A Walk Down Memory Lane
May 7, 2012
From the Rabbi’s Study…
That was me waving at you while you were sitting at Starbucks. I saw you drinking coffee and talking animatedly with your friend. You were involved in the conversation so if you did not see me or if it did not register who was waving that is alright. You were at a meeting.
The reason I did not stop was because I was on my way to a meeting. I did not want to be late.
We all have meetings. They keep us busy. Some are needful, some are friendly, and some are painful. But we all have them. They color our days, occupy conspicuous places on our calendar, are a joy and an annoyance and a sign that we are needed. For some people, the more meetings the more we are needed.
Everyone has a place and everyone has a role. At work we take places around the table, set up a little perimeter around our seat, and steel ourselves for what is coming.
Meetings vary. Some are clearly charged and energized for change and a healthy exchange of ideas to get to the change. Others are more like a regular doctor check-up: we pray nothing happens. Problems arise when it is not clear which of the two is supposed to happen at the table: Is this the one where we are supposed to be creative or one where change is challenge and represents danger?
I was wondering which of the two you were at when I saw you. You looked concerned so whichever kind of meeting it was, I think it was the wrong one. The knitted brows were the give-away.
Judaism asks for change and growth. It looks at life and wants us to shake our stasis. In fact, this time during the Omer when tradition demands that we count the passage of days from Pesah until the next holy day of Shavuot, we are supposed to imagine a long steady climb up a mountainside to meet God (that is what happened many millennia ago). As we trek up the hill we mentally prepare for THE MEETING.
Anticipating this meeting we take a long steady look at what we ought to be doing for this conference. Change or inertia?
The fact is sometimes we are eager for change and other times reticent. Most people I meet, including myself, want both at different times. There is one overriding principle, though, that was written by Robert Fulghum. Here it is:
The wagon driver said to his passengers when they came to a long, steep hill, “Them that’s going on with us, get out and push. Them that ain’t, get out of the way.”
If there is one constant that we must always observe it is for us to allow others to flex and grow and for others to return the favor.
Rabbi Jonathan Case
February 7, 2012
Ten Commandments of Coming to Shul
I. Thou shalt dress appropriately. No revealing attire (keep shoulders and frontal area covered; nothing risqué). Wear clothes that reflect standing before the Lord.
II. Respect and keep the Shabbat. This means no smoking, cell phones, pagers, cameras, etc.
III. Do not disturb thy neighbor. People are trying to daven (pray).
IV. Children are always welcome at Shul. Use our children’s room if they need a change of scenery.
V. Do not swear. This is the House of God.
VI. Males wear a kippa. All those who are called to the bima (elevated stage) cover their heads.
VII. A tallit (prayer shawl) is worn by adult Jews.
VIII. Thou shalt not clap. Instead, say “yasher koach!”
IX. When the Ark is open, stand and do not enter or leave the Sanctuary.
X. Covet thy Siddur and Humash. Treat them with respect. If they fall, kiss them. Place them right-side up when finished.
May 11, 2010
Keeping Kosher in Columbia
Keeping Kosher in Columbia
Yes, it is possible to keep kosher in Columbia! Many of our congregants do so, and it gets easier every year. This page offers some resources. We welcome your suggestions for making this page more complete. If you have comments or additions, please feel free to contact the office at (803) 782-2500.
Beth Shalom Synagogue does not endorse or oversee any of the businesses listed on this page. Each person is responsible to ensure that a particular establishment or product meets his or her standards of kashrut.
Grocery Stores
All our local supermarkets carry a large variety of products produced under kosher supervision. This often includes store brands; check the labels and you may be surprised! Here’s a small selection of kosher products available in the Columbia area:
- Publix Market on Forest drive carries a variety of kosher products. They have a frozen kosher section including frozen kosher poultry and many prepared items in addition to a dedicated portion of an aisle for kosher products.
- Piggly Wiggly also has a kosher food section along with a frozen kosher area too. Piggly Wiggly has a good selection of Passover products and kosher cheeses.
- Kroger carries Best’s products (meat).
- Sam’s Club has kosher frozen fish along with other items. Also, Wal-Mart carries some kosher foods.
- Morganelli’s has a few varied kosher wines in their store on Forest drive.
Caterers
The synagogue office maintains a list of local kosher caterers. Please call if you are interested, or to inquire about periodic kosher meat deliveries.
April 2, 2010
