By Richard Berger

As we continue in our 121^st year a few thoughts come to mind. In our most trying times of today, the words achdus and chesed come to mind. Our shul is a melting pot of Ashkenazi Jews. We have a diverse, passionate and energetic membership. Because of this there can be an appearance of divisions; but do not make the mistake of confusing divisions with divisiveness. Divisions amongst the Jewish people are an ordinary, healthy part of Hashem’s plan as evidenced by the founding of our nation being divided into twelve tribes. This was not arbitrary as we see from Yakov’s brachos to each of the 12 tribes, with each being charged with their own unique mission and purpose. Fast forward to our modern times these tribal brachos can show up in many different ways such as Sephardim and Ashkenazim, chassidim, yeshivish and modern orthodox, kollel students, Ba’alei Teshuva with each bringing a unique and valid approach to serving Hashem. A persons’ particular way of serving Hashem is a tribute to the passion within to be Jew.

It is in this spirit of passion, for achdus, chesed and ahava that we embark on a journey that I hope and pray will inspire and evoke not only change but transformation for our entire shul. Doing acts of chesed or ahava doesn’t have to be about grand gestures. It’s about creating change with simple daily acts of chesed and ahava that will lead to achdus. The best part about participating is that by sharing your story you will inspire others. (Once a day, share your act of chesed, ahava or inspiring story. If you wish to remain anonymous, just let us know.) Acting and sharing in this way gives us the foundation for an inspiring year filled with achudas, ahava and chesed .

One last note of importance is to NOT forget about you and your family when it comes to chesed. Being kind to yourself and your family is a great start to being kind to others.

I look forward to sharing and inspiration.

Below are some ideas to get your started:

• Work on Teshuva 5 minutes everyday.
• Write a letter to Hashem expressing all the appreciations you have and thanking him for his kindness and love and apologizing for our part in damaging the relationship.
• Invite someone from our Shul for Shabbos that you have never had before.
• Send flowers to a member family for Shabbos
• Take someone’s children (with their permission of course) from them for a few hours (to the park or for a walk). The parents would be so appreciative of the break.
• See only the good in yourself and others for one day.
• Notice an improvement in someone close to you and let them know you noticed the change.
• Spend time everyday in appreciation and share this with others, when we spend our time focusing on the good of others our attention shifts away from what we are lacking or is different. Our natural tendency is to put our attention on the negative or divisions so it’s a natural struggle to sustain appreciation.
• For one week commit to not answering criticism, just be quietly curious no matter what people say to you.
• Surprise a friend or family member with something you know they will enjoy.
• The secret to getting what you want is to give it to others first. If you want appreciation, appreciate others; if you want kindness be kind.
• Pray for someone else in a heartfelt manner.
• Perform an anonymous act of sharing or giving.
• Think of ways you can be more helpful, sensitive to others. This is a great way to get unstuck if you’re feeling this way. It can be as simple as really listening to someone. Think about the last time you truly listened to someone completely.
• Remember to appreciate yourself. Remember the unique qualities that makes you, you. Since Hashem gave you these qualities they must be worth celebrating.
• Meet someone new. Pick someone from our Shul that you don’t really know and introduce yourself. Don’t pre-judge them just be open to the experience.
• Remember that when we act in a hurtful way towards someone else we are really hurting ourselves.
• Sponsors items to decorate our Shul e.g. flowers
• Have children make decorations for our Shul that we can hang for Shabbas in order to create a connection for our kids to Shul.

Pictures from the Lego Party!

Thx to Larry & Shelly Russak and Earl & Dorothy Korchak for their sponsorship of refreshments in Memory of Howard Korchak z”l, beloved brother and son on his 18th Yarzheit. 

Sr and Jr NCSY will be having their own program at SBH (across the street) featuring great classes with favorite advisors and the famous “Eli Varon BBQ” at midnight!  Any questions?  Contact Ari Hoffman – thehoffather@gmail.com.

BCMH is helping Raphael Dovid with one of his life missions—helping others. Click here for more information.

www.hymanscholarship.com

Thank you for your support

Bracha Swigard and Eva Genauer

Honoring the Memory of Mrs. Celia Etkin

Co-hosted by The Seattle Mikvah and Congregations Bikur Cholim-Machzikay Hadath, Sephardic Bikur Holim, Shaarei Tefilah-Lubavitch, Ezra Bessaroth, and Shevet Achim,
and Northwest Yeshiva High School

Ms. Rutner completed her Yoetzet Halacha, Advisor on Jewish Law, training in Nishmat’s Keren Ariel Women’s Halachik Institute in Jerusalem. She is a graduate of the Bruria Scholars Program in Midreshet Lindenbaum, a graduate of the ATID Fellowship Program in Jerusalem and the Lookstein Educational Leadership Advancement Initiative. She has done graduate work in Talmud from the Hebrew University and is currently pursuing her MA in education administration from St. John’s University.

Weekend of March 26 and 27, 2011

Shabbat Morning: BCMH- immediately following Musaf

“What’s Love Got to Do with It: Love and Romance in Halacha”

Shabbat Afternoon: SBH-before Minha-4:50 pm

“The Interplay of Modern Psychology and the Laws of Family Purity”

Annual Sunday Morning Brunch for Women, March 27, 2011 at 10:00am

At the home of Miriam and Elie Levy, 6006 Lake Shore Drive S.

“Scenes from a Jewish Marriage”

Brunch levels: $18 (minimum), $36, $72, $180, $250, $360, $500, $1000

Your generosity sponsors this Scholar-in-Residence weekend and our new Mrs. Etkin Kallah (Bride) Gift program.

RSVP by March 23^rd – Name and Brunch Level-miriamhlevy@aol.com

Please also donate one bottle of shampoo or body wash for The Seattle Mikvah.

If you have not yet renewed your $60 Mikvah Membership, now is a great time!

For more information or to offer your assistance:

Brunch Chairs: Miriam Levy- (206) 722-2212  Dalia Amon: (206) 722-1150

Mikvah Chair, Bayla Friedman Treiger- (206) 725-3122

Donations and Dues may be sent to: The Seattle Mikvah, 5145 S. Morgan St. Seattle, WA 98118

This Saturday night, February 12th, 8:00 p.m., at the Kogut’s, come and learn with Rabbi Aaronson while enjoying Island Crust Pizza and libations!