07 June 2025 - 11 Sivan 5785 Shabbat Candle Lighting–8:05 pm Shabbat Ends–9:12 pm According to myzmanim.com Shabbat - Parshat Naso Mincha and Kabbalat Shabbat-7:00 pm Shabbat Morning Services followed by Kiddush–9:00 am Mincha, Seudah Shelishit, Pirke Avot, and Maariv-7:50 pm
Next Shabbat: Services on the first floor. *Rabbi Finkelstein's Sunday morning class is cancelled this week, Sunday, June 8. *Pirke Avot will now meet during Seudah Shelishit.
Upcoming Events (click on the images to visit the website)
Celebrating 131 Years: Bais Abraham to Hold Installation of Rabbi Eliezer Finkelstein, in Conjunction with Annual Spring Fundraiser
RSVP and Donate here! Bais Abraham Congregation proudly announces the installation of its new spiritual leader, Rabbi Eliezer Finkelstein, at a penthouse reception in Clayton on Tuesday, June 17 as the culmination of its annual Spring Fundraiser taking place May 15 to June 15.
This year’s campaign marks two milestones as the synagogue commemorates its 131st anniversary and the installation.
Throughout its more than a century of service to the St. Louis Jewish community, Bais Abe, as it is affectionately known by its congregants, has consistently rekindled its relevance by adapting to the evolving needs of modern Orthodox life while remaining deeply rooted in tradition. In keeping with the Congregation's name, Bais Abraham, a home open to all, all are welcome to attend the installation celebration. The keynote speaker will be Rabbi Yonah Berman, Dean of Rabbinic Initiatives at Yeshivat Chovevei Torah. Additionally, there will be a recorded greeting from Rabbi Avi Weiss, Founding President of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, as well as remarks from Rabbi Joshua Finkelstein of Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael (and father of Rabbi Eliezer Finkelstein). Heavy hors d’oeuvres (Vaad certified meat and pareve options) and drinks will be served.
“The Finkelstein family moved to St. Louis almost a year ago, and has already become an integral part of the Bais Abe community. We’re proud to celebrate our rich history and embrace an exciting future with Rabbi Finkelstein at the helm,” said Bais Abraham Executive Director Ruth Schachter-Cohen. “For generations, we’ve adapted and grown, remaining a meaningful part of the modern Orthodox community and this event is a powerful expression of that legacy.”
For the associated fundraiser campaign, themed “Spring Into Action,” members of the congregation will be reaching out by phone to encourage support from the community.
“Spring Into Action” was the obvious theme, as we want to inspire ourselves and others to honor the past, celebrate the present, and invest in the future together," said Judith Hoffman, fundraising co-chairperson. “This year, we’re encouraging everyone to match last year’s gift and to consider giving a little bit more as a meaningful gesture of welcome and appreciation for our new rabbi.” Funds raised will support operations and growth under Rabbi Finkelstein’s leadership.
“I believe that Bais Abe is a special place, one that is committed to Jewish law as interpreted by our tradition, as well as one that welcomes all people of all backgrounds,”said Rabbi Finkelstein. “Our commitment to God's teachings inspires us to be open to all Jews who are looking for a sense of community, and we hope to continue in that goal.”
Pirkei Avot Study Shabbat afternoons at Seudah Shelishit (Note new place and time)
Join Rabbi Finkelstein for a Shabbat afternoon study of Pirkei Avot, using Rabbi Dr. Binyamin Lau's, The Sages, as a guide.
Weekly Haftarah Class Shabbat afternoons at Seudah Shelishit
Join Rabbi Finkelstein for a weekly study of the Haftarah.
Jewish History Through Its Great Religious Leaders Sundays at 9:15AM - in person and on Zoom Cancelled this Sunday, June 8
Every Sunday morning, join Rabbi Finkelstein as we journey through the great 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 This coming Thursday, we will start a new teshuva, discussing whether or not one can brush our teeth on Shabbat (don't worry, you can). 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 morehere.
*If you would like to study a different topic, or in a smaller group, please feel free to reach out to set up an individual chevruta.*
Bais Abe Community News
Volunteers Needed for Bais Abe Garden Are you a master gardener? Or a novice to the gardening world who would like to learn more? Either way, we need your help! All you need is an interest in jumping in to help with weeding, trimming, and planting in the Bais Abe garden. No prior experience is necessary, and we can help everyone interested in finding a task that suits them. Please be in touch with Rebecca Swartz or the Bais Abe office if you would like to help!
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 2025 is: June 14 July 12 August 9 September 13 October 11 November 8 December 13
Security at Bais Abe We are in regular communication with Scott Biondo, Community Security Director at the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, as well as with University City Police and other resources to make sure our security protocols are up to date.
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.
Sign Up for Perek 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 group has now completed Psalms and has transitioned to the Book of Yeshayahu (Isaiah). If you would like to join this group and learn more about Yeshayahu, 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.
Let Your Old Car Benefit Bais Abe! Do you have an old car that you thinking about donating? Let your donation benefit Bais Abe! Contact Ruth in the office or visit the website, https://careasy.org/bais-abraham-congregation, to find out more information.
Reminders
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.
THE SIX DAYS FOLLOWING SHAVUOT In the Torah, we are commanded to make aliyat haregel, a pilgrimage, to the Beit Hamikdash (Temple) in Jerusalem three times a year -- on Pesach, on Sukkot, and on Shavuot – and bring sacrifices. For Pesach and Sukkot, the pilgrimage lasted for a full week, but for Shavuot it was only one day. Still in some way, Shavuot was also extended for a week. As stated in the Talmud Rosh Hashanah (4b), while the six days following Shavuot are not part of the chag (holiday), one who did not bring their korban (sacrifice) on the day of Shavuot, may do so during the rest of the week, just like on Pesach and Sukkot. How does this effect modern day halacha? The prayer of Tachanun, which contains confessions of sins and petitions for God’s mercy, is recited after the repetition of the Shmoneh Esrei in morning and afternoon services on weekdays. On any joyful day, such as a holiday, we don’t say Tachanun. The Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law 131:7) does not include the six days following Shavuot in the list of such days, however, the Mishnah Berurah (Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan, 1838-1933) states that there were communities where the custom was to omit Tachanun for the six days following Shavuot, because of the make-up sacrifice that could be brought during these days. This custom is followed today here in Israel by most communities, while outside Israel most do not follow it. Jack Shapiro
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:
Canned Beef-Stew, Chili, and Protein-Rich Food Kosher Non-Perishable Foods Any Kind of Canned Vegetables (e.g. corn, green beans, peas, and carrots) Peanut Butter (creamy or crunchy) Healthy Cereals (please avoid sugary cereal) Canned Fruit Macroni and Cheese Personal care items such as: Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Wash
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.
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
