Who Makes the Hebrew Calendar, Then? Originally Published July 26-27, 2019.
Last week we talked a bit about the rules that govern the creation of the Hebrew calendar, and someone asked who makes the calendar. The answer is “We do!” As we mentioned, there are rules that were already being followed and were codified in the sixteenth century in the Shulhan Arukh (Orakh Ḥayyim 428), including […]
Why Are The Israelis Reading a Different Parashah This Week? Originally Published July 19-20, 2019.
This week we are reading Parashat Balak, but our friends and relatives in Israel are reading Pineḥas. What gives? Well! It was very sharp of you to catch that difference! It has to do with the celebrations of the various festivals. When a festival falls on Shabbat, we read the Torah portion associated with that […]
Sisterhood Potluck Supper
Thursday, September 26, 2019 | 6:30 p.m. Come and enjoy a great meal with the members of the Beth Shalom Sisterhood at Judy Kobell's house, Sisterhood President. WHAT TO BRING? If your last name begins with: A-L - Salad | M-P - Appetizer | Q-Z - Dessert A main course of vegetarian/dairy lasagna will be […]
Women in Torah
A Conversation with Keren Fite, PhD Shabbat Shi'ur Saturday, July 27, 2019 | 12:45 P.M. Beth Shalom welcomes Dr. Keren Fite of Karmiel, Israel, to our shul. Dr. Fite is an educator, writer, and volunteer. She is visiting to build connections between Beth Shalom and her home synagogue in Karmiel. Join Dr. Fite for a […]
Who Is Rob Menes? And Why Are We Saying Goodbye? Originally Published July 12-13, 2019.
Rob Menes, a man of many titles, began as the Executive Director of Congregation Beth Shalom on the same day Rabbi Seth Adelson began here. Both are also hazzanim (they knew each other in cantorial school), both are also engineers, and both graduated from Cornell. As Rob heads back to Vancouver after four years at Beth Shalom, […]
Join members of the Jewish Community for the annual Jewish Heritage Night at PNC Park.
Wednesday, August 21 vs. Nationals - 7:05 p.m. This is a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet some more! Each game ticket purchased will include a limited edition "Pittsburgh Strong" Hebrew T-Shirt. We're excited to bring back an optional pregame Kosher Meal in the Picnic Park. This is specially priced at […]
Who/What Is a Sheliah Tzibbur? Originally Published July 3, 2019.
Deriving from the word for “sending” or “messenger,” and the word for “community,” the sheliah tzibbur is the person who leads the congregation (the tzibbur) in prayers. Sometimes the sheliah tzibbur is considered to be fulfilling obligations on behalf of the congregation. The Shulhan Arukh states that the person must be “appropriate,” which has been […]
Who Is Mimi Maizlech, and What Does She Say as We Bid Farewell? Originally Published June 28-29, 2019.
Mimi Maizlech has been gracing our reception desk for the past year, piloting at the helm of our ship on the hill, floating through the sea of newcomers in to the building, tactfully tacking against those who were reluctant to be screened on entering, and firmly steering us into the future of warm welcome and […]