Here we are in the Jewish calendar with no holidays. The month of Cheshvan which just ended is at times referred to as Mar Cheshvan or Bitter Cheshvan by virtue of the absence of any holidays. It is precisely during this time period that we have the secular holiday that most Jews feel quite comfortable with, Thanksgiving. It may sound trite, but giving thanks is not meant for once a year — it is an everyday occurrence in Judaism.
Every weekday morning, whether praying alone or in a minyan, we recite Psalm 100 known as Mizmor L'Todah. We stand for this very short and seemingly simple prayer that reminds us of what we need to be thankful for every day of our lives. Even in times of strife, our tradition reminds us that there is always something to be thankful for.
As a young boy, I recall thinking how much I cherished it when people thanked me profusely for doing something nice or good. God is au contraire. God doesn't want or need our recognition. All God wants is to bring us closer to God via constant spiritual and moral growth — not our superficial “thanks”.
The Pilgrims didn't plan it this way, but this week's Torah portion is Toldot. There is sibling rivalry between Jacob and Esau that culminates with Jacob tricking Isaac and outmaneuvering Esau to get “the blessing”. This is right on the heels of the conflict (no pun intended!) between Isaac and Ishmael. Our Parshah ends with Jacob having to flee from an enraged Esau. A few chapters later they reconcile, thankful for what they have.
This theme radiates throughout Bereshit, Genesis. Isaac and Ishmael reconcile and bury Abraham together, and eventually, Joseph and his brothers reunite in peace. Just like our ancestors found ways to reconcile, we should also aim to come together with each other in our country following the bitter political season and election we have just witnessed.
Thanksgiving 2020 may not be Panim El Panim, face-to-face, as we are used to. For many of us it will be virtual or with a much smaller gathering than usual, with all of the necessary precautions. My challenge to each of us is to be satisfied with our lot, continue to find those silver linings of what we should be grateful for, and each day inch a little closer to the Almighty.
This Shabbat, we welcome Andrew & Ryan Thomadsen to the Bimah in celebration of their B'nai Mitzvah. Andrew & Ryan are the sons of Jillian and Raphael Thomadsen. Click HERE to read more about Andrew & Ryan.
A Note About Shabbat Audio:
When we have Congregants participating in Services from their homes via Zoom on Friday and Saturday Evenings, we recognize that the audio may be difficult to hear on our Livestream or Facebook Live. To insure you hear all of our wonderful participants, we highly encourage you to join our services via Zoom. The links to join in on Zoom are provided in the schedule below.
If you need help connecting to our services or classes via Zoom, please contact Liessa Alperin atliessa@bnaiamoona.com. Todah Rabbah!
Friday, November 20 Friday Evening Services with Cantor Sharon Nathansonin the Guller Chapel: 6:00 pm
Torah For Today: Insights into the Weekly Torah Portion Topic: Mother Rebecca Challenges the Status Quo 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
Melaveh Malkah - Post Havdalah Discussion - Facilitated by Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham and Family: 5:14 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
Rick & Lynda Berkowitz and Julia Taylor, Kevin & Nora Taylor on the birth of the grandson, George Henry Berkowitz. Proud parents are Maggie & Adam Berkowitz. Great-grandparents are Jerry & Rozella (Z"L) Lapp. Big brothers are James & Quinn Berkowitz.
WE MOURN THE LOSS OF...
Shmuel (Shmulik) Shaham; beloved husband of Etti Shaham; brother of Emanuel (Muli) Shaham; brother-in-law of Naphtali (Neil) & Harriet Dunski; uncle of Michelle Dunski and Dr. Sharon (Dr. Laird) Vermont; great uncle of Sage & Jordyn Vermont. He is also survived by his children Ori (Edna) Shaham and Meirav (Hagai) Admor and his grandchildren Raz, Omri and Noam Shaham and Yuval, Netta and Tamar Admor.
Judith B. (CeCe) Komen; beloved wife of Aaron J. Komen; sister-in-law of Lenny & Sandy Komen. She is also survived by her daughter Elizabeth (Thomas) Ondra, daughter-in-law Brenda Bryans, Aaron's daughter Mindy K. (Brian) Pultman and son, Michael L. Komen, and their grandchildren Taylor Ondra, Samantha and Danielle Bryans, Sydney Pultman, and Samuel Pultman. Her son, Robert Bryans, predeceased her.
Minnette Lefton Hirsch; beloved wife of Edward Hirsch (Z"L); dear mother and mother-in-law of Judi Kunstler (Sy), Buddy Hirsch (Jessie) and Linda Kamen (Jonathan); dear grandmother of Charles Edward Kamen (Sophia) and Nicholas Kamen; dear sister and sister-in-law of Samuel Lefton (Z"L) (Sarah Z"L), Joseph Lefton (Z"L) (Dorothy Z"L) and Bertha Kessler (Z"L) (Sam Z"L). Our dear wife, mother, mother in law, grandmother, sister, sister in law and friend to many.
Yesterday evening, the St. Louis Jewish Light hosted a beautiful 2020 Unsung Heroes Virtual Event to honor this year's deserving recipients which included B'nai Amoona members Mark Dana & Sheryl Kalman. To watch this wonderful program, please click the image below or click HERE.
In-Person Shabbat Service Registration
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
