- Congregation Beth El–Keser Israel
85 Harrison Street, New Haven, CT 06515-1724 | P: 203.389.2108 | office@beki.org
85 Harrison Street, New Haven, CT 06515-1724 | P: 203.389.2108 | office@beki.org
…n a plain pot was “Methusaleh,” a sapling sprouted a year ago from a nearly 2000-year old date seed found in a jar at Mesada (see Steven Erlanger, “After 2,000 Years, a Seed from Ancient Judea Sprouts,” NYT 12 June 2005). The archeological evidence and carbon dating proved its age. This was quite an accomplishment, as a seed that old – or anything like it – had never been successfully germinated. That one seed embodied the story of the Jewish Peop…
…sters, and one of Esther’s brothers married one of Ed’s sisters. Ed considered Esther’s brothers to be his brothers. And Esther considered Ed’s sisters to be her sisters. They all spent the holidays together. They worked together in businesses and at home. They were close in every way. They all worked hard. When times were especially tough, during the Depression, Ed & Esther’s brothers and sisters would send their children to stay with them. And s…
…r office at office@beki.org, to be referred to the program coordinator. K-2 Kehila K-2 Kehila is a “junior-junior” congregation for children in grades K-2, and meets every Shabbat morning from 11:00a to 11:45a. Children are welcome to come once or every time. K-2 Kehila is run cooperatively by talented and dedicated parents. For more information contact the office at office@beki.org. Junior Congregation Junior Congregation meets every Shabbat (S…
…transfer of power that has been the hallmark of American democracy for over 200 years. We are grateful to law enforcement for ejecting the rioters and re-establishing control of the Capitol, and pray for their safety and the security of Congressional leaders. As a minority within American society, the Jewish people appreciate the democratic principles enshrined in the US Constitution. Civil liberties, and those of other minorities and marginalized…
…for many years. But in 1955, Mayor Richard C. Lee began a program of urban redevelopment—and his plans included placing the multi-lane Oak Street Connector highway right through the heart of the so-called “Jewish Ghetto.” The synagogue would have to move. While most members now lived in the western section of the city, those who remained downtown would not ride on the Sabbath; therefore, the city would have to make available property in the area o…
…s are quite explicit about their intentions to expel, kill or subjugate non-Muslim or non-Arab residents of the territories they control or plan to conquer. The bizarre accusation against Israel of genocide is frightening when we consider that genocide is actually taking place in Darfur (incidentally, related to pan-Arab racial imperialism) and in other places. All people interested in human rights and civil rights, as well as those interested in…
…le New Haven Hospital and at the Hospital of St. Raphael estimate there are 200 to 300 adult Jews in the area that could be served by this program. In preparation for Saul’s Circle, contact was established and a relationship created with over 60 adults. Congregation Beth El–Keser Israel is located within walking distance and along the bus routes of a high proportion of the target population. Major funding for the first year of Saul’s Circle (5760…
…verse reads as follows. I will not punish your daughters nor your daughters-in-law when they commit adultery; for their men had gone astray sacrificing with harlots. Unable to rely on the changing moral order, the halakha chose the rights of women. Was the halakha hostile to the mitzva of the sota ceremony? Never! However, the sages of the Mishna, the inventors of the ketuba, saw the sota ceremony very differently than we do today. As recorded in…
…em would rise up before them and greet them, saying: “Brethren, men of such-and-such a place, you are welcome!” – The flute was played before them, until they reached the Temple Mount. When they reached the Temple Mount, even Agrippa the king would take his basket on his shoulder and enter. When they reached the Temple Court, the Levites sang the song: “I will exalt Thee, O Lord, for Thou hast raised me up, and hast not suffered mine enemies to re…
…y version of the incident is found in his Embassy (Legatio ad Gaium) ch. 29-43 (184-348). It is summarized by E. Mary Smallwood as follows:20 The Jews of Jamnia demolished an altar built by the Greeks resident in that town. The latter complained to Herennius Capito, the procurator of the imperial estate in which Jamnia lay, who reported the matter to Gaius. Gaius decided that, as a punishment for the Jews’ action, a colossal gilded statue of himse…
