February 2021 Newsletter

Religious Practices Message
Melissa Immel & Mark Wolkow
Dear Friends,
As a Jewish community, we have continued to be hopeful by gathering
together (albeit remotely) for prayer, learning, socializing, and even
celebrating new babies and B’nai Mitzvahs. We have comforted each
other at Zoom funerals and shiva minyans—experiences we could never
have imagined a year ago. The Religious Practices Committee strives to
make our traditions relevant and meaningful, especially during these
unprecedented times. Our customs and mitzvot are the foundations that
sustain us as a community. Please join us on Shabbat evenings for
Services and Shabbat mornings for ‘Taking Hold of Torah’ study sessions
or ‘Mindfulness In Meditation.’ See the Temple Calendar for dates and
times.
We are excited to report that our TAS Choir is hard at work preparing
for a very special ‘Pandemic Purim’ Schpiel. You won’t want to miss it!
Purim is a joyous holiday that affirms and celebrates Jewish survival and
continuity throughout history. We can’t think of a better message as we
approach the first anniversary of streaming services. Purim involves a
public reading of the Megillah, which tells the story of how Queen
Esther and her cousin Mordechai ultimately saved the Jews of Persia
from destruction. The Megillah reading is typically a rowdy affair,
punctuated by booing and noise-making when Haman’s name is read
aloud. We eat hamantaschen, give money to the poor, and give gifts of
treats (like the Sisterhood gift bag available to all of our congregants) to
friends and neighbors.
You won’t want to miss this year’s dramatic interpretation of the Book of
Esther on Friday, February 26th at 7:00 pm. Great for all ages! Then, tune
in again on Sunday the 28th at 10:00 am for a virtual Megillah reading,
followed by a reprise of the Choir’s Purim Schpiel.
B’Shalom,
Mark Wolkow & Melissa Immel
RPC Co-Chairs
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