CONGREGATION AMCHAH



2771 East Oakland Park Boulevard
 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33306 
(954) 561-2003

 

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      April / May / June 2001

             
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Shabbos Services

Saturday Mornings 10:00 am
April   7 - Shabbos Haadol
April 14 - Pesach - Yizkor
April 21 - Shemini
April 28 - Tazria-Metzora
May   5 - Acharei Mot-Kedoshm
May 12  - Emor
May 19  - Behar-Bechukotai
May 26  - Bamidbar
June 16  - Shelach

 Friday Evenings 7:30 pm
April 6 and May 4  


Summer Hiatus

No services scheduled:
June           2, 09, 23, 30
July           7, 14, 21, 28
August      4, 11

Services will resume:
August 18  


 Upcoming Events

Mar 31 (9am - 1pm) - Blood Drive
Apr 7 (6 pm) -  Passover Seder at the
          Crystal Lake Country Club
May 6 (11 am) - Spring Picnic
Jun 16 (10 am)      Join us as…
 Jeremy Wilson
 is called to the Torah
as a Bar Mitzvah


Jewish Study Classes

 Tuesdays (7 pm)    Hebrew Level 1
                                Hebrew Level 2
Tuesdays (8 pm)   Judaism 101

 

 

 

Hal Schaefer Concert

 WOW…What a special event !
 Artistry…     Mood…    Music…

The house was packed, the lights were dimmed, and the melodies danced over the room.

We were treated to an evening of the “Greats of Jazz” presented by an incredible trio led by Hal Schaefer.

It felt as if Hal had invited us into his living room for an evening of beautiful music and warm friendship.  It was truly an evening not to be forgotten

This special evening was the first in the Synagogue’s concert and show series, which we hope will bring many more fun and enjoyable events in the future.  


Passover Seder

Rabbi Winer will once again conduct our Passover Seder at the Crystal Lake Country Club.  Ellari Mirabel, our Cantor will add her voice to the beauty of the evening. For additional information call the synagogue.



The Ultimate Tzadakah

On Saturday morning March 31, the blood mobile will be in front of the synagogue.

Please give blood – Save a life!

 

 

President’s Message

Shalom Fellow Congregants,
These past months have been exciting. We now offer ongoing adult classes in “Exploring Judaism” and “Reading Hebrew”.  Students study regularly preparing for their B’nai Mitzvot.  We just held a very successful benefit Jazz Concert.  We hosted a special Israeli Bond Breakfast honoring our Rebitzin, Becky.  We have celebrated many special life cycle functions together, and our Purim celebration was the best yet! 

Our ability to offer these events and to honor our past by following the traditions that we have all grown up with, does not happen by accident.  The Rabbi, Becky and the entire Board have worked hard and diligently to ensure the Synagogue’s success.

The time has come to grow through the efforts of the many, not just the few.  We need your involvement.  We have a vibrant and growing Congregation, and with such a “close-knit” membership base, there is an opportunity for everyone to get involved, even if only in some small way. Your involvement makes a difference.

As always, your financial contributions go a long way. As we have no formal dues structure, we must rely on the generosity of our congregation to make a commitment according to their ability.  A monthly pledge of as little as $18 will allow us to continue to grow and offer the programs and activities to better serve you and your family.

I thank you for your past participation and look forward to seeing you soon.

Respectfully,   Alec M. Messeroff

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The Story of Pesach

By Marty Glazer  

Pesach (Passover) begins on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Nissan. It is the first of the three major festivals with both historical and agricultural significance (the other two are Shavu'ot and Sukkot)  

The primary observance of Pesach is related to the Exodus from Egypt after generations of slavery. It refers to the fact that G-d "passed over" the houses of the Jews when he was slaying the firstborn of Egypt.  

Probably the most significant observance related to Pesach involves the removal of “chametz” from our homes, and the eating of matzah. This commemorates the time when the Jews were leaving Egypt in a hurry, and did not have time to let their bread rise.  

The day before Pesach is known as the “Fast of the Firstborn”, a fast for all firstborn males, commemorating the fact that the firstborn Jewish males in Egypt were not killed during the final plague.  

On the first two nights of Pesach, we have a special family meal filled with ritual and the reciting of history, to remind us of the significance of the holiday. This meal, called the “Seder”, is derived from the Hebrew word meaning "order".  

The Pesach Seder:  
The Story of Pesach and the related rituals and customs are written in a book called the Haggadah.  

The Pesach Seder can be summed up by the following Hebrew rhyme:

Kaddesh, Urechatz, Karpas, Yachatz,  Maggid,  Rachtzah, Motzi,  Matzah,  Maror,     Korech, Shulchan Orech,  Tzafun,  Barech,     Hallel,       Nirtzah.  

 Now, what does that mean?

1. Kaddesh (Sanctification) The blessing over the wine to honor the holiday. 

 

2. Urechatz (Washing) A washing of the hands without a blessing, in preparation for eating the Karpas.

 3. Karpas (Vegetable) A vegetable (usually parsley) is dipped in salt water and eaten. The vegetable symbolizes the lowly origins of the Jewish people; the saltwater symbolizes the tears shed as a result of our slavery.

4. Yachatz (Breaking) One of the three matzahs on the table is broken. Part is returned to the pile, the other part is set aside for the afikomen (see below).  

5. Maggid (The Story) A retelling of the story of the Exodus from Egypt and the first Pesach.  

6. Rachtzah (Washing) A second washing of the hands, this time with a blessing, in preparation for eating the matzah.

7. Motzi (Blessing over Grain) The “ha-motzi” blessing, a blessing for bread or grain products used as a meal, is recited over the matzah.  

8. Matzah (Blessing over Matzah)
A blessing specific to matzah is recited, and a bit of matzah is eaten.  

9. Maror (Bitter Herbs) A blessing is recited over a bitter vegetable. This symbolizes the bitterness of slavery. The maror is dipped in “charoset” a mixture of apples, nuts, cinnamon and wine, which symbolizes the mortar used by the Jews in building during slavery.

 10. Korech (The Sandwich) Rabbi Hillel was of the opinion that the maror should be eaten together with matzah and the paschal offering in a sandwich. In his honor, we eat some maror on a piece of matzah, with some charoset.

 11. Shulchan Orech (Dinner) A festive meal is eaten. There is no particular requirement regarding what to eat at this meal (except, of course, no “chametz”).

 12. Tzafun (The Afikomen) The piece of matzah set aside earlier is eaten as "dessert," the last food of the meal.

Different families have different traditions relating to the Afikomen. Some have the children hide it, while the parents have to either find it or ransom it back.

13. Barech (Grace after Meal) The third cup of wine is poured, and birkat ha-mazon (grace after meal) is recited. This is similar to the grace that would be said on any Shabbat.

14. Hallel (Praises) Several psalms are recited. A blessing is recited over the last cup of wine.

15. Nirtzah (Closing) A simple statement that the Seder has been completed, with a wish that next year, we may celebrate Pesach in Jerusalem (i.e., that the Messiah will come within the next year).

                 Ritual Corner

“What’s in a name?”
By Barry Glaser  

Apparently, Jews and Jewish tradition think a lot about “what is in a name”. On each day of creation, God said, "Let there be...", and by uttering the name of the object, it came into being: light, grass, the sun and the stars, animals and human beings. And what did Adam do on the first day of his creation? He was busy assigning names to the animals.

Jewish tradition believes that names somehow capture the essence of the object or the person that they identify. So, what is your name?

The most important name is the one we give ourselves - sefer toldat b'riyato.   It is a diary of our dreams and aspirations, our private hopes and intimate intentions. It is the record of how we choose to live our lives, how we choose to identify ourselves, not only to others, but especially to ourselves. This name cannot be given by parents to children -it is created by what we do with our lives.

If, indeed, our names reflect the essence of our beings and our characters, then we must not do anything that misrepresents them, cheapens them or devalues them in any way.

So… what is your Jewish name?  

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Congregation Amchah - Donation and Dedication Opportunities

“Your Generosity Allows Us to Serve the Community as a Synagogue Serving All”

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                General Donations  

  • General Synagogue Fund

  • Rabbi’s Tzadakah Fund

  • Library Fund

  • Kiddush Fund

  • Flower Fund

  • Monthly Pledges

 
   Founder’s Level Annual Pledges  

  • KeterTorah

  • Chai

       

 $ 360 monthly
$ 180 monthly  

              

         Building Dedications  

  • Sanctuary                        

  • Rabbi’s Study                

 $ 36,000
$ 10,000  
       Sanctuary Dedications  

  • ARK                                  

  • Torah & Mantle

  • Cantor ‘s Podium

  • Torah Crown   

  • Stained Glass Panel (lg.)

  • Stained Glass Panel (sm.)

  • Sanctuary Chairs (10 )

 $ 18,000  
$ 12,000
$   7,200
$   3,600  
$   3,600 
$   1,800  
$      720  


Celebrate a Special Occasion by sponsoring a Kiddish

 Share your happiness by sponsoring a Kiddish after Services.  Honor a special occasion, a birthday, an anniversary, the birth of a child, a graduation, or any other life celebration in your life or the life of a family member or friend.

For further information, inquire at the Synagogue or call (954) 561-2003
  

 


 
Amchah Food Drive

 One of the basic concepts of Judaism is that of Tzadakah – doing that which is just and right.

We invite all to bring toiletries, canned goods and other non-perishable food items to the Synagogue for distribution to the homeless, the needy, and the hungry.

Please help us to help others !

 

The Tree of Life

Not only does the TREE OF LIFE enhance the beauty of our Shul, but also the purchase of a Leaf is a way to permanently commemorate a joyous occasion, or a special day in your life or the life of a family member or friend.

 Please consider the purchase of a Leaf or Stone on the Synagogue’s Tree Of Life.

Suggested Donation  
Leaf  $72.00      Stone $360.00

 

Memorial Plaques

A cast Bronze Plaque on our MEMORIAL TABLET is a dignified memorial for your loved ones who have passed on.

  Plaques are lit for a full week in observance of the Yahrzeit, and during all Yizkor Services.

Your loved one’s name is also memorialized at the Shabbos service preceding the Yahrzeit.

Suggested Donation  $180.00  
 

 


     I wish to make a donation to Congregation Amchah in the amount of $______________

     Type of Donation or Dedication:_____________________________________________

         In honor of        ____________________________________________

         In memory of     ____________________________________________

                         Name               _____________________________________

                         Address            _____________________________________

                         City, State, Zip _____________________________________

                         Phone (_____) ______________________________________
 

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From the Rabbi’s Desk…

I am often asked, "Rabbi, so what does it mean that the Shul is unaffiliated?”  It’s a good question, but first let me tell you what it does not mean.  First of all, it does not mean that we are a renegade or maverick group. It also does not mean that we are a synagogue where "anything goes”.  What it does mean is that we are a Shul that is welcoming to Jews of all backgrounds.  We provide an environment where Jews with a variety of beliefs and practices can feel comfortable praying together. 

Frankly, the main difference between an affiliated synagogue and ours is that we do not pay a congregational assessment (dues) to any of the umbrella groups that represent the various denominations within the Jewish world.

If we were affiliated we would pay dues to a National Governing Board and in addition, there would be guidelines for us to follow regarding our services and various aspects of synagogue life.

Some of these guidelines we would agree with, and others we would not.  By being unaffiliated with any one branch of Judaism we have the option of drawing 

 

from the entire spectrum of Jewish thought and practice, and of using those elements which both make sense to us and add spirituality to our lives.

As Rabbi Barbara Aiello has said, "labels are for jelly jars".  As an unaffiliated congregation, we are not bound by labels that can box us into narrow definitions of Judaism.

Comments like, "we are reformed so there is no need for Hebrew in our services" or "we're conservative so we don't do interfaith weddings” do not exist in our Shul.  Instead we say, "we are unaffiliated, so any Jew can feel comfortable at our services and at the Kiddush following".  We are unaffiliated so interfaith couples can be full family members.  We are unaffiliated so our services can be a combination of modern and traditional, designed to meet the needs of congregants who feel...and above all else believe...we are all Jews.

Unaffiliated is a growing classification of synagogues and I invite you to visit the website, www.synagogue2000.org where you will find information on dozens of Congregations that are unaffiliated, just as we are.

                         - Rabbi Larry Winer  

 

Congregation Amchah

Rabbi
Larry Winer

Cantorial Soloist
Ellari Mirabel

 President
Alec M. Messeroff

 Vice Presidents
Barry Glaser
Marty Glazer, Editor

Secretary / Treasurer
Becky Winer

Board Members
Larry Toroker, Past President
Shelley Glazer, Editor
Ann Schary
Bud Singer
Theresa Singer
Lucie Rousse
Eleanor Berman





Pg 4

Congregation Amchah Photo Pages

 

A “Rained Out” Hanukkah on Las Olas - 5761



Rabbi & Becky with Alec Messeroff Susan Kokus with Bud & Theresa Singer Rabbi Winer and Bill Dunaeif


A Special evening of Jazz with the Hal Schaefer Trio – February 24, 2001



A sold-out crowd enjoys the show

Eleanor & Al Berman, Rabbi Winer
and Rebecca & Martin Barmack
discuss the show

 

Duffy Jackson, Hal Schaefer
& Linc Lackey get a hug
from Nancy Messeroff

 
Intermission refreshments are
enjoyed by Anne & Ed Schary
and Larry & Ruth Toroker		 Becky Winer, Steve Cardonick and Al Berman talk with a guest

Bartenders Marty Glazer
& Lucie Rousse serve
refreshments at intermission

 
Everybody say “CHEESE” Phyllis & Morton Wagner
enjoyed the evening 		Rabbi Winer, Peter Trachtenberg
& Barry Glaser

 

Celebrating the Festival of Purim – March 9, 2001

Maestro & the Race Car Driver (Seth & Noah Wexler)

 

Mordecai & Queen Esther
(Jonathan & Jessica Guariglia)

 

Rabbi “Meggilah” Gorilla
(anybody want a banana?)

 

“Hot Stuff” Barry Glaser with Becky the “Spelling” Bee

 

Rabbi“Megillah” Gorilla stirs up the crowd

Steve Cardonick reads the “Megillah”

Nancy Messeroff and Michelle & Tim Eley
celebrate with Maya (her 1st Purim)

 

Israeli Bond Breakfast honoring our “Rebitzin” Becky Winer – March 11, 2001

A proud Rabbi with his Rebitzin

Guest speaker Robert Evans

Israeli Bond representative
Alan Kreitman

Shelley Glazer and Becky Winer

Anne Schary presents a special plaque to Becky Winer

A very special day for our Congregation,
a very worthy day for Israel

A “deserving” Becky
displays her plaque