Brooklyn Boro

Faith In Brooklyn for Oct. 30

October 30, 2015 By Francesca Norsen Tate, Religion Editor Brooklyn Daily Eagle
One of the section leaders, in green apron (left) helps her table mix the ingredients in the proper order. Brooklyn Eagle Photo by Francesca N. Tate
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First Ever Brooklyn Challah Bake Gathers More Than 2,000 Women of All Generations

Damascus Bakery’s Challah Loaf Wins Notice in ‘Guinness Book of World Records’

More than 2,000 women and girls packed Grand Prospect Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 21 for The Shabbos Project’s first Brooklyn Challah Bake. Standing in a line that stretched for more than a block long for the event, the young ladies exuded joy and enthusiasm throughout. They each were supplied with a bowl, utensils and the ingredients for challah bread. Working as a team, they made the dough, then danced and sang during the hour it took for it to rise. Leaders reminded the bread bakers that even as it rests, the dough is working, and its interior transformation is invisible.

The Challah Bake had multicultural dimensions. During the event, Atlantic Avenue-based Damascus Bakery presented a 20-foot-long braided challah loaf that it had donated for the event, in the hopes of qualifying for a mention in the “Guinness Book of World Records.” The room erupted in dance and song when officials from Guinness confirmed that the braid had set the world record for longest challah loaf.

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Forum Will Address Spiritual, Medical, Legal, Financial Aspects of Elder Care

East Midwood Jewish Center, in association with the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services, Hadassah and other organizations, will hold a forum on elder care issues. The program, to be held on Sunday, Nov. 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., is titled “For All Things There Is a Season – Caring for Our Loved Ones as We Care for Ourselves.” The title is derived from the Book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3.

The program’s goal is to explore the spiritual, medical, emotional, legal and financial aspects of caring for loved ones as they face the final chapter in life.

The speakers will include Rabbi Matt Carl and Cantor Sam Levine of the East Midwood Jewish Center, who will address the religious obligations and the spiritual dimensions of care for others. Dr. Beth Popp of Maimonides Medical Center will discuss the medical aspects of aging and dying. Dr. Phyllis Erlbaum-Zur, from the Jewish Board of Family & Children’s Services, will speak on the day-to-day aspects of caring for the ill. Elizabeth Forspan, Esq., managing attorney at Ronald Fatoullah Associates, will discuss the legal/financial matters that arise at the end of life. Michele and Lawrence Isaacson, two East Midwood congregants, will describe their own experiences in caring for aging loved ones over several years and at the end. Shira Felberbaum from the Jewish Board’s Partners in Caring & Connect to Care Initiatives will moderate the discussion.

Plenty of time will be provided for questions, discussion and sharing experiences.

Other sponsors of this event are Hadassah Brooklyn, the Center for Jewish End of Life Care at the MJHS Hospice and the Institute for Living Judaism in Brooklyn.

All members of the public are invited to attend this important free event, which will include a light breakfast. Reservations are required by Oct. 29. RSVP to 212-632-4735 or [email protected]

This special community event will take place at the East Midwood Jewish Center, a conservative/egalitarian congregation, located at 1625 Ocean Ave., between Avenues K and L.  For more information about this and other programs at East Midwood, call EMJC at 718-338-3800, www.emjc.org, or [email protected].

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New Nightshul Set Begins at East Midwood Jewish Center

Three new classes start for the month of November at Nightshul, the new Thursday night learning experience at the East Midwood Jewish Center. Nightshul offers a variety of subjects to meet the needs of people with diverse learning styles and interests.

Each session begins at 7 p.m. with a wine-and-cheese get-together around a bar; plus “Learning Hebrew Through Ulpan” and “An Exploration of Judaism for Curious Adults,” which will continue weekly through March 2016.  

On Thursday, Oct. 29 there will be live music at 7 and at 9.

In addition to the above-mentioned ongoing courses, on Nov. 5, 12 and 19, the new classes will be “Everything You Thought You Knew About Hanukah Is Wrong,” “Jewish Chant” and “Kiddush, Kaddish, Kedusha: Understanding Jewish Prayer.”

East Midwood is at 1625 Ocean Ave. between Avenues K and L. To purchase tickets online for single events, a month of classes, or for several months, go to www.nightshul.org or see www.emjc. Also call 718-338-3800.

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Year-Round Shabbat ‘Under the Bridge’ Returns — Indoors

Shabbat camping is back for the winter — with a new indoor venue. The popular monthly “Under the Bridge” Shabbat celebration returns on Nov. 6.

Join Congregation Mount Sinai and Beineinu for amazing music, picnic dinners and community Shabbat celebration throughout the year.  

“Under the Bridge” will take place on Friday, Nov. 6 at 6:30 p.m. and continue on most first Fridays through May 2016 at Congregation Mount Sinai, 250 Cadman Plaza West in Brooklyn Heights. The subsequent dates are Dec. 4, Jan. 8, Feb. 5, March 4, April 1 and May 6.

Participants are asked to bring their own vegetarian picnic, drinks, picnic blanket and friends.

The Nov. 6 “Under the Bridge” will welcome Micki Gitzin, executive director of Israel Hofshit, a grassroots organization that aims to influence public opinion and policymaking on the issues of religion and state in Israel. Gitzin will speak (following a musical tefila) about current challenges and opportunities in Israel.

For more information, contact the synagogue office at 718-875-9124 or [email protected]!

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Borough Hall Offers Training for Clergy Working with Veterans

Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams’ Office of Faith-Based and Clergy Initiatives is offering a training conference for clergy and chaplains who serve military personnel and veterans.

Clergy are often on the front lines with returning veterans. This training, which is open to clergy and anyone with affiliated with veterans, will provide the chance to learn how clergy can assist veterans and their families as they transition from deployment, and how to refer a veteran for care at the VA hospital or Veterans Affairs office.

Participants will also learn how to recognize the hidden spiritual and emotional pain war may have on the soul.

They can also obtain information on benefits to which veterans may be entitled.

This conference for clergy and chaplains is offered in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Brooklyn Community Recovery Center. It takes place on Wednesday, Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon St. RSVP to 718-802-4876 or [email protected]

 

 

 

 

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