Recent TSE Emails

Dear Friends:

As we have all been glued to the news, worrying about the violence in Israel, we all wonder what we can do to be supportive. 

Certainly affirming Israel's right to protect itself as rockets rain down is a critical first step. Openly reject personal attacks, lynching and the destruction of sacred places. Consider donating to ARZA, United Hatzalah or Jewish Federation as a way of supporting Israel on the ground. Learn about the situation and understand the complexity by reading multiple Israeli news sources like, Ha'aretz, The Jerusalem Post or The Times of Israel. Open your mind to hear the complex narratives that have led to this place. 

It is heartbreaking to feel so far away, so helpless, when people in Israel are in harms way. We worry about friends and family there who are grabbing their children and spending nights in bomb shelters. Consider tonight connecting with the Jewish people everywhere by lighting Shabbat candles, and as your do, take a moment to read the prayer below. Pray for the safety of those you know and for a change for those who hate. The death of even one Israeli or Palestinian is tragic. Only when we come to understand that we are all created in the image of God, all part of one family, will humanity be able to live in peace and safety. Until that time, let us look for and raise up those who can guide us to peace. 

May God who makes peace in the heavens, bring peace to Israel, to all Israelis, Arabs and Palestinians, so that we may know peace soon,  in our own day. Amen.
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Melinda Panken

Rockets from Gaza
Rock of Jacob,
Protector and Redeemer,
Watch over the people of Israel
As rockets rain down from Gaza.
Grant safety to the citizens and residents,
Soldiers and civilians,
Visitors and guests,
During these days of violence and fear.
Guard them,
And guard the entire nation.
Protect this land from violence and assault,
From kidnappers and terrorists,
From missile and mortar,
From those who would destroy this country and our people.
Source of blessings,
Grant safety and security to all nations
So that harmony and blessings resound
From the four corners of the earth.
Let quiet descend upon the land,
And let lasting peace come quickly, in our day.
© 2018 Alden Solovy and tobendlight.com.

Watch all services on 
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Joint Havdallah Ceremony in Solidarity with Israel
Shabbat 15th May
| 8pm Israel | 1pm ET
 
Join the IMPJ, MARAM and our Israeli congregations for a Havdallah ceremony of solidarity and unity during these difficult times.
The event will be in Hebrew, with musical accompaniment and sections in English.
 
Please share this invitation with your congregations and organizations.

  Join Here

Shavuot

Saturday, May 15th
Moved from Sunday because of rain forcast
4:00pm Confirmation
Havdalah Service
Watch the service on
the website,
Facebook or
YouTube

Four Rabbis Explore the Festival of Shavuot

 Click Here to Register for Four Rabbis
Sessions are open to all who wish to attend
(Please make sure your screen name is your name – not ipad/iphone, etc)

Sunday, May 16, 2021
8:30 p.m.
What Really Happened at Mount Sinai and Who Was There? 
An exploration of the sights, sounds, and silence as Israel experienced God. 
with Rabbi Dina Rosenberg, Temple Beth Shalom, Manalapan

9:15 p.m.
Ruth and Boaz: Profiles in Menschlekheit
with Rabbi Melinda Panken, Temple Shaari Emeth, Manalapan

Monday, May 17, 2021
10:00 a.m.
Must the Divine Name Be Written in English as G-d? 
with Rabbi Michael Pont,  Marlboro Jewish Center, Marlboro

10:45 a.m. 
Ten Commandments: Old & New – What Are our Commandments Today?
with Rabbi Laurence Malinger, Temple Shalom, Aberdeen