Weekly Message 01.09.2026 Parashat Shemot
- jccwestpasco
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Parashat Shemot (Names) Exodus 1:1 - 6:1
HafTorah Isaiah 27:6 - 28:13; Isaiah 29:22-23
Dear friends,
I begin this week's message on a sad note informing you of the death of Norman Perlmutter, father of David Perlmutter, father in-law of Patty Perlmutter and grandfather of Jared, Bryan, and Megan. He was an active member of Temple Israel in Springfield, Illinois and very devoted to faith and family. You can read his obituary at Obituary information for Norman A. Perlmutter The first days of shiva are being held in Springfield. Condolences to the Perlmutter family. May their memories of Norman always be for a blessing.
This Shabbat we celebrate Chris and my wedding anniversary together with the birthdays of Eileen Hochstadt and Natalie Cohen with a Shabbat luncheon. Please help us mark these joyous lifecycle events by attending services and sharing a meal together as a community.
As we begin the new secular year, we also begin the Book of Exodus (Sh'mot) in our weekly Torah readings. Long after the departure of Joseph, the children of Israel who had multiplied, prospered, and blended into society in Egypt while not totally giving up their heritage and customs, fell out of favor of the country's leadership and were enslaved and made to endure horrific lives in bondage. Despite the evil in Egyptian society and leadership, we are introduced to those who are willing to come out of their comfort zone, sympathize with the plight of those who are being harmed, and act boldly and courageously. Pharaoh's daughter ventures away from her palatial environment to the Nile River teeming with common people and rescues the infant Moses from certain death that had been decreed upon all newly born Hebrew males. And our great prophet Moses who was thus raised as a prince also ventures away from his own life of comfort to confront the evils of slavery of his people. We learn that it is essential for all of us to leave our own comfort zones when confronted with evil and to assist those who are less fortunate than we are. Here in Pasco County, we do this through our volunteering and our Interfaith efforts to foster understanding and comradery to all regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs.
Please join Chris, Eileen, Natalie, and me as we pray, study, and share a community meal together tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 9:30 am and at our usual Kabbalat Shabbat services this evening at 7 pm. And please attend as many of our upcoming events as you are able!
Shalom,
Ron Becker
Spiritual Leader
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ZOOM LINKS FRI and SAT
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Topic: Shabbat Services 1/09 @ 7:00 pm, 1/10 @ 9:30 am
Time: This is a recurring meeting Fri & Sat
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UPCOMING EVENTS - MARK YOU CALENDARS AND JOIN US!!!!!
Monday, January 19 We will once again participate in the community wide Martin Luther King Day observance on Monday, January 19th. 10:30 AM – Symbolic Walk: The day begins with a short walk from the Union Baptist Church, located at 6235 Pine Hill Road, Port Richey, FL 34668 to the historic Booker T. Washington Schoolhouse down Pine Hill Road. 11:00 AM – Main Celebration: The march ends at the African American Club of Pasco, located in the Booker T. Washington Schoolhouse at 6105 Pine Hill Road, Port Richey, FL 34668, where the formal program begins. Program Highlights: The event features performances from local children and youth, sacred melodies, creative tributes, and guest speakers. We have participated in this important inspirational interfaith event for many years and hope to have a great turnout again this year!
Tuesday, January 27 We will volunteer at Metropolitan Ministries bringing sustenance, clothing, and hope to those in need at the headquarters at 3216 US-19, Holiday, FL 34691, at 11am-2 pm. Please sign up to help at this link: https://vhub.at/1L1BLIK
Sunday, February 1 We will be volunteering at the synagogue for another "Mitzvah Day" to help restore and beautify the building and grounds at 9 am followed by our Tu B'Shevat seder.
Sunday, February 1 We will be celebrating Tu B'Shevat celebrating the rebirth of trees and all of nature's bounty with a Tu B'Shevat seder on Sunday, February 1st at 11 am featuring "first fruits" including dates, figs, olives, and sweet treats. It is a time to reflect on humanity's role as stewards of nature.
Saturday, February 21 We will celebrate Ron Becker Bar Mitzvah anniversary and Chris Becker's birthday with a Kiddish luncheon immediately after morning services. All are invited to help celebrate together as a synagogue family and all are encouraged to sponsor festive meals to honor special life cycle events!
Tuesday, February 24 We will volunteer at Metropolitan Ministries bringing sustenance, clothing, and hope to those in need at the headquarters at 3216 US-19, Holiday, FL 34691, at 11am-2 pm. Please sign up to help at this link: https://vhub.at/1L1BLIK
Monday, March 2 We will be celebrating the joyous holiday of Purim on Monday, March 2nd beginning with a social hour (with lots of Hamantaschen and ice cream) at 6 pm and followed by the reading of the Megillah (the Book of Esther) at 7 pm.
Sunday, March 8 We will be hosting a lecture by Nancy Sinkoff, Professor of Jewish Studies and Academic Director of the Allen and Joan Bildner Center for the Study of Jewish Life at Rutgers University at 2 pm. Her topic is "Did American Jews Ever Agree About Israel" and the talk will be followed by a reception in the Spigelman Room featuring delicious desserts crafted by our own Megan Hochstadt of "Meganables Edibles". The program is sponsored by the Rutgers University Foundation and will be open free of charge to the public. It will be a unique opportunity for us to hear from a distinguished scholar on a critical topic that concerns us all.
Tuesday March 24 We will volunteer at Metropolitan Ministries bringing sustenance, clothing, and hope to those in need at the headquarters at 3216 US-19, Holiday, FL 34691, at 11am-2 pm. Please sign up to help at this link: https://vhub.at/1L1BLIK
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