Week of November 14

THIS WEEK

On Campus:

Lunch and Learn: “Environment, Responsibility, and Genesis.”

Led by UR Law Professor Noah Sachs.

We will reread Genesis 1-2  and talk about what Genesis has to teach us about environmental responsibility, and alternative readings of the Creation story from both environmentalist and non-environmentalist perspectives. All staff, faculty, and graduate students are invited to participate. A short reading is attached to this email. Please RSVP to Alison Linas (alison.linas@richmond.edu)

Wednesday, November 16

Noon

Room 114

In the Community:

Network JCFR Shabbat Dinner

Come celebrate Shabbat with delicious food, wonderful friends, some wine, and of course challah!

RSVP via Facebook or to Daneille Aaronson (daaronson@jewishrichmond.org)

Friday, November 18

8:00pm

RSVP for address

UPCOMING EVENTS

On Campus:

Jewish Conversations: A Conversation with Rabbi Andrew Goodman

Join Rabbi Andrew Goodman and Jewish faculty, staff and graduate students in an interesting discussion (topic tba) over lunch!

For more information, email Rabbi Goodman (agoodma2@richmond.edu)

December 1

Noon

Location tba

End of Semester Shabbat Dinner!

You’ve been waiting a long time for this, so here it is! All Jewish law students, faculty and staff and their significant others are invited to the Linas home for a Kesher Shabbat service and a homemade Shabbat dinner. Don’t want to come to services? Don’t worry! We’ll wait for you for dinner!

Services will start at 6:00 and dinner at 7:15.

RSVP to Alison Linas

Friday, December 2

6:00 pm Kesher Service

7:15 pm Dinner

Alison’s house

In the Community:

Register for TRIBEFEST 2012

TribeFest is an entertaining, interactive and educational celebration that will draw over 1,500 Jewish young adults (ages 22-45) from across North America. TribeFest will reflect the vibrant setting of its host city, Las Vegas, offering meaningful, fun, and top-quality content. Through presentations by dynamic leaders in politics, entertainment, music, art, food, religion and other aspects of Jewish life, TribeFest will offer attendees many ways to connect to their own Judaism and how they see themselves as part of the community.

If you are interested in attending TribeFest 2012  (March 25-27, 2012), contact Danielle Aaronson for more information and available grants and subsidies.

JCFR’s Annual Legislative Reception

Meet federal, state, and local representatives and learn about issues in our community. More details to be announced.

RSVP to Diane Munsey at (804) 545-8654

Friday, November 28

5:30 – 7:00 pm

Carole and Marcus Weinstein Jewish Community Center

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteer Day at Project Homeless Connect

The 2011 Jewish Volunteer Day is taking place on Wednesday, December 14^th, starting at 8:30 am and finishing at 4 pm. Our volunteers are usually placed where they are most needed, often as a client escort. Volunteers are a key component to making the day a success, as they help orient clients and help them feel comfortable while they receive services. Volunteers who can offer medical, dental or legal services are welcome to join the suitable service providers.

Jewish Volunteer Day at Project Homeless Connect annually attracts close to 200 volunteers, and is a great collaborative and moving experience.  As a Community Partner we would ask that you

1.            Advertise and distribute information about JVD

2.            Recruit twelve volunteers

If You are interested, please contact David Morgenstein at david.morgenstein@richmond.edu

Like kids? Want to make a difference?

Be a mentor! 

Richmond Jewish Coalition for Literacy is looking for new mentors at Swansboro Elementary School. Spend an hour a week getting to know a child and helping him/her work on their reading and/or math skills. RJCL encourages everybody to participate but is in particular need of males. The boys at this school are sorely lacking in positive male role models and a weekly visit with a law student or professor is just what the doctor ordered. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life and it’s a fairly small time commitment.

If you are interested, please email Alison Linas.

Week of September 24

Mark Your Calendar!

End of Semester Shabbat Dinner!

You’ve been waiting a long time for this, so here it is! All Jewish law students, faculty and staff and their significant others are invited to the Linas home for a Kesher Shabbat service and a homemade Shabbat dinner. Don’t want to come to services? Don’t worry! We’ll wait for you for dinner!

Services will start at 6:00 and dinner at 7:15.

RSVP to Alison Linas

Friday, December 2

6:00 pm Kesher Service

7:15 pm Dinner

Alison’s house

Volunteer Opportunities

Like kids? Want to make a difference?

Be a mentor! 

Richmond Jewish Coalition for Literacy is looking for new mentors at Swansboro Elementary School. Spend an hour a week getting to know a child and helping him/her work on their reading and/or math skills. RJCL encourages everybody to participate but is in particular need of males. The boys at this school are sorely lacking in positive male role models and a weekly visit with a law student or professor is just what the doctor ordered. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life and it’s a fairly small time commitment.

If you are interested, please email Alison Linas.

Upcoming Events

On Campus:

Jewish Conversations: Environment, Responsibility, and Genesis 1

Join the Jewish graduate students, faculty and staff for a lively discussion facilitated by Richmond Law professor Noah Sachs.

Thursday, November 3

12:00 pm

Location TBA

In the Community:

Stromboli/Sangria/Salad Dinner

Join J-Town and Beth Ahabah for services, a delicious dinner, guest speaker New York Times Baghdad Correspondent Michael Schmidt and and oneg with Israeli dancing.  Dinner is $5. RSVP to Lori Lacy at (804) 358-6757 or l.lacy@bethahabah.org.

Friday, November 4

7:45 pm

Beth Ahabah

An Evening with Meir Shalev, Bestselling Israeli Novelist & Writer

Q & A and book signing

One of Israel’s most celebrated novel­ists, Meir Shalev was born in 1948 in Nahalal, Israel’s first moshav. Shalev is the recipient of the Juliet Club Prize (Italy); The Prime Minister’s Prize (Israel); The Chiavari (Italy); The Entholomogical Prize (Israel); The Wizo Prize in France, Israel and Italy; and The Brenner Prize of 2006—the highest Israeli literary recognition awarded for his novel, A Pigeon and a Boy, published in theU.S. by Random House in 2007. Shalev will talk about his most recent novel My Russian Grandmother and Her America Vacuum Cleaner. This event is co-sponsored by the University of Richmond.

Sunday, November 6th

7:00 p.m.

Weinstein JCC

The Maccabeats in Concert

YouTube sensation, The Maccabeats, with hit videos “Candlelight” and “The Purim Song”, have been viewed by over five million people and features Richmond’s own RTA graduate Ari Lewis. Strongly committed to the philosophy of Torah u-Madda, the integration of traditional and secular wisdom, The Yeshiva University a cappella group has performed at the White House, on Good Morning America and CBS2 and has been featured by CNN, The Washington Post and The New York Times. They will perform an eclectic array of Jewish, American and Israeli songs.

Saturday, Nov. 12

7:00 pm

The Oates Theatre at Collegiate School

Preferred Seating: $20 M / $25 NM

General Admission: $10 / $15 NM/ $8 seniors & STUDENTS

For tickets, contact Lisa Looney at 804-545-8608 or llooney@weinsteinjcc.org

JCFR’s Annual Legislative Reception

Meet federal, state, and local representatives and learn about issues in our community. More details to be announced.

RSVP to Diane Munsey at (804) 545-8654

Friday, November 28

5:30 – 7:00 pm

Carole and Marcus Weinstein Jewish Community Center

Week of October 17

THIS WEEK:



On Campus:

Torah Tuesday
Jewish Conversations
"Being Jewish; Teaching Milton" - facilitated by English professor Louis Schwartz

Tuesday, Oct. 18
For information on time and location, email Rabbi Andrew Goodman

Homecoming Shabbat
Join alumni, current students, faculty, and staff as we welcome Shabbat as a community of Jewish Spiders, past and present.

A Kabbalat Shabbat Service will be followed by a kosher Shabbat dinner.

Friday, October 21
6:30 pm
University Club of the E. Bruce Heilman Dining Center
RSVP to Rabbi Andrew Goodman

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Like kids? Want to make a difference?

Be a mentor! 

Richmond Jewish Coalition for Literacy is looking for new mentors at Swansboro Elementary School. Spend an hour a week getting to know a child and helping him/her work on their reading and/or math skills. RJCL encourages everybody to participate but is in particular need of males. The boys at this school are sorely lacking in positive male role models and a weekly visit with a law student or professor is just what the doctor ordered. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life and it’s a fairly small time commitment.

If you are interested, please email Alison Linas.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

On Campus:

Jewish Conversations: 

"Environment, Responsibility, and Genesis 1" facilitated by law professor Noah Sachs

Thursday, Nov. 3
For time and location, email Rabbi Andrew Goodman

In the Community:

An Evening with Meir Shalev Bestselling Israeli Novelist & Writer
Q & A and a book signing

One of Israel’s most celebrated novel­ists, Meir Shalev was born in 1948 in Nahalal, Israel’s first moshav. Shalev is the recipient of the Juliet Club Prize (Italy); The Prime Minister’s Prize (Israel); The Chiavari (Italy); The Entholomogical Prize (Israel); The Wizo Prize in France, Israel and Italy; and The Brenner Prize of 2006—the highest Israeli literary recognition awarded for his novel, A Pigeon and a Boy, published in theU.S. by Random House in 2007. Shalev will talk about his most recent novel My Russian Grandmother and Her America Vacuum Cleaner. This event is co-sponsored by the University of Richmond.

Sunday, November 6th
7:00 p.m.
Weinstein JCC

The Maccabeats in Concert
YouTube sensation, The Maccabeats, with hit videos “Candlelight” and “The Purim Song”, have been viewed by over five million people and features Richmond’s own RTA graduate Ari Lewis. Strongly committed to the philosophy of Torah u-Madda, the integration of traditional and secular wisdom, The Yeshiva University a cappella group has performed at the White House, on Good Morning America and CBS2 and has been featured by CNN, The Washington Post and The New York Times. They will perform an eclectic array of Jewish, American and Israeli songs.

Saturday, Nov. 12
7:00 pm
The Oates Theatre at Collegiate School
Preferred Seating: $20 M / $25 NM
General Admission: $10 / $15 NM/ $8 seniors & STUDENTS
For tickets, contact Lisa Looney at 804-545-8608 or llooney@weinsteinjcc.org

RABBI’S CORNER

After weeks of awareness of the cyclical nature of life (with Elul, Fall, Rosh Hashanah, etc.) we complete the High Holiday season this weekend with Simchat Torah when we start the Torah all over again.   After reading about Moses’ death we reroll the massive Torah scroll to the beginning and start “B’reishit bara Elohim… In the beginning, God created…”  And with those words, we segue from holidays and celebrations into the mundane.  We move from special events and we begin the methodical march through the Torah and the year.
The question that this parashah asks of us is, during the rest of the year, how are we going to remember the messages of sacredness so palpable in the High Holidays?  As we resume normal life, how do we make sure to imbue all that we learned about ourselves into otherwise regular existence?
I pray that we are all able to enter this new beginning with purpose.  I pray that we are able to harness the growth, introspection, and repentance in our near memories for a meaningful year.  And, I pray that as we read of the creation of a world build on an ideal of perfection, we can all contribute to that effort in some way this year.
L’shalom,
-Rabbi Goodman

Week of October 3

ON CAMPUS:

Yom Kippur Break Fast


Join students, faculty, staff, and their families as we mark the end of the Day of Atonement with a havdallah service and a dairy buffet.

Email Rabbi Goodman for more information.

Saturday, October 8
6:30-8:30 pm


International Center Commons

IN THE COMMUNITY:

JCFR Grand Event: An Evening with Dr. Jonathan Sarna

You are invited to a dessert reception and to hear Dr. Sarna address the community.  If you are interested in attending the cocktail hour and dinner prior to the main stage event, please contact Danielle Aaronson (DAaronson@jewishrichmond.org) for details and tickets.

Wednesday, October 5

7:30 pm

Virginia Historical Society

For information and tickets, contact Alison Linas

Sukkot Mitzvah Day


Help build a sukkah at Beth Shalom Gardens for their residents. 
Come participate in this mitzvah and enjoy the autumn weather with us!



Sunday, October 9 at 3:00 pm


Beth Shalom Gardens

UPCOMING EVENTS





On Campus:




Homecoming Shabbat Event


Join Richmond and Richmond Law alumni for a kabbalat Shabbat service and Shabbat dinner. This is a great opportunity to not only have a great meal but to network with alumni living in the area. 



Friday, October 21
6:30-9:00 pm

The University Club

In the Community:

J-Town Sukkot Open House Gathering


Saturday, Oct. 15
6:30 pm


Location TBA

RABBI’S CORNER:

This Saturday is our Yom Kippur Break Fast.  Saturday, October 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the International Center Commons.  Join students, families, faculty, and staff as we mark the end of the Day of Atonement with a havdallah service and a dairy buffet.  Please bring your family and let’s make this a wonderful community event... and the food will be great!

If you fast, Tzom Kal (have an easy Fast). 

Shannah Tovah Tik’teivu (Happy New Year, May you be written),

Rabbi Goodman

Week of September 26

ON CAMPUS:

Apples and Honey!
Join us for apples and honey in the foyer of the law school to celebrate a sweet new year! Please note that his event has changed and will be on Friday, not Wednesday.

Friday, September 30
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Law School Commons
 

Jewish Conversation: Voices and Reconciliation
A discussion with Professor Shari Motro based off of “A Land Twice Promised” – coffee service will be provided, bring your lunch.

Tuesday, October 4, 12-1 pm  
Westhampton Dean’s Living Room

IN THE COMMUNITY:

Tikkun Olam Tuesday
Volunteer for BINGO at Beth Shalom Gardens. We will be running and playing Bingo with residents of the Gardens, Richmond’s Jewish assisted living facility. No better way to spend the last evening of the year then to make others smile!  You can let me know you are coming or just show up!  Looking forward to seeing you there!

Tuesday, September 27 7:00 pm
Beth Shalom Gardens

HIGH HOLIDAY INFORMATION:

*Note to 2Ls
The mandatory Law Skills III weekend seminar directly coincides with Yom Kippur. Dean Douglass is aware of this and has given us an excused absence for the weekend-- if we attend a makeup session. We are in the process of scheduling an afternoon make-up session for those who need it. Check blackboard for updates and to contact Dean Douglass directly.


High Holidays- On Campus
Yom Kippur Break Fast
Join students, faculty, staff, and their families as we mark the end of the Day of Atonement with a havdallah service and a dairy buffet. Email Rabbi Goodman for more information.

Saturday, October 8
6:30-8:30 pm
International Center Commons

High Holiday Services- Off Campus
The synagogues in Richmond welcome Jewish students and graduate students to their high holiday services for free. HOWEVER, they require that you show your student ID at the door in lieu of a ticket. If you know what synagogue you would like to attend for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, you can email Alison  or Rabbi Goodman to get your name on "the list."

For a list of synagogues in the area, visit our blog at http://www.richmondjlsa.blogspot.com

UPCOMING EVENTS

On Campus:


Homecoming Shabbat Event
Join Richmond and Richmond Law alumni for a kabbalat Shabbat service and Shabbat dinner. This is a great opportunity to not only have a great meal but to network with alumni living in the area.

Friday, October 21
6:30-9:00 pm
The University Club


In the Community:

Grand Event
Jewish Community Federation of Richmond presents an evening with Dr. Jonathan Sarna
You are invited to a dessert reception and to hear Dr. Sarna address the community.  If you are interested in attending the cocktail hour and dinner prior to the main stage event, please contact Danielle Aaronson (DAaronson@jewishrichmond.org) for details and tickets.

Wednesday, October 5 at 7:30 pm
The Virginia Historical Society

Sukkot Mitzvah Day
Help build a sukkah at Beth Sholom Gardens for their residents.
Come participate in this mitzvah and enjoy the autumn weather with us!

Sunday, October 9 at 3:00 pm
Beth Shalom Gardens

J-Town Sukkot Open House Gathering
Saturday, Oct. 15
6:30 pm
Location TBA

RABBI’S CORNER:
Happy New Year!!  May 5772 be a year of health and beauty, peace and growth, wisdom and understanding, insight and courage, knowledge and comfort.
Have a wonderful Rosh Hashanah!
Shannah Tovah Um’tukah – For a sweet and happy New Year!
L’shalom,
Rabbi Goodman

Week of September 19

ON CAMPUS:

JLSA Interest Meeting
Join us for some bagels and shmear and learn about all the cool things that JLSA has to offer this year!

Wednesday, September 21
12:00pm Room 205


Torah Tuesday
The topic for this Torah Tuesday is Faith... and at 8:30 we will join with Kairos to continue the conversation as a multifaith discussion.  Torah Tuesdays will meet on a bi-weekly basis throughout the year.  It will provide students a chance to talk about important issues from a Jewish perspective.  If there is a topic you would like to discuss, let us know!

7:30–8:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 20
Wilton Center Library

For more information, email Rabbi Goodman


Family Weekend Brunch
Join Jewish students, their families, and Rabbi Goodman for a brunch.  This will be a way for the Jewish community on campus to connect during your busy fall semester!

Sunday, September 25 at 11:30-12:30 p.m.
Chapel Lawn

For more information, email Rabbi Goodman

A Land Twice Promised
A Performance of Palestinian and Israeli Women’s Stories
Storyteller Noa Baum, an Israeli who began a dialogue with a Palestinian woman while living in the United States, weaves together their memories and their mothers' stories. She creates a moving testimony illuminating the complex and contradictory history and emotions that surround Jerusalem for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

The performance will run 75 minutes. Following the performance, Noa will answer questions and facilitate a community discussion (not a debate!) among students, faculty, and staff as well as local groups that have been engaged in dialogue around Israeli-Palestinian relations. Please join us.

Monday, September 26, 2011
7:00 pm
International Commons, Carole Weinstein International Center, University of Richmond.
Free

Apples and Honey!
Stop by the law school atrium for some apple and honey for the start of a sweet new year.

Wednesday, September 28 between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm
Law School Atrium



IN THE COMMUNITY:

J-Town High Holy Days Reflection and Discussion
Sunday, September 25 at 11:00 am
Rostov Coffee and Tea
For more information, visit www.jtownrichmond.blogspot.com

Network JCFR Tikkun Olan Tuesday
Volunteer for an hour at Beth Shalom Gardens, a home for seniors. We will be running (and playing) BINGO!

Tuesday, September 27 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Beth Shalom Gardens

For more information, visit Network JFCR's Facebook page.



HIGH HOLIDAY INFORMATION:

*Note to 2Ls
The mandatory Law Skills III weekend seminar directly coincides with Yom Kippur. Dean Douglass is aware of this and has given us an excused absence for the weekend-- if we attend a makeup session. We are in the process of scheduling an afternoon make-up session for those who need it. Check blackboard for updates and to contact Dean Douglass directly.


High Holidays- On Campus

Yom Kippur Break Fast
Join students, faculty, staff, and their families as we mark the end of the Day of Atonement with a havdallah service and a dairy buffet. Email Rabbi Goodman for more information.

Saturday, October 8
6:30-8:30 pm
International Center Commons

High Holiday Services- Off Campus

The synagogues in Richmond welcome Jewish students and graduate students to their high holiday services for free. HOWEVER, they require that you show your student ID at the door in lieu of a ticket. If you know what synagogue you would like to attend for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, you can email Alison  or Rabbi Goodman to get your name on "the list."

See last week's post for a list of local synagogues.

RABBI'S CORNER:



A High Holiday Note From Rabbi Andrew Goodman:

Elul is the final month in the Jewish Calendar.  This month, which immediately precedes Rosh Hashanah, has been designated by the rabbis as a month of preparation for the High Holidays.  The introspection, atonement, and forgiveness that is asked of us during the 10 Days of Awe is a lot to cram in to 10 days!  Thus, we use Elul as a way to get ready for the personal and emotional work of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. 

As Rosh Hashanah is one week away, I encourage us all to start the contemplative work that the season demands from us.  Much like preparation for a test, the more work you do sooner, the easier it is to succeed on the big day.  Start asking yourselves where you faltered and how you can do better next year.  Think of who you hurt or wronged and use this time to apologize.  And, begin the often difficult process of forgiving others who have wronged you.

I know, you don’t need another assignment in your busy schedules… but the High Holidays come but only once a year!

L’shalom,

Rabbi Goodman