Congregation Beth Mordecai
Congregation Beth Mordecai
An inclusive congregation affiliated with the Conservative Movement.
Your Jewish Home for the Soul!
An inclusive congregation affiliated with the Conservative Movement.
Your Jewish Home for the Soul!
August 28, 2020 By Beth Mordecai no comments.
This week’s Torah portion is Ki Teitze. It is a series of miscellaneous laws that Moses issues to the people in advance of entering the Promised Land. This set of laws is truly miscellaneous. They range in category from family law, to domestic laws, to returning lost objects and helping one’s neighbor. The parashah contains some agricultural laws about planting mixed fields and plowing with two different types of animals. There are marital laws, citizenship restrictions into the people of Israel, laws of conduct in wars, how to take a vow and the power that resides therein. Really the list goes on and on. It is a strange collection. Nevertheless, we seek out meaning in our Torah even from the what[...]
Category : home Rabbi Rabbi's Journal
August 21, 2020 By Beth Mordecai no comments.
Well, the end of summer is upon us. Sad I know. But we have the High Holy Days on the horizon, and the end of August to fill our cups for the road ahead. This has not been an easy five months since the Coronavirus entered our world. The next five months are anyone’s guess. Yet, as the unknown is presented before us I feel grateful to have the grounding of Congregation Beth Mordecai and for the spiritual sustenance that we can provide in pressing ahead despite our doubts and our fears. And in reflecting on what is to come, I often reflect on where I have been. The past few weeks of starting Shabbat with you, planning our High Holiday[...]
Category : home Rabbi's Journal Shabbat
August 14, 2020 By Beth Mordecai no comments.
UNITY THROUGH DIVERSITY Recently, I’ve been thinking about my grandfather, Harry Allen. It was his yahrzeit last week, so it makes sense, but in truth he has been on my mind. I’d like to tell you about him. Harry S. Allen was raised in Denver, Colorado, the child of immigrants from Marianpol, Lithuania. Like many Jews of that time, they owned a store with their home in the apartment above. Grandpa served in Europe during WWII as a navigator on B-24 bombers flying missions out of Italy. He flew something like 50 missions and was awarded two purple hearts among other decorations and commendations. He used to remark about his choice to join the Air Force instead of the army, saying that[...]
Category : home Rabbi Rabbi's Journal
By Beth Mordecai no comments.
KABBALAT SHABBAT Twice monthly, Fridays at 7:00 p.m. Join us on Zoom with Rabbi Allen for our bi-weekly Kabbalat Shabbat service! To download and/or print a copy of the siddur we've been using for our Zoom Shabbatot, please click HERE. Zoom Information Meeting Link:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88096415216 Meeting ID: 880 9641 5216 Passcode: Shabbat Dial-In: +1 929 205 6099
July 31, 2020 By Beth Mordecai no comments.
Dear Beth Mordecai Community,
On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to introduce Rabbi Uri Allen to the Beth Mordecai community! His energy, enthusiasm, spirituality, and new ways to connect with Judaism are warmly welcomed and we look forward to building a deep connection with him.
In the next few weeks, Rabbi Allen will be reaching out by phone to each congregant. If you miss his call, he will leave a message (please make sure to call him back!).
Also, please note that the rabbi will continue to reside on Long Island and commute to Perth Amboy, as needed. He will coordinate his trips to NJ to meet with members, conduct services and classes, and serve this community. Please be understanding of his time & schedule!
Please[...]
Category : Announcements home Rabbi
April 6, 2020 By Beth Mordecai no comments.
Dear Beth Mordecai Community Member, I hope this letter finds you and your families in good health and that you are finding your connection to Judaism and to our congregation a source of comfort during this difficult time. It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that Rabbi Sara Metz has accepted a position at Cong. Anshe Israel in Tucson, Arizona. She will continue in her full rabbinical duties at Beth Mordecai through May 31. Pending the lifting of quarantine restrictions, we will have a Friday night Shabbat service & dinner in June so all may personally wish the Metz family well in their next adventure! Please understand that the decision for the rabbi to search for alternate employment was solely[...]
Category : home President's Message Rabbi
March 17, 2020 By Beth Mordecai no comments.
March 17, 2020
Dear Beth Mordecai Community,
In an effort to decrease COVID-19 transmission rates and help protect the health of the congregation and the Middlesex County community, all in-person group activities (e.g. Shabbat services, social programs, educational programs) will be cancelled, effective immediately, through April 30, 2020. This includes the 2nd Night Passover Seder.
We are hoping to provide you with a way to connect virtually in the near future and provide you with that information soon.
We approved this unprecedented action after a lengthy and difficult discussion. We took into consideration recommendations by numerous government and Jewish organizations, and the precept of Pikuach Nefesh, the protection of human life and health, above other mitzvot. The Executive Committee, Board of Trustees, and the[...]
Category : Announcements home
March 2, 2020 By bethmordecai no comments.
Friday, March 13 at 8 p.m. – Kabbalat Shabbat Services
Kabbalat Shabbat Services led by Sharon Bender.
Please help us make a minyan for our community members saying kaddish. Sherry Weber and Elyse Lyons will be providing nosh for kiddish in honor of the Yarzheit for their mothers.
MORE UPCOMING EVENTS!
Kabbalah Shabbat Services and a Catered Community Dinner – Friday, March 20 at 6:30 p.m.
Join Congregation Beth Mordecai for Kabbalah Shabbat services and a Catered Community Dinner.
$18 per person with RSVP and payment by March 11.
$25 per person on and after March 12. RSVP Rabbi Metz.
Dinner is generously subsidized by Norman and Rosa Silverstein
Hamentashen and Board Games – Sunday, March 28 at 3 p.m.
Think your hamentashen are the best? Prove it! Bring[...]
January 2, 2020 By Beth Mordecai no comments.
Thursday, January 30, at 7 p.m. – What Happens Next?
Join us at Beth Mordecai with Rabbi Metz to learn about Jewish beliefs of communicating to those who have passed on. $5 per person. Please RSVP with payment to Rabbi.SaraMetz@gmail.com.
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December 6, 2019 By Beth Mordecai no comments.
Saturday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. – Latkes & Vodka Hanukkah Party Join us for tasty latkes and vodka libations at a Hanukkah party featuring live music by David "Ace" Case! All are welcome and bring your friends! $18 per person in advance. $20 per person. Payments can be made here. Please RSVP to 732-442-1373 or officebethmordecai@gmail.com.
