Dear Readers,
On May 25th the tragic death of George Floyd catapulted us from the healing that we were absorbed through recovering from the Covid 19 virus into the realty that racism and discrimination were still threats ever present to countless numbers of Black people in America.
The outrage over Floyd’s murder that resulted in hundreds of thousands of protestors demanding change brings to our awareness that each of us must commit to being part of that change.
This video “Healing words in time of strife” is a beautiful collection that says it all.
https://www.aish.com/ci/s/Healing-Words-During-Times-of-Strife.html?s=sh1
Shabbat Services will continue on Zoom. Here is the link. Just click on it and follow the instructions.
| When: | from 6:30pm to 7:30pm on Friday June 5th (Barbados time) |
| Where: | https://zoom.us/j/95083597091 (map) |
You can download the Sim Shalom Siddur that we use by clicking on this link:
https://www.bethshalomnb.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Shabbat-evening-SIDDUR-SIM-SHALOM.pdf
Here are a few Zoom best practices: When the service begins please mute your microphone, persons who are invited to do an English reading should unmute during the reading & mute again when finished. Then at the end of the service un-mute as we all join (with soft voices) to chant Shalom Aleichem and then we will close the service with fellowship.
This is a reminder that the BJC AGM will be held on Zoom Sunday June 7th 2020 at 10:30 am.
Points of interest, updates & reminders:
– Shabbat services this week have been cancelled. Join us virtually on Zoom.
– Thomas Salamon’s D’var Torah this week will be posted to our website Parashat Nasso, Numbers 4:21 – 7:89
– Annual General Meeting (Sunday) June 7 th 10:30 am – on Zoom”
– Visit the BJC website www.jewishbarbados.org
– Interested in supporting Nidhe Israel Synagogue with your contribution? Please give today. Cheques should be written to Bridgetown Synagogue 1654 Management Company Inc.
As I complete writing this week’s message, I realize that this will be my last “President’s Message” to you since at Sunday’s AGM, a new Executive Committee will be elected and I have decided not to run for office. It has been my honour to be part of the leadership of the Barbados Jewish Community for the last few years.
I would like to thank our other Executive Committee members for their support in continuing Jewish Life and activities for the Jewish people in Barbados as well as our congregation that have been dedicated to be part of minion’s for Shabbat services, festivals and any other activities that brings us together as a community.
I would also like to recognize the Trustee’s and staff of Nidhe Israel 1654 Management Company, who are the caretaker’s for the bricks and motor of Nidhe Israel Synagogue that allows the Barbados Jewish Community to be the beneficiaries of this amazing testament to the history of Barbados and the Jews that came here before us.
Special mention of gratitude goes to Arthur McCollin who has been the caretaker of the synagogue, cemetery, and surroundings for close to 25 years. McCollin retired at the end of our last winter season a few months ago.
I am confident that our new EC will successfully engage our congregation to support each other in the future and continue the traditions of our past.
Shabbat Shalom
Scott Oran
President
