The Bais Abe Shmooze - Shemini Atzeret, Simchat Torah, and Shabbat
10/23/2024 01:12:23 PM
Oct23
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24 October 2024 - 26 October 2024 22-24 Tishrei 5785 Shemini Atzeret, Simchat Torah and Shabbat See below for service and candle lighting times. *Please remember to make an Eruv Tavshilin on Wednesday.
Thank you to our Thursday night Simchat Torah co-hosts, the Jewish Student Association at Wash U and JGrads. Thank you as well to Janet Weinberg, sponsoring dinner in memory of her loved ones, and to Rabbi Finkelstein, Danya and family for sponsoring Kiddush on Simchat Torah day.
A Message from Rabbi Finkelstein
Dear Bais Abe community,
This coming Thursday, we will be commemorating the 1st Yartzheit of the victims of October 7, those who were killed by horrific attacks against our people on Shmini Atzeret last year. It will be a difficult time for all of us, not least because we will still be commemorating our holiday of Joy. Different people have different expectations, and so I wanted to write to you to explain some of the things we will be doing over Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah to commemorate this 1st Yartzheit.
Throughout Shmini Atzeret, at all tefillot, someone will be reciting a Kaddish in memory of those killed last year (that means that if you can count for a minyan, it would be extra appreciated to come on time). On Shmini Atzeret day, before Yizkor, I will talk about some reflections on the Yartzheit, and how we can try to express our emotions while celebrating Simchat Torah. Then we will recite Yizkor. While traditionally, those with living parents leave during Yizkor, I think it is appropriate to stay in for this Yizkor (as long as you have your parents' permission). This year, none of us can say we don’t have someone to remember. There will be printouts on the back table with the names of everyone who was killed on Simchat Torah last year. Everyone should take a copy and use Yizkor to reflect on some of the names and say a Kel Malei for specific people.
On Simchat Torah night and day, we will dance with the Sifrei Torah, albeit with heavier hearts than usual. We will dedicate each Hakafah to a different group among the people and State of Israel who need our prayers and our joy.
I understand this plan cannot address the emotions of everyone in our community. Some might feel we are doing too much on a Chag, and others might feel that we are doing too little to recognize such a sad day. So the most important thing we can do is to look out for each other, note the emotions of everyone in our community, and care for those in our community who might need our support.
I pray that we all have a meaningful and joyous Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah together
Eliezer Finkelstein Rabbi of Bais Abraham Congregation
Upcoming Events
Learning Opportunities with Rabbi Finkelstein
Shemonah Perakim Shabbat afternoons at Seudah Shelishit
Join Rabbi Finkelstein for a study of Shemonah Perakim, Rambam’s introduction to Pirkei Avot, where he describes the important values through which we should live our lives.
Jewish History Through Its Great Religious Leaders Sundays at 9:15AM - in person and on Zoom
Every Sunday morning, join Rabbi Finkelstein as we journey through the great Done religious leaders of Jewish History, and look at how history shaped them, and was shaped by them. We will be learning in installments of four weeks for each figure. Find out more here.
Halachah with Chacham Ovadya Yosef Thursdays at 7:00PM - in person and on Zoom Will meet on the following October dates: October 10 and October 31
Every Thursday night, join Rabbi Finkelstein as we learn halacha, Jewish law, by following the framework as set up by Rav Ovadya Yosef in his work of responsa, Yabia Omer. Find out more here.
Bais Abe Community News
Mazal Tov to Simone Picker for being named Chabad at Washington University, Rohr Center for Jewish Life's Alum of the Year!
Rabbi Finkelstein's Office Hours Rabbi Finkelstein will have open office hours on Mondays from 1-3pm, Wednesdays, from 9am-12pm, and Thursdays from 12-3pm. Come say hi and chat! If you have any questions, or would like to speak further, feel free to reach out, rabbifinkelstein@baisabe.com.
Shabbat Services on the First Floor To make Bais Abe's services more accessible to all, Shabbat services will be held downstairs on the second Shabbat of the month. The schedule for the remainder of 2024 is:
October 19 (third week due to Chagim) November 9 December 14
Bais Abe Minyanim We need your help to strengthen Bais Abe's minyanim. For information on Friday night services, please be in touch with Greg Storch. For Monday and Thursday Shacharit minyanim (and to be added to a minyan WhatsApp group), please be in touch with Alan Nemes.
Update Your Info in the Bais Abe Directory Did you know that Bais Abe members have access to an online shul directory? View and edit your listing by singing in to your Bais Abe account; directions can be found here. After you log in, you can click on "My Account" and view and/or edit your directory entry. You can also upload a photo so that everyone can put faces with names. This will also help Rabbi Finkelstein as he gets to know everyone! Please be in touch with Ruth if you have any questions about logging in to your account and making updates.
Sign Up for Psalm of the Day WhatsApp Group In the aftermath of the attacks on October 7th, Rabbi Finkelstein started a Psalm of the Day WhatsApp group for his shul in Baltimore, so that people could find a time during the day to focus our minds and hearts into meaningful prayer through the Book of Psalms. The Whatsapp Group just began its third cycle of Psalms, so if you would like to join this group and learn more about the Book of Psalms, please joinhere.
Bais Abe Stands With Israel We are brokenhearted and devastated over current events in Israel. We stand with our brothers and sisters during these unprecedented times. We have created a page of some resources on our website. The Jewish Federation of St. Louis also has a comprehensive resource page here.
Please refrain from wearing perfume/cologne in the synagogue because some of our members are highly allergic. If you inadvertently arrive at the shul wearing any scents, please wash them off. Thank you.
Please be sure to close any windows you open before you leave the building.
Join Connect Bais Abe to get the most up-to-date news from Bais Abe and your fellow Bais Abers. To join the conversation, just send an email to connectBaisAbe+subscribe@groups.io.
St. Louis Jewish Community News and Messages
Opportunity to Help University City Family Ashleigh Selmon was recently tragically killed by a stray bullet in University City. She leaves behind a 7-year-old son and a 10-year-old daughter. The University City Police Department is requesting donations of clothes (new or good quality used), toiletries, toys, and gift cards to help support the family during this challenging time. Collection boxes are available at Bais Abe, Chabad WashU, Chabad of Greater St. Louis, and other locations throughout the community, or, you may deliver the items directly to the police station. It is a Kiddush Hashem to participate. Q's? Contact Rabbi H. Novack, rabbi@chabadwashu.org.
TOMCHEI SHABBOS Please remember our families in the community who are depending on your help during the upcoming chagim. A monetary donation can be made to tomcheistl.org or sent to Jackie Oppenheimer, 914 Albey Lane, 63132.
MIKVAH CAMPAIGN The mikvah is in significant need of funds and must raise at least $75,000 to cover urgent repair expenses. We are currently a third of the way to our goal. Please consider a tax-deductible donation to help sustain our mikvaot. Online at STLMikvah.org/donate or send a check payable to Taharath Israel of St. Louis, 4 Millstone Campus Drive, 63146.
Bais Abraham Congregation Office Hours: 6910 Delmar Blvd. Monday-Thursday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm University City, MO 63130 Friday: Closed Phone: 314.721.3030 Email: office@baisabe.com
