4839 Market Street, Unit C, Ventura, Ca Phone (805) Fax (805) Website: From The Rabbi s Study March 2014

Transcription

1 1 HAMIGDALOR CONGREGATION AM HAYAM 4839 Market Street, Unit C, Ventura, Ca Phone (805) Fax (805) Website: From The Rabbi s Study March 2014 A Season of Villains At this time of year, ancient and modern villains seem to proliferate, like a plague. In modern times, one points to the Nazis and the Eruopeans, if not the world, during the Shoah (Holocaust). Some have tried to tie these to the ancient Amalekites, who were so terrible that they became evil incarnate to our Rabbis. A special maftir is read on Shabbat Zachor (Remember!), which always falls on the Shabbat before Purim (this year on March 14 and 15) telling us to wipe out the Amalekites in each and every generation. The haftarah for that Shabbat reminds us of the consequences of the lack of confronting Amalek, evil personified, when King Saul neglects to destroy the Amalekites completely, letting their ruler, King Agag, off the hook. On Purim, of course, we read the story of Haman, who like Amalek sneakily maneuvered an arrangement calling for the genocide of the Jewish people. Haman is identified as an Agagite. No such people existed. Rather, the text is hinting that Haman was an Amalekite an actual descendant (or at least a spiritual one). Mordecai is a direct descendant of King Saul. Evil unchecked in one generation will reappear in another. So in spite of the comedic nature of the story telling of the book of Esther, and in spite of the carnival -like atmosphere in which we read it, Haman certainly was a true villain, at least as Passover is concerned. In the Passover haggadah, the V hi She-Am-da states, In every generation there will arise those who seek to destroy us. Nothings is spared by the Rabbis of the Midrash in expounding upon (and, perhaps, even expanding) Haman s treachery. The Pharaoh of the Passover story, read once month later, is not quite the same. He is treated with some kindness, not in the biblical account but in the later Midrash. He is seen as having a very human failing. Under pressure, he will do the right thing, but once that pressure is released, he reverts to his original ways. Perhaps the Rabbis sensed that there is a little bit of Pharaoh in all of us, but that there need be no Haman in anyone. One Midrash picks up on the startling fact that in the book of Exodus, it nowhere states that Pharaoh himself actually drowned in the Red Sea, only his charioteers. The Midrash depicts him as managing to find his way to Nineveh. Pharaoh rebuilds his life there, according to the Midrash, eventually becoming the mayor. Later the prophet Jonah arrives, delivering G!d s message for the residents to repent. Pharaoh had, at last, learned his lesson. That Pharaoh can become a ba al t shuvah, one who undergoes a deep moral metamorphosis, is a powerful reason for us to read the story of Jonah on Yom Kippur. If Pharaoh can do it, surely you and I can, too.

2 2 Haman, l havdil (to differentiate), is one of those who would not rest while Jews are free anywhere. He eats his heart out if even one Jew is not bowing to him (like Mordechai). He can virtually take over running the Persian Empire since King Achash-vei-rosh spends so much time either drinking over sobering up, and he has acquired the king s signet ring. He eats privately with the King and his wife, Queen Esther. He s at the top of the world, and yet Mordecai the Jew s lack of deference gets beneath his skin. When we assert our belief in, love for, and need to serve the one true G!d is precisely when the Hamans of the world hate us the most. And such is the hatred of the Hamans that even their last actions would rather bring down the Jewish people rather than save themselves. Over the centuries, we have learned to study our villains and to know quite precisely into which category they fall, whether they fit among the Pharaohs or among the Hamans. Never give up on a human being, even a Pharaoh, who can be educated and redirected. But never let down your guard on a Haman who, no matter the propaganda line, only seeks your destruction. The price for the brit, the covenant with G!d, of which the Torah is the written record, and which is mediated through the mitzvot, is eternal vigilance against those who would burn that record, distance us from G!d and each other and see our ruin. For this reason, perhaps above all others, Jews continue to feel that our survival itself over so many generations, constitutes a miracle that is perhaps greater than any in the Bible. And for this reason, Jews continue to feel part of a wider Jewish community a powerful force of family both around the globe and stretching backward in time. And this brings us great pride and joy, not embarrassment or pain, not merely in being Jewish but to come to celebrate together the great holidays of Purim and Passover. Here s hoping to see you all at our Megillah reading and Purim celebration on Saturday night, March 15 at 7 p.m. and/or on Sunday morning, March 16, at 10 a.m. So, yes, we re entering a season of villains, but it is also a season of pride and a time of Jewish communal spirit. Come be part of it!

3 Breaking News! 3 ALL JEWS AGREE: TOWN HALL MEETING A SMASH HIT! Rick Newberger and Rabbi Sacks led a Town Hall Meeting on Sunday, February 23, to discuss the Pew Research Center s recent study of the state of American Jewry, the possible implications for the Jews of Ventura County, and how we at Am HaYam might respond. Rick asked us to consider the following questions as we learn about the Pew Study. 1. What is our mission? Who are we intending to serve? 2. What do we have to offer them? 3. Why should people get it--whatever it is--from us? 4. How do we reach them? Rabbi Sacks then introduced the Pew Study, distributing a handout he had prepared that excerpted key findings of the study, most particularly about the various ways that Jews think of Judaism and Jewishness as operating (or not) in their lives. This provided a lot of food for thought and engaged us in deeper thinking about Jewish life in America and here in Ventura County. This led us to begin discussing Rick s questions. We soon agreed that our mission was to honor our tradition as a Conservative-Movement affiliated synagogue, to provide a place to celebrate our Jewish heritage, to be a family to one another and to welcome others into our midst, to continue to provide for the Jewish spiritual growth, educational pursuits and cultural interests that we all. We then spoke about who we might reach and how we might best reach those who, although currently unaffiliated, would find Am HaYam a possible spiritual home. On these points there was a quite active discussion. We then decided to reconstitute the Membership Committee to evaluate the various suggestions offered, looking especially to see how we can effectively harness modern technology to provide a greater welcome to those who first visit us online, especially to upgrade our website. Rick agreed to step up as Chair, and quite a few expressed interest in helping. Indeed, immediately after the meeting Mort Reznick and Jef Bratspis were already discussing ways to enhance Am HaYam s internet presence, while Denise went home and sent Rick some ideas. In any event, everyone agreed on the importance of Am Hayam, our desire to strengthen it, the need for upgrading our ability to welcome people online, our desire to diversify the programs we offer, and the willingness to work together to ensure a vibrant future for Am HaYam! Please do not hesitate to join this great effort by contacting Rick Newberger or Rabbi Sacks!

4 4 Message from Brenda Rich Greetings: March is here and do you know what????? So is Purim!!!! Yes! Saturday, March 15th is Erev Purim. Services will begin at 7 p.m. Come in costume, if you want and enjoy all the festivities. The reading of the Gantze Megillah will be on Sunday morning at 10 a.m. So be sure to attend both days. Hope that you have sent in your forms to fulfill the custom of Mishloach Manot - giving baskets that contain goodies. See form elsewhere in the Migdalor. Also time to start thinking about Passover also. On Tuesday, April 15 th we will celebrating the 2 nd night of Passover with our community Seder at CAH. See flyer elsewhere in the Migdalor. Mort Resnick has spent time cleaning up our website, adding past Migdalor issues, and making sure that you will be directed to the correct sites when you click on any of the tabs. There will be more changes to come to update the website as talked about in our meeting on February 23 rd. Hope to see all of you at our Services on Friday, March 4 th at 8 p.m. and Saturday, March 5 th at 10 a.m. Shalom, Brenda

5 5 PURIM IS HERE CAH IS DOING MISHLOACH MANOT Part of Purim is the custom of giving mishloach manot. These bags or baskets of Purim goodies are given out to increase love and friendship among the Jewish people. This mitzvah is derived from the Book of Esther. Mishloach manot are filled with a sweet drink, hamantashen and an assortment of goodies. You may order as many as you like. What a nice surprise for family members, friends, neighbors and business associates to open it and find all the goodies. This program will also help CAH raise much needed funds. For every basket ordered, each person will receive only one basket listing all the names of those who purchased it. Mishloach Manot can also be picked up at Shabbat services March 7th and 8th or at Purim Services March 15th and 16th. We will also be happy to deliver any orders as far as Thousand Oaks. Please see the Mishloach Manot form in the Migdalor. Please place order by March 3rd. Please add a second sheet of paper if needed. 1-3 Mishloach Manot ordered are $ 18 each. 4 or more Mishloach Manot ordered are $ 13 each. Entire Congregation is $ 118. To send a Mishloach Manot to the congregation and additional ones are $ 118 plus $13 for each additional basket. Please make checks payable to Congregation Am HaYam and mail to Ruth Resnick. Thank you so much for your support. For any questions please contact: Ruth Resnick Fran Lande francat@aol.com

6 6 CONGREGATION AM HAYAM FIRST ANNUAL MISHLOACH MANOT Yes, I/We would like to participate in the CAH Mishloach Manot Program. Please return by March 3rd. Deliveries will be the week of March 15 th. You may pick up orders at CAH after Shabbat services March 7 th and 8 th or after Purim services March 15 th and 16 th. Name: Phone Number Price: 1-3 Mishloach Manot $ 18 each 4 or more Mishloach Manot $ 13 each Entire Congregation $ 118 Entire Congregation plus additional Mishloach Manot is $ 118 plus $ 13 each additional I/We would like to order one for the whole congregation. $ 118 $ I would like to order a Mishloach Manot for the following CAH members: Please circle I would like to order a Mishloach Manot for the following non members Name: Pick up Deliver Address: Name: Pick up Deliver Address: Name: Pick up Deliver Address: Please attach another piece of paper for additional orders if necessary. Total number Mishloach Manot ordered: at $ each = $ TOTAL $ Please make checks payable to CONGREGATION AM HAYAM and mail to Ruth Resnick 2578 Neptune Place Pt. Hueneme, CA 93041

7 7 Tributes Dianna and Rick Rice to the Ruthmans in honor of the renewal of your wedding vows Esther Taxon to Donna Gustafson, thank for your thoughtfulness Ruth Resnick to Dawn VanValkenburg in memory of Glen VanValkenburg Ruth Resnick on the birth of Riley Michelle Myrna Winer and Jerry Cordova to Barbara Arner in sympathy for Bob Caro Trees Planted In Israel March 2014 TO: NANCY AND DAVID LANE IN LOVING MEMORY OF NANCY VON ESSEN LOVING MOTHER GRANDMOTHER AND GREAT GRANDMOTHER FROM SHERRY AND BARRY HORWITZ TO LEE ROTHSCHILD SPEEDY AND COMPLETE RECOVERY FROM MYRNA WINER AND JERRY CORDOVA BRENDA AND ARNIE RICH JUDYE AND RICK NEWBERGER TO BARBARA ARNER IN LOVING MEMORY OF BOB CARO FROM KENNY HALPERN BRENDA AND ARNIE RICH TO ALLAN AND KARLA MICHAELS IN LOVING MEMORY OF DAUGHTER MISTY RACHEL SALAMPESSY FROM BRENDA AND ARNIE RICH TO STEVEN KARASH SPEEDY AND COMPLETE RECOVERY FROM BRENDA AND ARNIE RICH TO DENISE HEAP SPEEDY AND COMPLETE RECOVERY FROM BRENDA AND ARNIE RICH TO MARK LIPMAN SPEEDY AND COMPLETE RECOVERY FROM BRENDA AND ARNIE RICH

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9 9 During the month of March there will be sessions of Mondays With Mort at CAH every Monday at 10:30 AM except Monday, March 3rd. Everyone is invited to attend in March as we continue the Book of Shemot (Exodus). Question of the Month: MONDAYS WITH MORT How can someone fulfill the mitzvah of Tzedakah without giving Tzedakah? The answer can be found at Also be sure to check out the entire Mondays with Mort web site at and the CAH web site at Mort Get Well Seymour Barr Mort Margolis Bob Packer Dianne Ruthman Vivian Barr Milt Rothschild Murray Kaufman Fred Rosen Elaine Allen Gail Packer Sheila Myles Ann Sperber Ann Jacobs Jerry Cordova Mort Resnick Myrna Winer Norma Van Riper Sherry Horwitz Jack Sperber Lee Rothschild Laila Hanig Rachel Kozak Herb Stein Mark Lipman Gene Matlin Karla Michaels Jerry Ruthman FOR SALE DOUBLE BURIAL PLOTS IN THE BETH SHALOM SECTION OF CONEJO MOUNTAIN CEMETERY IN CAMARILLO $4,500 These are currently being offered by the cemetery at over $six thousand. Marvin & Audrey Kapelus

10 10 March Birthday s Dianne Ruthman 8 Fran Lande 11 Arnie Fingerhut 13 Mayan Aharon-Ezer 21 Irv Jacobs 23 Steven Karash 23 March Anniversaries Cantor Maurice & Joanne Glick 26 If your birthday or anniversary is not acknowledged please me at bfrosen@gmail.com Attention Jewish War Veterans ATTENTION ALL JEWISH WAR VETERANS MEMBERS NEW MEETING LOCATION AS OF FEB. 2, 2014 Since the sudden passing of Commander Joe Ettenberg, the Bernard I Beckers Post 123 Jewish War Veterans will be merging with JWV Post 602 that meets in the Veterans Administration Clinic, Recreation Building 22, Plummer Street, North Hills, CA. They meet the 1st Sunday of each month, at 10:00 am and all Jewish Veterans are welcome to attend. Please join us there.

11 11 YAHRZEIT March 7th Faye Jacobs, Aunt of Fil Barton Albert George Kattan, Father of Fil Barton Rose Laff, Mother of Toba Greinetz Marty Young, Father of Howard Young March 21st Sarah Barr, Mother of Seymour E. Barr Lila Lewis, Mother of Jinx Gates Irwin Koster, Father of Arlene Horwitz Max Knell, Father of Dianne Ruthman Tillie Treitman, Mother of Paul Treitman Sarah Goldfeder, Grandmother of Eileen Walker *Inscribed on Memorial Wall

12 March 2014 Adar/Adar Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 12 1 Shabbat Ends 6:28 PM Daylight Saving Time Begins NO Mondays with Mort Way & Means Meeting 5 PM Ritual Meeting 7 PM Board Meeting 7:45 PM EREV SHABBAT SERVICE 8:00 PM Candle Lighting 5:37PM Happy Birthday Dianne Ruthman SHABBAT SERVICE 10:00AM Shabbat Ends 6:34 PM Mondays with Mort 10:30 AM Happy Birthday Fran Lande Happy Birthday Arnie Fingerhut Candle Lighting 6:43 PM Erev of Purim 7 PM Shabbat Ends 7:39 PM Purim Gantze Megillah 10 AM Happy Birthday Irv Jac0bs Steven Karash Mondays with Mort 10:30 AM Happy Birthday Mayan Aharon-Ezer EREV SHABBAT SERVICE 8:00 PM Candle Lighting 6:48 PM SHABBAT SERVICE 10:00AM Shabbat Ends 7:45 PM Mondays with Mort 10:30 AM Happy Anniversary Cantor Maurice and Joanne Gllick Candle Lighting 6:54 PM Shabbat Ends 7:51 PM Mondays with Mort 10:30 AM

13 13 Rabbi J. B. Sacks phone# BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Brenda Rich phone# PAST PRESIDENTS Mort Resnick Arnie Fingerhut Jerry Ruthman Peter Shack Brenda Rich OUR VOLUNTEERS Kiddushim - Elaine Hanig, Gail Packer Oneg Shabbat -Fil Barton Librarian Donna Gustafson VICE-PRESIDENT TREASURER - Lois Lebman SECRETARY - Donna Gustafson WAYS & MEANS VP - MEMBERSHIP VP - Janice Aharon-Ezer RITUAL VP - Milt Rothschild Jef Bratspis Programming Tributes Telephone Purchasing Yahrzeits Migdalor Sunshine Webmaster Publicity Ann Jacobs Lee Rothschild Jack Sperber Bev Rosen Ann Sperber Mort Resnick HOUSING VP - Arnie Rich IMMEDIATE PAST PRES - Brenda Rich DIRECTORS Eva Lowe Diane Mautner Rick Newberger Ruthy Resnick