Be Kind Anyway וּפָנִ֣יתִי אֲלֵיכֶ֔ם וְהִפְרֵיתִ֣י אֶתְכֶ֔ם וְהִרְבֵּיתִ֖י אֶתְכֶ֑ם וַהֲקִימֹתִ֥י אֶת־בְּרִיתִ֖י אִתְּכֶֽם׃ I will look with favor upon you, and make you fertile and multiply you; and I will maintain My covenant with you. (Leviticus 26:9) Keeping up our side of the agreement is important not just for those with whom we have made a deal but it is important for ourselves. “People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies. Succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you. Be honest and frank anyway. What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight. Build anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God. It was never between you and them anyway.” Mother Teresa
Please join us this Shabbat as our Rabbinic intern Sara Birbaum makes her teaching debut at our synagogue.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"If your kin under you continue in straits (literally stumbles) and must be given over to you, do not subject them to the treatment of a slave." (Leviticus 25:35)
Getting back up after a fall becomes increasingly more difficult as we get older. As we age we may need assistance when in the past it wasn’t necessary. Knowing when to ask for help is something we try to teach our children and we often forget about ourselves.
Resilience "Command the Israelite people to bring you clear oil of beaten olives for lighting, for kindling lamps regularly." (Leviticus 24:2) Is it really true that “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger?” I don’t think so. Sometimes it just leaves us diminished. However, there is truth to the idea that pushing ourselves does build muscle, whether that be physical or emotional. We do find greater resilience when we discover the depths of our abilities and that sometimes comes when being tested. The eternal light of our indomitable spirit is found in the many challenges we have faced and survived.
Naval Birshut HaTorah - A scoundrel in the bounds of the Torah (Maimonides)
Anytime your response to a situation is, “I am well within my rights” it is time to reevaluate your actions. It is possible to live within the confines of the law while behaving in ways that are wrong. There are any number of ways to circumvent the laws both within our society and our tradition and still live a life that is reprehensible.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Negative Self-Talk Making expiation for himself and for the people. (Leviticus 16:24) The Mishna explains that before we can ask forgiveness from God, we must first make up with each other. (Yoma 8:9)
What if this statement read “making expiation to himself and to the people. How many times have we done harm to ourselves? How often do we forgive ourselves? Regularly we use language with ourselves that is damaging. Do we even recognize when we have done so? Negative self-talk is as hurtful, maybe even more so than when it comes from others. In the Beginning: Adult Discussion of GenesisWednesday evening, April 27 at 8:00 click here for link
Community Wide Yom HaShoah Commemoration Thursday, April 28 at noon Garden of Remembrance 148 Martine Avenue, White Plains
Yom HaShoah Speaker Toby Levy will address our GHC Community Sunday, May 1 at 10:30am click here for link
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Choose Healing over Suffering בִּנְפֹ֣ל (אויביך) [א֭וֹיִבְךָ] אַל־תִּשְׂמָ֑ח וּ֝בִכָּשְׁל֗וֹ אַל־יָגֵ֥ל לִבֶּֽךָ׃ If your enemy falls, do not exult; If he trips, let your heart not rejoice, (Proverbs 24:17) Near the end of the seder we proclaim, “Pour out Your wrath on the nations who do not know You.” It is a moment of extraordinary courage. We say, to the world loud and clear, that we seek the demise of those who want to hurt us. In every generation we can easily name those who are our latest and most dangerous adversary. The instinct is to want their destruction and maybe after a few cups of wine we are even more emboldened. Haven’t we had enough violence? Haven’t we had enough hatred? Haven’t we had enough pain? This year I ask you to substitute the statement of suffering witha statement of healing. ”If your enemy falls, do not exult; If he trips, let your heart not rejoice,” (Proverbs 24:17) and begin the healing this world desperately needs. As it says in Exodus 15:26 [God] said, “If you will heed your God יהוה diligently, doing what is upright in God’s sight, giving ear to God’s commandments and keeping all God’s laws, then I will not bring upon you any of the diseases that I brought upon the Egyptians, for I יהוה am your healer.” Chag Kasher V’Sameach
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"The one to be purified shall wash those clothes, shave off all hair, and bathe in water—and then shall be pure. After that, the camp may be entered but one must remain outside one’s tent for seven days." (Leviticus 14:8)
We all need a fresh start sometimes. Sometimes permission for starting over comes from someone else and sometimes it is a gift we must give ourselves. The holiday of Passover, which should be on all of our minds, has us cleaning our homes. Maybe we ought to give ourselves permission to clear out the negativity we all feel and start with a clean slate.
The sermon this week will be “Enjoying Passover is a Matter of Changing our Expectations”
If you want me to sell your chametz, simply reply to the email with your address ASAP.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"The priest shall examine the affection on the skin of the body:"(Leviticus 13:3) In the ancient world upon discovering symptoms of disease a religious leader was consulted. Today, I pray the first call is to a medical professional. However, maybe the second should be to your rabbi. Not only do I want to know what is going on in your life and I want to add my prayers to yours and your family members, I want to be there to listen. When confronted by illness, we can become afraid and having someone to listen to our fears is a critical component to recovery. When our bodies fail us, we need to remember to care not just for our physical ailments but to listen to our hearts and minds as well. Body, mind and heart go together. Doctors are specialists for our bodies. Psychologists are specialists for our minds. And dare I say it, clergy are specialists for our souls.
There is still time to sell your chametz - just reply to this email with your address and I will take care of it for you.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
This is the ritual law that יהוה has commanded: Instruct the Israelite people to bring you a red cow without blemish, in which there is no defect and on which no yoke has been laid. (19:2) This Shabbat we have one of the four special reading as we prepare for Passover. Its message is simple. Don’t sacrifice the good for the perfect. As we get ready for having family gather around, we know there will be tension. Arguments may break out but if we lower the expectation maybe the volume can be lowered as well. Recognizing there will be spills of wine and emotion may be the key to enjoying the time together more. If you would like me to sell your Chametz, please respond to this email with your name and address. This must be done by April 14th, 2022 at 8:00am
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
The fire on the altar shall be kept burning, not to go out: every morning the priest shall feed wood to it, lay out the burnt offering on it, and turn into smoke the fat parts of the offerings of well-being. (Leviticus 6:5)
Most things in life requires regular maintenance. Our relationships, our careers, our homes and even ourselves all require regular conservation. Just like the passion of new love, without attention the spark can go out. We must nurture those parts of our lives so that we can survive.
If you would like me to sell your Chametz, please respond to this email with your name and address. This must be done by April 14th, 2022 at 8:00am
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“the term ויקר, comes from the root ,קרה, which means is connected with” - Rashi The first word of this week's portion is spelled with a small aleph. Rashi explains why. His point is simple. The entire book of Leviticus centers on the Tabernacle and sacrifice and it is possible we will lose sight of the central role of the priestly cult and that is bringing us together, finding a place to meet.
For two years we have been starved for each other. Now is the time to come back. Do whatever you need to feel comfortable, but come back. This past week, we had nearly 40 people in person. This past Sunday, for the first time in two years we gathered as a school for Havdallah. It is time to come back. Come with a mask, come without one. Come for services, come for a class, come for kiddush. Come just to see a friend. If you would like me to sell your Hametz please respond to this email with your name and address. This must be done by April 14th, 2022 at 8:00am
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“the term ויקר, comes from the root ,קרה, which means is connected with” - Rashi The first word of this week's portion is spelled with a small aleph. Rashi explains why. His point is simple. The entire book of Leviticus centers on the Tabernacle and sacrifice and it is possible we will lose sight of the central role of the priestly cult and that is bringing us together, finding a place to meet.
For two years we have been starved for each other. Now is the time to come back. Do whatever you need to feel comfortable, but come back. This past week, we had nearly 40 people in person. This past Sunday, for the first time in two years we gathered as a school for Havdallah. It is time to come back. Come with a mask, come without one. Come for services, come for a class, come for kiddush. Come just to see a friend. If you would like me to sell your Hametz please respond to this email wilt your name and address. This must be done by April 14th, 2022 at 8:00am
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“the term ויקר, comes from the root ,קרה, which means is connected with” - Rashi The first word of this week's portion is spelled with a small aleph. Rashi explains why. His point is simple. The entire book of Leviticus centers on the Tabernacle and sacrifice and it is possible we will lose sight of the central role of the priestly cult and that is bringing us together, finding a place to meet.
For two years we have been starved for each other. Now is the time to come back. Do whatever you need to feel comfortable, but come back. This past week, we had nearly 40 people in person. This past Sunday, for the first time in two years we gathered as a school for Havdallah. It is time to come back. Come with a mask, come without one. Come for services, come for a class, come for kiddush. Come just to see a friend. If you would like me to seel your Hametz please respond to this email will your name and address. This must be done by April 14th, 2022 at 8:00am
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"And speak to the Israelite people, as follows: This shall be an anointing oil sacred to Me throughout the ages." (Exodus 30:31) Think of something you admire in someone close to you. Appreciate that quality. Now take a moment to think how you might incorporate that characteristic into your life. Carry that with you as you dedicate yourself to becoming a better version of who you already are.
Please join me for: “In The Beginning: A Study of the book of Genesis” No prior attendance needed. Wednesday, February 16, evening at 8:00 on Zoom click here for link
Book Club - Concealed Tuesday, February 22, 10:00 am: on zoom click here for link
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
These are the vestments they are to make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a fringed Others “checkered.” tunic, a headdress, and a sash. They shall make those sacral vestments for your brother Aaron and his sons, for priestly service to Me; (Exodus 28:4)
Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Clothes make the man. How you dress says a lot about who you are. While none of that may be true, how we dress does have an impact on how we feel about ourselves. During COVID many people's wardrobe changed dramatically, now it's time to get dressed again. Part of a return to normal life (whatever that may look like) is taking steps to feel normal. Getting dressed is one of them.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Raiders of the Lost Ark And deposit in the Ark [the tablets of] the Pact which I will give you. (Exodus 25:16) After reading Under Jerusalem, the last book of our book club, I am convinced archeology is just another version of idol worship. When we place power in material objects we relinquish control of our own destiny. To believe in God is to reject the influence of trinkets and amulets. The strength of Torah is in its insight and guidance. Objects should be a reminder of the meaning with which they have been imbued.Objects can influence our sense of purpose but must not be an end in and of themselves.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Don’t Jump Off a Bridge You shall neither side with the mighty (Others says “multitude.”) to do wrong—you shall not give perverse testimony in a dispute so as to pervert it in favor of the mighty (Exodus 23:2) Deciding when to break from the herd and when to follow the herd is growing ever more difficult as the information we get from so many different sources leaves us wondering what is the best path for us individually. It is hard to know who’s approach will be most successful. Even if we know what we want to accomplish, it is often difficult to know what the right path is to get there. Certainly, following the majority isn’t always the best route. Maintaining perspective is difficult especially when so many others have lost theirs. As my mother often said to me when responding to my statement, “but everyone was doing it,” she would say, “just because everyone is jumping off a bridge doesn’t mean you should.”
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"You will surely wear yourself out, and these people as well. For the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone." (Exodus 18:18) In our desire to help people we care about, we sometime over extend ourselves. When we forget to care for ourselves we become run down and are of no good to anyone. If you are being stretched beyond your limits, take note and take time for yourself. Do it for yourself and ultimately for those around you.
My classes are coming back: "In the Beginning: A Class on Genesis"Wednesday night, January 19 at 8:00 pm. only on zoom click here for link "Gender Roles in the Talmud: One Fascinating Story" FinishStrong right after Kiddush on Shabbat January 22. (Green Team Shabbat) Only in person Book Club - Under Jerusalem,Tuesday, January 25, 10:00 am only on zoom click here for link and /or Thursday, January 27, 8:00 pm only on zoom click here for link
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
One of the blessings we recite every morning is ברוך אתה ה´ אלוקינו מלך העולם מתיר אסורים “Who releases the captive.” This morning that blessing seems even more poignant. Thanks to a coordinated effort of local, state and federal law enforcement, together with God's help not a single hostage or responder was hurt.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
This morning we read of the liberation of the Jews from the slavery in Egypt. We broke out into the song at the sea in our redemption.
As the situation at the Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville is still fluid I ask that each of us take a moment to pray for those who are still being held against their will and for members of law enforcement who stand in harm's way in the protection of our fellow citizens.
We realize as members of the Jewish community of the dangers of living in a world filled with such hatred and anger that we are often caught in the crosshairs. Be assured our congregation continues to be diligent in our security measures even as we face the challenges of COVID.
We are always vigilant in our own protection.
Even as we pray for the families and bring support to those who lost their lives and were displaced from their homes in a terrible fire in the Bronx this past week, we recognize we are all children of God and we will not permit acts of terrorism to divide us.
May this week bring a quick resolution without incidents to this circumstance and may we find reason to sing once again. Shavua Tov.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Now when Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although it was nearer; for God said, “The people may have a change of heart when they see war, and return to Egypt.” (Exodus 13:17) “Are we there yet?” We look forward to the destination sometimes without noticing the importance of the journey. ““The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” ― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
Finish Strong is returning Shabbat, January 22, 2022 "Green Team Shabbat"
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Darkest Before the Dawn "They hid all the land from view, and the land was darkened;" (Exodus 10:15)
Some say, “it is darkest before the dawn.” Until the light shines we must make sure to help each other through the darkness.
A prayer from Marquette University May we who are merely inconvenienced remember those whose lives are at stake. May we who have no risk factors remember those most vulnerable. May we who have the luxury of working from home remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent. May we who have to cancel our trips remember those that have no place to go. May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market remember those who have no margin at all. May we who settle in for a quarantine at home remember those who have no home. During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other, let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors. Amen.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, that I may multiply My signs and marvels in the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 7:3) Sometimes when we say things over and over trying to convince others of our worth, we might reflect on whether or not it is they whom we are trying to convince. It is possible that others don’t need convincing of our value, it is only us who need it. Then others will follow.
Please stay safe!
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
“And he said to his people, “Look, the Israelite people are much too numerous for us.” (Exodus 1:9)
It has been said, “perception is reality.” Past experience changes our perception. We must continually do a "reality check" to make sure our fears aren’t altering the way we see the world. We must make sure that, while “love is blind” maybe other emotions ought to be held in check until reality shows itself.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Here is how you can help with supporting those suffering from the damage of hurricanes of this past week. Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund Kentucky Red Cross: Donate online Text REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. To donate by phone via credit card or to ask questions about donating money to the Red Cross, please call 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669) Verified GoFundMe pages created by community members and organizations in need His House Ministries (Mayfield, Ky) United Way of Kentucky Disaster Relief At Work Convoy of Hope Aspire Appalachia Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief Shop Local Kentucky – purchase a “Kentucky Strong” T-shirt and 100% of the proceeds will go to the Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund The Lee Initiative Mayfield-Graves County United Way Salvation Army Disaster Relief Relevant Church (Mayfield, KY) Rise and Shine (Bowling Green, KY) Global Giving Midwest US Tornado Relief Fund Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Samaritan’s Purse International Relief Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort Lutheran Disaster Response Water with Blessings – Text WATER4SURVIVORS to 41444 Kentucky Counseling Center
Donate blood Kentucky Red Cross: Find your local blood bank here Kentucky Blood Center: Find a drive here Blood Assurance: Schedule and appointment here
Donate clothes, blankets, food, water and other supplies *Suggested donations include gas, generators, storage bins/totes, space heaters, lash lights, head lamps, batteries, propane tanks, utility gloves, phone chargers, gas cans, socks, undergarments, blankets, coats, warm clothes, shoes, toiletries, paper towels, plastic utensils, paper plates, feminine hygiene products, baby formula, diapers, wipes, water, snacks, non-perishable foods. The Salvation Army Kentucky/Tennessee Division Dare to Care Food Bank Ronald McDonald House Charities, 550 South First Street, Louisville, KY and 1300 Sports Center Dr, Lexington, KY (collecting donations through Dec. 17) Northside Baptist Church, 611 W Lockridge St, Mayfield, KY Fairview Baptist Church, 701 West Water Street, Mayfield, KY Redemption City Church, 104 Railroad Ave., Dawson Springs KY, 270-425-4310 Dawson Spring High School, 317 Eli St, Dawson Springs, KY 42408 Mount Zion Baptist Church, 175 Graham Dr., Bowling Green, KY Eleventh St Baptist Church, 1035 Kenton ST. Bowling Green, KY (collecting from Sunday, Dec. 12 through Wednesday, Dec. 15) State Street Baptist Church, 340 State St. Bowling Green, KY (collecting from Sunday, Dec. 12 through Friday, Dec. 17) Next Level Church, 1405 Veterans Memorial ln., Bowling Green, KY (accepting donations Tuesday, Dec. 14 through Thursday, Dec. 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service, 2025 New Holt rd., Paducah, KY 42001 (Accepting backpacks and toys through Dec. 20, will deliver to children of western KY for Christmas) The Johnson Bar, 133 S. 3rd St. Paducah, KY. 42001 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 12) First Baptist Church, 2890 Broadway St, Paducah, KY, 270-442-2728 Dry Ground Brewing Company, 3121 Broadway St, Paducah, KY 42001 Paducah Beer Werks, 301 N 4th St, Paducah, KY 42001 Lone Oak Baptist Church, 3601 Lone Oak Rd, Paducah, KY 42003 Community Kitchen, 1237 Martin Luther King Jr Drive, Paducah, KY Hancock’s of Paducah, 3841 Hinkleville Road, Paducah, KY (accepting donations of clean quilts and blankets, Tuesday, Dec. 14 through Friday, Dec. 17, 9 a.m. to 5pm, and Saturday, Dec. 18, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) Barrel & Bond, 100 Broadway Paducah, KY 42001 Stepstone Family and Youth Services, 78 Caky Dr, Benton, KY, 270-527-8388 Marshall County Exceptional Center, 198 Old Symsonia Rd, Benton, KY, 270-252-6530 (8 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Sunday, Dec. 12 – Friday, Dec. 17) Central Elementary School, 115 Jim Goheen Road Benton, KY 42025 (accepting donations on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Jefferson County Public Schools, VanHoose Education Center, 3332 Newburg Road, Louisville, KY 40218 (accepting donations from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m through Friday) Veteran’s Club Inc., 9419 Seatonville rd. at Fern Creek Christian Church, Louisville, KY 40291 Four Pegs Smokehouse and Bar, 1053 Goss Ave, Louisville, KY 40217 Six Forks Burger Company, 1039 Ash St. Louisville, KY 40217, (Saturday, Dec. 11 through Monday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.) Roebling Point Books, 601 Overton Street, Newport, KY 41071 Newport Fire Department, 998 Monmouth St, Newport, KY 41071 Walnut Grove Baptist Church, 2941 Highland Lick Rd, Russellville, KY Akridge Farm Supply, 724 Fairview Ave, Eddyville, KY 42038, 270-388-2910 – Looking specifically for tarps and gas cans Cave City Community Center (Senior Center), 105 Duke St, Cave City, KY 42127 Jamestown City Park Batting Cages, 123 Park Ave, Jamestown, KY 42629 (drop off from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday through Thursday) Russell Springs City Hall, 487 Main Street, Russell Springs, KY 42642 (drop off from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday) St. Jerome’s Catholic Church, 20 KY-339, Fancy Farm, KY 42039 Calvert City Civic Center, 991 5th Ave SE, Calvert City, KY 42029 (Drop off until 5 p.m. on Saturday Dec. 11 and Sunday Dec. 12) Water drive at Pritchard Community Center, 404 S Mulberry St, Elizabethtown, KY 42701 (need cases of bottled water) Felix Martin Hall, 501 W. Everly Brothers Blvd., Greenville, KY. 42345 Kentucky Education Development Corporation, Ashland office (904 Rose Road) and Lexington Office (118 James Court Ste 60) Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, 208 South Main Street, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342 Winchester Police Department, 16 S. Maple Street, Winchester, KY (accepting donations until Monday evening) Georgetown Fire Department, 101 Jacobs Drive, Georgetown, KY (accepting donations all week) Clarksville Town Hall, 2000 Broadway Street, Clarksville, IN, (accepting donation Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) Hope 2 All Food Pantry, 307 W. Mose Rager Blvd. Drakesboro, KY 42337 Henderson County Schools/Henderson Police Department, 735 N. Elm St., Henderson, KY (will fill a bus to deliver to Dawson Springs, can drop off 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) Oh Sew Sweet Boutique, 210 East Arch Street, Madisonville, Ky. Green River Distilling Co., 10 Distillery Rd., Owensboro, KY, 42301 (accepting donations from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday, Dec. 17)
Volunteer ***Advisory: Please avoid obstructing search and rescue efforts by calling/checking-in beforehand*** Kentucky Emergency Management – Fill out the volunteer/donate link here Kentucky Red Cross Catalyst Church, 114 Kings Dr., Mayfield, KY, (270) 356-1191 South Warren High School, 8140 Nashville Road, Bowling Green, 270-467-7500 Bremen Volunteer Fire Department, 51 College St., Bremen, KY 42325, 270-525-6002 Lone Oak Baptist Church, 3601 Lone Oak Rd, Paducah, KY 42003 Bowling Green Community Action Center, 171 Center St, Bowling Green, KY, 270-782-4437 Gasper Brewing Company, 302 State Street, Bowling Green, KY. – need volunteers to serve food Mayfield City Hall, 211 E. Broadway, Mayfield, KY – Volunteers needed with drills Marshall County High School, 416 High School Rd. Benton, KY 42025 (volunteers will be shuttled to impacted areas starting at 7 a.m. daily.) Kentucky Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster God’s Pit Crew – Crisis Response Team Team Rubicon Disaster Response Covenant Community Church, 1055 North Main Street, Madisonville, KY, 270-821-2000 Mercy Chefs – Mayfield, KY Tornado Response (shifts available throughout the week) Samaritan’s Purse International Relief Kentucky Tornado Relief Initiative by Senate candidate Charles Booker Eight Days of Hope – Rapid Response Event (Mayfield, KY)
Support pets/stray animals in need The Humane Society Animal Rescue & Response Team Kentucky Humane Society Foster a pet or donate to these local shelters: Mayfield-Graves County Animal Shelter Bowling Green/Warren County Humane Society Hopkins County Humane Society Caldwell County Animal Shelter Muhlenburg County Animal Shelter Ceglinski Animal Clinic, 5401 Blandville Rd., Paducah, KY, 270-554-0171 (offering free housing for displaced pets) River Retriever Kennels LLC, 5796 Old Mayfield Rd., Paducah, KY, 270-556-4433 (offering housing for displaced pets) Marcus Rushing, 224 Hughes Rd., Wickliffe, KY, 985-605-4068 (has pasture and barn for cattle/horses, free of charge to victims of the tornadoes) Mociso Farms Livestock Sanctuary & Rescue Ltd., 595 Osborne Rd. Ekron, Ky. (drop off pet supplies, food and any other items for disaster relief from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Refer community members in distress to these help lines SAMHSA – Call or text 1-800-985-5990
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
The Angel who has redeemed me from all harm—Bless the lads. In them may my name be recalled, and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they be teeming multitudes upon the earth.” (Genesis 48:16)
Each of us has a guardian angel. Some of us recognize them and some cannot see their invisible hand helping us negotiate this treacherous world. Taking the time to internalize the feeling of protection we have experienced in our lives will strengthen us and steal us for difficult times ahead.
“In the Beginning class” this Wednesday night at 8:00pm either in person or on Zoom. If you are planning on attending in person, we need to know ASAP in order to have your fob programmed. For the zoom link click here.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
"If you take this one from me, too, and he meets with disaster, you will send my white head down to Sheol in sorrow." (Genesis 44:29)
There are events in our lives that break us. However, there is no way to determine that in advance. All we can do is take one day at a time.
Imagining the worst is human nature, predicting the future is not.
FinishStrong is Back - Join me for a discussion of the “Topic of the Day” right after services on Shabbat “In the Beginning” class is next Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at 8:00pm In person at GHC and on Zoom
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
As children and as adults we don't always get what we want. I imagine there are those who are disappointed by their gifts this year. Disappointment in life is real. Moving on is difficult. Thankfully, there are many opportunities throughout the year to give and receive from each other. Recallibrating our expectations is worthwhile. Which of our expectations should we rethink and which are worth maintaining.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Since tommorrow is Shabbat here are two thoughts. 1. In America we trationally eat latkes, in Israel they usually eat Donuts. Recently we have been eating both. Christians light the Christmas trees and we light our Menorahs. Similarities and differences abound in the world. Appreciating them is what makes living in a diverse world connected by humanity is wonderful. 2. The Rabbis forbid us from using the Hanukkah candles for anything. We should not read by them or use their flames for heat. Rather we should just appreciate their beauty. Do we ever just stop and enjoy the present? The present is our presnt on this holiday of gift giving.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Driedel is a game of chance, there is no way to control the outcome. Sometimes letting go of our sense of control can be liberating. Being able to know over what we have control and what we don't can be very freeing.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
Welcome to Rabbi's Corner. This is a stream of Rabbi Stein's דברי תורה (divrei torah, words of Torah).
