August Bridge

YOU ARE OUR PARTNERS

Rabbi Jeffrey Kurtz-Lendner

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One of the messages of modern Judaism we try to convey is that you own your own Judaism. The richness of Jewish heritage begins over three thousand years ago with the beauty of the stories from our biblical birthright. And it has evolved throughout the ages through rabbinic, Talmudic and into modern times. We have survived and thrived throughout the tests of time and the challenges the world has presented to the Jewish People. And today this legacy belongs to all of us. Who decides what is authentically Jewish? The Jewish people. A study of Jewish history shows that there have always been competing factions of belief and practice. The Talmud is filled with discussions on what is authentic Jewish practice. And who is the final arbiter? The Jewish people.

You.

You are our partners in defining authentic Judaism. Thriving Jewish communities today empower their members to decide what is relevant. This is the foundation of Reform Judaism. It is up to each community to define its own religious practices, and it’s up to each individual to study Jewish tradition and decide where each of you finds meaning in our heritage to determine which traditions enhance your own spiritual lives.

It is not up to anyone else to tell YOU how to be an authentic Jew. It is up to YOU to decide that for yourselves and to participate actively in our community to help us, as a congregation, determine which rituals and traditions represent our practices at Beth El Congregation.

Join us in that conversation. Be active in our congregation. Share your thoughts and ideas. Participate in our programs. We are always willing to listen to you, and I personally am always eager to hear from our members as to what enhances your own Jewish spirituality.

Don’t just be a spectator in Jewish life. Get involved and be our partners with us at Beth El Congregation so that you can truly declare that your Judaism is your own!

I hope everyone had a great July. I have to say it is wonderful having a Rabbi living with us in our community. He is already proving to be a great asset for our community.

July was highlighted by the Confirmation service led by Danielle Hall and Keegan Glago. They were spectacular. It was a very special service for those who attended or watched via live streaming.

July saw the AC in the sanctuary having been replaced with a new unit that is working well. I want to thank everyone who has made a donation for the roof. We borrowed from ourselves, but we have set a schedule and are paying ourselves back, so donations are always welcome.

July ended with the Rabbi, Carol Robinson Schepp, Ron Ornstein, and me having a meeting with Harrisonburg’s new Police Chief Kelley Warner and her assistant Captain Jason Kidd. I would characterize the meeting as a meet and greet to put a face on our Jewish Community. I thought the meeting went well.

The Rabbi will be on vacation starting August 6th and will not be available again until August 24th. He will be back to lead services on Friday August 26th.

We will be having lay services on August 5th, 12th, and 19th. At this time, we will NOT be live streaming any of the lay services. Valerie will be leading services on the 5th and Mary will be leading services on the 12th.

The Friday night service on the 19th will be extra special. Our Canadian retired Cantor friend Evan who stays at Massanutten, will be leading the service. His voice is well worth coming to service just to hear him sing. For anyone who likes great music, please join us for the service and the Oneg to follow.

We have built in a number of lay services during the year as we know members of the Congregation likes to lead them. If you wish to lead a lay service, please get in touch with Ron Ornstein

We plan to have an Oneg after Rabbi lead services. We need volunteers to host the Onegs. We would like to see every member to sponsor at least one Oneg. It is not hard, and you will always have help in setting up for the Oneg. Please get in touch with Margee to set a date. Thank you.

Have a great month!

01 Jord Poster 2012

04 Eugene Berney 1976Robert W Rudd

09 W.C. Ward 1997 Michelle Ornstein’s Father

11 Valaria Ney 1981 MemberChuck Slott 2018 Member

12 Blanche GoldmanBetty O’Callaghan Maureen Goldberger’s Mother

13 David Aaron KrausLena Raff 1982 Irma Nemoytin’s Mother

14 Jessie Frankel Dave Frankel’s Mother

15 Moses Rosenbloom Sarah Loewner’s FatherAlexander Auerbach 1975 Suzi Trubitz’ GrandfatherBlaine Brumbaugh 2021

16 Robert HirschAli David Good Estelle Robinson’s Father

17 Carrie Ney Scheuer 1954 Member

18 Albert Ash Eddie Ney’s GrandfatherAdele Bilsker Moses 1968Louis Slott Chuck Slott’s Father

19 Suzanne Glazer John Stewart’s Sister

20 Arlette Lewin 1999

21 Irving Ney 1966 Eddie Ney’s Father

23 Rubin Peck Beverly Zindler’s FatherShirley Weiner 2019 Rachelle Dorne’s Cousin

24 David Robinson 1968 Member Josh Robinson’s Brother

26 Raymond Hoffman Rabbi Dan Fink’s Grandfather

27 John Stewart 2010 Member

29 Rose Poster Carr 2005 Allan Poster’s Mother

30 Joseph Mintzer 1967 Member(Erwin Helbraun’s & AnneMintzer’s Uncle)Marvin Poster 1976 MemberAbraham Goodman 1976 Suzi Trubitz’ Father

Marlene Brumbaugh & Sherri Alt – Yahrzeit – William Schecter

Ron & Michelle Ornstein – In honor of Rees Kase Kalman

Lenore Price (Stallard) – Yahrzeit – Max Wolf Landsman

Catherine Rogers – Building Fund in honor of the arrival of Rabbi KL and honoring Ron & Michelle Ornstein’s birthdays

Bill & Leslie Ney – Yahrzeit – Carol Ney

Lois Poster – Yahrzeit for Son Jord and Husband Marvin

Bill Ney - Temple roof

Thanks for reading The Bridge! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.