HEArtbeat

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The Gift of Taking Care of One Another

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Raised in a very secular home, the only tradition I knew about related to Purim as a child was dressing up and eating hamantaschen. I can’t say that my family really did anything on most Jewish holidays. It wasn’t until we were living in Pittsburgh with our young children that I learned about Purim in an adult fashion and the mitzvot associated with the holiday.

There are four important components associated with Purim including listening to the megillah, giving to the needy, celebrating with a feast, and sending gifts of food to friends.

We listen to the megillah to remind us of the importance of standing up to those who try to destroy us, as Haman once threatened the Jews of the Persian empire. We give to the poor to ensure that everyone has the means to celebrate during the holiday and to honor Esther and Mordechai’s legacy of saving the Jewish people. Fulfilling this mitzvah can be as simple as dropping coins into a tzedakah box, making donations of food or clothing to a local pantry or shelter. We have a feast to “eat, drink and be merry.” Sending Mishloach Manot, or gifts of food, ensures that everyone has the means to be happy while strengthening our bonds of friendship with our fellow Jews.

At HEA, we strive to ensure the whole community is cared for by sending mishloach manot to the entire congregation. It is a huge undertaking that is only made possible by you. This year, we have 21 volunteers baking the hamantaschen in our kitchen. We have 18 volunteers putting together the bags and another 42 who will be delivering them to our kehillah. We could not do this project without our volunteers.

We also are so appreciative of those who have contributed monetarily through the Kevin Bitz (z’l) Memorial Purim Mishloach Manot project as well. We take care of one another. The sponsor page this year will reflect not just individual friends, but one list for the whole community. These donations make it possible to fulfill the mitzvot as one synagogue. Donations are being accepted through Monday morning.

Our ancestors understood about living in a difficult world with those who wish to destroy us, but by taking care of one another, creating friendship and unity, we are stronger together.

Shabbat Shalom and Chodesh Tov, as together we begin the month of Adar!

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Coming Up!

Traditional Friday Evening Service & Dinner for JDAIM
Friday, Feb 28th 6:00p to 9:00p
Enjoy the melodies you love at our Traditional Kabbalat Shabbat services, followed by the kosher food you love at our congregational dinner, as we take part in Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM)-a unified effort among Jewish organizations worldwide to raise awareness and foster inclusion of people with disabilities and those who love them. 
 
Torah for Today Class
Shabbat, Mar 1st 10:30a to 11:15a, Library
with Cherie Karo Schwartz - Putting it all together: terumah 
 
Hochmat Nashim: Women’s Torah Study Group
Sunday, Mar 2nd 6:30p to 8:00p
Join a vibrant group of Jewish women led by Rabbi Shulman and Gitit Kaufman for a meaningful evening of engagement with Torah and one another.

Mishloach Manot Bag Prep
Monday, Mar 3rd 1:00p to 4:00p & Tuesday, Mar 4th 6:30p to 8:30p
Help fill Mishloach Manot for our HEA households. Please sign up to help assemble or drop off bags and bring the joy of Purim to all of our members.

Mishloach Manot Delivery
Beginning Wednesday, Mar 5th
Get into the spirit of Purim and spread happiness by delivering Mishloach Manot bags to HEA households. 
 
Monthly Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Shulman
Wednesday, Mar 5th 12:00p to 1:00p
A curriculum on Judaism and Jewish identity based on traditional sources and the teachings of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. Topics include Identity, Prayer, Study, Mitzvot, Tzedakah, Chesed, Faith, Israel, Kiddush Hashem, and the Jewish future. 
 
Interfaith Iftar: Sharing Tables for Healing
Thursday, Mar 6th 5:15p to 7:00p
Join us at the Multicultural Mosaic Foundation (14232 E Evans Ave, Aurora, CO 80014) for an evening of sharing, caring, and healing. We will look at healing texts in both traditions and share a vegetarian meal at the table. Our Mosaic friends will be providing salmon, rice, and potato dishes, and HEA members will bring salads, side dishes, and desserts. Please sign up to bring one of the requested items in the form. This is a family-friendly event!

Purim Shpiel
Sunday, Mar 9th 11:00a to 12:00p
The Perpetually Perplexed Purim Players Purim Shpiel is returning to the HEA! Esther, Mordechai, Vashti, and Haman (and Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce) invite you to this FREE family event! Cantor Saul Rosenthal is the Director, and Nili Abrahamson is the Musical Director. As always, the PPPP shpiel includes a live band and lots of singing.

Purim Carnival
Sunday, Mar 9th 12:00p to 2:00p
Following the Purim Shpiel, join all your friends in the Social Hall for our BIG Purim Carnival! Enjoy fun, games, rides, and food!

Mini Megillah with Puppets for Families
Thursday, Mar 13th 5:30p to 6:15p
A fun mini megillah reading with puppets! 
 
Full Megillah Reading
Thursday, Mar 13th 7:00p to 9:00p
We read the whole Megillah and shout "BOO" every time we hear "Hamen"! 
 
Human Rights in the Passover Story with Shlomo Levin
Shabbat, Mar 15th 12:30p to 1:30p
Are human rights and Jewish values the same, or are they different? How do human rights come up in the Passover story? After Kiddush, Shlomo will show how we can add meaning and relevance to our seders by using these questions to lead a discussion, much like we might have on the holiday.
 
HEA Shalom Chaverim Purim Party
Sunday, Mar 16th 2:00p to 4:00p
Masks, Mocktails and More: This Purim event is sponsored by HEA Shalom Chaverim, our HEA members group for ages 65 and over, dedicated to celebrating Jewish life together through learning, socializing and sharing life-cycle events. The cost is a modest $5 per person, payable at the door. RSVP’s are required so that we can know how many to prepare for. If you plan to join the festivities, RSVP to: heashalomchaverim@gmail.com and we will add you to the list! 
 
The Role of American Jews in shaping Israel’s Future: A Conversation with Yizhar Hess
Sunday, Mar 16th 7:00p to 8:30p
We welcome Dr. Yizhar Hess, Vice Chairman of the World Zionist Organization, in a vital discussion about what American Jews are doing and what they can do to help secure Israel's future. 
 
PTSD in the IDF with Omri Barkin
Wednesday, Mar 19th 7:00p to 8:30p
Omri Barkin, originally from Modi’in, Israel, spent his formative years in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1999–2003) before settling in Tel Aviv. He served in the IDF special forces from 2013-2016 and now runs a nonprofit organization dedicated to IDF veterans with a specific focus on the challenges of PTSD effects and opportunities for implementing nature-based therapeutic programs to help overcome the psychological challenges of combat.
 
New Baby Shabbat
Shabbat, Mar 29th 10:45a to 12:30p
​​​​​​​Sign up for New Baby Shabbat and join us in celebrating the newest member of your family!