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| News from Congregation Beth El |
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High Holiday Info Page Our Annual High Holiday Info Page has been updated for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. For all of Beth El's programming for these two holidays, go here. Information for the rest of the holiday season will be added within the next month. Posted: 8/25/08 |
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Youth/Family Services - Upcoming Schedule - Shabbat with a Story (Family Service): September 5 - Mini Minyan (Pre-Kindergarten Children and Parents): September 13 & 27 - Torah Tweens (Children Grades K - 2): September 13 & 27 - Junior Congregation (Children Grades 3 - 6): September 13 & 27 - See the High Holiday Info Page for more! Posted: 8/25/08 |
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Joint Selichot Service - September 20 - At Temple Israel The late night Selichot service held on one of the Saturday nights immediately preceding Rosh Hashanah is considered the opening of the High Holy Day season. Every year, members of four area Conservative synagogues (Beth El, Kempsville Conservative, Temple Emanuel and Temple Israel) gather in one location to meet, pray, study and to begin what Judaism calls the Days of Awe. This year’s Selichot program and service will be held at Temple Israel on Saturday night, September 20. Two study sessions will precede the service based on some of the sacred texts of the tradition that relate to the High Holy Days. Rabbi Ruberg will teach one session along with Rabbi Howard Mandell of Temple Emanuel. Rabbi Tendler will team teach together with Rabbi Panitz of Temple Israel. Everyone in attendance will be able to attend both sessions. Cantor Piltch will then lead the Selichot service along with Cantor Larry Tiger and with the participation of the rabbis. At this service of Selichot (forgiveness) which will end at midnight, the liturgy themes of the High Holy Days will be introduced for the first time. The schedule for the evening is as follows: 9:00 p.m. – Refreshments and reception 9:30 p.m. – Study sessions 11:00 p.m. – Selichot service Posted: 8/25/08 |
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Annual Cemetery Service - September 21 It is customary to visit the graves of loved ones prior to the High Holy Days. This year’s Beth El pre-Rosh Hashanah cemetery service will be held at Forest Lawn on Sunday, September 21 at 1:00 p.m. The short service includes the reading of Psalms, chanting of the Memorial Prayer and Kaddish. Those who wish can then visit individual resting places and family plots to say personal prayers. This custom, performed during the period of remembrance and repentance, serves to honor the memory of loved ones at the most sacred season of the Jewish calendar. Posted: 8/25/08 |
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United Hebrew School Information Easy online United Hebrew School registration is available for children in grades 2-6 at www.UnitedHebrewSchool.com registration pages. Save a stamp and register online or print out the mailable form and either fax it to 757-627-4905 or mail it to UHS c/o Temple Israel 7255 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23505. Anyone who wants a paper form can get one by calling Temple Israel at 489-4550. Classes begin 4:15 p.m., Wednesday, September 3 in classrooms of the Hebrew Academy. Labor Day, September 1 is the absolute deadline by which we must receive the forms for us to be able to ensure materials and a seat for your child on the first day of class. Parents and students in grades 3 through 6 should report to the JCC multi-purpose room at 4:15 p.m. at the opening of this year’s UHS classes. Posted: 8/25/08 |
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Beth El Purchases a "Listen FM System" We are very happy to announce that Beth El will be purchasing a “Listen Free System” for our sanctuary. Our sanctuary presents challenges for some of our congregants to be able to hear clearly, appreciate, and understand what is being communicated. The “Listen System” functions like a low-power radio station that broadcasts sound to receivers within range of the transmitter. The system is a great way to deliver interference-free, clear sound directly to each individual who needs it through the receiver. We will be purchasing six receivers that will be available for all services and will be available in time for the High Holidays. Since we are only purchasing six of them, we want to give anyone who needs a receiver the chance to purchase his or her own individual unit. The actual cost of each unit is $125 plus the price of one of the seven ear bud options which begin at $5.99. The “Listen System” also works extremely well with those who currently have hearing aids. Please call the Temple office at 625-7821 if you have any questions or just want to place an order for your own receiver. Posted: 8/25/08 |
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“Hall of Presidents” to be Dedicated October 11th More than just names in stone in the Atrium, twenty-two portraits of Beth El’s past presidents now adorn the wall leading from the Caplan-Gordon Atrium to the Dena Adelston and Phillip Barr Center. Beginning with Julius Myers, of blessed memory, who began his service in 1934, the pictures chronicle the synagogue’s presidencies up to Neil Rose, who completed his term in June of this year. The project reflects the efforts of Eugene Kanter, also a past president, requiring more than three years to acquire the pictures including contacting individuals in three states other than Virginia. Kanter has expressed his grateful appreciation to Mrs. Perry Deglanden, Graphic Designer for computer formatting all the photographs in a matching finish and framing as well as special thanks to Clay Barr for the design and visual presentation of the portraits. The congregation is invited to Shabbat services on Saturday morning, October 11th, when the past presidents will be honored, and the “Hall of Presidents” will be dedicated. Posted: 8/25/08 |
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Beth El and YAD (Young Adults Division of UJFT) join together to present Fondue in the Sukkah where we hope to find YOU Saturday night, October 18th at 8:00 p.m. at Beth El! More details to follow! Posted: 8/25/08 |
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Shavuot Starts June 8 Shavuot starts on June 8, and Beth El has three days of programming and services for the holiday. For all the info you need, go to Beth El's Shavuot Page. Posted: 5/28/08 |
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Beth El's Annual Congregational Meeting June 3rd 7:30 p.m. We will announce the new slate of officers. Officers President - Dr. Adam Foleck 1st Vice President - Sue Ellen Kaplan 2nd Vice President - Dr. Robert Lehman 3rd Vice President - Seth Fleishman Treasurer - Larry Dobrinsky Recording Secretary - Janet Green William Parliamentarian - Phyllis Lannik Board Brenda Gordon, Gary Baum, Leslie Hecht-Leavitt, Alex Pomerantz, Peter Segaloff, Norman Soroko, Sara Trub, Dr. Alan Jaffe, Susan Kaplan, Beril Abraham, Avraham Ashkenazi, Bronia Drucker, Barry Kesser, Jody Laibstain, Howard Horwitz, Jerry Kantor, Rick Yarow, Marcia Samuels Posted: 5/28/08 |
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Youth/Family Services - Upcoming Schedule - Shabbat with a Story (Family Service): June 6 - Mini Minyan (Pre-Kindergarten Children and Parents): June 14 & 28 - Torah Tweens (Children Grades K - 2): June 14 & 28 - Junior Congregation (Children Grades 3 - 6): June 14 & 28 Posted: 5/28/08 |
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Sisterhood's Annual Garage Sale The garage sale will be July 13-15. Please bring your gently used knickknacks, baby goods, toys, household goods and clothes to the synagogue by June 30th. We will need lots of workers to help set up the week before and also to work the sale. It’s a great way to spend some time with friends, or even with your children. We need volunteers to set up for the sale and also to help with the actual sale. Older children looking for community service can also help set up. Please call Nancy Kanter (497-2212) or Nancy Rosen (474-6505) to volunteer. Posted: 5/28/08 |
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Give Blood-the Gift of Life Once again Beth El and B’nai Israel are teaming together to save lives. Mark your calendar tentatively for Sunday morning, June 1st at Beth El. Anyone in good health and age 17 or older may donate. Please sign up to volunteer and save up to 3 people’s lives by contacting Esther Sarah Caroll today at 625-3090 or via e-mail at ESuzan@aol.com, with “Blood Drive” in the subject line. Please feel free to call with any questions. We really need your help to build these drives and schedule them so people can donate as often as permitted--every eight weeks. Posted: 4/28/08 |
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Mother’s Day Brunch Join us Sunday, May 11th, for the Men's Club Mother's Day Brunch at 10:00 a.m. in Myers Hall. The women will receive a carnation in honor of Mother's Day. Our guest speaker will be David Leon, who will be talking on the topic of Genealogy. David will talk about how to research your family roots to Ellis Island, Eastern Europe and beyond. You will get tips and strategies from someone who has crossed the country, and traveled abroad to help find the answer to tracing our roots. Not only that, but David will give a live demonstration on how to get started via the internet. Wireless internet access will be available, so feel free to bring a laptop and surf the genealogy web as David shows you how. The cost of the breakfast is free for ladies and $5.00 for everyone else as long as you RSVP by May 7th (after that, it's $10.00 per person and $5.00 per lady). Sponsorships are available for a cost of $36. Sponsors will be listed at each table during the brunch and in our weekly Men's Club email. Each sponsorship also comes with one free non-mother admission. Remember all ladies are free (as long as you RSVP by May 7th). Contact Noelle at 625-7821 or noelle@bethelnorfolk.com to make your reservation and/or sponsorship for the Mother's Day Brunch. Posted: 4/28/08 |
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Yom Hashoah – Reading of the Names Yom Hashoah is Thursday, May 1st this year, and the Men's Club will be hosting the community-wide "Reading of the Names" of those who perished in the Holocaust. The "Reading" will be held at the JCC from 9:30am to 4:00pm and headed by Stanley Serxner, who kindly volunteers to run this program every year. Please make every effort to come by to read some of the names (or just listen) for a few minutes. You can sign up for a time slot by calling the JCC front desk (321-2338) and putting you name down for a 30 minute time period. Taking part in this project is a very simple yet very honorable way to remember the victims of the Holocaust. Posted: 4/28/08 |
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Youth/Family Services - Upcoming Schedule - Shabbat with a Story (Family Service): May 2 - Sunday Family Minyan (Family Service): May 4, 11, & 18 - Mini Minyan (Pre-Kindergarten Children and Parents): May 10 & 24 - Torah Tweens (Children Grades K - 2): May 10 & 24 - Junior Congregation (Children Grades 3 - 6): May 10 & 24 Posted: 4/28/08 |
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Friday Evening Minyan NOW at 6:30 p.m. Beginning Friday evening May 2, with one exception, Shabbat services on Friday will begin at 6:30 p.m., and continue at that hour through the summer months and into September. The exception will be Friday, May 16th when services will start at 5:30 p.m. In the months following the advent of Daylight Saving Time, while one may legitimately begin Shabbat before sundown, there is too great a disparity between candlelighting time and 5:30 p.m. to allow for beginning Shabbat at the earlier hour. Therefore with that one exception, during the months of extended daylight, Friday minyan will now be at 6:30 p.m. Evening services Sunday through Thursday will continue at 5:30 p.m. with Saturday nights varying with the time of sunset. Posted: 4/28/08 |
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Sisterhood General Meeting Join us and bring a friend to the Chrysler Museum, Wednesday, May 7th at 10:00 a.m. in Huber Court. Rena Rogoff, a master docent and Beth El member, will take us on a tour highlighting the Feminine Role in Art. There is no admission charge to the Chrysler that day, but donations are welcome. We will be finished in time for anyone who wants to go to Lunch and Learn at Beth El. Please RSVP to Rena (473-9080) by May 5th for planning purposes and also let her know if you intend to go to the Lunch & Learn at 12:00 p.m. See you there. Posted: 4/28/08 |
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“Mining Golda” - Part of the Israel @ 60 Celebration “Mining Golda,” starring Tony nominated actress Tovah Feldshuh, will be performed on Wednesday, May 7, at 7:30 p.m. at The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in Virginia Beach. In story and song, Feldshuh shares her experiences portraying the former prime minister of Israel, Golda Meir. The program is brought to the public by The United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, The Tidewater Jewish Foundation, and The Simon Family JCC, in partnership with the Virginia Arts Festival. A gala reception at The Sandler Center will take place before and after the event for sponsors. Sponsors will help establish funds to be used for youth missions to Israel and the “arts for everyone” initiative to provide enriching art experiences and education to the youth in this area. Fink’s Jewelers has donated a $5,000 jewelry set to be raffled for $50 a ticket, the proceeds from which will also benefit the UJFT and Virginia Arts Festival causes. For sponsor information call 282-2821. To purchase tickets call the Virginia Arts Festival at 282-2822; for raffle tickets call Anna Goldenberg at 965-6136. Posted: 4/28/08 |
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Tidewater Jewish Teen Event: UP ALL NIGHT FOR ISRAEL Community-Wide Teen Lock-In Celebrating Israel’s 60th Birthday Open to all Tidewater Jewish Teens (8-12 grade) Saturday May 10 - Sunday May 11 10:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. at the Simon Family JCC For more information contact Lindsey Adler 321-2329 or ladler@simonfamilyj.org RSVP by May 2 Posted: 4/28/08 |
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Combined Confirmation-Consecration Program The oldest students in the Beth El Religious School and the youngest in Hebrew School will be recognized at the Beth El Confirmation-Consecration program on Sunday, May 18th at 10:15 a.m. The Confirmation ceremony at the end of the tenth grade year has traditionally marked the students’ graduation from the Beth El Religious School. In order to qualify for Confirmation, students must attend and participate regularly in classes and write an essay on a topic of Jewish interest. One student every year is awarded the Jeffrey Kesser essay prize at the Confirmation ceremony. Consecration marks the beginning of the children's regular Hebrew language study. It honors students beginning in United Hebrew School. Second graders have a Hebrew session every Sunday morning at their individual synagogues. Third graders meet both at the synagogue and on Wednesday at the Sandler Campus. At Consecration, each student makes a short presentation about his or her Hebrew name, as well as about the people for whom they were named. They will then receive their first personal siddur, which will then be used regularly during subsequent years at Hebrew School. This year, as last year, the Confirmation and Consecration ceremonies will be combined into one program. The congregation is invited to join our oldest and youngest Hebrew students and their parents, as the students are recognized for their special achievements. A lunch reception will follow for all guests. Confirmation Students: Alan Becker, son of Dr. Steven and Miriam Becker, Shira Ellenson, daughter of James and Rachel Ellenson, Hilary Gladstone, daughter of Ron Gladstone and Heidi Mason, Helen Kaplan, daughter of Joseph and Diane Kaplan, Adam Rosen, son of Jeff and Dana Rosen, Alex Shelanski, son of Capt. Herman and Patricia Shelanski, Eric Smith, son of Mona Smith, Max Wagner, son of Dr. Alan and Jody Wagner and Andrew Werner, son of Drs. Eric and Alice Werner. Posted: 4/28/08 |
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Israel at Sixty Celebration at the Simon Family JCC This year’s annual Yom Ha’Atzmaut event will be held at the Simon Family JCC on Sunday May 18th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The 2008 Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day) celebration promises to be the biggest yet since Israel turns sixty this year. A shuk, or Israeli marketplace, will be set up for arts and crafts shopping. Imported gifts and food from Israel, authentic arts and crafts, jewelry, and many children’s games will be featured. A caricaturist, miniature golf, and the Shir Daron Chorus will also be on hand. The event is FREE and open to the public. For more information please call Larry Ferber at 321-2304. Volunteers Needed: Like last year, the Men’s Club will send a team of volunteers to man one of the stations in the carnival – the gigantic, interactive map of Israel. We hope you can make it by the JCC with your family, but we also need your help for our station. If you are interested in volunteering for a one hour shift, contact Alex Pomerantz at 472-9054. Posted: 4/28/08 |
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Give Blood-the Gift of Life Once again Beth El and B’nai Israel are teaming together to save lives. Mark your calendar tentatively for Sunday morning, June 1st at Beth El. Anyone in good health and age 17 or older may donate. Please sign up to volunteer and save up to 3 people’s lives by contacting Esther Sarah Caroll today at 625-3090 or via e-mail at ESuzan@aol.com, with “Blood Drive” in the subject line. Please feel free to call with any questions. We really need your help to build these drives and schedule them so people can donate as often as permitted--every eight weeks. Posted: 4/28/08 |
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Beth El's Annual Congregational Meeting Hold the Date! June 3rd 7:30 p.m. We will announce the new slate of officers. Officers President Dr. Adam Foleck 1st Vice President Sue Ellen Kaplan 2nd Vice President Dr. Robert Lehman 3rd Vice President Seth Fleishman Treasurer Larry Dobrinsky Recording Secretary Janet Green William Parliamentarian Phyllis Lannik Board Brenda Gordon, Gary Baum, Leslie Hecht-Leavitt, Alex Pomerantz, Peter Segaloff, Norman Soroko, Sara Trub, Dr. Alan Jaffe, Susan Kaplan, Beril Abraham, Avraham Ashkenazi, Bronia Drucker, Barry Kesser, Jody Laibstain, Howard Horwitz, Jerry Kantor, Rick Yarow, Marcia Samuels Posted: 4/28/08 |
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Sisterhood's Annual Garage Sale The garage sale will be July 13-15. Please bring your gently used knickknacks, baby goods, toys, household goods and clothes to the synagogue by June 30th. We will need lots of workers to help set up the week before and also to work the sale. It’s a great way to spend some time with friends, or even with your children. Please call Nancy Kanter (497-2212) or Nancy Rosen (474-6505) to volunteer. Posted: 4/28/08 |
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PASSOVER Starts Saturday, April 19! For all the information you need for your family's Pesach, see Beth El's 2008 (5768) Pesach Page, including Rabbi Ruberg's Guidelines and Preparation Instructions, Service Schedule, and Special Considerations for this year. Posted: 3/27/08 |
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Youth/Family Services - Upcoming Schedule - Shabbat with a Story (Family Service): April 4 - Sunday Family Minyan (Family Service): April 6 and 13 - Mini Minyan (Pre-Kindergarten Children and Parents): April 12 and 26 - Torah Tweens (Children Grades K - 2): April 12 and 26 - Junior Congregation (Children Grades 3 - 6): April 12 and 26 - Passover "More Than 4 Questions" (Children Grades 4 - 8): April 20 - Passover "Chocolate Model Seder" (Children Grades K - 3): April 20 Posted: 3/27/08 |
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Getting Psyched For Seder Seder is the modern Jew’s most universally observed ritual. Many of us believe we know the content and ideas of the Seder; but there are always new perspectives, new melodies and new ways to adopt the Seder for different ages and knowledge levels. On three days in April, over lunch, (the noon Wednesday time slot generally belongs to Beth El lunch and learn), the Beth El religious staff will present three different looks at the upcoming Passover Sederim. Rabbi Ruberg (April 2) will present new perspectives on Haggadah content, Cantor Piltch (April 9) will go over Seder melodies, and Rabbi Tendler (April 16) will focus on creative ways to present the Pesach story at the Seder table. Please RSVP to the office so that our staff will know how many to set up for as well as food quantities. During the last of the three weeks, lunch may be somewhat limited because the building is being kashered for Pesach. All who are free during the noon hour on these Wednesdays are welcome to drop by for a Seder “refresher” in preparation for the real ones. Posted: 3/27/08 |
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6th grade Family Program Bar/Bat Mitzvah is an exciting and important lifecycle ritual in the life of a young Jew and for his/her family. Children spend months preparing and practicing; families busy themselves with the details; extended family and friends from far and near come to celebrate. Yet issues such as "what is a Bar/Bat Mitzvah and what is the context of this ritual in the larger scheme of things?", and "why do we celebrate maturity in this way and wouldn't it make more sense to wait until we are older?" On April 6th we are planning a family education program targeted at these very issues. The morning will begin as usual at 9:15 a.m. in the chapel for service and "Keeping Up With the Steins" - a delightful comedy that came out a year ago about almost-13 year old Benjamin Fiedler who is studying and preparing for his Bar Mitzvah (although admittedly he understands neither Hebrew nor the meaning of the celebration) while his parents are busy planning the festivities. Following the movie we will break up into different discussion groups facilitated by your Beth El clergy. The program will conclude by 12:15 p.m. Even if you have already seen the film or have celebrated a recent Bar/Bat Mitzvah, we urge you to join us for a day of class bonding, learning, and provocative discussions! Posted: 3/27/08 |
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Annual Men’s Club Shabbat (including Installation of Officers) This year, our annual Men’s Club Shabbat is Saturday, April 12th beginning at 9:30 a.m. For those of you unfamiliar with this event, members of the Men’s Club participate in a Shabbat morning service and lead most of it. This year, Rabbi Ruberg will install the new slate of Officers and Board for the 2008-2010 term. The Men’s Club also changes things up a bit by hearing from the incoming and outgoing Presidents, reading the Torah/Haftarah, and giving our own D’var Torah. This is a great way to see who is involved with the Men’s Club, our future plans, and get a better feel for our contributions to Beth El. Following the service, the congregation is invited to a special kiddush luncheon in Barr Hall sponsored by the Men’s Club. A special Yasher Koach to Norman Soroko for serving as the chair of this event! All Men’s Club members are invited to be a part of the service. If you would like to participate or have any questions, please contact Norman at 451-8505. Posted: 3/27/08 |
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Grief Support Group at Beth El Everyone experiences and expresses grief in his or her own way. Some might be angry and want to take action; others feel numb as they go through the motions of everyday. In all situations, the grieving person benefits from the support of others. Beginning April 15th, Beth El is partnering with Jewish Family Services to create a grief counseling group for those who have lost loved ones in the past year or so. This group will convene every other week for eight weeks (a total of 4 meetings) on Tuesday evenings from 6-7:15 p.m. at Beth El. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to speak with Rabbi Ruberg or Rabbi Tendler by calling the synagogue at 625-7821. To RSVP, call the office or email noelle@bethelnorfolk.com. This program has been underwritten through the generosity of the Shipowitz family in loving memory of Stanley Shipowitz z'l. Posted: 3/27/08 |
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Toast marshmallows and do a mitzvah! The Torah informs us that chametz (leavened products) should not be eaten, seen or even located in one's house during the festival of Passover. Therefore people go to great lengths and often create games to search the nooks and crannies to remove yeast products from their homes and burn them the morning before the holiday begins. This symbolizes cleaning out our minds and hearts, removing negative forces and renewal. This year, with Shabbat preceding the holiday, we prepare a little early and bring our gathered leftovers to Beth El on Friday, April 18th where we will burn our chametz together in the parking lot at 11:30 am. We will supply the marshmallows to toast as we watch our chametz burn! Posted: 3/27/08 |