OSTNS SHABBOOM! for November 1, 2018

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OSTNS SHABBOOM! for November 1, 2018

11/01/2018 04:42:26 PM

Nov1

Energize your week with Ohev Sholom November 1, 2018

Shabbat Times and Announcements

Erev Shabbat, November 2 (Cheshvan 24)
5:48p Candle Lighting
5:50p Kabbalat Shabbat

Shabbat, November 3: Shabbat Mevarchim, Chayei Sara (Cheshvan 25)
9:15a Shacharit, with a Dvar Torah from Max Herzfeld
10:30a Shabbat Youth Groups
11:45a Kiddush Luncheon
11:45a Table Topics
4:25p Daf Yomi
5:25p Mincha, followed by Seudah Shlishit with Divrei Torah from the Herzfeld children
6:48p Havdalah

Upcoming Kiddush Schedule
11/10: Kiddush (sponsorship available)
11/17: Kiddush Luncheon sponsored by the Laufer family
11/24: Kiddush Luncheon sponsored by the Lutzky family

Mazel tov to Max Herzfeld on his bar mitzvah! We welcome his friends and family celebrating with us this Shabbat. This week's Kiddush Luncheon is sponsored by the Herzfeld family in Max's honor.

A Note From Rabbi Herzfeld:
We are super excited to invite you to celebrate the bar mitzvah of our son, Max, this Shabbat. Rhanni and I hope you can join us for the celebration. We can all use more joy in our lives and something to celebrate in the world—this week more than ever!
As a family we thought about how to celebrate Max’s bar mitzvah and still incorporate into our communal Shabbat necessary and important reflections on the horrific events in Pittsburgh. Here are some thoughts we had about that.

Mazel tov to Melissa & Todd Braunstein (and big sisters Lila, Annabelle, and Ruby) on the birth of a baby boy! The bris will be on Sunday, Nov. 4 at 11am at Ohev Sholom. For details on bringing the family a meal, visit ostns.org/lifecycle (logged-in members only).

Reflections on Pittsburgh: On Tuesday, our congregation chartered a bus to take us to Pittsburgh to attend the funerals of Cecil and David Rosenthal. We have compiled a packet of reflections and photos from the people who attended which will be available at shul on Shabbat.

A Note on Security: In light of the tragedy in Pittsburgh last Shabbat, we want to reassure our synagogue community that strong security procedures are currently in place, and that we will further strengthen our security going forward. We will continue to work with Jewish, local and federal authorities to evaluate our safety and security procedures. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please email security@ostns.org. If you'd like to sign up to be a Shabbat/Holiday Greeter, please email sarah.shapiro@ostns.org. And as always, if you suspicious behavior, please alert our MPD Officers or a member of the synagogue staff.

Reminder: Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday morning at 2am, when we turn our clocks back one hour. Note that while we will continue to have Mincha/Marriv on Sundays, our weekday evening minyan will revert to Marriv only at 7:30pm.

Spotlight On...

This Shabbat, November 3, following services
Table Topics: an alternative Kiddush experience in the Chadar Tikvah. Join other congregants for a nosh and to kibbitz. Volunteers are needed to assist in plating food for participants. Contact Stacey Watson to help.

Thursday, November 8, 7:30pm
On the eve of the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht (11/9-10/1938) and the 75th anniversary of the Holocaust By Bullets (4/14/1943), Miriam Gusevich and Peter Miles will share their design for a Jewish cemetery in Sambir, Ukraine. RSVP at ostns.org/event/sambir.

Monday, November 19, 7:45pm
Ariel Burger, author of Witness: Lessons from Elie Wiesel's Classroom, takes us into Wiesel's classroom and crystallizes some of his greatest teachings and shares them in a powerful and meaningful way. Copies of the book will be available for purchase. Parents: feel free to bring older children if you deem it appropriate for them. RSVP at ostns.org/event/witness.

Comments on the Portion and Haftorah, Contributed by Rabbi Ben Mintz

In the closing section of last week’s Parsha, Vayera, we learned of the birth of Rebecca, granddaughter of Nahor, Abraham's brother. Now, as this week's Parsha, Chayei Sarah, begins, the death of Sarah is stated. The rabbis quote the Book of Koheles (Ch. 1): "The sun rises and the sun sets." Why, they ask, does the Torah have to tell us this fact of nature? Rather, they say, Koheles teaches us that "before the setting of the sun of one righteous person, another righteous person shines forth." Before the death of Sarah, Rebecca came into the world.

Parshat Chayei Sarah continues, telling us of the old age and death of Abraham. And God blessed Abraham "ba-kol," with "everything." Many explanations are offered as to the meaning of "everything." The Midrash explains that "ba-kol" means that Abraham was able to “master his evil inclination." With this ability, Abraham truly had "everything." The Parsha closes with the death of Abraham at the age of "one hundred years and seventy years and five years." The repetition of the word "years" is explained that God "cherishes" each year of the righteous and therefore records each year in the Torah. (The Torah's treatment of the "years" of Sarah and those of Ishmael are interpreted separately and differently by the rabbis in the Midrash. For next year, be’ezrat Hashem.)

On his death, Abraham is buried by both of his sons, Isaac and Ishmael.

The Haftorah is the beginning of the Book of Kings and tells of the old age of King David. But in contrast to the story of Abraham, King David's old age was beset by controversy, not reconciliation. The Haftorah speaks of the rebellion of Adoniyah ben Chagis, one of David's sons, who attempts to seize the throne in anticipation of David's death. It is only when King David himself reaffirms the right of Solomon to the throne that the matter is settled. The Book of Kings will go on to describe the death of David and the reign of King Solomon.

For a video by Hal Brodsky, Z”L, about this week’s Haftorah, please click here.

Upcoming Events and Weekly Schedule

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

CALENDAR

Kiddush Luncheon: Join the community for a Kiddush Luncheon following morning services. The meal is sponsored by the Herzfeld family in honor of Max's Bar Mitzvah. Mazel tov, Max! - Saturday, November 3 11:45am

Table Topics: An Alternative Kiddush Experience: Join other congregants for a nosh and to kibbitz. Volunteers are needed to assist in plating food for participants. - Saturday, November 3 11:45am

Town Hall Meeting for Teenagers: Join us at the Hochstein-Ringel home for refreshments and a discussion with OSTNS President Daniel Silverberg and Director of Youth & Family Programs Lisa Redisch about the needs and role of teenagers in our shul. - Wednesday, November 7 8:30pm

Shoftim: The Book of Judges with Rabbi Herzfeld: Please join Rabbi Herzfeld for a four-part class on the Book of Judges, Wednesdays in November. - Begins Wednesday, November 7 6:45pm-7:30pm

Remember Sambir Lecture and Presentation: On the eve of the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht (11/9-10/1938) and the 75th anniversary of the Holocaust By Bullets (4/14/1943), Miriam Gusevich and Peter Miles will share their design for a Jewish cemetery in Sambir, Ukraine. - Thursday, November 8 7:30pm

Kiddush: Join the community for a Kiddush following morning services. To sponsor this meal, please contact the synagogue office. - Saturday, November 10 11:45am

Ohev on Ice: Join 4th and 5th Graders for Ice Skating at the Silver Spring Ice Skating Rink at Veteran's Plaza. Drop off will be a the skating rink at 3:45pm. Pick up will also be from the rink, at 6pm. $13 per person. - Sunday, November 11 3:45pm-6:00pm

Atzei Chaim Workshops: Sign up for an opportunity to create the wooden poles to roll our very own Torah Scroll under the guidance of Micah Salb. - Sunday, November 11 2:00pm-4:00pm (for youth) & Sunday, November 18 2:00pm-4:00pm (for adults)

Friendly Visits with Veterans: Join us to commemorate Veteran's Day with a fun event for the entire family! We will be having friendly visits with residents of the Ring House and Landow House. - Monday, November 12 2:00pm-4:00pm

Developmentally Different Adults Program: Residents of local group homes join with our congregation for dinner and music. We hope you can join us. No RSVP is required. - Tuesday, November 13 7:00pm

Board Meeting: Open to all members. - Wednesday, November 14 8:00pm

Pickle Minyan: A monthly, youth-led minyan...with pickles. For grades 2-6. - Saturday, November 17 10:30am

Kiddush Luncheon: Join the community for a Kiddush Luncheon following morning services. The meal is sponsored by Laufer family in gratitude for Erez escaping with only minor injuries from a terrifying fall. - Saturday, November 17 11:45am

Ohev Book Club: Join Ohev Sholom's monthly book club for lively discussion of a variety of novels, short stories, memoirs, and more. All are welcome. - Sunday, November 18 7:30pm-9:00pm

Book Talk with Ariel Burger: Ariel Burger, author of Witness: Lessons from Elie Wiesel's Classroom, takes us into Wiesel's classroom and crystallizes some of his greatest teachings and shares them in a powerful and meaningful way. Copies of the book will be available for purchase. Parents: feel free to bring older children if you deem it appropriate for them. - Monday, November 19 7:45pm

Communal Thanksgiving Feast: Open to all and completely free! RSVP online. - Thursday, November 22 3:00pm-4:30pm

Kiddush Luncheon: Join the community for a Kiddush Luncheon following morning services. The meal is sponsored by the Lutzky family in honor of Milo & Luki's Bar Mitzvah. Mazel tov, Milo & Luki! - Saturday, November 24 11:45am

Farm to Table Ethical Shabbat: With Animal Welfare Specialist & Shochet, Yadidya Greenberg. - Friday, November 30 & Saturday, December 1

December Dinner and Drash: Join us for a Shabbat gathering for families with young children (pre-K and under), with a kid-friendly dinner and Shabbat-themed, age-appropriate, educational fun with our clergy, staff, and a guest teacher. - Friday, December 7 5:00pm-7:00pm

Sunday, November 4 (Cheshvan 26)
8:30a Shacharit
10:00a Class with Rabbi Ben Mintz (at his home)
4:45p Mincha/Maariv

Monday, November 5 (Cheshvan 27)
6:30a Shacharit
9:00a Women's Intermediate Parsha Class with Maharat Friedman
12:30p Women's Parsha Class with Rabbi Herzfeld
7:30p Maariv
7:45p Parsha Class with Maharat Friedman

Tuesday, November 6 (Cheshvan 28) - Election Day
6:30a Shacharit
7:30p Maariv

Wednesday, November 7 (Cheshvan 29)
6:30a Shacharit
12:30p Downtown Torah Study with Rabbi Herzfeld
6:45p Shoftim: The Book of Judges with Rabbi Herzfeld
7:30p Maariv
8:30p Town Hall Meeting for Teenagers

Thursday, November 8: Rosh Chodesh Kislev (Cheshvan 30)
6:30a Shacharit
7:30p Maariv
7:30p Remember Sambir Lecture and Presentation

Erev Shabbat, November 9: Rosh Chodesh Kislev (Kislev 1)
6:30a Shacharit
4:41p Candle Lighting
4:45p Kabbalat Shabbat

Shabbat, November 10: Toldot (Kislev 2)
9:00a Women's Tefillah Shacharit
9:15a Shacharit, with a Dvar Torah from Maharat Friedman
10:30a Shabbat Youth Groups
11:45a Kiddush
3:20p Daf Yomi
3:50p Chaim Fruchter's Shiur
4:20p Mincha, followed by Seudah Shlishit with a Shiur from Daniel Kazhdan
5:41p Havdalah

Sunday, November 11 (Kislev 3) - Veterans Day
8:30a Shacharit
10:00a Class with Rabbi Ben Mintz (at his home)
2:00p Atzei Chaim Workshop
3:45p Ohev on Ice: 4th and 5th Grade Ice Skating
4:40p Mincha/Maariv

Lifecycles

Support our community and its members by making a donation dedicated in honor of (IHO) or in memory of (IMO) a loved one.

DONATE

This Week's Birthdays

Daniel Kazhdan
Lael Sacho-Tanzer
Benjamin Lieberman
Eden Segal-Geetter
Monty Bennett
David Kuperman
Joshua Berk
Nina Tarley
Caleb Kurtzer-Ellenbogen
Adin Sacho-Tanzer
Teal Hyman
Elaine Troy
Hanna Abrams
Mira Resnick
Tamar Zakheim

Don't see a birthday listed? Update your lifecycle events and more at ostns.org (login required)

Members Observing Yahrzeits

Monday
Rachel Wildavsky for mother Nancy Haas Flick

Don't see a yahrzeit listed? Update your lifecycle events and more at ostns.org (login required)

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
(202) 882-7225

Ohev Sholom - The National Synagogue
1600 Jonquil Street NW
Washington, DC 20012

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Ohev Sholom Congregation 1600 Jonquil Street NW, Washington, DC 20012 (202) 882-7225

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