This Mishnah implies also that when providing for the needy, when performing acts of loving-kindness, it is, as it were, as if one gave to G-d: taking from G-d’s bounty entrusted into man’s hands and giving it to G-d by way of assisting those in need.

When we act, interact with each other, with the world, I believe that it is important to keep the values that we learn form our tradition at the forefront of our decision making.

All the activities and the roles that I participate are guided by these precepts. I wonder if my divining reaches anyone on Shabbat? Did the students that interact see a good example? Was the concert more than enjoyable, was it an experience that will improve someone’s relationship with the world, will they love God more?

Everything that we do implies our relationship with God. These are troubled times, and our dependence on each other can’t be important than it is now. I pray that we will each make the an effort to see that there are so many troubled situations that we can impact positively. Reach out to each other.

What’s UP?

As I wrote last month, once January arrives, it really is time to start planning for the following year. I am already teaching 80% of our 2009 B’nai Mitzvah students and have begun my search for next year’s “L’dor Vador Concert”. I am still hopeful that we will be able to present a distinguished speaker that too is in the works.

I really hope you found the programs; services and activities that we presented during the first part of the year were meaningful and enjoyable. Looking forward to the second half of this year’s B’nai Tikvah Schedule, which promises to include more exciting and meaningful musical program that I hope you and your family will enjoy.

Here is what I am working on for the winter:
Tuesday, January 20 one of the new innovations that we will add is our Tuesday & Saturday Night Coffee House, warm up with The Sons of Tikvah Band & Friends. Please join us as our band and other performers from within the congregation and others friends will broaden our musical horizons.

Saturday evening March 7 our featured performers will be The Quartet plus One, a group of accomplished musicians including trumpet player, Benjy Levin. Do you sing or play a musical instrument or perform with a group? Please give me call; we can’t wait to hear you!

February 6. The Cantor’s Shabbaton. On Friday night members of Kadima will join me for a special Kabbalat Shabbat Service, which I hope becomes a regular happening. A group of our students will enthusiastically participate and help me lead our congregation in “JOYFUL SINGING”. I’m hopeful that this will be the model for group services in the future. I am also counting on you to participate in this service along side of our angels of Kadima.

February 7, Shabbat morning, we will celebrate Shabbat Shira literally the Shabbat of Singing with a fun Lunch and Sing program. This annual event will include a hearty winter lunch and we will sing some of our favorite Shabbat melodies and songs from Israel.

February 8, Sunday afternoon begins our celebration of Tu B’Shevat, and our Tu B’Shevat Family Seder. The birthday of the trees, the time we focus our attention on ecology “being green” and the agriculture of Israel. The seder dinner will be preceded by a short concert by The Sons of Tikvah Band and our children form our pre-school. Just like the Passover seder, singing is part of meal and our band will add some extra spice and spirit.

Please join the fun and be a part of the B’nai Tikvah community that so many people are working so hard to build. Watch the Hakol and your synagogue calendar for all of our events, your life will be enriched.

Don’t miss evening minyan 7:30 PM most nights

With Joy,
Cantor Bruce Rockman