February 2018

    This year in the Jewish calendar, 5778, is a special year.  The fiscal year 2017-2018 is also notable in terms of Israel’s history.   Let me mention a few of the anniversaries that come to mind. 
 
    First, you probably know that this year, 2018, marks Israel’s 70th anniversary of the creation of the State.  It is also the 50th anniversary of the Six Day War.  The year 2017 is the 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, which paved the way for the establishment of Palestine as a home for the Jewish people.  It’s also 100 years since Hadassah realized its dream of providing innovative health care in Israel.
 
    All of these events, and a few more, have come together making this a special year in our history.  There is also much Jewish music which has come out of Israel (and the US) over these last 70 years.  These songs tell our story to us and to generations to come.
 
    On Friday, March 9, 2018, we will celebrate Shabbat Across America at BSJC.  As we have in past years, our families and congregants will come together to enjoy Shabbat together with a delicious meal and a program to mark the event.  This year I will be recounting a bit of our history as above, and I will lead us all in some familiar songs which trace our recent history and that of the State of Israel.  It promises to be a fun and interesting evening and I invite you to mark your calendars and watch for emails and notices.  Happy milestone birthday, Israel!
  

L’hitra’ot, until next time!