This coming Tuesday, with God’s help, I have the privilege of traveling to Miami to attend the 20th anniversary Yarchei Kallah for Rabbis under the auspices of RIETS, from which I am honored to be ordained. It will be several days of intensive sessions, but will also represent an opportunity to reconnect with friends serving around the world; for example, our Scholar in Residence, Rabbi Zsolt Balla, will also be in attendance. It will also be an opportunity for the Rabbinic community to show Hakarat HaTov to Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter, who has presided over these Yarchei Kallah experiences annually. In Rabbi Schacter’s honor, the participants put together a book whereby various Rabbis contributed sample speeches for lifecycle and other events. I was blessed to be among the few who could contribute a speech in honor of a building dedication, and am honored to have done so.
Rabbi’s Recommendations
In the past, I have compiled a playlist for the Yamim Noraim, and one for Pesach, and now I am honored to share with you my playlist for Purim. Drawing heavily from Chassidsh music and music from the Ashkenazi yeshiva world, with a Sephardic flavor as well, it will get you in the Purim spirit!
Mystery Shul Of The Week
The outside of this landmark Israeli shul has been expanded and remodeled several times, its architectural style changing completely in the century it has been in existence. The neighborhood has changed, too, and the fortunes of the shul have fluctuated with it, and now it is used especially for Jewish lifecycle events. Recently, a concerted effort has been made to revive the shul, and a campaign was approved to return it to its original appearance. Name the city, and the shul.
Last Week’s MSOTW
Last week’s mystery shul of the week was the Paradesi Synagogue in Kochi (Cochin), Indiathe synagogue used by the community of Paradesi (foreign in Malayalam) Sephardic Jews who either fled the Iberian peninsula or Arab nations to India. The shul still functions, though usually without a minyan; most Indian Jews have made aliyah and established vibrant Indian synagogues in places like Ashdod, Beersheva, Yeruham and Moshav Nevatim. The shul is also known for its clock tower.
While I may have been stumped by Stuart Wernick, our member Harel Rush texted me the answer within seconds of seeing the picture. With good reason, too- in 2019, he lained the Megillah there on Purim! I urge you to find Harel (and meet him if you haven’t already) and hear the story from him.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Ariel Rackovsky
Congregation Shaare Tefilla 6131 Churchill Way Dallas, TX 75230
