise will only be fulfilled when we sustain our hope and act for the good to make our world and our society better.

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From the President

At the end of the secular year, it is customary to reflect. This has been a trying year, with fires in Redding and Paradise, turmoil in Washington and the usual sorrows in our community.

But, as our mercurial history teaches, we have survived, and we will survive. Temple Beth Hillel has done good in the community, we have also had much to celebrate.

Temple Beth Hillel is in good financial shape. Our clergy is supportive and stable. We have each other.

Speaking of our place in the greater West County Community, please make plans to attend the opening of “Pioneers to the Present - Jews of Richmond and Contra Costa County” at the Richmond Museum of History, 400 Nevin Ave., Richmond, on Sunday January 13 from 1:00 - 4:00 PM. We are honored to have our contributions to local history recognized.You can find more information here. 

So I wish everyone blessings and joy in 2019, and we will be there to share in the nachas and the tears.

We are what we do – and this week we done good.
Neil Zarchin

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Memorial Service for Bobby Lisby Sunday, January 6 at 1:00 PM 

Please join Arlene Lisby and her family to remember the life and mourn the death of her husband Bobby Lisby. Memorial service will begin at 1:00 PM followed by a meal of consolation. May God provide comfort to Arlene and her family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

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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.

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Food for Thought Donations

Thanks to all of our members whose donations made our Food for Thought program a great success.  We start now to plan for next year, so donations are always helpful and welcomed.  (Please write a separate check to Temple Beth Hillel and note that it is for Food for Thought.)

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TBH Volunteer Day at the GRIP Souper Center -- January 23 from 9:45 AM to 1:00 PM - Volunteers Needed

Our next GRIP Souper Center day is Wednesday, January 23  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 needed.

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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.  

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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.

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You Can Still Help Victims of the Camp Fire and the Fires in LA

The Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Region has opened a fund to help the victims of the Camp Fire – 100% of all funds raised will be allocated to the victims of this tragedy. 
IIn addition to much-needed funds for our neighbors to the north, the
community needs practical goods, such as new towels, new clothing in all sizes (including shoes, undergarments, sweatshirts and bras), paper cups, paper plates, paper towels, animal food, new jackets, new coats, and bottled water. Sacramento Federation is collecting these items as well as grocery and clothing store gift cards. Drop off items are welcome at the Federation's office: 2130 21st Street in Sacramento, CA.  Call first at (916) 486-0906 to find out what is currently needed.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles has opened an LA Wildfire Relief Fund – 100% of all funds raised will go to individuals and institutions affected by the fires. 
The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles also launched an Emergency Hotline for those affected and in need of assistance: (323) 761-8100.
For more information about donating, see https://sacramento.cbslocal.com/help-2/ and https://www.kqed.org/news/11705542/how-to-help-camp-fire-victims

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TRAVEL AND SUMMER PROGRAMS

(These programs, and TBH, may have some financial aid available.)

Camp Newman  Inspiring a love of Judaism … through the adventure, friendships, and joy of summer camp! At URJ Camp Newman, we’re building a foundation for a vibrant Jewish life. Guided by experienced staff and Jewish professionals, we offer 25 traditional and specialty overnight summer sessions from 9 days to 8 weeks at the beautiful bay-side campus of Cal Maritime (in Vallejo). Our camp empowers children and teens to better themselves, their communities and the world.
Registration for Summer 2019 is now open.

Camp Tawonga For over 90 years, Camp Tawonga has served as a leader in Jewish camping, fostering in children and families a deep connection to nature, community and Judaism within a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment. Tawonga runs programming for children, families and young adults at our premier residential Camp located outside Yosemite National Park as well as in the San Francisco Bay Area. At Tawonga, children and teens build self esteem, make lifelong friends and discover their truest selves, supported by a dedicated and loving staff.
Registration opened December 12.

URJ Summer Teen Trips Hike, climb, discover, and explore with new friends from across the continent. Return home with endless personal accomplishments, meaningful memories and stories you'll never forget. Choose from 6 different trips, including a visit to Eastern Europe, a Hebrew immersion, a trip through the lens of social justice, a trip through the lens of science and technology, and a sports Israel trip.

Birthright Israel A Free Israel Adventure For Young Jewish Adults, Ages 18–32.
Experience Israel on an action-packed journey exploring ancient sites, local hot spots, and natural wonders. Travel with Israeli peers who will introduce you to the vibrant culture, and mouth-watering cuisine that makes Israel a top vacation destination.
Note that the age range has been expanded from 26 to 32.  Registration for summer trips begins in February. When registration is not open, you can sign up to receive priority status when registering later on.

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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.

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