The Hebrew month of Elul, immediately preceding Rosh HaShana, represents a time of repentance, introspection and other subjects you most likely won’t hear preached about the rest of the year. Communities have the tradition of blowing the shofar each morning to rouse us from our spiritual slumber. So if you’re up early enough on your morning walk around Hiroo and miss the sound of a ram’s horn being blown semi-professionally, please ring the Rabbi bell to hear the tekiah, shvarim and t’ruah blasts nearly a full month before everyone else.
This particular month of Elul is also special for the JCC in that we begin the triumphant return of weekly in-person Friday evening services (6:00pm) and dinners (7:00pm) COVID numbers be damned! As business travel and tourism slowly tick back up, we can’t wait to host visitors from around the world. Just make sure to have your reservations in by Wednesday at 2:00pm. While our services tend to start on Jewish Standard Time (5-15 minutes late), the deadline for meals does not. Don’t delay. Reserve today!
Services
Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, September 2nd
Services: 6:00pm
Dinner with Reservation: 7:00pm
Shabbat Parshat Shoftim
Ice Cream and Junk Food Kiddush sponsored by the Scheer family in honor of our 5th Wedding Anniversary and the gastronomic indulgences brought on by parenting.
Saturday, September 3rd
Services: 10:00am
Kiddush: 12:00pm
Family Shabbat
Friday, September 9th
Services: 6:00pm
Dinner with Reservation: 7:00pm
Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, September 16th
Services: 6:00pm
Dinner with Reservation: 7:00pm
Shabbat Parshat Ki Tavo
Kiddush sponsored by the Andreu family in commemoration of the yahrzeits of Carlos’s mother, Elizabeth Hutton-Scheck, and father, Carlos Andreu-Aragon
Saturday, September 17th
Services: 10:00am
Kiddush: 12:00pm
Events
Sunday School Welcome Back for Parents and Students
Sunday, September 4th
10:00am – 11:00am
The sold-out JCC night at the Ballpark at Jingu Stadium to cheer on our beloved Yakult Swallows against the dreaded Chunichi Dragons is scheduled for this Sunday, September 4th at 6:00pm. Thanks to all those who helped arrange and signed up for what should be a memorable night. Go Go Swallows!
Announcements
Condolences to the very Jewish if not kosher Wise Sons restaurant on closing their Marunouchi branch. As stated on their website, the original Wise Sons was founded in San Francisco in the Hebrew Year 5771. Lasting just over four years, Wise Sons Tokyo was known as much for its matzo ball soup as its matcha babka which I can only assume was pareve. May their location be replaced by the 2nd Avenue Deli, speedily in our days.
For the names of all nine Jewish ballplayers (from right to left of course) in the below image, please click here. See how many you can get before you strike out. If you get all nine, you are more than welcome to buy the organizers of Sunday’s festivities a cold one at the ballpark to celebrate.
Yiddish Club with Jack Halpern: Meetings have started monthly in-person at the JCJ. Please contact Jack at jack@cjki.org if you are interested to join. All levels are welcome, from beginner to advanced. Much more than just language, the club enjoys exploring Yiddish culture as well.
Shabbat Parshat Shoftim
Candle Lighting: 5:49pm
Havdala: 6:45pm