AHAVAT TORAH. Tu-B'Shevat: Celebration of Marking the Revival of Nature. January 11 th, Kohelet Ecclesiastes

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AHAVAT TORAH Rabbi Miriam Hamrell Cantorial Soloist Gary Levine Associate Cantorial Soloist Co-President Vice President Kimberly Haynes Michael Stevens Judy Kollack ONE TORAH, MANY TEACHERS, ONE

1 AHAVAT TORAH Rabbi Miriam Hamrell Cantorial Soloist Gary Levine Associate Cantorial Soloist Co-President Vice President Kimberly Haynes Michael Stevens Judy Kollack ONE TORAH, MANY TEACHERS, ONE COMMUNITY January 11 th, : am Mussar with Rabbi Miriam and Rabbinic Intern Gregory Metzger Kohelet Ecclesiastes 10:00 am PM Shabbat Service Tu-B'Shevat: Celebration of Marking the Revival of Nature Secretary Treasurer Shoshi Wilchfort Lynn Stevens Dan Sterling Board Members Past Presidents Debra Barrath Barbara Burbank Vicki Crawford Judy Freeman Gary Levine Florene Rozen Jonathan Troper Rena Jaffe Jean Katz Ron Estroff Sid Rosenblatt Blanche Moss Ex- Officio Members Rabbi Miriam Hamrell Charles Hamrell MD Torah Portion Beshalach Exodus 13: 17-17:16 Chanter s Rabbi Miriam Hamrell / Sophia Avants - Reading D var Torah Tu-B Shevat Cantor Gary Levine Unless otherwise indicated, all events and services are at Village Lutheran Church, 343 S. Church Lane, L.A

Rabbinic Intern Gregory Metzger Dancing Between Light and Shadow This week s parsha, BeShalach, chronicles the events immediately after the Israelites leave Egypt and go into the wilderness.

2 Rabbinic Intern Gregory Metzger Dancing Between Light and Shadow This week s parsha, BeShalach, chronicles the events immediately after the Israelites leave Egypt and go into the wilderness. In summary: Pharaoh has a change of heart and sets his armies out to kill or recapture the Israelites who become trapped between Pharaoh s army and the Sea of Reeds. The Sea is split and allows the Israelites to pass through to safety while the Egyptians who give chase bog down in the mud and drown as the waters turn back. The Israelites break out into celebration with song and dance. While safe from Pharaoh, they enter the wilderness, the unknown, where danger lurks in the form of Amelek pure evil. A revolutionary wave of demonstrations swept across the world beginning in 2010 and continuing to this day. Many took the first steps into the unknown place on their way to freedom. Since then, rulers have been forced from power in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, - cite_note- Libya:_civil_war_breaks_out_as_Gaddafi_mounts_rearguard_fight-3 and Yemen. Protests and civil uprisings took place in Bahrain, Algeria, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco and Syria - All these in the name of freedom. As you read this, I am on the Thai/Burma border working with refugees from a civil war that has been raging since the end of WW2. I will be witness to the hopes, joys, pain and suffering of people living under oppression of biblical proportions. Week -by-week as I read about the exodus in Torah, about the Israelite struggle and their path to freedom, I am struck by the parallels and differences in today s changing world. They have pharaohs who don t want to let them go. They have Amalek, the unrestrained evil which thrives when there is no Torah no rule of law. The liberation of a people is a brilliant display of God s hand in the affairs of man. The initial wave of light is so bright the whole world can see it. It moves all of humanity to lift the fallen; and the fallen to stand with hope and purpose. When the Israelites saw the miracles the Lord had performed for them they broke out in celebration. Miriam led the women in dance and song. We too celebrate - but with caution, as the hearts of the pharaohs of the modern world are hardened. The lord stiffened the heart of Pharaoh. (Shemot 14.8) We learn from Torah that the light of the Lord is a shadow to the wicked. Despotic leaders, our modern Pharaohs, do not rejoice with the masses as they mark their moment in history with celebration. Their chariots and armies are not stopped by miracles. Amelek came and fought with Israel at Rephidim. (Shemot 17.8) Within Pharaoh is a shadow - a darkness in which evil can flourish. Amelek exists in the evil of opportunists who do their work in the dark, exploiting uncertain situations and preying upon the weak and the vulnerable. Evil and Amelek attack the weak and flourish in darkness. We, therefore, must bring our light, the light of freedom, the light of God to illuminate the shadows. We can take an action today that will increase the light. We can let our voices be heard. Today, call your elected leaders and let them know that you support freedom for all peoples. We can also support organizations in our community that seek to provide comfort and healing to the victims. It is only when we take action that we become part of the great miracle. Take action now and join together to dance and sing in celebration Call the White House at and ask the Obama administration to use its financial as well as global political resources to end to the atrocities being perpetrated on the ethnic minorities in Myanmar.

Shabbat Shira Shabbat of Song This Shabbat is called Shabbat Shira, Shabbat of Song.

In this portion we find one of the only two sections of the whole Torah that is written with a different layout, one similar to a wall of bricks facing each other.

the middle. They were saved from the Egyptian army and this was their ecstatic song of gratitude and thanksgiving to God.

In the Sephardic tradition the splitting of the sea happened on the 7th day of Passover. Why is this day called Ketubah, The Covenant of Marriage?

3 Shabbat Shira Shabbat of Song This Shabbat is called Shabbat Shira, Shabbat of Song. This Shabbat all Jewish congregations around the world will be chanting and studying the Torah portion of Beshalah. In this portion we find one of the only two sections of the whole Torah that is written with a different layout, one similar to a wall of bricks facing each other. This special layout represents the splitting of the sea, or when two walls of water were standing after the Sea of Reeds split in two and the People of Israel walked down the middle. They were saved from the Egyptian army and this was their ecstatic song of gratitude and thanksgiving to God. This poem of 18 verses is part of our daily Morning Prayer service. Interestingly, it is also called by some Sephardic Jews, The Ketubah of the Seventh Day of Passover. In the Sephardic tradition the splitting of the sea happened on the 7th day of Passover. Why is this day called Ketubah, The Covenant of Marriage? It is believed that a bride and a groom have to go to a Mikvah before their marriage. The splitting of the sea was as if the Children of Israel together with God went through a Mikvah before their marriage and eternal commitment to one another at Mount Sinai 42 days later when the Ten Commandments were given to the Israelis. Everyone is invited to bring a friend and a musical instrument to synagogue this Shabbat.

4 Tu-B'Shvat Food for Thought No miracles happened on Tu-B'Shvat, yet this holiday is a mystical time for us. Why? To understand this day, we can remember the words of the prophet, Isaiah, (55:10) who compares the word of God to the rain. "For as the rain and snow come down from the heaven and does not return there until it waters and saturates the earth, making it fruitful, so shall be My word that goes forth out of My mouth - it shall not return to Me barren... (until we complete a Mitzvah)." A tree is also compared to a man. In Deuteronomy 20, it is written, "a man is a tree in the field..." The Torah compared the man to a tree. In what way are they similar? A tree combines the upper world (heaven, rain) to the lower world of earth, and soil. From it, we bring forth physical nourishment of fruits and vegetables. A man is also composed of elements from the upper world (soul) and the lower world (body). Man brings forth spiritual nourishment for the soul by doing Mitzvahs. We see that the tree and the man have a similar quality, they are both a mix of the upper and lower worlds, and they both bring forth their fruits. The tree brings forth it s fruit because of the rain which comes down from up high. Also, Man gets it s fruit baring insight to do Mitzvahs from the holy spark which comes down from up high. May we continue to have fruit baring insight from up high because, It s a tree of life to those who hold fast to it. Amen.

This famous song written by Pete Seeger in the 1950s was adapted word-for-word from Chapter 3 of the Book of Ecclesiastes

5 _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- To Everything There Is a Season, Turn Turn Turn Rabbi Miriam and Rabbinic Intern Gregory Metzger are offering a new class Kohelet Ecclesiastes Starting THIS 9:00AM This famous song written by Pete Seeger in the 1950s was adapted word-for-word from Chapter 3 of the Book of Ecclesiastes traditionally credited to King Solomon. Come and learn that life is NOT futile or mundane, but rather full of vitality and joy Come and Bring a Friend

By#popular#demand#the#AT s#summer#tanya#class#is#returning# # TANYA%&%A%Manual%for%an%Ethical%Life% For%the%Seeker%&%the%Perplexed%% # In#1797,#while#being#in#a#Russian#

6 By#popular#demand#the#AT s#summer#tanya#class#is#returning# # TANYA%&%A%Manual%for%an%Ethical%Life% For%the%Seeker%&%the%Perplexed%% # In#1797,#while#being#in#a#Russian# prison,#the#alta#hasidic#rabbe# wrote#the#tanya.#this#very# special#book#has#53#chapters#that# are#a# Character#Defining#Map. #It# is#a#guide#for#spiritual#journey# improvement.#these#are#53# mystical#steps#that#follow#the# natural#physical#and# psychological#growth#and# development#of#a#person.# # Rabbi#Miriam#is#the#honored# Coach#&#Teacher #for## this#mystical#class.# # Starting%Date:#THIS#Thursday,#January#9th,#2014## When:#Every#Thursday# Time:#11:00AMS12:00#Noon# Where:#Ahavat#Torah#Congregation# 343#Church#Lane# Los#Angeles,#CA.#90292# Cost:#$5#Members;#$10#NonSmembers# # Come%and%bring%a%friend%to%this%fascinating%and%rare%class.% #

On January 11th, 2014 During Ahavat Torah s Shabbat Service, we will have a Tu B Shevat Program, including readings from the Tanach and commentaries on the role of Trees in Judaism.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- Social Action Committee will meet on January 11th, at 1:00pm to plan our first Friday night community event in

7 On January 11th, 2014 During Ahavat Torah s Shabbat Service, we will have a Tu B Shevat Program, including readings from the Tanach and commentaries on the role of Trees in Judaism. Selected poems read by our congregants, and a teaching by Rabbi Miriam. Please come and bring friends. _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- Social Action Committee will meet on January 11th, at 1:00pm to plan our first Friday night community event in February. The upcoming event will give us an exciting opportunity to meet the families and children. (((Please Join Us))) Below is a report regarding our December 21 st meeting with Ms Carolina Valle. We look forward to continue working on this exciting new project. SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE REPORT The Social Action Committee met on December 21st with Ms. Carolina Valle, who represents the Community Corporation of Santa Monica. It is a locally based, non-profit organization committed to developing and managing affordable housing to lower wage, ethnically diverse working families. Two of our members Maxine Levine & Judy Dubin have been involved with this worthy organization, by supervising/training graduate students, and leading Mommy and Me pre-school groups. Ms. Carolina was very welcoming to our Social Action group, and let us know that there are many opportunities to develop relationships with the children and the families who live in their facilities. She spoke so warmly about how we could meet with the families, assess needs and resources, and really get to know and work together in meaningful ways. We are so grateful for Ms. Carolina's presentation, and for the participation of our Social Action Committee in planning these volunteer social action events. SAC will meet again on January 11th, to plan our first Friday night community event in February. We would have the opportunity to meet the families and children. We look forward to continue to work on this exciting new project. Thanks to Ms. Carolina and to our own Judy Dubin for coming up with this wonderful connection. Vivian Gold and Renee Schwartz, SAC Co-chairs.

Up-Coming Special Shabbat Service programs: Very informative, short programs will be integrated into three of our beautiful, coming Shabbat services. The theme will be particular U.S. political leader 's relationships with the Jews.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- PLEASE JOIN US FOR THIS THREE ABRAHAMIC FAITHS EVENT FOR CELEBRATION, DISCUSSION & BOOK SIGNING ON JANUARY

8 Up-Coming Special Shabbat Service programs: Very informative, short programs will be integrated into three of our beautiful, coming Shabbat services. The theme will be particular U.S. political leader 's relationships with the Jews. Martin Luther King on January 18th President Lincoln on February 8th, and President Washington on February 15th. Please come and bring a friend. -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- PLEASE JOIN US FOR THIS THREE ABRAHAMIC FAITHS EVENT FOR CELEBRATION, DISCUSSION & BOOK SIGNING ON JANUARY 26TH, 2014 Ahavat Torah will be hosting author, Rosemary Hartounian Cohen at an interfaith gathering and book signing of her Award Winning Novel, The Mother of Jerusalem is Crying. Where: The Village Church, 343 S. Church Lane, Los Angeles, CA Time: 2:00-4:00PM in the Social Hall. The Mother of Jerusalem is Crying is a sweeping historical novel that begins in 19th Century Armenia, then under Turkish control, and tells the interwoven stories of three families - Christian, Jewish and Muslim over three generations and three continents. For information and to RSVP, please contact Barbara Burbank burpurr@sbcglobal.net or Jean Katz jeankatz@earthlink.net

9 SAVE THESE DATES Back by popular demand The first of three Ahavat Torah's Spring trips, will be to the Griffith Park Observatory on Tuesday, February 25th from noon to 3:30 p.m. We will meet for lunch at the Wolfgang Puck Cafeteria overlooking the city, see the history of the observatory and its "being lifted"---a major engineering feat---in the Leonard Nimoy Theater (free). Have a docent speak about the new and amazing downstairs, where we will stand before galaxies flashing around us, and face and study the wall portraying a part of the universe. Then time to see the second floor, and last, to attend a planetarium show ($5.00 for seniors). PLEASE RSVP by February 15th to: Florene Rozen at or florene@roadrunner.com Of course, guests are invited. Because parking is tight at the top of the hill, it is suggested you carpool.

10 We are having a VERY SPECIAL THEATER PARTY Date: Sunday March 9, at 4pm Where: The Lounge Theater 6201 Santa Monica Blvd Hollywood, CA Street Parking is Available Ticket price is $50.00 Please contact Barbara Burbank for reservations at burpurr@sbcglobal.net or at 310/ ***Important information*** Once Barbara has received your phone call or with your RSVP, information will be provided to you for payment purposes. Seating is limited so make your reservations as soon as possible. This price includes the performance at 4PM, followed by a wine and refreshment reception and 'talk back' with the playwright Wendy Graf. Along with Rabbi Miriam Hamrell and some of the performers. Closely Related Keys directed by acclaimed director Shirley Jo Finney ( Stick Fly, In The Red and Brown Water ). Starring: Simone Cook, Brent Jennings, Diarra Kilpatrick, Jeff Lorch and Adam Meir. A young woman s carefully constructed life begins to crumble with the surprise discovery of an Iraqi half sister who has fled Iraq, arriving in the U.S. with a seemingly strange and questionable agenda. Closely Related Keys is a beautiful exploration of religious and racial identity, clashing cultures, loyalty, hopes and dreams, and the walls people build when faced with loss and threat. It is about the ones left behind. It is a plea for understanding and tolerance at a time of fear and religious, moral, racial and political polarization. Both audience and characters are challenged by deeply held notions about those people, people we assume we know. But mostly Closely Related Keys is about picking up the broken pieces of the pas to imperfectly assemble a new family and future

On Saturday evening, May 3rd, 2014 Ahavat Torah Congregation will have a dinner,

Beth Devermont Hal and Rena Jaffe Hold the date and let us know you want to help

11 On Saturday evening, May 3rd, 2014 Ahavat Torah Congregation will have a dinner, celebrating 'Friendship' and Holy work at our compassionate and caring shul in the glen (Brentwood Glen that is). And who better to honor than three loving, giving and humble human menchen than Beth Devermont Hal and Rena Jaffe Hold the date and let us know you want to help plan a spectacular evening. Excitedly yours, Barbara and Debra Barbara Burbank - burpurr@sbcglobal.net Debra Barrath - AhavatTorahLA@gmail.com

Dear friends: My housemate has recovered and no longer needs help and

I need a place where I can trade work for some or all of the rent.

organizer, personal assistant, driver, dog walker/pet sitter, run

12 Dear friends: My housemate has recovered and no longer needs help and wants to live alone again, so I am once again looking for a place to live. I need a place where I can trade work for some or all of the rent. In exchange, I have experience as and can be a companion, nanny, organizer, personal assistant, driver, dog walker/pet sitter, run errands, go shopping, organize and administer medicines, cook, do light cleaning and laundry, and so on. Please contact me at or my new address: saleeds54@yahoo.com if you know of someone who would like such an arrangement. Thank you very much, Sue-Ann Leeds _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- Debra Estroff Lenny Felder Sandy Siegel Judith Rivin Brian Wilson Sybil Michelson HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Sarah & Bob Barash Marion & Aharon Nachson Nadine Antin-Colla & Coleman Colla

Easy Granola for Tu-B Shvat Ingredients 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 2 cups shredded coconut 2 cups sliced almonds 3/4 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup good honey 1 1/2 cups dried apricots 1 cup diced

13 Easy Granola for Tu-B Shvat Ingredients 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 2 cups shredded coconut 2 cups sliced almonds 3/4 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup good honey 1 1/2 cups dried apricots 1 cup diced dried figs 1 cup dried cherries 1 cup dried cranberries 1 cup roasted, unsalted cashews Directions Preheat the oven to 350F degrees Mix together in a large bowl, oats, coconut, almonds, oil and honey. Pour onto a 13 by 18 by 1-inch sheet pan (make sure oats and nuts are coated). Bake, stirring occasionally with a spatula, until the mixture turns a nice, even, golden brown, about 45 minutes. Remove the granola from the oven. Mix the apricots, figs, cherries, cranberries, and cashews into the granola. Let it cool down, store the cooled granola in an airtight container.

2014 / 5774 Weekly Saturdays 9-9:45 am Mussar-Ethics of Our Fathers & Ecclesiastes with Rabbi Miriam in Fireside Room Tuesdays 10 am - 12:30 pm Shabbat services followed by lunch at 12:30pm 11 - noon

14 2014 / 5774 Weekly Saturdays 9-9:45 am Mussar-Ethics of Our Fathers & Ecclesiastes with Rabbi Miriam in Fireside Room Tuesdays 10 am - 12:30 pm Shabbat services followed by lunch at 12:30pm 11 - noon by appointment Hebrew reading beginning/advanced, with Rena Jaffe Torah Chanting with Rena Wednesdays 12:00pm 1:15pm Save the Dates starting in February: New Class on Psalms with Rabbi Miriam, location TBD. 11 am - noon Tanya (Hasidic Ethics) Class, with Rabbi Miriam at the synagogue Thursdays Noon 2 pm Lunch & Torah study, at the synagogue with Rabbi Miriam and Aharon Nachshon January 2:00 2:30pm Haftarah of the Week, with Rabbi Miriam at the synagogue Shabbat, 11 Wednesday, 15 Shabbat, 18 Sunday, 26 February 10am 1pm 10am 1pm 2pm Simchat Shabbat & Brief Tu B Shvat Celebration During Services Social Action Committee meeting Tu B Shvat begins Wednesday evening and ends Thursday at sundown. Service includes a short program on Martin Luther King and the Jews Board Meeting Author Rosemary Hartounian Cohen Discusses The Mother of Jerusalem is Crying, with opportunity to purchase the book at a discount. U Shabbat, 1 10am Midrashah Shabbat, 8 Shabbat, 15 10am 1pm 10am 1pm Simchat Shabbat + Short Program on Lincoln s Relationship with Jews Board Meeting Service Includes a short program on Washington s Letter to the Jews Social Action Committee meeting Tuesday, 25 12:00pm 3:30pm Spring Outing #1 to the New Griffith Park Observatory For further information contact Debra at AhavatTorahLA@gmail.com AHAVAT TORAH CONGREGATION, P. O. Box Los Angeles, CA 90029; Phone

January 25 th,

January 25 th, AHAVAT TORAH Rabbi Miriam Hamrell Cantorial Soloist Gary Levine Associate Cantorial Soloist Co-President Vice President Kimberly Haynes Michael Stevens Judy Kollack ONE TORAH, MANY TEACHERS, ONE COMMUNITY