A congregant asks, "What do Jews believe about astrology?"
Judaism has long had an ambivalent and at times contradictory approach to astrology.
The claim that the stars exert a direct influence on individuals and world events challenges the core Jewish belief in free will.
However, Jews throughout history have believed that the heavenly bodies influence events on earth.
The ancient rabbis lived among peoples who believed in astrology. The Talmudic rabbis concluded that while there is truth to astrology, Jews can mitigate celestial influence through adherence to the mitzvot.
Maimonides, who was known for his rationalism, completely rejected astrology as nonsense. Many other Jewish thinkers of the period gave credence to it, though not without some measure of reservation.
Astrology aligned with the kabbalistic view that everything in the physical world has a counterpart in the higher realms.
Some contemporary Jewish thinkers suggest that while the stars might establish an inclination in a certain direction, human beings retain the freedom to act in accordance with those inclinations or to resist them.
Astrology, in other words, may be real — but it’s not destiny.
L'shalom, Rabbi Susan
Global Hatikvah is an international effort to unite Jews and friends of Jews by creating a worldwide recording of Hatikvah. It's easy! Words and melody are provided. Click here
Support Israel on Friday, May 3 from 4:45-5:30! ~ The Tzedakah Collective ~ Our Religious School students (ages 5-17) are creating displays for non-profits in Israel that need our support. They will explain to you the mission of each organization in hopes that you will donate to their causes. We will have dollar bills to change for larger bills as needed.
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., Apr. 11 ~ 12:00 Great Thoughts Book Discussion; 5:00 TBS Choir Fri., Apr. 12 ~ 5:00 Oneg, 5:30 Shabbat Service Sat., Apr. 13 ~ 10:00 Tot Shabbat; 10:00 Torah Study Sun., Apr. 14 ~ 9:30 Sunday School; 9:30-3:30 TBS Board Retreat Tues., Apr. 16 ~ 9:00 MOB at Wildflower; 11:00 Hebrew Practice; 11:00 Mahjong; 1:00 Yarn Yentas; 5:00 TBS Choir Wed., Apr. 17 ~ 10:00 Chaverim at Panera; 2:00 Board Meeting
Upcoming TBS and Community Events:
Thurs., Apr. 25 ~ 5:00 ~ TBS Hosts the Earth Week Prayer Gathering featuring musical performances and local clergy messages. Please plan to attend as there will be many from other congregations to welcome.
Wed., May 8 ~ 11:00 ~ Women's Book Group: The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Sun., May 19 ~ 2:00 ~ NAU Klezmer Band Concert at TBS! In celebration of Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israel Independence Day). Ticket info coming soon. TBS Board Meeting ~ ישיבת דירקטוריון The next regular Board Meeting is Wednesday, April 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, April 15.
TBS 2nd Night Seder and Potluck Tuesday, April 23 ~ 5:00-8:00 at TBS
SEATING LIMITED
No fee for members (+food contribution) $18.00 per person for non-members (+food contribution). 2 steps REQUIRED to sign up: 1. RSVP to Suzi Abramson-Johnson at suziaj@gmail.com 2. Sign up for your potluck item(s) HERE .
Adult Education ~ חינוך למבוגרים No charge for members
TBS March Hike ~ Sun., Apr 14. at 2:00pm Led by Suzanne Solvet North end of the Peavine Trail Take 89A to Granite Dells Parkway. Go south. Turn right on Centerpoint East and right on Side Rd to the free parking lot. We'll walk south on the Peavine, returning the same way.
Women's Seder Sun., April 28 at 1:00pm REQUIRED STEPS! 1. Email Mindy Rubin to RSVP 2. Sign up for food, donations here.
$10.00 donation requested for non-members (relatives, Jewish friends)
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.
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. Questions or concerns? Contact Lee Nackman 928-717-0813.
Religious School בית ספר דתי
April 13 ~ Tot Shabbat 10:00-10:30
April 14 ~ Sunday School 9:30-11:45
The Tzedakah Collective is coming! The entire congregation participates before services on May 3.
THE MOB: Men of Brith Shalom Join THE MOB every Tuesday at 9am at the Wildflower to schmooze over a cup of coffee.
Member News ~ חדשות חברים
Kaddish ~ קדיש We are saying Kaddish for the following people at Shabbat this Friday, April 12. We are observing the Yahrzeits of loved ones who have passed from April 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. Dr. Harry Gorny M.D., father of Esther Littmann Pearl Grossman Kornblau, aunt of Wayne Grossman Myrtle Jones, grandmother of Pam Jones Mort Ciment, stepfather of Mindy Rubin Emanuel Grossman, father of Wayne Grossman Dena Goldstein, sister-in-law of Janet Rifkin Gertrude Baletin, mother of Leith Baletin Sadie Lurie, aunt of Leith Baletin Barbara Fischer Moses, sister-in-law of Janet Rifkin Julie Gardner, sister of Bill Dahlin Estherly Allen, wife of Gene Galazan 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
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 Arlene Raskin, Linda Patent, Carol Gilson, Rachel Coy, Dale Brownie, Arlene Brownie, Vadim Vaynerman, Edie Greenberg, Richard Jacobs, Mike Wolf, Brett Friend, Amy Snell Kingslinger, Rosario Maya, and Brian Shrager. 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.
Rosh Hashanah Morning Service Tuesday, Sep 23rd 10:00a to 12:00p At Trinity Presbyterian Church. Children's programming during part of the morning service. Tashlich will immediately follow the service in the outside picnic area.
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Purchase a Leaf on our Temple Tree of Life. Mark a special occasion in a beautiful way.