Weekly Message 10.30.2026 Parashat Vayera
Parashat Vayera (and He appeared) Genesis 18:1 - 22:24
HafTorah Kings II 4:1 - 37
Dear friends,
We have returned from a memorable trip to New Jersey having been with family and friends and attending several Holocaust remembrance events sponsored by the Jewish Federation of South Jersey including a "march of the living" and a riveting production of the play "Dear Esther". Esther Raab, the heroine of the play and the movie "Escape from Sobibor" was one of the few survivors of the rebellion at that notorious Nazi death camp. She along with many Holocaust survivors including my family resided in Vineland, NJ after the war. We knew her well and her son Abe Raab was a classmate of mine.
Esther spoke about her experiences at many venues, collected close to 800 letters from those who attended, and cooperated in making a play telling her story while integrating the letters she received from students. In the play, an older Esther has a conversation with a younger version of herself as she reveals the atrocities that she faced while in Sobibor and her eventual escape. "Escape from Sobibor" is readily available on YouTube and we showed it at our synagogue several years ago. It can be viewed at home at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XoKv1IZOQM Sadly, Esther's generation has left us, but we are compelled to remember (Zachor) and to make certain that evil will never be tolerated no matter where or when in occurs. More on our trip when we see you in shul!
It was great to spend last Shabbat with you albeit virtually and especially appreciate our Torah study and discussion on Avram's travels leading up to his receiving the covenant from Hashem. This Shabbat, we will continue to immerse ourselves in that journey (Genesis 19:1-20:18) with the following events taking place in this our middle triennial reading of the portion of Yayeira:
יִ׃
Lot's home is attacked by the people of Sodom. Lot and his two daughters escape as the cities are being destroyed. Lot's wife is turned into a pillar of salt. (19:1-29)
Lot impregnates his daughters, and they bear children who become the founders of the nations Moab and Ammon. (19:30-38)
Abimelech, king of Gerar, takes Sarah as his wife after Abraham claims that she is his sister. (20:1-18)
We learn so much from the integrity shown by Abraham and Sarah, and we also learn that dishonesty can lead to tragedy. And like our Torah reading, this week's Haftorah (2 Kings 4:1-37) introduces us to the Prophet Elisha who like Abraham teaches us to take every opportunity to practice loving-kindness and bring blessings and relief to all we encounter in our own life's journeys I look forward to another stimulating discussion on these important concepts that we learn from our patriarchs, matriarchs, and prophets at our Shabbat services tonight at 7 pm and tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 9:30 am in-person and virtually on Zoom.
And PLEASE consider volunteering at the Metropolitan Ministries holiday tent on November 24th and December 22nd. Together and with very little sacrifice of time and effort, we can make great strides in helping our community! Please sign up at the links below and I will look forward to working with you in fulfilling this very much needed Mitzvah.
Shabbat Shalom,
Ron Becker,
Spiritual Leader
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ZOOM LINK FRI & SAT:
JCC WEST PASCO
Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4979030958?pwd=YXJPT2FGVTdzVVV2bVQ3c1ZnS1lMZz09&omn=88258393227 to start or join a scheduled Zoom meeting.
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COMING EVENTS - MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Saturday, November 14, 2026 Game Night and Havdalah, 7 pm
Thursday, November 19, 2026 joint Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at Temple Beth David, 7 pm
Tuesday, November 24, 2026 We will volunteer at the Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Tent at Generations on 1540 Little Road in Trinity, 11:30 am-3 pm. Please sign up BEFORE NOVEMBER 17TH at https://vhub.at/1L1BLIK
Friday, December 4, 2026 We will enjoy a joyous Shabbat/erev Hanukkah celebration with candlelighting before our Kabbalat Shabbat service, and potato latkes and sufganyot (jelly donuts) after. Bring your own menorah for the lighting of the first candle, 6:30 pm
Saturday, December 5, 2026 We will enjoy the annual holiday boat parade on the Banks of the Cotee River at Grand Boulevard between Vermont and Kentucky Avenues in New Port Richey beginning with Havdalah and latkes, sufganyot (jelly donuts) and other Hanukkah treats while watching the decorated boats float by, 6 pm
Sunday, December 6, 2026 We will celebrate Hanukkah with the residents of the Trinity Place Assisted Living Center at 8684 Old Route 54 in New Port Richey, 2 pm
Sunday, December 6, 2026 We will enjoy a Hanukkah dinner party, 4 pm
Saturday, December 12, 2026, Game Night and Havdalah, 7 pm
Tuesday, December 22, 2026 We will volunteer at the Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Tent at Generations on 1540 Little Road in Trinity, 11:30 am-3 pm. Please sign up BEFORE DECEMBER 15TH at https://vhub.at/1L1BLIK
Thursday, December 24, 2026 We will enjoy a movie at the synagogue and Chinese dinner at a local restaurant. Stay tuned for details!
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