Helping SoCal in Crisis | Rabbi Aviva Funke in OC Jan 24-25 | New Date for Shabbat Rocks 2/14 | Shabbat Shalom!
01/10/2025 10:18:33 AM
Jan10
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Rabbi Tilchin's Message
THERE BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD…
Today, January 10, 2025, coincides with a minor fast day on the Jewish calendar known as Asarah b’Tevet – the 10th of Tevet. It is one of three sun-up to sun-down fast days traditionally associated with the destruction of our Jerusalem Temples. We learn inMishna Ta’anitthat in pre-exilic Israel, during times of pervasive drought and extreme danger (both seen as forms of divine punishment), people would observe minor fasts three days a week in hopes of mitigating the suffering and damage that might ensue. The longer the drought, the more intense the fasting protocol. Fasts would start as optional for pious individuals. If those were not affective, the community as a whole (adult men) would be required to fast for a period of time. If that did not solve the problem, additional, more intense fasts were added. Mishna Ta’anitprovides a fascinating window into the practice and theology of the late biblical and rabbinic periods of our history AND it feels eerily relevant right now.
When I attended the Rose Parade in Pasadena on January 1, I could not have imagined the trauma that sections of the San Gabriel Valley would endure less than a week later as one of several areas within LA County ravaged by fires too powerful to contain. California residents should be mindful that what is happening in Los Angeles at this moment could just as easily be happening in Orange County, San Diego or any part of drought-ridden California. Our state’s current system of fire defense is no match for 21st century Santa Ana winds. And they are only going to grow stronger over time. The time to “fast” with deep intention (whatever that means to each of us) is NOW!
Feelings of helplessness at times like these are natural, but those of us who may be spared (this time) from devastation can donate to one of many relief agencies that are doing everything in their power to help support displaced families who have lost their homes, first responders working tirelessly, pets in need of care and more. The businesses, schools, houses of worship and other decimated entities will also need support. I invite our newsletter readers from throughout California and around the country to consider visiting the links below to make donations that will have immediate impact:
CALIFORNIA FIRE FOUNDATION’s program Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) is providing immediate, short-term relief to victims of home fires throughout California through a comprehensive gift card program. JEWISH FEDERATION OF LOS ANGELES has set up a website with resources and information on ways we can all help through volunteerism and philanthropy. AMERICAN RED CROSS LOS ANGELES REGION PASADENA HUMANE is providing lifesaving resources to animals affected by the wildfires. LOS ANGELES REGIONAL FOOD BANK is working with government agencies, nonprofit and faith-based partners. LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT FOUNDATION is seeking funds to equip LAFD members battling the wildfires with tools and supplies. JEWISH FEDERATION OF ORANGE COUNTY has established the Wildfire Relief Fund to assist Jewish communities in the affected areas.
Thank you for your compassion and care. We may someday need others to support us in the wake of future natural disasters, and charitable giving is a powerful way for people to recognize our shared vulnerability.
This message is dedicated to the memory of my beloved sister, Minda Ellen Tilchin, Nechama Mindl bat Asher Noah v’Sheindl, on the occasion of her 8th yahrzeit. She died from pancreatic cancer on 10 Tevet in 2017. Her memory is a blessing to her family, friends and colleagues who were touched by the love and radiance she shared with the world. I miss her everyday.🕯️
It is my honor to share some thoughtful reflections about remembering President Jimmy Carter offered by Rabbi Heidi Cohen in her HaNesfesh newsletter this week. She highlights President Carter’s success at living a life guided by personal integrity, genuine simplicity, and religious conviction. Enjoy.
Shabbat Oasis Friday night dinner and services with Rabbi Aviva Funke | January 24 at 5:30pm | TBESOC 2A Liberty in Aliso Viejo
Gan Laguna presents Zoom Gali Gali - Live | Saturday, January 25 from 10am to 12pm | At a private home in Laguna Beach
Gender Disparity in the Torah led by Rabbi Tilchin | February 11 at 7pm | Part of the "Shining the Light of Torah in Today's World" series at TBESOC in Aliso Viejo
Shabbat Rocks: Traditional Friday night services and dinner at a private home in Irvine | Rescheduled toFebruary 14, 2025 at 5:10pm RSVP here
A Festival of Jewish Spirituality Weekend with special guest Professor Daniel Matt"From Kabbalah to the Big Bang: Ancient Wisdom and Contemporary Spirituality" |March 21-22, 2025 - Registration opening soon
COMMUNITY EVENTS, RETREATS AND VIRTUAL LEARNING
Nefesh Mountain Shabbat hosted by Congregations Shir Hama'alot and B'nai Israel | January 10 -11 | 1/10 at 7:00pm at SHM | 1/11 at 9:30am at CBI
Saturday, January 11 at 2pm PT TWELVE STEPS AND TORAH JCoOC partners with Our Jewish Recovery(OJR) every Shabbat afternoon for Torah study informed by the wisdom of Twelve Step recovery. Join us on Zoom. For more information and to be added to the Twelve Steps & Torah email list, click here For a full menu of OJR programs and meetingsclick here
January 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2025 Mondays - 9:00 am PT | 12:00 pm ET Note the earlier start time ADVANCED LEARNING INSTITUTE Wheels Within Wheels: The Jewish Year through Time and History with Rabbi Sarah Bracha Gershuny The Jewish calendar is a composite of many different cycles accrued over millennia with roots reaching back to our pagan past, forward into a messianic future while embracing existential questions and modern nationalism along the way. This week Rabbi Gershuny will explore the pagan roots of how Israelite biblical founders chose to mark sacred time. Click here to register
Tuesdays at 2pm PT | 5pm ET Jan 7 - Parent & sibling loss Jan 14 - Open group Jan 21 - Spousal loss Jan 28 - Child loss
Thursdays at 5pm PT | 8pm ET Jan 2 - Spousal loss Jan 16 - Child loss Jan 23 - Parent & sibling loss Jan 30 - Open group
Sunday through Thursday at 6:00pm OC EGAL NIGHTLY MINYAN If you are looking for a place to say Mourner's Kaddish, observe a yahrzeit, or participate in an evening minyan, OC Egal meets online five nights a week.Click here to receive the private Zoom link. All are welcome.
Are you concerned about the decimation of our planet? Join members of OC’s Jewish community committed to working together to speak up, take action and educate others. Dayenu Orange County is waiting for you!
What is a Dayenu Circle and why would I want to be part of it? Dayenu Circles—small groups of people working on climate action—are a way for you to make powerful, positive change with a Jewish voice. Together with just a few friends, fellow community members, or neighbors you can join or create a Dayenu Circle that can be your homebase for climate action.
OC Shabbat Services and Community Concert featuring Nefesh Mountain Friday, January 10, 2025 |7:00pm - 8:30pm Congregation Shir Ha-Ma'alot | 3652 Michelson Dr. in Irvine
Saturday, January 11, 2025 | 9:30am Congregation B'nai Israel | 2111 Bryan Ave. in Tustin
Saturday, January 11, 2025 | 7:00pm Community Concert at University Park Community Center SOLD OUT
Experience the joy and inspiration of Shabbat with the renowned Nefesh Mountain Band, bringing their unique sound and energy to our service.Nefesh Mountain, a New York-based Progressive Americana group, is celebrated for blending Bluegrass, Folk, Jazz, and Blues into a powerful and heartfelt musical experience.
This year, Rabbi David Ingber (founder of Romemu)and the Jewish Studio Project join this annual Shabbaton dedicated to fostering musical and spiritual enrichment.
Israel Philharmonic Tribute: Heartbeat of a Nation Wednesday, March 26, 2025 5:30pm Pre-concert Dinner Reception at The Park Club 8:00pm Performance at Segerstrom Concert Hall
Click here to access a roster of upcoming courses, guest lectures and special programs offered virtually as well as recordings of past programs.
AJU online learning offers classes for adults seeking to build Jewish skills and knowledge and hosts lectures by internationally acclaimed scholars, artists, authors and geo-political experts. Something for everyone!
The Jewish Collaborative of Orange County is a creative, collaborative, and compassionate community mosaic dedicated to innovating and supporting local and national programming that enriches the landscape of Jewish life and encouraging individuals and families to connect their passions and purpose with Judaism.
Mondays May 19, 26 and June 16, 2025 9:30 am PT | 12:30 pm ET Register here
This question in 2025 has deep personal and political consequences with roots in ancient Jewish debates. Rabbi Daniel will trace how ideas of Jewish identity have shifted across time - from biblical categories to the modern crises of belonging. We will explore why there has never been one clear answer to the question of Jewish identity and why the debate itself may be essential to Jewish continuity.
Grounded in the Jewish prophetic value of Pikuach Nefesh, JQ offers free virtual monthly and drop-in support groups for LGBTQ+ Jews and allies. Learn more
ExploringJudaism.org is about embracing the beauty and complexity of Judaism and our personal search for meaning and learning. No matter who you are or your experience in Judaism there is something to learn and explore.
Each challah is an edible work of art, baked fresh and hand-braided especially for you! Choose from raisin, traditional, sesame seed and poppy seed. For more information, visit theblessedbraid.com.
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