Shabbat Shalom ~ VaEra 2025

Shalom WJC Families,

As expected, it has been an emotionally complicated week. We welcomed home three Israeli hostages, Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari, but remain racked with worry about the 94 hostages still being held in Gaza, their health and experiences, and the price of their freedom (as Hamas terrorists march through Gaza cities brandishing guns and yelling slogans of victory). We pray for all of the hostages, their families, and anyone unwillingly living under the thumb of that most depraved organization. 

Also this past week, a new president took office. President Trump certainly evokes complicated emotions too, and usually strong ones. Whatever is to come with the new administration, an inauguration is a time to pray for peace, calm, and prosperity for us and all of our neighbors, may that be the future and may it come quickly. In the meantime, we are still looking for volunteers (especially Spanish speakers) who can help our community partners at the Community Resource Center, which serves our local Latino community, prepare for whatever is to come. If you are interested, please contact Sharon Silver at sraplata@msn.com.

It is hard to believe that the congregational trip to Morocco is already here! I am excited to explore the history of one of the most important North African Jewish communities with 28 members of our WJC family. I will try very hard to send travel log entries back to the WJC office so that if you’d like, you can follow along on our journey and learn as we learn.

As we prepare to depart for Morocco, I wanted to mention that the registration for The Ride for the Living is now open. This is the trip that includes a bike ride from the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp to the Krakow JCC to learn about and support the growing and thriving Jewish community of contemporary Poland. Please keep in mind that there is a registration fee and a fundraising expectation (you get your own fundraising page and everything). I am happy to explain more of the details and why this is such an incredible and worthwhile trip, or you can ask any of our 25 or so participants from last year. To view the registration page, click here. Make sure you indicate you are riding with Team Westchester Jewish Center and let me know if you’ve registered.

I want to wish a mazal tov to WJC member Robert Shasha, who will be one of the honorees at the Westchester Jewish Council Gala on February 1st at Congregation Kol Ami. I am constantly schepping nachas for all the wonderful work and support our members give the greater Jewish community. Thank you to all those who have such an impact on the Jewish world here in Westchester and beyond. For more information about the WJCouncil’s Gala, click here.

We are looking forward to a lovely Shabbat. Instead of a sermon on Saturday morning, we will have a full security drill. Please join us so that you can know the procedures should they ever, God forbid, need to be implemented. I will still provide a running commentary on the Torah portion during the reading. 

Then on Saturday afternoon we will welcome the 4th and 5th grade families to our afternoon services. We will learn together about the Torah portion and havdalah, as they get the opportunity to experience the unique Shabbat afternoon service experience. For those who regularly come to Shabbat mincha, just a note that we will not have seudat shelishit food this week.

Lastly, please note, next Shabbat morning (February 1st) will be our next Shabbat Morning 101 with Rabbi Claire Shoyer. I believe the group will be learning all about the Torah service – all are welcome and the feedback from these sessions has been very positive, so check it out!

See you in shul,

RJA

 

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