As we begin a new book of the Torah, Shemot or Exodus, this is unquestionably the start of the watershed moment is our history. Early on in our Parshah we are told that a new Pharaoh arose “who did not know Joseph.” (1:8) The new Pharaoh realizes that the Israelites are multiplying at a rapid rate and feels threatened. He decrees to the Hebrew midwifes Shifrah and Puah that all of the Hebrew boys be killed to ultimately extinguish our people.
We are told these two midwifes defied Pharaoh’s decree. They risked their own lives to save what our Midrashim chronicle as thousands of Jewish baby boys. When Pharaoh confronted them, they famously replied, “Before the midwife can come to them, they have given birth.” (1:19) If Pharaoh’s intent had been to limit the Israelite numbers, it would have been more decisive to kill the females. As our foremost commentator, Rashi, points out, Pharaoh’s astrologers had told him a son would soon be born who would liberate the Israelites, which explains the decree.
Just as I finished this D’var Torah a few days ago, I watched in dismay what took place on Wednesday in Washington D.C. There is no way to rationalize anything that has gone on, and I know after last night’s processing session with many of you that we have a long way to go in order to get our county and society back to the place of civility so many of us pray for. The fact that people died only exacerbates things, not to mention hundreds of the protestors were not wearing masks. The commentary in the Etz Hayim points out that the actions of Shifrah and Puah were the first recorded case of civil disobedience. They did it the right way! There are ways to disagree with one another and use our voices, what we saw on Wednesday was not only the wrong way to go about things, but unlawful and disgusting as well.
It is plausible to say that we would not be here today were it not for these two courageous women, Shifrah and Puah! Regardless of on which side of the political divide each of us may fall, we need to be reminded of the importance of standing up for what we believe in. If we are to survive as a people, we need to stand up when facing anti-Semitism, as well as any other issue we are passionate about. We must still be aware that Shifrah and Puah went about their business in a way that was amiable when they “stood up to Pharaoh.” Our voices need to be civil, constructive and respectful.
I hope we can be reminded of these two strong women and learn from them. They continue to enlighten us while demonstrating the acumen to stand up for what they believe in. They accomplished this in a thoughtful and judicious manner, as we should aim to do the same. We can only hope that some good will ultimately come from this.
This Shabbat, we welcome Andrew Ryan to the Bimah in honor of his Bar Mitzvah. Due to the COVID pandemic, Andrew had a private Bar Mitzvah ceremony on May 16, 2020. This weekend was meant to be an opportunity to celebrate with his B’nai Amoona family. However, as the pandemic has continued, the celebration once again needed to be changed. This Shabbat, Andrew will lead the congregation in prayer not only as a way of remembering his Bar Mitzvah, but also in honor of his grandmother, Elaine Schwartzbach (Z"L), who passed away last weekend. May her memory be a blessing!
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, January 8 Friday Afternoon & Evening Services with Cantor Sharon Nathanson in the Guller Chapel: 6:00 pm
Post Havdallah Current Events Debrief with Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham: 5:28 pm
We will come together virtually to share our thoughts, concerns and questions regarding the recent attack on the Captiol Building.
via Zoom (only)
*Please note that you may need to input a Zoom password to access our Friday Night, Shabbat Morning & Saturday Afternoon/Evening Services 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 via Zoom, Livestream and FB Live
Virtual Evening Minyan
Sunday - Thursday Evening Minyan will take place virtually at 6:15 pm via Zoom,Livestream and FB Live
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!
In Our Community
MAZEL TOV TO...
Brendan Lyss and Gabriela Bronstein on their recent engagement. Brendan is the son of Alan & Christine Lyss and grandson of Jack & Sylvia Lyss and Harry & Anne Yeackel. Gabriela is the daughter of Rabbi Marcelo Bronstein and Juliana Neiman and granddaughter of Natalio & Frime Neiman and Eduardo & Aya Brontstein.
WE MOURN THE LOSS OF...
Paul Shapiro; husband of Carole Shapiro, Uncle of Sheryl Kalman and Laura (Mark Gersten) Shapiro.
Eileen Richman; sister-in-law of Beverly (Maynard) Chervitz, wife of Marvin Richman (Z”L). Loving mother, grandmother, and aunt.
Donald Meckler; beloved son of Barney (Z"L) and Birdie (Z"L) (Bloom) Meckler; loving brother of Mona Green (Z"L); father of Shelly (Scott) Lewis, Brenda (William) Loewenthal and Dr. Denise Meckler; grandfather of 5 including Zachary and Rebecca Zlepper. Our dear son, brother, father, grandfather and friend to many.
Elaine Sue (Lomant) Schwartzbach; beloved wife of Steven Schwartzbach; mother of Lisa (Steve) Ryan, Amy (Ed) Kang, and Ilana (Daniel) Sellari; grandmother of 6 including Madeleine, Andrew and Henry Ryan. Our dear wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many.
Tough Stuff: How To Talk To Children About Current Events
Just as we are affected during times of discord within our country, so are children and teenagers. Please click HEREfor a message from Liessa Alperin, our Director of Innovative Learning, Youth and Engagement, with resources and tips for navigating conversations about current events and difficult subjects with children and teenagers.
As always, our Klei Kodesh and Education Team is here to support you.
Virtual Interfaith Vigil for Democracy This Sunday
In light of Wednesday’s events, IPSTL and the Ethical Society of St. Louis are partnering to offer a virtual Interfaith Vigil for Democracy this Sunday, January 10, at 1 pm via Zoom. Religious leaders from a variety of traditions will offer reflections, words of comfort and solace, and prayers or sacred readings to affirm the moral values which underpin democracy.
