West Hawai`i Jewish Congregation
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.
"K'doshim" (2011) by Barbara Mendes from "Women of the Book" The KBS monthly Shabbat service will be led by Aviva Plaut, with Rabbi Shari Joy Berman reading from Parashah Kedoshim (Vayikra/Leviticus 19:1-20:27), in which the Israelites receive instructions on how to become - and stay - a holy community. Following services enjoy our Kiddush & […]
The next KBS Book Club selection is “Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth” by Noa Tishby. A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A “fascinating and very moving chronological timeline spanning from Biblical times to today that explores one of the most interesting countries in the world—Israel.” (Aaron Sorkin, award-winning screenwriter of The West Wing andThe Social […]
"Bringing the Omer to the Kohein" by Ahuva Klein (Israel) Emor / אֱמֹר ("say") Vayikra/Leviticus 21:1-24:23, opens with laws regulating priestly behavior, working in the Mishkan (Tabernacle), and consuming sacrifices and priestly food. It enumerates the biblical holidays of Passover, Shavuot, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot, and includes the "omer offering" – the instruction […]
Behar/בְּהַר (“On The Mountain”) Vayikra/Leviticus 25:1-27:34 details the laws of the sabbatical year (Shemita), when working the land is prohibited and debts are forgiven. It also sets out laws of indentured servitude and of the Jubilee year (Yovel), when property reverts to its original ownership. Bechukotai/בְּחֻקֹּתַי (“In My Laws”) is the final Torah portion in the Book of Leviticus. […]
Bamidbar בְּמִדְבַּר (“In The Desert”) Numbers 1:1-4:20 is the first Torah portion in the Book of Numbers. It describes God's command to take a census and details the camping formation of the Israelites in the desert. It also begins to enumerate the responsibilities of the Levites when transporting the Mishkan (Tabernacle). We'll read and discuss parashot Bamidbar on Zoom […]
Rabbi Shari Berman will lead this month’s service as we celebrate Shavuot. Shavuot commemorates the anniversary of the day G-d gave the Torah to the entire Israelite nation assembled at Mount Sinai. Following services, enjoy our Kiddush & Kibbutz potluck. There will be blintzes! If you are able, please bring a dish to share (but […]
Naso נָשֹׂא (“Take A Census”), Numbers 4:21- 7:89 the longest portion in the Torah, opens by detailing responsibilities of the Levites. It also describes laws of a woman suspected of adultery (sotah), the Nazirite, and the priestly blessing. The portion ends by listing the gifts that heads of tribes bring to the Mishkan (Tabernacle). We'll read and discuss parasha […]