Parashat Noach

noah - 1

Friday 20th of October – Friday Night Services will be at the regular time of 7:00 PM and we’ll save a seat for you! Come sing your heart out.

Shabbat morning services are a week away Saturday October 28. They are generously sponsored by Gabbai Bam Rubinstein.

Sisterhood Movie Night at Shiry Turjeman’s house this Saturday night, October 21st. Please let us know if you’d like to come and if we can give you a ride.

And the party of the year! Beth El’s Double Chai Anniversary is Sunday November 5th at 6:15 PM. We have such a lovely celebration planned. Please let us know if you would like to attend. See below for details.

Cantor Ben-Moshe’s Weekly message:

This week we read Parshat Noah, which deals with the Great Flood and its aftermath, ending with the birth of Avram, who would become Abraham, the ancestor of the Jewish and the Arab peoples, and the spiritual ancestor of Christianity and Islam as well. Pirkei Avot teaches that there were ten generations from Adam to Noah-which proves God’s patience, as each generation was worse than the previous one, until God brought the Flood and started over with Noah. There were also ten generations between Noah and Avram, which again shows God’s patience in waiting for ten generations until establishing a covenant with Avram. May we in our generation prove to be worthy descendants of Avram/Abraham and Sarai/Sarah, and may we like them bring blessing to the world. Shabbat Shalom.

Hazzan Yitzhak Ben-Moshe

Congregation Beth El : Sisterhood Event

Come join us for an evening of fun, laughs, and friendship in the home of Shiry Turjeman!
Bring an appetizer, bottle of wine, or dessert to share for our casual get together and movie night.

When: Saturday, October 21 at 7:30pm (movie to start at 8)

Where: Home of Shiry Turjeman
(You will be given the address when you RSVP.)

Attire: Come in comfy shorts, pjs, work-out wear. Bring a pillow, blanket if you’d like.

RSVP: Please RSVP to Shereen Ben-Moshe at Shereen@homewyrks.com. Let me know what you would like to bring. We will need: cheese, wine, appetizers, desserts, fruit, paper plates, napkins, cups.

Parashat Bereishith

bereishitwoman's balcony
Chag sameach for the end of Sukkot and Simchat Torah.

Friday THE 13th of October – Don’t be scared to come to shul – we’re super friendly and welcoming! Friday Night Services will be at the regular time of 7:00 PM and we’ll save a seat for you!

Shabbat morning services are THIS Saturday October 14 at 9 AM, with the Torah service at 9:45 and of course we are reading the first chapter of the first book! B’reshith. Don’t miss. Kidish lunch immediately following services.

Cantor Ben-Moshe’s Weekly message:

This week we finish our yearly cycle of reading the Torah with Simhath Torah and of course as always we begin anew immediately. The Torah ends with the death of Moshe Rabbenu, Moses our Master Teacher-but we do not mourn. Indeed, this is one of the most joyous days on our calendar. Why is this? Because, of course, the Torah does not actually end, but rather continues forever. The last words of D’varim, the Book of Deuteronomy are followed immediately by “B’reshith bara Elohim”, “In the beginning God created…” The great legacy of Moshe, the Torah, did not die with him but lives on with us and in us. Our sages note that the last letter of Parshat V’zoth Hab’rachah is “lamed” while the first letter of Parshat B’reshith is “bet”. Together, they spell “lev”, heart. This is the heart of our Tradition-that Torah never dies or ends, but keeps going, as do the Jewish People. Truly a reason to celebrate. Hag Sameah and Shabbat Shalom.

36th_bethel_anniversaryLogoCongregation Beth El’s 36th Double Chai Anniversary is Sunday November 5th 2017 at 6:15 PM. We will have an elegant kosher dinner, silent auction and entertainment. Save the date and send in your RSVP as soon as you can! We fill up fast so please don’t delay.
Hazzan Yitzhak Ben-Moshe

Sukkot Dinner

SKT17We want to wish you all a Chag Sameach for the Joyous festival of sukkot which begins tonight at sunset.

Sukkot

Friday October 6 – Friday Night Services at 6:30 PM with Dinner in the Sukkah immediately following. We will have a delicious Italian dinner a la Yosef and invite you and your friends to help us fulfill the mitzvah of celebrating this joyous holiday. Free and open to the community.

Huge Toda Rabas/Thank yous!!

Once again, the Beth El High Holiday volunteers knocked it outta the ballpark with a spectacular set of services. Congratulations and thank you to everyone who contributed— from Cantor Ben-Moshe’s amazing services, to all the service helpers, readers, kidush food preppers and stuff schleppers, the many visitors who found a warm shul to celebrate in, and everyone in between—we couldn’t have done it without you. Next up, the celebrations continue with Sukkot this Friday night. Next Shabbat morning services are a week away, Saturday October 14.

Cantor Ben-Moshe’s Weekly message:

We begin the Festival of Sukkot on Wednesday evening, the ancient festival of the fall harvest. As our ancestors did when they were farmers in the Land of Israel, and needed to stay in the he fields as long as possible, we will dwell (or at least take our meals) in temporary huts, sukkot, for the duration of the holiday. The Torah tells us that this is also to remind us of our homelessness as we wandered in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt.

As Rabbi Alan Lew taught us, this holiday season actually begins with Tish’ah B’Av, when we remember the destruction of both the First and Second Temples. Rabbi Lew points out that Tish’ah B’Av teaches the difficult lesson that nothing of this earth is permanent-not even God’s House, certainly not our own homes. These past few weeks it has been brought home to us how fragile a house can be-in Houston, in Florida, in Mexico or Puerto Rico. The sukkah reminds us that houses are ultimately temporary-but God’s Presence and love are eternal, and in that recognition we can find joy even in the midst of fear and doubt. May this Sukkot Holiday hold joy for us and all of the House of Israel, and may all people everywhere be at peace and secure in their dwelling places. Hag Sameah.

Hazzan Yitzhak Ben-Moshe

Sunday school this week is at 10 a.m. We look forward to seeing our BERS and learning more about Sukkot and Simchat Torah, shaking the lulav and etrog and making Jewish learning fun for our children.

PLEASE note that the Beth El sukkah will be available for all to use over the festival of sukkot. You may use the side gate and bring your snack or meal there. If you would like to borrow our lulav and etrog, just let us know.

Sukkot 5778

6a0120a610bec4970c014e8c36834e970dWe want to wish you all a Chag Sameach for the Joyous festival of sukkot which begins tonight at sunset.
Sukkot
Friday October 6 – Friday Night Services at 6:30 PM with Dinner in the Sukkah immediately following. We will have a delicious Italian dinner a la Yosef and invite you and your friends to help us fulfill the mitzvah of celebrating this joyous holiday. Free and open to the community.
Huge Toda Rabas/Thank yous!!
Once again, the Beth El High Holiday volunteers knocked it outta the ballpark with a spectacular set of services. Congratulations and thank you to everyone who contributed— from Cantor Ben-Moshe’s amazing services, to all the service helpers, readers, kidush food preppers and stuff schleppers, the many visitors who found a warm shul to celebrate in, and everyone in between—we couldn’t have done it without you. Next up, the celebrations continue with Sukkot this Friday night. Next Shabbat morning services are a week away, Saturday October 14.
Cantor Ben-Moshe’s Weekly message:
We begin the Festival of Sukkot on Wednesday evening, the ancient festival of the fall harvest. As our ancestors did when they were farmers in the Land of Israel, and needed to stay in the he fields as long as possible, we will dwell (or at least take our meals) in temporary huts, sukkot, for the duration of the holiday. The Torah tells us that this is also to remind us of our homelessness as we wandered in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt.
As Rabbi Alan Lew taught us, this holiday season actually begins with Tish’ah B’Av, when we remember the destruction of both the First and Second Temples. Rabbi Lew points out that Tish’ah B’Av teaches the difficult lesson that nothing of this earth is permanent-not even God’s House, certainly not our own homes. These past few weeks it has been brought home to us how fragile a house can be-in Houston, in Florida, in Mexico or Puerto Rico. The sukkah reminds us that houses are ultimately temporary-but God’s Presence and love are eternal, and in that recognition we can find joy even in the midst of fear and doubt. May this Sukkot Holiday hold joy for us and all of the House of Israel, and may all people everywhere be at peace and secure in their dwelling places. Hag Sameah.
Hazzan Yitzhak Ben-Moshe
Sunday school this week is at 10 a.m. We look forward to seeing our BERS and learning more about Sukkot and Simchat Torah, shaking the lulav and etrog and making Jewish learning fun for our children.
PLEASE note that the Beth El sukkah will be available for all to use over the festival of sukkot. You may use the side gate and bring your snack or meal there. If you would like to borrow our lulav and etrog, just let us know.
https://www.myjewishlearning.com/…/lulav-and-etrog-the-fou…/
Congregation Beth El’s 36th Double Chai Anniversary is Sunday November 5th 2017 at 6:15 PM. We will have an elegant kosher dinner, silent auction and entertainment. Save the date and send in your RSVP as soon as you can!
GET INVOLVED
Beth El is a completely DIY Shul. All events — from services and celebrations to learnings and lunches — happen because this incredible community steps up and contributes skills, time, ideas, and funds. Thank you to those who are involved – there’s something for everyone at your special shul, so please get involved.

Yom Kippur 5778

YKYom Kippur begins Tonight with Kol Nidrei at 7 PM sharp.
This email includes all of the details and information for Yom Kippur. Of course, if you have any questions, please let us know. We look forward to seeing you!
Schedule: Yom Kippur
September 29 – Friday Evening – Kol Nidrei at 7:00 PM
September 30 – Saturday Day – Yom Kippur Shachrit Service at 9 AM
Yom Kippur Torah Service around 10:15 AM
Children’s services at 11 AM
Mincha at 5:15 PM, Neilah around 6:30 PM
Shofar – Tekiah Gdolah 7:45 PM followed by Break the Fast
Seating: We anticipate a large crowd and if requested are reserving places for our members. If you have a particular seat preference or would like seats reserved, please let us know ASAP.
Parking: Similar to years past, please reserve the places in the front of the building for the elderly and please note that parking should be only on the south side of Dominion Cove. Since it is an evening and shabbat, we may also park across the street in the office parking lot.
Participating: We need people to help with English readings, be ushers, and more. If you would like to help, please let us know.
Costs: As always, there is not a specific charge for the High Holidays and we are not taking tickets, but please be sure to send in your dues. If you did not receive a dues statement or have any questions about your dues, please let us know. You can go to www.bethelaustin.org/donate to donate or pay dues.
Kiddush: We gratefully thank Dani Kadosh and Juliette Meinstein for sponsoring a beautiful Break the Fast.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Elaine Shapiro for sponsoring the beautiful High Holiday flower arrangements.
We wish everyone a Shabbat Shalom and Gmar Hatima Tova.
גמר חתימה טובה
Other important Dates:
Sukkot
October 6 – Friday Evening – Friday Night Services at 6:30 PM with Dinner in the sukkah following services
Simchat Torah
October 12 – Thursday Evening – Simchat Torah Evening Services at 7:15 PM
Beth El’s 36 Anniversdary Dinner
Sunday November 5 at 6:15 PM at Beth El
Cantor Ben-Moshe’s Weekly message:
This Shabbat is of course Yom Kippur, the “Shabbat Shabbaton”-the Sabbath of Sabbaths. This is the holiest day of the year, when we fast and spend the day in prayer in order to make atonement for our misdeeds. The day can seem overwhelming-rather like a marathon, and like a marathon, we can feel exhilaration at the end. It is important to remember, though, that the fasting and prayer are a means to an end-to repentance, to improving our souls. Even if we cannot fast for medical reasons, we can still do the inner work of self-examination and repentance. This year, and every year, may the spirit of Yom Kippur carry into the days that follow, so that we can be wholehearted in our faith and in our practice, and may we all find atonement for our human frailties. Shabbat Shalom, and my we all be sealed for goodness and life in the coming year.
I am attaching a prayer for those who are unable to fast, and wish to dedicate themselves to repentance on this holiest of days.
https://reformjudaism.org/…/meditation-yom-kippur-one-who-c…
Hazzan Yitzhak Ben-Moshe
Pictured below is our beloved Morris Shapiro (z’l) of blessed memory last year when the Cantor went and blew the shofar for him and sweet Elaine.

No Sunday school this week, but please note that we need help to build the sukkah at 10 a.m. We invite our Chai Mitzvah Teens, and anyone else in the school and their parents to please help us build and decorate the sukkah.
Congregation Beth El’s 36th Double Chai Anniversary is Sunday November 5th 2017 at 6:15 PM. We will have an elegant kosher dinner, silent auction and entertainment. Save the date!
Rabbi Peter Tarlow’s Parashat Hashavua:
Rosh Ha’Shanah provided us with an opportunity to take an inventory of our own lives and our relationships with others. Tomorrow night as the sun sets Yom Kippur enters into our lives. Yom Kippur demands of us that we to turn to G-d, that we realize that each of us is a mere mortal, and asks us to seek G-d’s forgiveness for our failures and sins. Below is a list of actions about which each of us needs to contemplate and consider. As you think about your past year we hope that your fast be not only be easy but also meaningful and filled with a sense of spirituality and humility.
On Yom Kippur it is traditional to think about our failures. During the day think about these failures. Try to be totally honest with yourselves. Here are some things to consider:
Answer these questions in the privacy of your thoughts.
Have I lied this year?
Did I distort facts or manipulate my words and those of other people?
Did I pass judgment without knowing the facts?
Did I deceive others and yourself with half-truths?
Did I use other people’s failings to justify my own faults?
Did I do what I wanted to do without regard to others?
Did I use other people as mere instruments to satisfy my own needs?
How have I been selfish and/or self-serving?
Have I committed malicious gossip?
In any aspect of life have I been gluttonous?
Did we act in an arrogant or superior manner?
Do I demand one form of behavior for others and another form for myself?
Have I failed my family and friends?
How do I heal the hurts that I have committed?
What do I hope to do differently in this new year?
How have I lied to myself when I answered these questions?
During your fast, try to take the time to think about each of these questions and how G’d might judge your answers. May 5778 be a good year for each of you!
Our Best Wishes for an Easy and Meaningful Fast
“On Tzedakah” – By Gabbai Bam Rubenstein
On Sunday, 24 September, 2017, I had the opportunity to do a mitzvah, in the place of a different mitzvah. I joined a group of friends, and we went to an area that was devastated by Hurricane Harvey, to do “Tzedaka.” Allen has a huge smoke pit on a trailer. David also knows his way around a grill. Thom, Jeffrey, Holly and I were more like window dressing, but we did get the chance to do our part.
We started with about 250 or so pounds of meat. We also had enough buns for all the meat. We had at least 5 or 6 cans of beans, that I saw. And we had enough bags of cabbage, and carrots, and bins full of dressing, to make enough slaw to go around. We also had cases and cases of water, which we continuously added to an iced cooler.
People came up and asked, “How much?” and we got to tell them, “It’s free. How many would you like?”
One lady offered me a monetary donation. I got to tell her that her money was no good; but if she felt that she needed to donate, she should try a charity that her church likes.
However, the thing that made me stop in my tracks, have to turn away from the crowd and catch my breath, was when a woman came over and asked how much the water was. When she was told that it was free, you could feel the weight in her words, with what she said next. She looked at one of the guys helping her to her car and said, “The water is free? You’re giving it away? We haven’t had water for days.”
I’m pretty sure that the days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are meant for doing things like this. And it felt good. Let’s strive for more Tzedakah in our community, and the world at large, as we enter 5778.