Rabbi Daniel Boaz Betzel

10/03/2024

07/05/2024

Dennis O.—my friend and congregant from the synagogue in Lima—left earlier today for Israel. He will volunteer with Sar-El. I had the honor of meeting him at the airport and giving him a send-off. Originally, I had planned to travel with him, but had to change plans when my wife broke her femur. Nasiyah Tova Dennis!

10/10/2021

Thank you Hannah and Cody for the honor of standing under the Chuppah with you. An amazing couple; a stunningly beautiful venue, and such a such a meaningful Ketubbah. MAZEL TOV!

09/17/2021

I am full of gratitude for the wonderful opportunity to co-lead High Holiday Services with Rabbi Robin Sparr of Temple Emanuel of the Merrimack Valley in Lowell, MA. Thank you Rabbi Sparr and the entire congregation for welcoming me so warmly into your Kehilah. Together we lead 6 services over a 24 hour period. My body was tired but my nefesh/spirit was renewed. SHANA TOVA!! THANK YOU!

09/05/2021

Shana Tova! If you are looking for a warm and intimate High Holiday ZOOM experience, join Rabbi Robin Sparr, myself and the congregation of Temple Emanuel of the Merrimack Valley located in Lowell, MA. --"May you be sealed for a Good Year!"

ELUL SHOFAR SERVICE with Rabbi Sparr Sunday, August 29, 2021 in person, at 151 Warren Street parking lot 10:00am Brief shofar service for all (must be masked). Members are also eligible to receive …

07/05/2021

Thank you Megan and Max for the honor of standing under the Chuppah with You. Your vows were as beautiful as the venue and the day. Mazel Tov!

06/07/2021

DIRECTIONS -
In electric mixer with dough hook (or by hand), mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Heat butter, yogurt, and water to about 110°F (warm but not hot), and add to dry ingredients.
Mix until dough forms a ball. (Add more water or flour, as needed.) Knead until smooth and elastic.
Place inverted bowl over dough and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch down dough.
Divide dough into 2 parts, one larger than the other for the bottom braids. Then divide each of these parts into 3 equal balls.
Use food coloring to make each ball a different color of the rainbow, either kneading in the color (wear plastic gloves) or running through the food processor (add a touch of extra flour).
Divide each ball in half to make two colored challahs. Braid the 3 larger balls for the bottom layer of each challah, pinching the ends tightly. Braid the 3 smaller balls for the thinner braid to lay along the top. Pinch both top and bottom braids tightly together at each end. Repeat with second challah.
Place both challahs on greased baking sheet at least 4 inches apart. Brush with beaten egg.
Let challahs rise again for 1/2 hour, while oven preheats to 375°F degrees.
Place baking sheet in oven, turn back to front after 15 min. Bake until crusty and golden brown, tapping bottom to be sure if is well-browned, about 40 min total. Remove to wire rack. Enjoy!

06/06/2021

Today is National Cancer Survivors Day! In honor of those who have defeated this disease, we offer this prayer for those still fighting: Mi Sheberach.

May the One who blessed our ancestors —
Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
Matriarchs Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah —
bless and heal the one who is ill:
________________ son/daughter of ________________ .
May the Holy Blessed One
overflow with compassion upon him/her,
to restore him/her,
to heal him/her,
to strengthen him/her,
to enliven him/her.

The One will send him/her, speedily,
a complete healing —
healing of the soul and healing of the body —
along with all the ill,
among the people of Israel and all humankind,
soon,
speedily,
without delay,
and let us all say: Amen!

06/05/2021

Happy World Environment Day! Let's heal the world by taking steps to recycle and reuse and consciously work to preserve the earth.

06/04/2021

Parashat Sh’lach L’cha (“Send [Notables to Scout the Land]”) opens as Moses sends scouts to discover whether or not the Holy Land is everything that God promised. The scouts return with news that the land does “flow with milk and honey” (Numbers 13:27), but that the people who live there are strong and dangerous. As the Israelites complain about the struggle that entering the Promised Land might bring, God decides that all who experienced liberation from Egypt will not enter. Sh’lach L’cha reminds us that we cannot enjoy the beauty that is right in front of us when we dwell on negativity. Instead, we stay hopeful; we march into the desert to rejoice in free and happy lives.