Summer Blessings and July Celebrations

Happy July Folks,

Before I dive into July, I’d like to spend a quick moment to look back at last month. At the end of June, we gathered to celebrate Rey Sarnow’s B’nai Mitzvah. I want to thank the warm support this entire congregation showed the Sarnow family; kol hakavod! We are all so proud of Rey’s success. Mazal tov!!

As promised, I am excited to talk about the warm weather. Finally, we have reached the pinnacle of summer. July has arrived which means BBQs, fireworks, beaches, outdoor sports, and a special birthday this year. I would like to offer up a blessing for our congregation as our nation pauses this July 4th to celebrate its semi-quincentennial (250th anniversary). May we as Jews continue to feel safe, secure, and proudly American, as we reaffirm our responsibility to make this land a bright, shining democratic example, for all people. Please be safe and enjoy your outdoor parties and festivities this year!

As we prepare for our next family Shabbat service on Friday, July 10th at 5:30pm, I wanted to inform folks about what they can expect. While I would love to perform a short dvar Torah play from the weekly parsha, I realize that such a project might work best when the Rabin Religious School commences in the fall. Instead, we will be reading from the children’s book, A Giraffe Asks for Help, mixed with a few Kabbalat Shabbat prayer songs. We are working hard to create interesting, thoughtful, and meaningful Shabbat services that focus on young families while still appealing to the multi-generations at TBI. In order to accomplish all of this, we wish to strongly encourage attendance and support from our entire congregation. The goal is to start promptly at 5:30pm and finish close to 6pm, followed by pizza. If you’re interested in attending, volunteering to sing/read a prayer, wish to make any suggestions, or have more questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the rabbi.

Lastly, on July 28th, Jews from all over the world will try to find love on the Jewish Valentine’s Day known as Tu’B Av. In the days of the Second Temple, unmarried women would dress in white and dance in the vineyards under the full moon, hoping to find their match, a beautiful tradition mentioned in the Talmud. It was a day of joy and community, connection and hope. So good luck to all the lonely hearts out there.

Chodesh tov, enjoy July!