Temple Beth Ami Conservative Synagogue in Philadelphia

Dear Congregants and Friends of Temple Beth Ami:

This week we celebrate the holiday of Shavuot.  The significance of Shavuot is that G-d gave us the Torah on this holiday.  Why were the Jewish people singled out to receive the Torah as opposed to all of the other nations of the world?  The commentaries explain that even though the Jewish people were slaves in Egypt for so many years, and could have easily become like their oppressors (the Egyptians), they never changed their names, their use of language, or their moral character.  Thus, G-d felt that they were the most worthy of all people to receive the greatest prize, the Torah, and the State of Israel.  If we fast forward to today, we realize that things haven't changed. Despite the fact that we have suffered tremendously at the hands of our oppressors, and despite the fact that the world around us is full of moral decay, we have never lost our faith and have always continued to be a light onto others.  The tiny nation of Israel is a world leader in so many areas, such as science, technology, and medicine, despite the fact that countries like Iran threaten its survival each and every day.  The rest of the world loves to bash Israel, often motivated purely by anti-semitism, which brought about the holocaust, but as other countries bash Israel, the State of Israel is sending its citizens throughout the world to help those in need each and every day.  Even some of Israel's worst enemies are beginning to realize that Israel is not the cause of the world's problems, but rather the solution.  Even with the coronavirus epidemic, no nation has stepped up to the plate and handled the situation in as organized a manner as the State of Israel.  As we celebrate the holiday of Shavuot, let's hope that G-d will show his mercy and cure the world of the coronavirus epidemic, and at the same time we as Jews should continue to act in the same manner we have been acting until now.  No matter how difficult things may become, we can never forget who we are and where we came from, and never give up on our morals.  If we behave in this manner, we will continue to be a shining light onto all of the other nations

– Chat Sameach! – Rabbi Novitsky

Please join us on Wednesday, May 27th for a special Shavuot Service via Zoom starting at 7:00 PM EDT.
Here is the information to join the Zoom Meeting:

https://zoom.us/j/4849572629 / 

Meeting ID: 484 957 2629

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Meeting ID: 484 957 2629

We hope you have a safe and healthy holiday weekend and look forward to seeing all who can attend on Wednesday night.

Please contact the office with any questions.

Sincerely,

Temple Beth Ami’s Officers and Board of Directors

Dear Congregants:

At this very difficult time, I would like to begin by wishing all of you a safe, happy, and healthy Passover.

These are unique times, and I completely understand the difficulty all of you are having with the uncertainty and the fear of what lies ahead.
Families are separated from one another, and we are all separate from each other. Many of us are also concerned not only about our health but also our financial stability. The Beth Ami Passover Seder, which we all looked forward to each year, has been canceled, and we are all crying out for help! But as I was sitting home alone the other day, I listened to a webinar given by a 92 year old holocaust survivor, and for the first time since the coronavirus plague appeared, I felt some comfort. I want to share with you a summary of his words.

During the holocaust, there was death and despair all around. But what enabled this individual to survive the holocaust were two things:

1. Even in the darkest of times, there are still outstanding people that sacrifice themselves to help others. He talked about how during the holocaust while in the concentration camp some people that didn't eat all day gave their food to others so they could eat. He talked about how some people helped others complete their tasks so they would not be sent to the gas chambers. He talked about how some people gave up their lives so others could live. This helped him get through each day. As we look at what is going on all around us, there are still certain people rising to the occasion. Health care workers (such as my daughter who hasn't been able to see her husband and child for the past month), police, the military, and supermarket cashiers who risk their lives so others can live. Interestingly, the rich Wall Street brokers, entertainers, and athletes have become insignificant. The definition of "Hero" has completely changed. Take inspiration from these devoted altruistic people who make it their focus to do what they can to help others, and who shine some light in these otherwise dark times.

2. One must always keep a positive approach. As bad as times got, the holocaust survivor told us that he kept dreaming about what he was going to do and where he was going to go when it was all over.--The US, Palestine (At the time, there was no Israel). But he always had hope that better days were ahead. Those that gave up, unfortunately, too often didn't live to see the defeat of the Nazis and the rebirth of the state of Israel. Those that had a positive vision often survived and helped build the state of Israel and make it the great nation that it is today.

My message to all of you before Passover is to always try to find good even when most things are bad, and to never lose faith that there will be a better tomorrow. As we all celebrate Passover alone, remember how bad things were for the Jewish people, but G-d brought us out of Egypt and saved us, and I am 100% confident that G-d will do the same for us all again in the very near future.

Chag Sameach and a Happy Passover to all of you!

Rabbi Mitchell Novitsky

TEMPLE BETH AMI EVENTS
ΜΑΥ 2020/ Adar 5780

• Closed until official opening after COVID19 Restrictions are lifted. Please contact the office at 215 673-2511
• Please contact the office with any questions or concerns. Sending you all wishes of sustained good health. Sincerely,
  Temple Beth Ami's Officers & Board of Directors
• We will be suspending walking around with the Torah during services and suspend the Kiddush following all services.  For anyone who is not feeling well, we ask that you please stay home.  
• The board will continue to monitor the situation on an as needed basis and if there are any changes an email will be sent with those updates. Please contact the office with any questions and/or for additional information.

Please contact the office with any questions or if you would like additional information about any of the above information.

Please contact the office with any questions.

*Subject to change

Minyan Sign Up

Sunday Mornings 9:00 AM

Monday & Thursday Mornings 7:30 AM

Monday & Thursday Evenings 8:00 PM

Please contact the office at 215 673-2511 or by email form by clicking here and going to our Minyan Sign Up Page.

Shavuot Thursday, May 28, 2020

Sivan 5, 5780 Light Holiday Candles at 8:03 PM  
Friday, May 29, 2020 Sivan 6, 5780

Light Shabbat / Holiday Candles at 8:04 PM from a pre-existing flame     

Saturday, May 30, 2020 Sivan 7, 5780
Shabbat / Holiday Ends  9:11 PM

LINK TO SHAVOUT READINGS   

 

Readings for Shavuot First Day

Sivan 6, 5780 May 29, 2020

First Torah: Shavuot Day 1: Exodus 19:1 - 20:23

Second Torah: Shavuot Day 1: Numbers 28:26-31

Haftarah: Ezekiel 1:1-28; Ezekiel 3:12

Readings for Shavuot Second Day

Second Day Sivan 7, 5780 May 30, 2020

First Torah: Shavuot Day 2,
Shabbat: Deuteronomy 14:22 - 16:17
Second Torah: Shavuot Day 2, Shabbat: Numbers 28:26-31

Haftarah: Habakkuk 2:20 - 3:19