Sign In Forgot Password

Home

Shavuot Dinner

Click on Flyer To RSVP

Ukraine

I wanted to send out another message, before Shabbat, to acknowledge the terrible events unfolding in Ukraine and to add our prayers for the safety of its people and the quick and just resolution of the conflict. I don’t want to get political but we are all aware of what happens when the world watches quietly. We can’t let that happen.

Shternie's father, who has spent years with the Ukrainian Jewish community, has a fundraiser to help them:   https://thechesedfund.com/kesherinc/bardichiv  

Steven Inker

President's Message: Vayakhel

Dear Friends,

In this week's Parsha, VaYakhel, the materials, colors, dyes, metals, fabrics, poles, rings, etc., for the furnishings of the Tabernacle are all described in great detail. It’s obvious that the importance of exactly how everything is meant to come together is of paramount importance. 
 
But the Parsha does not begin with Tabernacle issues. Moshe gathers the people (Vayakhel, “to gather”) to learn about the importance of Shabbos, the rules and the restrictions and the cost of not following the rules. The juxtaposition of Shabbos and the Tabernacle is not accidental. Rabbi Berel Wein stresses the fact that even work on the Tabernacle stopped for Shabbos. The whole nation came together, in the small area in front of the Tabernacle, specifically to hear the rules of Shabbos.

While other nations have different factions carving out their own priorities, we have the space in front of the Tabernacle that brings us together, and Shabbos that unifies us as a people dedicated to G-d. Differences in status, income and ideologies between people during the week fall away on Shabbos, and are replaced by a shared experience. 
 
Rabbi Wein goes further, reinterpreting the statement that "desecrators of the Sabbath will die" as not just a punishment, but more importantly, a prediction. When the Jewish people no longer keep the Sabbath, it will spell the death of the Jewish people. Keeping Shabbos unites us and assures our survival. 

• • • 

I'm happy to say that things have been pretty quiet in Shul this week. No floods or leaks to report. Plans for Purim are underway, with multiple programs going on that can all be found on the Shul website: bnaiavraham.org. Megillah reading will be in a tent, with a party to follow. We hope to see you all there.

The minutes from the last board meeting will be sent out after being approved at the upcoming March 21 board meeting. Any concerns, questions or suggestions, please get in touch with me at president.bnaiavraham@gmail.com or text or whatsapp me at 917-620-8762.

Wishing you all a peaceful and meaningful Shabbat Shalom,

Steven Inker

Virtual lecture on Megillat Esther, Monday evening March 7th

All are welcome to join this Zoom lecture to celebrate Rosh Chodesh Adar ll, on Monday March 7th at 7:00 pm. Presentation given by noted Torah and Jewish History scholar Miriam Weilgus. This program is sponsored by Ellen Kamaras, in honor of her parents Israel and Malka Geller, z'l. Free of charge, open to women and men. To join the Zoom: meeting ID 871-6167 2056, Password 690672. Or join by clicking here.

Purim '22: a Wild West Rodeo party

Dig out your ten-gallon hats, kerchiefs and spurs! Our Sisterhood has once again, chosen a rolicking theme for this year's Purim party. The rodeo-themed, outdoor Megillah reading starts at 7:35 Wednesday night March 16, just after the fast ends, and will be outdoors in the tent. Thursday at 5 pm will be a kids Megillah reading and fun festival, featuring a puppeteer and singing cowboy. The Seudah also takes place Thursday at 5. Seating will be set up both outdoors and indoors. Stay tuned for the registration link!

Wed, May 14 2025 16 Iyyar 5785