THIS EREV SHABBAT,  January 2  is SHABBAT CARLEBACH.

Tefiloth will take place in Beit Yom Lakashish

CURRENT AFFAIRS: The current state of the country requires that we all pull together as one with our fellow citizens who are living under emergency status as the missiles and rockets fall in the south. We are in daily contact with Masorti congregations in that area and are responsive to their needs and requests. We will advise you of what we have heard. We continue to pray for our soldiers and for those who serve our country and for our fellow citizens who are experiencing such distress.

THE KIDDUSH TO HONOR RABBI GLIKIN AND HIS FAMILY: January 17, all members of the kehila are invited to join in the Shabbat Tefila and the special Kiddush which follows as we “officially” welcome Rabbi Ary, Nati and their children Itai and Talia to Torat Hayim.   For how YOU can participate in the Kiddush, please call  Dalya Pinkas or Terri Harari with your information. DO IT NOW, PLEASE.  The 17^th of January is Shabbat Sh’mot.

SHABBAT CHATAN V’KALLAH: This Shabbat, January 3, the kehila is invited to join in the simcha of the kallah, Michal Ziv-El (granddaughter of Jack and Priscilla) and her hattan, Eitan Barel. Many members of the Ziv-El and Barel families will be joining us for Shabbat tefila, most of whom have come from the United States for the wedding which takes place on the next day. Mazal Tov from our hearts to this special couple and to the Ziv El and Barel grandparents and relatives!!!   The tefila will take place in Beit Yom HaKashish which has been part of the reconstruction project of the last weeks.

CHANUKAH PARTY: A week ago, on Chanukah, members of the kehila, young and old, joined together for a Chanukah party which was held at Beit Yom Hakashish in north Herzliya. With many different Hanukiot brought by and lit by kehila families, the group sang Chanukah songs and ate Levivot.  Special thanks to Gila Gershon, Tami Okmian and Pnina Kariv for helping to organize the event and to Ruth Ritterband for securing this location for the evening when our regular home was under repair. Thanks again to the mankalit of this site, Orna, who made us so very welcome there.

CHANUKAH CANDLE “FACTORY:” Thanks to Mimi Fuchs who hosted and led a special Chanukah activity at her home last Sunday morning where children made their own candles. We appreciate the initiative, Mimi.

GENERAL MEETING OF THE MASORTI MOVEMENT: Last Friday, at Congregation Hod V’Hadar in Kfar Saba, the annual meeting of the  Masorti movement  was held.  A review of the year 2008 and projections for 2009 including financial issues of grave concern were raised.  The NOAM troupe  (an excellent group from the youth wing of the Masorti movement) performed Chanukah songs and it was a pleasure to hear them. Rabbi Glikin represented our kehila at this meeting.

STUDY GROUPS CONTINUE: The Mishna group meets weekly at 7 PM on Mondays. Yaffa Ori hosted the group last week as our regular meeting place in Beit Yom HaKashish was under repair. Thanks to Yaffa for her hospitality. We are back in Beit Yom HaKashish now.

WOMEN’S STUDY DAY on February 22   at Hod V’Hadar in Kfar Saba: See the link in Mevasser from now on with all of the information and the registration form which can be downloaded. The session begins with coffee and light refreshment at 3:45 PM and ends before 9 PM.  For further information contact Rona Roth or Ruth Ritterband.

FOOD FOR THE NEEDY: The kehila has, for several years, participated in donating food for the needy of Herzliya.  Each Shabbat AM non-perishable foodstuffs are brought by people who attend tefilot. We especially recommend to Kiddush hosts that they include such foods for the food bank as they prepare for their Kiddush on a Shabbat morning. The mitzvah of Tzedakah is very important.  For further information on how to sponsor a Kiddush, please contact Naomi Sobel.