Noted Israeli author Tzur Arlich introduced a short poem (in Hebrew) titled, “The Difference of a Week.” It is translated as follows:
The Difference of a Week/Two Remembrance Days adjacent to each other/For the benefit of a general calculation/How much did it cost us with a State/And how much did it cost us without?”
This albeit short poem juxtaposes Yom HaShoah, when we remember the incalculable loss of six million Jewish lives, with Yom HaZikaron, the day we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the State of Israel. These days also serve as an introduction to Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s Independence day, reminding us to defend and protect it.
We find a similar sentiment in the names of the Parshiyot the weeks before and after these meaningful holidays. Acharei Mot last week, which literally means “after the death,” and Kedoshim, where we are taught “all are holy and pure.” This teaching conveys that upon a person's passing, we overlook their shortcomings and failings. Indeed, in “Kedoshim”— everyone is treated as holy. In a nutshell, let us realize mourning the departed isn't an end unto itself; rather, the living should deepen their effort to strive forward.
This past week, as we honored the memories of Israel's fallen, we must dignify their sacrifice by sustaining our support of a strong State of Israel. It has defended not only the people of Israel, but it serves as a source of pride and strength for Jews the world over. Our resolve must be emboldened, given the rise in anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism.
This is our task and our mission: Acharei Mot—“After their sacrifice” and Kedoshim Tihiyu—“we must be holy,” and we must dedicate ourselves to the holy task of ensuring that the State of Israel has the support—both financial and political—from the United States, to ensure that it can defend and protect the people of Israel on its own. Only if we fulfill our mission can we truly honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the Jewish nation.
This Shabbat, we welcome Francesca Grad to the Bimah for her Bat Mitzvah. Francesca is the daughter of Matthew and Mihaela Grad and younger sister to Daniel and Ariela. Francesca is the granddaughter of Stanley (Z”L) and Miriam (Z”L) Grad of New York and Mihai and Ala Poiata of Chisinau, Moldova.
6:00 pm: Friday Evening Services and Confirmation Ceremony with Rabbi Carnie Shalom Rose and Cantor Sharon Nathanson in the Main Sanctuary
Mazel Tov to our Confirmation students: Jacob Abowitz, Gabriel Bernstein, Ari Bricker, Samuel Ellenhorn, Mari Hergemueller - Blumenthal, Benjamin Kruger, Samara Landy, Mollie Nathanson, Lily Rosenzweig, Mitchell Smith, Chase Waldman, Alyssa Weisenberg, and Seiji Winig
We are also thrilled to welcome members of Cultural Leadership to our Services this evening.
Voices From The Front Lines: Ensuring Access To Reproductive Freedom
Congregation B'nai Amoona affirms a woman’s right to reproductive freedom.
In Judaism, there is nothing more holy, sacred, or important than Life itself. We, the Klei Kodesh and Senior Staff of Congregation B’nai Amoona, affirm a woman’s right to reproductive freedom. In doing so, we condemn the Supreme Court's apparent desire to overturn Roe versus Wade as well as the case of Planned Parenthood versus Casey. We are also deeply concerned about the legislature in Missouri which elected officials who have codified “The life of each human being begins at conception” into the Missouri Statutes.
We invite you to join us on Wednesday, May 11th when we hear from Jennifer Bernstein (Advocacy Manager at NCJWSTL),Dr. Jennifer Smith(an OBGYN and a Executive Board Member of B’nai Amoona),Dana Sandweiss, co-founder of Access MO, and Cantor Sharon Nathanson as we explore the latest information pertaining to Reproductive Freedom, the Jewish response, as well how each of us can raise our own voices in support of Reproductive Freedom.
First Lieutenant Adam Schmitz, his parents, Jen and Jeff Schmitz, and brother, Michael, on Adam’s graduation from the United States Army’s elite Ranger Course on April 22, 2022. Adam is currently assigned to the 82nd Airborne at Ft Bragg, NC. The Schmitz family have been members of B’nai Amoona since moving to St Louis from Chicago, in 1999.
Mazel Tov to BAUSY for being named EMTZA Region USY Chapter of the Year, Chapter of Excellence, Best Social Action/Tikkun Olam Program of the Year, and Best Social Media.
We also wish a Mazel Tov to the EMTZA Region 2022-2023 Executive Board including: Ilana Boyer, EMTZA Region 2022-2023 Executive Vice President Mitchell Smith, EMTZA Region 2022-2023 Membership/Engagement Vice President Stephen Rosenberg, Junior Dugmah (positive role model) award winner
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
