There are two Chanukkah stories. The Gemara (Shabbat 21b) asks,
There is much to be happy about this Shabbat, and we’re looking forward to celebrating with you.
First, our Cantor, the Chief Cantor of the Israeli Police Force, just got married this month, and he is celebrating by hosting the Chief Cantor of Jerusalem, Chaim Adler, along with a spectacular choir for a very special Kaballat Shabbat. Of course, services will be followed by our famous champagne kiddush.
Second, after being in America caring for his ill mother, our founding rabbi, Ariel Konstantyn, has returned and we are excited to once again have his boundless energy enliven our davening.
Third, we are honored to welcome Professor Joshua Katzen to join us this Shabbat. Celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of his Bar Mitzva, Professor Katzen will be sponsoring a delicious hot kiddush following services on Shabbat morning.
All this adds up to an exciting, joy-filled weekend. Join us this Shabbat, and bring your own celebrations!
The Tel Aviv International Synagogue may be the coolest synagogue in Tel Aviv – but it’s also the hottest. This winter will be cozy, but we need to cool off if we’re going to enjoy the summer. The Cool Campaign is well on its way to raise the funds we need to upgrade our electrical systems and install air conditioning. Keep track of our progress here, and the next time you imagine how wonderful our synagogue could be on a hot summer day – donate a few dollars and bring us closer to our goal.
Rivkah is pregnant with twins. But, these aren’t just any twins, these two are ferocious. While still in her womb, they move around so much that Rivkah is in pain, and can’t ever sleep. What are they doing in there? Are they fighting? Are they playing? Rivkah gives birth to two astounding boys. They look and act as different as possible, and most outsiders can’t believe that they’re related. Despite that, they really are twins, and Rivkah knows it. These two share entirely too much to be strangers. So, it seems they will have two choices in life – either they will learn to love each other as brothers, or they will be destined to fight one another as only brothers can.
This week’s parsha tells of Yaakov, our particular ancestor’s birth, and the options are laid out clearly. As the Ramban will tell us in a couple of weeks, the story of Yaakov in the Chumash is not only his personal story, but we, the children of Yaakov, are destined to live out in every generation, the same challenges, and the same struggles that Yaakov faced. Over the generations, Esav, the red, hairy brother, with whome we have everything and nothing in common becomes identified with Rome and Western society, and the Rabbis looked to these parshiyot to give guidance and to justify their positions.
Remarkably, the first verse where these brothers are introduced, when Rivka is told of the remarkable twins she carries, is used in the Talmud to explain entirely opposing ideas.
And God said to her, “Two people are in your womb and two nations will emerge from your loins. One nation shall be stronger than the other, and the elder will serve the younger.” (Breishit 25:23)
The Talmud in Megilla (6a) looks to the pessimistic end of the verse, and presents this zero-sum model of conflict:
Caeserea and Jerusalem: If someone tells you,
Join us for a delicious, gourmet Shabbat Dinner at the exclusive Portofino on the Sea Restaurant on Friday, December 2, 2011.
First, inspirational Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat services will take place at The Tel Aviv International Synagogue – Beit El at 4:45pm. Then, our acclaimed Champagne Kiddush Reception will take place in the Garden (weather permitting) Finally, the dinner will take place at the restaurant located in the Prima Hotel on the corner of Frishman and HaYarkon – across from the Dan Hotel. Continue reading
It’s Thanksgiving Shabbat – let’s all count the blessings in our lives! Join us for a Blockbuster Kabbalat Shabbat with Israel’s Leading Chazzan – Cantor Israel Rand – accompanied by the “Lishmoa El HaRina” Choir, Meir Briskman, Conductor!
Come meet and greet the shabbat queen Carlebach style with the popular Jewish a capella group six13!!!
Join over 250 young Tel Avivians
this Friday night, September 23 @ 6:25pm
and every Friday night
as we roll out the red carpet for the Shabbat Queen with our inspiring Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat!!!
Our Acclaimed Champagne Reception in the garden to follow.
Admission is complimentary.
Shabbat Shalom!!!
EXCITEMENT IS BUILDING – This Wednesday, September 14 at 7:30pm, TAIS Membership Beer-B-Q and Open Mic Night in the Garden.
Join Rabbi Ariel and the fastest growing community in Tel Aviv from Selichot to Simchat Torah!!!
Moving and inspiring Selichot, Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur Services with:
| Rabbi Ariel Konstantyn Founding Rabbi, TAIS – Beit El |
Cantor Shlomo Pivko Chief Cantor, Israel Police Force |
| and the Ne’emot Yomeiru Choir Nachman Bachar, Conductor |
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| All are welcome to join us for services! | |
