Rabbi's Corner
Rabbi Avi M. Schulman's Corner
This page contains Rabbi Avi M. Schulman's Weekly "A Word from Rabbi Schulman" emailed as TBT-Weekly and Monthly "A MESSAGE FROM OUR RABBI" in the Temple Beth Torah Bulletin
Could it be that two months ago, I wrote that it felt like Temple Beth Torah had been hibernating over the winter break? Well, one glance at the description of what’s happening this month is enough to convince anyone that we are anything but slumbering at TBT. Wow. It’s remarkable what’s taking place here almost every day.
There is one event though that is not taking place here at Temple about which you should be aware . On Sunday afternoon, March 14, the East Bay Jewish Community Relations Council is holding an event at the Contra Costa JCC. The event will raise funds to support a worthy organization whose mission is to represent the Jewish community on issues of public concern. But more particular to our congregation, this East Bay JCRC event on March 14 will honor one man for his special contributions to the greater good: Herman Rosenbaum. Herman is well known to everyone at TBT. He has been integrally involved in many facets of temple life, including serving as temple president. But at this East Bay JCRC event, Herman will be honored for what is not as visible to Temple members – his advocacy for Jewish causes throughout the East Bay; his building bridges to other faith communities; his passion for the plight of Jews around the world; and his promotion of Tikkun Olam, the healing of our fractured world. Herman brings thoughtfulness and depth to his volunteer work. At the age at which many might choose to retire from public involvement, he persists, striving to bring others together. On top of everything else, he is a wonderful human being, who evinces compassion and kindness, as well as a delightful sense of humor. He is richly deserving of this honor bestowed upon him by the East Bay JCRC. When you see him next, I hope you will wish him a hearty Mazel Tov. L‘Shalom, Rabbi Avi SchulmanFebruary 2010 Bulletin: A MESSAGE FROM OUR RABBI
I never ceased to be astonished by the popularity of the Beatles. Though the band broke-up forty years ago, their music lives on not only in the hearts of baby boomers, but in our children as well.
I can remember where and when I first heard “I Want To Hold Your Hand;Twist and Shout,” and “Yesterday.” I still recall the excitement of listening to the White Album for the very first time. Records like Sgt. Pepper‟s and Abbey Road positively blew my mind. However, what really astonishes me is how much today's kids love the Beatles music as well. We'll be heading on a road trip, and my son, Carmi, fires up his iPod and says, “Do you want to hear some Beatles?” The fact that he enjoys the music as well as I do is a source of great pleasure. It's safe to say that people of all ages enjoy the music of the Beatles. It's both immediately recognizable and endlessly entertaining. This leads me to this month's upcoming Purimspiel. By now, everyone at Temple should know that this year's theme, A Magical Mystery Spiel, is based on the Beatles. The songs in the spiel will be instantly familiar, though the lyrics of the songs have been cleverly changed to fit the story of Purim. The interplay of great music, hilarious lyrics, delicious acting, and a plot that is both implausible yet true (religiously speaking) will make this year's spiel something to behold. Whether you are just seventeen, if you know what I mean….or if you getting older, losing your hair, you will want to see A Magical Mystery Spiel. L‘Shalom, Rabbi Avi SchulmanIf a member of your family or a friend from the temple is in the hospital, or ill, please call the temple office to let the Rabbi know.
For security reasons, hospitals in the area are no longer permitted to tell us when they have Jewish patients.