Weekly Announcements

The New Congregation B'nai Tikvah
830 South Melrose Drive
Vista, California 92081
760-941-9858
www.bnaitikvahsd.com         info@bnaitikvahsd.com

September 5 - 11, 2010

Parashat Ha'azinu 

26 Elul 5770 - 3 Tishrei 4771

Candlelighting: 6:48pm

This Shabbat at B'nai Tikvah

September 10th

7pm - Shabbat Services led byCantor Larry Kornit

A wonderful Oneg is sponsored by the Burgan Family in honor of Laine's Birthday

September 11th

9:30am - Torah Study (see below for details), led by Cantor Larry Kornit

10am - Shabbat Morning Services led by Cantor Larry Kornit

High Holiday Messages

From the Rabbi:

With the first of Tishri, we will all flock to the synagogue to welcome in the New Year.  And we are not alone.  In droves, Jews around the globe will find themselves standing beneath a ner tamid, an eternal light.  Yet why during these days more than at any other time of the year?  Why on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur do so many of us find our way back to the synagogue?

It is as if we all knew the parable told by the Baal Shem Tov; the founder of the Hasidic movement of the 18th century.  There once was a king who stayed in his palace throughout most of the year.  While the king remained in the palace, it was hard to contact him or communicate with him.  But when he left his palace to travel in the field throughout his province, anyone could approach him and even speak to him.

Thus the Baal Shem Tov taught, all year long God is in a “palace.”  But during the Days of Awe, our High Holy Days, God is in “the field,” examining the lands, venturing out among the people.

Therefore, during these sacred moments, anyone who takes the initiative can approach God.  Even more, anyone who so desires can speak to God.

Yet it is not enough just knowing, that God is in the fields, approachable and waiting for us to connect.  We must work on our understanding, yes, even our relationship with God.  Inevitably through this we gain a better understanding of ourselves and our role in this world.  And what begins and develops during these sacred ten days can encourage us to find God through the rest of our year.  While it is a beginning and we must constantly work on the intimacy within, it is a beginning that opens us up to an even greater appreciation of our lives and to the myriad of opportunities waiting for us.

L’shannah Tova.

A Happy and Healthy New Year to you all,

Rabbi Leinow

From the Cantor:

As this year draws to a close and a new year begins, we want to wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year, an easy fast and the opportunity to participate in the “mitzvah” of “Tikum Olam”. Let us work toward “Repairing the World” by thinking globally but acting locally, starting in our own community.

L’hitraot.

Cantor Larry and Lauren Kornit

From the Co Presidents:

The New Year gives us the opportunity for a chance to reflect on what is truly important in our lives.  Certainly a sense of belonging and connection with the past and the future would be part of anyone’s list.  We want to thank all of you who have been such a vital part in building our synagogue. Your continued support allows Congregation B’nai Tikvah to be a source of religious continuity, spiritual guidance and community identity.  We look forward to continued growth in the coming year.

On this special occasion we would like to extend to our B’nai Tikvah family our heartfelt hopes for a healthy and happy New Year.

L’Shannah Tova

Yours for a sweet, bright year.

Mark Haskell and Gerry Wolfson

From our Religious School Director:

As our summer closes and we come together to begin the new school year, our children and families begin to recreate the magic of our Religious School community. We welcome all our families back and wish everyone a Shanah Tovah.

Religious School begins on Tuesday, September 7th, 4:15pm . At each class session we have a group activity. The opening session includes a mitzvah project  - polishing the silver Torah ornaments so the congregation’s Rosh ha-Shanah will be a beautiful experience. To continue the holiday theme of sweetness and joy of creation, the children will snack on apples and honey this afternoon.

Cantor Larry and I will be teaching our classes again this year. It is exciting to invite our new students, their parents and siblings into our school family.  We welcome the Robbins and Schvimmer families to B’nai Tikvah.  We are pleased that Wendy Oxenhorn continues as our Religious School liaison to the B'nai Tikvah Board of Directors.

We are still building our synagogue home and looking toward to the future.  As word about our incredible school spreads, be an advocate to new families and friends to involve their children in our B’nai Tikvah educational experience.

Cantor Larry, Rabbi Ben, Wendy and I are looking forward to a great year of learning and growth with your children.

Thank you for entrusting your child with us for his/her Jewish education.

Le Shannah tovah u metukah – for a sweet and wonderful New Year,”

Naomi Gabai-Fisher

Attention All Congregants:

Our venue at the Dove Library Schulman Auditorium for the High Holidays has limited seating. Tickets will be mailed to only those congregants who send in their membership applications for the 2010-2011 year.

We urge you to mail in your applications with a check for your dues as soon as possible so that you may join us in for this special holiday. Your help is needed for our synagogue to remain financially sound.

Please contact Gerry Wolfson at 760-757-9770 or gwolfson@prodigy.net for more info.

By Popular Demand, the Scroll of Remembrance Submission Deadline has been extended to Monday, September 13, 2010.

The Temple office must receive your form by Monday, Sept. 13.

Mail checks and form to: P.O. Box 926, Vista CA 92085.

click HERE for a Blank Scroll of Remembrance Form

Shabbat Morning Torah Study Program

this Saturday Morning, September 11th at 9:30am

Shabbat Shuva Haazinu. Deuterotomy 32:1-52.

Let us listen to and find direction from G-d.

The Coronado Playhouse

invites members of Congregation B'nai Tikvah

 to a free showing of

"Much to do About Nothing"

 on Sunday, Sept. 19th at 2 p.m.

You must be there by 1:30 to pick up your free ticket. 

Seating is on a first come first served basis.

This is a classic Shakespearan comedy that has everything-soldiers returning from war, lovers, a wedding, a villian determined to end the romance and of friends who set a "lovers trap' for Benedict, a confirmed bachelor, and Beatrice his verbal sparring partner.

Contact Cheryl Kaufman to put your name on the reservation list, 760-744-7414.

Yom Kippur Break-the-Fast

Join The Congregation In Breaking The Fast Together.

We have a reservation for 25 people at 7pm at La Costa Grill, a 2-minute drive away from the Carlsbad/Dove Library, where services will be held. We need to know if the number of attendees needs to be modified. La Costa Grill has been gracious enough to agree that checks will be kept separate if requested. La Costa Grill 6996 El Camino Real, Encinitas.

Please contact Niki Burgan at 760-707-6533 for questions and reservations.

Save the Date - Friday, Sept. 24

Join us for a potluck dinner in the Sukkah on Friday, Sept 24. 

Let's celebrate the Earth's bounty and our connection with all Jews around the world by bringing an international dairy-style dish. 

Dinner will begin at 6:30pm

 followed by

a presentation by the Hebrew School students & Shabbat Services

Look for an evite next week with a selection of food to bring

Cemetery Memorial Services

Kever Avot V’imahot

Rabbi Ben Leinow and Cantor Larry Kornit will be conducting community-wide memorial services at Eternal Hills (Oceanside) Memorial Park Cemetery on Sunday, September 12, 2010 – 4^th Day of Tishri 5771, at 10 AM. This is a volunteer project of the Rabbi and Cantor. There are no fees or charges collected at these services. Za char tza dik l’vracha – May each of our relatives be remembered in righteousness and with love.

Rehearsals for

B'nai Tikvah's

High Holiday Choir
Monday, September 6th
from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
at the Synagogue

Religious School 2010/2011

As our summer closes and we come together to begin the new school year, our children and families begin to recreate the magic of our Religious School community. We welcome all our families back and wish everyone a Shanah Tovah.  Religious School begins on Tuesday, September 7th, 4:15-6:15pm . At each class session we have a group activity. The opening session includes a mitzvah project  - polishing the silver Torah ornaments so the congregation’s Rosh ha-Shanah will be a beautiful experience. To continue the holiday theme of sweetness and joy of creation, the children will snack on apples and honey this afternoon. The following week, Tue, Sept 14, we will hold Hebrew school at Pelican Point Beach, Carlsbad to learn about Tashlikh  and the High Holidays. 
           

Cantor Larry and I will be teaching our classes again this year. It is exciting to invite our new students, their parents and siblings into our school family.  We welcome the Robbins and Schvimmer families to B’nai Tikvah.  We are pleased that Wendy Oxenhorn continues as our Religious School liaison to the B'nai Tikvah Board of Directors.  As word about our incredible hebrew school spreads, consider inviting friends and  new families to involve their children in our B’nai Tikvah educational experience.  Cantor Larry, Rabbi Ben and I are looking forward to a great year of learning and growth with your children. Thank you for entrusting your child with us for his/ her Jewish education. 

For more information about our religious school, curriculum and schedule, please visit our religious school page on the synagogue website by clicking on the following link:  WWW.BNAITIKVAHSD.COM.  The religious school calendar is posted on the main B'nai Tikvah Calendar.

Le-Shanah tovah u-metukah – for a sweet and wonderful New Year,

Naomi Gabai Fisher

From the Sisterhood:

The Oneg Committee invites everyone to participate in our oneg and kiddush program. Please call Cheryl Kaufman 760-744-7414 or email to herscheryl@sbcglobal.net for further information. People are also free to sign up on a calendar to be found on a table in the front hall of the Temple.

september Calendar

click Here to visit our main website calendar for details

September 7 – Religious School Begins
September 8 – Erev Rosh Hashanah services
September 9 – Rosh Hashanah services, Children’s Service, Tashlich Service, Conversion Class Mikvah
September 10 – Shabbat Service led by Cantor Kornit
September 11 – Torah study
September 11 - Shabbat Service led by Cantor Kornit
September 12 – Cemetery visitation
September 14 – Religious School
September 17 – Erev Yom Kippur Service led by Rabbi Leinow and Cantor Kornit
September 18 – Yom Kippur Services, Children’s Service, Break the Fast Snack
September 21 – Religious School - Decorate Sukkah
September 22 – Erev Sukkot
September 23 – First day of Sukkot
September 23 - Board Meeting
September 24 – Shabbat and Sukkot Service in the Sukkah led by Rabbi Leinow and Cantor Kornit
September 24 – Family Potluck Dinner in the Sukkah
September 25 – Torah Study
September 25 - Shabbat led by Rabbi Leinow and Cantor Kornit
September 28 – Hebrew School

September Birthdays

Laine Hope Burgan - September 13

Stuart Kinberg - September 22

Erik Burgan - September 29

September Anniversaries

Sharna & Kevin Skjei, September 23 - 25 years

September Yahrzeits

Alfred Kinberg, Grandfather of Stuart Kinberg, 8 Tishrei, September 16

William Carter, Father of Robert Carter, 17 Tishrei, September 25

Steven Harris, Grandson of Fran Silver, 18 Tishrei, September 26

PARASHAT HA'AZINU - SHABBAT SHUVAH
September 11, 2010 – 3 Tishrei 5771
Annual (Deut. 32:1-32:52): Etz Hayim p. 1185; Hertz p. 896
Triennial (Deut. 32:1-32:52): Etz Hayim p. 1185; Hertz p. 896
Haftarah (Hosea 12:2-10 AND Joel 2:15-27 [A] or Micah 7:18-20 [S]): Etz Hayim p. 1234; Hertz p. 891

Torah Portion Summary
 

Moses recites the poem that God had instructed him to write down and teach to the people. It begins with words of moral teaching contrasting the virtue of God to the wickedness of Israel. It goes on to tell of God’s goodness to Israel, Israel’s prosperity and rebellion, and God’s punishment for its breaking the covenant. Finally, the poem recounts God’s mercy, promising that God will save His people from their enemies.

Moses reads the poem to the people and warns them to take it to heart.

God tells Moses to ascent Mount Nebo. From that place, he will be allowed to look over at the Promised Land before he dies.

1. Heaven and Earth, Body and Soul
Give ear, O heavens, let me speak; let the earth hear the words I utter! (Deuteronomy 32:1)

1. Why the heavens and the earth? Rabbi Tanhuma said: Because God will redeem Israel only through the agency of them both, for so it is written, “Shout, O heavens, for the Lord has acted; shout aloud, O depths of the earth!” (Isaiah 44:23). Another explanation: Why the heavens and the earth? For the Torah was given only through the agency of them both, as it is said, “From the heavens He let you hear His voice to discipline you; on earth He let you see His great fire” (Deuteronomy 4:36). Another explanation: Because the manna and the quails were given through the agency of them both, as it is said, “I will rain down bread for you from the sky” (Exodus 16:4); and the quails from the earth, as it is written, “In the evening quail came up” (Exodus 16:13). Another explanation: Because God compared Israel to the stars of heaven and the dust of the earth. To the stars of heaven, where? For it is written, “Look toward heaven and count the stars” (Genesis 15:5); and to the dust of the earth, where? For it is said, “Your descendents shall be as the dust of the earth” (Genesis 28:14). (D’varim Rabbah 10:4)
2. God created man with four qualities of the angels and four qualities of the lower animals. Like the animals, he eats, drinks, reproduces, and dies. Like the angels, he stands erect, speaks, understands, and sees [from the sides as well as the front]. Rabbi Tifdai said, “The angels were created in the image of God and do not reproduce, while the earthly creatures reproduce but were not created in His image. Said God, ‘I will create man in my image and likeness and in that way he will be like the angels. But he also will reproduce, like the animals.’” Rabbi Tifdai also said, “The Lord reasoned: ‘If I create him like the angels, he will live forever and not die; if I create him like the animals, he will die and not live forever. Therefore, I will create him as a combination of the upper and lower elements. If he sins he will die, and if he dies, he will live’ [in the world to come].’” (B’reishit Rabbah 14:3)
3. Antoninus said to Rabbi Judah the Patriarch, “The body and the soul can both free themselves from judgment. Thus, the body can plead, ‘The soul has sinned – ever since the day it left me, look, I lie in the grave like a mute stone’; while the soul can plead, ‘The body has sinned – ever since the day I departed from it, look, I fly about in the air like a bird.’” Rabbi Judah replied, “I will show you by a parable. A king of flesh and blood who owned a beautiful orchard, which yielded luscious first figs, appointed two watchmen – one lame and the other blind – over it. The lame watchman said to the blind one, ‘I see some early figs in the orchard. Come and take me upon your shoulder, so that we can pick the figs and eat them.’ The lame man got up on the blind man, and together they picked figs and ate them. After a while, the owner of the orchard came and inquired, ‘Where are those early figs?’ The blind man replied, ‘Have I eyes to see with?’ The lame man replied, ‘Have I legs to walk with?’ What did the king do? He had the lame man mount upon the shoulders of the blind one and judged them together, as though they were one. So will the Holy One bring the soul, toss it inside the body, and judge the two together, as it is written, ‘He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that He may judge His people’ (Psalm 50:4). ‘He shall call to the heavens from above’ – call for the soul; ‘and to the earth, that He may judge His people’ – call for the body.” (Talmud Sanhedrin 91a-b)

Sparks for Discussion
The passage from D’varim Rabbah explains that Moses calls heaven and earth as witnesses because they work together in God’s relationship with Israel. Some religious traditions emphasize the differences between heaven and earth, body and soul, the spiritual and the material, and you can find some of that in Jewish sources, but the commentaries here see them as inextricably intertwined. What does that say about human nature? What does this teach us about our physical needs and desires? What does this suggest about how we are to live our lives?

2. An Epidemic of Obesity?
So Jeshurun grew fat and kicked – you grew fat and gross and coarse – he forsook the God who made him and spurned the Rock of his support. (Deuteronomy 32:15)

1. This is as people say – “A full stomach is the source of all troubles.” (Talmud Berakhot 32a)
2. Behold, you Jeshurun, the congregation of Torah adherents and men who are scholars and philosophers, have turned to material pleasures and grown gross, (incapable) of understanding subtle truths... Therefore, the multitude forsook God who made them. (Rabbi Ovadia ben Jacob Sforno, 1475-1550, Italy)
3. Satiety leads to rebellion. Thus you find that the people of the generation of the flood rebelled against the Holy Blessed One only out of [abundance of] food and drink and out of ease of life. For what is said of them? “Their homes are secure, without fear” (Job 21:9). Similarly we find that the people of the tower [of Babel] rebelled against the Holy Blessed One only out of ease of life, as it is said, “Everyone on earth had the same language” (Genesis 11:1)... Similarly you find that the people of the wilderness rebelled only out of (abundance of) food and drink, as it is said, “They sat down to eat and drink, and then rose to dance” (Exodus 32:6). (Sifre, Piska 318)
4. Nor is the decreasing of wealth an act of piety if such wealth happens to have been gained in a lawful way and its further acquisition does not prevent him from occupying himself with Torah and righteous deeds, especially for one who has family and dependents and whose desire is to spend his money for the sake of God... For you are, as it were, enjoying the Lord’s hospitality, being invited to His table, and should thank Him for His bounty, both inwardly and outwardly. (Kuzari (Rabbi Yehuda Halevi), 1075-1141, Spain)
5. Judaism’s concept of gratitude is rooted in the belief that we should take nothing for granted – not life, nor clothing, nor food. Those who do take these things for granted go through life with a sense of expectation, entitlement, and disappointment. Indeed, when their routine is interrupted – they don’t feel well, their clothes are dirty, or food is not prepared to their liking – they experience anger and frustration. In contrast, the rabbis teach: “For every breath that a person takes he should praise his Creator” (Genesis Rabbah 14:9). (Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, A Code of Jewish Ethics: Vol I, You Shall Be Holy, pp. 492-493)

Sparks for Discussion
Our verse implies that prosperity and success lead to arrogance and ingratitude. Do you agree? Is it inevitable? Are those who are less well off more grateful for what they have? How can a person enjoy prosperity without becoming “fat, gross, and coarse”?