Shabboom! Weekly Announcements

Energize your week with Ohev Sholom                                     September 27, 2018

Shabbat Times and Announcements

Erev Shabbat, September 28: Chol Hamoed Sukkot (Tishrei 19)
6:37p Candle Lighting
6:40p Kabbalat Shabbat
7:00p Ohev Young Professionals Sukkah Dinner (pre-registration required)

Shabbat, September 29: Chol Hamoed Sukkot, (Tishrei 20)
9:00a Shacharit with Reading of Kohelet by Yoni Friedman
10:30a Shabbat Youth Groups
4:00p Hal Brodsky Memorial Sukkah Hop
5:15p Daf Yomi
5:45p Chaim Fruchter's Shiur
6:15p Mincha, followed by Seudah Shlishit with a Shiur from Guest Scholar Dr. Alvin Rosenfeld 
7:37p Havdalah

Upcoming Kiddush Schedule
9/29: No food served
10/6: Kiddush Luncheon sponsored by the Glassman family in honor of Moses's Bar Mitzvah
10/13: Kiddush Luncheon sponsored by the Netter-Klapper family in honor of Eitan's Bar Mitzvah

Comments on the Upcoming Torah Portions and Haftorahs, Contributed by Rabbi Ben Mintz and Hal Brodsky, Z"L

The Shabbos between the first and last days of Sukkot is known as Shabbos Chol Ha'Moed. The Torah reading for this Shabbos is a recitation of the Laws of Festivals {Sh'mot 33:12}.The Haftorah is from the Book of Ezekiel (ch.38,39)  and describes the triumph of God's armies over the armies of Gog and Magog invading Jerusalem. Traditionally, on Shabbos Chol Ha'Moed, the Book of Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) is read in its entirety. According to the tradition, Kohelet was written by King Solomon in his later years, representing his "sober" evaluation of the meaning of life. ("All is Vanity").

The Eighth Day of Sukkot is considered to be the separate Festival of Shmini Atzeret. The Torah Reading again describes the Festivals of the entire year (Dvorim, ch.14) and the Haftorah (Book of Kings, ch.8) tells of the celebration by King Solomon of the completion of the building of the Temple in Jerusalem. The celebration continues for fourteen days. As the story is told, on the Eighth Day, paralleling the Festival of Shmini Atzeret, King Solomon sent the Jews back to their homes "joyful and glad of heart" (verse 66).

The last day of Sukkot is Simchat Torah, the Festival celebrating the completion of the yearly reading of the Torah. The Portion is Ve'Zot Ha'Bracha and contains Moses's final blessings of the Jewish people and a description of his death, burial, and mourning of the people for their leader. The final words of the Torah include: "Never again did there arise in Israel a prophet like Moses" (verse 10). The Haftorah is the first chapter of the Book of Joshua. Joshua assumes leadership and God tells him to be "strong and resolute," because he will lead  the people in the conquest of the Promised Land.

The following Shabbos, Be'Ezrat Ha'Shem, we will start reading the Torah once again. "In the Beginning..."  Shana Tovah to everyone. 

The haftorah video for Shabbat Chol HaMo'ed Sukkot from Hal Brodsky, Z"L, is available here.

Upcoming Events and Weekly Schedule

To view and register for upcoming events and weekly schedule, visit our website's online calendar. 

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Contact Us

Synagogue Office
info@ostns.org
(202) 882-7225
Sarah Shapiro, Executive Director
Sarah.Shapiro@ostns.org
(202) 882-7225, ext. 103
Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld
RabbiShmuel@ostns.org
(202) 812-8900 
Maharat Ruth Balinsky Friedman
MaharatRuth@ostns.org
(202) 882-7225, ext. 107
Stacey Watson, Director of Engagement
Stacey.Watson@ostns.org
(202) 882-7225, ext. 102
Lisa Redisch, Director of Youth & Family Programs
youth@ostns.org
(202) 882-7225, ext. 105
Board of Directors
board@ostns.org
Hospitality & Welcome Committee
BeOurGuest@ostns.org
Mikvah Chaim
mikvahchaim.org
attendant@mikvahchaim.org
Cemetery Information
cemetery@ostns.org
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