Happy 2012 to Everyone And This Week At The Roth UVJC
Sunday, December 25, 2011 at 9:04AM We want to wish everyone a continuing Hag Sameach - happy and joyous holidays to everyone.
What a week it has been here at the UVJC! Over 100 people came to our Hanukah lighting and party this past Tuesday! Thank you again Antoinette, Scott, Brett, Susan and her army of volunteers who prepared over 350 latkes. Thank you Maggie our wonderful Educational Director for organizing this celebration, replete with art projects and games for children and at the end of a long evening, for taking our left over food to The Haven.
But we did not stop there. A special minyan (service) both on Thursday evening and Friday drew over 41 people in response to a congregant's need; there was of course the ongoing Torah study, now in its fifth years that has six dedicated members who are now on Chapter 24 of Samuel I (we began at "The Beginning" - Genesis 1:1). This past Shabbat, including both evening and morning services, more than 40 people attended services. For our small community it was wonderful to see so many people and so many participants. Our Shabbat morning services were led by Sam, Jeff, Joan, and Rusty. Rabbi gave a sermon that one person called "erudite" (not even sure I know what that means, but I felt better after asking the Rabbi, and he said he wasn't sure either, but as in all things in the spirit of Rabbi Akivah, he responded , "This too is for the good"). The sermon has been modified and is now a new posting and having looked up what the word means, perhaps it is. See for yourself. You can just click on "From the Rabbi" tab to your left to read.
My goodness this posting is long, but then so was the Shabbat morning service with two Torahs, Hallel because of Hanukah, the Blessing for the New Month and the Rabbi's Sermon. If people aren't coming to Shabbat morning services because the services are too long, you sure could have fooled me.
The Kiddush was sponsored by Rusty and it included a special treat from Zabar's of New York. So --- again many thanks you everyone for making this such a special week. Judaism never sleeps at the Roth Center.
Here are the upcoming events for this week - the UVJC Never Closes!!!
1. Tuesday: December 27th at 4:30 LIGHT UP THE ROTH. It will be the last day of Hanukah. Again, you Menorahs did not turn out in full force as we had hoped. So all you Hanukiyot out there, bring your owners and light up the night when all eight candles are to be lit and adorn our Alperin sanctuary. Our resident Hazan Bonnie will lead everyone in blessing, prayer and song, followed by "finger-foods" and anyone who wishes to bring anything.
2. Friday Evening: December 30th Candle lighting at 4:00 p.m (At The Roth, we light candles at the traditional time with a short service. Everyone is welcomed to join us at that time or of course stay home and light them). 6:00 p.m. Shabbat Services: This week we will use Mishkan T'phillah, the Reform Prayer Book. Please come and join us in heartfelt t'phillah, prayer.
3. Shabbat Morning: December 31st - The Last Shabbat of 2011. The portion is Vayigash and is the final chapter in the reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers. If you'd like to lead any portion of our service - the Rabbi is now calling upon people who attend and this creates a beautiful sense of diversity in voice and in feel - please do not hesitate to contact him in the course of the week.
Shavua Tov
Your Menahel Hahetar
(Webmaster in Hebrew)
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