Passover Reflections: Seder During Wartime
These reflections were written by participants in Rabbi Julie’s Pre-Passover workshop, Seder During Wartime, in April 2024. Continue reading
Parashat Tazria – 4/13/24
Is It Passover Yet?
We can’t ignore it any longer: Passover is less than a week away. If you are looking for a new Haggadah, check out the selection in the library. You may still be able to order one of the new family-oriented Haggadot. Or try downloading from the internet. There are many contemporary Haggadot just waiting for you. The call number on the spine of library books is 262.5.
If Passover is almost upon us, it means that soon you – or someone you know – will be cooking up a storm. As I’ve gotten older, my Passover mantra has become KISS- Keep It Simple, Stupid. No more multi-step preparation with exotic ingredients no matter how delicious the dish sounds. Continue reading
Shabbat in Uzbekistan
We spent two Shabbatot in Uzbekistan.
The first Shabbat was in Bukhara. The men in our group attended Friday services (we had been told earlier in the day by the Rabbi that women do not attend services on Friday).
Afterwards we all made our way for Shabbat dinner to the home of a Muslim family who specializes in cooking kosher meals for Israeli tour groups. Continue reading
Shabbat Your Way Message From Rabbi Julie
Dear Shomrei Community,
Every Friday night when we bless the wine for Kiddush, we sing both of the creation of the world and the exodus from Egypt. It’s a reminder that it is only as free people that we can pause our work and celebrate Shabbat. And this year, the one and only Shabbat during Passover falls on Shabbat Your Way!
Even though there won’t be any challah, we encourage you to have or host Shabbat Your Way on April 26.
And please share your Shabbat Passover story with us at email hidden; JavaScript is required.
Lets Talk About Noa Tishby’s Book: Israel – A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth
One of the privileges of living in the United States of America, is being able to have conversations about politics and/or religion without the fear of one’s life being at risk. Continue reading
Remembrances of Dr. Michael Kogan
Michael Kogan passed away on April 6th at age 81. He was living in Charleston South Carolina, to him The Holy City, in his retirement. He was for forty-one years professor of Philosophy and Religion at Montclair State and an expert in fields of Jewish-Christian theology and dialogue, Existentialism, and Old and New Testaments.
Michael was a member of Congregation Shomrei Emunah for forty years. He served two terms as president; founded and taught in the Adult Education program; spearheaded the Scholar-In-Residence program; sponsored and preached at the congregation’s annual July 4th service and celebration; and served as a Torah and Haftorah reader. Michael was a major financial supporter of the synagogue. Continue reading
Parashat Shmini – 4/6/24
MESH Report April 9, 2024
The sun shone brightly and spirits were high as our energetic volunteers prepared 50 take-away meals for our MESH guests. Working hard on chopping were Rabbi Julie and her sons Ilan and Rafael. Always willing volunteer Susan Rosenblatt filled little cups with tartar sauce while Carole Rothman wrapped Italian rolls. Alex Kent got the main course ready for the oven. Continue reading