​At Temple Beth Ami we really know how to celebrate Lag B’Omer.
      But what is Lag B’Omer.  The period called "the omer" begins the second night of Passover and continues until Shavuot. The omer (literally "a measure") was an offering of the first of the new grain harvest. The Torah commanded that seven weeks be counted from the time of the offering of the omer.  The period also became known as sefirah—literally, "the counting.”   The omer period was harvest time contemplation with the concern for a successful crop.  This year that counting and serious reflection has never been more powerful. Lag B'Omer occurs on the thirty-third day of the omer count (Iyyar 18). The name comes from the numerical values assigned to the Hebrew letters lamed (30) and gimel (3), hence "LaG."
    Lag B'Omer today is a festival usually celebrated by picnics and other outings during where mourning practices of the omer are lifted. There is also an old custom whereby children play with bows and arrows on this day. The most frequent explanation for the importance of Lag B'Omer is that a plague that killed Rabbi Akiva's students either ended on this day or was suspended during it.  Some believe that the story about the plague is actually a cryptic reference to the unsuccessful revolt of Bar Kokhba against the Romans. This revolt, (132-35 C.E.) was supported by Akiva and perhaps these mourning practices were for those killed during the revolt. The archery custom fits with this theory. Some feel the origin of the holiday truly lies in folk customs that have parallels in other cultures, like May Day.
      For many years we celebrated Lag B’Omer with a campout at Mike Schwartz’s Mishkan Ranch in Acton. We went Israeli style, with a big bonfire BBQ and in the morning we played paintball.  We also held a campout for a few years up at Valley Trails Camp in Castaic with archery, zip lines and a pretty big campfire.  We also have had several park days around Valencia, bringing together people of all ages for fun and games. 
      But what do we do this year?  Lag B’Omer begins Monday night May 11th and we didn’t want to let the holiday go by without celebration, so we turned to our congregants, the Scotts and their great restaurant Nealie’s Skillet, for help.  They whipped up a delicious and very affordable Lag B’Omer BBQ menu.  With a wonderful meal, beautiful So. Cal. weather and maybe a backyard fire pit, it will hopefully be a great night. 

​Friday, March 13th at about 4 pm, Temple Beth Ami made the shift toward a new reality.  We were supposed to be having services that evening, and then the county issued new stay-at-home orders. About four hours before our communal Shabbat started, we canceled services for the first time ever. Weather, fires, catastrophe loss, no matter what, we always had Shabbat services. We missed that one service, but Friday night March 20th, we were ready to go virtually.
 
And we went large, attempting to make a worship experience that would be moving and inspirational, even if it was watched on a screen or phone. Since that Friday night TBA Shabbat services have had over 100,000 views on Facebook, and we didn’t miss a beat in any of our other programs.  The last month we’ve had up to four times as many people join us on Zoom for the classes we normally do in person.
 
As a caring community we wanted to establish continuity, and we were committed to making sure people knew that we were going to be here. We weren’t going to go dark—we were to have some semblance of stability in the midst of a lot of craziness and fear and panic and uncertainty.  We are committed to be a beacon of hope and love.
 
Over these last weeks we shared Seders with celebrities, and congregants across the country, with our oldest and youngest.  We commemorated Yom HaShoah with survivor Margot Webb, who reflected on the experiences of her life and imparted her wisdom. On Israel Independence Day we celebrated with Consul General Dr. Hillel Newman as well as other special guests. 
 
As we look ahead to the days ahead, there is so much still to come.   Shavuot, our next major festival, begins Thursday night, May 28. In ancient times, our people made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem three times a year to mark pivotal moments in the agricultural cycle. On Shavuot, Jewish pilgrims would march into Jerusalem from the countryside, carrying baskets of ripe fruits and bread baked from the newly harvested wheat. For twenty years our community has revitalized an ancient tradition by celebrating Shavuot with the  communal study of our sacred texts.
 
Temple Beth Ami and Congregation Beth Shalom have taken turns hosting an evening of dessert and study on Erev Shavuot. This year we will be online, beginning at 7:00 PM on May 28th. We look forward to your participation in this program, a celebration of Jewish learning and community connection.
 
Our Adult B’nai Mitzvah class culminates in a Shabbat service & ceremony on June 6, 2020, where the members of the group each read their individual Torah portions.  This group of six very special women, join over forty adults who have celebrated this meaningful celebration with us, a deeply moving and fulfilling accomplishment.  While we expect the service will be held at Temple Beth Ami, it will be streamed as well, and we hope you can join us virtually for this communal celebration. 
 
We are still learning how to respond to this crisis, we are experimenting with new technology and testing the boundaries of spirituality and community. Each day brings challenges and opportunities.  The biggest lesson—the most important lesson—is that we will get through this. We will respond with compassion; we will react and adapt to new realities while staying true to our traditions and values. We have survived bigger challenges and will continue to survive as a people, as humanity.
​
We will get through this together. 

​Many are familiar with the story of Passover, the Exodus from Egypt.  Each year we recount how our ancestors were liberated at this time of year.  In Hebrew Egypt is called Mitzrayim, the “Narrow Place.”  As we all know this Passover will be unlike any holiday season most of us have ever experienced.  This year we are most definitely constrained, we don’t have to imagine it as much as usual.   In a sense, the holiday speaks to us exactly where we are now, in a time and place of constriction and restriction.  
 
For people around the world, the spring season is a time to contemplate the days ahead.  For our ancestors, this early harvest season was the heart of an economic system where financial security and a family’s very survival depended on what happened in these crucial weeks.  For many of us, this Passover, we feel a sense of uncertainty like no other time before. 
 
Every year we place an egg on our Seder plate as a symbol of potential.  It is a subtle, yet powerful reminder that Passover is a celebration of rebirth.  The holiday teaches us to have faith that no matter how terrible our situation, we must not lose hope.  Remember, while the story of Passover begins with people enslaved, it concludes with songs of freedom. 
 
Towards the end of Passover Seder meals around the world, we take a moment to open our doors and welcome the prophet Elijah.  In our tradition the prophet is the messenger of the Messianic Era, and it is his honor to announce the arrival of a time of peace, health and security for all. Some holidays it seems so far off.   
 
Yet, the next words we say are: Ani ma’amin b’emunah shelyamah...  I believe in a perfect faith in the coming of the Messiah, and although he may tarry, nevertheless, I wait every day for that day to come.
 
I believe in a perfect faith that, while this battle we are in right now makes it seem distant, the day will come when each person, everywhere, will live without illness, free from fear, in a world at peace.   I believe.

Please join us for the holiday through TBA online:
www.templebethami.org/tba-online.html

​As you read this I am in Washington D.C. for the AIPAC Policy Conference for the sixth year in a row. Once again I am joined there by other members of Temple Beth Ami.  This amazing annual event attracts thousands of participants from around the country who gather together in our nation’s capital to learn directly from the specialists and leaders in the Middle East, show solidarity for Israel, and engage in grassroots meetings with every congressional representative on the Hill.

This year being a presidential election year the importance of this year’s event is obvious.   Overlapping with Super Tuesday it will be interesting to see what candidates and speakers have to say regarding the US/Israel relationship.  In addition, in the midst of the conference, the third election in a year will be taking place in Israel on March 2. In past years Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke in person at AIPAC, this year's conference he won’t be as he as his hands full.  So this could be a watershed moment for Israel as well.

Many of you have expressed interest in going.  Start planning now, we need your presence there next year.  I guarantee that this annual event is one of the greatest Jewish events in our nation.  Simply joining together with thousands of our people from across the United States is an unbelievable experience.  Next year you need to feel it for yourself. 

Not long after the AIPAC Conference concludes participants, including Jews from every denomination and political affiliation, will return home to their communities and we will be confronted with the story of Esther as we celebrate Purim.

Underneath the masks, and below the farce we are confronted by the existential threat that emanates out of Persia nearly 2500 years ago.  The chilling geographic coincidence does not go unnoticed to Jews around the world.  The courage of Mordecai and Esther, who represent a powerless diaspora community at the risk of their lives, have inspired us for centuries.  Their situation, and tragically Jewish history for most of the last 2000 years, was one of fragile existence.  It is a far cry from where we are today, but we do not dare go back.  

With a nation of our own rebuilt in Zion, and Jewish communities as here in the US, of immense strength and power, we live in remarkable and wonderful days.  However, as we have seen too often recently, even in our own nation, our enemies are not fictional creations or myth.

Purim is a yearly reminder that we have enemies, and that our enemies, in the end, cannot triumph. Jews in times of peace forget the first point. Those in trouble must not lose sight of the second.

We look forward to seeing you on Monday night, March 9th at 7 pm, as we celebrate Purim with our special Spiel, a musical celebration featuring Wendee and some very talented, or at the very least, well intentioned TBA players.  Everyone is encouraged to come in costume and let loose.

This year the local synagogues are once again all joining forces to put on an amazing Purim Carnival.  It's going to be huuuge. Celebrate with Purim fun at Hart Park Picnic Area, March 8th from 11am - 2pm.

As you read this I am in Washington D.C. for the AIPAC Policy Conference for the sixth year in a row. Once again I am joined there by other members of Temple Beth Ami. This amazing annual event attracts thousands of participants from around the country who gather together in our nation’s capital to learn directly from the specialists and leaders in the Middle East, show solidarity for Israel, and engage in grassroots meetings with every congressional representative on the Hill.

This year being a presidential election year the importance of this year’s event is obvious. Overlapping with Super Tuesday it will be interesting to see what candidates and speakers have to say regarding the US/Israel relationship.  In addition, in the midst of the conference, the third election in a year will be taking place in Israel on March 2. In past years Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke in person at AIPAC, this year's conference he won’t be as he as his hands full.  So this could be a watershed moment for Israel as well.

Many of you have expressed interest in going. Start planning now, we need your presence there next year. I guarantee that this annual event is one of the greatest Jewish events in our nation. Simply joining together with thousands of our people from across the United States is an unbelievable experience. Next year you need to feel it for yourself. 

Not long after the AIPAC Conference concludes participants, including Jews from every denomination and political affiliation, will return home to their communities and we will be confronted with the story of Esther as we celebrate Purim.

Underneath the masks, and below the farce we are confronted by the existential threat that emanates out of Persia nearly 2500 years ago. The chilling geographic coincidence does not go unnoticed to Jews around the world. The courage of Mordecai and Esther, who represent a powerless diaspora community at the risk of their lives, have inspired us for centuries. Their situation, and tragically Jewish history for most of the last 2000 years, was one of fragile existence.  t is a far cry from where we are today, but we do not dare go back.  

With a nation of our own rebuilt in Zion, and Jewish communities as here in the US, of immense strength and power, we live in remarkable and wonderful days. However, as we have seen too often recently, even in our own nation, our enemies are not fictional creations or myth.

Purim is a yearly reminder that we have enemies, and that our enemies, in the end, cannot triumph. Jews in times of peace forget the first point. Those in trouble must not lose sight of the second.

We look forward to seeing you on Monday night, March 9th at 7 pm, as we celebrate Purim with our special Spiel, a musical celebration featuring Wendee and some very talented, or at the very least, well intentioned, TBA players.  Everyone is encouraged to come in costume and let loose.

This year the local synagogues are once again all joining forces to put on an amazing Purim Carnival.  It's going to be  
. Celebrate with Purim fun at Hart Park Picnic Area, March 8th from 11am - 2pm.
 

Our connection to the protection of our natural resources is a deeply rooted tradition. Hamisha Asar B'Shevat (literally, the 15th day of Shevat) is also known as Tu B'Shvat (the Hebrew letters Tet and Vav total the number 15). It is designated as Jewish Arbor Day or the New Year of the Trees. This year it begins the evening of February 9th. 

The Mishnah's designation "New Year of the Trees" was not merely a poetic phrase. It had profound bearing on Jewish law. In order to observe certain mitzvot it was necessary to know how old a tree was. Tu B'Shevat was the official "birthday" for all trees and this day was the official deadline. In Temple days, offerings had to be set aside from all new fruit and crop produce. Fruit gathered from the previous year’s produce could not be used for tithes due on fruit gathered in the next year. The age of the tree was significant from another halachic aspect. The law of orlah forbids eating from fruit trees during the first three years after they have been planted. 

Today Tu B'Shevat is a time to consider our more general connection to the earth and our obligation to take care of it. The Jewish tradition of 'tikkun olam' repairing the world--can be taken in an ecological as well as a spiritual sense. On this day, then, we can renew our commitment to this philosophy by taking matters into our own hands. For example, we could commit ourselves to planting a garden, lobbying our politicians to protect our natural resources, by planning a family recycling project and giving to the J.N.F. to help the land of Israel. 

At TBA, our Religious school will be celebrating with a Seder, Sunday, February 9th at and with a special planting.  From their youngest years our students learn the importance of appreciating the natural world and understanding our role as responsible stewards.

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday night, February 9th, as we celebrate with our special Tu B’Shevat Wine Tasting with details coming soon.  This adult holiday celebration is one not to be missed. This year’s event will feature clean and crafted wines that are almost completely free of sulfites and other flavor enhancers.  You will taste and feel the difference. 
 

To a lively and healthy 2020,

Rabbi Mark Blazer

​      Our community’s growth is dependent on the opportunities to expand the mind, heart and heart through Beth Ami.  We look forward to expanding the educational offerings for people of all ages and backgrounds, it is a pillar of our special synagogue. And due to popular demand, we will be offering the B’nai Mitzvah cohort again starting this month.
     Running over the next several months, the classes will provide an opportunity to read Hebrew, immerse in the Torah, learn the structure and prayers of the Shabbat service and get to know other members of our warm & caring community. The class culminates in a Shabbat service & ceremony in June 2020, where the members of the group celebrate Adult B’nai Mitzvah, each reading his/her individual Torah portion.  The participants in this group join over forty adults who have celebrated at Beth Ami this meaningful celebration, a deeply moving and fulfilling accomplishment.
         
     Chanukah celebrations are everywhere in Santa Clarita, with TBA spreading the holiday lights throughout our community.  We are celebrating almost every night with a special event.  Temple Beth Ami’s 2019/5780 Chanukah events:
​
Tuesday, Dec. 17, 10am - Storytime at the Valencia Library
Sunday, Dec. 22, 5pm - Santa Clarita’s Jewish Community Party at Westfield’s Valencia Town Center (inside mall in front of JCPenney)
Monday, Dec. 23, 6pm - Join us as we light the Stevenson Ranch Community menorah at Stevenson Ranch Parkway and Holmes Place
Monday, Dec. 23, 7pm - Chanukah Party and Storytime at Barnes & Noble, Valencia. Fun for all ages!
Thursday, Dec. 26, 6pm - Family Latke Cooking Class sponsored by sisterhood at the Blazer’s
Friday, Dec. 27, 8pm - Don’t miss TBA’s famous Chanukah Party and Shabbat Celebration at Temple Beth Ami.  Pasha and volunteer family Award presentation!
Saturday, Dec. 28, 7pm - Vodka/Latke at the Blazer’s

Our community’s growth is dependent on the opportunities to expand the mind, heart and heart through Beth Ami. We look forward to expanding the educational offerings for people of all ages and backgrounds, it is a pillar of our special synagogue. And due to popular demand, we will be offering the B’nai Mitzvah cohort again starting this month.
 
Running over the next several months, the classes will provide an opportunity to read Hebrew, immerse in the Torah, learn the structure and prayers of the Shabbat service and get to know other members of our warm and caring community. The class culminates in a Shabbat service and ceremony in June 2020, where the members of the group celebrate Adult B’nai Mitzvah, each reading his/her individual Torah portion. The participants in this group join over forty adults who have celebrated at Beth Ami this meaningful celebration, a deeply moving and fulfilling accomplishment.

Chanukah celebrations are everywhere in Santa Clarita, with TBA spreading the holiday lights throughout our community. We are celebrating almost every night with a special event. Temple Beth Ami’s 2019/5780 Chanukah events:
​
Tuesday, Dec. 17, 10am - Storytime at the Valencia Library
Sunday, Dec. 22, 5pm - Santa Clarita’s Jewish Community Party at Westfield’s Valencia Town Center (inside mall in front of JCPenney)
Monday, Dec. 23, 6pm - Join us as we light the Stevenson Ranch Community menorah at Stevenson Ranch Parkway and Holmes Place
Monday, Dec. 23, 7pm - Chanukah Party and Storytime at Barnes & Noble, Valencia. Fun for all ages!
Thursday, Dec. 26, 6pm - Family Latke Cooking Class sponsored by Sisterhood at the Blazer’s
Friday, Dec. 27, 8pm - Don’t miss TBA’s famous Chanukah Party and Shabbat Celebration at Temple Beth Ami.  Pasha and volunteer family Award presentation!
Saturday, Dec. 28, 7pm - Vodka/Latke at the Blazer’s.

This August 10th is the 20th anniversary of the shooting at the North Valley JCC, just a few miles from our homes. In August of 1999, a white supremacist opened fire on adults, and primarily children.  In the years since, there have been fatal attacks on Jewish Institutions across the country: Seattle Jewish Federation in 2006, US Holocaust Memorial Museum in 2009 and the Overland Park Kansas JCC in 2014.
 
This last year 5779, will be remembered as the most destructive in American Jewish History.  The attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh followed six months to the day by the attack on Chabad of Poway. In between those attacks we witnessed the slaughter of Christian worshippers last Easter Sunday in Sri Lanka, and the murder and devastation at mosques in New Zealand.
 
In the last few weeks our nation has convulsed through horrific violent attacks on ordinary people enjoying the summer.  As many of you know, Shira, Tracy and I were at the Gilroy Garlic Festival two hours before the shooting.  Standing in the same place that soon would be covered in blood and bullets gives you a chilling sense of how fragile our existence is and, tragically, how common these mass murders have become.  Most of us probably knows someone who was at Route 91 or Borderline, just since 2017. 
 
We still have so far to go to truly live in peace, but we do live in an era where there is amazing cooperation between faith groups. In the past religious differences sparked violence. Now, throughout the world, specifically in the face of these tragedies, religious denominations, have united in solidarity to reaffirm our common commitment to peace.  
 
At the end of September Temple Beth Ami will be celebrating our New Year at Santa Clarita United Methodist Church, who have graciously allowed us use of their space once again this year.  Increased security, including armed guards, will be the order of the day, in our community and in synagogues across our nation.
 
As we close out 5779 we reflect on numerous tragedies in the United States, we recognize that the Jewish community was especially targeted during the last year. We understand these vicious acts to be part of wider societal problems that effect many communities, and in reality impact everyone in the country. We have only begun to engage in serious dialogue, and most of us feel no safer than we did twenty years ago.  We know we have much more to accomplish.
 
May this year bring us more peace. May we work, as a community and a nation, in all ways, to legislate, educate, motivate and protect our people.  And may we all live in a world filled with safety and security.
 
Whatever blessings this year brings you, may you accept them with gratitude, whatever challenges, may you face them with courage.
 
LE-SHANAH TOVAH TIKATEVU -- MAY YOU BE INSCRIBED FOR A GOOD YEAR!
 
We look forward to getting this new year off to a great start.  In 5780 we will once again be celebrating High Holiday services at Santa Clarita United Methodist Church, 26640 Bouquet Canyon Rd.  We look forward to being with you all soon.