As you may know, after more than two years, I am heading back to Israel. A good number of you have asked me about two unique and powerful Jewish customs associated with such Pilgrimages.
Minhag (custom #1) Shaliach Mitzvah Gelt: There is a tradition to give money, in any denomination, to those traveling to Eretz Yisrael who then become emissaries of kindness, providing sustenance to our brothers and sisters in Israel who are in need of Tzedakah. If you would like me to serve as your emissary, please drop your cash donations off in my office in an envelope marked "Shaliach Mitzvah Gelt". I always make a visit to the Kotel - the Western Wall - a top priority upon my arrival in Israel. I would be delighted to share your generosity with those who wait patiently by the Wall knowing Jews from around the world yearn to support one another. Our Tradition also indicates that “emissaries of kindness are protected from harm”; so your kindness will also secure my safe return. Todah Rabbah!
Minhag (custom #2) Kvitelach for the Kotel: A Kvitel is a small, handwritten note with your name on it and, generally speaking, includes the name of your mother (as is the prevailing procedure for Prayers for Healing). It is my responsibility to deliver these secret thoughts (which I do not read) to the Kotel and pray on behalf of our community/congregation. I already have several such notes and I would be happy to collect even more such missives. These Kvitelach should include whatever is in your heart, and please feel free to petition God for whatever it is that you most deeply desire or require. Again, please place your notes in an envelope and indicate that a "Kvitel for the Kotel" is enclosed.
I will be collecting Shaliach Mitzvah Gelt & Kvitelach for the Kotel until Sunday AM, June 12th. I look forward to seeing you before we depart. If for any reason we do not have a chance to connect, I bless each of you with health, happiness and peace. And dear friends, I ask in return that you join me as we pray for the Peace of Jerusalem and our beloved Homeland...
Don't Miss Our Upcoming Congregational Gala Weekend! Operation Max Levin: A St. Louis Homecoming & Ribbon Cutting Grand Re-Opening Of Our Gallant Family Judaica Shop
Operation Max Levin: A St. Louis Homecoming June 11 & June 12, 2022 AM YISRAEL CHAI
Max will recount, in person, his experience in the 2014 “Operation Protective Edge,” the latest of the Gaza-Israeli conflicts as an American-born Israeli soldier who immigrated in 2012 to join the Israeli army. He will share his personal stories as a soldier who joined an elite paratrooper unit as an American-raised boy, with American values, serving in the modern Israeli army. His story is recounted in his book, Under the Stretcher...click here to continue reading...
RIBBON CUTTING GRAND REOPENING THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 12 WITH CREVE COEUR MAYOR, BOB HOFFMAN The Gallant Family Judaica Shop carries a beautiful selection of both traditional and contemporary candlesticks, Havdalah sets, Kiddush cups, Challah plates, Seder plates, Menorahs, Mezuzot, Tallit, children's items, jewelry, and more! Shop for housewarming, baby, wedding, and B’nai Mitzvah gifts. NEW! We are featuring many artists: the ceramics of Ilanit Michelson; blown glass wine glasses and more by Bryan Goldenberg; "confetti" glass Shabbat votives by Jerry Galloy; wedding Mezuzot, Menorahs and more by Beames Designs; olive wood and resin Mezuzot from Israeli artist Eial Ovin; and colorful reverse paintings on lucite from Cindy Larimore.
Currently open on Wednesdays 9am-3pm, Thursdays 12pm-3pm, Sundays 9am-12pm or any business day by appointment 11am—5pm. Contact Gail Armstrong (314) 576-9990x126 orgail@bnaiamoona.com to set up an appointment or with any questions.
Our ceremonial ribbon-cutting with Mayor Bob Hoffman is scheduled for June 12, 2022 at 2:00 pm with the Levin Weekend Homecoming & Fundraiser—please plan to attend!
MAZEL TOV TO PAM APPELMAN ON HER RETIREMENT!
Please join us THIS SHABBAT, Saturday June 11th as we honor Pam Appelman on her 16+ years of dedication to the Linda Rotskoff Early Childhood Center.
It is our opportunity to say, "L'hitraot" and "Mazel Tov" on her retirement!
Jewish Senior Connection invites you to an ice cream social co-sponsored with St. Louis NORC.
Tuesday, June 14 from 7:00 - 8:00 pm in the BA Sukkah Garden
We will join together in the BA Sukkah Garden for friendship, Ted Drewes frozen custard, and entertainment provided by comedy legend, Jeff Lefton.
Please RSVP to Laura Press Millner, Program Director for NORC, at 314-812-9345. If you have questions about the program, please feel free to contact Marcia Mermelstein, Jewish Senior Connection coordinator, at 314-576-9990, ext. 139, or at marcia@bnaiamoona.com.
Two Special Summer Family Shabbat Experiences:
Friday, June 17 and Friday, August 19
More info to come - stay tuned and mark your calendars!
SAVE THE DATES & PLAN TO JOIN US!
Juneteenth Shabbat: Saturday Morning, June 18 With guest speakers, Kisha Greenidge-Kader and Ruth Banks, from The Change & Action for Racial Equity (C.A.R.E) Group
Pride Shabbat: Friday Evening, June 24 With guest speakers, Dr. Sharon Vermont, a pediatrician who specializes in transgender health and her son, Sage
***Please see the "In Our Community" section for other Pride events in the Jewish community.
KOLOT SUMMER ROSH CHODESH PROGRAM Tuesday, June 28 at 7:00 pm In Person
Join the ladies of Kolot for another fantastic Kolot event! This summer special edition will take place in person outside. Online registration is requested, but not required. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Join Us For Minyan
Morning Minyanim Sun: 9:00 am and Mon - Fri: 7:00 am In-Person, Zoom, Livestream, FB Live
Please click HERE for more details about Services this week.
Community Events
Grand Pride Parade June 26 at 11 am in Downtown St. Louis Jewish Community Gathering location and time will be sent closer to the date. Jewish Federation of St. Louis invites you to stand with us at this year’s PrideFest. We will stand together in solidarity, to celebrate and speak out with our collective voice. We have a strong history of coming together as a community and are excited to bring everyone together again to get involved! We look forward to a strong Jewish Community presence!
CLICK HERE to buy a PrideFest St. Louis Jewish community t-shirt.
JUNE PROGRAMS AT THE MIROWITZ CENTER The Mirowitz Center, located on the Jewish Community Millstone Campus, is a place where adults can engage and connect with a variety of programs! Open to all! Register online at http://bit.ly/Register_MirowitzCenter
