Our Discovering Judaism class discussed Abraham Joshua Heschel’s book The Sabbath last week. As many times as I have read this classic, I learn something new and become more inspired and committed to Judaism. I am quoting him this month at Shabbat services to share his brilliance in a small way.
Heschel often compares religious awakening to fire.
“At the moment in which a fire bursts forth, threatening to destroy one’s home, a person does not pause to investigate whether the danger is real. Such a moment is not the time to inquire into the chemical principle of combustion.” The same is true for those grappling with faith—"[t]he ultimate question, when bursting forth in our souls, is too startling, too heavily laden with unutterable wonder to be an academic question.”
Heschel encourages us not to overthink, not to rationalize, not to question or deconstruct too carefully. Rather, he invites to open our senses to the fire that burns within us all – and to accept the warmth and the promise it holds.
What an awe-filled challenge.
L'shalom, Rabbi Susan
TBS WISH LIST If you have a laptop (less than 5 years old) in excellent condition, we would welcome a donation to be used for our Friday night YouTube streaming, monthly films, receptionist, and more. Contact Rabbi Susan.
TBS Calendar ~ לוּחַ שָׁנָה
Check out our website to view our calendar and discover the wonderful events coming up! View the TBS Calendar
This Week’s Calendar Thurs., Jan. 11~ 12:00 Great Thoughts ~ How Good Do We Have to Be? by Harold Kushner Fri., Jan. 12 ~ 5:00 Oneg, 5:30 Shabbat Service Sat., Jan. 13 ~ 9:15 Adult Bat Mitzvah Class; 10:00 Torah Study Tues., Jan. 16 ~ 9:00 MOB at Wildflower; 11:00 Discovering Judaism; 11:00 Mahjong; 1:00 Choir; 1:00 Yarn Yentas; 2:00 Singles Meeting Wed., Jan. 17 ~ 11:00 TBS Account Tutorial; 12:00 Lunch Bunch; 2:00 Board Meeting
Save the Dates! Feb. 18 ~ Mar. 3 ~ The 28th Annual Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival in three Valley theaters. Over 20 extraordinary Jewish films from around the globe. GPJFF for more information.
Tues., Feb. 27 ~ 11:00-12:15 ~ Discussion of the book Finding God by Rifat Soncino. Read the book in adance.
Tues., Mar. 12 ~ 11:00-12:15 ~ Discussion of the book Night by Elie Wiesel. Read the book in advance. TBS Board Meeting ~ ישיבת דירקטוריון The next regular Board Meeting is Wednesday, January 17 at 2pm at TBS. Board meetings are open to all members in good standing. If you would like to attend or speak at a board meeting, please contact President Deborah Plotkin by Monday, January 15.
Now casting for this year's 60s-Themed Purim Spiel (Mar. 24). Looking for folks who can project and put energy into a silly role. No memorization required. Contact Rabbi Susan. Rehearsals in February.
Adult Education ~ חינוך למבוגרים No charge for members
JEWISH JUSTICES of the SUPREME COURT Presented by Rabbi Nina Perlmutter Sunday, January 21 at 1pm
Everyone knows there are many Jewish lawyers! But most can’t name the 8 who became Supreme Court Justices. We’ll consider the lives, careers & impact of “the Supremes”– and reflect on the important role of law and justice in Jewish teachings since Abraham. As a BONUS we’ll briefly examine Judah Benjamin, the Confederacy’s respected Jewish Attorney General who appeared on their $2 bill.
Mahjong at TBS Interested in learning Mahjongg, getting a refresher, practicing or playing? All levels welcome. 11am to 1pm Tuesdays at TBS.
Lunch Bunch Tanach Study with Carl Shulak at TBS Every Wednesday from 12-1:30pm Feel free to bring your own lunch. All are welcome to attend!
Women's Book Group ~ 11:00am Mar. 13 - Judas by Amos Oz May 8 - The Heavens and Earth Grocery Store
Women of TBS Luncheon at The Club at Prescott Lakes Restaurant Mon., Jan. 22 at Noon RSVP by Jan. 12 to dianeshrager@gmail.com
If you live alone and would like to meet others who also live alone, please join us for a “Meet and Greet” at the temple on Tuesday, January 16 at 2:00pm. We may have social and support needs that we can share with one another. Annah Mikayla and Rabbi Susan will facilitate a discussion. Your input is important. Hope to see you there!
Women of TBS Saturday, January 27 at 1:00pm Pottery painting at Jarz of Clay in Frontier Village. An array of clay projects await you (in all price ranges) for painting and firing. RSVP by Jan. 25 to Annah Mikayla at Laugheveryday4sure@gmail.com or 505 463-6316.
TBS Winter Hikes ~ Sundays at 2:00pm
*Sun., Jan. 28 Willow Lake Trail (no Dells climbing.) Sunny and level terrain. Parking is free at the lot on Britni Drive and Willow Lake. Approx 1/2 mile from the temple.
Congregational Support ~ עֶזרָה
Mitzvah Circle ~ מצווה Contact Suzi Abramson-Johnson at 602-570-9688 to participate or to request assistance. Mitzvah circle members send Condolence and Mi Shebeirach cards, visit folks in the hospital, and more. Do what you are comfortable doing to help congregants in need.
Social Action ~ תיקון עולם
Drop off your compost material (no plastic bags) in a bucket by the front door at TBS by 11AM on Saturdays and it will be taken to the Prescott Farmer’s Market.
Religious School בית ספר דתי
Jan. 13 ~ Sunday School 9:30-11:45
THE MOB: Men of Brith Shalom Join THE MOB every Tuesday at 9am at the Wildflower to schmooze over a cup of coffee.
Prescott Chamber Players Society Public Concert Sunday, January 14 at 2pm Come listen to Jessica Dreifuss sing and hear congregants Rob and Wendy Ratner perform. This concert is free and open to the public. Trinity Presbyterian Church located at 630 Park Avenue Prescott, AZ 86303
Member News ~ חדשות חברים
Learn to Access & Use your TBS Account Online! Wednesday, January 17 at 11:00am Learn how to log-in to your account for TBS on our website and do tasks such as view the online Membership Directory, update contact information , manage loved one's Yahrzeit information, make online payments/donations, and more! Please RSVP to Jessica if you will be attending office@brithshalom-az.org
Updated January 2024 paper membership directories are now available in the office. We kindly ask for a $5 donation per directory. Please let Heather or Jessica know if you would like one.
Thank you from Sally Contour Sally Contour would like to thank everyone for the well wishes and get well cards. She is thrilled to be back home and continues to feel better.
Kaddish ~ קדיש We are saying Kaddish for the following people at Shabbat this Friday, January 12. We are observing the Yahrzeits of loved ones who have passed from January 12-18. We also remember those who have left us in the last eleven months. These names have been taken from the member portion of our website. If you do not see your loved one's name (family members) and would like their name mentioned at services, please contact Jessica in the office.
Eleanor Koblenz, sister-in-law of Carl Shulak Howard Weingart, father of Brian Weingart Mara Hollon, mother of Jessica Herst Judith McIntyre, wife of William McIntyre Howard Zeimer, friend of Michael Sperling Michael Friend, brother-in-law of Laurie Reiner James Miller, uncle of Arlene Brownie Abraham Buryachenko, father of Laura Men Elijah Escobedo, nephew of Karin Luedke Thelma Maurer, mother of Leslie Adler Eve Shulak, sister of Carl Shulak David Stockton, son-in-law of Arlene Brownie Dakota Hopp, relative of Arlene Brownie
Purchasing a Yahrzeit plaque is a beautiful way to honor and remember our loved one's who have passed. To purchase a plaque, please fill out this form and return it to the temple office. We kindly ask for $360 per Yahrzeit plaque. Yahrzeit Plaque Order Form
Healing Thoughts ~ מי שבעירך Julie Gardner, Vadim Vaynerman, Sally Contour, Rolene Attias, Edie Greenberg, Pedro Venturo, Michael Schlossmann, Gloria Hershman, Richard Jacobs, Bob Longoria, Doris Cameron, Ted Symonds, Nancy Quitney, Brett Friend, Amy Snell Kingslinger, Mike Wolf, Rosario Maya, Brian Shrager, and Estherly Allen. If you would like to add or remove your name or your family member's name from the healing list, please call or email the office at 928-708-0018 or office@brithshalom-az.org.
Donations ~ תרומות
Give Back to TBS! We are so grateful for your kindness and generous giving to Temple B'rith Shalom. Your contributions help Temple B'rith shalom to thrive and ensure a home for Jews in the Quad City area.
If you would like to make a donation now, click here. Did you know you could can give back to TBS at no additional cost to you simply by shopping at Frys? For more information, click here.
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