The westernmost member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
Congregation Sof Ma’arav went from the Party Shul to the Zoomers: A Heartfelt Message to You
Information from Sof President Sandra Z. Armstrong
My biggest fear this morning was not the coronavirus but how was Congregation Sof Ma’arav going to keep our reputation going as a learning experience, a welcoming place, a week Torah reading experience,… Continue reading
Sof Shabbat Services Online May 1
You are invited to participate in Saturday morning Shabbat services through an interactive Zoom meeting. (This is NOT streaming video; it is an interactive “meeting room”.)
Here is a link to the full Siddur Sim Shalom (courtesy of the Rabbinic… Continue reading
Memories of a Neurosurgeon: Book Review of Judith’s Pavilion: The Haunting Memories of a Neurosurgeon, by Dr. Marc Flitter
BY MAT SGAN
As I sat on the UU Church bench, Marc went to his car and emerged with a copy of the subject book, which he handed to me. I was delighted to receive it. I take such pleasure… Continue reading
The Song of the Jade Lily: A Book Review
BY SID GOLDSTEIN
The novel, The Song of the Jade Lily, by Kirsty Manning deals with the little-known subject of the lives of Jewish refugees in Shanghai China during world War II. It is based on the historical fact that… Continue reading
Honey and Poi The Modern Years: 2000-2016
BY MAT SGAN
A New Century Brings Good News
As Sof headed into the turn of the century, good news predominated. The balance sheet, led by dues, donations and cookbook sales, indicated some $39,000 in income. This enabled Sof to… Continue reading
T”U B’Shevat Seder at Sof: Learning as We Go
BY DINA YOSHIMI
Each year shortly after we enter the month of Shevat, the e-call for contributions to the T”U B’Shevat seder goes out. It’s the annual sign-up ritual when Sofers send in their top 3 choices for a contribution… Continue reading
To Break Open the Gates: A Tale of Healing
By Reb Daniel Lev
You know… there are at least two kinds of holy people. Although they both live a holy life, the first one looks down on people they consider “not holy” and the second one values everyone they… Continue reading
What Does It Mean to Be Jewish in Hawaiʻi?
BY MAT SGAN AND ALEX GOLUB
Published in Journeys, the Publication of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Reprinted by Permission
When most of us imagine centers of American Jewish life, we are more likely to think of Manhattan or Los… Continue reading
Twelve Tribes Artwork: in Honor of the 60th Anniversary of Temple Emanu-El’s Sanctuary
Text, Images, and Artwork by Alice Flitter
In 2018, as hurricane Lane threatened Hawaiʻi, Temple Emanu-El removed the jalousie windows from their sanctuary and boarded up the 12 openings. When my husband, Marc, and I saw that raw plywood, in… Continue reading
Sof Services Move Online – No Physical Services 3/21, 3/28 and 4/4
Letter from Congregation Sof Ma’arav President Sandra Z. Armstrong
Aloha Everyone,
Sometimes we have to sit back and reflect on all the good that we have been given and all the good that we have been doing. This is one… Continue reading