Temple B'nai B'rith of Wilkes-Barre, PA joyfully embraces Judaism as a way of life through prayer, music, social action, celebrating Jewish holidays, lifelong learning, and life cycle events. Through these activities, we seek to promote spiritual growth, moral values, and the social welfare of our community.
The Day after the Elections
Regarding the elections, some of us welcome the changes to our state and our country, and some of us are unhappy. Our focus must be on our values, those core principles that guide us regardless of who may be in power. At Temple B'nai Brith, we are committed to living lives of meaning and connection, upholding the principles of dignity and respect for all people because we believe all of us were created B’Tzelem Elohim, in the image of God. Our work to build our community and a better society remains unfinished. As Rabbi Tarfon said in Pirkei Avot, it is not up to us to complete the work but to engage it and do what we can. Let’s join together and continue the work.~ Rabbi David
A Prayer for Our Country Before Election Day 2024
Our God and God of our ancestors, with hope and humility we approach Election Day, the day on which We the People will choose the individuals who will govern our nation, our states, and our communities.
You have abundantly blessed the United States of America with freedom, security, prosperity, and the right to democratic self-government. You made it possible for the founders of our country to fulfill the command of Your Torah, to “proclaim liberty throughout the land, and unto all the inhabitants thereof.”
Daily we pray to You to restore our leaders as in former times. On this Election Day, help us to remember that in America we are responsible for choosing our own leaders, and that the survival of our democracy, and the well-being of generations of Americans to come, depend upon the care we take in those choices.
Daily we pray to You for knowledge, discernment and wisdom. On this Election Day grant us those blessings in full, so that we may consider our choices with knowledge and vote with discernment and wisdom, with the best interests of our country and our communities in mind.
Daily we pray to You to subdue the arrogant in our time. On Election Day, and every day, help us to subdue the arrogance within ourselves. Open our hearts and minds to consider the opinions of our fellow citizens, as we call upon them to consider ours.
Strengthen our will to fulfill our duties to our country and to one another. To exercise our precious right to vote. And to do all we can to ensure that every legal vote is counted, regardless of the candidate or party for whom it is cast.
May it be Your will that our decisions this Election Day preserve this country as a wellspring of liberty and a beacon of tolerance and democracy for the entire world.
And let us say Amen.
Temple B'nai B'rith Rabbi Search Committee
I am honored to serve as the Chair of the Temple B'nai B'rith Settled Rabbi Search Committee. Our committee includes TBB President Adam Thalenfeld, Vice-President Sam Brand, Richard Abramowitz, Jeff Fremont, Ellie Miller, Michael Polgar, Alex Rogers, and Adina Rosenthal. Knowing the dedication to our community, years of experience, and sechel in this group, you can understand why I've been calling it a "rockstar committee." Together, we're on a mission to find an incredible new leader for our temple.
With the help of Rabbi Levin, we have submitted our application to the Central Conference of American Rabbis. We're excited to hear from interested rabbis over the next few months and in the new year. Once we receive applications, we'll carefully review them and schedule interviews. So for now, we wait with anticipation and excitement.
B'shalom, Paula Chaiken, Chair, Temple B'nai B'rith Rabbi Search Committee
Feed the Hungry
Traditionally, we have had a food drive during the high holidays. With all the changes, this important mitzvah fell through the cracks. However, the needs of the hungry did not abate. Sara’s Table has been the food pantry we support.
Please bring non-perishable food items to the Freedman JCC at
613 S J Strauss Lane, Kingston, Pa 18704
Helping to feed the hungry is part of what we are supposed to do. Please contribute.
Adult Ed
As we approach the High Holidays, check out these interesting mini-courses hosted by Judaism Unbound.
These three-week mini-courses are insightful, creative, provocative, and open to anyone. Extraordinary thought leaders teach them. This year, classes are on: the month of Elul, Kol Nidre, and the Akedah, Hasidism, and Neo-Hasidism. Please take a look by clicking on this link:
TBB and Scranton Area Foundation Support Seniors
Contact Rabbi Levin
The Rabbi is “in”
I hope to support you whenever you need it.
Whether it is a sickness or a Simcha or any spiritual or emotional support, if I can help you, please contact me via the Temple phone or through the form below.
Rest assured, everything, including your inquiry, is handled with the utmost confidentiality and respect for your privacy.
UPCOMING EVENTS
