Programs

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Programs

Melitz Yosher - Be an Advocate

To add the name of a loved one who is ill and needs prayer to our prayer list, please contact Rebbetzin Malkah.

Please put it in the format: "name" son/daughter of "mother" (example: yochanan ben sara or chava bat rachel [['ben' meaning son, 'bat' meaning daughter). If a Hebrew name is available for the person who is ill and a Hebrew name is available for the mother, please make note of this. We will pray for this person during our Melitz Yosher sessions. If possible, please minimally detail the condition so we know how to pray.

A melitz yosher is an advocate, someone who pleads for mercy on behalf of those who need an advocate. The idea of mediating for a person or people in need in the heavenly courts is ancient in the Jewish tradition.

As Mashiach Yeshua, the melitz yosher gadol, stands in the breach for us, may those who join Melitz Yosher embody that spirit of compassion, concern and diligence in praying for the concerns, needs and healing for those in our midst and those separated by distance.

If we give our traditional prayer book a glance, we see that there are numerous prayers for help, either for the supplicant, or for other Israelites:

"Ana B'koach, gedulat y'mincha"
(We beg you! With the strength of Your right hand's greatness)
Tachanun (Supplication). The paragraph near the end of the Amidah
(Elohai nezor l'shoni mei-rah) asks for protection and ends with "Let your right hand save and respond to me," from Psalm 60:7
Zohar (Vayakhel 360a) prayer before the open ark, before the Torah is taken out
Mishebeirakh (prayer for a sick person) during the Amidah and before final Torah procession

Why Mah Jongg? It's the Jewish thing to do!

You might be asking why a game, originating in China, would be such a popular game among American Jewry. From Shanghai to Miami Beach, we see Mah Jongg tournaments and many organizations sponsoring Mah Jongg related events in order to drum up charity. But how, and why, did it find its way into Jewish communities?

Twenties Group - Tzemakh

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.

Rosh Chodesh Circle

The Rosh Chodesh Circle is a women's group that celebrates the New Moon by meeting 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, make kiddush over the new month, have a seudah (meal), read some tekinnes (ancient women's prayers), and study.

Check the events calendar on www.makormiriam.org 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!

Chevra Kadisha

The Women's and Men's Chevra Kadisha of Beit HaShofar are two groups serving the members respectively of Beit HaShofar and their family.
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BHS Youth

The Goal of the BHS Youth 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. BHS Youth 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.

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.

Ayni

A book group solely for women

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 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for information or go to www.makormiriam.org and look under the menu item "Wellsprings/Event/Ayni and click on the Ayni Booklist for 5772. This will show you all our reads for the year. Our book meeting dates are shown as well.

"Ayni" - means "read" or "study."
This word in Hebrew is an imperative for the feminine "you."

Lo Levad - Not Alone

A 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, assists those who care for those who are ill and is in the process of becoming certified to sit with those who are dying who would otherwise die alone.

Makor Miriam - The Beit HaShofar Sisterhood

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.

Look at the front page calendar for events and times and also check our Makor Miriam's website at www.makormiriam.org.

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.

Yadeinu

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 the calendar on the homepage for meeting dates. At our gatherings we normally daven shacharit together, followed by breakfast and discussion.

Hebrew Education

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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