Newsletter

Shabbat Morning

Torah – Numbers/Bamidbar 19:1-22:1
Haftarah – Judges 11:1-33

Here are links to this week’s texts via Sefaria:
Torah: https://www.sefaria.org/Numbers.19.1-22.1?lang=bi&aliyot=0
Haftarah: https://www.sefaria.org/Judges.11.1-33?lang=bi

Synagogues like to claim that they are a family, meant in the best sense of the word, of course. We take care of each other. We help each other through thick and thin.

And to a very large extent, my experience at CBS as I come to the end of my first year serving you all, teaches me that we do take pretty good care of each other. We do as a community see ourselves responsible for each other.

However, at the moment there exists an absence in our volunteer structure that inhibits our ability to be the best we can be at caring for each other.

Our Hesed Committee needs a chairperson.

The duties of a hesed committee are numerous. It makes certain a meal of consolation is sent to mourners. A hesed committee keeps in touch with shut ins to make certain their needs are being met. A hesed committee sees to it that people in the hospital receive visitors and that their families are doing alright. Of all of these, the role of keeping in touch I think is the most important. A phone call or, now as Covid has waned, a visit, from a member of the Hesed Committee can bolster spirits by helping someone feel the connection to the community and to the world at large.

The Hesed Committee does a critically important job, and taking it on would be a tremendous mitzvah. So if you’re even willing to consider taking on this leadership role, please speak with me or Janna.

Shalom,
Phil
Rabbi Phil M. Cohen Ph.D.

If you’re interested in doing some data entry work this summer, please email Jenn Book Haselswerdt at jenn.book@gmail.com.

For those who like to read ahead, we have already chosen books for the August and October meetings. On Sunday, August 15th, at 3 pm we will be discussing a book highly recommended for reading prior to the High Holy Days. It is This Is Real and You Are Completely Unprepared by Alan Lew. Please note this book is not currently available at the Daniel Boone Regional Library. Judy Schermer has donated three copies of the book which you can arrange to borrow by calling her at 573.268.8910. Thank you, Judy!

On Sunday, October 17th, at 3 pm we will return to World War II era fiction. We will read the highly acclaimed novel, The Yellow Bird Sings by Jennifer Rosner.The book is widely available in libraries and has ebook and audible versions which can be borrowed.

On behalf of all the volunteers at the Interfaith Garden, I wish to thank you for taking time out of your very busy schedule last Friday to officiate with Fr Dan at the memorial ceremony honoring Jim Tunink for his many years of service and commitment to the Interfaith Garden effort.

Thank you also for inviting us to your in-person service. We enjoyed it very much, especially the singing, as well as knowing about Tikkun Olam.

We especially appreciate your support of the garden, where volunteers from Newman Center, Congregation Beth Shalom and Our Lady of Lourdes come together to take good care of God’s creation.

Shalom,

Lily Chen

Donations of $250 per plaque for the memorial and simcha boards can be sent to CBS at the address below.

Donations to CBS are a good way to remember or honor people and special life events. Your gift can be directed to the CBS general fund, the rabbi’s discretionary fund (RDF), the library, the Sasha Yelon book fund or the school scholarship fund.

Send a check to CBS, 500 W Green Meadows Rd, Columbia 65203, with a note with details about honorees and where you’d like the notification sent. We’ll send a handwritten card as you direct.