The Shofar
Adar/Nisan/Iyar 5785 March/April 2025
A Simple Life Lesson
Jo Ann Howard, President
Recently, a friend gifted me the book Letters for Life: Guidance for Emotional Wellness from the Lubavitcher Rebbe by Levi Y. Shmotkin. After I read pages 3 and 4, I knew just what I wanted to share with you.
We have all heard of the phenomenon of the black hole. For years it was just speculation and then in 1971 the massive object was finally observed. Its mass is so dense that nothing, not even its own light can escape its gravitational pull! So, you may ask, how does this relate to me?
“The black hole turns everything inward, drawing all of its energy toward itself. The sun, on the other hand, radiates its energy outward, illuminating other beings in the solar system. If the sun heated only its own mass, who would pay attention to it? It is up to us to emulate the sun’s example and turn our energy outward. We must make an effort to radiate our light and warmth to others.”
We also need to remember, that the moon also has a part in this cosmic picture of relationships. So far we know that the sun is a giver or sources of light and energy. The moon on the other hand is a receiver, the recipient and reflector of the sun’s light.
Now it’s time to look at ourselves. What do we look like most of the time? Are we a sun brightening the lives of others, a moon who only takes from others, or even a black hole focusing entirely inward? We live in a world of give and take. How well are we each doing?
When lighting the Yahrzeit candle, you can recite the following prayer: The human soul is a light from God. May it be your will that the soul of (insert name) enjoy eternal life, along with the souls of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah, and the rest of the righteous that are in Gan Eden. Amen
Let’s Welcome Shabbat Together (in the chapel at First Presbyterian Church)
MARCH
Friday, 7th 7:30 p.m. Shabbat Service
Friday, 14th 6:00 p.m. Welcome Shabbat/Enjoy Dinner/Celebrate Purim at the Howard’s Home/RSVP by Tuesday, 3/11
Friday, 21st 7:30 p.m. Shabbat Service
Friday, 28th 7:30 p.m. Shabbat Service
APRIL
Friday, 4th Shabbat Service not scheduled
Friday, 11th 7:30 p.m. Shabbat Service
Saturday, 12th First Seder with your family and/or friends
Sunday, 13th Second Seder with your family and/or friends
Friday, 18th 7:30 p.m. Shabbat Service
Friday, 25th Shabbat Service not scheduled
WITH OUR CONGREGATION
(If you would like information printed in this section, please let Jo Ann know.)
Mazel tov to Ronnie and Steve Mand, proud grandparents of Sasha Bindeman, who was called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on March 1st . “She was truly a rock star!”
Our wishes for good health are extended to Bernard Baker, Mildred Barth, Mira Becher, Carol Caplan, Joe Eisenberg, Eddy Fraifeld, Larry Golsen, Don & Lynne Loper, Paul Mandel, and Kathy Sahale. We know that some of our congregants become ill, have surgery, or suffer an injury between The Shofar publications, so please know that we extend a prayer of comfort and continued recovery to those who are not specifically named.
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES
Yom Huledet Sameach – Happy Birthday to you:
March Birthdays: 5 – Michelle Fryman; 9 – Kevin Vaughan; 15 – Eddy Fraifeld April Birthday: 30 – Joe Eisenberg
Our Tu B’Shevat Seder, which was held on Sunday, February 16th, was a joyous event. Thank you to all who participated in the service and shared their knowledge of olive and fruit groves, and the significance of different prayers and songs.
“Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.” Uplift another congregant’s spirits by giving them a call or sending them a card, email or text! It only takes a few minutes and it will make a big difference in their day and yours!
Temple Beth Sholom Donations
Please remember the Building Fund for such things as Sympathy, Mazel Tov, Thank You, and Speedy Recovery. The list is endless. Your contribution will brighten someone’s day and help support YOUR temple at the same time!
Sam and Faye Kushner – We would like to honor the yahrzeits of the following friends and family: Jane Carol Harris, Helene K. Navell, Bessie Berman, Sonia L. Rippe, Rosa Bane, Anna Kelson, and Albert Koplen.
Peter and Jo Ann Howard – We would like to honor all those on the March - April yahrzeit list, especially David John Howard, and Charles and Heather Silverman. May their memories be a blessing. Friday, March 14, 2025
15 Purim Facts Every Jew Should Know
By Menachem Posner
1. Purim Is the Jolliest Day of the Year
The jolly festival of Purim is celebrated every year on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Adar (late winter/early spring). Purim 2025 begins Thursday night, March 13 and continues through Friday, March 14 (extending through Sunday in Jerusalem). It commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia from Haman’s plot “to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews, young and old, infants and women, in a single day.”
2. Purim Is a Persian Word
Purim means “lots” in ancient Persian. The holiday was thus named since the evil Haman had thrown lots to determine when he would carry out his diabolical scheme. You can pronounce this name many ways. In Eastern tradition, it is called poo-REEM. Among Westerners, it is often called PUH-rim.
3. Mordechai and Esther Are the Heroes of the Day Mordechai was the leader of the Jewish people in Persia, and Esther was his cousin. Forcibly made queen of Persia, Esther bravely interceded putting her own life on the line on behalf of her people. The story of their heroism is recorded in the Book of Esther.
4. The Book of Esther Is Handwritten on Parchment
The miraculous events behind the holiday of Purim are written in the Megillah scroll. Per Esther’s request, the events were written in a scroll to be read every year on Purim. This scroll, called the Megillah (Book of Esther), was one of the final books to be canonized in the Tanach. A genuine Megillah must be written by a scribe on parchment a painstaking process that takes several days or weeks to complete.
5. There Are Four Purim Mitzvahs
Purim is celebrated by observing the following four rituals:
Reading the Megillah - this recounts the story of the Purim miracle. It is read once on the eve of Purim and again the following day.
Giving monetary gifts to two poor people.
Sending gifts of two kinds of food to at least one person.
A festive Purim feast, which often includes wine or other intoxicating beverages.
6. We Spin “Graggers” on Purim
Graggers are spinning noisemakers (ratchets) used to drown out Haman’s name during the Megillah reading. Since every word must be heard clearly, the reader repeats the name after the racket has died down. Although traditionally made of wood, graggers can be made of tin, plastic, or anything else. In a pinch, pounding on the table, stamping one’s feet, or shaking one’s keys will suffice.
7. People Drink Wine on Purim
The sages of the Talmud assert that “a person is obligated to drink on Purim until he does not know the difference between ‘blessed is Mordechai and cursed is Haman.’” Obviously, this does not apply to anyone who may become ill or act inappropriately when intoxicated.
8. Purim is preceded by a Fast
On the day before Purim (or on the Thursday before, when Purim is on Sunday), it is customary to fast, commemorating Esther’s fasting and praying to G-d that He save His people.
9. Hamantaschen and Kreplach: Purim Treats
God’s involvement in the Purim miracle was hidden; it appeared as if our people’s salvation came by way of natural means. Indeed, the day is celebrated with delicacies where the delicious filling is hidden inside dough. Classic hamantaschen are a sweet three-cornered pastry filled with poppy seeds, and meat-filled kreplach are traditionally cooked and served in chicken soup at the festive meal. The seeds recall Esther’s vegetarian diet in the royal palace, where she secretly kept kosher
10. We Masquerade on Purim
People traditionally dress up on Purim, wear masks, or otherwise make themselves look somewhat unusual. Like the “hidden” treats mentioned above, many say that concealing ourselves behind a costume reflects the way G-d operated behind a cloak of natural events.
11. People Say “Purim Torah”
In keeping with the over-the-top atmosphere of the day, people (especially learned Jews) share “Purim Torah,” in which silliness and scholarship mesh into a dizzying blend of witty (and sometimes absurd) exegeses.
12. Purim Is Deferred One Day in Jerusalem
Purim is observed on Adar 14, the day that the Jews rested after trouncing their enemies in battle. In the capital city of Shushan, there were so many bad guys that it took an additional day of fighting to ensure their safety, so they rested on the following day, Adar 15. Since Shushan was walled, it was declared that all walled metropolises (chiefly, but not only, Jerusalem) would celebrate on that later date. This second Purim is known as “Shushan Purim.”
13. Purim Is Always a Month and a Day before Passover
Purim is celebrated on 14 Adar, and Passover starts on 15 Nissan. In a Jewish leap year there are two Adars, making for a total of 13 months. In those years, Purim is celebrated during the second Adar, so that it is close to Passover. This is so that the miraculous salvation of Purim is as close as possible to the miracle of the Exodus, commemorated on Passover.
14. Stalin Was Thwarted on Purim
In the early 1950s, Joseph Stalin, the ruthless butcher of millions of innocent people, had bloody plans for dealing with the “Jewish problem” in the U.S.S.R. Just as things were reaching a crisis point in 1953, he suddenly fell ill and died. His illness began . . . on Purim!
15. The Gulf War Also Ended on Purim
In 1990, Saddam Hussein of Iraq defiantly invaded nearby Kuwait. As pressure ramped up from the international community, his army began firing SCUD missiles into Israel. The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, repeatedly assured the people of Israel that they would be protected. After the U.S.-led forces attacked Iraq, they were quickly victorious and the hostilities ended . . . on Purim!
Statement on Reform Movement Institutions Joining Major Federal Lawsuit Protecting Religious Freedom
February 11, 2025 - The URJ (Union for Reform Judaism) and CCAR (Central Conference of American Rabbis) have proudly joined more than two dozen national faith denominations and associations as plaintiffs in a major federal lawsuit defending religious freedom. The suit challenges the rescission of a longstanding “sensitive locations” policy that strictly limited ICE from immigration enforcement actions in houses of worship.
The lawsuit is rooted in our commitment to defending our right and ability to fulfill without government interference the holy and prophetic tenets of our faith, including worship, community building, education, programming and more. We welcome people into our buildings without regard to their status in this country. The sensitive locations policy ensures that all these things happen freely and without the intrusion of ICE. This lawsuit will ensure our ability to choose to continue that holy work, free from government interference. For us, this is a matter of principle. The United States’ dedication to religious freedom, established in the First Amendment to the Constitution, is a unique and central blessing of our democracy. It has allowed Jewish life, and all religious life, to flourish in this country over the centuries. Without these protections in place, Americans of all faiths will be at risk.
The lawsuit is led by a team from the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection (ICAP), a non-profit, public interest litigation firm housed at Georgetown University Law Center. The suit is premised on protections established by the 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), which affirmed that any action taken by the government that imposes on religious freedom must do so through the least restrictive means. In this case, we have joined with a host of national faith denominations who share our belief that the Department of Homeland Security’s lifting of the sensitive locations policy fails to meet RFRA’s standards and will have significant and harmful impacts on our religious freedom.
The lawsuit imposes no obligations on any individual Reform congregation, clergy, or congregant. As always, every synagogue, rabbi, and congregant is free to decide their own policies and practices, as well as make their own determination on the services they provide or do not provide.
Given the increase in ICE activity, we suggest every congregation engage in thoughtful, advance planning in consultation with their congregation’s legal advisors and local immigration law experts who can best guide them on their circumstances and local/state laws when it comes to immigration issues that may impact the synagogue’s members, program participants, and overall activities.
For more information about the URJ and CCAR’s commitment to immigration justice, rooted in the biblical directive to welcome the stranger, or immigrant, mentioned 36 times in the Torah, visit the RAC website.
Read a press release on this lawsuit and read the frequently asked questions.
Rabbi Rick Jacobs (he/him) President, URJ
Shelley Niceley Groff (she/her) North American Board Chair, URJ
Rabbi Hara Person (she/her) CEO, Central Conference of American Rabbis
Rabbi Erica Asch (she/her) President, Central Conference of American Rabbis
Add your name to a petition protecting religious freedom and houses of worship from ICE arrests.
A Little Holiday Humor is Good for the Soul!
March - April 2025
A Message from Martha Woody, Danville President
As I write this article for the Shofar, I am not feeling especially perky; actually, quite troubled by all I see going on in our country and the world. I am especially concerned about Israel; it’s been over 500 days since the October 7th attack on Israel, we are mourning the dead, haunted by the faces of grieving families and friends. And we are concerned about those who survived this horrific attack and its aftermath. What are their physical wounds, and perhaps even more importantly, what are their mental, emotional, and psychological injuries? These latter issues may very well make the difference between recovery/resilience and relapse/regression. Where will these victims get the treatment they need?
One answer to the last question is Hadassah’s Gandel Rehabilitation Center. The center was far from completed when Hamas attacked Israel but with stunning, arduous, and ultimately successful efforts, the center was completed in March 2024. Many more of those injured in the war are surviving with immediate medical attention in the field and rapid evacuation to a hospital, but then face months if not years of rehabilitation to be able return to their previous level of functioning. The Gandel Center provides state of the art physical, occupational, and water therapy as well as welcoming families and significant others into the treatment sessions to provide the encouragement and support that is so necessary to endure the rigors of daily and often painful exercises. At the same time, the center provides outstanding treatment of mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. These “invisible wounds” can make the recovery from physical trauma that much more difficult.
And there’s more! Our Youth Aliyah Villages are caring for youngsters displaced or orphaned by the recent war with Hamas. Hadassah’s medical research has revolutionized the care and treatment of diseases such as cancer, ALS, emergency and trauma medicine, women’s health (including infertility and cardiac issues), and many more. Advocacy is an important endeavor of Hadassah as well. Currently the emphasis includes combatting antisemitism, women’s health equity, and promoting US – Israel collaborative efforts, along with other issues. Please go to the Hadassah website to find out more about all of Hadassah’s efforts to spread healing and hope.
(Continued on the next page.)
These endeavors of Hadassah are examples of what “the power of women who do” can accomplish. Your support of our organization helps to make astonishing things happen! In whatever you do that benefits Hadassah, please know that you are joining many thousands of other women striving to contribute to tikkun olam. One way you can support our local chapter is to attend our Zoom meeting on Wednesday, March 12th at 7:00 p.m. The dynamic duo of Gail Moskowitz and Sharon Goretsky will be with us to talk about empowerment, and you don’t want to miss this special event
As we approach the festival of Purim, enjoy a little frivolity as well! Laughing is good for the soul and for the body. Take care, all –
Martha Woody, President Hadassah Danville
Again, we’d love to see you on Zoom for a wonderful program with Gail and Sharon on Wednesday, March 12th at 7:00 pm!
https://hadassah-org.zoom.us/j/86263798105?pwd=yjfq5wAaIkONnDIpwTOUP2yhRvCuUv.1
Fundraising Projects to start off our 2025 Hadassah Year
Galentine’s Day “No Show” Event
Thank you to those of you who have already participated in our Galentine’s Day “No Show” Event! However, it’s not too late to send in your contribution. The easiest way to do this is to pay by credit card on-line: https://bit.ly/DanvilleGalentines2025.
If you prefer to send a check, make it payable to Hadassah and mail it to Jo Ann Howard, 326 Rosemary Lane, Danville, VA 24541
If you have misplaced your “ response ” card, these are the categories to choose from:
$ 36 Meditation & Breathing “Gal” - Pal
$ 54 Walking Maven
$ 72 Pickleball Champ
$108 Heart Healthy Chef
$180 Zumba Class Protégé
$360 Clean Bill of Health
Rays of Hope & Celebration –
This year-round project has given members a way to virtually light a menorah at a meeting and/or send a mazel tov, get well, or an expression of sympathy to a friend or family member. Each menorah you light is $18. You can either pay by credit card on-line: https://bit.ly/DanvilleRaysofHopeandCelebration, or send your check to Jo Ann Howard (see information above). If you want the information sent to a friend or family member, please include their mailing information when you send your check and menorah information to Jo Ann.
Hadassah Is Standing Up to Attacks on
Women’s Health and Reproductive Freedom
Right now, members of Congress are introducing dangerous bills that threaten reproductive freedom and restrict women’s ability to access reproductive healthcare services, putting their lives at unnecessary risk.
This legislation includes an outright national ban on abortion, a national ban on medication abortion, prohibiting insurance plans from covering important reproductive care, withdrawing federal funds from colleges and universities that provide abortion services and much more.
Over the past few years, we have witnessed bans and restrictions that led to poor health outcomes, denial of emergency services and suffering for women, including serious injury and death. States with bans or restrictions on abortion have fewer maternity care providers and from 2018 to 2020, the maternal death rate increased twice as fast in states with abortion restrictions compared to those with access.
Several stories have been reported that highlight these policies’ grave impact on women’s health. In Georgia, one woman was afraid to seek much-needed medical attention for an infection due to legislation in the state making dilation and curettage (D&C) procedures a felony. Another woman in Texas was experiencing a miscarriage and was refused care due to the presence of a fetal heartbeat. Both women later died of infections. This cannot continue.
We must stand up to these policies to ensure that people across the country have complete access to reproductive health care and that medical professionals can provide essential care without fearing for their jobs or their safety.
Hadassah’s Advocacy in Action
Hadassah has and always will stand for reproductive choice, which is essential for women’s health. Our work to protect reproductive rights both at the federal level and in states across the country is more important than ever.
In 2024, Hadassah members’ tireless advocacy led to success for reproductive rights across the country on Election Day. Hadassah grassroots volunteers and leaders helped pass ballot initiatives in seven states (Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nevada and New York) to protect reproductive freedom. Despite these wins, there is much more to do.
Join us and urge your lawmakers to reject dangerous measures attacking women’s healthcare and call on them to protect reproductive freedom by passing the Right to Contraception Act. Visit our National Action Center to learn more.
Will we see your name next time? Each menorah you light is just $18!