Sunday, May 22
Ukraine - We stand with you
Giving OpportunitiesCouncil of Peoples Organization |
Mission Statement
At Congregation Tehillah, we search for meaningful and just expressions of our Judaism in today's world. We invite you to come as you are, bringing your unique story. We are a Jewish community where music, learning and spirituality come together. We are committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability, and economic status.
We are pleased to let the community know that Tehillah has been asked to be part of a leadership development program with Keshet.
Keshet works for the full equality of all LGBTQ Jews and our families in Jewish life. We strengthen Jewish communities.
We equip Jewish organizations with the skills and knowledge to build LGBTQ-affirming communities,
create spaces in which all queer Jewish youth feel seen and valued, and advance LGBTQ rights nationwide.
Weekly Message
May 13, 2022
12 Iyyar 5782
Parashat Emor
Leviticus 21:1 -- 24:23
27th Day of the Omer
Dear Friends,
I recently went for a walk on a beautiful day and ran into three people. I had a chat with each one. They provided me with various ways in which we can approach this moment in time. The one that concerned me the most was one that highlighted the isolation of our current moment. Our chat was filled with a sense that the world was filled with conspiracies and our ability to fight against them was limited, if not impossible -- dark view indeed.
This chat reminded me that isolation breeds darkness. Although safety and care is important (keep wearing your masks when indoors!), we need to be reaching out to others in any way we can.
As I often do when faced with a moment of difficulty or a roadblock, I turn to my teachers. Rabbi Jill Hammer’s “The Jewish Book of Days” has a reflection on each day of the Jewish calendar. In reflecting upon the 12th of Iyar, she writes that we are in a month of radiance. One of the definitions of the word Iyar is derived from the Hebrew word for light. It was previously known as the month of Ziv, prior to the Babylonian exile.
Mitzvah of the Week
The month of May has begun; we wish our friends in the Muslim community a happy Eid Mubarak, the end of Ramadan. Yom HaZikaron and Yom Hatzmaut occurred earlier this week and we will acknowledge both tonight.
As we mark these holidays, we also live in a time where different months focus on different segments of our society. May is both Jewish Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month.
As Jews we reflect upon our heritage on a regular basis and may not need a special reason to do so this month.
Click HERE to visit the Jewish Heritage Month website.
As much as we talk about our Jewish heritage, we do not talk about mental health as a matter of course. Remember, mental health issues touch all of us, particularly after two years of Covid, without even beginning to address the political turmoil around us. We are living in stressful times. For some of us it exacerbates underlying mental health issues.
With that in mind, I offer a seemingly simple mitzvah of the week: take a little extra time to listen to one another this week. The need to be seen and heard is crucial. If you think someone needs more support than you are able to supply, encourage them to seek further support.
Let us take small steps together so that we are able to take the larger steps that are needed.
Hebrew School
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Our Hebrew School children came together in person and created this collage signifying the joys of working together and creating community. |
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Covid Protocols
If you would like to join us in person at RYSEC, these are their current protocols that we must follow:
- Vaccination records will be checked at the door
- Wear a mask and respect social distance when indoors
- Use hand sanitizer upon entering the building
- Chairs will be set up 3 feet apart from each other. Family units may move their chairs closer together.
- A family at a time when using the restroom
- No food allowed indoors at this time; we will make Kiddush on the Patio
- Children age 3 and up are permitted with masks
- Maximum capacity – 30 people
Reservations are required. Please email Susan susansara1@aol.com or Kathy kathyjny@gmail.com if you plan to attend.
We look forward to seeing you whether in person or on-line.
Podcast
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"Grappling with Anti-Semitism – Part IIIn this episode of Tehillah Talks, we speak about what Anti-Semitism means as a young person today. We discuss:
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Our teens make us proud -- share our pride!Tehillah Talks is now available on Apple Podcasts.Send this link to two friends. |
Hearing Our Children
“Hearing Our Children” is Tehillah’s COVID Time Capsule Program, a grant-funded project to help young students reflect on their experiences from the past year. Together we have discussed new challenges and fears that have arisen in our lives and how we would like to overcome them. We have considered the changes to each of our daily routines and schooling. Each student has presented on an object that has represented their year, worked on an individual pandemic documentation packet, and will soon put together a video reflection. We are proud to share this project with you.
Giving
We appreciate your support now more than ever. For more information please email us at rabbilindasc@congregationtehillah.org
Hebrew School
מַה טּוֹבוּ אֹהָלֶיךָ יַעֲקֹב מִשְׁכְּנֹתֶיךָ יִשְׂרָאֵל
Hebrew School Registration
Worship
Join us ONLINE every Friday evening and for Kabbalat Shabbat to sing, pray and enjoy each other's company.
Check the calendar for innovative morning Shabbat services: Tot Shabbat for families with young children, meditative walk and learning service.
Tikkun Olam
TEHILLAH IN THE WORLD is our commitment to social action through:
Bend the Arc
Circle of Support
Interfaith Connections
Riverdale Jewish Unity
Working closely with refugees.
Resources for Giving Food
- The Kingsbridge/Riverdale/Marble Hill Food and Hunger Project. KRMH is currently giving out gift cards to local supermarkets in lieu of distributing food on-site. To make a contribution, send checks to KRMH Food Pantry, PO Box 251 Riverdale Station, Bronx, NY 10471. For more information, please contact Dr. Frances Segan at 718 796-7166 or Kay Dundorf at 718 548-4445.
- The Neighborhood Fridge. This fridge is maintained by Riverdale Neighborhood House and is located at the corner of 256th Street and Mosholu Avenue.
- Riverdale Y Senior Meals Program.Click HERE to donate directly to this program.
- Northwest Bronx Food Justice Coalition (Riverdale Senior Services). Click HERE to find out how you can help.
- North Bronx Collective Food Pantry at the Church of the Mediator. Click HERE to donate.
