Dear Friends,

In the Talmud it is told that Rabbi Yehoshua was sad because the second Temple was destroyed and the Jews could not atone for their sins. Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zachai replied that he shouldn't be sad since God offered something instead of the Temple: the opportunity to improve ourselves by "Gmilut Hasadim" (deeds of loving kindness) as is written by the prophet Hosea 6:6 "not sacrifice I (God) required, but hesed (=Good deeds)".

The words of our Torah, Prophets, Sages and Rabbis of Israel in all times are the inspiration for what we do at Or Hadash. As part of our continuing tradition, this week we also performed "Gmilut Hasadim" and I am especially proud of our Sisterhood's part in these deeds.

Last Friday, November 2nd, Or Hadash Sisterhood members initiated a very special birthday celebration at Gan Cherniavski. As mentioned in previous letters, we have been supporting this preschool of recent olim from Ethiopia for the past three years. Among the children who celebrated their birthday this month was a girl who has only been in Israel for a month and is unfamiliar with Israeli customs and language. The party in her honor was a moving experience for her and for us (see pictures attached). We brought the kids gifts and candy. We try to do as much as we can to help the children in this preschool. In June we brought the preschool graduates new back packs, last year we purchased a new refrigerator and we often attend the celebrations taking place there. These small gestures make a tremendous difference in the children's self esteem and acclimation in Israel. Because of this success the Sisterhood has decided to have a birthday celebration at the gan every month.

Last weekend we had the pleasure of hosting our good friends, Joan and Peter Hoffman from Temple Shir Tikva of Wayland, MA. They came to Israel on a mission with AIPAC. Saturday evening we arranged dinner with Joan and Peter and some of our congregants. Joan and Peter have visited Or Hadash in the past but much has changed since then and we wanted to give them a tour of the building so they could see all the changes that were made recently including our renovated bomb shelter , the therapy room and the new LACO (Legal Aide Center for Olim) office.

On Sunday, November 4th, the 2nd graders of nearby Einstein elementary school came to Or Hadash, for the "Kabalat Sefer Hatorah" ceremony (Accepting the Torah). It was a special and spiritual event at our sanctuary. The 76 students learned about how the laws of the Torah, Mezuza and Tefilin are written. We expect that during the school year about 250 children ages 7-8 will accept the Torah at Or Hadash from schools from all over the city.

Next week Haifa's Deputy Mayor, Shmuel Gelbhart, will address our congregation during Kabalat Shabbat. I will tell you more about it next week, until then, Shabbat Shalom.

Edgar