Parashat Vayeshev (and he lived) Genesis 37:1 - 40:23
HafTorah Amos 2:6 - 3:8
Dear friends,
I hope you had a very happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday.
Chris and I are particularly grateful in that we have our son visiting us for the first time in a year-and-a-half! This morning's weekly ministerial zoom meeting was especially inspiring hearing those representing numerous faiths convey what Thanksgiving means to them. Of course, we chant psalms of Thanksgiving every day of the year, but it is special to set aside one day to "let it all sink in" during these difficult times.
I am also happy to report that Sunday's dinner and program celebrating the founders of the African American Club of Pasco County was a great success and I give thanks to Jeff, Eileen, Jerry, and Natalie for helping to organize and plan it. Over 130 people attended, and the proceeds went to the scholarship fund which enables children of all backgrounds to obtain higher education. We are proud to partner with the AAC and with Metropolitan Ministries to continue to feed the hungry in our midst.
And now we prepare for another special Shabbat on the threshold of Hanukkah. We will daven together either in-person or on Zoom tonight at 7:30 pm and tomorrow morning at 9:30 am. We read the third triennial of the portion of Vayeshev which recounts the story of Joseph's early experiences in Egypt including his rise to prominence, rejection of his employer and benefactor's wife's advances, and subsequent incarceration and interpretation of dreams. We will discuss how Joseph's moral compass and understanding of how human behavior affects the future, and thus helps to save himself and ultimately, the entire world around him.
We will also welcome the month of Tevet which begins next Shabbat and continues through next Sunday. As a result of the confluence of Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh, and Hanukkah all on the same day, we will have the rare opportunity to read from three Torah's next Shabbat. One representing the weekly reading from the portion of Mikketz, one representing Rosh Chodesh from the portion of Pinchas in the Book of Bamidbar, and finally, one representing Hanukkah from the portion of Naso in the Book of Bamidbar. But more on that in next week's message!
To celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, the special holiday display and sale-a-bration continues this Sunday, November 28th from 12 noon until 2 pm in the Spigelman Room of the synagogue. For those who haven't already attended, please stop by to experience this wonderful display and purchase Hanukkah necessities, gifts, and other standard and unique items at discount prices. Then at 2:45 pm, we will gather at the Atria Windsor Woods assisted living community for our annual Hanukkah get-together, singalong, and lighting of the first candle. This means so much to the residents which include our own 103 years young Mary Gaines and is a great way to kick off this year's Hanukkah celebration.
And finally, please mark Saturday evening December 4th on your calendar when at 6 pm, we will gather in front of my house on Grand Boulevard to watch and cheer on Captain Jeff and his crew as our Hanukkah decorated boat sails up the river during the annual Cotee River Holiday Boat Parade. There is so much going on during this very special time of year and I hope to see you often at our events and in shul!
Shabbat Shalom,
Ron Becker,
Spiritual Leader
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FRIDAY:
JCC is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Shabbat Service
Time: Nov 26, 2021 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
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SATURDAY:
JCC is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Saturday Morning Service
Time: Nov 27, 2021 09:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 497 903 0958
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