A SENSE OF CARING AND COMMUNITY...

No one is quite sure why there is such an abundance of genuine caring and mutual support at Ahavat Torah Congregation.  One theory is that it starts at the top. Our beloved Rabbi Miriam Hamrell is one of the most compassionate, generous, and loving rabbis in the world. Each of us has stories of times when she amazed us with just how warm and wise she could be during crucial moments when her kind heart and resourcefulness made a huge difference for us and our loved ones.

Another theory is that this abundance of genuine caring comes from the grass roots. Our congregation is fortunate to have a very large number of people who reach out naturally and offer a listening ear or a ride to an appointment or a bowl of soup or a crucial phone call right at the most important moments.

Yet another theory is that it takes leadership and teamwork. At Ahavat Torah there is a very active and diverse Bikkur Cholim committee and phone tree that often starts with Blanche Moss who can be reached at moimoss@aol.com or (310) 271-4042. But she doesn’t do it alone. Usually when someone in the congregation has an illness, a crisis, a pressing need, or a complicated challenge, Blanche or Rabbi Miriam will quickly assess how to mobilize several people to share in the care and the outreach.

BECOMING A BLESSING | If you would like to be part of the volunteer Bikkur Cholim team that has come through repeatedly in all sorts of tough situations for our congregants and their loved ones, please contact Blanche Moss or Rabbi Miriam and let them know your availability, your preferences, and your limits.

LETTING SOME SUPPORT COME YOUR WAY | Of course we all like to pretend we can handle it all. But if the loving outreach of this congregation can be of service and support for you or someone you love, please feel free to contact Rabbi Miriam Hamrell or Blanche Moss to let them know 3 things:

• What kinds of help and support you know you need.

• What are your preferences regarding privacy, confidentiality, timing, or “not too much help, it’s enough already.

• What kinds of help and support you aren’t sure you will need, but you might need it eventually.

THE MANY WAYS WE CELEBRATE...

At Ahavat Torah Congregation, it’s like a big family that loves to celebrate all the joys and milestones in our lives:

Simchah Shabbat | In 2008, one congregant Shoshi Wilchfort, came up with the idea of celebrating birthdays and anniversaries as a congregation at the second Shabbat of each month. Those who have a birthday or an anniversary or another important thing to celebrate are invited up for an Aliyah to be close to the Torah and say the blessings (with help from a large-print note card). Then Rabbi Miriam Hamrell offers a heartfelt blessing that brings tears to many of the participants’ eyes. Then the congregation sings to the celebrants. And at the potluck lunch there is a delicious cake honoring each of them.

Quite often the birthday or anniversary celebrant invites friends and family members to join them on this Simchah Shabbat. It’s just a wild idea from one congregant that has turned into a beloved tradition at our congregation. If you want to make sure your birthday or anniversary get celebrated this year, please contact: 

Shoshi Wilchfort @ motek11111@yahoo.com

Estelle Markowitz @ Emarko3017@cs.com

Fun Gatherings | If you watch the weekly Newsletter, you will find out when is the next Holiday Celebration, when is the next Movie Gathering and Discussion, as well as when is the next Hootenanny/Kumsitz Singalong. Several times each year there are fun and lively ways for members and guests to get to know each other better and to share their love for life.

Special Aliyot | Quite often on Shabbat, someone comes forward to say the blessings over the Torah and to let everyone know there is something wonderful to celebrate. It might be the birth of a child or a grandchild. It might be a breakthrough in your health or your work. It might be a safe return from a fascinating trip or adventure. It might be a holy moment that deserves to be shared with the congregation.

If you know of something that we should all celebrate together (whether it’s big or small) please contact ahead of time the Gabbai for Shabbat Services (the person who arranges the joyful honor of coming up to the Torah or being part of the Shabbat Service) by calling Judith Weinberger at (323) 935-8348.

Shabbat Dinners in Members’ Homes | Several times a year our congregants get to know each other better by having a group Shabbat dinner at someone’s home. It works quite smoothly. Every few months, members are asked in the Newsletter or via Email: “Would you like to host one of the next Shabbat dinners?” Then when there is a list of families or individuals who will be hosting, there is an invitation announced to all members and visitors in the Newsletter or via Email: “Would you like to be a guest at one of the places where someone has offered to host our next Shabbat dinners?”

If you are interested in hosting an upcoming Shabbat dinner, or if you would like to be one of the guests at these warm and inspiring gatherings, please contact:  Judy Weintraub at (310) 827-4358 or email:  judyweb9@earthlink.net.

Donations in Honor of Something Joyful | To put an extra flow of gratitude and celebration into each birthday, anniversary, personal breakthrough, or moment of joy, please feel free to donate to Ahavat Torah and the money will be used for our Social Action/Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World) projects or for the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund (that anonymously helps people when they are in need).

To stir up some extra goodness in the world based on your own personal joyful moments, you can send a check to:

Ahavat Torah Congregation
Box 442
Santa Monica, CA 90406