In addition to our fabulous Shabbat morning services this month, we have nine women
participating and reading from the Torah. They have studied with me for over
six months and learned how to read Hebrew. Each one is standing up May 1st as a Bat
Mitzvah.
Somewhere, deep within each women was a call. A call to wake up, do it
now, and commit to a rigorous learning experience of profound significance.
There were tears, laughter, silence and study as we ventured on a journey
together to explore and define our relationship to our Jewish heritage and to
God.
This is just the beginning, but I believe that the accomplishment of
reading Hebrew and chanting Torah has made a deep and meaningful impact on the
"Lev," the heart, of each one of the participants.
Instead of accepting that they are unable to sing the prayers in
Hebrew, women now know that they can be called to the Torah and become Bat Mitzvah. This ritual links them to their ancient
people in ways that are just beginning to be understood!
Mazal Tov to the following women and their proud families and friends:
Jackie Goldfield, Teresa Keller, Doreen Klee, Sue-Ann Leeds, Soryl Markowitz,
Elaine Saperstein, Shari Saperstein, Joy Schecter and Sandy Terranova.
See how Lev Eisha has grown with your support and help? Just like watering the tender shoots of Spring brings glorious flowers to our gardens, sprinkling Lev Eisha with love and money makes us bloom with B'not Mitzvah!
Our gratitude goes to our members and donors for their continuing support of Lev Eisha:
Donations
- In honor of the B'not Mitzvah class by Marla Osband
- In honor of the B'not Mitzvah class by Judy Cohen
- In honor of Rabbi August by Rochelle Brandon
- Muriel Dance
- Faith Goldman
I like those credit card commercials where a family is on a trip and the prices are given. Airfare $350, hotel $250, and then it says, "Time together: Priceless!"
I want to speak with you regarding what is priceless in your lives.
I teach an inspirational modern Midrash (interpretation) on the Rosh Hashanah Torah reading regarding Abraham and Isaac walking "together" for the Akeidah, the sacrifice of Isaac. It is as follows:
Charles Francis Adams, a 19th century political figure, kept a diary. One day he entered in it: "Went fishing with my son today -- day wasted." His son also kept a diary. On that same day he noted: "Went fishing with my father -- the most wonderful day of my life."
I ask you: What makes your day "wasted," and what makes it "priceless"?
I took five of our B'not Mitzvah women to "Tomchei Shabbat," a volunteer organization in Los Angeles which delivers meals for 250 needy families. We spent 45 minutes packing boxes with specifically requested items for each family. Some want noodles, some asked for rice, others ordered Gefilte fish and others just more fresh vegetables.
After the packing, we hand delivered the boxes to a few families on a designated route.
What a priceless use of time! What a gratifying experience!
I insist that when you study for a Bat Mitzvah you do a "Tzedakah" project, giving back to the community in a meaningful way.
Imagine a huge warehouse filled with 50 volunteers from 3 years old to 83 years old! People came in family units, with friends and by themselves, and everyone joyfully went to work, invigorated - knowing that this was a holy deed. When the children were tired, they drew pictures of hearts and flowers, beautifying the boxes.
I was so inspired and I look forward to creating an opportunity for Mitzvah work with Lev Eisha. Please contact me if you are interested!
Just a note to make clear the schedule for May 1, Bat Mitzvah day:
8:30 a.m. Breakfast and learning in the gym. Please park by the gym (follow the signs and arrows), if you are attending the breakfast. This will make it easier for people coming later to figure out where they should go.
9:30 a.m. Lev Eisha service in the Sanctuary. If you're coming for the service, park anywhere. The "reserved" spaces are only reserved during the workweek. Click on the map below for additional directions and information.
12:30-ish (probably later depending on the length of the service) Kiddush sponsored by the Bat Mitzvah class, in the gym. There will be signs, or follow the crowd.
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Mazal Tov to Lev Eisha for coming together as a Jewish Community and providing a warm and joyous place for women to learn and celebrate the ritual of Bat Mitzvah!
Kol HaKavod (all honor) to Sandy Terranova, Joy Schecter, Shari Saperstein, Elaine Saperstein, Soryl Markowitz, Sue‑Ann Leeds, Doreen Klee, Teresa Keller, and Jackie Goldfield, for completing this achievement on May 1.
If you have a milestone to share please send it to: editor@leveisha.org. Our
newsletter gets printed about a week before each service. Please send the info ASAP.
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CONSIDERATION OF OTHERS
Please be considerate of people with allergies, and save your scent for a place where people can move around more readily. Your neighbors will thank you.
PASSOVER BOOKS
If you would like to obtain copies of our Lev Eisha women's Haggadah, Journey of the Heart, and/or our Pesach Cookbook, Passover Recipes from the Heart, please get in touch with Janis.
FACEBOOK
Are you on Facebook? You can help us grow. Become a fan of Lev Eisha of Los
Angeles and invite your friends to become fans as well. Our unique URL is
www.facebook.com/losangeles.jewish.spirituality. If you need help finding
the site or understanding how to invite your Facebook friends, e-mail
Lynda@leveisha.org for further instructions.
INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITES
Lev Eisha isn't a show that we put on for you--it's a service that we all put on for each other. The more you get involved and participate, the richer your experience will be. There are so many different things you can do to broaden your Lev Eisha experience: Go up for an aliyah. Accept an honor such as opening the ark or carrying the Torah. Lend a hand in setting up or cleaning up the kiddush. Greet people at the door and help them get into the feel of Lev Eisha. Want to do more? Assume a leadership role and become a board member. Lev Eisha has the nicest board you'll find. It's true! It's an organization where people look forward to attending board meetings! And there's nothing more satisfying than working during the month to make sure that our very special service continues.
FLYER AND ANNOUNCEMENT POLICY
Many women in the Lev Eisha community are involved with wonderful activities and causes. We simply cannot announce and promote them all. So, we must limit our announcements to activities specifically tied to Lev Eisha. If you have flyers, cards or materials pertaining to other events, please feel free to leave them on the table in our foyer and/or speak about them during Kiddush. Thanks for your understanding!
CATERING
Let's come together as a community to sponsor a Breakfast or a Kiddush. Think about celebrating your milestone with other Lev Eisha members also honoring a significant event. Contributions of $18, $25 or $36 can add up to hosting a specific month. Celebrate the good in your life such as a birthday, an anniversary, a special friend, memory of a loved one, a promotion or reaching your goal weight. What would you like to commemorate at Lev Eisha? Get a group together and sponsor a party! Please contact catering@leveisha.org to make arrangements.
MAP
Click Map for a larger image and directions
Many women have expressed an interest in carpooling to Lev Eisha services. If you need a ride, or can offer one (especially from distant neighborhoods), please contact us at info@leveisha.org or leave a message on our phone line, (310) 575-0985.
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