“And Moses took with him the bones of Joseph, who had previously exacted an oath from the children of Israel, saying, “God will be sure to take notice of you and when this comes to be, you pledge to carry up my bones from here with you to the Holy Land.”
Sefer Shemot 13:19
Each and every time I return to the study of Parashat Beshalach, I am struck by the image of a hassled, harried somewhat stressed-out Moshe Rabbeinu making final preparations for the Exodus of the entire Israelite Nation after hundreds of years of Egyptian servitude and bondage. And despite being deeply engaged in what surely must have been a monumental and herculean task, with a long list of last minute responsibilities, Moshe himself engages in the securing of the remains of the patriarch Yosef.
The obvious question is why? Why was it essential for Moses to pause from the important work of preparing the B’nai Yisrael at this critical and liminal moment in Jewish History to locate, secure and arrange for the transport of the mummified remains of a long deceased ancestor?
One possible explanation is alluded to in the Babylonian Talmud, Sotah 13a-13b: “All those years that the Israelites were in the desert, those two chests - one of the dead (the bones of Josef) and the other of the Shechinah (the Ark of the Covenant) - proceeded side by side, and passersby would ask: “What is the nature of those two chests?” They received the following reply: “One is of the dead (Joseph) and the other of the handiwork of the Divine Presence (the Tables of the Ten Commandments).” “But is it then, the way of the dead to proceed with the revelation of the Divine?” They were told, “This one (Joseph) fulfilled all that was recorded in the other (the Commandments) [and thus, it makes perfect sense for them to sojourn side-by-side].”
This Talmudic passage underscores a deep truth that we all know well. The most profound lessons that we learn in our lifetimes are those that are at once profoundly transcendent as well as demonstrably attainable. The Ten Commandments were given to the world - amidst thunder and lightning - in a miraculously supernatural manner. In sharp contrast, Joseph lived a Godly existence in “base” settings that were remarkably challenging; first as a lowly slave and then as a revered Viceroy of the Egyptian aristocracy. Moshe, our greatest of teachers, understood that the nascent Nation of Israel (and all of humanity!) was in need of both models – in the right proportion– to ensure that the way of life that the Almighty had intended could be actuated and effectuated.
May we who hear of these two remarkable chests, be inspired this week anew to quest for this balance in our own lives so that we, too, can live lives of transcendent holiness and earthly sanctity, Amen!
Saturday, January 15 - Shabbat Shirah Tefillah with Cantor Sharon Nathanson, Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham, Eitan Kantor, and other Shabbat Shirah singers: 9:00 am
Shabbat Shirah Services will be offered virtually (only).
Todah Rabbah to Lester Goldman and family who have generously sponsored Shabbat Shirah in memory of Judy Goldman Z"L
LRECC Tu B'Shevat Canned Fruit Collection
Monday, January 10 - Friday, January 14
Help us perform a Tu B'Shevat Mitzvah by dropping off your canned fruit donations to the basket near the LRECC entrance. Donations will be given to the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry.
Tu B'Shevat Nature & Niggun with Eitan Kantor
Sunday, January 16 at 2:00 pm At B'nai Amoona
Join our BA Artist in Residence, Eitan Kantor, for a Tu B'Shevat inspired Nature and Niggun event. Together, we will experience the world and celebrate the world around us with our voices. This program is in person and outdoors, masks and social distancing will be required.
B'nai Amoona's Plant a Tree of Life Program
Years ago Gerry and Ron Heller were planting trees in the JNF forest in Israel. They knew that God would nourish the trees for generations. Upon returning home, they discussed establishing a new program for Congregation B'nai Amoona. That program is known as the Plant a Tree of Life - a loving and meaningful program that supports both Israel and B'nai Amoona.
Trees may also be "given" honoring births, anniversaries, B'nai Mitzvot, Simchas, weddings, etc., at a cost of $18.00, in order to perpetuate this program inspired by Gerry and Ron Heller. They can be ordered online by clicking HERE or by contacting Gail Armstrong at gail@bnaiamoona.com or 314-576-9990 x126.
Ron and Gerry's message to those who have lost a loved one due to the coronavirus - May your sorrow be short and your fond memories last a lifetime.
MERCAZ USA, MERCAZ-Masorti Canada, and The Cantors Assembly present …
Tu B’Shevat 5782: A Celebration
will be presented live on
Sunday, January 16, 2022 | 6:30 pm CST
In collaboration with the Cantors Assembly, MERCAZ USA and MERCAZ-Masorti Canada are delighted to celebrate this Zionist chag (holiday) – which draws our attention to the land of Israel and our connections to it, with all of you!
To join, please complete the registration form. Zoom information will be displayed and emailed to you after you click "Register Now."
Our Tu B’Shevat Seder packet and other resources will be available to download from this page on the website the week prior to our celebration.
In Our Community
MAZEL TOV TO...
Jeff Dalin on being the recipient of the ADA’s 2022 Humanitarian Award for co-creating and continually guiding the ADA’s signature access to care program, Give Kids A Smile for 20 years. This is one of the highest honors the ADA (American Dental Association) bestows on members. Jeff is the husband of Debbie Dalin and father of Jamie Dalin, Andy Dalin, and Zach Dalin.
Pam Appelman who has been selected as this year’s JproStl Peer Award honoree in the category of Chesed/Kindness. Pam is the wife of Howard Appelman, mother to Alyssa, Joni, and Lindsay and Nanie to Sam, daughter-in-law of Norma Appelman, and sister-in-law of Susan and Steven Drapekin.
Fran and Harvey Cantor & Ruth and Bob Schneider on the engagement of their granddaughter, Samatha Cantor to Austin Jacoby of Dallas. Samantha is the daughter of Amy and Mark Cantor and sister of Eric Cantor and Zac Cantor. Austin is the son of Karla and Rick Jacoby and brother of Aidan Jacoby and Ian Jacoby (Z”L). Austin is the grandson of Carolyn and Michael Jacoby, Donna and Richard Masserman, & Mariela (Z”L) and Alcides (Z”L) Velasquez. Mazel Tov to the entire family!
Rabbi Carnie Shalom Rose who has been selected as one of 40 Jewish educators for the World Maccabiah (the "Jewish Olympics") games in Israel. Prior to the games in July, the athletes will participate in a 10-day training camp to learn about Judaism and Israel. This is a joint effort between Maccabi USA and iCenter, an educational organization based in Chicago that works with American Jewish educators and learners in transforming the field of Israel education. Rabbi Rose, as part of the Maccabi team, will be honored to march in the opening ceremonies. Rabbi Rose is the husband of Paulie Rose, father of Noa, Zakai, Levi, and Ellior and son of Rabbi Neal and Carol Rose.
WE MOURN THE LOSS OF...
Jacob Levin, husband of Judy Levin, step-father of Marci (Mark) Thal
Itzchak Meir father of Ilan Meir, grandfather of Daniel, Etan, and Michaela Meir.
David Ferman, husband of Susan Ferman and and beloved father of Ariel, Rebecca, and Brooke; son of Reva and the late Marty Ferman; brother of Laura Lembeck-Ejikemewua and Amy Slakman (Sharone).
Did you know B’nai Amoona’s Minyan Program has been in existence for over 25 years? In other words, Minyan Services at B’nai Amoona are a “Tradition” in the St. Louis Jewish community!
Each day - morning and evening - B’nai Amoona’s amazing Minyanaires gather for daily Minyan Services. Our family and friends join the daily Minyanim wherever they are through Zoom, FB Live and Livestream.
So, you may ask,” What is a Minyanaire?” A Minyanaire is one who commits and dedicates themself to at least one hour a week at a time and day of their choosing to attend a Service. Yes! That’s right! For ONLY sixty minutes each week, YOU can become a Minyanaire. Don’t Wait! Make your commitment TODAY!
YOU are the 10th one! YOU are counted on as one of the necessary ten individuals needed to provide a Minyan. YOU help ensure a comfortable and welcoming place for those in our community who wish to recite the Mourner’s Kaddish for their loved ones, observe a Yahrzeit, pray for healing or just to feel a sense of community.
Your presence along with the cadre of dedicated others help ensure our ongoing “Tradition!” Email minyan@bnaiamoona.com or call 314-629-8099 to indicate your desire to become an amazing Minyanaire.
Thank you,
Bev Chervitz and Laura Shapiro
Minyanaire Co-Chairs
Weekday Minyan Information Join us In-Person or on Zoom, BA Livestream or Facebook Live
Morning and Evening Minyan will take place in-person in the Main Sanctuary. Additionally, we will continue to offer virtual options on Zoom, Facebook Live and our BA Livestream Page.
Regular Morning Minyanim
Sunday Morning Minyan: 9:00 am
Monday - Friday Morning Minyan: 7:00 am
In-Person, Zoom, Livestream, and FB Live
Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/97189645201
Meeting ID: 971 8964 5201 This Zoom link is for all morning Minyan Services
Regular Evening Minyanim
Sunday - Thursday Evening Minyan: 6:15 pm
via Zoom, Livestream, and FB Live
Zoom Link:https://zoom.us/j/97924715014
Meeting ID: 979 2471 5014 This Zoom link is for all evening Minyan Services
