Several initiatives for 2014 are going well. The lecture series on Tough Questions was much appreciated. If you missed a lecture, some text and notes can be found on our web site here (still being assembled). Our Social Action initiative was active during Purim, and several more events are coming up soon. And look for our drash series on social justice starting right after Pesach. Shabbat services have been enlivened by Torah Club youth participants, with another instance planned for April 19.

 

As we prepare for Pesach, I encourage everyone to remember spiritual cleansing as well as the physical. Consider using this time as a mid-year "booster shot" between High Holidays. Getting rid of chometz can include letting go of those resentments and hostile feelings that lurk in the shadows of one’s heart. Let’s wash them away by noticing the good intentions and caring actions that we are fortunate to see frequently in our community, and resolve to add our own goodness to the flow.

 

On Erev Purim, streams of TBA participants of all ages spread PB&J sandwiches and packed them in bags with toothbrushes, toothpaste, granola bars, socks, disinfecting wipes, tissues, socks, gloves, hats and bottled water. In less than an hour, almost 100 sandwiches were made and bags were packaged for delivery the next day.

 

This effort was organized by Library Minyan Social Action subcommittee chair Dianne Shershow in conjunction with the Temple Beth Am Purim Committee and B’nai David Judea.  Other shuls also participated by donating supplies and packaging bags for distribution.

 

On Purim day, cars full of shul members and bags met in downtown LA to distribute the food and supplies.  Three of the people in my car had never done this before (including me), so we had no idea what to expect. It was a standout experience that I can't wait to repeat.  

 

We stopped behind two other cars that were already surrounded by people.  They did have their hands out — but they were very polite, gracious and genuinely grateful for what was given to them.

 

Ok, the food, supplies and the bags may be useful.  But, face it, the amount we gave will last people a short time.  Only government can provide the kind of physical relief they need. But we gave them something else.  Merely by showing up, we showed that we care.  And what we received in return was much more valuable than what we gave. Our little effort was received with an overwhelming gratitude that completely outsized our efforts

 

On Purim, we're told to experience joy.  Today, I learned one way to find that joy in a holiday and to share it with others.  Purim is a holiday that celebrates the redemption of a people who live in an alien culture and are treated as outcasts.  We know what it's like to be on the outside.

 

Next year, please join in. Don't do it for Dianne or even for those less fortunate than you.  Don't even do it because it's the right thing to do.  Just do it for the joy it will bring to you and to those with whom you share the experience.

The erev Purim pot-luck lunch at the home of Abby and Larry Harris was filled to capacity with minyan members who schmoozed, ate, bentched, and even cleaned up together. A wonderful time was experienced by all as we got into the mood of Purim by sharing stories, advice, recipes, and Torah. 

 

We owe a great big todah rabbah to Susan Grinel, who organized the lunch, reminded us what to bring, and made sure we all had enough to eat — which we certainly did!

Abby and Larry always graciously allow us to take over their house. Not only do they make each one of us feel welcome, they are happy we have joined them!  Thank you!

 

There is unlimited space for the last DPL event of this year, so all members of TBA are invited to join us. The Shavuot (second day) picnic in La Cienega Park will take place, amazingly, on the second day of Shavuot (Thursday, June 5th). Information will be forthcoming.

 

—Val Goldstein

 

Check out the Library Minyan Community Board to find out about more social action opportunities and advocacy actions.

 

—Dianne Shershow

Seder Shadchen: If you wish to offer places at a seder, or to be invited to a seder, please contact Michelle Wolf:
Michellekwolfla@gmail.com or 323-571-0999.

 

It is in this spirit that the Education Committee has scheduled a series of three drashot and one evening lecture on various aspects of Human Rights to occur during the Omer, the time period immediately following the celebration of Pesach and continuing until Shavout.

 

On Shabbat Morning April 26, Rabbi Miriyam Glazer will speak on "A Global Perspective on Human Rights.” On May 3, Michelle Wolf will speak on "People with Disabilities and Human Rights" and on May 10 guest darshan Rabbi Jonathan Klein from Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice will speak on "Human Rights - a Local Perspective.” The final speakers in our series will be Tom Holler, One LA organizer, and Rabbi Elliot Dorff, who will speak on the connection between Jewish ethics and community organizing on Wednesday evening, May 21.

 

Please plan ahead to join us for this coordinated series of talks on this critically important subject.

 

—Rachel Rubin Green