SOJC

Torah Spark for Parashat Naso 5773

Jeff — Fri, 17 May 2013 01:36:25 +0000

This Shabbat we read from Parashat Naso, the longest single portion in the Torah. While its length comes from the repetition of a certain sacrifice offered by each of the twelve tribe heads on twelve consecutive days, its popularity comes also from its inclusion of the Priestly Blessing. It was the commanded job of Aaron and his sons to bless the people Israel saying, “May God bless you and keep you. May God deal kindly and graciously with you. May God cause God’s face to shine upon you and may you God grant you peace.” It is this same blessing that parents offer to their children on Friday nights and that most clergy offer to Bar and Bat Mitzvah students as well as couples under the huppah, the wedding canopy. To be sure, we are not all descendants of Aaron, but we are allowed, even encouraged, to take these words and use them for blessing, for if they are God’s chosen words, we could not hope to do better.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Hillel Skolnik

A Shavuot Evening of Study

Jeff — Fri, 10 May 2013 06:48:40 +0000

Shavuot is coming soon!

We hope you’ll join us at our Tikkun Leil Shavuot and Shavuot Services, which will take place as follows:

Tikkun Leil Shavuot
A Shavuot Evening of Study
Tuesday Evening May 14th, beginning at 7 PM
(Ice cream is included in the evening’s activities!)

Services for both days of Shavuot:
1st day – Wednesday, May 15th
Services at 9:30 AM
2nd day – Thursday, May 16th
Services at 9:30 AM
including Yizkor

Torah Spark for Parashat B’midbar 5773

Jeff — Fri, 10 May 2013 06:40:23 +0000

This Shabbat we read from Parashat B’midbar, the opening portion in the book of B’midbar, the book of Numbers. Having finished the construction of the Tabernacle and received all the instructions regarding the sacrifices that were to be offered in the Tabernacle, as well as laws on how to live a holy life, the Israelites are finally ready to begin their march through the desert to the promised land. But before they can leave, a census must be performed. As any camp counselor would know, it’s always a good idea to count your campers before you leave, while you’re traveling and then once you get there. It seems that God had the same thought and so the book begins with a census. It is for this reason that the fourth book of the Torah, the book of B’midbar (which means “in the desert of”) is instead referred to as the book of Numbers.

Shabbat Shalom

Rabbi Hillel Skolnik

SOJC T-Shirts 20th Anniversary Edition

Jeff — Fri, 03 May 2013 07:42:22 +0000

Show your SOJC Ruach!

Based on the 20th Anniversary Design in full color.
Black in Adult sizes and White in Kids sizes
Order your SOJC T-Shirt today!

Click here to download the SOJC T-Shirt Order Form 2013

SOJUSY Tikkun Olam Car Wash

Jeff — Fri, 03 May 2013 03:17:39 +0000

Sunday, May 5th from 12:00pm to 2:30pm the SOJUSY Youth will give your car or cars a sparkling car wash for a minimum donation of $5.00 per car.

Please spread the word. Do it for the kids! They’ll work hard for the money! Wahoo!!!

MITZVAH DAY at SOJC

Jeff — Fri, 03 May 2013 03:09:16 +0000

Join us for MITZVAH DAY at SOJC!!!

Sunday, May 5th from 9:00am – 12:00pm

Join us for Spring Cleaning at SOJC!!!

Focus will be on the exterior of our synagogue.

Torah Spark for Bhar-Bchukotai 5773

Jeff — Fri, 03 May 2013 02:48:54 +0000

This Shabbat we read from Parashat B’har-B’chukotai, the double portion that completes the book of Deuteronomy. While the plurality of this week’s Torah reading deals with a long list of potential punishments that might befall the Israelites should they choose not to follow God’s commandments in a section called the Tocheicha or the Great Rebuke, we will also read about a commandment that continues to be observed in our times called Sh’mita. It is instructed that every seventh year all Jewish owned land in Israel is to be given a year off. Seeds cannot be planted and crops cannot be harvested in this Sh’mitah year – the next one of which will be the year 5775 (September 25, 2014 – September 13, 2015). What this reminds us is that even when we purchase a plot of land anywhere in the world, often times in what is a challenging financial undertaking, ultimately all the Earth is God’s creation. We may own it amongst the human race, but our gratitude for that ability must always be directed higher.

Shabbat Shalom

Rabbi Hillel Skolnik

Torah Spark for Parashat Emor 5773

Jeff — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 04:09:05 +0000

This Shabbat we read from Parashat Emor, a section of which is also known as the Torah reading for the second day of Passover and the first two days of Sukkot. Following that section, the Torah speaks out against numerous serious crimes included in which is blasphemy. We know that the fourth of the Ten Commandments is “You shall not take God’s name in vain,” but there is also specific instruction, even an illustrative story, on how to deal with one who blasphemes which leaves no doubt that it is a serious sin. As I have said before – and I’m sure I’ll say again – we should always be aware of the words that come out of our mouths and the power that they have to cause pain to others. We should be equally aware that when we speak any name of God, we should do so with the proper respect that a name of God, and any name of God, deserves.

Shabbat Shalom

Rabbi Hillel Skolnik

Men’s Club All You Can Go Kart

Jeff — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 04:39:44 +0000

Men’s Club $25 All You Can Go Kart!!!

Thursday, April 25 @ 7:00pm

Fun Spot Orlando, 5551 Del Verde Way, Orlando, FL 32819

directions and map

Israel Independence Day Family Festival

Jeff — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 02:41:49 +0000

Join SOJC and the entire Orlando Jewish community at the annual celebration of Yom Ha’atzma’ut, Israel’s Independence Day. The event will take place this Sunday, April 21, from 10AM to 4 PM at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs. More information can be obtained through the JCC or by visiting www.orlandojcc.org.