West Hawai`i Jewish Congregation
The Burning Bush by Mayim Eliana Ebert Shemot שְׁמוֹת (“names”) is the first Torah portion in the Book of Exodus. It describes the bitter enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt; a royal decree that all Hebrew boy babies be killed; how the newborn Moses is rescued in a basket on the Nile, and adopted into […]
"Vaera" ©Karin Foreman - Gratefully used with permission of the artist Vaera וָאֵרָא(“I Appeared”) opens as God promises to redeem the enslaved Israelites and bring them to the Promised Land. When Pharaoh repeatedly refuses to let the Israelites go, God sends a series of plagues: water turning to blood, frogs, lice, wild animals, death of livestock, […]
Aviva Plaut & Una Greenaway will lead this month's service which will include readings from parashah Bo by Rabbi Shari Joy Berman. Aviva will deliver a d'rash inspired by themes in the Torah portion - a dramatic chapter that includes the last of the Ten Plagues inflicted upon the Egyptians before Pharaoh agrees to let […]
"Song of Miriam" - William Gale Beshalach בְּשַׁלַּח (“When He Let Go”) describes the splitting of the Red Sea and the song the Israelites sing upon crossing through. In the desert, God sweetens bitter water and provides manna and quail. The portion ends recounting the victory of the Israelites against an attack by the Amalekites. […]
In parasahah Yitro / יִתְרוֹ (“Jethro”) as Moses reunites with his father-in-law Yitro and accepts his advice to appoint judges who will help govern the Israelites. The Israelites prepare to encounter God at Mount Sinai. God descends amidst fire, smoke, thunder, and the blast of a shofar and gives the Ten Commandments. Join in on Zoom this […]
Please email info@konabethshalom.org for Zoom connection details. The discussion will also be live-streamed via the KBS YouTube channel.
Mishpatim/מִּשְׁפָּטִי (“Laws”) recounts a series of God’s laws that Moses gives to the Israelites. These include laws about treatment of slaves, damages, loans, returning lost property, the Sabbath, the sabbatical year, holidays, and destroying idolatry. The portion ends as Moses ascends Mount Sinai for 40 days. Join in on Zoom this Saturday to read and discuss Mishpatim, Sh'mot/Exodus 21:1-24:18, in the […]
Terumah תְּרוּמָה(“Donation”) opens as God tells Moses to collect donated materials in order to build a dwelling place for God called the Mishkan (Tabernacle). God describes how to build the vessels that will fill the Mishkan - including the ark, table, menorah, and sacrificial altar - as well as the Mishkan’s walls and curtains. Join […]
Join with KBS members, friends and guests for a Shabbat service at New Thought Center of Hawai`i in Kealakekua. Dr. Barry Blum leads the service, joined by Rabbi Shari Joy Berman who will read from this week's parashah, Tetzaveh / תְּצַוֶּה ("you shall command"), in which the Israelites are instructed to prepare for sacred rituals […]
Ki-Tisa ( כִּי תִשָּׂא“When You Elevate”) opens as God tells Moses to collect a half-shekel donation from all Israelites and to anoint the Mishkan (Tabernacle), its vessels, and the priests. The Israelites worship the golden calf and Moses breaks the tablets. Moses beseeches God to forgive, and returns with a second set of tablets. Join […]
In this week's parashah, Vayakhel וַיַּקְהֵל (“He Assembled”), God commands the Israelites to observe the Sabbath. Moses asks for material donations for the building of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), and the people respond. The artisans designated by God begin building the Mishkan and its vessels. Join in on Zoom this Saturday to read and discuss Vayakhel, Sh'mot/Exodus 35:1-38:20, in the KBS Torah […]
We begin the third book of the Torah this week, in which the Israelites receive instructions for various sacrifices and offerings to be made in the Tabernacle. We'll read and discuss Vayikra/Leviticus 1:1–5:26 on Zoom this Saturday, March 21, starting at 10:00 AM Hawai`i time. No prior knowledge is necessary and we welcome a wide […]
Join with KBS members, friends and guests for a Shabbat service at New Thought Center of Hawai`i in Kealakekua. Dr. Barry Blum leads the service, joined by Rabbi Shari Joy Berman who will read from this week's parashah, Tzav / צַו ("command"), in which the Israelites are further instructed to prepare for sacred rituals in […]
"And Moses said to the people, “Remember this day on which you went out of Egypt, from the house of slaves, for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from here" - Sh'mot/Exodus 13:3 Chag sameach, As we celebrate Passover, the Torah portions this week repeat chapters from Sh'mot/Exodus that tell of the freedom from […]
To mark Yom HaShoah and the Days of Remembrance, you are invited to screen a powerful and inspiring film about Jews who fought back against the Nazis and their collaborators. "Four Winters" spotlights some of the last surviving partisans, recalling the cold, hunger, and fear, but also courage, resourcefulness, and determined resistance. Directed by Julia […]
Shemini (“Eighth”), Leviticus 9:1-11:47, opens with the consecration of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Two of Aaron’s sons are consumed by a fire sent from God when they attempt to offer a “strange fire.” God describes the animals, birds, and fish that are permissible and prohibited for consumption, as well as some laws of ritual purity. We'll read […]
Join Courtney Meiselman in her studio for a fun pinch pot workshop on April 12, 2026, with a possible additional date of April 19, 2026. Limited spaces available. Please RSVP early. The address will be given to those who RSVPd closer to the event date. $10 supply fee to be paid directly to Courtney. Reserve […]
Tazria (“She Bears Seed”) Vayikra/Leviticus 12:1-15:33, opens by describing the purification process for a woman after childbirth. It then describes different forms of tzaraat, a discoloration condition on skin or clothing, and the requirement of an infected person to dwell alone outside the camp and be inspected by a priest. Metzora opens by describing the purification process […]
Courtney Meiselman is offering a second date for the ceramics workshop in case the first one fills up quickly. Limited spaces available. RSVP required, and the address will be given to those who RSVPd closer to the event date. $10 supply fee to be paid directly to Courtney.
"The Scapegoat" (1854) by William Holman Hunt The KBS monthly Shabbat service will be led by Aviva Plaut. It will include readings from Acharei Mot (Vayikra/Leviticus 16:1-18:30), which commands the Israelites to seek repentance and includes the ritual of the scapegoat, sent into the wilderness to atone for the community's sins. Following services enjoy our […]