Sefer Sh’mot

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Parashat Sh’mot

Exodus 1:1-6:1

A new Pharaoh fears the growing number of Israelites and enslaves them. He orders their newborn sons slain. Moses, cast adrift in the Nile, is rescued by Pharaoh’s daughter and grows up in the royal court. After slaying an Egyptian taskmaster, he flees to Midian and marries there. At a burning bush, Moses encounters God, who sends him back to Egypt to free the Israelites-only to anger Pharaoh, who increases the slaves’ burden.

Parashat Va-era

Exodus 6:2-9:35

God again charges Moses to confront Pharaoh and say: “Let my people go.” Aaron becomes the spokesman for a hesitant Moses. He performs a wonder before Pharaoh, but to no avail. Following God’s instructions, Moses calls down seven plagues, increasing in intensity, upon the Egyptians. Pharaoh will not yield.

Parashat Bo

Exodus 10:1-13:16

Three more plagues occur: the last and most dramatic is the slaying of the Egyptians firstborn, which leads to the Exodus. The Israelites dab the blood of the paschal lamb on their doorposts to avert death in their midst. Come midnight, God strikes the Egyptians; they are quick to let the Israelites go. After four hundred thirty years in Egypt, the Israelites depart that very night.

Parashat B’shallah

Exodus 13:17-17:16

Pharaoh regrets losing his slaves. Pursuing the children of Israel, he traps them at the Sea of Reeds. God splits the waters, allowing Israel to cross safely. The Egyptians follow-only to be engulfed, at God’s hand, in the swirl of returning water. Moses and Miriam lead the people in joyous song, extolling God. Yet the Israelites soon complain of thirst and hunger. God responds, providing water and manna. When Amalek attacks, God helps Israel prevail.

Parashat Yitro

Exodus 18:1-20:23

Moses spends much of his time explaining God’s statutes and laws to the people; his father-in-law, Jethro, suggests that he delegate some of this judicial authority. After ascending Mount Sinai to speak with God, Moses returns to prepare the people for Revelation. Amidst awesome thunder, lightning, and flame, God, glorious and holy, reveals the Divine Presence-and the Ten Commandments-to Israel.

Parashat Mishpatim

Exodus 21:1-24:18

The civil laws, along with moral and religious precepts, are presented after the Ten Commandments. The people accept the Torah wholeheartedly: “All that Adonai has commanded we will do.” Israel affirms the covenant, and Moses returns to Mount Sinai to receive the law, etched in stone, from God.

Parashat T’rumah

Exodus 25:1-27:19

While Moses remains on Mount Sinai, God provides detailed instructions regarding the construction and decoration of the Mishkann. This Tabernacle is to house the Ark and allow the Divine Presence to dwell among the people of Israel.

Parashat T’tzaveh

Exodus 27:10-30:10

God commands that a lamp, filled with oil, burn all night in the Mishkan, that priests serving therein wear holy garments, and that the High Priest wear a breastplate with twelve precious stones, one for each tribe. God provides direction for the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, and prescribes their duties.

Parashat Ki Tissa

Exodus 30:11-34:35

God names Bezalel as chief artisan, to oversee the crafting of the Mishkan’s appointments. God then presents Moses with two stone tablets, God’s words etched upon them. In Moses’ absence, however, the people have made a golden calf as a god. God sends Moses down; Moses sees the calf, and, in anger, shatters the tablets. God punishes the Israelites, whereupon Moses intercedes on their behalf. He then returns to Mount Sinai to receive a new set of tablets.

Parashat Va-yak-hel

Exodus 35:1-38:20

The Israelites enthusiastically contribute precious materials for the Mishkan, until Bezalel finds there is more than enough to complete the work. Moses halts the donations. Bezalel crafts the Ark and other sacred furnishings of the Mishkan.

Parashat P’kudei

Exodus 38:21-40:38

The children of Israel bring the completed parts of the Mishkan to Moses, who confirms that the work has been done as God commanded. Moses blesses the people. God now commands Moses to erect the Mishkan and to anoint the priests. God’s glory then fills the Mishkan.

Sefer B’reishit

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Parashat B’reishit

Genesis 1:1-6:8

God creates the heaven and the earth, along with all living beings, enjoining them to “be fruitful and multiply.” Beholding Creation, God sees that it is “very good.” God’s plan, however, is disrupted by sin: disobedience in the Garden of Eden, Cain’s slaying of Abel. God regrets the creation of the human race, but finds hope in Noah.

Parashat Noah

Genesis 6:9-11:32

While the flood wreaks great destruction, life is preserved in Noah’s Ark. God establishes a covenant: Never again to destroy the earth. The generations of Noah’s descendants flourish. They build the Tower of Babel to pierce the heavens. God thwarts their efforts by confounding “the language of all the earth” and scattering its inhabitants.

Parashat Lekh L’kha

Genesis 12:1-17:27

Abram answers God’s call and leaves Haran for Canaan. In the new land, Abram and Sarai establish themselves as prominent and righteous figures; they gain God’s blessing along with new names – Abraham and Sarah. Ishmael is born, Isaac’s birth is promised, and circumcision is instituted as a sign of God’s covenant with Abraham.

Parashat Va’yera

Genesis 18:1-22:24

God sends three messengers to visit Abraham, confirming that Sarah will indeed bear a son. They also announce the destruction of Sodom. Abraham challenges this decree, but when his conditions cannot be met, God destroys Sodom. Isaac is born. In response to Sarah’s demand, Abraham banishes Ishmael. God then tests Abraham’s devotion by commanding him to sacrifice his beloved Isaac.

Parashat Hayye Sarah

Genesis 23:1-25:18

Upon Sarah’s death, Abraham acquires the Cave of Makhpelah as a burial ground. Before his own death, Abraham dispatches his servant, Eliezer, to Haran in search of a wife for Isaac from among his kin. Rebecca, Abraham’s great-niece, is gracious to Eliezer and agrees to the marriage.

Parashat Tol’dot

Genesis 25:19-28:9

Rebecca bears twin sons, Jacob and Esau, rivals from birth. Esau sells Jacob his birthright. Rebecca helps Jacob secure Esau’s blessing by deceiving Isaac, to Esau’s fury. Fearing for Jacob’s life, Rebecca implores Isaac to send Jacob off to her brother Laban, in Haran, to seek a wife.

Parashat Va-yetze

Genesis 28:10-32:3

As he begins his journey, Jacob dreams of angels, ascending and descending. Awed, he vows to return from this journey and follow God’s ways. After reaching Haran, he marries Laban’s daughters, Leah and Rachel, sires children, and prospers while raising cattle for Laban. After twenty years, Jacob finally fulfills his pledge to return to Canaan.

Parashat Va-yishlah

Genesis 32:4-36:43

As he prepares to face his brother Esau upon returning to Canaan, Jacob wrestles with an angel, who confers upon him the name Israel. The meeting with Esau goes well, yet Jacob, fearful still, is quick to part company with him. Jacob’s camp reaches Shekhem, where his daughter, Dinah, is raped; two of Jacob’s sons take brutal revenge. Jacob then builds an altar at Bethel, as God instructs. Rachel dies in childbirth; Jacob and Esau also bury Isaac.

Parashat Va-yeshev

Genesis 37:1-40:23

Joseph offends his brothers with his dreams of grandeur. They sell him into slavery and lead Jacob to believe his son is dead. Yet Joseph, in Egypt, finds favor with his master. Even when thrown into prison, Joseph’s abilities are recognized. He interprets the dreams of his fellow prisoners, the steward and chief baker of Pharaoh.

Parashat Mi-ketz

Genesis 41:1-44:17

When a dream troubles Pharaoh, his steward recalls Joseph’s gift for interpretation. Joseph is summoned and foresees seven years of plenty, followed by seven years of famine. Pharaoh believing Joseph, places him in charge of Egypt’s preparation for the lean years. Jacob sends his sons to Egypt for grain; Joseph chooses to conceal his identity from them. Joseph orders that his goblet be hidden in Benjamin’s sack; when it is found, Joseph detains him.

Parashat Va-yigash

Genesis 44:18-47:27

With Benjamin caught in Joseph’s trap, Judah begs to take his place for Jacob’s sake. Greatly moved, Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers at last. They reconcile, whereupon Joseph has them bring Jacob and the entire family to dwell in Goshen for the duration of the famine. The aged patriarch is formally received at Pharaoh’s court.

Parashat Va-y’hi

Genesis 47:28-50:26

Jacob, nearing death, blesses Joseph and his sons, Menasheh and Ephraim: he then offers his final words to each of his twelve sons. Pharaoh gives Joseph permission to bury Jacob in Canaan. Later, as Joseph himself is dying, he instructs his kin to carry his remains back to Canaan one day, for surely, he says, God will remember them and return them to the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Beth Jacob Library

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EXPLORE THE JEWISH WORLD IN THE BETH JACOB LIBRARY

There’s Biblical history, the Holocaust, and Israel. Shabbat and the holidays. Lives of Jews. Literature. Jewish law. Talmud and Midrash.

THE SYSTEM

  • The BJ Library is organized using a classification system designed for Jewish libraries. We use only the categories and subcategories posted in the library.
  • Use the posted number system to find a book on the shelves. Within a given number, the books are alphabetized by author’s last name.
  • Currently, we do not have a catalogue of the collection. One of the Library Committee’s goals is to create an on-line, searchable database for the collection. If you are interested in helping, please contact one of the people below.

USING THE COLLECTION

Borrowing books

  • If the book has a number on the spine, and if it is stamped PLEASE RETURN TO BETH JACOB CONGREGATION, you may borrow it.
  • The BJ library operates on the honor system. To borrow a book, you simply take it with you. Please try to return the books within three weeks. But most of all, please return the book. Even if you have kept a book longer, returns are welcome — no questions asked.

Books that remain in the library

  • Reference books (Encyclopedia Judaica, Talmud, siddurim, some commentaries) may be used in the BJ library, but may not be borrowed. These books do NOT have a number on the spine.
  • Books on the shelf labelled “Tefillah Project” are to remain in the BJ Library for use as part of that project.

Returning books

  • Please return your books when you are finished with them. Remember that these are a resource that the community shares.
  • Please DO NOT reshelve book(s) you are returning. Place your book on the edge of one of the shelves, and the Library Committee will return it to its proper place.

DONATIONS

While donations are welcome, the BJ Library has limited space. If you want to donate books, please contact the Library Committee to check if the book is needed. With few exceptions, we are trying to avoid duplications. Please check with the Beth Jacob office before dropping off books so that we can arrange storage for them until we can process them.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Lydia Schultz: lydia.a.schultz AT gmail DOT com

Penny Simison: penelopesimison AT comcast DOT net

 

Events This Week

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Kadima and USY

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About BJUSY

BJUSY belongs to the largest geographical USY region in North America: Emtza Region. “Emtza” means “middle” and our region stretches across the middle of the continent, from Denver to Wisconsin, and from St. Louis all thy way up to Winnipeg, Manitoba. There are a total of 17 chapters in Emtza Region with whom we have programs throughout the year. High school age (9th-12th grade) teens have the opportunity to be a part of BJUSY (Beth Jacob United Synagogue Youth).

Visit the BJUSY website
See the BJUSY calendar
Become friends with Beth Jacob USY on facebook

USY’s motto is “To learn, to teach, to do” and BJUSY offers plenty of opportunity for all three. While regional events have their own unique appeal, most of what happens in USY is on the chapter level.

Membership
Kadima membership is $36 (for 8th graders; Beth Jacob 7th graders are given a free membership for their b’nai mitzvah); BJUSY membership is $54. Being a member has it’s benefits; you can save money on every BJUSY program, and you are able to attend regional conventions!

About Kadima

Kadima is a Hebrew word that means “forward.” Kadima is a youth group that helps the 7th and 8th graders moveforward into their roles as responsible members of the Jewish Community after their B’nai Mitzvah. Kadima programs consist of social-action projects, holiday celebrations, cultural activities, games, sports, arts and crafts, and conventions. They take place once or twice a month, sometimes at Beth Jacob and other times at various other locations.

Visit Kadima on Facebook
See Kadima Calendar

RSVP

We need your help! So that we can be sure to have enough food, program materials and even seats on a bus to convention, please RSVP in a timely manner when requested! Some programs like a Lounge Night do not require an RSVP, but generally your help in with this important request will ensure our great programs are ready for our Kadimaniks and USYers.

Scholarships

We realize that sending a child to USY/Kadima events (especially regional events) is not inexpensive. Therefore, we do as much as we can to make scholarships available. Scholarships are given based on need and participation. All scholarship information is strictly confidential. Scholarship forms are available at Beth Jacob by contacting our Youth Director, Ethan Fine, or calling (651) 452-2226.

Beth Jacob Youth Education

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Beth Jacob Youth Education 2023-2024 (5784)

Joyful, enriching, learning for children and families at Beth Jacob Congregation!

Register for Shabbat Classes for 2023-2024 HERE

Beth Jacob’s robust learning opportunities for children prepare them to be lifelong learners who care deeply about, and contribute to the ongoing conversation about, what it means to live Jewishly in an ever-changing world.

Weekday Hebrew and Judaics learning (Day School or Supplementary):

Reach out to us

We are very excited to be part of your child’s Jewish learning, development and growth. Please feel free to reach out to our Director of Congregational Learning, Rabbi Justin Held, with any general questions or concerns about youth education at 651-444-5463 or Rabbijustinheld@beth-jacob.org.

Shabbat Learning Program

Shabbat learning is complementary to weekday communal Jewish learning. We are happy to help make connections to the community schools for Jewish and Hebrew language learning — at the Talmud Torah Saint Paul, Minneapolis Talmud Torah, Heilicher Jewish Day School, or private tutoring. Shabbat classes meet most Saturdays at 10am-12pm.

Register for Shabbat Classes for 2023-2024 HERE

Kitanim (PPK-Kindergarten)

Kitanim is for families with children in PKK-Kindergarten. Kitanim ensures that our youngest families have a special place in the community of our shul. We host unique opportunities for families with young children to learn and grow together. Kitanim begin their Shabbat morning by participating in the Torah procession. They then spend an hour and a half in the classroom. The year is intended for students to have exposure to Hebrew letters and sounds, as well as a basic understanding of Jewish holidays and Torah stories. Through play and games, students engage with Miitzvot and Jewish values. Each week they end their Shabbat morning with Minyan Kitan, a fun, upbeat service to help our students become familiar with the melodies of prayer and Jewish song.

1st-4th

1st-4th grade at Beth Jacob is a hands-on, exploratory Jewish learning program. In this engaging learning community, our children explore Hebrew language, Jewish stories, and together create learning that will grow with them their whole lives. Our 1st-4th grade learning focuses on grasping mitzvot and values, decoding Hebrew letters and gaining reading skills. Our 1st-4th graders focus on the stories of the Avot and Imahot, Joseph and Moses’ leadership of the Isralites out of Egypt and receiving the Torah. Our 1st-4th graders work to attain fluency in prayers; learning in the classroom, youth tefilot and the main sanctuary. 

In addition to classes on Shabbat mornings, all are invited to gather for once a month family learning on one Sunday each month 9:30-11:30 am. Our learning on Shabbat is elevated by observance of shabbat in the shul, consequently our children do not create permanent pieces of work on that day. Family Sundays provide opportunities for children to have more exploration time in the classroom, including writing Hebrew, making crafts, and producing artwork.

5th and 6th

5th and 6th grade is dedicated to b’nai mitzvah preparation. In 5th and 6th grade, our students learn Torah and Haftarah trope as well as study the Parshat Hashavua (weekly Torah portion) and the weekly Haftarah, unearthing its connections to the Torah portion. In Youth T’fillah, students daven Shabbat Shacharit and are introduced to the Torah service. The Beth Jacob Congregation Shabbat Service and trope CD is given to 5th grade students. Students continue to review and polish Shacharit, Torah Services, and learn the Musaf service. Students practice their skills using their own B’nai Mitzvah Parshiot. Our 5th and 6th grade students broaden their scope of Torah, creating an understanding of what makes up the TaNKh. Throughout 5th and 6th grade students are introduced to multiple manifestations of God, encouraging them to understand the Divine in an honest way that uniquely resonates with each student.

7th and 8th Grade

Our 7th and 8th grade students join Beth Jacob’s Shabbat T’fillot through the Torah reading and then meet as a class. Classroom learning utilizes the Facing History in Ourselves curriculum to discuss current events and ethics from a Jewish perspective. On weeks when there is a B’nai Mitzvah at Beth Jacob, students sit as a class during services. Our 7th and 8th graders learn prayers that were not necessarily taught in b’nai mitzvah preparation, with a focus on Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv services. Through the Jewish Community Relations Council’s The Letters Project: Conversing Across Narratives our 7th and 8th grade our learners explore Israel and Zionism in an honest and thoughtful manner. Whether by being a monthly Torah reader, door greater or kitchen crew member, after becoming a B’nai Mitzvah, students participate in the life of the shul in a manner that is meaningful to them.

High School – Madrichim

Our teens are an essential part of youth learning at Beth Jacob. They help to lead youth tefillah and are madrichim in the nursery and in our older classes, working one on one and with small groups of children guided by their teachers. Our teens often read Torah and lead services in the main sanctuary, and participate in a teen sicha, a discussion on current issues and topics of interest led by our youth leaders. Our High School learners spend the first 30 minutes of their Saturday mornings all together in class. During this time they prepare and deliver a d’var Torah to their classmates as well as learn and practice skills and strategies in active listening, quick response, and service leading to improve in their role as a madrich(a). The remaining hour and a half each Saturday is dedicated to serving as a madrich(a). In the role of madrich(a), our high schoolers take on the role of mentor, role model and tutor. They work within the classroom as an extra set of hands to the teacher, as well as leading small groups or individual learning with students. They assist in tutoring students in Hebrew, prayer and Torah, as well as play and engage with our younger learners.

Babysitting

Minyan Katan

Minyan Katan will begin at 11:30 am

 

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Shul Link

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Beth Jacob seeks to remain connected to and supportive of our High School graduates as they leave us for college and young adulthood. Several times throughout the year, the College Link committee reaches out to these young people with mailings and other opportunities of connection to their shul and Beth Jacob community both while away and upon their visits back home.

K’tanim | Family Education

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K’tanim is for families with children through 2nd grade so that our youngest families have a special place in the community of our shul. We host unique opportunities for families with young children to learn and grow together. Programs around the Jewish calendar include apple picking for Rosh Hashanah, Chanukah celebrations, a Tu BiShvat seder for the festival of trees, picnics, and butterflies. There are also programs on Jewish parenting.

Beth Jacob always has childcare available on Shabbat morning and often as part of congregational programs and events.



Congregational Learning

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Study it and review it - you will find everything in it. - (Pirkei Avot 5:24)

A community engaged in Congregational Learning is one in which all of its members, children through adult, are actively and collaboratively learning about and becoming more deeply enriched by our Jewish tradition in any or all of its many dimensions. Our Congregational Learning vision includes a commitment to the study of Jewish texts, Jewish arts and Jewish living using both formal and informal classes as well as other learning opportunities and experiences imbued with intellectual, experiential and hands on engagement both as individuals and as community.

Our learning environment strives toward being welcoming to all of our learners of all ages, learning styles and levels of knowledge, children through adults, giving active attention to issues of inclusion both in our formal classes as well as elsewhere in the life of our community.

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Kol Ya’akov: Our Monthly Bulletin

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KY-Logo-12-2014

Click here for the most current issue.

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