Young Families

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Beth Jacob offers programming for families with children under 7

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High Holy Days Family Service
Rosh Hashanah 10:30 AM-11:10 AM
Yom Kippur 11:00 AM – 11:40 AM
A musical, fun, upbeat prayer experience for families with children up to 2nd grade.
No tickets required for these services or for any High Holy Day services at Beth Jacob Congregation.
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  • Child Care: Every Shabbat and all holidays for children up to 5 years of age.
  • Minyan Katan: A monthly service for 0 – 4-year-olds and their families.
  • K’tanim: Programs for children up to 2nd grade.
  • Iyunim/Kehillat Shabbat: Shabbat morning program for Pre-K – 8th grade.

K’tanim seeks to live by the ideals of our shul values of Torah, Avodah and Gemilut Hesed where men, women and children have equal opportunity to be a part of our community, in observance of Shabbat and Halakha.

Calendar of Events

Beth Jacob E-mail

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Every week, we send out an email newsletter with details of what’s going on in the Beth Jacob and the broader community in the coming week, and throughout the year we send out a variety of special emails.  You can sign up and get these emails delivered right to your inbox!

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We would be happy to answer any questions you have about our community, clergy, services, programming, becoming a member — anything! Fill out and submit the form below and someone from the synagogue will get back to you within a day or two. Thank you for your interest!

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Sefer D’varim

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Parashat D’varim

Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22

Moses informs the people that God will not allow him to enter the promised land. Joshua will lead them. Recalling the events and battles that have led to this day. Moses assures the people of God’s protection as they embark upon their conquest of Canaan: “You shall not fear them, for Adonai your God does battle for you.”

Parashat Va-et-hanan

Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11

Moses tells of his failure to persuade God to let him enter Canaan. He exhorts the Israelites to follow God’s statutes – and to teach them to their children and their children’s children. In a second address, Moses recalls the Revelation at Sinai and restates the Ten Commandments. He then proclaims: “Sh’ma Yisra-el – Hear, O Israel: Adonai is our God, Adonai alone.”

Parashat Ekev

Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25

Moses promises that if the people follow God’s path, divine blessing and abundance will be theirs. Moses tells them not to fear the nations they will battle, yet warns against arrogance. They should never forget that it is God who will give them the land. Moses reminds Israel of the sin of the golden calf and God’s forbearance, God’s miracles in Egypt, at the Sea of Reeds, and in the desert.

Parashat R’eh

Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17

“I set before you this day a blessing and a curse,” Moses says, contingent on whether Israel observes God’s laws. Once Israel enters the land and dwells in safety, God will choose a place where the Divine Presence shall abide. There Israel will rejoice and bring offerings. Moses cautions against idolatry and false prophecy, and reminds Israel to observe the three pilgrimage Festivals.

Parashat Shof’tim

Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9

Moses addresses the need for judges in the new land. The people, if they wish, may have a king, chosen by God. Priests and Levites will serve at a place of God’s choosing. God will also raise up a prophet, like Moses himself, to instruct the people; diviners and magicians are not to be consulted. Moses reiterates the laws establishing cities of refuge and presents laws of warfare.

Parashat Ki Tetze

Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19

Moses instructs Israel regarding inheritance, the return of lost objects, usury, and divorce, among other issues. Oppression of hired workers is forbidden; kindness to the stranger, orphan, and widow is mandated. Weights and measures must be accurate. To God, “whoever deals dishonestly” is abhorrent. Abhorrent also were Amalek’s actions in attacking Israel’s stragglers; Israel must never forget.

Parashat Ki Tavo

Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8

The people are to take the new land’s first fruits to God’s holy place. There they shall recount to the priest their history – from Abraham to Egypt to that very day. “You have affirmed this day that Adonai is your God,” concludes Moses. In turn, Adonai will take Israel as a treasure, a holy people. After crossing the Jordan, Israel is to inscribe the Torah on stone pillars and conduct rites to affirm the covenant with God.

Parashat Nitzavim

Deuteronomy 29:9-28

Moses asks the people to embrace God’s covenant, for themselves as well as for the generations yet unborn. Moses foresees periods of Divine anger and reconciliation, of exile and return. He assures Israel that God’s commandments are attainable, neither baffling nor beyond reach, not in heaven nor beyond the sea. “I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse,” Moses concludes. “Therefore choose life, so that you may live.”

Parashat Va-yelekh

Deuteronomy 31:1-30

Moses now tells Israel that he can go no further. Joshua shall lead the people over the Jordan, and God will go before them. Moses writes out the law, the Torah, and entrusts it to the priests, with instructions for it to be read every Sabbatical year. Even so, God apprises Moses that the people will indeed break the covenant. God has Moses compose a song that will bear witness to God’s actions and intentions.

Parashat Ha’azinu

Deuteronomy 32:1-52

“Let the earth hear the words of my mouth,” sings Moses. He depicts Israel’s future betrayal of God and God’s ultimate forgiveness. His song completed, Moses again urges the people to observe “all the instructions of this Torah.” God now orders Moses to ascend Mount Nebo, to behold from afar, before he dies, the land promised to Israel.

Parashat V’zot Ha-b’rakhah

Deuteronomy 33:1-52

Moses blesses the children of Israel, tribe by tribe. He ascends Mount Nebo, where God enables him to see the sacred land which God pledged to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. Moses dies, his gravesite unknown. The children of Israel mourn him for thirty days, then turn to Joshua, upon whom Moses laid his hands.

Sefer B’midbar

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Parashat B’midbar

Numbers 1:1-4:20

In the second year after leaving Egypt, in the Sinai wilderness, God orders Moses to take a census of the people. God also determines the positioning of each tribe around the Tabernacle. The tribe of Levi is appointed to attend to the Mishkan and to aid the Kohanim.

Parasaht Naso

Numbers 4:21-7:89

The Levites are to dismantle the Tabernacle when Israel sets forth and to set it up again when Israel encamps. God forbids unclean persons to dwell in the camp. Priestly intervention is required in cases of marital infidelity or the breaking of a Nazirite vow of consecration to God. God trains Aaron to deliver Birkat Kohanim, the three-fold

Parashat B’ha’a lot’kha

Numbers 8:1-12:16

God charges Aaron to light the seven-branched menorah. The Levites are purified; a second Pesah offering is ordained for those unable to participate in the first. Israel sets forth from Sinai. As the Ark is carried forward, Moses cries: “Arise, Adonai! May Your enemies be scattered; may Your foes be put to flight.” When the Ark rests, Moses declares: “Adonai, may You dwell among the myriad families of Israel.” In the wilderness, Moses’ leadership is challenged several times.

Parashat Sh’lah L’kha

Numbers 13:1-15:41

Moses dispatches twelve spies to Canaan. Ten report that the land is unconquerable. The people panic, wanting to return to Egypt. Caleb and Joshua exhort Israel to fulfill God’s plan. The uprising persists, and God condemns the people to wander in the desert for forty years. God also commands the wearing of tzitzit, to prompt Israel to remember and to observe all of God’s mitzvot and to be holy before God, who has brought them out of Egypt to be their God.

Parashat Korah

Numbers 16:1-18:32

Korah leads a rebellion against Moses and Aaron. God causes the earth to open, swallowing Korah and his followers. These deaths lead to grumbling among the people, further provoking God’s wrath. A plague befalls the people, killing many. God arranges for a divine sign – the flowering of Aaron’s rod – to affirm his priesthood and quiet the people. God reiterates the duties of priests and Levites.

Parashat Hukkat

Numbers 19:1-22:1

God ordains the sacrifice of a red heifer to purify those having contact with the dead. Miriam dies. When the people complain about a lack of water, Moses strikes a rock, instead of speaking to it as God instructs; consequently, God informs Moses that he may not enter the promised land. The Israelites skirt Edom when it refuses them safe passage. Aaron dies. After conquering the Canaanites and Amorites, Israel encamps in Moab, across the Jordan from Jericho.

Parashat Balak

Numbers 22:2-25:9

Balak, king of Moab, sends for a diviner, Balaam, to curse the Israelites, so that Moab might drive them off. Balaam refuses, as God orders. Balak offers more gold; Balaam sets out. Yet his ass sees what Balaam cannot – God’s angel bars the way. Balaam then perceives his folly, atones, and proceeds as God’s messenger. “Mah Tovu,” says Balaam, overlooking the Israelite camp. “How lovely are your dwellings, people of Jacob.” Balak angrily dismisses Balaam, who divines Moab’s fall. Yet Israel, seduced by Midianites, indulges in harlotry and idolatry.

Parashat Pinhas

Numbers 25:10-30:1

God rewards Pinhas, Aaron’s grandson, for zealously halting Israel’s transgressions. A new census is taken – in order to divide Canaan proportionately. The daughters of Z’lofhad, who died without sons, successfully claim his portion. God now orders Moses into the mountains to look out over the promised land before he dies. Moses asks God to appoint a successor first, and Joshua receives the charge. God then instructs Moses regarding the daily and Festival offerings.

Parashat Mattot

Numbers 30:2-32:42

Moses counsels Israel about vows. God bids him wage war against Midian, to avenge the Israelites who were led astray. Midian is defeated, the spoils of war divided. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Menasheh ask to settle east of the Jordan where their cattle can thrive. Moses agrees, provided they first help conquer Canaan.

Parashat Mas’ei

Numbers 33:1-36:13

Moses had recorded, stage by stage, the journeys of the children of Israel: from Egypt to Sinai, from Kadesh to Edom. Now, “in the plains of Moad by the Jordan near Jericho,” God describes the extent of Israel’s inheritance. God provides for the division of Canaan, and for the establishment of Levitical cities and cities of refuge.

Sefer Va-yikra

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Parashat Va-yikra

Leviticus 1:1-5:26

God instructs Moses regarding sacrifices, to be offered on the Mishkan’s altar. The burnt-offering (olah), the grain-offering (minhah), the peace-offering (sh’lamim), the sin-offering (hattat), the guilt-offering (asham), and the sin-offering which varies according to one’s means (korban oleh v’yored) are all described.

Parashat Tzav

Leviticus 6:1-8:36

God decrees that the altar fire burn continually, to be tended by Aaron and his sons. Further details of the offerings are presented, as well as a description of the priests’ vestments. Moses sanctifies the Mishkan and the altar, and anoints the priests. After a consecration offering is made, Aaron and his sons remain secluded for seven days.

Parashat Sh’mini

Leviticus 9:1-11:47

Aaron and his sons emerge from the Mishkan on the eighth day of its consecration to make atonement for Israel. Aaron’s two eldest sons, Nadav and Avihu, light “alien fire” on the altar, contrary to God’s precepts, and are struck down. Moses instructs Aaron not to mourn: Aaron continues with his duties. Thereafter God lists the kosher and non-kosher animals. “You shall be holy,” God asserts, “for I am holy.”

Parashat Tazria

Leviticus 12: 1-13:59

God teaches Moses the laws regarding physical purity, including purification after childbirth. The means of identification and purification of leprous skin diseases are set out, as are the laws concerning disposal of infected garments.

Parashat M’tzora

Leviticus 14:1-15:33

God sets forth the last steps for the purification of a leprous person. God even provides laws for when the Israelites reach Canaan and own houses that show evidence of leprous plague. Lastly, God addresses the impurity associated with bodily emissions, including a woman’s monthly cycle.

Parashat Aharei Mot

Leviticus 16: 1-18:30

God instructs Aaron to purify the altar, the priests, and the people. To purify the people two goats are chosen: one as a sacrifice, the other as a scapegoat, to be sent off bearing Israel’s sins. This ceremony of the Day of Atonement is to be “an eternal statute” on the tenth day of the seventh month. Other statutes, concerning animal slaughter and prohibited sexual relations, follow.

Parashat K’doshim

Leviticus 19:1-20:27

“You shall be holy, for I, Adonai your God, am holy.” God urges Israel to attain holiness by emulating God’s holiness. The people of Israel are asked to show respect for parents and for Shabbat, to refrain from idolatry, have concern for the poor and the stranger, and avoid gossip, anger, and improper sexual behavior.

Parashat Emor

Leviticus 21:1-24:23

God sets laws for the priesthood. The sacred days are ordained. Shabbat and the Festivals-Pesah, Shavuot, and Sukkot-along with Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are prescribed for all generations.

Parashat B’har

Leviticus 25:1-26:2

God tells Moses that after Israel reaches Canaan, the land, shall observe a seventh year of rest, a Shabbat, and lie fallow. After seven sabbatical cycles, every fiftieth year, a Jubilee shall be declared. In this hallowed year, Israel will “proclaim liberty throughout the land, unto all its inhabitants.” Property will revert to its original owner and slaves will be free.

Parashat B’hukotai

Leviticus 26:3-27:34

“Observe My commandments,” says God, and be rewarded; “Reject My statutes,” and suffer consequences. Yet despite this Tokhehah-this litany of dire warnings-God will not utterly reject Israel. God vows to remember the covenant made with Israel’s ancestors.

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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