Parashat Bereshit (In the begining) Genesis 1:1 - 6:8
HafTorah Samuel I 20:18 - 42
The Creation of Light
Dear friends,
Just last week, we celebrated Simchat Torah, one of the most joyous holidays of the year only to learn of the vicious attacks in the land of Israel. Thanks to all who attended Tuesday's inspirational prayer vigil. We hope and pray that peace will prevail before any more blood is shed, that the hostages will be safely returned to their families, and that suffering will be alleviated wherever it occurs.
By now, you might have learned that the former head of Hamas has called for an international day of protest against Israel for today. As a precaution, we have been advised by the Pasco County Sheriff's office to hold our Shabbat evening service tonight virtually on Zoom only. If all remains quiet, we will go back to in-person services tomorrow (Saturday) morning as usual.
This Shabbat, we begin reading the Torah anew with the beginning of the book of Bereshit (Genesis). Let us commit to renew our understanding and our faith and commit ourselves to the promotion of peace and the alleviation of hunger and suffering for all people who inhabit our fragile earth.
As this Shabbat is also Machar Chodesh, the day before the new Hebrew month of Cheshvan, we read a special Haftorah from the Prophet Samuel, the beautiful, yet tragic love story between Jonathan and David which depicts how the hatred and jealousy of King Saul towards David was so destructive that it led to a torn-apart nation. This is a lesson that we must heed to this day!
Please join me virtually on Zoom only tonight at 7:30 pm and for now, in-person and on Zoom on Saturday morning at 9:30 am.
May the One Who creates Peace in the Highest Heavens, grant peace to all who mourn and comfort to all who are bereaved.
Ron Becker,
Spiritual Leader
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FRIDAY:
JCC is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Shabbat Service, Friday 10/13/2023
Time: Oct 13, 2023 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
This service will be on Zoom only!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4979030958?pwd=YXJPT2FGVTdzVVV2bVQ3c1ZnS1lMZz09
Meeting ID: 497 903 0958
Passcode: 5QdVaA
___________________________________________________________________________SATURDAY:
JCC is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Saturday Service, 10/14/2023 9:30 am
Time: Oct 14, 2023 09:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
This service will be in-person and virtually on Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4979030958?pwd=YXJPT2FGVTdzVVV2bVQ3c1ZnS1lMZz09
Meeting ID: 497 903 0958
Passcode: 5QdVaA
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