With the completion this week of the Book of Genesis/Bereishit, we read about the deaths of both Jacob and Joseph. Jacob, upon his insistence, is carried back to Hebron to be buried with his forebears. Joseph makes a similar demand, which will occur later on.
I have thought this week about mourning and burial practice in Judaism. It is the time of year when I observe yahrzeits for my mother and father, and Fay’s father. Also ... Click here to read the rest of Rabbi Doug's blog post.
This Week's Torah Portion
This week’s Torah portion is Parashat Vayechi (Bereishit/Genesis 47:28-50:26). With this parashah, we complete the Book of Genesis. We have learned much about our matriarchs and patriarchs, and through them have learned much about family. Notwithstanding their imperfections, they remained close and became the foundation for us, the Jewish people. Worship Event of the Week
We will be together, in person and on Zoom, this Shabbat morning for study and prayer. On Saturday, December 18, our ongoing study of angels in Judaism continues at 9:30 a.m., followed by our Shabbat service at 10:30 a.m. Kiddush brunch follows the service. If coming in person, RSVP to rabbidoug@kolamikc.org by Thursday, December 16. Vaccines and masks are required. For the Zoom link, click here. Weekly Feature
“So You’re Marrying a Jew …” Sixth Installment in a Series By Ellen Karp
Editors' Note: We thought it would be instructive and interesting to ask our non-Jewish partnered members for their particular take on joining a Jewish community, and establishing a family connection among Jewish relatives. This month’s contributor remains anonymous.
Q: If your best non-Jewish friend or close relative were getting engaged to a Jewish person, what advice would you give them based on your own experience?
A: If family seems overbearing or overly opinionated, they (probably) just want the best for you and want to show they care. If it’s meat OR dairy for meals, good luck if you’re lactose-intolerant.
When going to holiday celebrations, it’s important to learn the meaning behind the holiday and to get involved where you can! It’s a great way to bond with family. Social Justice News
Shop to Help Migrant Farmworkers You can help migrant farmworkers through December 15 by shopping online at Ten Thousand Villages (click here). Use this code: MFAF21. A percentage of your order goes to Migrant Farmworkers Assistance Fund.
Congregant in the News
A Kol Ami Member Reaches Out Kol Ami board member Brad Ordo co-chairs a steering committee for Ga’Avah, an LGBTQIA+ group offering social and volunteer activities. A collaboration between Jewish Federation and The J, Ga’Avah hopes “to reach members of the Jewish community who have been underrepresented or marginalized,” reports the Kansas City Jewish Chronicle. (Read the publication's full article here.)
Yahrzeits This Week December 15 Nathan Swerdlove — father of Victor Swerdlove December 17 Albert Bamberger — father of David Bamberger, grandfather of Elissa Bamberger December 18 Ida Bamberger — mother of David Bamberger, grandmother of Elissa Bamberger Joyce Weisman Karp — mother of Ellen Karp
We Wish Mi Shebeirach A Complete Healing of Mind, Body and Spirit to:
Damon Atherly Dennis Dalton Pinchas ben Liba Gertie Millstein Pat Rettenmaier Bonnie Rosenthal Anatoly Rubchinsky Ken Samet Susan Sarachek
If you would like a name to continue to be listed or if you have a new name to include, please send an email to healing@kolamikc.org.
