Weekly Message 01.30.2026 Parashat Beshalach
- jccwestpasco
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Parashat Beshalach (Wnen he sent) Exodus 13:17 - 17:16
HafTorah Judges 4:4 - 5:31
Dear friends,
we are about to embark on a special Shabbat weekend celebrating Shabbat Shirah "Shabbat of Song," named for the Shirat HaYam (Song of the Sea), which is the song of gratitude sung by Moses, Miriam, and the Israelites after the miracle of the successful crossing of the sea while being pursued by Pharoah's army after the exodus from Egypt. We chant this beautiful song as part of our triennial weekly Torah reading, Exodus 13:17-15:26 tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 9:30 am and it is repeated in the preliminary morning service (P'Sukei D'Zimra) in every Shabbat and Festival prayer service.
We begin the weekend of song with a community Shabbat dinner this evening (remember Kabbalat Shabbat services start 1/2 hour early at 6:30 pm this Friday) and end the weekend with the celebration of Tu B'Shevat. On Sunday, February 1st, we begin the day with another scheduled "Mitzvah Day" at 9 am to help clean, restore, and beautify our synagogue. There will be lots of tasks for people of various skills and physical abilities. Even if you are lacking stamina, there are many tasks that require minimal energy!
Then we are rewarded with the Tu B'Shevat seder which will begin at 11 am. This holiday celebrates the new year for trees and our natural environment. We will be treated to a unique and special meal, the Tu B'Shevat seder which is split into four sections, each reflecting the seasons and symbolizing different aspects of trees and plants in our own lives. We are reminded of our critical role to be the stewards of nature and protect our earth for us and for all who come after us in the future. It is truly a day to show appreciation to the environment and the earth we inhabit and share this event in the community with our friends. There is no charge for this meal and we hope to have a great turnout for both the Mitzvah Day cleanup and the seder!
So, please plan to spend part or all of this special Shabbat weekend with us at our religious services and Sunday's exciting activities!
Shabbat Shalom and Happy Tu B'Shevat!
Ron Becker,
Spiritual Leader
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ZOOM LINKS FRI & SAT: *** FRIDAY SERVICE STARTS AT 6:30 ***
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Topic: Shabbat Services 1/30 @ 6:30 pm, 1/31 @ 9:30 am
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COMING EVENTS- MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Friday, January 30 We will have a Shabbat dinner catered by Argento's immediately following our Kabbalat service which will begin ½ hour earlier than usual at 6:30 pm.
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.
Thursday, February 19 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 Note date change!
Saturday, February 21 We will celebrate Ron Becker's 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!
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
Thursday, April 2 We will hold our annual Passover seder at 3 pm. Details to follow soon!
Tuesday, April 14 We will observe Yom HaShoah at 6 pm at the New Port Richey City Hall at 5919 Main St, New Port Richey, FL 34652 with the annual proclamation and presentations of the Mayor and City Council.
Saturday, April 25 We are cosponsoring the annual African American Club Scholarship dinner at Seven Springs Country Club at 3535 Trophy Blvd, New Port Richey, FL 34655 just off Little Road. All are encouraged to attend this important community fundraising event.
Sunday, May 3 Please save the date to attend the gala Jewish Federation of Florida's Gulf Coast Women of Distinction celebration. This year we honor Ana Calderon for all that she has done for our synagogue and the community. Details on location, time, and cost to follow!
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