TNS Torah Schmooze - Parshat Chukat, for DiscussionTONIGHT - Thursday, June 30

Friends,

The Torah Schmooze has celebrated its share of shehecheyanus – for our beginning, for reaching the end of Deuteronomy and beginning Genesis at Simchat Torah, and for having reached the conclusion of each of the five books. When we started at the start of last summer, it was perhaps fitting that we dove into the middle – with Balak and his talking she-donkey. I had no idea really what the Schmooze would be like, who would come, where it would go, and what I would learn from it all. Next week’s meeting calls for yet one more shehecheyanu, for we will truly have come full circle: Chukat is the last portion of the Torah yet to be discussed – the week after we begin again, with Balak.

For those who have not been able to attend, it is difficult – perhaps impossible – to describe the richness of studying the Torah every week for year. I could tell you about the perspectives I have gained on our history, beliefs and practices; the questions we have asked, the issues we debated, the personal stories we have shared; that we read not only the Torah portions but also brought into the fray the maddening, inscrutable and fascinating commentaries of Rashi, Ramban, Midrash and the Talmud; that I had no idea how all of this would enrich my views and perspectives on Judaism, the Jewish people, community, The New Shul, and the world. For those who have not been able to attend, I hate to break it to you, you’ve missed out!

And to all those who have come – once, twice, as often as you could, or every week – how else can I put it? I am so deeply, utterly and sincerely grateful for your participation that there are no words to express how truly thankful I am. Without you there would be no Schmooze – just myself sitting in a café alone. Because of you, my life has been enriched in ways I could never have contemplated. I hope that the Schmooze has been meaningful for you as well.

It is fitting that we come full circle with Chukat, for it is such a strange, wonderful and terrible portion. It tells of the inscrutable ritual of the red heifer (what could it mean?); of Moses’s striking of the rock in anger to bring forth water, which seals his fate to never enter the Land of Israel (was his punishment fair?); and of the plague of snakes sent by God against the still-complaining Israelites (why snakes?!).

What does it all mean, to you, to us; here, now?

Come and we’ll puzzle it out together.

Shabbat Shalom,

Aaron

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Where: The communal table at Le Pain Quotidien (550 Hudson Street at Perry Street)

When: Thursday, June 30, at 6:00 pm

What: Schmooze about this week’s portion, Chukat

Who: Any and all comers!

Parshat Chukat from G-dcast.com

More Torah cartoons at www.g-dcast.com

See Romeo and Juliet-- Yiddish style!

Check out this engaging, inventive new film, brought to our attention by member Deborah Elkind. It takes the story of Romeo and Juliet and integrates it into the story of two struggling ultra-Orthodox Jews in modern-day Williamsburg. For more information, read below and click on the link!


Dear All,

I hope you are having a lovely start to your summer.

I wanted to touch base and let you know about a uniquely enchanting film, " Romeo and Juliet in Yiddish," that is being screened at the new Elinor Bunin Monroe Film Center at Lincoln Center from July 8th thru July 14th. My wonderful and talented friend Eve Annenberg wrote, directed and acted in this film; it is her labour of Yiddish love, yet it is a universal story as well. Please see the link below, and go and enjoy this exceptional film: http://www.filmlinc.com/films/on-sale/romeo-juliet-in-yiddish

Also, please put the word out in your Shtetl!

Peace, love and latkes,

Deborah Elkind

Shavuot Recap: Revelation, Willy Wonka, and Cheesecake Galore!

On Tuesday night, June 7th, The New Shul community gathered to celebrate Shavuot, the holiday that commemorates the giving of the Torah to the people of Israel. With delicious homemade refreshments and drinks, Rabbi Zach led a group of 30 or so in a beit midrash (house of study) style evening of discussion. After reading pieces of Jewish teachings on revelation, understanding, God, and wisdom, we watched modern film clips that commented on the same themes. In small groups, everyone discussed and debated the connections between the clips and the texts, and as a larger group we related it to our own lives. It made for an evening of thoughtful sharing and new ideas, and everyone in attendance had a great time.

If you couldn't be with us, here were some of the favorites for you to do at home on your own, or share them with friends and family!

Guiding Questions

-What does this text say about revelation?

-Is this true of revelation in my life?

1. Come and see how the Voice went forth – coming to each Israelite according to his individual strength – to the old, according to their strength; to the young according to their strength; to the children according to their strength; to the infants according to their strength, and even to Moses according to his strength, as it is said, “Moses spoke and the, God answered him by a voice” (Exodus 19:19, that is, with a voice which he could endure. Exodus Rabbah 5:9)

2. R. Levi said: The Holy One appeared to them as though He were a statue with faces on every side. A thousand people might be looking at the statue, but it would appear to be looking at each one of them. So, too, when the Holy One spoke, each and every person in Israel could say, “The Divine Word is addressing me.” Note that Scripture does not say, “I am the Lord your God,” [in the plural] but “I am the Lord your God (Exodus 20:2), [in the singular.] (Pesikta de Rav Kahana 12:25)

4. The Holy One said: If I reveal Myself to him in a thunderous voice, I will terrify him; if in a whisper, he will take little note of prophecy. What did God do? He revealed Himself in the voice of Moses’ father, whereupon Moses answered, “Here am I.” (Exodus Rabbah 3:1)

Schlep to Cure Cancer!!

We have heard a lot of buzz around an upcoming walk/run for charity this summer, and wanted to share the information about with you. This year will be the first annual NYC Schelp: Jewish Breast Cancer 5K Run/Walk! We know a lot of New Shul members are looking for community service opportunities, and many of you might be runners or enjoy the occasional stroll, so this event could be a great opportunity for you! Plus, it has an AWESOME name. Check it out:

Breast cancer is the most common cancer afflicting Jewish women in the United States and Israel. Throughout their lifetimes, one in eight Jewish women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Genetic mutations in the BRCA genes cause breast cancer and are known to be more prevalent among Jewish women. Join us to help eradicate a deadly disease that touches countless families every year.

The event takes place on Sunday, July 17th beginning at 9am in Battery Park, where hundreds will gather to support people living with breast cancer, their family and caregivers, while raising money to cure this deadly disease. They have already raised over $8,000, and its not even a month away yet!

Proceeds from this event benefit the Davidoff Cancer Center at Israel's Rabin Medical Center to fund fellows from Israel and the United States who are researching breast cancer cures and treatments.

Happy schlepping!