This article is from the Nov/Dec 2021 issue of the Vine Poems inspired by my reading of Genesis by Rabbi Stephanie Crawley Studying Torah teaches us how to read two things at the same time. We read what is there, and we read what is not there. Sometimes, what we are missing is the emotion—the Continue Reading »
This article is from the Nov/Dec 2021 issue of the Vine Temple Micah Welcomes its New Executive Director, Beth Werlin Beth Werlin joined Temple Micah as executive director in August 2021 after 20 years of championing the cause of immigrants as a lawyer and in top positions at a major immigration rights organization. Not surprisingly, Continue Reading »
This article is from the Nov/Dec 2021 issue of the Vine Traditions in the Desert by Joshua Berman, Temple Micah President In mid-November, I found myself in an incredibly remote part of southern Arizona, several miles north of the Mexico border. Several friends and I were riding horses, along with two local guides and their Continue Reading »
COVID-19 Update: In-Person Service Cancellations Through January 15, 2022 We continue to strive to keep everyone safe during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In light of the recent case surge, we will be canceling all in-person services and events held at Temple Micah through Saturday, January 15, 2022. The building will remain closed to members at Continue Reading »
This article is from the Nov/Dec 2021 issue of the Vine Creating the Game of Judaism — and knowing its limits by Rabbi Daniel G. Zemel In my Kol Nidre remarks, I mentioned that I had learned from my teacher Rabbi Larry Hoffman that Judaism could be viewed as a “game” played with pieces rather Continue Reading »
TEMPLE MICAH MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Last week’s edition of Washington Jewish Week featured Temple Micah member Bruce Turnbull and his work to reform the criminal justice system. “The biggest change that is needed immediately, Turnbull said, ‘is to alter the narrative to one where society is seeking rehabilitation and restoration [of the incarcerated], not vengeance and Continue Reading »
Sukkat Shalom’s partner resettlement agency, Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSS), has given us the path forward to welcome an Afghan family to the DMV by serving as a Good Neighbor Program (GNP) partner. There are families in nearby military bases waiting to resettle in new homes; to continue to prepare for Continue Reading »
Temple Micah maintains a cemetery for members and their families at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery in Adelphi, MD. Effective January 1, 2022 the price of our plots will be $2,000 (includes perpetual care). This is the first price increase in over 10 years, and remains significantly lower than most cemeteries in the area. To learn more about Continue Reading »
The Vine | November/December 2021 With this issue, we are entering the next phase of The Vine. Our longtime editorial team, Fran Dauth and Kate Kiggins, informed me earlier this year that they wished to turn over the reins of our newsletter’s editorial leadership. In the transition process, as I met with Fran, Kate and Continue Reading »
Until very recently, the field of Holocaust Education has relied heavily on survivor testimony and on the ability to find opportunities for school children to meet with survivors. Now, even those survivors who were children during the Holocaust are quite elderly and many are unable to continue speaking publicly. Our November 2021 Lunch and Learn Continue Reading »
Do you always have a song in your heart? The choir is looking for new members! We will rehearse on the following Thursday evenings from 7:30 – 9 pm, distanced and masked in the Temple Micah sanctuary: Thursday, December 2 Thursday, December 16 Thursday, January 6 Thursday, January 13 To learn more or join, please Continue Reading »
Temple Micah Supports New Pray For Voting Initiative Pray for Voting is a racial justice project of the Stirring the Waters ministry of St. Columba’s Church in Washington, DC; without voting rights there can be no racial reconciliation and justice. Plans are underway to organize three nights of nonpartisan, interfaith, silent candlelight prayer and meditation Continue Reading »
Can you spare an hour? Temple Micah’s Membership Committee needs volunteers to serve as “buddies” to new member families. The idea is to reach out for a friendly conversation with a new member family to help them feel fully integrated into our Micah community. This should require no more than an hour of your time. To volunteer, please Continue Reading »
Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at 7:00 pm Harlam camp directors are hosting parlor meetings to introduce prospective families to Camp Harlam. Parlor meetings are intended for parents and future campers and will include a presentation by camp’s directors, the opportunity to address questions and concerns with a member of our camper care team, and activities Continue Reading »
Update: Donation Results As of October 17, 2021, we have provided Friendship Place with 575 household items for a total of $21,231.46 worth of supplies via Amazon! We are so grateful for your boundless, continued generosity. THANK YOU! Please join Machon Micah’s 6th graders this High Holiday season for a twist on one of Temple Continue Reading »
Not Optimistic Rabbi Stephanie Crawley Yom Kippur 5782/2021 Washington, DC There is a fire in my heart Shut up in my bones – Says the prophet Jeremiah – I am on fire – I say My world is burning My country is fractured My friends distanced Myself isolated There is a fire in my heart Continue Reading »
Updated 9/22/2021 Dear Friends, As we have now entered 5782, we are thrilled to turn our attention to re-opening the synagogue, including for Shabbat worship. We will continue our slow and gradual approach—prioritizing the safety and well-being of our members, staff, and our broader community. We are finalizing our COVID policies and practices regarding masks, Continue Reading »
Dear Friends, I want to draw your attention to a special Shabbat service on Friday evening, September 24, when we will honor and thank Rachel Gross for over ten years of service and devoted leadership to our Micah community. I write this letter with a certain degree of sadness as Rachel has been a true Continue Reading »