HEArtbeat

.

Become a Shalom Ambassador

.

Many of you see me almost every Shabbat at shul, but that wasn’t always the case. As a proud “know-it-all" Israeli, I never imagined that I would even consider being a paying member of a synagogue. I was confident in my strong Israeli identity and didn't see the need to become a part of a Synagogue formally. Thus, I made no effort to get involved or become active in one. 

That changed when my daughter turned 11, she expressed her desire to have a Bat Mitzvah. Therefore, we began our search and decided that HEA would be the right fit for our daughters’ Bat Mitzvahs. When the pandemic hit, connecting with others in the congregation became difficult. It was discouraging trying to get a feel for the shul as COVID made it harder to feel truly welcomed due to everyone’s physical separation. In preparation for my daughter’s Bat Mitzvah, we started coming to Shabbat services the month before it.  At one Shabbat, a couple we did not know (Ken & Joan Saliman) approached us and gave my daughter an early Bat Mitzvah gift. We were so excited and touched by their thoughtful gesture. Then despite the masks, the physical distancing, and the plexiglass dividers, we celebrated her Bat Mitzvah. 

After our simcha, we kept coming weekly at my daughter’s request. A few weeks later something clicked for me as I desired to become more engaged and active.  I wanted to somehow contribute to the synagogue and assist in places where I could help. I joined the security team, and from there, my involvement only deepened. I realized I had found something I didn’t even know I was searching for: a community. 

I found that giving to HEA has brought me immense fulfillment. The more I contribute, the more I feel I receive in return. And especially after October 7th, HEA has become my haven. 

HEA thrives because of the people who step up to help strengthen the connections within our congregation. If you want to help make others feel that our community is warm and welcoming for all, I encourage you to join our revamped Shalom Ambassador volunteer program. The Shalom Ambassador program is designed to help foster meaningful engagement opportunities for new HEA members and help develop a sense of belonging to their new spiritual home. Reminiscent of walking into your high school cafeteria for the first time, it can be intimidating to enter a sanctuary or social hall and worry about where I will sit or if someone will talk with me. A Shalom Ambassador volunteer will alleviate those concerns, provide a friendly face, provide a companion to sit with and facilitate an introduction to other HEA members. HEA should always be a warm, welcoming, and inviting place to daven and socialize with friends--whether it’s your first time or not. I encourage you to step up and help make HEA a more vibrant and engaging congregation for prospective and new members. 

There are many ways to get involved, whether by joining the security team (my place of worship), one of the many committees, or one of the affinity groups at HEA. We hope you find something that speaks to you personally.  

Lastly, if you’re not ready to volunteer yet, that is OK. Please find a way to attend one of our many events, classes, or services. As the saying goes, you don’t know what you’re missing until you find it. 
​​​​​​​
Shabbat Shalom!

.

Coming Up!

Torah for Today Class
Shabbat, Mar 8th 10:30a to 11:15a
With Rabbi Mordecai Magencey, Ph.D. - Pesach: Questioning what you think you know, part 2

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!

SLAK Purim Potluck
Sunday, Mar 9th 6:30p to 8:30p
Costumes are not required! Please RSVP to let us know that you can join the festivities and what dish you would like to bring. Email Leslie Levine at teachbeach@yahoo.com.

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.

Azamra & Congregational Dinner
Friday, Mar 21st 5:30p to 8:00p
Our Friday Evening Musical Shabbat Service, followed by a tasty kosher meal!

Kavod on the Road
Tuesday, Mar 25th 1:00p to 2:30p
Monthly programs for adults hosted by Kavod On the Road at HEA.

New Baby Shabbat
Shabbat, Mar 29th 10:45a to 12:30p
Sign up for New Baby Shabbat!

Selah! - Joey Weisenberg & The Rising Song Ensemble Concert
Sunday, Mar 30th 7:00p to 10:00p
Our biggest and most special music event of the year! Singer, guitarist and composer, Joey Weisenberg Founder and Director of Hadar’s Rising Song Institute returns to the HEA for an uplifting evening of participatory original music. Joey will be joined by special guests, including Aly Halpert, and Rabbi Yosef Goldman.

Yossi Klein Halevi: The Future of Israel, American Jewry & Our Relationship
Thursday, Apr 3rd 7:00p to 9:00p
A senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, and author of Like Dreamers and Letters to My Palestinian Neighbors. Yossi writes for leading op-ed pages in the U.S., including the Times and the Wall Street Journal, and is a former contributing editor to the New Republic. This program is sponsored by The William and Lynn Geller Family in Memory of Gerry and Ly Japha. 

Women’s Seder
Sunday, Apr 6th 6:30p to 9:00p
As women, we will gather to celebrate the season with a Women’s Seder led by Rabbi Shulman. We will nosh with a charoset bar, study, and sing together in community. $5 members/ $10 non-members.