Kashrut – in the eye of the beholder

March 28, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Last Friday we learned what Kashrut meant from the perspective of the Torah and certainly how times have changed. Imagine even the thought of wanting to eat flying insects and such (which we’re not allowed to do of course!).

It brought up the broader concept of being Kosher and what that means to each individual. As Cantor went around the sanctuary asking congregants what being Kosher meant to them, it was clear that everyone had their own views mostly based on respect for grandparents and family histories. While everyone had their own idea of what Kosher meant to them it was very important that all recognized that the act of being Kosher was personal and to be respected.

This was just another example of the community we’ve built at Temple Shirat Shalom – one based on mutual respect and caring for each others views and backgrounds. Please make time to join us for a Shabbat service to share this wonderful experience.

Filed Under: The Spirit of TSS

Got a rash? Take two Aspirin and go to Shul.

March 28, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Tazria, this week’s Torah portion is part of a double portion Tazria/M’tzora. Most years we read both these portions on the same Shabbat, this year however, we do not because we have an extra month Adar II to fill with weekly Torah portions. We have Adar II because as Jews we use a lunar calendar and every 7 years we add an extra month, so that Passover is always in the spring and Rosh Hashana is in the fall. This year is one of those years.

In Tazria we read about skin afflictions and diagnosis of all these ailments. It is not serendipitous that we have so many Jewish Doctors. One reason we do, is because the Kohanim acted as true doctors. Even in the Torah the Kohanim made scientific examinations and kept patients under observation. The Kohanim evaluated symptoms and acted accordingly. We always tried to approach illness as objectively as we could and use the best science that was available at the time. Not all societies are like that, even in Torah times we Jews did not have magic-workers we had doctors. The Torah describes specific symptoms by which the Kohanim were able to diagnose the disease.

Even though we pray to God heal us, we also pray that our doctors are wise and knowledgeable. Jews have always been very realistic about illness and the effects of good medicine.

Filed Under: Cantor's Corner

Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israeli Dancing – Sunday April 27th

March 28, 2014 by Leave a Comment

TSS Celebrates Yom Ha’atzmaut – Israel’s Independence Day with Israeli dancing led by the extraordinary Don Schillinger and a festive Israeli lunch on Sunday April 27 from 10 AM to Noon. This will also be our farewell to the school year.

Please RSVP by April 20 to Shari Gluskin or Janet Hogan, no cost for this event but we need to order enough food.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

TSS Adult Ed – Dr. Ira Byock (author and palliative care physician) – May 14th

March 17, 2014 by Leave a Comment

TSS Adult ED invites you for dinner and lecture!

Please join TSS members to hear Dr. Ira Byock at The Moravian Church on

Wednesday May 14, 2014 at 7:30 PM (Doors open at 6:30 PM)

at

Central Moravian Church

73 West Church Street

Bethlehem, PA 18018

 

Cost $15.00 per Person.

We will sit together to hear this well-known author talk about his book, ‘The Four Things That Matter Most:  A Book about Living.’

The link to the event is:   http://www.slhn.org/irabyock

For anyone interested in dinner before the event, we will meet at Thai Thai Two, right near the Church at 5:15 PM.

RSVP by April 14th if you want tickets to be purchased for you and then make check payable to Judy Belmont and sent to 1490 Shelburne Ct, Allentown, PA, or purchase online and let me know so we can save seats and all sit together.

For more info: contact Judy Belmont (JABelmont3@gmail.com)

******

FYI – the Book received 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon!

Book Description:

Publication Date: March 8, 2004

Four simple phrases — “Please forgive me,” “I forgive you,” “Thank you,” and “I love you” — carry enormous power. In many ways, they contain the most powerful words in our language. These four phrases provide us with a clear path to emotional wellness; they guide us through the thickets of interpersonal difficulties to a conscious way of living that is full of integrity and grace.

In The Four Things That Matter Most, Dr. Ira Byock, an international leader in palliative care, teaches us how to practice these life-affirming words in our day-to-day lives. Too often we assume that the people we love really know we love them. Dr. Byock reveals the value of stating the obvious and provides insights into how we burden ourselves by hanging on to old grudges unconsciously and unnecessarily. He shows us how to avoid living with those awkward silences and uncomfortable issues that distance us from the people we love and erode our sense of well-being and joy. His insights and stories help us to forgive, appreciate, love, and celebrate one another more fully.

The inspiring stories in The Four Things That Matter Most demonstrate the usefulness of the Four Things in a wide range of life situations. They also show that a degree of emotional healing is always possible and that we can experience a sense of wholeness even in the wake of family strife, personal tragedy, divorce, or in the face of death. With practical wisdom and spiritual punch, The Four Things That Matter Most gives us the language and guidance to honor and experience what really matters most in our lives every day.

Filed Under: Uncategorized
Next Page»