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The word tzemakh literally means a plant
in the sense of its ability to sprout, thrive and grow. In the Shmoneh Esrei's
blessing of the messianic rule, our sidur refers to Mashiach as את צמח דוד (Et tzemakh David), The plant of David. Rabbi Nosson Scherman in
his commentary on the sidur notes that this messianic reference implies that
the "redemption [of Mashiach] is like the barely noticeable daily growth of a
plant." (ArtScroll sidur pg. 108) Other commentaries on this messianic title
explain that the advent of Mashiach will be like the sudden sprouting of a
plant which breaks through the earth, seemingly, out of nowhere. These two
ideas are not in conflict. The most surprising growth undergone by a plant is
that slow process taking place underground which is hidden only to be revealed
in a quick moment. For this reason it is written both, ואף על פי שיתמהמה עם כל
זה אחכה לו "Though he tarry, I will wait every day for him," and כן בא אני מהר "Behold I come quickly." The arrival of Mashiach is a
gradual, and at the same time, instantaneous event.
Like
the flourishing of a plant from a dry seed, our sages have taught that the
revelation of Mashiach will be like life from the dead; redemption will come
from an impossible source.
Not
only does the name tzemakh reflect our synagogue's messianic affiliation,
it also describes the nature of an emerging generation of young people that
make up the twenties group at Beit HaShofar; a group that has recently sprung
up, seemingly, out of nowhere. This group comprised of both those who
have grown up in our synagogue and newer members who have recently found a home
with our community, is bringing and will continue to bring new life to our congregation.
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Torah from the Couch is Torah-learning the easy way! Get together with your
friends at Beit HaShofar to take advantage of some of the amazing video shiurim
(Torah lessons) floating around cyberspace and on DVD. Torah from the Couch
is an opportunity to drop in on Torah classes delivered by rabbanim from highly
rated yeshivahs all around the world-from the comfort of a sofa! There will be drinks,
food to nibble (kosher dairy), and open minded discussion after the lesson, so
come prepared to have a great time!
If you would like to use the
change from your couch to help support ours, we will have a tzedakah box
sitting out, but Torah from the Couch is an absolutely free event!
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The Goal of T'nuat
Noar Tsippor is the integration of each young person, post b'nei mitzvah age, fully
into Judaism and Synagogue life. Our hope is to encourage young people to live
Messianic Judaism daily. T'nuat
Noar Tsippor exists to create activities that
will encourage curiosity and interest in Jewish living, enhance knowledge of Torah,
Brit Chadashah, and the importance of tradition. Participating in works of
tzedakah in and outside of the Jewish community will also be a focus of T'nuat
Noar Tsippor .
It is our mission to nurture personal
dedication to our Mashiach and create a strong Jewish identity. This will be
accomplished by building relationships and a positive self-image while creating
memorable experiences, and encouraging prayer and devotion to G-d and Torah.
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Tuesday evenings at 7:00PM Join a group discussion of the weekly Parsha. Everyone is encouraged to participate and share his or her insights. Our class gleans wisdom from various rabbinic and messianic sources. We use the Artscroll Chumash commentary as a base for our discussions. |
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Etzim Kitanim (Little Trees) This class is held on Shabbat mornings during the time the Rabbi gives the D'var Torah. Children from ages 5-10 may attend. This class is taught in a lively and interactive fashion, allowing the children to be exposed to a few different topic areas each week to build their knowledge and understanding. The goals of this class are: - to provide an overview of the Tenakh, helping children to become familiar with biblical books, people, and the parashot on a level to which they can relate
- to develop a knowledge and love of the Jewish holidays, ceremonies, and traditions
- to learn basic Hebrew (block letters, nikkud, reading, vocabulary)
- to infuse the berachot into the daily lives of the children through practice and by showing their meaning and value
- to teach the middot (character traits) that will help them to live ethical lives, based on Pirkei Avot, stories and other teaching of our rabbis, and teachings of Messiah Yeshua through the Besorot(Gospels)
- to give better understanding about ancient Yisrael and modern day Yisrael through activities and reading
Bar/Bat Mitzvah training - greater understanding of prayer and liturgy
- Jewish history
- Torah cantillation
- distinct learning tracts for boys and girls
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We periodically run beginner and intermediate Hebrew classes. Please contact us if interested. Past classes include:
- Periodic Beginner's Hebrew seminars
- Understanding the Siddur
- Biblical Hebrew - Beginner to Intermediate
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At Yadeinu Men's Club meetings you will:
- strengthen the bonds between the men of the synagogue
- find ways to help solidify our community identity
- daven together so that we all build a strong bond through spiritual renewal
- learn about contemporary Jewish issues, values, and concepts
- be able to share with each other the struggles and triumphs of our everyday lives
- learn how to lead a Jewish home, and be a proactive partner with your spouse
Check calendar for scheduled meetings.
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An all women's group dedicated to learning, bonding, and growing in Torah and in Jewish life. Come be a part and participate in meaningful discussions, tzedakah and mitzvah opportunities, and spiritual growth. This group is led by the rebbetzin.
Click here for events and times.
Our dues help support our Bikur Cholim committee and other tzedakah opportunites within our shul, as well as Jewish Women International and the greater Jewish community.
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The Rosh Chodesh Stitch Circle is a women's group that celebrates the New Moon through stitching and meets as close to Rosh Chodesh as possible (the head of the Jewish
month).
It is traditional for women to get together on Rosh Chodesh, welcome
in the new month, and limit their labor tasks in honor of the day.
Our circle will usually
light a candle for the month, listen to a new Jewish artist on CD, bond, have a sweet nosh, read some tekinnes (ancient women's prayers) and stitch with purpose. You don't have to know how to stitch if you wish to participate - we can teach you!
However, the goal is to stitch as a group. You can bring your own crochet, knitting, sewing, or quilting projects. If you don't have any projects in progress, you can participate in this year's double "stitch-vah": making blankets (from felting and cutting old wool sweaters) to donate on a regular basis to programs that support the homeless. Also, we will have felted wool sweaters for the purpose of making chic felted bags to raise money for S.M.I.L.E. , the tzedakah project of Achot. See umjc.net/achot for more details on S.M.I.L.E.
Check the events calendar for dates and times and plan ahead for Rosh Chodesh. This day is a beautiful day for women to rejoice in the cycle of the moon and the passing of Jewish time. Come and be a part - this day is for you!
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An all women's group dedicated to the mitzvot of Bikur Cholim (visiting the sick) and Gemilut Hasidim (acts of kindness). This 6 member group participates in hospital and home visits, services for the home, care packages for those who are ill and also assists those who care for those who are ill. |
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A book group solely for women
Held every other month.
Meetings will be held at Ayni member's homes.
Ayni is for you if you enjoy reading on a regular basis, have an interest in topics and issues in Judaism, and are interested in interpersonal growth through analysis and discussion of various books. Ayni members will be up to date on books and able to participate so that evening meetings will be thought provoking and fulfilling.
If you are interested in joining Ayni, contact our rebbetzin for information on the current book of the month or if you need help ordering books.
"Ayni" - means "read" or "study."
This word in Hebrew is an imperative for the feminine "you."
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(C) 2008 Beit HaShofar Synagogue
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