Dear BA Family,
I want to thank you for your understanding and patience as we continue to maneuver through the pandemic. As always, safety is our utmost priority. Our BA Kehillah is made up of many individuals of all ages who differ greatly with respect to health and vulnerability to illness. We will continue to make decisions based on the community and what we need to do to help keep everyone safe. We understand that changing protocols can be frustrating.
Our updated mask protocol now requires all visitors ages 2 and older to wear their mask while indoors at B'nai Amoona. This includes entering and navigating the building and throughout Services and programs. You may remove your mask when seated to eat, but we ask that you wear it anytime you get up from your table. To be clear, our doors remain open and we look forward to welcoming you into B'nai Amoona.
Please feel free to contact me or any member of our Senior Staff team, if you have questions. Thank you again for your patience and cooperation.
-Anita Kraus
Interim Director of Operations and Director of Early Childhood Education anita@bnaiamoona.com
314-576-3688
This Week's Torah Portion is Eikev
Shabbat Service Schedule
& Candlelighting Times
Shabbat Candlelighting:
Friday, July 30 at 7:56 pm
Havdallah, Saturday, July 31 at 8:43 pm
Friday, July 30
Friday Evening Services with Cantor Sharon Nathanson in the Guller Chapel: 6:00 pm
D'var Torah From Rabbi Neal Rose
- Parashat Eikev-
As we move towards the end of the current Jewish year (Rosh Hashanah begins on September 6, 2021), our Torah readings come from the Book of Deuteronomy. This book is the source of many well-known Jewish prayers like the Shema and the Grace after Meals. In the next few weeks I hope to share with you some reflections on Jewish prayer.
Since the inception of the printing press, Jews have come to equate praying to reading from a printed text called “The Siddur” or “The Book.” Jewish prayer actually began with a group of people reciting simple words orally. The leader would recite the words out loud and the worshippers would respond in kind. In other words, it was a call and response Service, one that followed a loosely defined format. This format was called “The Siddur,” but had nothing to do with the printed word. My point is that Jewish prayer was never intended to be read, rather it was a group of individuals sharing heartfelt words together.
This style of prayer is reflected in the Yiddish word for oral prayer, Davenen. The origin of how this word arose is a matter of dispute. It’s meaning, however, is clear. It refers to a style of spiritual practice in which individuals devoutly and quietly recite traditional prayers, with fervor.
When this oral prayer process was transformed into a printed book, the hope was that it would enhance the process of Davenen. Unfortunately, for many “The Book” has become an obstacle to the spiritual art of prayer. All too often our Services become a race to keep up with particular pages as they are announced rather than as an opportunity to attune ourselves to that higher reality we call God.
I hope that my comments in the coming weeks will help restore the notion of Davenen as a spiritual practice, one that allows us to consider and connect with the Source of All Existence.
Weekday Minyan Information Join us In-Person or on Zoom, BA Livestream or Facebook Live
Morning Minyanim *Special note: Sunday Morning Minyan will take place in the Main Sanctuary followed by breakfast in Banquet Hall-Aleph.
Sunday Morning Minyan: 9:00 am
Monday - Friday Morning Minyan: 7:00 am
In-Person, Zoom, Livestream, and FB Live
Evening Minyanim
Sunday - Thursday Evening Minyan: 6:15 pm
via Zoom, Livestream, and FB Live
In Our Community
MAZEL TOV TO...
Shelley & Jay Sarver on the birth of their grandson, Asa Cullen Sarver. Proud parents are Lily and David Sarver.
Sherri Wieczorek and Mark Zellinger on their recent marriage. Sherri is the daughter of Vivian & Leon (Z"L) Zvibleman and the sister of Faye Zvibleman. Mark is the son of Mimi (Z"L) & Alan (Z"L) Zellinger.
Lou & Debby Callen and Marc & Gina Wallis on the birth of their granddaughter, Harper June Callen. Proud parents are Keith & Hannah Callen. Great-grandmother is Aileen Wallis.
Family Friendly Kabbalat Nosh and Schmooze - Friday, August 6 at 5:15 pm
We invite you to join us on Friday, August 6 for our Family Friendly Kabbalat Shabbat Nosh & Schmooze: Israeli Style with our Israeli Shinshin, Gilad Sofer!
At 5:15 pm, we'll enjoy Israeli appetizers prepared by Chef Jon Hoffman followed by Kabbalat Shabbat Services at 6:00 pm led by Cantor Sharon Nathanson with Gilad speaking.
For our young families, we will have Pre-Shabbat singing and puppets with Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham also at 6:00 pm.
Our next Shabbat Play @ BA event is happening on August 14, 2021! Don't forget your swimwear!
Please note: due to the expected rain this weekend, we will not be hosting Shabbat Playdate this Shabbat as originally scheduled.
Congregation-wide "Big Read"
This year's High Holy Day "Big Read" book is The Beauty of What Remains by Rabbi Steve Leder and will serve as the creative fodder for many of our sermons and classes. Please contact amy@bnaiamoona.com to order your copy. Cash or check can be made out to the Rabbi's Discretionary Fund for $18.00 please. We look forward to hearing your reactions to this meaningful chronicle.
Todah Rabbah To The Jewish Federation of St. Louis
Our Shul Doors Have Opened: Health & Wellness Update
Our Shul doors have opened! We are thrilled to invite you to pray, learn and grow with us B'yachad, together, during in-person Services. Registration for Services will no longer be required - simply come as you are.
Our face mask and social distancing protocols will remain in effect for the health and safety of our Kehillah. Click HERE for more information.
Jewish tradition teaches “Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Bazeh,” meaning that we are all
responsible for each other (B.Talmud Shevuot 39a).
Our B'nai Amoona Klei Kodesh is proud to join other local Jewish spiritual leaders in issuingTHIS STATEMENTin favor of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, continuing to wear a mask and practice social distancing as recommended by the CDC and other medical and other public health authorities.
As more people receive the Covid-19 vaccine, we encourage you to download and print the prayers below. We recommend you say them when you receive your vaccination.
