These reflections were written by participants in Rabbi Julie’s Pre-Passover workshop, Seder During Wartime, in April 2024. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Miriam Haimes
MLK Shabbat & Parashat Vaera (1/13/24)
Reflecting on the Civil Rights Trip
Outside the Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery, Alabama
Risa’s opening remarks and the reflections were shared at MLK Shabbat (1/13/24). Participants in the November 2023 Civil Rights trip were asked to share one powerful and specific impression from their experience.
Risa Bernstein
As most of you know, a group of 33 Shomrei members traveled together to the deep South this past November for a Civil Rights Educational trip. How fitting that we, as we gather again on this special MLK Shabbat, we remember that it was LAST year’s MLK Shabbat, and the moving sermon from Rabbi Justus around issues in Black and Jewish relations, that inspired us to travel.
In listening to some of Rabbi Justus’ insights from trips with similar itineraries, many of us were moved … and thinking how impactful it would be for us to take part in a like-minded learning journey. Continue reading
MESH Report Feb 28, 2023
Our MESH guests were treated, once again, to Chef Fern’s Mediterranean Salmon Feast which includes: Baked Salmon w/Tzatziki and Sliced lemons, Cous Cous and Cucumber Salad, Green bean and Potato Salad, Clementines, Rolls, Kind Bars, Simcha Chocolate Rugglach (leftover from the Nowicki bris earlier in the morning) and a water bottle.
MESH Report Feb 14, 2023
A tasty meal reminiscent of foods made some time ago by mid century moms was planned, prepped and packed by Chef Lynne Kurzweil, Sous Chef Miriam Haimes and able teen helper Jaden.
Introducing Shomrei’s New President
Shalom Shomrei Community!
I could not be more delighted to step into the role of President of Congregation Shomrei Emunah. It is a tremendously exciting time of change at Shomrei: a new Rabbi, a new interim Education Director, the hoped-for full emergence from COVID-19 and return to our familiar ways of gathering and celebrating our community and Judaism.
I have gotten to know many of you over the years, but I still have so many of you to meet, which I look forward to doing soon. Today, I am writing to share my excitement, my gratitude, and to share a bit about myself and my family.
Responding to the Tragedy of Gun Violence
Like all of you, our hearts are broken following the horrendous death of innocent children at an elementary school in Uvalde Texas, which follows two mass shootings last week at a supermarket in Buffalo and a church in Laguna Woods California. Thoughts and prayers are not enough. We need to act. Taking action is the only thing that will change what is happening. Here are some suggestions for appropriate actions you can consider taking. Continue reading
Kiddush Thanks
Holly and her mother-in-law stopping in to say thank you
A sincere thanks to those who volunteered to help prepare and set-up Olyvia Hahn’s bat mitzvah kiddush. Continue reading
Announcing a New Siddur
At Shabbat morning services on June 18, we are excited to announce that Shomrei will open a new ritual chapter. Thanks to the generosity of one of our member families, we will introduce the newest Siddur of the Conservative movement. Siddur Lev Shalem for Shabbat and Festivals joins Mahzor Lev Shalem as our primary source. Like the mahzor, it features a four-column format, new translations in contemporary language, a commentary providing historical context as well as kavanot (passages of intentionality), poetry and prose that expand and enrich our relationship to the text. For those who have used our Mahzor, you will find it very familiar.
To help everyone navigate this wonderful new tool for prayer, Rabbi Greenstein will offer a short learning session immediately following Kiddush that day.
If you are interested in dedicating one of these beautiful new volumes, you may do so either online, or by contacting the office. Continue reading
A Little Bit of Magic
Do you remember the folktale about the shoemaker and the elves who secretly helped out the shoemaker or the stories of Elijah who provided beautifully set tables for poor, but righteous folk?
We have our own not-so-secret elves at Shomrei who on this past Saturday were out in full force at Teddy Goldman’s bar mitzvah as the social hall morphed from sanctuary to banquet hall in less than twenty minutes. Continue reading