Temple Emanuel
Temple Winter 2024 | Choref 5784
tebh.org
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Finding Wonder in the New Year by Rabbi Liora Alban With the pain of our world over the last few years and particularly over the last few months, I have recently found it difficult to appreciate the beauty that surrounds all of us. I find myself so stressed and heartbroken that it is challenging to see the good. One practice that helps is taking long walks with Daniel and our dog, Rexy. Rexy approaches everything with a sense of awe and wonder. He has the urge to sniff every bush and flower. He demands that we greet every passerby and animal along our route. On particularly warm days, he will even place himself down on the grass so that he can sunbathe for a few minutes before I inevitably tell him it is time to keep walking. Rexy embodies the teaching of Psalm 92: How great are your works, oh God! How very subtle are your designs! As we begin the secular new year, now is the ideal time to approach life similarly. This is the season of New Year’s resolutions and hope. Tu B’Shevat, the birthday of the trees, occurs during January. What could be more awe-inspiring than trees? Trees provide shade, food, wood, and beauty. Trees epitomize God’s creative power. Further, when we plant trees or protect trees, they also allow us to be partners with God in making the world better. Perhaps this is why Torah is often compared to a tree of life. Proverbs 3 tells us, “She is a tree of life to those that hold fast to it and all of its supporters are happy.” This January, let us open ourselves to experiencing awe and wonder, even if this feels nearly impossible. Perhaps this will allow us to see ourselves and others as holy partners with God as we enter the new year. Here at Temple Emanuel, we have a plethora of opportunities that might help you see the world and yourself in these ways. For instance, we had volunteer opportunities during the month of January. I launched my Outdoor Experience Clergy Club where members of all ages come together to appreciate nature and the joy of community. We will be continuing our sound bath havdalahs and offering a wide variety of Kabbalat Shabbat service experiences so that people of all backgrounds will be able to connect to the holy in diverse ways. This winter, I commit not only to continuing my walking routine with Daniel and Rexy but also to finding awe and wonder through all the plans that Temple Emanuel has during the coming months. May 2024 be a year of peace, health, and renewed appreciation for God’s creative power. May we all remind ourselves, “How great are your works, oh God! How very subtle are your designs!” Happy New Year! I look forward to spending 2024 with all of you.
Welcome to Our New Members Erin Adams Golnaz Davatgarzadeh & Christine Averill & Garrett Kaplan Benjamin Imanuel and family Shana Saviss & York Adkins Donna Kronson Gregory Weinberg & Matthew Adler Sintia Palma & Mitchell Levy and family Rabbi Myrna Matsa Judy & Arnold Alban Gail & John Millan Grace Blaustein Shady & Pourang Nassi and family Barbara & Robert Bleckman Liora & Ervin Nazarian and family Susie Blitz Tina Berkett & Guzman Rosado and family Jaclyn Pinhas Carballo & Jorge Carballo Sheila Rabizadeh & Mitchell Sanborn Jolin Crofts Hon. Valerie Salkin Bobbe & Mitch Dawson Jonathan Shaywitz and family Eunice Hahm & Jared Exter Nicole Ruth Starrett Rachel Eisenbarth & Zachary Fouladian Dana Zinderman & Mark Wasserman Desiree & Ryan Haimof and family Amy Wecker & Robbie Levin Hannah Huang & Ramin Halavi and family Kyle & Jake Weissberg and family Elham Farzan & Kourosh Harounian Jacqueline Weitz and family Wendy Wright
Welcome and Thank You to Our New Pillar Members Rachel Ellenport & Jonathan Altman and family Kara & David Corwin and family
Learn more about membership at tebh.org/Join 300 N. Clark Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 310-288-3737 | tebh.org | info@tebh.org