Temple Beth Shalom Newsletter

Parasha B'Midbar
2 Sivan 5764
May 21-22, 2004

This week's Torah portion, B'Midbar means "in the wilderness". It is the first parasha of the Book of Numbers, known in Hebrew as B'Midbar. The wilderness can take many forms. Sometimes it is a physical wilderness but often, in our own lives, wilderness can be an emotional or spiritual state. I was reminded of this earlier this week by a column in the Statesman by Dr. James Dee concerning the philosophical difficulty presented by the fact some prayers for healing are answered while others are not. We often feel uneasy about prayer and its effectiveness; we have our doubts in this our spiritual wilderness. So what follows is a letter to the editor I wrote in response to Dr. Dee's column. I do not know if it will appear in the Statesman, but I felt the issue was important enough to share some thoughts with you:

I am writing in response to Dr. James Dee's opinion column of May 11. Dr. Dee presents the traditional rationalist critique of religion and prayer, that there appears to be no moral or rational basis for which, if any, of our prayers are answered by God. By framing the issue this way, Dr. Dee has created a philosophical strawman and then proceeds to knock it down. Much to the chagrin of my congregants, I also do not know why certain prayers are answered and others are not, but the very question assumes that in order to be worthwhile, prayer must also be rational. (His argument concerning morality is merely an extension of rationality; in essence that God's decision as to whether or not to answer prayer has to reflect a human moral system that is arrived at through the application of rationality.)

As a former rationalist myself (I used to practice law), I have come to the conclusion that rationalism is highly over-rated as a mode of looking at the world. The core question of any rationalist analysis is "why?" but some things in life are simply unknowable. Now this is very troublesome, if not painful or dangerous, to those like Dr. Dee who set knowability as their sole measure of what is worthwhile or moral. Yet, there are many of us religionists who revel in the very unknowability that Dr. Dee decries. I no more know why some people receive miraculous cures than I do why people fall in love or why the universe functions as it does. Yet, I hope and (yes) pray that people never stop trying to find their beloved or studying the universe to better understand its marvel. I and my community will also never cease to pray for healing, not because it works every time or even some of the time but precisely because we do not know the workings of God. The very knowledge that there is unexplained goodness and healing in the world compels us is to seek them in humility and in reliance on God's merciful being. We are compelled not because our prayers will necessarily "work" but because not to even ask would be a denial of our own humanity.

Additionally, Dr. Dee assumes that the occurrence of a cure is the only sign of God having answered prayer. It is my experience that prayers are answered in many other ways. For example, God can send comfort at the conclusion of a long and painful illness. God can open hearts to heal broken relationships among family members and friends at a time of crisis so that a loved one can be at peace. Most of all, God can send strength and inspiration to those who are facing illness in order to cope with the reality of a long and difficult recovery or an impending death. These answers to prayers for healing are not in the nature of cures but they are gifts from God; gifts worth praying for and for which one would offer thanks.

Rabbi Alan Freedman

When someone dies and they are buried in the cemetery, what goes up to heaven if their body is down in the ground? How do they find they friends and family in heaven? What is it like up in heaven? Do you eat? Do they see us?

ANSWER FOR THE CHILD WHO SUBMITTED THE QUESTIONS:
When we die we return to God. God gave us a soul when we were born and that soul returns to God. The place where all the souls go to is called heaven and in heaven our soul meets the souls of those we love and have died before us. We do not eat or see people who are still alive in the way that we think of but our souls are always there with God as God watches over those that we love.

ANSWER FOR ADULTS WHO MAY HAVE THE SAME QUESTIONS:
These are very complex questions and the answers are not easy. The prevailing Jewish approach to what happens when we die is that our souls return to God, but our bodies are buried and decay naturally. The body is considered merely to be a vessel for the soul and it is through the continued life of the soul that we receive eternal life. Judaism does not posit a specific vision of heaven or of a hell. Rabbis through the ages have conjured up various visions (like a place of eternal study with God) but none of these has us continuing to function as whole people meeting other people that we know in an afterlife. While Jews, like everyone else, say things like someone who dies is in a better place or "at least mom and dad are together now," in a Jewish context these are assumed to mean in a metaphysical way.

While we do not believe in guardian angels, it is perfectly within Jewish belief to feel the presence of someone who has died. The idea of naming a child after someone who is dead is the embodiment of this idea; that we want the new baby to carry on a good name.

Do you have questions that you would like to have Rabbi Freedman answer? Day or night, just e-mail asktherabbi@bethshalomaustion.org and he will answer your questions. The answers will first be printed in this message and on the website on the Rabbi's page, and then will be archived on our website for later reference. You may remain anonymous (provide an alias for yourself) or you may use your real name (but we probably will just print first names). Questions from all ages are welcome. For more, click the following link: http://www.bethshalomaustin.org/TBS/leadership/ask_rabbi.asp.

Friday Night Shabbat Services

Rabbi Alan Freedman leads Shabbat Services each Friday night in the Community Hall of the DJCC. Cantorial Soloist Abby Gostein leads the congregation in prayer through music. Each service is followed by an Oneg.

Babysitting is available for Shabbat evening services every Friday night (does not include Tot Shabbat service times). No need to make a reservation.

Saturday Morning Torah Study

Rabbi Freedman leads a Shabbat morning Torah Study twice each month. The next Torah Study sessions will be held on Saturday May 22nd in the library located on the second floor in the Education Building of the DJCC. Torah Study begins at 10:00 a.m.

Beginning Friday July 9th and running through August 27th, Erev Shabbat services will be held at 6:30 p.m. The Erev Shabbat service on the first Friday of each month will still be held at 7:45 p.m. (Tot Shabbat at 6:30 p.m.).

Upcoming Services

Friday May 21

6:30 p.m. Erev Shabbat Services: "Shabbat Shir Shalom" Get ready to sing and pray with the incredible leadership, accompaniment, and harmonies of many of your fellow congregants. Enjoy a special "sermon in song" with the theme of "Shiru Shir Chadash," let us sing a new song.

Tuesday May 25

8:30 p.m. Erev Shavuot Services. Erev Shavuot observance at the home of Marion and Gerhard Werner beginning with dessert and coffee at 8:30 p.m. The program begins at 9:00 p.m. Please email Lori at lfriedaustin@yahoo.com if you need directions, would like to bring a dessert or need more information.

Friday May 28

7:15p.m. Shabbat Sing-Along

7:45 p.m. Erev Shabbat Services

Saturday May 29

10:00 a.m. Shabbat Morning Services. TBS will celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of Alana Deitch in the JCAA Community Hall. All members of the congregation are invited to share in this simcha as we celebrate with the Deitch family on this special occasion.

Upcoming Friday Night Sing-Along date: May 28

LOVE TO SING old favorite Jewish songs and learn new ones? Join Abby Gostein and the TBS community for a fun-filled SHABBAT SING-ALONG (only love of music is required)

Friday, May 28 7:15-7:45

Hope to see you there!

SHABBAT SHIR SHALOM IS COMING!!!!!!!!!!

On Friday night, May 21 at 6:30 pm, please join in worship for Shabbat Shir Shalom. A special super-musical Shabbat. Get ready to sing and pray with the incredible leadership, accompaniment, and harmonies of many of your fellow congregants. Enjoy a "sermon in song" with the theme of "Shiru Shir Chadash," let us sing a new song. It will be an uplifting, participatory musical experience for all.

Matan Shemot Service (the gift of name service)

Do you not have a hebrew name? Would you like one? We are beginning to prepare for our Matan Shemot Service (the gift of name service) in which the Rabbi will be leading an adult naming service on June 11th. We would love to celebrate with you as you receive this special honor. If you are interested in receiving a hebrew name, please contact Lisa Goodman at 918-1423 or lisagoodman37@aol.com to discuss the easy process.

IMPORTANT FUTURE CONGREGATIONAL EVENTS!

TBS Annual Congregational Meeting

SUNDAY, JUNE 6, 2004
10:00 am
ECP Multipurpose Room

HOLD THE DATE!
Temple Beth Shalom Gala

Gala Event Honoring Dee & Don Coplin
October 3, 2004
Driskill Hotel

Our Congregation Holds Its First Confirmation Service

On Friday, May 7, Temple Beth Shalom held its first ever Confirmation Service. Those being confirmed that night are pictured below (left to right: Laura Prais, Lauren Becker, Rabbi Alan Freedman, Amanda Halter, Jenelle Levenstein, Joshua Landsberger)

Graduating Shalomites Host Havdallah

Join us Saturday, May 22 @ 6 p.m. for a special Ice Cream Havdallah in honor of our graduating Shalomites. As these little people enter the big world of kindergarten and TBS, we want to celebrate with treats, song and prayer. All are welcome. BYOI (Buy Your Own Ice Cream) at Amy's Ice Cream (in the Arboretum) and meet us at the cows. Contact Lisa Goodman for the rain plan at (lisagoodman37@aol.com or 918-1423).

ADULT EDUCATION

HELP WANTED!

Are you interested in planning the future programs for Adult Education? Would you like to help us develop a survey to determine the Adult Education needs for the coming year? Do you want to work with a committed committee and the Rabbi to make sure we are addressing the needs of the congregation? If so, WE WANT YOU! Please contact Ira Goodman 418-1905, igoodman@austin.rr.com.

SOCIAL ACTION

TBS Social Action Wants You to Join in the Fun and Community Building:
Muslim Jewish Workday
Sunday, May 16th from 9 am to 5 pm

We will work together, for the third time, on a Hands on Housing project, doing painting, yard clean up and repairs to the exterior of the house on 5516 Duval St., north of the UT campus. Come in your painting duds and bring a smile with you. For further info contact Cindy Zieve. cindyzieve@austin.rr.com

Austin Area Interreligious Ministries (AAIM) is sponsoring this Muslim Jewish Workday event and wants your input for a planning meeting, Tuesday, May 11th at 6:30 pm. AAIM is also having a social gathering and future projects brainstorming session on Wednesday, May 19th, 6:30-8:30 pm. Both meetings will be at the AAIM offices, 701 Tillery St. Contact Cindy Zieve for more info or directions. Hope to see you there!

SHALOMITES (a Chavarah for families with children ages five and under)

VOLUNTEER COORDINATION COMMITTEE

TBS "Volunteer Central" Matches Willing Volunteers with Projects in Need of Help

Are you a willing volunteer in waiting? Are you a committee or event chairperson looking for a few good volunteers? If so, TBS has a new committee formally known as the "Volunteer Coordination Committee" that is the perfect resource for you! The Volunteer Coordination Committee matches willing volunteers with committee chairs and event chairs who need willing helpful volunteers to help them accomplish their goals. If you are either a volunteer or someone in need of a volunteer, please contact Joan Edelstein at 340-0330, or at RED42750@aol.com.

SISTERHOOD

If you would like more information about joining Sisterhood, please contact our membership chair, Lisa Goodman, at 918-1423 or lisagoodman37@aol.com.

TRIBUTES

BUILDING FUND

In memory of Lil Klayman
Dale & Howard Rubinfeld

GENERAL FUND

In memory of Lil Klayman
Ira and Lois Goodman
Lis and Fred Chozick
Michael and Karol Deitch

Speedy Recovery of Vonnie Kaufman
Michael and Karol Deitch

In honor of Charles Wolchansky's special birthday
Lis and Fred Chozick

In memory of David Katz
Lis and Fred Chozick
Michael and Karol Deitch

In memory of Kim Rubin's father, Julian Drescher
Michael and Karol Deitch

In honor of Gail Miller's special birthday
Byron & Irene Smith

Speedy recovery to Ellen Kusin
Lis and Fred Chozick

SOCIAL ACTION/STORYBOOK PROJECT

In memory of Judith Fox's stepmother, Henrietta Zionts
Ellen Mann

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SIMCHAS

Birthdays & Anniversaries

Mazel Tov to the following Temple Beth Shalom adult members who are celebrating their birthdays and anniversaries for the week of May 17– May 23.

Birthdays

May 18 Don Singer

May 20 Jonathan Sessler

May 23 Jackie Coplin

May 23 Jack Fox

Anniversaries

May 18 Michael & Karol Deitch

May 20 Paul and Kim Rubin

May 23 Austan and Diane Librach

Please contact admin@bethshalomaustin.org if you have any corrections or if you have been inadvertently left off the list.

Other Simchas

Craig Saper won an "Excellence In Writing" scholarship in a contest sponsored by the Austin American Statesman. He was one of nine winners out of a pool of 450 entrants. MAZEL TOV to Craig and to the whole Saper family!

Please contact newsletter@bethshalomaustin.org if you have any corrections or if you have major Simchas to be listed here.

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