Sefer B’reishit

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

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

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

Register for Limudim: Our Learning Community! 2024-2025 (5785)

Alt text: Limudim: Our Learning Community. Logo shows a purple Hebrew letter lamed incorporated into a stack of books, with the uppermost cover peaked like a rooftop

We are excited to announce Beth Jacob’s brand new youth education program beginning in September 2024! Limudim will meet twice a week for grades 2-8, and once a week for PreK-1st grade! 

Limudim’s Mission

Limudim is where Jewish learning comes alive in an environment that fosters a foundation for a lifetime of exploration, connection, and meaningful Jewish engagement. 

At Limudim students acquire the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become active participants who will proudly contribute to the Jewish community and the world. Limudim serves as the foundation for a lifelong journey of Jewish engagement, building a vibrant Jewish future, one student at a time.

Timing

Limudim will take place on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings. Tuesdays will include options for dinner and the opportunity for adults to participate along with our children.

Shabbat mornings

  • 9:30am – 12:00pm
  • beginning Sept 7, 2024 (PreK-8th grade, 9th-12th grade madrichim) 

Tuesday evenings

  • beginning Sept 10, 2024 (Grades 2-8) 
  • 5:00 – 5:30 Dinner (optional) and welcome activities
  • 5:30 – 7:30 Engaging and interactive learning program 
  • Options for adults will include participating in adult-focused classes, supporting teachers in children’s classes, dropping off their students, or staying at Beth Jacob to use a “family lounge” area for work or rest.

If your student is unable to attend Tuesday evenings in person, please contact Rabbi Justin. We want to ensure all families are able to participate. 

9th – 12th Grade Madrichim

9th-12th Graders are invited to serve as Madrichim (classroom assistants) on Saturday mornings. Serving as a Madrich is a fantastic way to give back to the Beth Jacob community, connect with younger friends and students, and gain professional skills. 

Pricing

Program cost for the year will be $875 for students attending one day a week (PreK-1st grade) and $1,750 for students attending two days per week.

A 10% discount is available for families with multiple children in the program, and a 50% discount for students enrolled in Jewish Day Schools. Consistent with our Beth Jacob values, cost will not be a barrier to participation, and scholarships will be available! In addition, depending on the success of our fundraising efforts, we may be able to lower costs for all participants.

While most B’nai Mitzvah preparation will occur in Limudim, there will be an additional fee of $45/hour for one-on-one tutoring. 

Registration

Registration signup will open soon on ShulCloud here.

Note: You do not have to be a member of Beth Jacob to participate! If you’re not a member, you will have the option to set up a ShulCloud account during registration.

We want your input!

This program is being developed by a committee of Beth Jacob members, including Rabbi Justin and Rabbi Tamar, parents, and educators. We are gathering input from families and we look forward to adjusting and improving throughout this pilot year. Members of our planning committee will be reaching out periodically and we welcome your input at any time! Join our Limudim mailing list.

If you have questions or want to provide feedback about the program, please contact Rabbi Justin Held at rabbijustinheld@beth-jacob.org.

 

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Shul Link

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

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

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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Shiva

Shiva minyanim (generally mincha or maariv) are held at mourners’ homes when necessary and announced through the shul e-mail list. Please contact the shul to set up a shiva minyan.