Services 1/11 and 1/12 Parasha Va-era
A reminder of our regular Friday night and Saturday morning services this weekend, January 11th and 12th. Tonight, Friday night services start at 7:00 pm. Tomorrow, Saturday morning services start at 9:00 am with the Torah reading around 10:00 am, with a children’s service during the Torah service. As special thank you to Hal and Elaine Jacobs for sponsoring the kidush lunch.
Our popular, Cycling with the Cantor, has been scheduled for this Sunday January 13th at 3:30 pm. The bike ride will be through northwest Austin led by the Cantor. The route will not be too hilly. We will meet at Beth El, 8902 Mesa Drive. Bring your bike, a water bottle, and a good spirit. Please pass on to friends. The event is free and open to the community. You do not have to be a member of Beth El to join us on the bike ride.
Cantor Ben-Moshe’s Message: This week we read Parshat Va’era, during which the Ten Plagues begin, and the Liberation from Egypt is set in motion. This Shabbat is also Rosh Hodesh, the beginning of the New Month of Sh’vat. In ancient times, Rosh Hodesh was a minor holiday, with feasting and special sacrifices. In our day, the observance is limited mostly to the recitation of Hallel and Musaph, and in refraining from certain expressions of mourning. One aspect of Rosh Hodesh that is still relevant in our time is its status as a day of repentance, much like Rosh Hashanah. Once a month we are reminded of our capacity to start over in a positive manner. While Rabbi Eliezer ben Hyrkanos taught that every day is proper for penitence, on Rosh Hodesh we can be especially mindful. Shabbat Shalom and Hodesh Tov, a peaceful Shabbat and a Good Month to all.