The Olympics. Good for the Jews or bad for the Jews? Good for the Japanese or bad for the Japanese? Ask again in two weeks and we will have a better idea of whether Olympic Fever is a benign description of the excitement people are feeling about the upcoming Summer Games, at least outside of Japan, or a deadly strain of vaccine-resistant COVID that is jamming up ICUs the world over. Either way, we wish the athletes well in their pursuit of the Gold and shep naches that our little ol’ JCC is playing a part in helping Jewish Olympians during their brief sojourn in Tokyo. Let’s Go Tribe! (too soon Clevelanders?)
Please join us on Wednesday at 10am for our ongoing Mornings at the JCC series. In honor of Tokyo 2020, we will discuss the Talmudic character of Resh Lakish, the first Jewish Gladiator. Resh Lakish proved himself a formidable adversary both in the Roman Colosseum and study halls of 2nd Century Israel. Come and learn more about this enigmatic figure who met an untimely end far outside the field of sport.
Happy Marine Day 海の日 and Health and Sports Day 体育の日 to all!
Services
Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat will continue over Zoom at 6:00pm. Next week we will revert to a 5:30pm start time.
Schedule for Summer Shabbat morning 10am in-person services: 7/31, 8/14, 8/28
Next Kiddush available for sponsorship will be sometime in September. Yashar Koach to our summer sponsors for stepping up!
Events
Mornings at the JCC
Discussion: Jewish Olympians from Resh Lakish to Mark Spitz
Date: Wednesday, July 28th
Time: 10:00am – Noon
In-Person Shabbat Morning Services
Sponsored by the Bleiweis Family in honor of Stella’s Bat Mitzvah
Date: Saturday, July 31st
Time: 10:00am – Noon
Announcements
The JCC wishes a happy 24th Birthday to Kenny Rosenfeld! The above left image in the below collage depicts a retired American League executive coaching a budding 5 tool player on the fundamentals of baseball…and life. The JCC would also like to compliment Philip on the stirrups he is wearing in that photo. Very Kenny Lofton circa 1996.
Happy Tu b’Av to all those searching for their basherts/soulmates. For more information on this wonderfully obscure Jewish holiday please visit https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/tu-bav/
Thank you to those who have responded to our High Holidays survey. If you haven’t, it is not too late. Please answer as soon as you can.
In the following weeks and months, we will roll out several new features in the newsletter including a message from the board, featured members, a Japanese column and member recipes. If you would like to volunteer for any of the above, please reply to this e-mail.
Shabbat Nachamu/Parshat Vaetchanan/Tu b’Av
Candle Lighting: 6:34pm
Shabbat Ends: 7:35pm