It was one of those moments in synagogue that intrigued me, challenged me to look deeper at Torah commentary. In discourse this Shabbat about the clothing of the High Priest, I was explaining the difference between the word tzitz at the forehead of the High Priest in Exodus 28:36, and tzitzit – the tassels with the singular blue string that we are commanded to extend from the Talit. Twice a day, we read in the [...]
As I write this message for the March issue of The Shofar, the snowfall that began a few hours ago is deepening on my property. From the windows of my office here at home, I can see it accumulating, hanging heavy on the pine trees. It is still February as I write, a time designated to observe Black History Month. And like every year at this time, and just a night or two ago, [...]
The Golden Path: Maimonides Across Eight Centuries You are invited to join the East End Jewish Community Council (EEJCC) for a private tour, guided by the exhibition curator Dr. David Sclar and Rabbi Gadi Capela at the Center for Jewish History 15 W. 16th Street, Manhattan in-person and on Zoom Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. *Exhibit closes February 29th The exhibition features highlights from the Hartman Family Collection of Manuscripts and Rare Books, [...]
After three months of war against Hamas, Israel faced a charge of genocide at a proceeding at the International Court of Justice in The Hague on Jan. 11, as South Africa argued that Israel “means to create conditions of death” in Gaza and demanded the court order an emergency suspension of the military campaign. Israel categorically denied the genocide accusation and presented its defense on Jan. 12, the second day of the two-day hearing in [...]
Hebrew at 4:30 p.m.; Trope Trainer at 5:30 p.m. Newcomers Welcome Adding to the education program at our shul, Rabbi Gadi has announced the restart of his Hebrew class, and the continuation of Trope Trainer, both to begin on Thursday, Jan. 25. Because the exercise class also meets on Thursday, the two education classes will be held at the parsonage. The Hebrew class and the Trope Trainer curriculum are related in that both prepare [...]
The shul’s Pastoral Committee is inviting those interested in providing companionship to people who are confined to their homes to become a part of this mitzvah. The need is particularly great during the winter months, when inclement weather prevents even the briefest outings for those living alone. Those interested can email ctigreenport@gmail.com with a message for Elaine Goldman, chair of the committee.
Shul member Rosa Lee Emerson is calling for all actors, playwrights and playreaders to join a new group she is forming at the shul called DramaWorks. In the planning stages are readings, theater games, mime and improv that focus on Jewish identity, and perhaps a performance later in the spring for shul members, family and friends. Sources may include a book of one-act plays titled “Are You Jewish?,” written by Bruce Bloom, and also a [...]
The day I returned from my recent trip to Israel, I attended the funeral of my dear friend Dr. Richard Dackow. Richard and his wife Linda were early students of Project Genesis Interfaith and participated in one of our pilgrimages to Israel. Richard, a devout Catholic, spent most of his time there at Israeli hospitals that he said had saved his life. Considering the closeness of our friendship, the family asked that I deliver a eulogy, [...]
Dear Shofar readers, The Jewish calendar I consult in preparation for the Events Page that heads each month’s issue of The Shofar lists the February dates for Rosh Chodesh (Feb. 9), Purim Katan (Feb. 23), the required readings for each Shabbat and, as a nod to the Gregorian calendar, Presidents’ Day (Feb. 19). Nowhere on the February page is there a mention of Valentine’s Day which, unless here in America you have chosen to [...]
Jan. 7th - Rabbi Gadi Capela "A Rabbinic Mission to the Holy Land in Troubled Times" Holy Trinity Church, Greenport (768 Main Street)
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