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A Prayer for Peace of the Other |
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We are overwhelmed with grief and anguish. Ayal Yifrach (age 19), Naftali Frenkel and Gilad Shaar (both age 16) were murdered. They were abducted on their way home from Yeshiva. And they were murdered by those who perceive Jews as only the enemy and not fellow human beings; those who see only ‘other,’ and never child, neighbor or frightened soul.
I fear for all of us who inhabit a world where the ‘other’ remains so dehumanized. I fear for the children of Syria and Iraq and Libya who have known such fear without respite for years. I fear for the girls of Nigeria and the boys of Sudan. I even fear for the children of Gaza and Hebron.
But tonight is different. Tonight this fear is not a diffuse humanism, spread across all peoples equally. Tonight I fear for my own. I fear for my children, now asleep in Jerusalem, as they will awaken tomorrow in a nation primed for conflict. I fear for the children of Israel wherever they are: from Tel Aviv to Alon Shevut; from Kiryat Gat to Kiryat Arba. I fear for the children now sent out to engage in acts of heroism and danger, to protect our children. And I fear that they not lose their sense of the humanity of ‘their’ children.
May the God of Abraham protect the children of Yitzhak and the children of Yishmael.
May the one we call Harachaman and they call al Rahman al Rahim (the most Merciful) create people whose hearts are filled with mercy.
May the One who asks us, in the words of the prophet Micah, that we simply act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God- save us from ourselves.
May You grant us the world of our prayers; the world we see in our most fervent hopes and dreams.
May you grant us the strength to see your presence in all the ‘others’ with whom we share this planet.
May that be Your will.
Amen. |
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Welcome to Congregation Beth El |
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Your Home for Meaningful Jewish Prayer, Learning and Living in Central Fairfield County
Under the leadership of Rabbi Joseph Ron Fish, Beth El is a growing, vibrant community that provides its membership with spiritual, educational and social nourishment through a commitment to Conservative Judaism. We are a house of gathering & study with dynamic programming for all ages. Congregation Beth El received 5 Solomon Schechter Awards for Excellence in Synagogue Programming from The United Synagogue of Conservative Judiasm. Join our members from throughout Fairfield County for Shabbat, Holidays, quality programming and an inspiring connection to Jewish life.
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Baum Family Gift |
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Congregation Beth El was the recipient of a $1,000,000 gift from the Baum family in memory of Walter Baum. Earnings from this gift will be used to improve and maintain the synagogue’s 65+ year old building. Pictured during the recent check presentation are (left to right): Rabbi Ron Fish, Win Baum, Merle Baum, Mark Baum and Keith Satter.
“Walter Baum was a very involved member of the synagogue,” noted President Keith L. Satter. “One of his areas of interest was the beautification of our facility and this gift will allow us to continue to improve our facility into the future, just as Walter would have liked.”
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Donations |
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This months Yahrzeits |
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Beth El Food Certificate Program |
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The Food certificate program at Beth El has expanded
The office now has 7 more choices for purchase in addition to the currently avilable stores (Stew Leonard’s, Stop & Shop, Shoprite, Fairway, Bev Max, A&P and Whole Foods). The new stores are: Barnes and Nobles, CVS, iTunes, Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, Lord & Taylor, and Panera. (When purchasing certificates for the newly available stores credit cards can not be accepted.) For more information see the "Buy Food Certificates & Support Beth El" page |
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2012 Beth El Gala Journal (
Congregation Beth El 109 East Ave. Norwalk, CT 06851 phone 203.838.2710 fax 203.838.2659 webmaster@congbethel.org