Congregation B'nai Israel - Gainesville FL

Rosh Chodesh Elul 5784,

We are beginning the Jewish month of Elul - reminding us that we are one month away from Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

During this month we start each day with the plaintive cry of the shofar. In the past, I've called this the "call" of the shofar but this year I have no doubt - we will hear the cry of wailing after a year of much pain. The past days of sadness have deeply underscored and pierced our grieving hearts.

On Tuesday at 5pm I will dedicate a special session of our regular "7 Minutes of Jewish Spirit" program to words of comfort from our tradition along with a communal kaddish. You may join us live via zoom at Meeting ID 636 302 2992 (passcode 1818) or via the recorded podcasts on YouTube (davidkaiman) or podcast providers (7 minutes of Jewish Spirit).

Once again I would like to offer you a daily email of brief kavvanot in preparation for the holidays. If you would like to be added to the email for these daily emails please drop me a note ([email protected]).

The upcoming holidays have the potential to take us to a higher spiritual connection but only if we are willing to invest the time, energy and intention. Throughout the month I will be sharing resources for your consideration in this year's spiritual journey.��L'shalom��Rabbi David Kaiman

Our first community shabbat dinner is NEXT Friday, September 6th! Join us for Kabbalat Shabbat services, beginning at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner immediately following services.

https://www.bnaigainesville.com/event/sept2024fridaynight

Join us at B'nai Israel for this wonderful program on behalf of the Bud Shorstein Center for Jewish Studies! There will be a talk followed by a book signing and catered reception.

The Synagogue administrative offices will be closed on Monday, September 2nd in observance of the holiday!

Happy National Dog Day!

We all love our sweet pups! Show us your furry loved ones in the comments below!

Be sure to join us for this compelling talk on the early origins of B'nai Israel! Enjoy a scrumptious lunch following the program prepared by Ibti Hijazi Catering.

Tonight is our first Friday Night Dinner with day school families. We will share a small service followed by a shared Shabbat meal getting to know new friends and reacquainting ourselves with old friends.

The high holidays are fast approaching and it's time to place your order for your etrog and lulav. Order yours here: https://www.bnaigainesville.com/form/lulav-and-etrog-2024

Boker Tov to our wonderful Gainesville family!

We hope that in the hustle and bustle of back to school prep, new traffic patterns, and adjusting to new routines, you remember these images.

Many of these children directly benefited from the generous contributions made by YOU, our community. Please keep in mind throughout this year how many families go without, how often children are sent to school without the tools they need to succeed. Together we can help everyone achieve great things.

We are overwhelmed with gratitude for Partnership for Strong Families, who without fail, is there to advocate for children in North Central Florida. We are so very lucky to have the ability to work with them every year.

Join us for our first shabbat dinner of the year!

https://www.bnaigainesville.com/event/sept2024fridaynight

Ticket sales for B'nai Israel's Centennial Anniversary have begun! We are incredibly excited to be celebrated this wonderful milestone and looking back on the last 100 years!

Make plans to join us by purchasing your tickets or an ad in our program book!
https://www.bnaigainesville.com/100th-anniversary-celebration-registration.html

We are so excited about this mural in the day school foyer from local artist Samm Wehman! We wanted something depicted parents and their children, and she did that through the lens of Florida wildlife. Soon, her murals will be throughout the day school hallways. We are so excited about this depiction of Tikkun Olam that will be a part of our school everyday!

We are thrilled to bring back Friendship Circle for our senior community -- offering an exciting program followed by social activities and a light lunch!

Shop great deals at Target, Walmart, and Office Depot while they last!

Then double down on that feel good by dropping off some donations for the Back to School Drive right here!

Don't have time to shop? Give is a call or make a donation online through the Social Action fund at https://www.bnaigainesville.com/payment.php

It's that time of year! The new school year is just around the corner, and there are children in our community who would love some new supplies to prepare them succeed this year!

Thrilled to be working with Partnership another year

Please see the attached list of supplies, and feel free to drop them off to the office.
No time to shop? We invite you to make a donation to the Social Action Fund, let us do the shopping for you!

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of our dear
Smokey, who passed away. Our day school families, staff, congregants, and even vendors and passersby enjoyed stopping to say hello with a belly rub as he snoozed the days away at B’nai Israel. Our students so enjoyed looking for his friendly face when they came down the hallway, hoping to take turns giving pets.

We were fortunate enough to have been home to this sweet cat for almost 5 years, ensuring he was fed, had his check ups, and somewhere warm and safe to stay when it was rainy or cold. Most of all, he was a source joy for those having a bad day, giving love to anyone who needed it.

We thank everyone in our community who enjoyed him as much
as he did

Six faith leaders throughout Gainesville (including our own favorite Rabbi!) will come together on Friday during the Summer Solstice and share the core tenets of their faith, offer a prayer, and open the floor to questions and answers.

This format was chosen to nudge the dialogue toward greater understanding of our faith, ourselves, and to celebrate the Oneness that manifests as diversity of beliefs and experiences.

The day will end with meditative / spirit -inspired dancing and drumming for peace. It is free of charge and of any politics and activism.

We hope to see you this evening as we bring in Shavuot with Rabbi Jack Riemer and Rabbi Kaiman

For a full schedule of services, please go to: https://www.bnaigainesville.com/

We are looking forward to hosting a discussion this evening with the families in our community

We hope that you can join us!

Just a reminder about our upcoming program for families. Be sure to join us for this meaningful conversation.

Just a reminder about our upcoming program for families. Be sure to join us for this meaningful conversation.

Today is Lag B'Omer! In celebration we had a great program last Tuesday where our kids were able to be park rangers and search for animals in the forest! They saw a wolf, deer and a bear! Oh My!

After such an adventure they were able to roast hot dogs over the fire followed with a scrumptios s'more! What a way to end the day!

This program is open to the whole community as we need each other during this troubling time.

Share with your friends and join us.