June 1, 2007
Dear Interfaith Families and Friends,
A few thoughts as we head into the bliss that is Shabbat and the weekend –
It is June and officially summer! This is my favorite time of year.
Judaism is an ancient tradition with its roots in an agricultural society. So in the summer time Jews were out tending the flocks and the crops. Thus, summer lacks the plethora of holidays that we get the other nine months of the year. What to do in the summer? Well, it’s a great time to shul shop. And a great time to learn about Shabbat. Go to the synagogues near you. Introduce yourself to the rabbi. Go to the oneg after services. See how you like the music, the chanting, the people. Services will be low key and rabbis will be on vacation at some point, lay leaders will step in. Get to know the place. It was in June, lo those many years ago, that my daughter picked our synagogue. She was four years old and she picked it based on the songs that the rabbi led them on at Tot Shabbat.
For Grown Ups Only
Years ago a woman I knew, not Jewish, was feeling very blue. Life was tough, she was young and her relationship was struggling. Because she knew me, she decided to go to services at her local synagogue. Later she called me and told me about it. She said, "I cried a lot. And after services a tiny old woman came up and hugged me. All she said was, it’s hard to be young."
Why did she go to a synagogue? Why did the old woman speak to her? Why did it help? I don’t know. I just know there is something about community, something about a spiritual moment, something about Shabbat, that can heal.
Give it a try.
Feeling shy? Want to go with someone else to services? Then you need a Shabbos buddy - that’s a member of the synagogue who meets you at the door, sits with you, explains anything you don’t understand, and introduces you to others at the oneg. Want one? Call me and I’ll get you one. I know people at most of the shuls. And if I don’t, I’ll call Gail Greene at Jewish Community Information and Referral, and between Gail and me – you’ll get someone to sit with. I’m at 510-839-23900 x347. Gail is at 415-777-4545. Remember a good time to start improving your life is NOW.
Have you or someone you know just had a baby? Come join us for a new moms group:
Welcoming Your Jewish Baby
Join us for a new discussion group in Oakland for Moms and Babies (age newborn to 6 months). Topics include: Support for Moms with new Babies; Jewish Resources for Mom, Baby and Family; Getting your Groove Back and Adjusting to the New Normal.
Date: starts Thursday, June 21, five sessions
Time: 11:30am to 1pm. Feel free to bring a snack
Place: Oakland location, off Broadway
Cost: $18 for the series, call soon, space is limited
Call me, Dawn, for more information or to sign up, 510-839-2900 x347, dawn@jfed.org. Sponsored by Building Jewish Bridges
Where will all the Jews be on Sunday?
Israel in the Gardens
"Green" Theme This Year! Come to our community’s largest FREE cultural event of the year celebrating Israel's 59th anniversary! This year’s theme emphasizes a matter universally resonant with Americans, Jews and Israelis – "Green." There will be informational booths highlighting the alternative energy plans of US and Israeli companies and a walk-a-thon, "Walk-a-mile for Israel," to help sponsor global environmental preservation work. Listen to the hottest new music on stage through continuous live all-day performances; attend a theatre show; participate in a variety of activities for teens, young adults or families; taste freshly made ethnic foods; watch a movie at the film festival; get information on local organizations and resources; and shop for everything from jewelry to handmade clothing from dozens of local artisan craft booths. See full details, sign up to volunteer and/or for the "Walk-a-mile for Israel" at http://www.israelinthegardens.org.
Date: Sunday, June 3
Time: 10am to 5pm
Place: Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco
I’ll be at the East Bay Federation’s booth part of the time and at Project Welcome’s booth with my friend, Karen Kushner part of the time. I’ll keep an eye out for you!
Dawn
