What is Lag Ba'Omer? This minor holiday — known for bonfires, weddings and haircuts — takes place about a month after Passover. BY FRANCINE KLAGSBRUN Lag Ba’omer is a minor holiday that occurs on the 33rd day of the Omer, the 49-day period between Passover and Shavuot. A break from the semi-mourning of the Omer, key aspects of Lag Ba’omer include holding Jewish weddings (it’s the one day during the Omer when Jewish law permits them), lighting bonfires and getting haircuts. Why We Celebrate There are a few explanations why we celebrate Lag Ba’omer, but none is definitive. The Omer is a time of semi-mourning, when weddings and other celebrations are forbidden, and as a sign of grief, observant Jews do not cut their hair. Anthropologists say that many peoples have similar periods of restraint in the early spring to symbolize their concerns about the growth of their crops. But the most often cited explanation for the Jewish practice comes from the Talmud, which tells us that during this season a plague killed thousands of Rabbi Akiva‘s students because they did not treat one another respectfully. (Yevamot 62b) The mourning behavior is presumably in memory of those students and their severe punishment. According to a medieval tradition, the plague ceased on Lag Ba’omer, the 33rd day of the Omer. (The Hebrew letters lamed and gimel which make up the acronym “Lag” have the combined numerical value of 33.) As a result, Lag Ba’omer became a happy day, interrupting the sad­ness of the Omer period for 24 hours. Rabbi Akiva and the Bar Kochba Rebellion The Talmudic explanation makes most sense when put into historical context. The outstanding sage Rabbi Akiva became an ardent supporter of Simeon bar Koseva, known as Bar Kochba, who in 132 C.E. led a ferocious but unsuccessful revolt against Roman rule in Judea. Akiva not only pinned his hopes on a political victory over Rome but believed Bar Kochba to be the long-awaited Messiah. Many of his students joined him in backing the revolt and were killed along with thousands of Judeans when it failed. The Talmudic rabbis, still suffering under Roman rule and cautious about referring openly to past rebellions, may have been hinting at those deaths when they spoke of a plague among Akiva’s students. Possibly, also, Lag Ba’omer marked a respite from battle, or a momentary victory. A completely different reason for the holiday concerns one of Rabbi Akiva’s few disciples who survived the Bar Kochba revolt, Rabbi Simeon bar Yohai. He is said to have died on Lag Ba’omer. Rabbi Simeon continued to defy the Roman rulers even after Bar Kochba’s defeat, and was forced to flee for his life and spend years in solitary hiding. Legend places him and his son Eleazar in a cave for 12 years, where a miraculous well and carob tree sustained them while they spent their days studying and praying. (Shabbat 33b) When they finally emerged, Simeon denigrated all practical occupations, insisting that people engage only in the study of Torah . For this God confined the two to their cave for another year, accusing Simeon of destroying the world with his rigid asceticism. But Rabbi Simeon’s otherworldliness resonated with mystics in his own time and later, so much so that tradition ascribes to him the Zohar, the key work of the Kabbalah (although critical scholars attribute it to the 13th-century Spanish kabbalist Moses de Leon). And in Israel, on Lag Ba’omer, people flock to the site of his tomb in the village of Meron in the Galilee, near Safed, where they light bonfires and sing kabbalistic hymns. Hasidic Jews follow the custom of bringing their 3-year-old sons to Meron to have their hair cut for the first time. (The custom of not cut­ting the child’s hair until his third birthday, when it is done in a ceremony called an upsheren, is probably an extension of the law that forbids picking the fruits of a newly planted tree during its first three years.) Lag Ba’omer Customs Unrelated to Rabbi Simeon, the kabbalists also give a mystical interpretation to the Omer period as a time of spiritual cleansing and preparation for receiving the Torah on Shavuot. The days and weeks of counting, they say, represent various combinations of the sefirot, the divine emanations, whose contemplation ultimately leads to purity of mind and soul. The somberness of this period reflects the seriousness of its spiritual pursuits. Finally, on yet another tack, some authorities attribute the joy of Lag Ba’omer to the belief that the manna that fed the Israelites in the desert first appeared on the 18th of Iyar. Though its origins are uncertain, Lag Ba’omer has become a minor holiday. (For Sephardic Jews, the holiday is the day after Lag Ba’omer.) School children picnic and play outdoors with bows and arrows — a possible reminder of the war battles of Akiva’s students — and in Israel plant trees. It is customary to light bonfires, to symbolize the light Simeon bar Yohai brought into the world. And every year numerous couples wed at this happy time. Reprinted with permission from Jewish Days: A Book of Jewish Life and Culture (Farrar, Straus and Giroux).

Announcements -Candle Lighting Times for Shabbat (Ontario, CA) -Office Hours -This week’s 10-Minute -Events Calendar Monday, 8 May 2023-Adult Torah Study Thursday, 11 May 2023-Board Meeting Friday & Saturday, 12 & 13 May 2023-This week's Shabbat services Sunday, 14 May 2023-Hebrew School -Miller Course Introduction to Judaism Monday, 15 May 2023-Adult Torah Study Thursday, 18 May 2023-Judaic Studies Friday & Saturday, 19 & 20 May 2023-This week's Shabbat service Sunday, 21 May 2023-Hebrew School -Miller Course Introduction to Judaism -SemiAnnual Congregation Meeting -Family Game Day Friday & Saturday, 26 & 27 May 2023-Shavuot Counting the Omer -Mi Sheberach List *For your information, I have included below my schedule, including office hours for the next two weeks and specific classes in which I am involved. **For your convenience and information, Zoom links will be provided in separate emails for security purposes. ***I have updated our Mi Sheberach מי שברך list for those in need of healing by removing the names of those of whom we were uncertain. Please advise if any names were removed in error. For your convenience, I am attaching this revised list to this email that only goes to members of Temple Sholom of Ontario. Thank you. Shabbat Times for Ontario, California, USA Lag BaOmer occurs on Tuesday, May 9 Candle lighting: 7:24pm on Friday, May 12 This week's Torah portion is Parashat Behar-Bechukotai Havdalah (50 min): 8:34pm on Saturday, May 13 Powered by Hebcal Shabbat Times שבת פרשת בהר-בחקתי May 12 - כ״א אייר Candle lighting 7:25 Shabbat ends 8:26 72 minutes 8:56 Office Hours this week: Sunday, May 7, 2023 (Family Fun Learning 10am-12:00pm & Miller Course 12:00pm-1:00pm) Thursday, May 11, 2023 2:00pm - 7:00pm (Board Meeting @ 7:00pm - 9:00pm) Friday, May 12, 2023 2:00pm - 7:30pm (Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv @ 7:30pm) Monday, May 15, 2023 9:30am - 2:00pm Tuesday, May 16, 2023 9:30am - 2:00pm Friday, May 19, 2023 2:00pm - 7:30pm (Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv @ 7:30pm) (Subject to change. Please call for appointments) This week's 10-Minute Torah (13 May 2023): Parashat Behar-Bechukotai 5783 https://youtu.be/JdIIn3nmzN8 Adult Torah Study Class Next Session: Monday, May 8 at 7:30 pm PT Zoom Links sent in separate email Monday morning. Please reply if you do not receive them. Parashat Behar-Bechukotai 5783 / פָּרָשַׁת בְּהַר־בְּחֻקֹּתַי 13 May 2023 / 22 Iyyar 5783 Parashat Behar-Bechukotai is the 32nd and 33rd weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Leviticus 25:1-27:34 Behar (“On The Mountain”) details the laws of the sabbatical year (Shemita), when working the land is prohibited and debts are forgiven. It also sets out laws of indentured servitude and of the Jubilee year (Yovel), when property reverts to its original ownership. Bechukotai (“In My Laws”) is the final Torah portion in the Book of Leviticus. It begins describing blessings that follow obedience to God's laws and curses that come with desecration of them. It ends with laws of vows and consecration of people and property. [1] Commentary and Divrei Torah Sefaria OU Torah Jewish Theological Seminary American Jewish University Soncino Chumash: pp. 531 – 536 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp. 531 – 550) Artscroll Chumash: pp. 696 – 679 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp. 696 – 723) Etz Chaim Chumash: pp. 736 - 7 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp.736- 7) Lag BaOmer 2023 / ל״ג בָּעוֹמֶר 5783 33rd day of counting the Omer 🔥 Lag BaOmer for Hebrew Year 5783 begins at sundown on Monday, 8 May 2023 and ends at nightfall on Tuesday, 9 May 2023. Lag BaOmer (Hebrew: ל״ג בעומר), also Lag B’Omer, is a Jewish holiday celebrated on the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer, which occurs on the 18th day of the Hebrew month of Iyar. One reason given for the holiday is as the day of passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. Modern Jewish tradition links the holiday to the Bar Kokhba Revolt against the Roman Empire (132-135 CE). In Israel, it is celebrated as a symbol for the fighting Jewish spirit. Judaic Studies Next session: Thursday, May 18, 2023 @ 7:30pm Preempted May 11 due to Board Meeting Our next topic will be Jewish ethics. We will be reading most of a book by Rabbi Louis Jacobs (1920-2006), Jewish Personal and Social Ethics. The book is quite accessible, and reflects a great deal of scholarshp by this distinguished British rabbi and theologian, whose perspective is close to that of American Conservative Judaism. The text will be made available on line, along with a few additional readings on these topics. Upcoming Services Shabbat Ma'ariv Service Friday, May 12, 2023 @ 7:30 pm Shabbat Shachrit Service Saturday, May 13, 2023 @ 9:30 am Zoom Links sent in separate email Friday afternoon. Please reply if you do not receive them. We are now incorporating guitar accompaniment with our Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv Parashat Behar-Bechukotai 5783 / פָּרָשַׁת בְּהַר־בְּחֻקֹּתַי 13 May 2023 / 22 Iyyar 5783 Parashat Behar-Bechukotai is the 32nd and 33rd weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Leviticus 25:1-27:34 Triennial year 1 1: 25:1-3 · 3 p’sukim · 2: 25:4-7 · 4 p’sukim · 3: 25:8-13 · 6 p’sukim · 4: 25:14-18 · 5 p’sukim · 5: 25:19-24 · 6 p’sukim · 6: 25:25-28 · 4 p’sukim · 7: 25:29-38 · 10 p’sukim · maf: 25:35-38 · 4 p’sukim · Haftarah: Jeremiah 16:19-17:14 · 17 p’sukim Commentary and Divrei Torah Sefaria OU Torah Jewish Theological Seminary American Jewish University Soncino Chumash: pp. 531 – 536 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp. 531 – 550) *Note that we are now doing the Triennial reading for our Shabbat Torah services. 5783 will be Triennial Year 1 **We are holding live Shabbat services back in the synagogue. We will still continue to broadcast on Zoom for those unable to come to the sanctuary. Please call the office for more information if you'd like to attend. Hebrew School at Temple Sholom of Ontario Next Hebrew School will be Sunday, May 14 2023 First Session Sunday 10:00am - 10:40am Second Session Sunday 10:50am - 11:30am Hebrew school is back on at Temple Sholom of Ontario. We will continue in the fall hold classes virtually on Sundays starting at 10:00am PT. There will be two sessions, 40 minutes each, with a 10-minute break in between. The first session will focus on Hebrew reading and prayers. We will read from the week's Torah portion using a Chumash and an online site. Besides the main prayers used in our services, we will also learn Torah and Haftarah blessings. The second session will be a general learning session of that weekly sedrah/portion. We will also discuss notable Jewish personalities, from celebrities to prophets and kings. There will also be special topics such as gossip and evolution. Please let us know if you'd like to join us and of course if you have any questions. Miller Course: Introduction to Judaism Next Session: Sunday, May 14, 2023 Module 9: Rabbinic Judaism Your Jewish Journey Starts at Miller Intro to Judaism Welcome to the Miller Intro to Judaism Program! We invite you to explore Judaism with us. Whether you are in an interfaith relationship, re-discovering your Jewish heritage, or seek to convert to Judaism, we are here to support your journey. The core of the Miller Introduction to Judaism Program is an 18-week course that surveys Jewish living and practice, including history, ritual, culture, texts, and values. Classes are designed to be highly interactive, with much time for discussion and questions, and include personalized instruction in reading Hebrew. SemiAnnual Congregation Meeting Sunday, May 21st, 2023 3p.m. to 4p.m. Family Game Day Sunday, May 21st, 2023 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. domingo, 21 de mayo de 2023 13:00. a las 15:00 metro TEMPLE SHOLOM OF ONTARIO 963 West 6th Street, Ontario, CA 91762 Free to all Refreshments provided Come one…Come all! Fun for all ages! Bring games you like to play or come and play the games that are there…But whatever you do, don’t miss out on this fun afternoon! gratuita para todos bocadillos proporcionados ¡Llegado uno viene todos! ¡Diversión para todas las edades! Trae los juegos que te gustan o ven a jugar a los que hay allí… Pero hagas lo que hagas, ¡no te pierdas esta tarde divertida! ***I have updated our Mi Sheberach מי שברך list for those in need of healing by removing the names of those of whom we were uncertain. Please advise if any names were removed in error. For your convenience, I am attaching this revised list to this email that only goes to members of Temple Sholom of Ontario. Thank you. Shavuot 2023 / שָׁבוּעוֹת 5783 Festival of Weeks ⛰️🌸 Shavuot for Hebrew Year 5783 begins in the Diaspora at sundown on Thursday, 25 May 2023 and ends at nightfall on Saturday, 27 May 2023. The festival of Shavuot (or Shavuos, in Ashkenazi usage; Shabhuʿoth in Classical and Mizrahi Hebrew Hebrew: שבועות, lit. “Weeks”) is a Jewish holiday that occurs on the sixth day of the Hebrew month of Sivan (late May or early June). Shavuot commemorates the anniversary of the day G-d gave the Torah to the entire Israelite nation assembled at Mount Sinai, although the association between the giving of the Torah (Matan Torah) and Shavuot is not explicit in the Biblical text. The holiday is one of the Shalosh Regalim, the three Biblical pilgrimage festivals. It marks the conclusion of the Counting of the Omer. *The titles in blue and underlined are "hyperlinks". If you click on any of those, it will lead to that site/URL. The hyperlink gives a descriptive title with the actual link embedded in that title. Anyone who is concerned about clicking a link or hyperlink can access any of these resources by going to my website, www.modernrabbistephen.com. You can find them in the "Blog" and "Videos" sections, as well as the "Instagram Links" by clicking on the various pictures.

https://youtu.be/JdIIn3nmzN8 Parashat Behar-Bechukotai 5783 / פָּרָשַׁת בְּהַר־בְּחֻקֹּתַי 13 May 2023 / 22 Iyyar 5783 Parashat Behar-Bechukotai is the 32nd and 33rd weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Leviticus 25:1-27:34 Behar (“On The Mountain”) details the laws of the sabbatical year (Shemita), when working the land is prohibited and debts are forgiven. It also sets out laws of indentured servitude and of the Jubilee year (Yovel), when property reverts to its original ownership. Bechukotai (“In My Laws”) is the final Torah portion in the Book of Leviticus. It begins describing blessings that follow obedience to God's laws and curses that come with desecration of them. It ends with laws of vows and consecration of people and property. [1] Triennial year 1 1: 25:1-3 · 3 p’sukim · 2: 25:4-7 · 4 p’sukim · 3: 25:8-13 · 6 p’sukim · 4: 25:14-18 · 5 p’sukim · 5: 25:19-24 · 6 p’sukim · 6: 25:25-28 · 4 p’sukim · 7: 25:29-38 · 10 p’sukim · maf: 25:35-38 · 4 p’sukim · Haftarah: Jeremiah 16:19-17:14 · 17 p’sukim Commentary and Divrei Torah Sefaria OU Torah Jewish Theological Seminary American Jewish University Soncino Chumash: pp. 531 – 536 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp. 531 – 550) Artscroll Chumash: pp. 696 – 679 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp. 696 – 723) Etz Chaim Chumash: pp. 738 - 743 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp.738 - 757) Once again we have a portion as we close the book of Leviticus. As we proceed in our journey through Torah, discovering the history and evolution of what we now call Judaism, we often encounter the commandment to remember and observe the seventh day as a holy Shabbat, a day or rest. This is a day when we put aside all earthly and secular pursuits to focus on our spirituality. In the expansive commandment to observe Shabbat, Hashem also tells us that not only do we have a day of rest but so do our relatives, servants and animals. The parashat of Behar now tells us that even the land gets a year of rest, one out of seven years. In exchange for respecting the land, Hashem promises that our insecurities about having enough food will not be anything we need to worry about. Truly, Judaism is very ecologically friendly. Also, there are times when people have to sell their ancestral land, the share that was given as Israel settled the Promised Land. After seven cycles of the Shmittah, fifty years, land reverts back to the original owners. Thus land ownership never becomes the domain of a wealthy few, creating a powerful and influential majority. People also see, as one of Judaism’s main themes, that people are given another chance to make good. Parashat Behar-Bechukotai 5783 13 mayo 2023 / 22 Iyar 5783 Parashat Behar-Bejukotai es la porción semanal de la Torá número 32 y 33 en el ciclo judío anual de lectura de la Torá. Porción de la Torá: Levítico 25:1-27:34 Behar (“En la montaña”) detalla las leyes del año sabático (Shemita), cuando se prohíbe trabajar la tierra y se perdonan las deudas. También establece las leyes de la servidumbre por contrato y del año del Jubileo (Yovel), cuando la propiedad vuelve a su dueño original. Bejukotai ("En Mis Leyes") es la porción final de la Torá en el Libro de Levítico. Comienza describiendo las bendiciones que siguen a la obediencia a las leyes de Dios y las maldiciones que vienen con la profanación de las mismas. Termina con leyes de votos y consagración de personas y bienes. [1] Trienal año 1 1: 25:1-3 · 3 p’sukim · 2: 25:4-7 · 4 p’sukim · 3: 25:8-13 · 6 p’sukim · 4: 25:14-18 · 5 p’sukim · 5: 25:19-24 · 6 p’sukim · 6: 25:25-28 · 4 p’sukim · 7: 25:29-38 · 10 p’sukim · maf: 25:35-38 · 4 p’sukim · Haftará: Jeremiah 16:19-17:14 · 17 p’sukim Comentario y Divrei Torá Sefaria OU Torah Jewish Theological Seminary American Jewish University Soncino Chumash: págs. 531 – 536 Año trienal 1 (Kriyah completo págs. 531 – 550) Artscroll Chumash: págs. 696 – 679 Año trienal 1 (Kriyah completa págs. 696 – 723) Etz Chaim Chumash: pp. 738 - 743 Año Trienal 1 (Kriyah Completa pp. 738 - 757) Una vez más tenemos una porción al cerrar el libro de Levítico. A medida que avanzamos en nuestro viaje a través de la Torá, descubriendo la historia y la evolución de lo que ahora llamamos judaísmo, a menudo nos encontramos con el mandamiento de recordar y observar el séptimo día como un Shabat sagrado, un día de descanso. Este es un día en el que dejamos de lado todas las actividades terrenales y seculares para centrarnos en nuestra espiritualidad. En el amplio mandamiento de observar Shabat, Hashem también nos dice que no solo tenemos un día de descanso, sino también nuestros familiares, sirvientes y animales. La parashat de Behar ahora nos dice que incluso la tierra tiene un año de descanso, uno de cada siete años. A cambio de respetar la tierra, Hashem promete que nuestras inseguridades acerca de tener suficiente comida no serán algo de lo que debamos preocuparnos. Verdaderamente, el judaísmo es muy ecológico. Además, hay momentos en que la gente tiene que vender su tierra ancestral, la parte que se le dio cuando Israel se estableció en la Tierra Prometida. Después de siete ciclos de Shmittah, cincuenta años, la tierra vuelve a sus dueños originales. Por lo tanto, la propiedad de la tierra nunca se convierte en el dominio de unos pocos ricos, creando una mayoría poderosa e influyente. La gente también ve, como uno de los temas principales del judaísmo, que a la gente se le da otra oportunidad de hacer el bien.

Announcements -Candle Lighting Times for Shabbat (Ontario, CA) -Office Hours -This week’s 10-Minute Torah Calendar Monday, 1 May 2023-Adult Torah Study Thursday, 4 May 2023-National Day of Prayer (Menifee) Friday & Saturday, 5 & 6 May 2023-This week's Shabbat services Sunday, 7 May 2023-Family Fun Learning Day Sunday, 7 May 2023-Miller Course Introduction to Judaism Monday, 8 May 2023-Adult Torah Study Thursday, 11 May 2023-Board Meeting Friday & Saturday, 12 & 13 May 2023-This week's Shabbat services Sunday, 14 May 2023-Hebrew School Sunday, 14 May 2023-Miller Course Introduction to Judaism Sunday, 21 May 2023-Family Game Day Counting the Omer -Mi Sheberach List *For your information, I have included below my schedule, including office hours for the next two weeks and specific classes in which I am involved. **For your convenience and information, Zoom links will be provided in separate emails for security purposes. ***I have updated our Mi Sheberach מי שברך list for those in need of healing by removing the names of those of whom we were uncertain. Please advise if any names were removed in error. For your convenience, I am attaching this revised list to this email that only goes to members of Temple Sholom of Ontario. Thank you. Shabbat Times for Ontario, California, USA Pesach Sheni occurs on Friday, May 5 Candle lighting: 7:19pm on Friday, May 5 This week's Torah portion is Parashat Emor Havdalah (50 min): 8:28pm on Saturday, May 6 Powered by Hebcal Shabbat Times שבת פרשת אמור May 5 - י״ד אייר Candle lighting 7:19 Shabbat ends 8:19 72 minutes 8:51 Office Hours this week: Monday, May 1, 2023 (@ AJU late morning) 2:50pm - 8:50pm (Torah Study @ 7:30pm) Tuesday, May 2, 2023 9:30am - 2:00pm Friday, May 5, 2023 2:00pm - 7:30pm (Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv @ 7:30pm) Monday, May 7, 2023 9:30am - 2:00pm (Torah Study @ 7:30pm) Thursday, May 11, 2023 2:00pm - 7:00pm (Board Meeting @ 7:00pm - 9:00pm) Friday, May 5, 2023 2:00pm - 7:30pm (Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv @ 7:30pm) (Subject to change. Please call for appointments) This week's 10-Minute Torah (6 May 2023): Parashat Emor 5783 https://youtu.be/DgLO35wbRII Adult Torah Study Class Next Session: Monday, May 1 at 7:30 pm PT Zoom Links sent in separate email Monday morning. Please reply if you do not receive them. Parashat Emor 5783 / פָּרָשַׁת אֱמוֹר 6 May 2023 / 15 Iyyar 5783 https://youtu.be/DgLO35wbRII Parashat Emor is the 31st weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Leviticus 21:1-24:23 Emor (“Say”) opens with laws regulating priestly behavior, working in the Mishkan (Tabernacle), and consuming sacrifices and priestly food. It describes the biblical holidays of Passover, Shavuot, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot, and ends with a story about a blasphemer and his punishment. [1] Commentary and Divrei Torah Sefaria OU Torah Jewish Theological Seminary American Jewish University Soncino Chumash: pp. 513 – 517 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp. 513 – 528) Artscroll Chumash: pp. 672 – 679 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp. 672 – 695) Etz Chaim Chumash: pp. 717 - 722 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp.717 - 733) Judaic Studies Next session: Thursday, April 27, 2023 @ 7:30pm Our next topic will be Jewish ethics. We will be reading most of a book by Rabbi Louis Jacobs (1920-2006), Jewish Personal and Social Ethics. The book is quite accessible, and reflects a great deal of scholarshp by this distinguished British rabbi and theologian, whose perspective is close to that of American Conservative Judaism. The text will be made available on line, along with a few additional readings on these topics. Upcoming Services Shabbat Ma'ariv Service Friday, May 5, 2023 @ 7:30 pm Shabbat Shachrit Service Saturday, May 6, 2023 @ 9:30 am Zoom Links sent in separate email Friday afternoon. Please reply if you do not receive them. We are now incorporating guitar accompaniment with our Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv Parashat Emor 5783 / פָּרָשַׁת אֱמוֹר 6 May 2023 / 15 Iyyar 5783 Parashat Emor is the 31st weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Leviticus 21:1-24:23 Triennial year 1 1: 21:1-6 · 6 p’sukim · 2: 21:7-12 · 6 p’sukim · 3: 21:13-15 · 3 p’sukim · 4: 21:16-24 · 9 p’sukim · 5: 22:1-9 · 9 p’sukim · 6: 22:10-12 · 3 p’sukim · 7: 22:13-16 · 4 p’sukim · maf: 22:13-16 · 4 p’sukim · Haftarah: Ezekiel 44:15-31 · 17 p’sukim Soncino Chumash: pp. 513 – 517 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp. 513 – 528) Special Reading schedule this week *Note that we are now doing the Triennial reading for our Shabbat Torah services. 5783 will be Triennial Year 1 **We are holding live Shabbat services back in the synagogue. We will still continue to broadcast on Zoom for those unable to come to the sanctuary. Please call the office for more information if you'd like to attend. Family Fun Learning Day May 7, 2023 10:00 am - 12:0pm Join us for our monthly family learning session. We will start out singing for the first half-hour, then break off, by age ranges into groups for activities, Bible stories, and discussion on Torah, Talmud and Halachah. Activities for everybody. And then, of course, food! Hebrew School at Temple Sholom of Ontario Next Hebrew School will be Sunday, May 14 2023 preempted for Family Fun Learning Day First Session Sunday 10:00am - 10:40am Second Session Sunday 10:50am - 11:30am Hebrew school is back on at Temple Sholom of Ontario. We will continue in the fall hold classes virtually on Sundays starting at 10:00am PT. There will be two sessions, 40 minutes each, with a 10-minute break in between. The first session will focus on Hebrew reading and prayers. We will read from the week's Torah portion using a Chumash and an online site. Besides the main prayers used in our services, we will also learn Torah and Haftarah blessings. The second session will be a general learning session of that weekly sedrah/portion. We will also discuss notable Jewish personalities, from celebrities to prophets and kings. There will also be special topics such as gossip and evolution. Please let us know if you'd like to join us and of course if you have any questions. Miller Course: Introduction to Judaism Next Session: Sunday, May 7, 2023 Module 8: G-d Your Jewish Journey Starts at Miller Intro to Judaism Welcome to the Miller Intro to Judaism Program! We invite you to explore Judaism with us. Whether you are in an interfaith relationship, re-discovering your Jewish heritage, or seek to convert to Judaism, we are here to support your journey. The core of the Miller Introduction to Judaism Program is an 18-week course that surveys Jewish living and practice, including history, ritual, culture, texts, and values. Classes are designed to be highly interactive, with much time for discussion and questions, and include personalized instruction in reading Hebrew. Family Game Day Sunday, May 21st, 2023 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. domingo, 21 de mayo de 2023 13:00. a las 15:00 metro TEMPLE SHOLOM OF ONTARIO 963 West 6th Street, Ontario, CA 91762 Free to all Refreshments provided Come one…Come all! Fun for all ages! Bring games you like to play or come and play the games that are there…But whatever you do, don’t miss out on this fun afternoon! gratuita para todos bocadillos proporcionados ¡Llegado uno viene todos! ¡Diversión para todas las edades! Trae los juegos que te gustan o ven a jugar a los que hay allí… Pero hagas lo que hagas, ¡no te pierdas esta tarde divertida! ***I have updated our Mi Sheberach מי שברך list for those in need of healing by removing the names of those of whom we were uncertain. Please advise if any names were removed in error. For your convenience, I am attaching this revised list to this email that only goes to members of Temple Sholom of Ontario. Thank you. *The titles in blue and underlined are "hyperlinks". If you click on any of those, it will lead to that site/URL. The hyperlink gives a descriptive title with the actual link embedded in that title. Anyone who is concerned about clicking a link or hyperlink can access any of these resources by going to my website, www.modernrabbistephen.com. You can find them in the "Blog" and "Videos" sections, as well as the "Instagram Links" by clicking on the various pictures.

Although it may derive from Islamic or pagan culture, the hamsa today has become a Jewish and Israeli symbol. BY MENACHEM WECKER You’ve probably seen these uniquely shaped symbols on pendants worn by Jewish women or displayed in Judaica stores. And in Israel the hamsa — whether on necklaces, keychains or displayed on walls — is as ubiquitous as the Star of David. But what is a hamsa exactly? And what makes it Jewish? This symbol of an eye embedded in the palm of an open hand has had numerous other names throughout the ages, including the eye of Fatima, the hand of Fatima, and the hand of Miriam. The form is sometimes rendered naturally and other times symmetrically with a second thumb replacing the little finger. The hamsa has been variously interpreted by scholars as a Jewish, Christian, or Islamic amulet, and as a pagan fertility symbol. Yet even as the magical form remains shrouded in mystery and scholars debate nearly every aspect of its emergence, it is recognized today as a kabbalistic amulet and as an important symbol in Jewish art. Hamsa Origins As the references to Fatima (Mohammed’s daughter) and to Miriam (Moses’ sister) suggest, the amulet carries significance to both Jews and Muslims. One of the most prominent early appearances of the hamsa is the image of a large open hand that appears on the Puerta Judiciaria (Gate of Judgment) of the Alhambra, a 14th-century Islamic fortress in southern Spain. The Alhambra hand of Fatima seems to draw upon the Arabic word “khamsa,” which means “five,” a number that itself is identified with fighting the Evil Eye. The Alhambra motif, as well as other Spanish and Moorish hand images, hints at the five pillars of Islam (faith, fasting, pilgrimage, prayer, and tax) in the five fingers of the hand. According to Islamic folklore, Fatima’s hand became a symbol of faith after her husband Ali came home with a new wife one day. Fatima, who at the time had been cooking, dropped the soup ladle she had been using. Yet she was so preoccupied by the new arrival that she continued stirring using her bare hand, hardly noticing that she was burning herself. It would not be unusual for an Islamic symbol to find its way into Sephardic Jewish culture, which flourished alongside Islam. However, amulets are somewhat problematic in Judaism because the Bible prohibits magic and divination. Still, the Talmud refers on several occasions to amulets, or kamiyot, which might come from the Hebrew meaning “to bind.” One law allows for carrying an approved amulet on the Sabbath, which suggests that amulets were common amongst Jews at some points in history. (Shabbat 53a, 61a) Art historian Walter Leo Hildburgh also raises the possibility that the hamsa has Christian roots, and might be influenced by the Christian artistic form where Mary often carries her hands in a”fig” pose, or a configuration where the thumb is tucked under the index finger beside the middle finger. According to University of Chicago professor Ahmed Achrati, the hamsa did not necessarily arise in a religious context. The form of the open hand appears in Paleolithic caves in France, Spain, Argentina, and Australia, including one site in Algeria that earned the name The Cave of the Hands. In Egyptian art, the human spirit (called ka) is represented by two arms reaching upward (forming a horseshoe shape), albeit with only two fingers on each hand. The symbol of the Phoenician lunar goddess Tanit resembles a woman raising her hands, and hands also found their way into tomb decorations. Etruscans painted hands with horns on their tombs, and some Jewish burial practices featured images of hands (suggesting the priestly blessing) on stone markers of Levite graves. All of these could be considered very early precursors to the hamsa. Jewish Beliefs About Hamsas It is difficult to pinpoint the exact time when hamsas emerged in Jewish culture, though it is clearly a symbol of Sephardic nature. Jews might have used the hamsa to invoke the hand of God, or to counteract the Evil Eye with the eye embedded in the palm of the hand. Some hamsas contain images of fish, in accordance with Rabbi Yose son of Hanina’s statement in the Talmud that the descendants of Joseph, who received Jacob’s blessing of multiplying like fish in Genesis 48:16, are protected from the Evil Eye like fish. He explains: “the water covers the fish of the sea so the eye has no power over them (Berakhot 55b).” Other icons besides eyes and fish have also found their way into the hamsa, including the Star of David, prayers for the traveler, the Shema, the blessing over the house, and the colors of red and blue, both of which are said to thwart the Evil Eye. The symbol of the hand, and often of priestly hands, appears in kabbalistic manuscripts and amulets, doubling as the letter shin, the first letter of the divine name Shaddai. This mapping of the human hand over the divine name and hand might have had the effect of creating a bridge between the worshipper and God. The Hamsa Today The recent revival of interest in Kabbalah, in part due to the efforts of celebrities including Madonna, Brittany Spears, and Demi Moore, has brought with it a new public for kabbalah accessories, including hamsas. Hamsas can be purchased today in Judaica shops around the world, and even through companies like Sears and Saks Fifth Avenue. Many people hang them in their houses, and it’s not uncommon to see them dangling from the rear-view mirrors of taxis and trucks. In addition to appearing on necklaces and wall hangings, hamsas can be found on mezuzahs, bracelets, earrings, bookmarks, key chains, and candlesticks. Contemporary Jewish artists are using the hamsa form, and some like Mark Podwal are finding a large public for their work. Hamsas still play a role in some Sephardic rituals today. During the henna ceremony, when brides are decorated in the preparation for their wedding, brides may wear a hamsa around their neck to ward off the Evil Eye. Even as the hamsa is today affiliated with kabbalah, Israel and Judaism, it is perhaps the symbol’s mysterious origins and the superstitions surrounding it that attract the attention of celebrities and ordinary people alike. To read this article, “What is a Hamsa?” in Spanish (leer en español), click here.

Parashat Emor 5783 / פָּרָשַׁת אֱמוֹר 6 May 2023 / 15 Iyyar 5783 https://youtu.be/DgLO35wbRII Parashat Emor is the 31st weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Leviticus 21:1-24:23 Emor (“Say”) opens with laws regulating priestly behavior, working in the Mishkan (Tabernacle), and consuming sacrifices and priestly food. It describes the biblical holidays of Passover, Shavuot, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot, and ends with a story about a blasphemer and his punishment. [1] Triennial year 1 1: 21:1-6 · 6 p’sukim · 2: 21:7-12 · 6 p’sukim · 3: 21:13-15 · 3 p’sukim · 4: 21:16-24 · 9 p’sukim · 5: 22:1-9 · 9 p’sukim · 6: 22:10-12 · 3 p’sukim · 7: 22:13-16 · 4 p’sukim · maf: 22:13-16 · 4 p’sukim · Haftarah: Ezekiel 44:15-31 · 17 p’sukim Commentary and Divrei Torah Sefaria OU Torah Jewish Theological Seminary American Jewish University Soncino Chumash: pp. 513 – 517 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp. 513 – 528) Artscroll Chumash: pp. 672 – 679 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp. 672 – 695) Etz Chaim Chumash: pp. 717 - 722 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp.717- 733 This portion now discusses the duties of the Kohenim in maintaining and performing the offerings. There are also parameters that discuss the holiness that the priests display and rights and privileges that accompany that status. The portion then discusses the yearly occurrences of the major festivals starting with Shabbat, our weekly spiritual retreat from the mundane and secular. The portion ends with an Israelite standing up to and defending Hashem against a blasphemer. We find various passages in the Torah whose topics seem to be unrelated. Perhaps Hashem wants us to stretch our minds and spirituality and see the connections. Priests are our spiritual leaders. It is up to them to be meticulous in the performance of the offerings, which connect us daily to Hashem, and thus be examples of holiness. That is why they are able to eat the terumah, their designated portion of Israel’s offerings. But their behavior and appearance needs to be an example to the rest of Israel. Why follow this with a discussion of the festivals? Consider that the Cohenim are the spiritual leaders in directing Israel towards holy behavior and facilitate the connection to Hashem. Parashat Emor 5783 / פָּרָשַׁת אֱמוֹר 6 mayo 2023 / 15 Iyar 5783 https://youtu.be/DgLO35wbRII Parashat Emor es la porción semanal número 31 de la Torá en el ciclo judío anual de lectura de la Torá. Porción de la Torá: Levítico 21:1-24:23 Emor ("Di") comienza con leyes que regulan el comportamiento sacerdotal, el trabajo en el Mishkán (Tabernáculo) y el consumo de sacrificios y alimentos sacerdotales. Describe las festividades bíblicas de Pésaj, Shavuot, Rosh Hashaná, Yom Kippur y Sucot, y termina con una historia sobre un blasfemo y su castigo. [1] Trienal año 1 1: 21:1-6 · 6 p'sukim · 2: 21:7-12 · 6 p'sukim · 3: 21:13-15 · 3 p'sukim · 4: 21:16-24 · 9 p'sukim · 5: 22:1-9 · 9 p'sukim · 6: 22:10-12 · 3 p'sukim · 7: 22:13-16 · 4 p'sukim · maf: 22:13-16 · 4 p'sukim · Haftará: Ezequiel 44:15-31 · 17 p'sukim Comentario y Divrei Torá Sefaria OU Torá Seminario Teológico Judío Universidad Judía Americana Soncino Chumash: págs. 513 – 517 Año trienal 1 (Kriyah completa págs. 513 – 528) Artscroll Chumash: págs. 672 – 679 Año Trienal 1 (Kriyah completa págs. 672 – 695) Etz Chaim Chumash: pp. 717 - 722 Año Trienal 1 (Kriyah Completa pp. 717- 733 Esta porción ahora discute los deberes de los Cohenim en el mantenimiento y realización de las ofrendas. También hay parámetros que discuten la santidad que muestran los sacerdotes y los derechos y privilegios que acompañan a ese estado. Luego, la porción analiza las ocurrencias anuales de los principales festivales que comienzan con Shabat, nuestro retiro espiritual semanal de lo mundano y secular. La porción termina con un israelita de pie y defendiendo a Hashem contra un blasfemo. Encontramos varios pasajes en la Torá cuyos temas parecen no estar relacionados. Tal vez Hashem quiera que ampliemos nuestras mentes y espiritualidad y veamos las conexiones. Los sacerdotes son nuestros líderes espirituales. A ellos les toca ser minuciosos en la realización de las ofrendas, que nos conectan diariamente con Hashem, y así ser ejemplos de santidad. Es por eso que pueden comer la terumah, su porción designada de las ofrendas de Israel. Pero su comportamiento y apariencia deben ser un ejemplo para el resto de Israel. ¿Por qué seguir esto con una discusión de los festivales? Considere que los Cohenim son los líderes espirituales que dirigen a Israel hacia un comportamiento santo y facilitan la conexión con Hashem.

Announcements -Candle Lighting Times for Shabbat (Ontario, CA) -Office Hours -This week’s 10-Minute Torah Calendar Monday, 24 April 2023-Adult Torah Study Tuesday, 25 April 2023-Yom HaZikaron 2023 / יוֹם הַזִּכָּרוֹן 5783 Israeli Memorial Day 🇮🇱 Wednesday, 26 April 2023-Yom HaAtzma’ut 2023 / יוֹם הָעַצְמָאוּת 5783 Israeli Independence Day 🇮🇱 Friday & Saturday, 28 & 29 April 2023-This week's Shabbat services Sunday, 30 April 2023-Hebrew School Sunday, 30 April 2023-Miller Course Introduction to Judaism Monday, 1 May 2023-Adult Torah Study Thursday, 4 May 2023-National Day of Prayer (Menifee) Friday & Saturday, 5 & 6 May 2023-This week's Shabbat services Sunday, 7 May 2023-Hebrew School Sunday, 7 May 2023-Miller Course Introduction to Judaism Sunday, 21 May 2023-Family Game Night -Mi Sheberach List *For your information, I have included below my schedule, including office hours for the next two weeks and specific classes in which I am involved. **For your convenience and information, Zoom links will be provided in separate emails for security purposes. ***I have updated our Mi Sheberach מי שברך list for those in need of healing by removing the names of those of whom we were uncertain. Please advise if any names were removed in error. For your convenience, I am attaching this revised list to this email that only goes to members of Temple Sholom of Ontario. Thank you. Shabbat Times for Ontario Yom HaZikaron occurs on Tuesday, Apr 25 Yom HaAtzma'ut occurs on Wednesday, Apr 26 Candle lighting: 7:14pm on Friday, Apr 28 This week's Torah portion is Parashat Achrei Mot-Kedoshim Havdalah (50 min): 8:23pm on Saturday, Apr 29 Powered by Hebcal Shabbat Times שבת פרשת אחרי מות-קדושים April 28 - ז׳ אייר Candle lighting 7:14 Shabbat ends 8:13 72 minutes 8:45 Office Hours this week: Monday, April 24, 2023 9:30am - 2:00pm Wednesday, April 26, 2023 12:00pm - 6:30pm (time approx.) Friday, April 28, 2023 2:00pm - 7:30pm (Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv @ 7:30pm) Monday, May 1, 2023 (@ AJU early afternoon) 2:00pm - 8:50pm (Torah Study @ 7:30pm) Tuesday, May 2, 2023 9:30am - 2:00pm Friday, May 5, 2023 2:00pm - 7:30pm (Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv @ 7:30pm) (Subject to change. Please call for appointments) This week's 10-Minute Torah (29 April 2023): Parashat Acharei Mot-Kiddushim 5783 https://youtu.be/PW8wubSUEHM Adult Torah Study Class Next Session: Monday, April 24 at 7:30 pm PT Zoom Links sent in separate email Monday morning. Please reply if you do not receive them. Parashat Achrei Mot-Kedoshim 5783 / פָּרָשַׁת אַחֲרֵי מוֹת־קְדשִׁים 29 April 2023 / 8 Iyyar 5783 Parashat Achrei Mot-Kedoshim is the 29th and 30th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Leviticus 16:1-20:27 Achrei Mot (“After The Death”) opens by describing the ritual service of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. It then details the prohibitions of offering sacrifices outside of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and of eating animal blood, and ends with a list of forbidden sexual relations. Kedoshim (“Holy”) opens by instructing the Israelites to be holy. It details dozens of laws regulating all aspects of life, including observing Shabbat, loving one’s neighbor, and leaving portions of a field for the poor. It ends by detailing punishments for certain types of idolatry and sexual misconduct. [1] Soncino Chumash: pp. 480 – 486 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp. 480 – 508) Artscroll Chumash: pp. 636 – 647 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp. 636 – 671) Etz Chaim Chumash: pp. 679 - 686 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp. 679 - 712) Yom HaZikaron 2023 / יוֹם הַזִּכָּרוֹן 5783 Israeli Memorial Day 🇮🇱 Yom HaZikaron for Hebrew Year 5783 begins at sundown on Monday, 24 April 2023 and ends at nightfall on Tuesday, 25 April 2023. Israeli Memorial Day. Remembers those who died in the War of Independence and other wars in Israel. The full name of the holiday is Yom HaZikaron LeHalalei Ma’arakhot Yisrael ul’Nifge’ei Pe’ulot HaEivah (Hebrew: יוֹם הזִּכָּרוֹן לְחַלְלֵי מַעֲרָכוֹת יִשְׂרָאֵל וּלְנִפְגְעֵי פְּעֻלּוֹת הָאֵיבָה), Memorial Day for the Fallen Soldiers of the Wars of Israel and Victims of Actions of Terrorism. Although Yom Hazikaron is normally observed on the 4th of Iyyar, it may be moved earlier or postponed if observance of the holiday (or Yom HaAtzma’ut, which always follows it) would conflict with Shabbat. Yom HaAtzma’ut 2023 / יוֹם הָעַצְמָאוּת 5783 Israeli Independence Day 🇮🇱 Yom HaAtzma'ut for Hebrew Year 5783 begins at sundown on Tuesday, 25 April 2023 and ends at nightfall on Wednesday, 26 April 2023. Israeli Independence Day. Commemorates the declaration of independence of Israel in 1948. Although Yom HaAtzma’ut is normally observed on the 5th of Iyyar, it may be moved earlier or postponed if observance of the holiday (or Yom HaZikaron, which always precedes it) would conflict with Shabbat. Judaic Studies Next session: Thursday, April 27, 2023 @ 7:30pm Our next topic will be Jewish ethics. We will be reading most of a book by Rabbi Louis Jacobs (1920-2006), Jewish Personal and Social Ethics. The book is quite accessible, and reflects a great deal of scholarshp by this distinguished British rabbi and theologian, whose perspective is close to that of American Conservative Judaism. The text will be made available on line, along with a few additional readings on these topics. Upcoming Services Shabbat Ma'ariv Service Friday, April 28, 2023 @ 7:30 pm Shabbat Shachrit Service Saturday, April 29, 2023 @ 9:30 am Zoom Links sent in separate email Friday afternoon. Please reply if you do not receive them. We are now incorporating guitar accompaniment with our Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv Parashat Achrei Mot-Kedoshim 5783 / פָּרָשַׁת אַחֲרֵי מוֹת־קְדשִׁים 29 April 2023 / 8 Iyyar 5783 Parashat Achrei Mot-Kedoshim is the 29th and 30th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Leviticus 16:1-20:27 Triennial year 1 1: 16:1-6 · 6 p’sukim · 2: 16:7-11 · 5 p’sukim · 3: 16:12-17 · 6 p’sukim · 4: 16:18-24 · 7 p’sukim · 5: 16:25-30 · 6 p’sukim · 6: 16:31-34 · 4 p’sukim · 7: 17:1-7 · 7 p’sukim · maf: 17:5-7 · 3 p’sukim · Haftarah: Amos 9:7-15 · 9 p’sukim Soncino Chumash: pp. 480 – 486 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp. 480 – 508) *Note that we are now doing the Triennial reading for our Shabbat Torah services. 5783 will be Triennial Year 1 **We are holding live Shabbat services back in the synagogue. We will still continue to broadcast on Zoom for those unable to come to the sanctuary. Please call the office for more information if you'd like to attend. Hebrew School at Temple Sholom of Ontario Next Hebrew School will be Sunday, April 30, 2023 First Session Sunday 10:00am - 10:40am Second Session Sunday 10:50am - 11:30am Hebrew school is back on at Temple Sholom of Ontario. We will continue in the fall hold classes virtually on Sundays starting at 10:00am PT. There will be two sessions, 40 minutes each, with a 10-minute break in between. Details will follow soon. The first session will focus on Hebrew reading and prayers. We will read from the week's Torah portion using a Chumash and an online site. Besides the main prayers used in our services, we will also learn Torah and Haftarah blessings. The second session will be a general learning session of that weekly sedrah/portion. We will also discuss notable Jewish personalities, from celebrities to prophets and kings. There will also be special topics such as gossip and evolution. Please let us know if you'd like to join us and of course if you have any questions. Miller Course: Introduction to Judaism Next Session: Sunday, April 30, 2023 Module 7: Passover Your Jewish Journey Starts at Miller Intro to Judaism Welcome to the Miller Intro to Judaism Program! We invite you to explore Judaism with us. Whether you are in an interfaith relationship, re-discovering your Jewish heritage, or seek to convert to Judaism, we are here to support your journey. The core of the Miller Introduction to Judaism Program is an 18-week course that surveys Jewish living and practice, including history, ritual, culture, texts, and values. Classes are designed to be highly interactive, with much time for discussion and questions, and include personalized instruction in reading Hebrew. Family Game Day Sunday, May 21st, 2023 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. domingo, 21 de mayo de 2023 13:00. a las 15:00 metro TEMPLE SHOLOM OF ONTARIO 963 West 6th Street, Ontario, CA 91762 Free to all Refreshments provided Come one…Come all! Fun for all ages! Bring games you like to play or come and play the games that are there…But whatever you do, don’t miss out on this fun afternoon! gratuita para todos bocadillos proporcionados ¡Llegado uno viene todos! ¡Diversión para todas las edades! Trae los juegos que te gustan o ven a jugar a los que hay allí… Pero hagas lo que hagas, ¡no te pierdas esta tarde divertida! ***I have updated our Mi Sheberach מי שברך list for those in need of healing by removing the names of those of whom we were uncertain. Please advise if any names were removed in error. For your convenience, I am attaching this revised list to this email that only goes to members of Temple Sholom of Ontario. Thank you. *The titles in blue and underlined are "hyperlinks". If you click on any of those, it will lead to that site/URL. The hyperlink gives a descriptive title with the actual link embedded in that title. Anyone who is concerned about clicking a link or hyperlink can access any of these resources by going to my website, www.modernrabbistephen.com. You can find them in the "Blog" and "Videos" sections, as well as the "Instagram Links" by clicking on the various pictures.

https://youtu.be/PW8wubSUEHM Parashat Achrei Mot-Kedoshim 5783 / פָּרָשַׁת אַחֲרֵי מוֹת־קְדשִׁים 29 April 2023 / 8 Iyyar 5783 Parashat Achrei Mot-Kedoshim is the 29th and 30th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Leviticus 16:1-20:27 Achrei Mot (“After the Death”) opens by describing the ritual service of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. It then details the prohibitions of offering sacrifices outside of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and of eating animal blood and ends with a list of forbidden sexual relations. Kedoshim (“Holy”) opens by instructing the Israelites to be holy. It details dozens of laws regulating all aspects of life, including observing Shabbat, loving one’s neighbor, and leaving portions of a field for the poor. It ends by detailing punishments for certain types of idolatry and sexual misconduct. [1] Triennial year 1 1: 16:1-6 · 6 p’sukim · 2: 16:7-11 · 5 p’sukim · 3: 16:12-17 · 6 p’sukim · 4: 16:18-24 · 7 p’sukim · 5: 16:25-30 · 6 p’sukim · 6: 16:31-34 · 4 p’sukim · 7: 17:1-7 · 7 p’sukim · maf: 17:5-7 · 3 p’sukim · Haftarah: Amos 9:7-15 · 9 p’sukim Soncino Chumash: pp. 480 – 486 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp. 480 – 508) Artscroll Chumash: pp. 636 – 647 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp. 636 – 671) Etz Chaim Chumash: pp. 679 - 686 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp. 679 - 712) This is another double parashat follows the previous double parashat, Tazria-Metzora. We are first introduced to the institution and procedures of what has become the holiday of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This is presented as being after the death of Nadab and Abihu, Aaron’s two oldest sons who entered the Kidosh Kidoshim, the Holy of Holies, with an “alien” mixture of incense. Our sages consider the timing of the two events. They say that the death of righteous people can serve as atonement of past misdeeds. It also provides a path back to redemption. The original ritual of atonement was different than today, Yes, we still “afflict” ourselves by not eating or drinking or engaging in pleasurable activities. Instead of spending the day praying, our ancestors would take part in the service of the Kohen Gadol, the High Priest, who would make atonement for them. He would go into the Holy of Holies and first make his own offering of a bull. He would then come out and use two goats. The High Priest would draw lots. The first goat would be the offering. The second goat, known also colloquially as the “scape goat”, would bear the sins of the people and be sent into the wilderness as a symbolic gesture. A red ribbon would be tied around the neck of that goat and when it turned white, it indicated that Israel is forgiven. Since we know longer have a Temple and active priests, we spend the day in the synagogue praying. We still include this procedure in our liturgy as a reminder and homage to our ancient service. Parashat Ajrei Mot-Kedoshim 5783 29 abril 2023 / 8 Iyar 5783 Parashat Ajrei Mot-Kedoshim es la porción semanal 29 y 30 de la Torá en el ciclo judío anual de lectura de la Torá. Porción de la Torá: Levítico 16:1-20:27 Achrei Mot ("Después de la muerte") comienza describiendo el servicio ritual de Yom Kippur, el Día de la Expiación. Luego detalla las prohibiciones de ofrecer sacrificios fuera del Mishkán (Tabernáculo) y de comer sangre animal y termina con una lista de relaciones sexuales prohibidas. Kedoshim ("Santo") comienza instruyendo a los israelitas a ser santos. Detalla docenas de leyes que regulan todos los aspectos de la vida, incluida la observancia del Shabat, amar al prójimo y dejar partes de un campo para los pobres. Termina detallando los castigos para ciertos tipos de idolatría y conducta sexual inapropiada. [1] Trienal año 1 1: 16:1-6 · 6 p'sukim · 2: 16:7-11 · 5 p'sukim · 3: 16:12-17 · 6 p'sukim · 4: 16:18-24 · 7 p'sukim · 5: 16:25-30 · 6 p'sukim · 6: 16:31-34 · 4 p'sukim · 7: 17:1-7 · 7 p'sukim · maf: 17:5-7 · 3 p'sukim · Haftará: Amós 9:7-15 · 9 p'sukim Soncino Chumash: págs. 480 – 486 Año trienal 1 (Kriyah completo págs. 480 – 508) Artscroll Chumash: págs. 636 – 647 Trienal Año 1 (Kriyah completa págs. 636 – 671) Etz Chaim Chumash: págs. 679 - 686 Año trienal 1 (Kriyah completa págs. 679 - 712) Esta es otra parashat doble que sigue a la parashat doble anterior, Tazria-Metzora. Primero se nos presenta la institución y los procedimientos de lo que se ha convertido en la festividad de Yom Kippur, el Día de la Expiación. Esto se presenta después de la muerte de Nadab y Abiú, los dos hijos mayores de Aarón que entraron en el Kidosh Kidoshim, el Lugar Santísimo, con una mezcla de incienso "extranjero". Nuestros sabios consideran el momento de los dos eventos. Dicen que la muerte de los justos puede servir como expiación de las fechorías pasadas. También proporciona un camino de regreso a la redención. El ritual original de expiación era diferente al de hoy. Sí, todavía nos “afligimos” al no comer ni beber o participar en actividades placenteras. En lugar de pasar el día rezando, nuestros antepasados participarían en el servicio del Kohen Gadol, el Sumo Sacerdote, quien haría expiación por ellos. Entraría en el Lugar Santísimo y primero haría su propia ofrenda de un toro. Luego saldría y usaría dos cabras. El Sumo Sacerdote echaría suertes. El primer chivo sería la ofrenda. El segundo macho cabrío, conocido también coloquialmente como el “chivo expiatorio”, cargaría con los pecados del pueblo y sería enviado al desierto como un gesto simbólico. Una cinta roja estaría atada al cuello de esa cabra y cuando se pusiera blanca, indicaría que Israel está perdonado. Como sabemos que ya tenemos un Templo y sacerdotes activos, pasamos el día en la sinagoga rezando. Todavía incluimos este procedimiento en nuestra liturgia como recordatorio y homenaje a nuestro antiguo servicio.

Some groups of Jews organized to fight the Nazis. BY YISRAEL GUTTMAN The idea of organizing armed resistance was first raised among the members of the Zionist Halutz youth movements in Vilna, Poland. Jewish Vilna, “The Jerusalem of Lithuania,” numbered 60,000 people before the war and had been notable for its internal unity and strong attachment to Jewish culture, religion, and Zionism. Report from Ponary From July 1941 to the end of the year, two-thirds of the Jewish community was uprooted and taken to unknown destinations. A few survivors, who were wounded and shaken to the core, managed to make their way back to the ghetto, where they spread the shocking news that all the deportees had been taken to Ponary, located near Vilna, where they all were shot. In the first poster issued by the Vilna Halutz movement to the Jews of the city in January 1942, it was stated: All the roads of the Gestapo lead to Ponary. And Ponary is death! Doubters! Cast off all illusions. Your children, your husbands, and your wives are no longer alive. Ponary is not a camp–all are shot there. Hitler aims to destroy all the Jews of Europe. The Jews of Lithuania are fated to be the first in line. Let us not go as sheep to slaughter! It is true that we are weak and defenseless, but resistance is the only reply to the enemy! Brothers! It is better to fall as free fighters than to live by the grace of the murderers. Resist! To the last breath. This appeal stated that the events in Vilna were not local, but that Vilna was merely the first step in implementing the plan “to kill all the Jews of Europe.” This was the first time that a Jewish source, which did not have any information from either German or other sources, mentioned the total annihilation of the Jewish people. Moreover, this was the first appeal to call for revolt. For the first time, the demand for Jewish armed resistance was openly stated. In January 1942, the FPO (Fareinikte Partizaner Organizatziye, Yiddish for United Partisans Organization) was established in Vilna. Organizing in Warsaw The Jewish communal leadership in Poland, and especially in Warsaw, did not accept the dire prediction that all Jews under Nazi rule were doomed. Only the members of the Halutz youth movement initially accepted this, whereas other members of the community very slowly came to the realization of the truth under the impact of the deportations. From the beginning of 1942, there were attempts in the Warsaw ghetto to establish a fighting force. The major organization, the ZOB (Zydowska Organizacja Bojowa, Polish for Jewish Fighting Organization) was only established in July 1942, in the midst of the great deportations from the city. The smaller fighting organization, the ZZW (Zydowski Zwiazek Wojskowy, Polish for Jewish Military Union), which also took part in the Warsaw ghetto revolt and was founded by members of the Betar movement (the activist Zionist youth movement), was organized only at the end of that year (1942). The Jews who were sealed off in the ghetto did not have the means, the links, and the experience to build an armed force that would be ready for battle. They did not possess arms, an intelligence network, or links with allies outside the country. In addition, they did not have any military training, especially in urban guerrilla warfare. They were forced to appeal to the Poles, who had a strong underground military organization. Despite their considerable opposition to the Nazis, the Poles, who were generally anti-Semitic, were not willing to aid the Jews. Only in Warsaw was there established contact between the Jewish Fighting Organization and the Polish underground. The Jews received a small number of arms and help in transmitting information from abroad; sometimes, they were given other types of assistance. The Jewish fighters were also aided by a number of individual Poles and certain factions within the underground, who disobeyed the orders of the central underground organization. Most of the arms that were gathered in the ghetto, however, were acquired from other sources. Thus, some weapons were stolen from factories or arsenals belonging to the enemy by Jews and members of the underground who were employed there. Components of weapons were smuggled into the ghetto, where they were subsequently assembled. Weapons–mostly handguns, which were inefficient for street fighting–were also purchased from merchants or soldiers through intermediaries. Furthermore, a small factory was established in the Warsaw ghetto to manufacture hand grenades; there were very important when the revolt began. The Jewish Masses Another problem was the manner in which the ghetto fighters were regarded by the civilian Jewish population. In general, fighters use arms when continued existence through negotiation has failed. The struggle by the ghetto fighters could not end with victory over the enemy or with the achievement of security, succor, or even a postponement of their fate. The battle of the ghetto was a desperate cry to future generations, and was not regarded as a realistic struggle to ensure the future survival of the fighters. Mordecai Anielewicz, the commander of the Warsaw ghetto revolt, expressed the significance of this battle: “The dream of my life has risen to become fact. Self-defense in the ghetto will have been a reality. Jewish armed resistance and revenge are facts.” A battle of this sort, which does not alleviate present misery or offer any hope for the future, is an extremely rare phenomenon in history, and by its very nature cannot involve the masses. Most people grasped at the slightest excuse for not gelling involved in this futile struggle, hoping thereby to save themselves and their loved ones. In many ghettos, the fighters were without broad support and were, therefore, isolated from the masses. Despite the many difficulties, revolts did break out in several ghettos. In Bialystok, Vilna, Czestochowa, Sosnowiec, and elsewhere, the fighters resisted or attacked. The one revolt that attained the dimensions of a mass, stubborn, and protracted rebellion took place in the Warsaw ghetto. This lasted from April 19 to May 16, 1943. The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising The Jews of Warsaw were able to organize a resistance which cost the Nazis prestige, materials, and casualties. Moreover, Warsaw was the first rebellion in any occupied city in Europe. It tied down sizable forces of the enemy for a longer period of time than did many sovereign countries overrun by the Germans in World War II. The Warsaw ghetto revolt was unique for two other reasons. In Warsaw, the tens of thousands of Jews who had remained behind after the two great deportations of the summer of 1942 and January 1943 supported the idea of resistance and rebellion. Ghetto residents did not heed the calls of the Germans, did not report for selections (for deportation to the concentration camps), and hid in bunkers underneath the ground. These underground hiding places and bunkers were built over months: their locations and entrances were well concealed. Food and medical supplies were stored in there for prolonged hiding. Many bunkers also had arms. In actuality, most of the Warsaw ghetto in its last stages was an underground city that accommodated tens of thousands of Jews. When the Nazi soldiers came in to carry out the final deportation on April 19, 1943, they found a deserted city, with the way barred by hundreds of armed fighters. The two fighting organizations–ZOB and ZZW–numbered about 750 fighters in various positions, with a plan of action worked out to the finest detail. The rest of the civilian population had taken refuge in the bunkers and assisted the fighters in whatever way possible. Thus, all of the central ghetto of Warsaw became a partisan battle zone. The Nazis needed days of street fighting to capture each bunker individually, with the inhabitants of each bunker refusing to leave and sometimes answering calls to come out and surrender with gunfire. Secondly, the resisters in the Warsaw ghetto did not prepare a path of retreat or plan any action other than fighting in the ghetto. The Poles tried to persuade the fighters to desert the ghetto a short while before the revolt and to hide in the forests. The answer of the fighters was unequivocal: “This is where the battle will take place.” Impact of the Revolt The revolt in the Warsaw ghetto had broad implications. The Poles were impressed with the revolt and realized that even a handful of people, with a minimal amount of weapons, could cause great damage to the enemy in city fighting, and could tie down large forces. For the Jews, the revolt in the Warsaw ghetto motivated the underground cells and fighting organizations in other areas–Bialystok, Vilna, Cracow, Czestochowa, Bendin–to fight and maybe die rather than fall into the hands of the Nazi conquerors. It also inspired others to escape to the forests, where they joined the partisans. The Nazis learned a lesson from Warsaw as well. If they believed that the Jews would not resist, they were suddenly aware that the Jews could organize and fight with great valor and sacrifice. This was one of the reasons why they took steps to prevent further large-scale revolts in the deportations of Jews from other ghettos. The revolt in the Warsaw ghetto, and the revolts in the ghettos in general, became a symbol for those who fought for the independence of Israel, as well as a beacon for all of humanity. It has taught us how a small handful of people, without hope, in complete isolation, and in a depressed physical and mental state, could overcome all obstacles and embark on a heroic struggle. Reprinted with permission from Genocide: Critical Issues of the Holocaust (Rossel Books & Behrman House).

Announcements -Candle Lighting Times for Shabbat (Ontario, CA) -Office Hours -This week’s 10-Minute Torah Calendar Monday, 17 April 2023-Yom HaShoah/Holocaust Remembrance Day Monday, 17 April 2023-Adult Torah Study Thursday, 20 April 2023-Board Meeting Friday & Saturday, 21 & 22 April 2023-This week's Shabbat services Sunday, 23 April 2023-Hebrew School Sunday, 23 April 2023-Miller Course Introduction to Judaism Monday, 24 April 2023-Adult Torah Study Tuesday, 25 April 2023-Yom HaZikaron 2023 / יוֹם הַזִּכָּרוֹן 5783 Israeli Memorial Day 🇮🇱 Wednesday, 26 April 2023-Yom HaAtzma’ut 2023 / יוֹם הָעַצְמָאוּת 5783 Israeli Independence Day 🇮🇱 Friday & Saturday, 28 & 29 April 2023-This week's Shabbat services Sunday, 30 April 2023-Hebrew School Sunday, 30 April 2023-Miller Course Introduction to Judaism -Mi Sheberach List *For your information, I have included below my schedule, including office hours for the next two weeks and specific classes in which I am involved. **For your convenience and information, Zoom links will be provided in separate emails for security purposes. ***I have updated our Mi Sheberach מי שברך list for those in need of healing by removing the names of those of whom we were uncertain. Please advise if any names were removed in error. For your convenience, I am attaching this revised list to this email that only goes to members of Temple Sholom of Ontario. Thank you. Shabbat Times for Ontario Ontario, California, USA Yom HaShoah occurs on Tuesday, Apr 18 Rosh Chodesh Iyyar occurs on Friday, Apr 21 Candle lighting: 7:08pm on Friday, Apr 21 Rosh Chodesh Iyyar occurs on Saturday, Apr 22 This week's Torah portion is Parashat Tazria-Metzora Havdalah (50 min): 8:17pm on Saturday, Apr 22 Powered by Hebcal Shabbat Times שבת פרשת תזריע-מצורע April 21 - ל׳ ניסן Candle lighting 7:08 Shabbat ends 8:07 72 minutes 8:40 Office Hours this week: Monday, April 17, 2023 (@ AJU during the day) 2:45pm - 8:45pm Thursday, April 20, 2023 1:00pm - 7:00pm (Board Meeting @ 7pm) Friday, April 21, 2023 2:00pm - 7:30pm (Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv @ 7:30pm) Monday, April 24, 2023 9:30am - 2:00pm Tuesday, April 25, 2023 9:30am - 2:00pm Friday, April 28, 2023 2:00pm - 7:30pm (Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv @ 7:30pm) (Subject to change. Please call for appointments) This week's 10-Minute Torah (22 April 2023): Parashat Tazria-Metzora 5783 https://youtu.be/EScu7lykW3k Yom HaShoah 2023 / יוֹם הַשּׁוֹאָה 5783 Holocaust Memorial Day ✡️ Yom HaShoah for Hebrew Year 5783 begins at sundown on Monday, 17 April 2023 and ends at nightfall on Tuesday, 18 April 2023. Yom HaZikaron laShoah ve-laG’vurah (יום הזיכרון לשואה ולגבורה; “Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day”), known colloquially in Israel and abroad as Yom HaShoah (יום השואה) and in English as Holocaust Remembrance Day, or Holocaust Day, is observed as Israel’s day of commemoration for the approximately six million Jews and five million others who perished in the Holocaust as a result of the actions carried out by Nazi Germany and its accessories, and for the Jewish resistance in that period. In Israel, it is a national memorial day and public holiday. It was inaugurated on 1953, anchored by a law signed by the Prime Minister of Israel David Ben-Gurion and the President of Israel Yitzhak Ben-Zvi. It is held on the 27th of Nisan (April/May), unless the 27th would be adjacent to Shabbat, in which case the date is shifted by a day. Adult Torah Study Class Next Session: Monday, April 17 at 7:30 pm PT Zoom Links sent in separate email Monday morning. Please reply if you do not receive them. Parashat Tazria-Metzora 5783 / פָּרָשַׁת תַזְרִיעַ־מְּצֹרָע 22 April 2023 / 1 Iyyar 5783 Parashat Tazria-Metzora is the 27th and 28th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Leviticus 12:1-15:33; Numbers 28:9-15 Tazria (“She Bears Seed”) opens by describing the purification process for a woman after childbirth. It then describes different forms of tzaraat, a discoloration condition on skin or clothing, and the requirement of an infected person to dwell alone outside the camp and be inspected by a priest. Metzora opens by describing the purification process and accompanying sacrifices for one infected with tzaraat, a discoloration condition on the skin. It then describes the process of treating a house infected with tzaraat and the ritual impurity generated by certain bodily discharges. [1] Commentary and Divrei Torah American Jewish University Soncino Chumash: pp. 460 – 464 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp. 460 – 477) Artscroll Chumash: pp. 608 – 616 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp. 608 – 635) Etz Chaim Chumash: pp. 649 - 657 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp. 649 - 670) Judaic Studies Next session: Thursday, April 27, 2023 @ 7:30pm We will meet again on April 27. This is both after Pesach and after the next Temple Board meeting. Our next topic will be Jewish ethics. We will be reading most of a book by Rabbi Louis Jacobs (1920-2006), Jewish Personal and Social Ethics. The book is quite accessible, and reflects a great deal of scholarshp by this distinguished British rabbi and theologian, whose perspective is close to that of American Conservative Judaism. The text will be made available on line, along with a few additional readings on these topics. Rosh Chodesh Iyyar 2023 / רֹאשׁ חוֹדֶשׁ אִיָיר 5783 Start of month of Iyyar on the Hebrew calendar 🌒 Rosh Chodesh Iyyar for Hebrew Year 5783 begins at sundown on Thursday, 20 April 2023 and ends at nightfall on Saturday, 22 April 2023. Start of month of Iyyar on the Hebrew calendar. אִיָיר (transliterated Iyyar or Iyar) is the 2nd month of the Hebrew year, has 29 days, and corresponds to April or May on the Gregorian calendar. רֹאשׁ חוֹדֶשׁ, transliterated Rosh Chodesh or Rosh Hodesh, is a minor holiday that occurs at the beginning of every month in the Hebrew calendar. It is marked by the birth of a new moon. Upcoming Services Shabbat Ma'ariv Service Friday, April 21, 2023 @ 7:30 pm Shabbat Shachrit Service Saturday, April 22, 2023 @ 9:30 am Zoom Links sent in separate email Friday afternoon. Please reply if you do not receive them. We are now incorporating guitar accompaniment with our Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv Parashat Tazria-Metzora 5783 / פָּרָשַׁת תַזְרִיעַ־מְּצֹרָע 22 April 2023 / 1 Iyyar 5783 Parashat Tazria-Metzora is the 27th and 28th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Leviticus 12:1-15:33; Numbers 28:9-15 Triennial year 1 1: 12:1-4 · 4 p’sukim · 2: 12:5-8 · 4 p’sukim · 3: 13:1-5 · 5 p’sukim · 4: 13:6-17 · 12 p’sukim · 5: 13:18-23 · 6 p’sukim · 6: 13:24-28 · 5 p’sukim · 7: 13:29-39 · 11 p’sukim · maf*: Numbers 28:9-15 · 7 p’sukim · *Shabbat Rosh Chodesh Haftarah*: Isaiah 66:1-24 · 24 p’sukim *Shabbat Rosh Chodesh Commentary and Divrei Torah American Jewish University Soncino Chumash: pp. 460 – 464 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp. 460 – 477) *Note that we are now doing the Triennial reading for our Shabbat Torah services. 5783 will be Triennial Year 1 **We are holding live Shabbat services back in the synagogue. We will still continue to broadcast on Zoom for those unable to come to the sanctuary. Please call the office for more information if you'd like to attend. Hebrew School at Temple Sholom of Ontario Next Hebrew School will be Sunday, April 23, 2023 First Session Sunday 10:00am - 10:40am Second Session Sunday 10:50am - 11:30am Hebrew school is back on at Temple Sholom of Ontario. We will continue in the fall hold classes virtually on Sundays starting at 10:00am PT. There will be two sessions, 40 minutes each, with a 10-minute break in between. Details will follow soon. The first session will focus on Hebrew reading and prayers. We will read from the week's Torah portion using a Chumash and an online site. Besides the main prayers used in our services, we will also learn Torah and Haftarah blessings. The second session will be a general learning session of that weekly sedrah/portion. We will also discuss notable Jewish personalities, from celebrities to prophets and kings. There will also be special topics such as gossip and evolution. Please let us know if you'd like to join us and of course if you have any questions. Miller Course: Introduction to Judaism Next Session: Sunday, April 23, 2023 Module 6: Prayer Your Jewish Journey Starts at Miller Intro to Judaism Welcome to the Miller Intro to Judaism Program! We invite you to explore Judaism with us. Whether you are in an interfaith relationship, re-discovering your Jewish heritage, or seek to convert to Judaism, we are here to support your journey. The core of the Miller Introduction to Judaism Program is an 18-week course that surveys Jewish living and practice, including history, ritual, culture, texts, and values. Classes are designed to be highly interactive, with much time for discussion and questions, and include personalized instruction in reading Hebrew. Yom HaZikaron 2023 / יוֹם הַזִּכָּרוֹן 5783 Israeli Memorial Day 🇮🇱 Yom HaZikaron for Hebrew Year 5783 begins at sundown on Monday, 24 April 2023 and ends at nightfall on Tuesday, 25 April 2023. Israeli Memorial Day. Remembers those who died in the War of Independence and other wars in Israel. The full name of the holiday is Yom HaZikaron LeHalalei Ma’arakhot Yisrael ul’Nifge’ei Pe’ulot HaEivah (Hebrew: יוֹם הזִּכָּרוֹן לְחַלְלֵי מַעֲרָכוֹת יִשְׂרָאֵל וּלְנִפְגְעֵי פְּעֻלּוֹת הָאֵיבָה), Memorial Day for the Fallen Soldiers of the Wars of Israel and Victims of Actions of Terrorism. Although Yom Hazikaron is normally observed on the 4th of Iyyar, it may be moved earlier or postponed if observance of the holiday (or Yom HaAtzma’ut, which always follows it) would conflict with Shabbat. Yom HaAtzma’ut 2023 / יוֹם הָעַצְמָאוּת 5783 Israeli Independence Day 🇮🇱 Yom HaAtzma'ut for Hebrew Year 5783 begins at sundown on Tuesday, 25 April 2023 and ends at nightfall on Wednesday, 26 April 2023. Israeli Independence Day. Commemorates the declaration of independence of Israel in 1948. Although Yom HaAtzma’ut is normally observed on the 5th of Iyyar, it may be moved earlier or postponed if observance of the holiday (or Yom HaZikaron, which always precedes it) would conflict with Shabbat. ***I have updated our Mi Sheberach מי שברך list for those in need of healing by removing the names of those of whom we were uncertain. Please advise if any names were removed in error. For your convenience, I am attaching this revised list to this email that only goes to members of Temple Sholom of Ontario. Thank you. *The titles in blue and underlined are "hyperlinks". If you click on any of those, it will lead to that site/URL. The hyperlink gives a descriptive title with the actual link embedded in that title. Anyone who is concerned about clicking a link or hyperlink can access any of these resources by going to my website, www.modernrabbistephen.com. You can find them in the "Blog" and "Videos" sections, as well as the "Instagram Links" by clicking on the various pictures.

https://youtu.be/EScu7lykW3k Parashat Tazria-Metzora 5783 / פָּרָשַׁת תַזְרִיעַ־מְּצֹרָע 22 April 2023 / 1 Iyyar 5783 Parashat Tazria-Metzora is the 27th and 28th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Leviticus 12:1-15:33; Numbers 28:9-15 Tazria (“She Bears Seed”) opens by describing the purification process for a woman after childbirth. It then describes different forms of tzaraat, a discoloration condition on skin or clothing, and the requirement of an infected person to dwell alone outside the camp and be inspected by a priest. Metzora opens by describing the purification process and accompanying sacrifices for one infected with tzaraat, a discoloration condition on the skin. It then describes the process of treating a house infected with tzaraat and the ritual impurity generated by certain bodily discharges. [1] Triennial year 1 1: 12:1-4 · 4 p’sukim · 2: 12:5-8 · 4 p’sukim · 3: 13:1-5 · 5 p’sukim · 4: 13:6-17 · 12 p’sukim · 5: 13:18-23 · 6 p’sukim · 6: 13:24-28 · 5 p’sukim · 7: 13:29-39 · 11 p’sukim · maf*: Numbers 28:9-15 · 7 p’sukim · *Shabbat Rosh Chodesh Haftarah*: Isaiah 66:1-24 · 24 p’sukim *Shabbat Rosh Chodesh Commentary and Divrei Torah American Jewish University Soncino Chumash: pp. 460 – 464 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp. 460 – 477) Artscroll Chumash: pp. 608 – 616 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp. 608 – 635) Etz Chaim Chumash: pp. 649 - 657 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp. 649 - 670) Here we have the occurrences and treatments of skin eruptions. While one would consider that these would be the realm of medical people, they are in fact the domain of priests. Such would have us understand, then, that these are not medical conditions, but spiritual conditions, specifically maladies. What would cause these skin eruptions, then? It’s an interesting spiritual process and it involves something hidden, secretive or private being forced into the public view. Judaism places a lot of importance about Lashon HaRah, the evil speech. People who spread gossip and demean others very often do so “behind the scenes”. They tell a few people these lies that these people tell others and so on. The lies spread like wildfire. These manifestations reveal these people to be engaging in these character assassinations. In Judaism, the punishment fits the crime. These people are diagnosed by the priests. If they display the appropriate symptoms, they are banished outside the camp for seven days. While this is ostensibly to allow the condition to heal, it is really so the perpetrator can reflect on their behavior and repent. Should they not, typically those symptoms will persist necessitating yet another seven period of seclusion. While these things don’t happen today, let’s nevertheless consider the implications of berating and demeaning others, and that somehow there are consequences. Parashat Tazria-Metzora 5783 22 abril 2023 / 1 Iyar 5783 Parashat Tazria-Metzora es la porción semanal de la Torá 27 y 28 en el ciclo judío anual de lectura de la Torá. Porción de la Torá: Levítico 12:1-15:33; Números 28:9-15 Tazria ("She Bears Seed") comienza describiendo el proceso de purificación de una mujer después del parto. Luego describe diferentes formas de tzaraat, una condición de decoloración en la piel o la ropa, y el requisito de que una persona infectada viva sola fuera del campamento y sea inspeccionada por un sacerdote. Metzora comienza describiendo el proceso de purificación y los sacrificios que lo acompañan para alguien infectado con tzaraat, una condición de decoloración en la piel. Luego describe el proceso de tratamiento de una casa infectada con tzaraat y la impureza ritual generada por ciertas descargas corporales. [1] Trienal año 1 1: 12:1-4 · 4 p'sukim · 2: 12:5-8 · 4 p'sukim · 3: 13:1-5 · 5 p'sukim · 4: 13:6-17 · 12 p'sukim · 5: 13:18-23 · 6 p'sukim · 6: 13:24-28 · 5 p'sukim · 7: 13:29-39 · 11 p'sukim · maf*: Números 28:9-15 · 7 p’sukim · *Shabat Rosh Jodesh Haftará*: Isaías 66:1-24 · 24 p’sukim *Shabat Rosh Jodesh Comentario y Divrei Torah American Jewish University Soncino Chumash: págs. 460 – 464 Año trienal 1 (Kriyah completa págs. 460 – 477) Artscroll Chumash: págs. 608 – 616 Trienal Año 1 (Kriyah completa págs. 608 – 635) Etz Chaim Chumash: págs. 639 - 6 Año trienal 1 (Kriyah completa págs. 639 - 6) Aquí tenemos las ocurrencias y tratamientos de las erupciones cutáneas. Si bien uno consideraría que estos serían el reino de los médicos, de hecho son el dominio de los sacerdotes. Eso nos quiere hacer entender, entonces, que no se trata de condiciones médicas, sino de condiciones espirituales, específicamente enfermedades. Entonces, ¿qué causaría estas erupciones en la piel? Es un proceso espiritual interesante e involucra algo oculto, secreto o privado que se fuerza a la vista del público. El judaísmo le da mucha importancia a Lashon HaRah, el discurso maligno. Las personas que difunden chismes y degradan a los demás muy a menudo lo hacen "entre bastidores". Le dicen a unas cuantas personas estas mentiras que estas personas les dicen a otros y así sucesivamente. Las mentiras se extendieron como la pólvora. Estas manifestaciones revelan que estas personas están involucradas en estos asesinatos de carácter. En el judaísmo, el castigo se ajusta al crimen. Estas personas son diagnosticadas por los sacerdotes. Si muestran los síntomas apropiados, son desterrados fuera del campamento durante siete días. Si bien esto es aparentemente para permitir que la condición sane, en realidad es para que el perpetrador pueda reflexionar sobre su comportamiento y arrepentirse. Si no es así, por lo general esos síntomas persistirán y requerirán otros siete períodos de reclusión.

Announcements -Candle Lighting Times for Shabbat (Ontario, CA) -Office Hours -This week’s 10-Minute Torah Calendar Monday, 10 April 2023-Adult Torah Study Wednesday, 12 April 2023-7th Day Passover Service *Thursday, 13 April 2023-8th Day Passover Service/Yizkor Friday & Saturday, 14 & 15 April 2023-This week's Shabbat services Sunday, 16 April 2023-Hebrew School Sunday, 16 April 2023-Miller Course Introduction to Judaism Sunday, 16 April 2023-Holocaust March of Remembrance Monday, 17 April 2023-Adult Torah Study Thursday, 20 April 2023-Board Meeting Friday & Saturday, 21 & 22 April 2023-This week's Shabbat services Sunday, 23 April 2023-Hebrew School Sunday, 23 April 2023-Miller Course Introduction to Judaism -Mi Sheberach List *For your information, I have included below my schedule, including office hours for the next two weeks and specific classes in which I am involved. **For your convenience and information, Zoom links will be provided in separate emails for security purposes. ***I have updated our Mi Sheberach מי שברך list for those in need of healing by removing the names of those of whom we were uncertain. Please advise if any names were removed in error. For your convenience, I am attaching this revised list to this email that only goes to members of Temple Sholom of Ontario. Thank you. Shabbat Times for Ontario, CA 91761 Pesach IV (CH''M) occurs on Sunday, Apr 9 Pesach V (CH''M) occurs on Monday, Apr 10 Pesach VI (CH''M) occurs on Tuesday, Apr 11 Candle lighting: 7:00pm on Tuesday, Apr 11 Pesach VII occurs on Wednesday, Apr 12 Candle lighting: 7:58pm on Wednesday, Apr 12 Pesach VIII occurs on Thursday, Apr 13 Havdalah: 7:58pm on Thursday, Apr 13 Candle lighting: 7:02pm on Friday, Apr 14 Shabbat Mevarchim Chodesh Iyyar occurs on Saturday, Apr 15 This week's Torah portion is Parashat Shmini Havdalah: 8:00pm on Saturday, Apr 15 Powered by Hebcal Shabbat Times שבת פרשת שמיני April 14 - כ״ג ניסן Candle lighting 7:03 Shabbat ends 8:01 72 minutes 8:35 Office Hours this week: Monday, April 10, 2023 9:30am - 2:00pm (?) Wednesday, 12 April 2023-7th Day Passover Service 9:30am - 12:00pm/12:00pm -2:00pm *Thursday, 13 April 2023-8th Day Passover Service/Yizkor 9:30am - 2:00pm/12:00pm -2:00pm Friday, April 14, 2023 2:00pm - 7:30pm (Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv @ 7:30pm) Monday, April 18, 2023 (@ AJU during the day) 2:45pm - 8:45pm Thursday, April 20, 2023 1:00pm - 7:00pm (Board Meeting @ 7pm) Friday, April 21, 2023 2:00pm - 7:30pm (Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv @ 7:30pm) (Subject to change. Please call for appointments) This week's 10-Minute Torah (15 April 2023): Parashat Shmini 5783 https://youtu.be/CxVjp8fa3ug Adult Torah Study Class Next Session: Monday, April 10 at 7:30 pm PT Zoom Links sent in separate email Monday morning. Please reply if you do not receive them. Parashat Shmini 5783 / פָּרָשַׁת שְּׁמִינִי 15 April 2023 / 24 Nisan 5783 Parashat Shmini is the 26th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Leviticus 9:1-11:47 Shemini (“Eighth”) opens with the consecration of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Two of Aaron’s sons are consumed by a fire sent from God when they attempt to offer a “strange fire.” God describes the animals, birds, and fish that are permissible and prohibited for consumption, as well as some laws of ritual purity. [1] Triennial year 1 1: 9:1-6 · 6 p’sukim · 2: 9:7-10 · 4 p’sukim · 3: 9:11-16 · 6 p’sukim · 4: 9:17-23 · 7 p’sukim · 5: 9:24-10:3 · 4 p’sukim · 6: 10:4-7 · 4 p’sukim · 7: 10:8-11 · 4 p’sukim · maf: 10:8-11 · 4 p’sukim · Haftarah for Ashkenazim: II Samuel 6:1-7:17 · 40 p’sukim Commentary and Divrei Torah Sefaria OU Torah Jewish Theological Seminary American Jewish University Soncino Chumash: pp. 443 – 447 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp. 443 – 454) Artscroll Chumash: pp. 588 - 595 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp. 588 – 607) Etz Chaim Chumash: pp. 630 - 635 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp. 630 - 642) Upcoming Passover Services Pesach 7th Day Shachrit Service Wednesday, April 12, 2023 @ 9:30 am Pesach 8th Day Shachrit Service/Yizkor Thursday, April 13, 2023 @ 9:30 am Zoom Links sent in separate email Wednesday. Please reply if you do not receive them. Judaic Studies Next session: Thursday, April 27, 2023 @ 7:30pm We will meet again on April 27. This is both after Pesach and after the next Temple Board meeting. Our next topic will be Jewish ethics. We will be reading most of a book by Rabbi Louis Jacobs (1920-2006), Jewish Personal and Social Ethics. The book is quite accessible, and reflects a great deal of scholarshp by this distinguished British rabbi and theologian, whose perspective is close to that of American Conservative Judaism. The text will be made available on line, along with a few additional readings on these topics. Upcoming Services Shabbat Ma'ariv Service Friday, April 14, 2023 @ 7:30 pm Shabbat Shachrit Service Saturday, April 15, 2023 @ 9:30 am Zoom Links sent in separate email Friday afternoon. Please reply if you do not receive them. We are now incorporating guitar accompaniment with our Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv Parashat Shmini 5783 / פָּרָשַׁת שְּׁמִינִי 15 April 2023 / 24 Nisan 5783 Parashat Shmini is the 26th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Leviticus 9:1-11:47 Shemini (“Eighth”) opens with the consecration of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Two of Aaron’s sons are consumed by a fire sent from God when they attempt to offer a “strange fire.” God describes the animals, birds, and fish that are permissible and prohibited for consumption, as well as some laws of ritual purity. [1] Triennial year 1 1: 9:1-6 · 6 p’sukim · 2: 9:7-10 · 4 p’sukim · 3: 9:11-16 · 6 p’sukim · 4: 9:17-23 · 7 p’sukim · 5: 9:24-10:3 · 4 p’sukim · 6: 10:4-7 · 4 p’sukim · 7: 10:8-11 · 4 p’sukim · maf: 10:8-11 · 4 p’sukim · Haftarah for Ashkenazim: II Samuel 6:1-7:17 · 40 p’sukim Commentary and Divrei Torah Sefaria OU Torah Jewish Theological Seminary American Jewish University Soncino Chumash: pp. 443 – 447 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp. 443 – 454) *Note that we are now doing the Triennial reading for our Shabbat Torah services. 5783 will be Triennial Year 1 **We are holding live Shabbat services back in the synagogue. We will still continue to broadcast on Zoom for those unable to come to the sanctuary. Please call the office for more information if you'd like to attend. Hebrew School at Temple Sholom of Ontario Next Hebrew School will be Sunday, April 9 2023 First Session Sunday 10:00am - 10:40am Second Session Sunday 10:50am - 11:30am Hebrew school is back on at Temple Sholom of Ontario. We will continue in the fall hold classes virtually on Sundays starting at 10:00am PT. There will be two sessions, 40 minutes each, with a 10-minute break in between. Details will follow soon. The first session will focus on Hebrew reading and prayers. We will read from the week's Torah portion using a Chumash and an online site. Besides the main prayers used in our services, we will also learn Torah and Haftarah blessings. The second session will be a general learning session of that weekly sedrah/portion. We will also discuss notable Jewish personalities, from celebrities to prophets and kings. There will also be special topics such as gossip and evolution. Please let us know if you'd like to join us and of course if you have any questions. Miller Course: Introduction to Judaism Next Session: Sunday, April 16, 2023 Module 5: Shabbat Your Jewish Journey Starts at Miller Intro to Judaism Welcome to the Miller Intro to Judaism Program! We invite you to explore Judaism with us. Whether you are in an interfaith relationship, re-discovering your Jewish heritage, or seek to convert to Judaism, we are here to support your journey. The core of the Miller Introduction to Judaism Program is an 18-week course that surveys Jewish living and practice, including history, ritual, culture, texts, and values. Classes are designed to be highly interactive, with much time for discussion and questions, and include personalized instruction in reading Hebrew. Holocaust Memorial Day Sunday Afternoon April 16, 2023 Murrieta Mesa High School, Performing Arts Center 24801 MONROE AVE. MURRIETA CA 92562 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm Come & show your support for the Jewish people Reply for information Representative of the Israeli Consulate, L.A. Murrieta Mayor, Lisa DeForest Holocaust Survivor, Yetta Kane Pastor Clark Van Wick ***I have updated our Mi Sheberach מי שברך list for those in need of healing by removing the names of those of whom we were uncertain. Please advise if any names were removed in error. For your convenience, I am attaching this revised list to this email that only goes to members of Temple Sholom of Ontario. Thank you. *The titles in blue and underlined are "hyperlinks". If you click on any of those, it will lead to that site/URL. The hyperlink gives a descriptive title with the actual link embedded in that title. Anyone who is concerned about clicking a link or hyperlink can access any of these resources by going to my website, www.modernrabbistephen.com. You can find them in the "Blog" and "Videos" sections, as well as the "Instagram Links" by clicking on the various pictures.