Special Veteran's Day Drashah from Rabbi Josef Davidson
B'nai Amoona honors the brave individuals of our congregation, community and country who served in the United States Military. Please click the image below to watch this special sermon on Vimeo.
D'var Torah From Rabbi Neal Rose -Chayei Sarah-
From Tent to Sacred Domain
Inter-generationality is the major theme of this week’s Torah reading, Chayei Sarah. The narrative begins with the death and burial of our matriarch, Sarah. It then continues highlighting the marriage of Isaac and Rebeccah, the inheritors of the teachings of Father Abraham and Mother Sarah.
The long and detailed story of Sarah’s death and burial attests to her importance in the Biblical imagination. The tale of the arranged marriage between Isaac and Rebeccah, indicates that Rebeccah was a truly worthy successor to her mother-in-law, Sarah (We are so privy, in this segment, as to how well vetted she was).
The courtship of Isaac and his bride Rebeccah reaches its climax in the following way, “And Isaac brought her into the tent of Sarah, his mother, and Rebeccah became his wife. And he loved her, and Isaac was consoled after his mother’s death.” As modern biblical translator and commentator Robert Alter points out, “Rebeccah fills the emotional gap left by Sarah’s death…(she) takes up the role of the matriarch in the family.”
The Midrashic imagination (as well as the commentator Rashi) provides intriguing descriptions detailing the transformation of Rebeccah from a young bride, to the wife of Isaac, and finally to a matriarchal figure. We are told that as long as Sarah was alive by her home was surrounded by a divine aura, and her Challah dough was blessed, and that the glow of the Shabbat candles permeated the home with a mysterious light – a light that continued throughout the week. I have loved this Midrash ever since I first heard it, many years ago. It speaks to me of how a physical structure can be transformed from a house (or a tent) into a home filled with love and Divine light.
Ever since Carol and I began to build our family together, the promise of this mystical story has become a lived reality. Every Shabbat eve I wait for the moment when Carol lights the candles. As her hands scoop up the light and she sings the blessing (whispering prayers of her own) I feel myself transported to Sarah and Rebeccah’s magical home. It is as if our home, our tent, has become a Mishkan, a life-space filled with a very sacred flame.
The prayers, dreams and tears that accompany those candle lighting moments have carried us (and our loved ones) through many trials and tribulations. They have filled our hearts, and they have strengthened us.
In conclusion, I would like to thank Carol – you are a harbinger of light and love. And I would like to reference this week’s portion in order to praise the holy works of your hand.
Shabbat Shalom! Rabbi Neal Rose doc_roz@icloud.com 314-576-9990 x110
Shabbat Spotlight
Candlelighting:
Friday, November 13 at 4:31 pm
Havdalah: Saturday, November 14 at 5:18 pm
Please click the links below for this week's Torah and Haftarah commentary
Bim Bam Family Service with Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham & Family in the Guller Chapel: 9:30 - 10:00 am via Zoom,Livestreamand FB Live
Torah For Today: Insights into the Weekly Torah Portion Topic: The Holy CityHebron in the Jewish Imagination with Rabbi Neal Rose in the Guller Chapel: 11:00 am
via Zoom (only)
Shabbat Afternoon/Evening Services with Rabbi Neal Rose and Ellior Rosein the Guller Chapel: 4:00 pm
Special tribute to the life and legacy of the late Rabbi Jonathon Sacks (Z"L)
Melaveh Malkah - Post Havdalah Discussion - Facilitated by Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham and Family: 5:18 pm
via Zoom (only)
*Please note that you may need to input a Zoom password to access our Friday Night, Shabbat Morning & Saturday Afternoon/Evening Zoom link. The Password is in your inbox.
Weekday Minyan Information
Join Us For Minyan!
Our B’nai Amoona’s Minyan Program consists of our amazing, dedicated Minyannaires who assure warm and welcoming ongoing daily Minyanim, morning and evening. These services support those in our community who have lost loved ones and may be feeling lonely and isolated. Our BA virtual Minyanim are a constant source of strength and comfort for those who wish to recite the Kaddish. Moreover, our Minyanim are a wonderful opportunity for spiritual uplift, social connection, community building, and the ability to fulfill one's daily Chiyuv, duty, to thank God for all that we have. This combination of Kehillah and Kibbitzing allows up to remain spiritually connected despite being socially distant. All are warmly welcomed! Please join us!
Virtual Morning Minyan
Sunday Morning Minyan will take place virtually at 9:00 am
Monday - Friday Morning Minyan will take place virtually at 7:00 am
Rabbi Carnie Shalom Rose for being chosen for Glean’s Groundbreaking "START" Fellowship Program. This program, Glean Network’s landmark, MBA-level entrepreneurship fellowship developed in partnership with Columbia Business School, which prepares faith leaders to launch new ventures designed to serve their constituents in light of the shifting American religious landscape. “START” is a unique Initiative that prepares faith leaders as spiritual entrepreneurs in the changing religious landscape of America. For more information, please click HERE.
Andrew Kichura & Jessica Tilson Kichura on the birth of their son, Jonah Tilson Kichura. Proud grandparents are Bonnie & Barry Tilson (Z"L) and Michelle & George Kichura. Jonah is the brother of Noah Benjamin Kichura (Z"L).
Roz & Arnie (Z"L) Libanoff on the birth of their great-grandson, Grant Daniel. Proud parents are Kevin and Kayla Daniel. Grandparents are Sherri and Bob Daniel. Grant is the great-nephew of Sheila & Ted Kraizer and Jeanie & Ira Libanoff.
Eitan Kantor, son of Lynssie Balk Kantor &David Kantor, and grandson of Ed (Rita, Z"L) Balk on being named the November Artist of the Month by JamJews. Eitan has always shared his incredible musical talent with us and he's been "instrumental" in the creating and editing of our B'nai Amoona music videos this year.
WE MOURN THE LOSS OF...
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, please click HEREto read the Rabbinical Assembly's Statement On the Passing of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks (Z"L).
Carol Katz; beloved wife of Benjamin Katz; mother of Dr. Bradley (Tracey) Katz, Allison Edler; grandmother of Sam (Elise) Katz, Jonah Katz and Zev Katz and Jake Edler; sister and sister-in-law of Norton (Benita) Beilenson; aunt of Larry (Michelle) Beilenson, Devin &Elyssa Beilenson and Robyn (Greg) Gladov; sister of Barbara Oxenhandler and Valerie Beilenson and aunto to many others in the family. Our dear wife, mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and friend to many.
Minnette Lefton Hirsch, longtime B'nai Amoona member, family member and friend to many.
We are now offering the opportunity to attend Shabbat Services "in-person." Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Please click the image below to reserve your spot - see you in Shul!
Congregation B’nai Amoona 324 South Mason Rd St. Louis, MO 63141
