Immigrant Detention Centers
The Following is sourced from the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) https://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/story/conservativemasorti-movement-expresses-anger-immigrant-detention-centers Conservative/Masorti Movement Expresses Anger at Immigrant Detention Centers Posted on: Tuesday June 25, 2019 The Conservative/Masorti movement of Judaism expressed intense anger today at the status of immigrant detention in the United States, particularly reports of children being held in inhumane conditions and […]
Was Maimonides Really a Physician? Originally Published May 24-25, 2019.
We often study the work of Rabbi Moses ben Maimon, known as Maimonides or Rambam, who lived from 1135-1204. Born in Cordoba, Spain, he was part of a long line of scholars. As he reached his 13th birthday, Cordoba fell to the Almohads in Spring 1148, and under the resultant religious persecution the family was […]
Strategic Plan Community Conversation
Thursday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m. | Samuel & Minnie Hyman Ballroom Light refreshments will be served. Have you been a member of Beth Shalom for 5 years or less? We'd like your help gathering information about synagogue life to help us pinpoint areas of focus for our Strategic Plan. To RSVP call 412-421-2288 or […]
It's Game Time! Pitt Women's Basketball
MARCH 3, 2019 at 1:45 p.m. | Petersen Events Center RSVP by February 8! | Costs: $5.00 Join the Youth Department and the Beth Shalom Men's Club as we watch The Pitt Women's Basketball Team VS. Louisville Tickets paid and picked up in advance! Tickets will be available for pickup at Beth Shalom after 2/20. […]
Why Do All Past Presidents Take Out Their Sifrei Torah and Walk Around the Sanctuary at Kol Nidrei? Originally published September 21-22, 2018.
During Kol Nidrei we traditionally hold at least two Sifrei Torah, Torah scrolls. Many congregations have transformed this into conferring the honor of holding Sifrei Torah to the distinguished and respected members of the community. It is a blessing to have many scrolls, and that is displayed by honoring individuals with holding them. The scrolls […]
What Does “Tokhehah” Mean? Originally published August 31-September 1, 2018
This week’s portion is Parashat Ki Tavo, which includes the Tokhehah (תּוֹכֵחָה), generally known as the verses of rebuke and warning, which will be chanted sotto voce, in subdued voice. Hebrew words are always constructed around a root, usually comprising three letters, with various vowels, prefixes, and suffixes appended. Some call these lines the verses […]
Chagim
The chagim at Beth Shalom are joyous days of celebration and prayer. We observe two days of chag as is the custom in the diaspora, and the final day of each holiday includes the Yizkor service. Each day (including chol hamo'ed) includes Torah reading as well as Hallel. Check here for information regarding each holiday […]