Erev Shabbat, July 3 (Day 11 of Tammuz): 5:00p D'var Torah with Rabbi Herzfeld via Facebook Live 6:15 p Laining of the Torah reading by Rabbi Yosef Goldmanjoin here 7:00p Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat/D'var Torah (in person with advance registration). Via Zoomjoin here 7:30p Maariv (in person only with advance registration) 8:19p Candlelighting Shabbat, July 4 (Day 12 of Tammuz): 8:00a - 9:30a Shabbat morning services (in person, advance registration required) 8:20p Mincha/Maariv (in person with advance registration) 9:21p Havdalahjoin here
We are saddened to announce the passing of Phillip Martin Redisch z"l, father of Lisa Redisch. OSTNS Limited Reopening While the shul remains closed for most events and services, we have begun limited in-person services outdoors (advanced sign-up required). For more information and details on how to sign-up, please visit ostns.org/reopening.
In-person Mincha/Maariv Monday - Thursday for the next few weeks will be at 6:50 pm.
In-person Shabbat Services will begin this week, for more information click here
Thank you to our virtual learning sponsor from this past week, Elaine Jacobson. If you are interested in sponsoring a day of virtual learning for $54, please email Alejandra at alejandra@ostns.org.
Spotlight On........
Community Resources
Free Produce for Families in Need We are working with community groups to acquire fresh produce for shul families and individuals who might not have the means to access it at this time. Please fill out this form by sundown Friday so we can coordinate with the community groups.
Free Kosher Meals for all Children Under 18! Yad Yehuda has started a daily kosher meal distribution through the USDA Summer Food Service Program, distributing breakfast and lunch simultaneously each day.
Distribution takes place Monday through Friday each week, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, at E. Brooke Lee Middle School, 11800 Monticello Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902. There is no charge for these meals. All households with children age 18 and under are eligible to participate in this USDA program; income requirements have been waived during this time.
Visit http://moco.covidgw.com for further instructions and to place your orders for the coming week. It is very important that you pre-order so our vendors (Ben Yehuda Pizza and Shalom Kosher) will know how many meals to prepare. Meals will be available for those who do not pre-order but we urge you to assist us by using the pre-order process.
FAQ: Q. If I live in DC, can I pick up meals for my family in Kemp Mill? A. Yes. Families living in any jurisdiction in the DC region can pick up meals at our distribution site; residency requirements have been waived at this time.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington COVID-19: Rabbi Emergency Fund. During this unprecedented time, congregations, their members, and the larger community are experiencing unbelievable challenges including significant financial instability. To assist congregations in meeting these increasing community needs, The Federation, through its COVID-19 Emergency Funds established the Rabbi Emergency Fund to provide financial support directly to congregations for emergency use to help community members in need. These funds, up to $1500 per household, can be used to meet individual and family needs (e.g., housing, utilities, food, medical, mental health, or other relevant emergency needs of individuals and families that may or may not be covered by the Federal Stimulus) and are to be paid to the service provider (i.e. utility company, mortgage company, drug store or health company.) If you are experiencing financial challenges and these funds can be of assistance please contact Rabbi Herzfeld or Maharat Friedman.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, JSSA, and our network of local human service organizations are proud to introduce 703-J-CARING: The Jewish Community Support Line, serving residents of DC, MD, and Northern Virginia. With one call to 703-J-CARING (703-522-7464), you can connect with a professional case manager ready to assist you in finding the resources and support that are right for you. All calls are confidential. For more information visit: https://www.jssa.org/jcaring/
Yad Yehuda has a new website that includes a wide range of resources for the Greater Washington Jewish community. Please visitcovidgw.com.
Bikur Cholim of Greater Washington is working to pair volunteers with folks who would like a phone visit. If you would like to volunteer to make calls, or request a phone visit, please fill out this form here
Bikur Cholim also has funds available to help those in need to pay for medical expenses incurred during this time. Please contact Maharat Friedman or Audrey Siegal asiegel@bikurcholimgw.org to learn more.
Bikur Cholim of Greater Washington and the Jewish Council for the Aging are partnering to deliver free kosher meals and groceries to people over 60 years of age this summer. If you would like to participate please contact Audrey Siegel asiegel@bikurcholimgw.org. This current program is only for residents of Montgomery County. If you do not live in Montgomery County and would like to participate in a similar program please contact Audrey or Maharat Friedman.
Senior Planet is a program created and sponsored by national nonprofit Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) that harnesses technology to change the way we age. Our courses, programs, and activities help seniors learn new skills, save money, get in shape, and make new friends. They have a robust schedule of daily zoom classes available here.
Comments on the Torah portion, haftora, and Pirkei Avos Contributed by Rabbi Ben Mintz
There are two parshiyos this Shabbos, Chukas and Balak, both important to the unfolding of the history of the Jewish people in their journey to the Promised Land.
Chukas begins with the reciting of the laws of the para aduma, the Red Heifer, which is offered in the ceremony to remove the Tuma, the uncleanness, from an individual. The parsha continues with the crisis in Moshe's leadership, when he fails to follow God's instruction to talk to the rock in order to provide water for the complaining Jewish people, and instead strikes the rock.
The second parsha is Balak. It describes the unsuccessful efforts of Balak, King of Moab, to bring the non-Jewish prophet Balaam to curse the Jews.This story includes a talking donkey, who refuses to participate in the cursing of the Jews.
Returning to the story of Moshe striking the rock, the rabbis present the following midrash: When the Jews were enslaved, the Egyptian magicians, foresaw that the Jewish leader, who would be Moshe, was going to be punished by means of water. They thought that the punishment would take place when Moshe, the baby, was placed in the cradle in the sea, presumably to drown. However, as we know, the magicians were mistaken, and Moshe was rescued by the Pharaoh's daughter. The prediction of the magicians was carried out years later, when Moshe was indeed punished by means of water, when he violated God's instruction and struck the rock to obtain water.
Following God's direction, Balaam says , "Mah tovu ohalecha Ya'akov," translated in the King James Bible thus: "How goodly are your tents, Jacob." The rabbis interpret that the tents were worthy of praise because they did not open opposite one another, and so, the occupants could not see what was taking place in a neighbor's tent. That's what we call the right of privacy. A problem arises with the translation of the word "tovu," which has no English counterpart. The King James translates "How goodly are your tents," but there is no English word "goodly." Nevertheless, that translation has lasted. The Jewish Publication Society translates: "How fair are your tents." Which do you prefer?
The haftora, from the prophet Micah (5:6-6:8), mentions the incident in the parsha concerning Balak and Balaam. The haftora ends with some of the most well-known words in the Bible: "Man has told you what is good, but what does God require of you? Only to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with your God." Those words, beginning with "Do justice..." are engraved on the Columbus Law School building at Catholic University of America. My suggestion.
PIRKEI AVOS Chapter Five. Yehudah ben Tema said: Be strong as a leopard and swift as an eagle ... to do the will of your Father in Heaven. Ben Bag Bag said: Study (the Torah) again and again, for everything is in it.
A Haftorah Video by Hal Brodsky z"l
A video about this week's haftorah can be viewed here: Micah 5:6–6:8
Upcoming Virtual Learning Opportunities
To see the schedule and links for upcoming virtual services and classes schedule, visit our website's zoom page, ostns.org/zoom.
Minyanim Week of 7/5 NEW - In person option available for: Shacharit (Sunday - Friday @ 8:00 AM) Mincha/Maariv ( Sunday - Thursday @ 6:50 PM) Click here to register to attend in person. Non-Shabbat Services will continue to be available via Zoom. Daf Yomi via Zoom (Monday- Friday @ 7:00 AM)
All minyanim via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/3127816941 or via phone at 646-558-8656, 3127816941#.
Classes & Shiurim To see a list of our current virtual classes please visit ostns.org/zoom For a step-by-step video guide on how to use zoom Click here
Lifecycles
Support our community and its members by making a donation dedicated in honor of (IHO) or in memory of (IMO) a loved one.
