Dear Friends,

Shabbat Shalom!  Tomorrow we will read Parashat Mishpatim, which emphasizes the importance for the Jewish people to live in a society based on the deliverance of justice by a government or administration, in accordance to a system of law.  Judaism not only helps us to understand how imperative it is to live in a society where the individual can rest assured that there is a system of justice, but also how important it is to contribute to that justice system through tzedakah, and acts of loving kindness.  These are the things that when combined make Tikkun Olam, and create a diverse and responsible society.

I want to tell you that we are in the middle of an exciting and busy time at Or Hadash.  I will start with a recount of our recent Tu B’Shvat activities, and tell you about more than 1000 students who have come to visit us this month.  I will then end by telling you about the many guests abroad who will be coming to spend some quality time with us this month.
 
1. The Many Tu B’Shvat Activities of Late January and Early February

This past month we had many activities and celebrations at Or Hadash, both for the Tu B’Shvat holiday, and for school children around Haifa:

On January 29th, we had our Tu B’Shvat celebration with the preschools and their families. This was a moving experience for me to see 3 year old children planting trees in the land of Israel that will grow with them, having roots in our state.

On January 30th, we had our Community wide Tu B’Shvat celebration and seder. This event included more than 150 participants in the community, who all came together to sing songs of Judaism and the land of Israel.

On January  31st, we had our seder for Ethiopian immigrants in Haifa, where participants were moved to dance in the synagogue, and our last celebration was on February 2nd, with the Zichron Yosef school at the synagogue, which included more than 180 children and their parents, and a service lead by the school’s 5th grade class. This event was organized by our own Anat Perelman, who is also a teacher at the school.

2. Teaching the Children of Haifa Schools

We have had many Haifa school working with us this winter on the topics of Bar and Bat Mitzvah education, and pluralism in society.  This month and last month we have been lucky to meet with more than 1,000 students, as listed below:

• The 6th graders of the Zichron Yosef School on January 25th, at their school
• The 8th graders of the Rabin School from Tel Mond, on January 27th and 28th, at Or Hadash
• The 6th graders of the David Yelin School on February 1st, at their school
• Two classes of children from the Maaganim School, on February 2nd, at Or Hadash
• The 9th graders of The Rabin School, on February 2nd and third, at Or Hadash
• The 9th graders from the Tel Mond School, on February 3rd &
  
• A large group of 10th graders from the Kiryat Haim High School, on February 9th

And We are expecting the following groups/ activities later in the month:

• A group of 6th graders from the Einstein School, today, February 12th
• A special Rosh Hodesh celebration fro the Or Hadash Preschool children in the sanctuary on February 14th
• A large group of Bnot Mitzvah children from the Maaganim School, for a special celebration on February 19th, and another for the children from the Einstein School on February 26th.

We would like to say a big thank you to our friends Rona and Howard Perley for their help and support of our youth activities for the 2009-2010 year

3. Many February Visitors, & A Visit with Rabbi Steven “Simcha” Bob

On Monday, February 1st, I was delighted to be able to spend time with my friend and colleague- Rabbi Steven Bob, of sister congregation, Etz Chaim in Chicago, IL.  “Simcha” came to Or Hadash to spend time at the synagogue, and was also able to spend a wonderful afternoon with me walking on the beach.  Then, in the evening simcha joined Or Hadash’s families who are victims of terror, to pay his respects at a unique cemetery, something that was very moving for all of us…

On Friday, February 5th Or Hadash welcomed HUC Rabbinical student, Steven Morris from our sister congregation Temple Judea, in Tarzana, CA, along with Sarah Cohen, daughter of Rabbi Kathy Cohen, along with students of the ulpan at Haifa University

Tonight, February 12th, we are expecting many many visiting groups and friends, for Kabbalat Shabbat services and dinner, including:

Lenny, Helen, and Sara Krulewich, from Temple Israel, Boston

Rabbinical students Jessica Lenza and Sharon Graetz, of Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies

Rabbi Alan and Jo Kay, leading a group of 25 congregants from Temple Beth Emeth, Mount Sinai, NY

We send our condolences to Sally Klein Katz, on her recent loss &

Rabbi Neil Janes, of Westminster Synagogue, London, England, who is coming to Haifa to study for his doctorate

And Rabbi Neal Gold, Deena Bloomstone, and a group of 14 teens from Temple Shir Tikvah, Wayland, MA, who are coming to spend 5 days with us, as recently our friends from Temple Shalom of Newton did.

Also, on Tuesday, February 16th, Or Hadash will welcome Rabbi Janet Liss, and group from North Country Reform Synagogue, Glen Cove, NY for a dinner and program

I know that there is heavy snow right now in many parts of the U.S, but I hope that the warmth of our friendships will be a light in the storm! Wishing you all a Shabbat Shalom and a wonderful week ahead!

In friendship,

Edgar