A Taste of Torah
Shelah
Numbers 4:21 - 7:89

Last week, the country was stunned by the brazen shooting that took place at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.  The shooter, a man with a history of erratic behavior and a known anti-Semite and bigot, cut short the life of Stephen Johns, a security guard who had worked at the museum for six years.

This tragic event reiterates—if there were ever any doubt—the importance of being vigilant against our enemies, whether they strike at us through word or through deed.  We must work to uphold the promise of this nation, as articulated by George Washington some two centuries ago: “to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance.”  We do so not only for the sake of our own culture and creed, but for that of Stephen Johns, a dedicated Muslim, and for all those who face challenges to their way of life.  We will never forget.

But does this oath we have taken fly in the face of what God expects of us?  In this week’s Torah portion, God is angered by the report of ten spies who have been sent to scout the land of Canaan.  Their negative report so disheartens the people that they rise up in rebellion.  In retaliation, God threatens to destroy the entire nation of Israelites, until Moses intervenes.  Having been soothed, God declares, “Salachti kidvarecha—I have pardoned, according to your plea.”

If God can forgive, and if we created in the Divine image are to emulate God, then should we not also forgive?  Should we excuse actions, even when hateful or harmful, in an effort to mimic God’s benevolence?

I don’t think so.  There is a difference between forgiving and forgetting.  God is able to exercise self-control and not succumb to anger, but that does not mean that God has forgotten the people’s sin.  In fact, they are left to wander in the wilderness for forty years so that the rebellious generation will die out.  God forgives—but God never forgets.

So we may choose to forgive—insofar as we need to move forward, put the nastiness behind us, and praise the good work of the museum which serves as a perpetual tribute to the memories of the countless millions who perished during the Shoah.  But we will not forget the service of Stephen Johns, or the other chasidei umot haolam—righteous individuals of all nations and creeds who have given their lives to preserve what is just and true.

Zichronam livracha.  May their memories be an abiding blessing.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Alan Cook

Next Week's Torah Portion:
Beha'alotcha
Torah Portion: Numbers 8:1 - 12:16
Haftarah: Zechariah 2:14 - 4:7

John Muir School's Tools Project Deadline Extended
WE NEED 193 MORE BACKBACKS FILLED TO REACH OUR GOAL! PLEASE HELP!
More than 60% of the children at John Muir Elementary qualify for free lunch; many more are from families with limited means. In friendship with the school, TDHS would like to provide John Muir's 320 students with the backpacks and school supplies they will need to begin the 2009-2010 school year. For about $40 each -- the cost of a backpack and a few core supplies -- the TDHS community can make a big difference for these students, most whose families have substantial economic challenges. The deadline has been extended to August 1.

Want to help but donating a complete backpack is not feasible? A contribution of any of the core supplies: box of 12 #2 pencils, 4-pack of dry erase markers, pink pearl erasers, large glue sticks, 24-box of crayons, would also be greatly appreciated. Please deliver packs and supplies to Temple offices. Thank you so much for being a part of this effort for the students of John Muir Elementary! To learn more about this program, click here.

Celebrate the beginning of summer with TDHS and the Seattle Mariners!!!
Join Temple Families and Youth at Safeco Field this coming Tuesday, June 23! Kids, friends and family of all ages are welcome. It's not too late to sign up!
Seattle Mariners vs. San Diego Padres, 7:05pm June 23, 2009
We lots of M's fans signed up already but TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE! RSVP TODAY!!!
RSVP to TDHS Youth Director, Leah Rosenwald lrosenwald@tdhs-nw.org (206)315-7422
TICKETS $10 ea. Pay by cash or check made payable to TDHS
See you at the Ball Park!

Intro to Judaism
Every Tuesday – 7 pm - 9pm
June 23rd thru September 8th
Free & Open to the Public!
A 12 week survey in to Jewish scripture, history and tradition, taught by clergy from Temple B’nai Torah & Temple De Hirsch Sinai.  To join the class, show up at the first meeting, Tuesday, June 23rd, 7pm at Temple B’nai Torah. Click here for more info.

Women of Reform Judaism Pacific District Presents
All Sisterhood Day
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Hosted by Temple Beth El Sisterhood
Join with fellow women from around the Pacific Northwest for a gathering of Sisterhood. Click here for more information.

Outdoor Shabbat Service
July 24th • Service Begins at 6:00 pm
Luther Burbank Park
2040 84th Avenue SE | Mercer Island
Map | Link
Join your fellow congregants for worship under the stars at an outdoor Shabbat service on the shores of Lake Washinton on Mercer Island. We’ll meet at Luther Burbank Park Area B, the cloest Parking lot is the North Lot. Following the service all are invited to bring a picnic dinner. In case of rain, we’ll meet in Seattle.

Teens & Tweens: Explore New Lives this Summer
Monday, July 27 | 7:00-8:30pm TDHS Library Seattle
Tuesday, Aug 11 | 7:00-8:30pm TDHS Library Bellevue
Students entering 5th-9th grade are invited to explore A New Life, inspired by books that feature an immigration adventure. Join us at The Benjamin Zukor Children’s Library in Seattle and Bellevue. The book choices revolve around the same broad theme: Jewish children with or without their families. For more information see the www.tdhs-nw.org or contact Toby at 206-315-7398 library@tdhs-nw.org.

TIKKUN OLAM
Repairing the World – One Mitzvah at a Time

Tikkun Olam Recognition Service
June 26th  @ Rock Shabbat TDHS Bellevue
Join us as we recognize the contributions to the community from our Tikkun Olam Council and all our volunteers. If you have helped out with any TOC program please come and have your contribution recognized.

Library Volunteering Opportunity!
Looking for something to do on Thursdays this summer?   Toby Harris, our librarian, is seeking a volunteer in the Seattle library for a short-term periodicals project.  Give her a call at 315-7398 or email library@tdhs-nw.org, if interested.  Thanks!

Want to feel more connected at Temple?  Consider getting involved with one of the many Tikkun Olam activities at Temple.  Whether you're interested in participating in one of our Mitzvah-of-the-Month projects, cooking a meal for someone in need, driving a senior to an appointment or helping out with our Tikkun Olam Council (TOC), there are many ways to get involved.  We'd love to have you join us.  Please contact Catherine Gonchar at cgonchar@msn.com to get started.

Looking for help with employment in this tough time? Join The Greater Seattle Jewish Business Network and learn ways to find jobs and make the job you have better!
The Greater Seattle Jewish Business Network is primarily a resource for Jewish business executives, professionals and skilled workers. This is your place to network with reliable people in their businesses as well as a means of communications for Jewish professionals to find meaningful employment. The GSJBN will also function as a resource center where members can assist each other on any type of business issue that they encounter.
June 24 at Temple Beth Am in Seattle
Gary Kanter, a Career Counselor at Career Management Resources who has just published just published a new book, Resume Empower! will conduct a resume writing workshop.. Click here to download the flier.
Click here for more information on the Seattle Jewish Business Network.

Endless Opportunities Events this Summer
If you are 50 years of age or older, JFS's Endless Opportunities program, provided in partnership with Temple De Hirsch Sinai, facilitates a wide variety of meaningful connections to community through an array of educational, social, cultural and recreational activities. Click here for more information on Endless Opprotunities.Check out some of these events coming at you this summer(RSVP: Ellen Hendin (206) 861-3183):

July:
July 14 - 10:00-11:30 am
Lecture: Sima Kahn  Reconstuctionist Judaism, Jewish Law has a vote and not a veto. 

Tuesday July  21  TDHS Seattle Foyer  10-11:30 am
Dr. Milton Clark  Burma, The Land of the Golden Pagodas

Sunday July 19  11:45 am -2:30pm
Outing to Wing Luke Museum-Historic Immersion Tour
Meet in Lobby of Wing Luke Museum
719 S King Street, Seattle
 RSVP: no later than July 15

August:
Tuesday August 4 at The Summit 10-11:30
The Summit - 1200 University St,  Seattle,
Rabbi Daniel Weiner- Good God-Faith for the Rest of Us
A talk and discussion of the themes of his new book. Click here to learn more about Good God.

Tuesday August 18  TDHS Seattle Foyer  10-11:30am
Drew Robinson  The “Good Ole days” in Seattle
A History of Transportation

Check out some of these upcoming JFS activities:

Employment Resources: Job Searching, Training, & Health Insurance,
Thursday, June 18; 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Resumes and Interviews: Making Your Case in Hard Times,
Wednesdays June 24 and July 8; 7:00 – 8:30 pm

Mazel Tov to our new President, Board and Trustees. We couldn't do it with all their hard work and guidance! Thank you!

Officers:
Gail Alexander
President
Gail Mautner
President-Elect
Jody Bellar
Vice President
Keith Degginger
Vice President
Jerry Gronfein
Vice President
Myles Kahn
Vice President
Laurie Minsk
Vice President
Pam Schwartz
Secretary
Neil Weinstein, CPA
Treasurer

Immediate Past President
Karen Dixon

Trustees
Alex Alben
Robert Albert
Bruce Bobman
Laura Brenner
Marianne Bundren
Rebecca Buxbaum
David Caesar
Beth Featherstone
Karyn Furstman
Catherine Gonchar
Kim Greenhall
Jan Levy
Vicki Robbins
Debbie Rosemont
Ari Schur
John Siegler
Phillip Swan
Jeff Teper
Lisa Weidling
Jacquie Wiviott

MERLE GRIFF. Father of Carol Reynolds, the Late Nadine Mack, Paula McHugh, Robyn Gustafson, Paul Griff, brother of Florine Flaks, Annette Griff and the late Irving Griff; beloved son of the late Norman and Zeena Griff.

Thank God It's Shabbat!
Worship with us at any of our Shabbat Services. The following is the schedule for Shabbat Services for the next two weeks.

Friday, June 19
6:00 pm • Bellevue
   3rd Shabbat
6:00 pm • Seattle
   Shabbat Classic
Saturday, June 20
9:30 am • Seattle
   Torah & T’Fillah Together
10:30 am • Seattle
   Shacharit Service
NO BELLEVUE
MORNING SERVICE


Friday, June 26
6:00 pm • Bellevue
   Rock Shabbat
TIKKUN OLAM RECOGNITION SERVICE
7:30 pm - Seattle
  4th Shabbat
Saturday, June 27
9:30 am • Seattle
   Torah & T’Fillah Together
10:30 am • Seattle
   Shacharit Service
10:30 am • Bellevue
   Shacharit Service
5:00 pm • Bellevue
   Havdalah

Click here for our complete Shabbat Schedule

1511 E. Pike St.
Seattle, WA 98122

3850 156th Avenue SE
Bellevue, WA 98006

206-323-8486

info@tdhs-nw.org
www.tdhs-nw.org