- Community Action

Etz Chaim Needs Your Support

Posted on 12/21/2011 by EtzAdmin

Congregation Etz Chaim has always been a unique institution celebrating Jewish religious diversity.  While widespread acceptance has improved over the 38 years of our existence, many challenges remain.  Sometimes, sadly, we are reminded that some of our harshest critics are Jews themselves, as seen in the recent tensions in Israel centering around ultra-Orthodox attempts to impose a singlular restricted extremist view of Judaism.  Events like this highlight the importance of continuing the mission of Etz Chaim. We can only do this with the support of members and friends, at home and in cyberspace.  Just as others planted the Etz Chaim “tree” years before you looked for or needed it, so are you being asked to maintain our “tree of life” for those who will come after you. Please see below for how to make your donation. Thank you!


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Pride Center Israeli Film Screening – 11/23

Posted on 11/22/2011 by EtzAdmin

Join us for the free community screening of the film “Mom, Dad, I Have Something to Tell You” about Israeli actor and tv personality Assi Azar and coming out in Israel today. Assi Azar will introduce his film and answer your questions.

Join us for refreshments at 6:45pm; the film will start at 7:30pm. Please RSVP to Michael Childers or call 954-463-9011 x305.

The Pride Center is located at 2040 Dixie Hwy., Wilton Manors.

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Interfaith Service – 11/23

Posted on 11/14/2011 by EtzAdmin

Etz Chaim will once again participate in the annual community interfaith service Wednesday, November 23, 7-8 PM. Etz Chaim’s emphasis on diversity and acceptance is good reason to present a strong presence by attending. Location: First Congregational Church, UCC 2501 NE 30th St, Ft. Lauderdale, 33306 (on Middle River Dr., across from the Coral Ridge Mall.)

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Guest Speaker Jay Michaelson – God vs. Gay? – 11/2

Posted on 11/01/2011 by EtzAdmin

Congregation Etz Chaim is proud to host author Jay Michaelson who will be speaking on his new book God vs. Gay? The Religious Case for Equality, Wednesday, November 2nd, 7:30 pm at the Synagogue.

The myth that the Bible forbids homosexuality — the myth of “God versus Gay” — is behind the most divisive and painful conflicts of our time. In his new book God vs. Gay? The Religious Case for Equality, scholar and activist Jay Michaelson shows that not only does the Bible not prohibit same-sex intimacy, it honors the values of love, justice, diversity, and compassion that equality for sexual minorities brings about. Michaelson says that religious people should support equality for gays and lesbians not despite their religion — but because of it.

Jay’s reading at 7:30pm is free and all are welcome. His book, God vs. Gay will be available for purchase.

A special “Conversation with Jay” reception at 6:30 pm has been arranged for a contribution of $50. Please call the office at 954-564-9232, to make your reservation.

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Is an LGBT Synagogue Still Relevant? – A Personal Viewpoint

Posted on 06/15/2011 by EtzAdmin

More and more these days, opinions vary as to the necessity and relevance of maintaining a distinctly LGBT synagogue presence.  Proponents of both sides sometimes vociferously air their views:  When Etz Chaim was first established, LGBT members were not welcomed in synagogues and a separate organization was the only way to openly participate and celebrate one’s Judaism.  Today, many years later, attitudes have changed and many synagogues either welcome and/or seek out LGBT members.  It is thus no longer necessary to keep our distance from the mainstream, and separation keeps us from realizing full integration and acceptance in society.  The contrary opinion asserts that while times have changed, and attitudes toward LGBT individuals have improved to varying degrees, the ideal of full acceptance is still a fantasy.  Individual and regional hatred of gays is still very much present, and in environments of resurgent ultra conservatism and religious fundamentalism, at home and abroad, homophobia and related bigotries may actually be on the rise again.

The WLRN radio series, Under the Sun, recently featured one individual’s tale of shattered perceptions of LGBT acceptance in daily life in South Florida. The story is lighthearted yet poignant and serious. Read it here:

http://wlrnunderthesun.org/2011/05/welcome-to-miami/

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The Pet Project Purim Campaign

Posted on 03/02/2011 by EtzAdmin

The Purim holiday observance includes four primary Mitzvot; hearing the Book of Esther, eating a festive meal – what Jewish holiday would be complete without one, Mishloach Manot – sending of portions, and Matanot L’Evyonim – gifts to the poor. While charity is a year-long and life-long commandment, on Purim we make an extra effort and come together as a community for the community, to provide for everyone’s needs.

We will observe this beautiful Mitzvah by collecting for The Pet Project. A companion animal’s unconditional love imparts the gifts of healing and camaraderie for people living with a terminal disease. Offering companionship, diversion, love, and a reason to get up in the morning, companion animals also provide scientifically established health benefits. Assisting with pet care and maintenance, The Pet Project empowers people living with terminal disease to care for and keep their companion animals.

Click on the following graphic to make a donation to our Pet Project Purim campaign, and participate in this year’s Mitzvah of providing for those in need of love.


To read more about the holiday of Purim and its customs click here

Be Happy – It’s Adar!

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AIDS Walk Participation – 3/20

Posted on 01/19/2011 by EtzAdmin

Congregation Etz Chaim is a proud sponsor of the Florida AIDS Walk, to be held in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, March 20. In addition to money collected in our Tzedakkah box, we have formed Team Congregation Etz Chaim for members and friends of the Synagogue. Team Congregation Etz Chaim invites you to join the fight against HIV/AIDS, by becoming a Walker or a Sponsor. Visit WWW.FloridaAIDSWalk.org and look for Team Congregation Etz Chaim. Team Captain Jesse Monteagudo will be available after services to answer questions about the Florida AIDS Walk.

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