Beth Israel Messianic Synagogue Blog

Special Events

Please join us for the following special events:

Rosh HaShana
Monday, Sept. 29 at 7:30 p.m.: Erev Rosh HaShana Service
Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 10:30 a.m.: Rosh HaShana Service

Days of Awe ~ Prayer at the Synagogue:
Thursday, October 2:
7:00 - 8:00 a.m.;
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.;
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Friday, October 3:
7:00 - 8:00 a.m.;
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 5:
7:00 - 8:00 a.m.;
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Monday, October 6:
7:00 - 8:00 a.m.;
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.;
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 7:
7:00 - 8:00 a.m.;
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.;
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Yom Kippur
Wednesday, October 8: 7:30 p.m. Kol Nidre Service
Thursday, October 9: 10:30 a.m. Yom Kippur Service

Additional Yom Kippur Gatherings on October 9:
Yizkor Service ~ Immediately following day service
Neelah ~ Closing Prayers, 6:00 p.m.
Break the Fast with Dinner together, 7:00 p.m.

Sukkot
Saturday, October 18: 10:00 a.m. Congregational Sukkot Picnic at St. Johns Grammar School

Simchat Torah Service
Saturday, October 25 at 10:30 a.m.

Please note:
The office will be closed for the holidays on:
Tuesday, September 30,
Wednesday, October 1,
Thursday, October 9,
Monday, October 13,
and Tuesday, October 14

Lizzy's Matza Recipe

Preheat oven to 400 F.
Dissolve 1 teaspoon kosher salt in 2/3 cup water.
Place 2 cups unbleached all purpose flour in food processor (*see note below).
Turn machine on and add water all at once.
Mix for about 15 seconds; then stop machine and scrape dough from sides and bottom.
Resume mixing until flour and water are thoroughly combined.
Remove dough from machine and place in plastic baggie.
Compress baggie with hands until dough is smooth.
Divide dough into 8 equal portions.
Temporarily store 7 portions in a plastic bag.
Place remaining portion in a plastic bag and shape into a smooth round ball.
Place ball on wooden cutting board and flatten with rolling pin.
Flip and roll, flip and roll until dough is quite thin and somewhat transparent (about 9" in diameter).
Pierce matza all over with a fork.
Place on an ungreased cookie sheet or oven tile and bake until browned on both sides (about 4 minutes).
Enjoy!

*Please note: If mixing by hand or in a traditional mixer, you may need to adjust the flour and water proportions. Dough should be soft but not sticky. Knead the dough until it is springy.

April 10, 2006 Congregational Fast

Here is the subject of this week's Monday fast:

Thanksgiving and Petition for the experience of God's Pesach victory in our lives

. Bringing us out of bondage
. Taking us as his people
. Redeeming us from slavery
. Bringing us into the fullness his Kingdom

Prayer and Fasting

Monday, March 6, 2006

Topic: That we would know practical steps to take so that the dross is removed-The Lord is refining us, using his fire to reveal the dross or schlock in our lives. It's important for us to know how to cooperate with the Lord so that we have victory.

We will pray this Monday for wisdom, understanding and knowledge:

o Some dross requires wisdom to deal with. We need to know what practical steps are required. When we don't have wisdom, we can connect with other people who do. So we can pray that we will know who to connect with.
o All of us have strengths and weaknesses, so we both have the ability to give help and to receive help. Let's pray that we'll be open to give and receive.
o Keep sharing your experiences with others. They can encourage you to keep moving forward, and your victories can help encourage others too.

Why Round Challah?

Several people asked today, why is the Rosh HaShanah challah round, rather than braided like Shabbat challah.

Here are a few thoughts from various Jewish resources:

On Rosh HaShanah, it is traditional to serve round challah (the circle symbolizing the cycle of life, the cycle of the years).

Round challahs are unique to the High Holiday season. Some say they represent a crown that reflects our coronating God as the King of the world.

Others suggest that the circular shape points to the cyclical nature of the year. The Hebrew word for year is "shana," which comes from the Hebrew word "repeat." Perhaps the circle illustrates how the years just go round and round. But Rosh Hashana challahs are not really circles; they are spirals...

The shape of the Rosh Hashana challah reminds us that this is the time of year to make  decisions to grow up spiritually. This is the time to engage in the creative spiritual process that lifts us out of the repetitive cycle, and directs our energies toward a higher end. Have a sweet new year!

Perhaps you have other thoughts to share with us. Send your Comments on this Post and we'll be able to read them together.

L'Shanah Tova!

Rabbi David