Thank you to all of the individuals who help our synagogue community thrive!
A Post-Election Message from Rabbi Finkelstein
*This message was initially sent out on Wednesday, November 6.
Dear Bais Abe community,
Over the last 36 hours, we have seen events unfold in the two countries that we love. In America, for the third consecutive Presidential election we have seen a president elected that has seen half of the country terribly upset. For the second time, we have elected someone, as Rabbi Shafner said eight years ago, "whose character and persona has emerged publicly time and again as debased." A person who seeks to divide, rather than unify.
And in Israel, we have seen the firing of the current Defense Minister, and the protests and riots that have erupted over that action. There are reports of soldiers on reserve duty who are refusing to continue due to the contentious politics over there.
We live in a country and a world that is divided over the meanings of these events, whether they are worthy of mourning and resistance, or joy and jubilation.
And what I am thinking about is Avraham Avinu.
Avraham Avinu was a man who stood alone in his convictions. We may have read the midrashim of him smashing idols, standing up before kings, and being thrown into a fire. But let's actually imagine what that would feel like. Avram, as he was then known, was a single person who was firm in his beliefs and actions, even as the world around him rejected those ideas. We like to imagine a brave Avram standing before the king, confident in God's salvation, but even brave people experience fear. What was it like to stand up for one's beliefs alone?
And yet he did it. Avram continued to fight for his belief in one God, and he did so not with violence, but with love, kindness and decency. He was saved by God not because he drew his sword, but because he could talk to people, engage with them, and cared about them.
Avram was not the only Jew to live in times of fear. Many of his descendants, all throughout the world, could not feel the sense of physical security that we have been blessed to feel in America. One of the reasons we dance the last Hakafa of Simchat Torah outside is to share in that blessing, as Rabbi Magence zt"l never felt that way in the Soviet Union.
We live in a time where many feel fear and uncertainty. We also live in a time where many feel excited and optimistic, and sometimes for the same reasons. Only God knows how the next few years will shake out, and how the world will be affected by them. But like Avraham Avinu, we must be certain in our values of one God, decency, and the desire to help the entire world, and all its inhabitants, live in a world fit for God to dwell in.
I am available to speak by phone, email or in person. Please contact me to set up a meeting.
May God bless the USA, Israel, and the entire world with peace, tranquility, and prosperity for all its inhabitants.
Sincerely, Eliezer Finkelstein
Upcoming Events
NEXT Shabbat - A Celebration of Sephardic Jewish Life! *Volunteers are needed to help cook for the Shabbat festivities. Let Abby know if you can come on Thursday night, November 14 and/or Friday midday, November 15. Learn about (and help with) delicious Sephardic treats! Also, help us prepare accordingly by RSVPing. Click on the images below to go to the website, or be in touch with the shul office.
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
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
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
The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry Needs Our Help Please help the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry by donating money or donating food. Below are some suggestions for food items the pantry needs: tuna fish and protein-rich foods; kosher non-perishable foods; peanut butter and jelly; healthy soups; any kind of canned fruits; canned vegetables (e.g. corn, green beans, peas, carrots); macaroni and cheese; and personal care items such as Kleenex, diapers, and feminine protection items.
Currently, the need is great so please help in any way you can. Thank you. For further information, please contact Louise Levine, 314 368 5902.
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
