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September 11 Web Archive Collection This is an archived Web site from the Library of Congress. |
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http://www.amhayam.org/ Archived: Oct 25, 2001 at 20:32:29 |
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IN 1996 SIX FAMILIES, WHO HAD KNOWN EACH OTHER FOR SOME TIME, SOME FROM HAVING BEEEN RESIDENTS OF THE SAME NEIGHBORHOODS, DECIDED THAT THE TIME HAD COME TO START A JEWISH CONGREGATION. THEIR FORMER AFFILIATION HAD BEEN "CONSERVATIVE". SO THEY DECIDED TO FORM A CONSERVATIVE CONGREGATION. THE NAME OF THE CONGREGATION IS APPROPRIATE TO THE PLEASANT COASTAL LOCATION: AM HA-YAM IS HEBREW FOR "PEOPLE OF THE SEA". IT IS PRONOUNCED " AMM HAH YAMM".
TODAY THE CONGREGATION HAS GROWN TO CLOSE TO 100 FAMILY AND
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS.
SEVERAL OF THE FOUNDING MEMBERS HAD KNOWN
RABBI GERALD HANIG FROM THE DAYS HE WAS AFFILIATED WITH TEMPLE RAMAT
ZION IN NORTHRIDGE. RABBI HANIG HAD ALSO MOVED TO VENTURA COUNTY.
A DEAL WAS STRUCK AND WE ARE VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE RABBI HANIG AS
OUR SPIRITUAL LEADER AND LEADER OF OUR SERVICES.
CONGREGATION AM HA-YAM IS A DUES-PAYING MEMBER OF THE UNITED SYNAGOGUE OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM, THE UMBRELLA ORGANIZATION OF CLOSE TO 1000 NORTH AMERICAN CONSERVATIVE SYNAGOGUES. AS SUCH WE PARTICIPATE IN REGIONAL AND NATIONAL AFFAIRS OF THE CONSERVATIVE MOVEMENT. ADDITIONALLY THE LARGE USCJ STAFF HEADQUARTERED IN NEW YORK STANDS READY WITH PERSONAL AND PRINTED HELPFUL INFORMATION.
Where do we obtain strength to continue our battle to exist as a people?
Since 300 C. E., we have been oppressed beyond the impossible lines.
We have bent to the whim and will of most who surround us. Yet we
remain unbroken. There are many answers. If you would like to know
some of them, be on the lookout for our Adult Education classes
beginning in November.
Meanwhile a great reason is found in our ability to remember, as
exhibited by an email circulating that suggested we light an additional
Yizkor candle on Erev Yom Kippur. As we were unable to notify everyone
of this marvelous idea, I include as edited form at this time.
"Dear Congregation Am HaYam,
Many people are seeking way to show support and love after the atrocity
that has been visited upon us.
The Yizkor day of Sh'mini Atzeret comes on October 9, 2001. It would be
most appropriate to light a Yahrzeit candle on Monday evening
October 8th, in addition to our memorial candles we light to remember
our loved ones who have died, to remember all those who died in the
September 11, terrorist attacks. If you don't light a candle every
year at this time, light one this year.
It is a way for Jews everywhere in the world to make a statement of
sympathy, condolence and solidarity.
If you would, take this idea and pass it on to every Jewish household
you know, and get them to do the same. You all know how quickly
meaningless jokes and stories get passed around the world through email.
Let's teach this mitzvah as a perennial remembrance.
We will have a Yahrzeit candle burning in our home for the victims
and hope Jewish homes around the world and especially in our corner
of the world, will join us in a massive Jewish Memorial"
HERE IS THE SCHEDULE FOR OCTOBER 2001.
FRIDAY NIGHT SERVICES ARE HELD AT 8 PM AND SHABBAT SERVICES AT 10 AM.
MIGDALOR IS THE NAME OF THE CONGREGATION AM HA-YAM NEWSLETTER.
THIS HEBREW WORD MEANS LIGHTHOUSE, OR MORE LITERALLY TRANSLATED,
LIGHT TOWER. MIGDALOR IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY.THE MAILING LIST INCLUDES
ALL MEMBERS AND MANY FRIENDS. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE IT BUT WOULD LIKE TO,
CLICK ON THE MEMBER SECTION OF THIS WEB SITE AND CONTACT OUR MEMBERSHIP
CHAIRPERSON.
CLICK HERE TO CONTACT THE EDITOR BY E-MAIL
WELL,WESTERN VENTURA COUNTY MAY BECOME YOUR SHANGRI-LA.
