JUDAISM AND ORGAN DONATION: ISSUES & ANSWERS Join us April 27 at 7:30pm. Though saving a life is a supreme Jewish value, many Jews pass on the opportunity to donate life-saving organs after death despite strong support for donation from ALL major denominations of Judaism. Why are we so hesitant? Click here to learn more.
VACCINES AT MONTEFIORE HOSPITAL Montefiore Hospital in New Rochelle will begin administering the Moderna vaccine to NYS residents 30 years and over beginning Tuesday April 6. If you or someone you know would like to take advantage of this community service, please contact Angela Cermele at Montefiore hospital directly to make arrangements. She can be reached at (914) 365-3468 or acermele@montefiore.org.
SCHOLARSTREAM COLLABORATIVE SERIES What Should Zionism Look Like in an Era of a Confident and Strong Jewish State? Wednesdays 4/21-5/12 at 8pm - Can the various flavors of Judaism’s enduring focus on the Land of Israel translate into a new Zionist ethos? Join JTS, the RA, the Schechter Institutes and Ziegler for a collaborative ScholarStream series, in which teachers representing each institution will explore these and other questions—re-examining some of Zionism’s key ideas, moments, and challenges, from its earliest origins and into the 21st century. Click here to register - use discount code NewRoApr21 to register for free! The deadline to register for each session is 11am on the morning of the session.
SIGN UP TO PARTICIPATE IN YOUTH & FAMILY SHABBAT ON 4/30 & 5/1! If you would like your children to participate Saturday Morning (in person), contact Cantor Gaby at gschvartz@bethelnr.org. To participate in Kabbalat Shabbat (Zoom), contact Jack Klebanow at jklebanow@bethelnr.org.
COVID SAFETY IN THE SANCTUARY To safeguard the community and to ensure that those that attend in-person services are safe and comfortable, at daily Minyan, Shabbat, and other services, we have specific guidelines in place. Click here to view these guidelines and pictures of our Sanctuary seating arrangements.
BETH EL VIRTUAL PELOTON GROUP In this time apart, let's bring our community together for virtual workouts! If you workout on Peloton (either through the app or on the equipment), add the hashtag #BERides to your ride and give virtual high fives to our community as they get stronger.
APARTMENT FOR SALE NEAR THE SHUL A beautiful two bedroom/two bath apartment with open golf course views will soon be listed for sale. This apartment is only a 2 minute drive or 4 minute walk from Beth El! If interested in viewing the apartment, please call Sandra Costin at 914-262-3819.
BAUM JUDAICA GIFT SHOP We have beautiful Judaica and more! You can now browse our shop online at www.bethelnr.org/giftshop. Contact Carole or Ellen for more details! Carole Graham: 914-576-6617 or carolegraham@optonline.net. Ellen Hollander: 914-632-4658 or ellenarts@optonline.net.
INFORMATION FOR IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE We have put together a Back at Beth El page, with links to all of the latest announcements for those attending in-person services. These announcements include updates for checking into the building, vaccinated individuals, covid safety in the sanctuary, and links and resources.
OUR ISRAEL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE NEEDS YOUR HELP! Since the creation of the State of Israel in 1948, Israel’s inventions, artistic contributions, technology, talents, quirks and a healthy dose of chutzpa have helped the country and its people flourish – distinguishing them as a creative, dynamic, and memorable powerhouse. In honor of Israel's 73rd birthday, Beth El’s Israel Affairs Committee would like to know what YOU love about Israel – scientific advancements, cultural aspects, archaeological/historical connections, art, film, food? Please drop a line to Tamartait@optonline.net or bruces.gold@gmail.com and let us know why you love Israel. A word, paragraph or an online link that describes what resonates about Israel to you and your family will all be great to see. Based on responses, we plan to create a meaningful online Yom HaAtzma'ut tribute. TODAH!
JOURNEY WITH JTS, A FOUR SESSION LEARNING SERIES Megillat Ruth and the Torah of Kindness - April 29, 7:30 pm. The Book of Ruth has obvious agricultural links to Shavuot, the festival on which it is read. But is there a connection to Shavuot as the reenactment of Sinai? Through a close reading of the narrative, Rabbi Uhrbach will explore what Megillat Ruth has to teach us about the nature, and even healing, of Torah. Click here for registration and more info.
SISTERHOOD'S SPRING FLOWER BULB FUNDRAISER Our Fall fundraiser was a great success - everyone who planted their bulbs will be seeing beautiful flowers budding soon! To order new bulbs & plants in time for May planting (for flowers which will bloom through next Fall) visit bethelnr.org/BULBS and check out all the beautiful flower bulbs and plants available. Place your order right there. The last date for orders is April 30th. Bulbs will be at Beth El for pick-up by May 15th. All proceeds benefit Beth El!
CONNECT WITH US Want to stay connected with us on social media or add our events directly to your Google Calendar? Head to www.bethelnr.org/social for all of the links to make sure you don't miss a thing!
DO YOU SHOP ON AMAZON? If so, you can earn money for Beth El at no cost to you! Go to Smile.Amazon.com and sign in (also on the Amazon app!). Pick Beth El Synagogue of New Rochelle as your charity, and shop as usual. Amazon makes a donation at no extra cost to you - the prices are the same! A huge thank you to those who have already set this up - because of you, we have recently received a quarterly donation of $203.59!
VACCINE SIGN UP ASSISTANCE As of Monday, January 11, New York State entered Phase 1b of vaccine distribution for COVID-19. To see if you're eligible for the vaccine, click here. We understand that registering for a vaccine can be difficult, and Beth El is here to support you. If you need assistance, please email vaccinehelp@bethelnr.org and someone will be in touch to help you navigate the process.
BETH EL MEMORIAL PAGE We have created a space on our Beth El Website to honor members and loved ones lost during these unprecedented times. Some of those who have experienced a recent loss have posted reflections and photos of their loved ones for our Beth El community to honor and share in their memory. This webpage is password protected, please login to your shulcloud account & visit www.bethelnr.org/virtualmemorial.
TORAH & HAFTARAH READING IS BACK We are reenergizing our initiative to broaden congregational participation in reading Torah as well as chanting the Haftarah on Shabbat morning. Those interested are invited to sign up here. Please reach out to Alan Kellman (alan@twoals.com) for Torah reading questions. For Haftarah questions reach out to Steven Cohen (SCohen@kanekessler.com). Cantor Schvartz (gschvartz@bethelnr.org) can help with preparing or learning how to read. If you'd like to sign up to lead a Virtual Havdalah, click here!
SHABBAT DINNERS FROM PRIDE CATERERS Let Pride Caterers, Beth El's exclusive caterer, cook your Shabbat dinner! Visit www.pridecaterers.net to see their weekly offerings. Delicious challah included with every order!
KOSHER FOOD DELIVERY If you are interested in ordering kosher food options, Tamar Weinberg, a member of Young Israel of New Rochelle, has been arranging delivery to New Rochelle. Click here to join the group via WhatsApp. Please note that you will need to install WhatsApp to join this group.
MISHEBERACH LIST Any name added to the Misheberach list will be automatically removed after one month. If someone needs it to remain for another month they must reach out again to one of the clergy.
Want to see your event featured in the Shabbat Announcements? To have your announcement included in the Shabbat Announcement email, please paste it into this Google Document. All submissions must be in by Thursday at noon to make it into the week's announcements.
