Congregation Children of Israel

Why Does This Torah Portion Matter? Toldot https://youtu.be/eXNby4d4ew4

Why Does This Torah Portion Matter? Chaye Sara https://youtu.be/q2iHKIsv8kk

Rabbi Linder has started a new video series: Why Does This Torah Portion Matter? Each will be less than 5 minutes and a great way to delve into something interesting and relevant from the week’s portion! https://youtu.be/gzt9_oIbHLg

Why Does This Torah Portion Matter? Vayera https://www.youtube.com/watch

The following was emailed to congregants: Tomorrow will mark one of the most consequential elections in recent history. Following a campaign season that has been both interminably long and anxiety-inducing for many, we are now on the eve of Election Day. It should not be lost on us that we, as American Jews, have the privilege of contributing to the democratic process. Many of us trace our ancestry to eastern Europe and the far reaches of Russia, places where our grandparents... and theirs could never have imagined helping to shape their nation’s future. The Jewish experience in America, while not without significant anti-Semitism and pain, has been one of overall acceptance. In Washington, in board rooms and classrooms, in medicine and science, we have helped to build and rebuild America. Thankfully, this is also true here in Athens, where our CCI community continues to be a significant part of Athens and its surrounding areas. We know that tomorrow’s election and the ensuing days will heal some wounds while deepening others. One party’s elation will be another party’s devastation. We know that there will be acrimony regardless of the results pertaining to the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives. Following recent months of division and tension, America stands to become even more divided, our narratives even more polarized. No matter the outcome of these important contests, I know that our CCI community will be one of mutual support and kindness. I want you to know that no matter what comes to pass over the next days and weeks, you have a congregational home that values you and your family for who you are. We will continue to be kind to each other, helping each other in times of joy and strife, amid celebration and loss. Most importantly, our Torah and our Jewish values do not rest on the results of an election. We will continue to love and support each other, teaching and reminding each other of the Jewish priorities of tzedakah, tikkun olam, and pikuach nefesh, the value of every human life. As your rabbi, I am here for you this week and always. Please feel free to reach out to me. I look forward to sharing in our continued learning and growing, together.

Why Does This Torah Portion Matter? Parashat Noach https://youtu.be/6_WUZsCCFVk

If you are a member of CCI and would like to light candles at tonight’s service, please send me a message!If you are a member of CCI and would like to light candles at tonight’s service, please send me a message!

All are welcome to attend. We will follow socially distant guidelines, including the wearing of masks. Rabbi Linder is proud to participate at 5PM Tomorrow night along with clergy from the ICPGA (Interfaith Clergy Partnership of Greater Athens).

We are so excited to announce our brand new Campfire on Tour series! Join us on Facebook live (facebook.com/urjorg) every Sunday evening to listen to an awesome Jewish artist!

Happy Mother’s Day to all of our wonderful mothers. We thank them for giving us life and love, and for continuing to guide us. We also remember our mothers who have died. We celebrate the many gifts that they gave us, and we will always remember them, living so that their memory will forever be a blessing.

EDIT: For those of you that couldn't get link to work, it should work now. This video (link below) is for you to watch after you have eaten Passover dinner. When I say "I will pause for ten seconds," please go ahead and press pause so that you can open the door for Elijah! https://youtu.be/DQpsJKv-87U

Our Zoom Passover seder is at 6:00 PM tomorrow evening! The link is below. I have emailed the password to congregants. If you didn't get it and want to join, please feel free to send me a message. Happy and healthy Passover! https://us04web.zoom.us/j/5583243907

Rabbi Linder had a full confirmation class today!

ARZA/Vote Reform and Reconstructionist Movement Wins the World Zionist Congress Election! Because of all of your efforts, we were able to garner 31,500 votes, a...n increase of nearly 50% from the 2015 election. We are in the position lead a powerful progressive block, and we will continue to work in the name of our Reform values: pluralism, equality, and freedom. Thank you to everyone who voted for our slate and showed support for our campaign. We could not have done this without your help. Here’s to continuing the momentum! View the results: azm.org/elections/results #VoteReformWZC

Click here to join our Zoom "virtual" Shabbat service tonight. 6:45 PM: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/5583243907

A note from Rabbi Linder: CCI is committed to the ongoing and continuous assessment of the fast-shifting impact of this unprecedented coronavirus. The calls for social distancing have turned into a chorus with key public and private institutions committing to meaningful mitigation efforts. CCI will do our part to help flatten the curve and slow the transmission of COVID-19. As was communicated several days ago, all in-person programs, Religious School, and worship services... are suspended for the next two weeks, and possibly longer depending on the situation. Shortly after arriving back in Athens (Tuesday afternoon), I will begin looking into on-line options for Shabbat worship and adult education. For this coming Shabbat I do plan on sending a D'var Torah along with some readings and prayers. I will be working with Ken and our leadership to determine a plan for funerals, minyanim and B'nei Mitzvah. I will continue to meet with B'nei Mitzvah students remotely, either through FaceTime or Skype. A note to B'nei Mitzvah families: If ceremonies do end up being postponed, students will still chant the same Torah portion that they have worked so hard to learn and understand. Please feel free to reach out to me. I am available to speak with any of our congregational family. We can "meet" on the phone, or through video chat. If you would like to schedule a time to talk, the best and easiest way to do so is by using my on-line calendar. The link to that calendar was sent in an email to all congregants. If there is an emergency, please call my cell phone. Coincidentally, this week’s Torah portion teaches They shall wash their hands and feet that they may not die. (Exodus 30:21) Our ancestors, it turns out, knew a thing or two about public health. Let us heed their wisdom in our day by following the guidelines of the CDC and other health experts. Wash your hands. Cough into your elbow. If you’re sick, stay home. If you are in a high-risk group, stay home. We should practice physical distancing, but perhaps more importantly, social solidarity. In that spirit, if you know of a congregant that is in need of assistance during these days and weeks ahead, please let me know by email. The Kesher committee and I are prepared to organize help for those in need. We are here for one another. - Rabbi Linder

A few pictures from a wonderful and full two days in Israel!

This evening starts the 14th cycle of what is known as Daf Yomi, meaning a page a day. I am attempting to read a page of the Talmud every day, for (gulp) 2711 days (7.5 years). My plan is to post once a day on Twitter with an insight or question gleaned from each day's reading. If you use Twitter, feel free to follow me: @geekyrabbi. Lastly, If you'd like to read some of the Talmud on your own, Safaria is a free app/web service that has the entirety of the Talmud on it, along with a fantastic English translation.