Midbar Kodesh Temple News

There are many arguments we can make for a movement toward separation of church and state in Israel. Living in a country that goes to great length to ensure the separation of the two can certainly lead to a bias, but that does not mean we should ignore the question. Some of the reasons for separating religion and government have to do with one group’s religious imposition on others. Interestingly, in Israel, the only group that suffers from the lack of separation of religio

Each April, Jewish communities around the country commemorate the Shoah with educational programming reminding all how the targeting of Jews and other specific groups for persecution led to extermination and murder of almost 12 million people in eastern Europe between 1939 and 1945. Many programs honor local Holocaust survivors, as the words "Never Again" echo in our hearts. In Las Vegas several programs invite the community to learn more and offer selections of reading and v

We are all familiar with most of the things associated with the Passover holiday. There is matzah, and maror. There is charoset and the shankbone. Let’s not forget the Haggadah and the four questions. Do not miss out the four cups of wine and Elijah’s cup too. But there are many customs and rituals related to the Passover holiday that are a bit more obscure and underutilized. One example is the Siyyum Bechorot, the fast of the first born. We have a tradition that on th

Passover is almost here and for those who turn over their homes and change over all their pots, pans and dishes, the holiday can be overwhelming. On top of all that you have the added headache of trying to figure out what made the Kosher-For-Passover list this year and what did not. Luckily quinoa is still on the permitted list. There are many resources out there to aid us in planning for the holiday. One of the best resources is the annual Pesach guide put out by the Rabb

The Layni & Scott Rothbort Judaic College Scholarship Apply now for a one-time $720 scholarship! In order to qualify the student(s) must be: • taking a course in a Jewish related subject, Hebrew or Yiddish (but not a self-directed independent study) • at an accredited college or university • include an essay of at least two pages on a subject to be determined by Rabbi Tecktiel • must receive a grade of C or better (proof of transcript to be submitted) The deadline to apply is

Alayna Baron and Matt Baram were recently married at Midbar Kodesh Temple by Rabbi Jason Fruithandler, from Sinai Temple in Los Angeles. MKT's Rabbi Bradley Tecktiel shared a few words before welcoming Rabbi Fruithandler, a personal friend of Alayna and Matt, to the chuppah. Alayna, daughter of Bonni and Dr. Howard Baron, granddaughter to Gene and Rhoda Engelson and the late Eileen and Max Baron, was raised in Henderson, and is a graduate of University of Arizona-Tucson, whe

Talia Anne Diamond, daughter of Midbar Kodesh Temple members Sharon and Kevin Diamond, will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah in March. Talia is granddaughter to Sid and Arlene Diamond and Jack Tick as well as Jean Tick, of blessed memory. She is the younger sister of Nathaniel Diamond. Aunts, uncles and cousins will travel from New York, Florida, Arizona and California to join Las Vegas family and friends in celebration. Talia has grown up at Midbar Kodesh Temple where

Ileen Spoor sets Sunday, April 15 at 10:00 a.m. for the next Midbar Kodesh Temple Book Club. The selection is by Jennifer Brown who sets her debut novel in a time that women strive for the right to work, to vote and to lead independent lives. Brown boldly paints the 1935 historical context of two Lower East Side women’s domestic tribulations, alternating between their stories, and reflects upon the social consequences faced by women in different generations, as mother and dau

This week’s 52 Weeks of Mitzvot topic takes us seemingly out of the realm of Jewish tradition, thought and practice, but in reality could not be more Jewish. Numerous times in the Torah we are admonished to take care of the widow, the orphan, the stranger in our land. We are commanded to take special care of the most vulnerable in our society. One of the most vulnerable populations in our society is those children from birth to age 18 years who for whatever reason need to b

Hi Midbar Kodesh. I'm Bob Hurwitz and even though I am only a part time resident of Las Vegas, I find Midbar Kodesh to be a welcome place for Shabat services when I am in town. I am privileged to join this fine temple with both traditional and innovative programs. I am a medical consultant and travel between five states.