The Mekor Habracha Shabbat Newsletter

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Parshat Beha'alotecha
May 24-25, 2013
16 Sivan 5773

Candle Lighting Time: 7:59 PM
Shabbat Ends: 9:06 PM

Center City Eruv status:
http://www.centercityeruv.org/

Friday evening Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat with Jimmy Costello!: 7:00-8:00 PM

Shabbat Dinner (by reservation only): 8:00 PM

Shabbat morning: 9:15-11:45 AM followed by a delicious, hot kiddush

Rabbi Hirsch's Talmud Class: 7:00 PM

Mincha/Third Meal/Ma'ariv: 7:45 PM

Shabbat at Mekor Habracha
Recent News
Coming up
Sponsorship and Member Info
Kashrut
Member Bullletin Board
Other Programs

Shabbat at Mekor Habracha

Kiddush

This week's kiddush is sponsored by Jonathan Block in celebration of his and Deborah's 19th (a prime) wedding anniversary. Mazal tov!

Kiddush is also sponsored by Sarah Drukarch and her parents to thank all the people in the community who were helpful with providing information before her arrival, welcoming her in the community, and who invited her over for Shabbat meals. We will miss you!

Kiddush is additionally sponsored by the Nechama Lebovich Parshat HaShavuah group in honor of Yoella's 18th Bat Mitzvah anniversary. Mazal tov - we love learning with you!

This week's Third Meal are still available to be sponsored.

Please send a return email if you would like to sponsor Kiddush or Third Meal.

Jimmy is Back!

Mekor Habracha will be holding its monthly Friday night Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat tonight at 7:00 PM, followed by Shabbat dinner at 8:00 PM (by reservation only). Jimmy Costello is back from Israel and will be leading services tonight!

Recent News

Mazal tov to Adam Taxin and Marla Booth upon their marriage on Sunday in Baltimore!

Mazal tov to Claire Raab and Jordan Goldhammer upon the birth of a baby boy!

Mazal tov to Risa Small and Josh Wolf and Shira upon the birth of a baby boy!

Welcome back to Leiba and Jimmy Costello from their stint in Israel!

Coming up

Weekday Morning Minyan

Mekor Habracha's weekday morning minyan schedule: Sunday: 9:00 AM, Monday & Thursdays & Rosh Chodesh: 6:45 AM, Tuesday, Wednesday & Fridays: 7:00 AM. Please contact the shul for confirmation.

Wine & Cheese & Lecture

Join the Mekor Habracha and Mikveh Israel communities for a happy hour and lecture by world renowned lecturer Nili Couzins entitled "Welcome to Planet Earth: Do You Know What You are doing Here?" at Mikveh Israel, 44 N 4th Street on Thursday, June 6th. Happy hour with wine and cheese from 5 PM and lecture at 6 PM. RSVP to mekorhabracha@gmail.com appreciated.

Ladies Night

Helen Baker of Hats Incredible and Meira Russo of Honestly Me (http://www.honestlymeclothing.com/) will be selling hats, scarves and modest, stylish clothing. on Thursday May 30 at Mekor Habracha from 6-9pm. All ladies are invited to attend and to bring their friends. Contact Yah-el Har-el at drggmg@gmail.com for questions and additional info.

Tot Shabbat

Hey Parents! Join us for Tot Shabbat every third Saturday of the month at 10:30 AM. On 6/22, we'll sing, dance and play in honor of Shabbat. All kinderlach (baby-7 yrs.) and their parents are welcome to attend.

Carlebach Friday Night and Dinner

The next Mekor Habracha Friday night Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat will take place on Friday night, June 28, at 7:00 PM, followed by Shabbat dinner at 8:00 PM. Cost for the dinner is $15 for shul members and $20 for non-members (for Paypal payments to mekorhabracha@gmail.com, add a $1 processing fee per reservation). Reservations, payments and requests for vegetarian meals to mekorhabracha@gmail.com are required by Wednesday, June 26.

Tuesday Night Talmud

Each Tuesday night at 7 PM, 'Tuesday Night Talmud' will take place at Mekor Habracha. The class will study Mesechet Kiddushin and focus on Talmudic structure in a group learning environment. Alex Prombaum and Andrew Feigenblatt will be leading the program. Students of all levels are welcome and are encouraged to come regularly or whenever schedules permit.

Shul Facebook Page

Mekor Habracha has a Facebook page, where members can communicate and share relevant info with one another. Join today by visiting this page (It's free!).

New Center City Kindergarten

Rebbetzin Leah Goldman will be starting a new Kindergarten for the 2013-2014 school year. Parents who would like to visit the preschool currently in session may request an appointment by sending an email to leah@jewishpreschool.org.

Hebrew Class

Anyone interested in attending a weekly Hebrew language class should contact Deborah Shroder at deborah.shroder@gmail.com ASAP.

Weekday Learning Program

Parshat Hashavua, Chevruta-styled learning with Nehama Leibowitz as the focus text has begun. The class will examine the Hebrew texts, though we invite chevrutot to prepare in Hebrew or English in advanced based on their level of comfort. Both men and women are welcome to attend. Please contact Ahava Zarembski (ahavaz@gmail.com) or Yoella Epstein (yoella.epstein@gmail.com) for details.

Eruv Checkers Needed

The community is in need of Eruv checkers. If you could help for about one hour on a Thursday or Friday every 2-3 months, please send a return email.

Sponsorship and Member Info

Dedicate a Siddur

New Artscroll siddurim (prayer books) are available for dedication at $35 each. Email mekorhabracha@gmail.com to make your dedication.

Sponsor a Kiddush or Third Meal

Please send a return email if you would like to sponsor Kiddush or Third Meal:

Standard Kiddush: $125 for shul members, $150 for non-members.
Third Meal: $50 for members, $75 for non-members.

Please inquire via return email about our reasonable rates for special kiddush and Third Meal sponsorship options such as bagels and spreads, various platters, and more!

Mishebeirach list

If you know of someone who is ill and would like to add their name to the shul mishebeirach list, please email the shul here with the person's Hebrew name and their mother's Hebrew name. Please note that their name will remain on the list until the end of the secular calendar month, before which another request must be made or it will be removed from the list. Wishing a refuah shelaima to all those who need it!

Membership, Donation and Payment Links

See this link to join Mekor Habracha. To donate or pay sponsorships/dues online (ONLY if no goods or services received): Click here: Network for Good . To pay for dinners, luncheons etc. (services received) please send money via www.paypal.com to mekorhabracha@gmail.com (please add Paypal processing fees).

Supermarket Scrip/Gift Cards

Mekor Habracha is selling ShopRite, Superfresh and Acme gift cards, available in $50 or $100 increments. When you buy gift cards, the supermarket donates 5% back to Mekor Habracha. The gift cards have no expiration date and can be used at any ShopRite, Superfresh or Acme (respectively). Please contact Rhona Gerber at rhona.gerber@verizon.net for info and/or to get some.

Maternity/Baby Gemach

Want to clear out some space? Looking to borrow (and return!) maternity or baby items? If you have maternity or baby items to loan to the community, list them on our new baby gemach at:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AhrpQ34s-_-EdDAtX1dWenZkTHNzcmtxTUMxcXFzcUE&pli=1#gid=0 New and expecting parents: check back frequently for your baby needs and wants!

Hospitality/New Baby Email List

If you would like to be added to the hospitality and/or new baby email list, please send a return email. Those on the hospitality list will receive hospitality requests made to the shul and the new baby list will receive meal preparation and other requests to help families who recently had a baby.

Kashrut etc.

Singapore Kosher Restaurant Closed

Please be aware that Singapore Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant has closed. If/when it reopens it will NOT be under Kosher certification until further notice.

Our Eruv Now Connected to West Philly!

Exciting news! The Center City Eruv & West Philly Eruv are now linked together at South Street, which means that it is now permissible to carry over the South Street Bridge on Shabbat!

Grow and Behold Chicken and Meat

Grow and Behold Foods will now be providing bi-monthly deliveries of their OU Kosher, humane, pasture raised poultry to Center City. For order deadlines and delivery dates, visit www.growandbehold.com.

Kosher Lamb Bacon

After a successful debut, Pavel Khazanov is happy to announce that he is currently receiving orders for another shipment of artisinally crafted Kosher Lamb Baaacon, made by Chaim at the Knish Shop in Baltimore, MD. Please contact Pavel ASAP at pavelkhazanov@gmail.com if you would like to place an order.

Kosher Dining

A list of kosher establishments in Center City and Philadelphia (as well as the local Mikvaot and hotels) can be found here.

Please patronize these and other local kosher sellers so that they will continue to carry kosher products. When you visit a kosher place, be sure to mention to the owner that you are a kosher consumer!

Member Bulletin Board

House for Sale in Our Neighborhood

2205 Delancey, home for sale. Kitchen large and amenable to being used as a kosher kitchen (2 of everything). Wonderful layout for entertaining. Fabulous roof deck. 4+ bedrooms. Wonderful library with built in shelves. If interested, please, contact Joanne Davidow at joanne@joannedavidow.com.

Roommate Sought

An observant male young professional is seeking a kosher/observant male roommate within walking distance of the shul. Please email the shul if you can help.

Babysitter/Tutor Available

A Junior at UPenn,is available for babysitting or tutoring jobs.Tutoring through high school in secular or Judaic studies. Experienced babysitter. Send return email for info.

Books Belonging To Shul Are Missing

If anyone is aware of siddurim or other books from the shul that are elsewhere, please return them or let us know about it. Thank you!

Part-Time Babysitter Wanted

Looking for a part-time babysitter for two small children, ages 1 and 3. Three mornings a week for approx. 3 hours, located at Broad and Catharine. If you're interested in finding out more and meeting to discuss, please call 856-308-9930 or email rlgrod36@gmail.com.

Kinderlach Rock Shabbat

KINDERLACH ROCK SHABBAT by Music Monkey Jungle is AWESOME Jewish Music for AWESOME Jewish Kids! Join Miss Lori on Fridays at 10:30 for songs, dances, games and super fun activities that get us into the Shabbat spirit. Lessons are 30 minutes in length, sessions run 8 weeks, with a make-up on week 9, the full cost is $120 (which includes a KR CD) and we are located at 15th and Bainbridge. Maximum number of children in a group is 15 and this group's age range is 5 mons. - 4yrs. For more information, please visit www.musicmonkeyjungle.com/schedule or write tolori@musicmonkeyjungle.com.

IT Position Available

Stemp Systems Group, is looking to hire an On-site Field Tech to work at the office of our client in Plymouth Meeting, PA. Stemp Systems Group provides comprehensive IT network and technical consulting service and support. The ideal candidate is a motivated, dedicated, energetic, creative, innovative, proactive person who: Has at least 2 years of experience working on a help desk or as a field tech, Has experience installing and supporting windows workstations and all types of application software, Has detailed knowledge of networking technologies including TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, has strong problem solving and diagnostic skills, Has exceptional phone etiquette and listening skills, Can handle and prioritize multiple tasks, Pays close attention to detail, Has outstanding organizational skills and follows tasks through to completion and likes taking care of people.If you or someone you know meet these criteria, please apply at http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/tch/3824684470.html

Other Programs

Hidden City at Shivtei Yeshuron

Congregation Shivtei Yeshuron Ezras Israel will serve as a host site for the Hidden City Philadelphia 2013 Festival from May 23, 2013 to June 30, 2013. The 2013 Hidden City Philadelphia Festival is a 6-week festival in nine unknown historical sites aimed at excavating the cultural memory of Philadelphia through contemporary art. For more info see: http://festival.hiddencityphila.org/sites/4

Chevra Israel Trip

The Chevra is once again running the fantastic Leadership experience called the “Philly-Israel Fellowship”, which culminates in a HIGHLY SUBSIDIZED TRIP TO ISRAEL in June. Fellows selected are generally in their 20’s or early 30’s, and Previous Birthright and/or other Israel trip veterans are welcome! You can apply at chevra.net or speak to Jon Erlbaum or Rabbi Hirsch for more information.

Scholars for Peace in the Middle East Fellowships

Scholars for Peace in the Middle East (SPME) is pleased to announce small grant awards for papers to be delivered at academic conferences, with one purpose to help encourage young scholars to make scholarly contributions at the beginning of their academic careers. SPME is an organization dedicated to the non-politicized study of the Middle East and is interested in supporting high level academic work in the humanities and social sciences by scholars about to complete their doctorates or those currently teaching but without tenure. Applicants should submit: CV, paper proposal, the name and discipline of the conference where the paper will be delivered, and, if possible, the theme of the panel or session which will incorporate the presentation. Material should be sent through the following form. Scholars for Peace in the Middle East, (SPME), is a grass-roots community of scholars who have united to promote honest fact based, and civil discourse, especially in regard to Middle East issues. We believe that ethnic, national, and religious hatreds, including anti-Semitism and anti-Israelism, have no place in our institutions, disciplines and communities. We employ academic means to address these issues For more information, contact Dr. Asaf Romirowsky at Aromirowsky@spme.org.

JRA

For info on the next JRA, see www.jewishrelief.org.

JFCS/Keshet LGBT Parent and Family Connection

JFCS/Keshet provides a peer mentoring program for Jewish parents and family members of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Jews. Parent mentors provide confidential peer support by phone, email, video chat, or in person for parents and family members dealing with any stage of their family member's coming out process, and for young adults who are struggling with how to tell their parents and other family members about their identities. The mentors are Jewish parents and family members, spanning the gamut of Jewish identities and affiliations from secular through Orthodox. Mentors have children and family members of various ages, at different points in the coming out process. Any questions about the program can be directed to EGoldberg@jfcsphilly.org or 267.256.2077.

Lecture series

Halachic Mythbusters III on Wednesday Evenings at CBH by Rabbi Yonah Gross.  May 29 - 7:15 PM - Do We Have the Power to Establish Commemorative Days? June 5th - 7:25 PM - Who Can be Buried in a Jewish Cemetery? June 12th 7:30 PM - How Afraid Must We Be of Ayin Hara? Free. All lectures take place at Congregation Beth Hamedrosh, 200 Haverford Road, Wynnewood. 610-642-6444 or bethhamedrosh@verizon.net or www.bethhamedrosh.org

Reach out to those in need

Presently Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia is seeking compassionate volunteers to lend a hand to your neighbors in the Center City area. The volunteer work you can do with us is both interesting and greatly rewarding. The greatest need for our seniors in Center City is help with transportation. Through Silver Wheels you can really make a difference in our clients’ lives. The program is flexible. There are no set schedules and you drive as much or as little as you choose. You can also work one-on-one with our clients is also a need. Right now we have about five Northeast individuals in need of a help: A senior with MS needs help setting up a filing system for her papers; An elderly lady would love to have a friendly visitor; A senior client needs someone to run errands for her occasionally; A woman with mental health challenges needs a supportive volunteer to help her as she learns to care for her home (no volunteer house leaning involved.) It is easy to become a volunteer for JFCS. Just contact Lisa Tischler, Supervisor of Volunteer Services, at 267-256-2082. Thank you!

Mitzvah Food Project

Interested in volunteering with a food pantry? The Mitzvah Food Project is looking for volunteers at our food pantry in Center City (Jewish Communal Services Building at 21st & Arch). We are looking for volunteers to assist with evening walk-in hours twice a month on Thursdays from 5 PM to 6:30 PM. We are also looking for delivery drivers to deliver food boxes to seniors in South Philadelphia once a month. If you are interested or would like more information, please call (215) 832-0831 or email foodproject@jfgp.org.

Jewish Family and Children's Services

With a rich tradition of 158 years, Jewish Family and Children's Service of Greater Philadelphia offers a diverse array of services to help children, adults, seniors, and families cope with challenges that arise throughout the life cycle. JFCS' staff of caring and dedicated fully licensed clinical social workers is committed to providing quality services, compassionate support, and solutions that work. Everyone faces challenges and can occasionally feel anxious or discouraged. Timely help from a caring professional provides coping strategies and can help prevent problems from reaching serious crises. For more information, visit www.jfcsphilly.org or call 1.866.JFCSNOW.