Parashat Vayera and silent auction thank yous!

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Vayera 1gift basketsLight your candles by 6:23 and welcome in shabbat with Congregation Beth El, a place where everyone knows your name and greets you with smile!
Friday November 3- Friday Night Services will be at the regular time of 7:00 PM! We look forward to greeting you with a smile and a song.
Sunday school is at 10 AM this Sunday. We look forward to seeing the children.

This weekend! Beth El’s Double Chai Anniversary is THIS Sunday, November 5 at 6:15 PM. We have such a lovely celebration planned to honor our Beth El community and founders.

Cantor Ben-Moshe’s Weekly message:

Rabbi Hamma the son of Rabbi Hanina said: “What is the meaning of the verse ‘You shall follow Hashem your God’?Is it possible for a human to follow the Divine Presence? Is it not written: ‘For Hashem your God is a devouring fire’? Rather, this means to follow the attributes of the Holy Blessed One….The Holy Blessed One visited the sick as it is written: ‘And (God) appeared to (Avraham) at Elonei Mamre’-so too should you visit the sick.”
Rabbi Hamma teaches us that it is a mitzvah, a commandment, to visit the sick and derives the mitzvah from this week’s parshah, Vayyera. The Midrash deduces that one of the purposes of the visit of three angels to Avraham was to comfort him after his circumcision, which is discussed immediately prior. The Sages teach that visiting the sick reduces their suffering by 1/60, especially if the visit is from a friend or family member. Numerous opportunities exist to fulfill this mitzvah in our community-please let me know if you are willing and able. And if you or a loved one is ill, please inform me or a board member so that we may visit you. May all who are ill find healing of body and spirit. Shabbat Shalom.
Hazzan Yitzhak Ben-Moshe
Congregation Beth El’s 36th Double Chai Anniversary is THIS Sunday November 5th 2017 at 6:15 PM. We will have an elegant kosher dinner by Moshe K catering, awesome silent auction and entertainment. Thank you to the many amazing people who have given countless hours and love to help make this event possible!

Thank you to our generous silent auction sponsors:
HEB Far West
Congregation Agudas Achim Sisterhood Judaica Shop (please note that CAA gift store will donate 10% of any purchase made at the gift store to Congregation Beth El if you designate us as the recipient).
Alamo Draft House
Amy’s Ice Cream
Austin Yoga Tree – Jonathan and Edith Troen
Congregation Beth Israel Sisterhood Judaica Shop
Biderman’s Deli
Black Walnut Cafe
Blue Baker
Cap City Comedy Club
Chuy’s
Doubletree Hotel Northwest Arboretum
Esther’s Follies
Galaxy Cafe
Glow Spa & Wax House
JCC Fitness Center
Jorge Eduardo Salon
Koren Talmud set
Kriser’s Natural Pet Store
Massage Harmony
Mother’s Cafe
Nelo’s Cycle
P. Terry’s
Petticoat Fair
Phydeaux & Friends
Ready to Run
Rocket Electric Bikes
Smudge Studio
Starbuck’s
Sushi Zushi
The Moviehouse & Eatery
Trader Joe’s
YCN Media Group – Yifat Cohen Media Group
Noa Noa Design Solutions
Anita Lavie therapy
Amos Therapy
Jacob Gilboa – King Solomon glassware
Crafts by Sandy Massman
Yeti cooler valued at $300
Framed Beatles poster from 1964 US Tour
Beth El Men’s Club Inaugural meeting is Sunday December 3 at 5 PM! Several exciting events are planned.
PLEASE don’t miss.
Texas Liberator Project Ceremony
Thursday, November 9, 2017
Texas State Capitol
Senate Chamber
Austin, Texas
Time: 1:30 PM-3:30 PM*
*A private lunch for liberators will take place earlier.
Please join us as we honor the Texas Liberators of Nazi Concentration & Death Camps of the Second World War.
Please RSVP at the following link:
http://thgc.texas.gov/about/thgc-liberator-ceremony

Parashat Lech Lecha

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Sisterhood movie night

Friday 27th of October – Friday Night Services will be at the regular time of 7:00 PM! We look forward to greeting you with a smile and a song.
Shabbat morning services are THIS Saturday October 28 at 9 AM, with the Torah service at 9:45 AM.
Children’s services are at 10:30 AM.
The kidish lunch is generously sponsored by Gabbai Bam Rubinstein in memory of his beloved late mother.
Sunday school is at 10 AM this Sunday. We look forward to seeing the children.
Only one week away! Beth El’s Double Chai Anniversary is Sunday November 5th at 6:15 PM. We have such a lovely celebration planned to honor our Beth El community and founders.
Shabbat candle lighting times in Austin are 6:30 PM and havdallah on Saturday night is 7:23 PM.
Cantor Ben-Moshe’s Weekly message:
This Shabbat, Shabbat Lekh L’kha, is a special Shabbat in Israel. On this day, new immigrants to Israel are honored as we remember the first immigrants to the Land of Israel, Avram and Sarai (Avraham and Sarah). Ever since they were given the charge to leave Haran and go to the Land then called Canaan, we have always looked to there as our home, both physically and spiritually. Even though we may make good lives for ourselves in some of the lands of our Dispersion, especially this one, Israel is always home. May the day soon come when all the Exiles are gathered, and when all of our People who wish to live in the Land first settled by Avraham and Sarah may do so in peace. Shabbat Shalom.
Hazzan Yitzhak Ben-Moshe
Sunday school this week is at 10 AM. We look forward to seeing our BERS.
This time a huge Toda Raba to Mashgiach Reuben from the kosher HEB who as well as a mashgiach is a Biologist by training and made the class on Kashrut so interesting and relevant.
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. Send in your RSVP as soon as you can as now we only have a couple of spots left.
HUGE THANK YOU Shiry Turjeman FOR OPENING HER HOME AND HEART TO US ALL AT THE SISTERHOOD. We had such an amazing evening watching The Women’s Balcony last week. Have you started your book yet for the next sisterhood meeting?
Beth El Men’s Club Inaugural meeting is Sunday December 3 at 5 PM! Several exciting events are planned.
PLEASE don’t miss.
BETH EL – WHERE EVERYONE KNOWS YOUR NAME!
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 be involved.
Do you have a special Occasion? Kiddush sponsorships are available.

Parashat Noach

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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

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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

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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.

How to Wave the Lulav and Etrog on Sukkot