August 2016 • Volume 30 • Issue 7
A Reform Congregation Embracing Our Jewish Tradition
Join Us for DINNER followed by a Ruach Shabbat Service Friday, August 5th at 5:30 pm RSVP and pay at www.bethtikvah.com
Service begins at 6:30 pm
Social Justice Shabbat Friday, August 26th at 8 pm
Shabbat Service & Pot Luck Dinner Friday, August 12th 5 PM News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Tisha B’Av I believe that most of us yearn for a world of kindness and generosity and caring for each other and our world. This day of mourning and study can sensitize and fortify us during difficult times to never give up. To help us to realize that if we allow complacency to reside in our hearts, or fear to keep us from fully living our lives, the bad guys triumph.
“The whole world is a narrow bridge, but the essence is never to be afraid.” Reb Nachman of Bratzlav
It has been a difficult summer. Our citizens, our country and our world have again been assaulted by terror leaving behind so much pain, so much brokenness, so much fear. Many of us feel that the world is spiraling out of control, and that leaves us feeling extremely vulnerable. As I write this article, I sit on a ship in the middle of the Baltic Sea, the daily news headlines seem to bring no relief from tragic events. With the rocking of the boat, the shifting side to side and I am reminded of the saying by Reb Nachman of Bratzlav “The whole world is a narrow bridge, but the essence to living life is never to be afraid.”
And so yes, there can be great meaning found in the practices of Tisha B’Av. In the spirit of Life, I challenge us all to embrace the power of Tisha B’Av. Let us study and let us act. Let us bring some comfort and healing to the brokenness in our world. Saturday evening August 13th, we will gather to hear the words of Eicha (Lamentations) and we will feel the pain of destruction. And then on Sunday, we will gather to do good, to bring healing to our hearts and to the hearts of others. Details of these activities will be forthcoming in the Kol Clickvah and on our TBT Facebook page.
As a Jewish people, we know these feelings of fear and uncertainty because of the numerous times in our own Jewish history when we have had to navigate the dangerous waters of life- when the ordinary and everyday became terrifying. And yet, like Reb Nachman taught, we knew that we could never lose faith that a better time would come, a time of tranquility, a time of Shalom- and so we continued to move forward, with heads held high and the words of L’Chayim (to Life) on our lips.
TBT is going to Israel! June 1-11, 2017 Experience the holiness of Jerusalem’s Old City. Float in the Dead Sea. Discover Jewish mysticism in Safed. Celebrate Shabbat in Jerusalem. Meet with families in our sister community of Yokneam-Meggido. Explore the sites you have only read about in the Torah. Connect with other Temple Beth Tikvah members.
This month, Tisha B'Av, the Fast of the Ninth of Av, takes place August 13th-14th. It is a day of communal remembrance of the many tragedies that our community has experienced, most notably, the destruction of the first and second Temples (the first by the Babylonians in 586 BCE and the second by Rome in 70 CE). Traditionally, one engages in a Yom Kippur style fast, refraining from joyous activities and studying the Book of Eicha (Lamentations). Often I am asked if a fully modern Jew can find meaning in this practice anymore.
You can experience all this and more on an incredible 11 day congregational trip to Israel with Rabbi Shuval-Weiner. An informational meeting will take place Thursday evening, September 1st at 7:00pm Join us to learn how YOU can become part of a wonderful experience with your TBT family in Israel in 2017!
Social Justice Shabbat “Human suffering anywhere concerns men and women everywhere.” ― Elie Wiesel, Night On Friday, August 26th at 8 pm, we welcome a special guest, Andrew Hanauer, of Jubilee USA. Each day, this organization, made up of over 500 faith communities worldwide, works to eradicate poverty and help the most vulnerable among us. TBT is a proud member of this coalition and we invite you to worship and learn with us during this special Justice Shabbat to learn more about how you can make a difference in our community.
2
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Notes from Cantor Kassel THE UNIQUENESS OF SYNAGOGUE COMMUNITY How is being a part of a synagogue community different from being a part of neighborhood, sports, education and work and other communities? G-d willing, your synagogue community is here more permanently and holds the possibility of bringing people together on a much deeper level. Every few years I travel back to where I was born, Savannah, GA and usually end up at the synagogue “Mikve Israel” where my parents and grandparents attended. I feel so grounded and connected to my Southern Jewish roots and even to the immigration journeys of their ancestors. I know, as I stand in that space I am surrounded by the memories (whether real or imaginative) of small children sitting and holding hands with their parents; of older worshippers clutching their “Union Prayer Book”; my parent’s wedding and that of my first cousin and the B’nei Mitzvah of his three children, the eldest of which is to be married in that sanctuary this coming winter. I imagine all of these families lighting Shabbat candles and attending Passover Seders. I don’t want to denigrate the other kinds of communities with which we all affiliate but they just don’t compare to that of a synagogue. It can be so powerful and long-lasting. I hope, after reading this, you’ll take a few moments to reflect on what YOU can do to strengthen our TBT community. UPCOMING EVENTS: 1)
Welcoming new members to our Adult Choir. High Holy Day rehearsals begin Tuesday, August 9th. Email me at cantorkassel@bethtikvah.com for more information.
2)
Sunday morning classes for Hebrew-reading adults to work on prayers and Torah chanting.
3)
NEFESH MOUNTAIN at TBT September 23 – 25! Stay tuned for more communication about this special musical weekend but save the dates in the meantime.
Religious School The religious school is busy preparing for an exciting new school year. We are fortunate to have many of our dedicated teachers returning for the 2016-2017 school year and we are looking forward to welcoming new teachers to the Temple Beth Tikvah teaching faculty as well. We are all working together diligently to make this upcoming school year a wonderful experience. During the past year our students donated to the Tzedakah fund. The total amount donated was $906. Our students chose various organizations who can benefit from our assistance including: Humane Society, Guide Dogs in Israel, North Fulton Community Charities, Autism Speaks, Yad Sarah, TBT Religious School and many more. We appreciate and admire our student's charity, support, and devotion to helping others in our own community and in Israel. Registration forms are pouring in and I am excited to see many of our former students returning for the new year. If you have not mailed your registration form to the office yet, please do so as soon as possible. If you need a registration form and did not receive one yet, please call the school office. The religious school office will be open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am-4:30 pm throughout the summer. If there is anyway we can assist you, please contact us at (770) 642-4168. I hope you are having a wonderful summer and we are looking forward to seeing you and your children at the beginning of the school year.
Hassia Levin 3
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
B’nai Mitzvah Reese Philip Hilsen will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on August 6, 2016. Reese is the son of Julie and Mitchell Hilsen and brother of Blake. He is in the 8th grade at Laurel Springs Academy . Reese enjoys playing tennis, fishing, rock climbing and outdoor activities. He trains Special Olympic athletes in tennis through Special Pops.
Zoe Rosenberg will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on August 20, 2016. Zoe is the daughter of Tony Rosenberg and Carrie Rosenberg and sister of Zach Rosenberg. Zoe is an 8th grader at Crabapple Middle School where she excels in academics and theater. Zoe is also active in the Girl Scouts of America where she participants in many service projects which coincided with her mitzvot to become a Bat Mitzvah.
Adam Daniel Haber will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on August 20, 2016. Adam is the son of Marcia and Larry Haber and brother to Matthew. He is the grandson of Charles and the late Miriam Lasky of Newport, RI, and Diane and Stephen Haber of Glen Rock, NJ. Adam is in the 8th grade at Dodgen Middle School where he participates in the National Junior Beta Club. Adam loves playing sports, especially travel baseball for the Sandy Plains Wildcats. As part of Adam's 13 Mitzvot project he participated in Challenger Baseball program by helping kids with special needs play baseball, helped collect and distribute food to needy kids (Blessings in a Backpack), and is donating money from his Bar Mitzvah to the American Lung Association in honor of his grandmother's recent passing. Adam is excited to share this day with his family and friends. Evan Jacob Friedman will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on August 27, 2016. Evan is the son of Jenifer and Rory Friedman and the brother of Abby Friedman. He is the grandson of Susan and Richard Orenstein and Mark and Joan Friedman. Evan is in the 8 th grade at Crabapple Middle School, and plays baseball for 643 DP Baseball Academy. Evan enjoys playing baseball, basketball, and spending time with his family and friends.
Madison Wechter will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on August 27, 2016. Madison is the daughter of Brian and Nicole Wechter and sister to Easton Wechter. She is the granddaughter of Joan and Mark Friedman, and Eileen and Jeff Wechter. She is entering the 8th grade at Creekland Middle School in Canton,. Madison swims for Swim Atlanta in Cumming and plans to be a part of the middle school swim team this fall. When she isn't in the pool, Madison enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
ATTENTION Parents of TBT College Students Temple Beth Tikvah is excited to announce that we are a proud partner of the Federation’s camping initiative to send more Jewish children to Jewish non-profit sleepaway camp! We hope you will join us throughout the year for fun camp programming. If you have any questions about camp options or financial resources, please reach out to our liaison, Bobbee Griff, at 303-981-2356 or youth@bethtikvah.com.
Do you have a child who will be attending college in the fall or is currently attending college? If so, please let us know who they are (even if we may already have their name on our list). We’d like to keep them connected to the TBT community by sending them a care package twice per year to coincide with the Rosh Hashanah and Purim holidays. We want them to know that they’re being thought of while away from home at school! If your student’s name is already on our list we’ll be soliciting current school contact information very soon. Don’t let your student feel left out. We’re looking forward to hearing from you! If you would like to donate to the cause either monetarily or with small items to be included in the packages, we would greatly appreciate the contributions. My contact information is Nan Janis (hnjanis@bellsouth.net) Thanks for your support!
Nan Janis College Connection Committee
4
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
ECEC It happens every year. Sometimes early in August, sometimes later in August. But it happens. Teachers prepare and prepare, and it comes and goes really quickly. Parents are excited, children are nervous and classrooms are ready. It’s the first day of school. And although we do it every year, each year it is a new experience. In preschool, the first day of school can bring out an array of emotions. Parents are excited that their “baby” is growing up and able to experience school, but are also nervous that their “baby” is growing up and able to experience school! Children are apprehensive and scared, but also intrigued by all of the new experiences they see. And teachers….well, teachers are filled with every emotion possible! To make the first day of preschool a little easier on all involved, here are a few suggestions: Meet the teacher: If possible, take your child to a Meet the Teacher program or Open House and let them play on the playground before school starts. Play dates: Try to enroll her in a class where she already knows some of the other children. If that’s not possible, ask if you can have the class list before your child starts school. You could offer to make your email available to the other parents so that you can arrange a play date before school begins. Perhaps several play dates can be arranged or you will meet someone who would like to exchange play time. Don’t be shy. The children will benefit from seeing a friendly face the first day of class. Practice separation: Leave your child with others for short lengths of time so that they know you will return. Backpack and lunchbox: Before school starts, help her be excited about starting school by empowering her to pick out a backpack. If she is staying all day, she’ll need a lunchbox. Keep in mind everything you have to fit in these items. In her backpack she may need pulls-ups, a special blankie or stuffed animal. You may need to put an ice pack in her lunchbox. Fill it with food you know she already likes. Independent skills: If your child is staying all day, ask him to help you prepare his lunch. He can stand next to you on a stool while you give him choices such as grapes or raisins, Grape or Strawberry Jell-O, and orange or apple juice. That way, he’ll feel like he has some control and will also begin to understand what is really happening that day. Focus on your child: Make the whole experience as fun as possible. Give your child your full attention on the way to school. Phone calls can wait. Tell her stories about when you were a little girl and how much you liked school. Sing songs. Try a spin-off version of “If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands”. Make it, “If you’re excited to go to school, clap your hands!” Be excited, smile a lot, and be happy for her. Communicate: Tell him it is okay to be afraid, but that there are always adults to help and he can ask for help anytime. Promise him that you will pick him up in a few hours or after a certain activity at school – like when the teacher sings a certain song or reads the last book of the day. Don’t linger: When it’s time for drop-off, keep your goodbyes short, sweet and simple. Take advantage of carpool opportunities. Give her a quick hug, tell her how much you love her, and leave her in the hands of the capable teacher. Even if she’s crying hysterically, she will likely only cry for a few minutes once you’re out of sight. But if you linger, the crying will probably last longer. Trust in the fact that your child is in good hands, and any crying or not wanting to go to school will soon taper off. Remember that time is the key to building any good relationship! Be calm, supportive and positive and your child (and you) will have a wonderful school year! See you on August 15th!
Jenifer Friedman
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
5
What Does It Mean to “Belong” to Our Synagogue People have historically joined synagogues for all sorts of reasons. Perhaps the most common is some variation of “to give our kids a Jewish education so they can ultimately have a Bar/Bat Mitzvah”. Others join because they are seeking friendships and a sense of community with other Jews. Still others join to pursue personal fulfillment through prayer, study, and/or repairing the world. Lastly, a small and decreasing number of people feel that if you’re Jewish, joining a synagogue is “just something that we do.”
only our own lives but for the generations that come after us. And we can only do that in partnership with our synagogue. Yes, it’s possible to hire a tutor to take a child from zero Hebrew knowledge to Bar/Bat Mitzvah in probably one year. But what will that child understand about the meaning of the prayers? How will the child develop and internalize the expectation that B/B Mitzvah preparation is only the opening act of life-long Jewish study? How will he or she develop a sense of community with peers who can learn from each other about what it means to lead a life of meaning and purpose? Only the partnership of synagogue and parent can provide the kind of learning environment that most effectively ignites and nurtures the flame of Jewish identity and practice.
The financial obligation tied to synagogue membership is not inexpensive. An increasing number of Jews are questioning the “value” of synagogue affiliation and are voting with their feet. The last population study conducted by the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta in 2005-06 found that only 33% of Jewishlyidentified households were members of a synagogue. I’m almost certain that this number has decreased further since then. The current reality is that there has been a proliferation of other options that enable one to obtain Jewish “goods and services” on an à la carte basis.
Yes, we can engage in some “cultural” activities such as going to a Passover Seder, a Yom Kippur break-fast, or a Chanukah candlelighting. But if that is the main expression of our Judaism, they merely become an exercise in nostalgia over Jewish foods or an excuse for gift-giving. By going to services occasionally, volunteering on a committee, or taking a class, we’re able to send the not-so-subtle message that engaging in Jewish life as an adult really is important. The synagogue thus gives us the means by which we can model that message. This is critical because we know that people (and children in particular) tend to look at what we spend our time doing as opposed to what we say to determine what we authentically believe in.
So what is the ‘value’ of belonging to our synagogue? Here’s my take: I believe that the fundamental purpose of a synagogue is two-fold: (1) to “manufacture” Jews, and (2) to strengthen Jewish identity such that we ensure the continuity of the Jewish people. Why do I think that the synagogue is the only institution that can effectively accomplish this purpose? Let me explain. Despite troubling examples of lingering anti-Semitism, Jews have largely become fully integrated into American society. The freedoms we enjoy today in terms of career options, where we can live, choice of marriage partner, participation in politics, property ownership, and access to civic organizations, would have all been unimaginable to our forebears 100 and even 50 years ago. We have successfully broken out of our “shtetl” mentality. The downside is that the societal forces which perpetuated a strong, tight-knit Jewish community (out of self-preservation if nothing else) are no longer present. We spend the bulk of our energy and effort today pursuing the ‘American dream’ because we are now able to do so. With more of our time spent elsewhere, our ties to Judaism are in many cases becoming more tenuous. The idea of considering oneself “culturally” Jewish as opposed to “religiously” Jewish is becoming more prevalent. The neighborhood in which we live is no longer a primary transmitter and ‘enforcer’ of Jewish identity.
And what if our children are off to college or otherwise on their own? In such circumstances I have sometimes been told, “Well, we really don’t need the synagogue any more.” I disagree. Eventually, we all tend to bump up against questions about meaning and purpose in our lives, particularly so as empty nesters. Judaism has an incredibly rich tradition and body of knowledge built around the answers to those questions. We are the inheritors of that tradition. The synagogue offers the tools by which we can access that tradition and, by taking advantage of these, we strengthen our own sense of Jewish identity and that of the community around us. The bottom line for me is this: If you believe in the mission of both ‘manufacturing’ the next generation of Jews and creating a strong, vibrant Jewish community so that it will endure, then I believe you will come to the inescapable conclusion that supporting TBT and engaging in synagogue life is the best way to accomplish that. There is no time limit on this objective. We’re not done when our kids become B/B Mitzvah, or become Confirmed, or when they go to college, or when we retire. ‘Belonging’ to our synagogue, then, becomes a lifelong endeavor not only for what it does for us personally, but because of the message it sends to our children, grandchildren, relatives, friends, and fellow congregants, about what we truly believe is important.
The same population study referenced above reports that of the metro Atlanta marriages in which at least one partner is Jewish, 50% are interfaith marriages. Of those, only 39% of the 50% are raising their children as Jewish only. Let me hasten to add here that TBT has a number of those families as members and I feel that they are the real heroes. But the overall demographic trends are not in our favor. My main takeaway from these societal and demographic trends is that we all have to become “Jews by choice” if we want Judaism to continue as a relevant, meaningful, and sustainable force in not
L’Shalom,
Harlan Graiser 6
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Adult Ed Greetings from your Adult Education Committee! It is hard to believe that, at the end of this month, school will be starting up again. We hope everyone had a wonderful summer! TBT's summer programs have been a big hit, and we are looking forward to continuing Saturday Night Movies and lots of other programs. There will be various classes available, so please keep an eye out for the many programs that will be offered this fall. Now that Rabbi Shuval-Weiner is back, our weekly BLT Torah Study Class on Saturday mornings (8:45-9:45AM) starts up again. In addition, our other fall programs will include an August 1st Adult Ed/ Sisterhood sponsored Book Review on the book, Levittown, led by Rabbi ShuvalWeiner, a class in August and the beginning of September titled “Sacred Aging Circle” led by Rabbi Beiner ($54 per person or $72 per couple), and a Sunday morning course led by Rabbi Tam. Other upcoming programs will include a class on Babka baking led by our wonderful Hassia Levin (September 21st) , a class on Spirituality led by Rabbi Lauren Cohn, an Adult B'nai Mitzvah course led by Cantor Kassel, a Meditation class led by Gail Tate
(in October), multiple 30th Anniversary programs, and another Hebrew Reading Crash Course led by Robin Karlin (starting in November). Please plan to join us at as many of these programs as possible. WE NEED YOU! As a reminder, Adult Ed will continue showing films on one Saturday night per month. These evenings will consist of dinner, a Havdalah service, tzedakah, a movie and discussion. The movies will be varied and will include past Jewish Film Festival offerings, as well as some about past and present Israel. Additionally, there will be some by Jewish directors, producers and/or actors. Please be sure to check out the dates and movies on the Adult Ed page of the website. All programs begin at 6 PM. The August date is Saturday, August 6th. The movie will be The History of the World Part 1. The next few dates are September 17th, October 22nd and November 12th. The dinners will continue to be pot luck type dinners for which you should plan to bring a dairy, vegetarian or pareve main meal for yourself, and an appetizer or dessert to share with the group. Everything should be
vegetarian, dairy or pareve (no meat!) and must not be brought into the kitchen in order to keep the kitchen kosher. In addition, please bring a non-perishable food item for the Food Bank as an act of tzedakah. The dates and movies will be on the website, so please check them out! RSVPs are important for table and movie seating as well as planning for drinks, popcorn and M&M's. Chairs will always be available for last minute arrivals. If you are interested in babysitting services, perhaps we can discuss options available to us. We are happy to help organize these and also to help with any transportation issues. Please contact Ivie at to discuss arrangements and possibilities. Please RSVP at www.bethtikvah.com or use the link on the front page of the website under “Sign Up for Events” for all programs other than BLT, or for which you are responding to a partnering committee instead. It promises to be another wonderful year of learning at TBT and your input and ideas are always welcome. Please email Ivie at iviegraiser@yahoo.com.
Sacred Aging Circle Are you an empty nester thinking about the next phase of your life? Have you decided to retire and are uncertain how that might feel? experiencing the unfolding of life moving at a faster and faster pace?
Are you
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you are invited to join other Temple Beth Tikvah members in a program specifically designed to meet the social, emotional and spiritual needs of Boomers & Gen Xers. Explore the opportunities and challenges of this unique stage of life within the context of a trusted peer group. Combining study of Jewish texts with contemplative practice, topics to be covered include: becoming one’s authentic self; life review; relationship to our bodies; revitalizing and nourishing healthy relationships, cultivating qualities of soul; practicing forgiveness; learning to live with loss, change, and death; creating relevant rituals; cultivating wisdom; and leaving a legacy. Session content will be based on the text Wise Aging: Living with Joy, Resilience and Spirit by Rabbi Rachel Cowan and Dr. Linda Thal, and will be provided for all participants. Cost: “triple Chai” or $54.00 The group will meet weekly on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-9pm at Beth Tikvah, beginning August 3rd. **We will be limiting this group to no more than 18 participants Please indicate your interest by clicking here or visiting the TBT website, www. bethtikvah.com under Sign Up for Events, or contacting the synagogue office at 770-642-0434. Rabbi Judith Beiner, Jewish Family & Career Services Community Chaplain will facilitate this pilot program, consisting of 6-8 weekly sessions. She is the Community Chaplain at Jewish Family & Career Services (JF&CS) in Atlanta. 7
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Welcome to the TBT Family!! Carole Crenshaw Woodstock, GA
Chavurot/Connections Corner
Sarah and Jason Berke Marietta, GA
Make more connections within TBT and expand your circle - check out the new groups forming below or send an email to tbtchavurot@gmail.com/fill out the interest form on bethtikvah.com if you have an idea for a new group. We'll help you get started!
Randi and Kevin Tucker Shelby and Cooper Roswell, GA
Middle School Family Chavurot: Would you be interested in getting to know more families in your child's religious school grade level? We're forming Chavurot for 6th and 7th grade families this fall! If you'd like to help, please email tbtchavurot@gmail.com.
Lesly and Trey Gregory Olivia and Myles Marietta, GA Lucille and Stuart Robinson Atlanta, GA
Affinity Groups forming now: TBT Foodies. Want to meet other TBT'ers over dinner? All adults welcome. Email Melissa Gotlin (melissagotlin@gmail.com) for details on events.
Joanna and Allen Fleishel Owen and Parker Roswell, GA
TBT Hikers. Love to get outdoors and hike Georgia's beautiful trails? Want to meet more people at TBT? Combine the two! Please email Jennifer Mosbacher (jenngine@gmail.com) to get info about the group's planned outings.
8
Greetings from Sisterhood! Happy summer to you! I hope you have had a good summer and can now look forward to the Sisterhood events coming up. Firstly, if you read this on August 1st, please come tonight at 7 p.m. to the Sisterhood Book Review of Levittown, by David Kushner. Rabbi Shuval-Weiner will be leading the discussion of this most interesting book. Join us and we won’t tell if you haven’t read or finished it yet! Our famous Knit and Nosh will start up Sunday, August 28th, at 9:45 a.m. in the conference room. Please join us to knit or crochet a scarf to donate to an area homeless shelter in December. Beginners welcome and we will be happy to teach you a stitch or two. Our opening Sisterhood event is Sunday, September 11, at 9:45 a.m. in the social hall. Please mark your calendar and come have a latte and treats, meet folks, and brainstorm ideas for a great Sisterhood year. We strive to listen to your interests and plan unique programs for the year. If you are interested in helping our Sisterhood committee plan for the fall and winter, please contact us by phone or email. We would love to see you at our board meetings and lend a hand or a new idea! Robin Bledsoe
Sisterhood Chair sisterhoodtbt@gmail.com
TBT Senior Luncheon September 12, 2016 at Noon Sue Harrison and her Canine Assistant dog, Croix RSVP to Natine at rosen4348@aol.com
9
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
August 2016 Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
1 26th of Tammuz 5776
2 27th of Tammuz 5776
3 28th of Tammuz 5776
4 29th of Tammuz 5776
Sacred Aging Circle 7:30 pm
Sisterhood / Adult Ed - Book Review w/ Rabbi 7:00 pm
3rd of Av 5776 Committee Chair Workshop 9:00 am
Prospective Member Brunch 11:00 am
8
4th of Av 5776
5 1st of Av 5776
Saturday 6
2nd of Av 5776
Congregational Picnic Dinner 5:30 pm
Bagels, Learning & Torah 8:45 am
Oneg 6:00 pm
Shabbat Service Hilsen Bar Mitzvah 10:00 am
Ruach Shabbat Service 6:30 pm
Families Anonymous 7:00 pm
7
Friday
Movie Night at TBT 6:00 pm
9
5th of Av 5776
10
6th of Av 5776
11
7th of Av 5776
Sacred Aging Circle 7:30 pm
ECEC Teacher Workweek
12
8th of Av 5776
ECEC Meet and Greet 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Families Anonymous 7:00 pm
13
9th of Av 5776 Erev Tisha B'Av
Bagels, Learning & Torah 8:45 am
Shabbat Service 10:00 am Tisha B’Av Evening Study & Pot Luck Dinner
5:00 pm Shabbat Service w/ Choir 8:00 pm
14 10th of Av 5776 Tisha B’Av
Tisha B’Av Activity
21
17th of Av 5776
Board Retreat NFTY-SAR LLTI
15
11th of Av 5776
ECEC First Day Families Anonymous 7:00 pm
22
18th of Av 5776
Madrichim Meeting 5:30 pm
Kesher - 1st night / Journey Through Kesher 6:00 pm
16
12th of Av 5776
Board of Trustees Meeting 7:30 pm
23
19th of Av 5776
Religious School Teacher Meeting 6:00 pm
17
13th of Av 5776
24th of Av 5776
29
25th of Av 5776
1st Day of Religious School 9:30 am
Leadership Program 9:30 am
Knit & Nosh 9:45 am
Families Anonymous 7:00 pm
Adult Ed Meeting 10:00 am
30
26th of Av 5776
1st Day of Hebrew School 5:00 pm
14th of Av 5776
Sacred Aging Circle 7:30 pm
24
20th of Av 5776
ECEC Welcome Breakfast 9:30 am Sacred Aging Circle 7:30 pm
Families Anonymous 7:00 pm
28
18
31
25
21st of Av 5776
Officers Meeting 7:30 pm
19
15th of Av 5776
20
NFTY-SAR LLTI
NFTY_SAR LLTI
Oneg 6:00 pm 6:30 pm
Bagels, Learning & Torah 8:45 am
Shabbat Service 6:30 pm
Shabbat Service Rosenberg/Haber B'nai Mitzvah 10:00 am
26
22nd of Av 5776
Justice Shabbat Service w/ Guest Speaker, Andrew Hanauer 8:00 pm
27
23rd of Av 5776
Bagels, Learning & Torah 8:45 am
Shabbat Service Friedman/Wechter B’nai Mitzvah 10:00 am
27th of Av 5776
Sacred Aging Circle 7:30 pm
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Orientation - Parents Only 10:45 am
10
16th of Av 5776
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Thank you to all who contributed to the 2015-2016 Annual Campaign. We raised $114,908 from 186 families (41%). The Fundraising Committee would like to thank all families who contributed to exceeding our goal of $110,000.
Andy Zalkin Chairman, Fundraising Committee Jonathan and Allison Agin Barry and Shari Alhadeff Pam Alterman Allan and Pam Apple Steven and Teri Astren Brian and Sheri Baker Steven and Sheila Barid Dale and Wendy Bearman Bruce Beck Paul and Anne Beckman Jon and Barbara Berger Harris and Suellen Bergman Josh and Andrea Berman Michael and Jeannine Bernstein Peter Birnbaum Arthur Blank Sheryl Blechner David and Robin Bledsoe Scott and Mary Block Todd and Jennifer Boehm Ruben and Margot Braiter Michael and Heather Braun Adam and Adrienne Bruckman Jamie Burak Lonnie and Debbie Carter Lois Clymin David and Roberta Coad David and Robin Coe Jerome and Margie Cohen Michael and Lisa Cohen Michael and Marlene Cohn Steven and Arlene Cohn Mark and Stephanie Craig Renee Davis Gordon and Holli Decker Dan and Laura DeRiemer Mitchell and Dyann Diamond Kristopher and Paige Dobbins Joseph and Waynah Dunn Rodney and Erika Eberhardt Stuart Farber Joseph and Barbara Feinberg Elliot and Donna Feller Steven and Amy Fine Rory and Jenifer Friedman Steve and Michele Gergans
Steve and RoseAnn Gerson Ed and Cindy Getty Arthur Gittelman and Marcia Pearl Cary Goldenthal and Lori Shapiro Robert and Cindy Goldstein Michael and Audrey Gordon Harlan and Ivie Graiser Bernard and Susan Greenberg Adam and Bobbee Griff Anne Grossman Burton and Sara Grossman Ronald and Judy Gurin Michael and Anna Gutkin Andrew and Karen Gutman Peter and Traci Hartog Yitzhak and Ronit Hermoni David and Ellen Herold Mitchell and Julie Hilsen Phil and Suzanne Hurwitz Carol Jacobs Jamie and Katie Jaffe David and Beth Janes Peter and Sharon Jedel Daniel and Stephanie Joseph Morris and Anna Kagan Douglas and Donna Kallman Gary and Fran Kamp Jill Kaplan Sidney and Robin Karlin Nancy Kassel Valerie Kassel Jr Bradley and Bernice Katz Howard and Linda Katz Lloyd and Diane Katz Jerry and Marcy Kaufman Jeffrey and Beth Kess Sharon Khoury Marc and Deborah Klein Peter Klokow and Ellen Frank Jack and Karen Korshak Steven and Helen Kraus Robert and Karen Kremer Fred and Patricia Landsberg Scott and Sheryl Lasky Kenneth Lawler, Jr. and Ginger Glazer
Hal and Jill Leitman
Ron and Lindsay Levin Judy Levine Mel and Tobi Levine Sherwin and Judee Levinson Jeffrey and Ellen Levitz Emily Lewit Gary and Michal Loventhal Hadley and Lisa Lowy Gil and Ellen Ludwig Murray and Sonia Lynn Phyllis Madans Sidney and Lois Malkin Joel and Aviva Margolies Jonathan and Joan Marks Jim and Marsha Mathis David and Jill Mattos Thomas and Marsha McMurrain Howard and Helaine Medoff Gary and Peggy Mendelson Martin and Charlene Milstein
Gary and Debra Schwartz William and Marjory Segal Bart and Kara Segal Tom and Patti Seibold Ira and Brenda Share Stacy and Alicia Sher Allan and Pessie Shippel David and Robyn Shippel Carol Shutzberg David and Elisa Siegel Sandy and Nancy Simon Larry and Anne Skal Ken and Helene Skolky Stuart and Frances Solomon Richard and Susan Staviss Avi and Erica Stein Terry and Missy Stein Steven and Linda Steinberg Shelby Steinhauer Aaron and Sheila Stieglitz Richard Mindel and Barbara Bogartz Mathew and Dani Stordy Mark and Jennifer Mosbacher Ronald and Leslie Swichkow Joel and Karen Moss Rosalind Taranto Bernie and Gail Natter Steven and Abbe Tobin Allison Oreck Mark and Sally Vosk Ryan and Rachel Palazzo Bruce and Carol Waldman Jason and Melanie Pickett Bruce and Bonnie Walkes Shirley Plotkin June Wallach Jay Weiner and Rabbi Shuval-Weiner Scott and Rhonda Povlot Robert and Ellen Weiner Herbert and Bunny Renkin Ronald and Sheri Weiner John and Dahlia Restler Cliff and Loretta Weiss Betty Rickles Mark and Debbie Weiss Robert and Ellen Rickles Scott and Marci Weiss Russell and Gailen Rosenberg Doug Wexler & Jane Greenberger Harvey and Natine Rosenzweig Joyce Wice Irving and Doris Rosing Keith and Hedva Wiener Brian and Danielle Rubenstein Jeff Willard and Steve Mahan Kevin and Andrea Rubin Mark Williams and Michelle EastonMark and Gail Rudel Williams Paula Sandfelder Todd and Rachel Wilson Robert and Donna Schacher Max and Carol Wolf Morray and Susan Scheinfeld Scott and Susan Wynne Douglas and Lisa Schiffer Andrew and Ilana Zalkin Joel and Kathleen Schoenblum Andrew Schwartz and Danielle Levy Ruth Zeidman Seth and Ellen Zimmer Bill and Terry Schwartz Paul and Andra Zolty (as of 7/19)
11
Donations Adult Ed Fund Harlan and Ivie Graiser in memory of Ida Rebecca Andich, Howard Kaufman and Agnes Makatura Harlan and Ivie Graiser in memory of Isaac Ackerman and Bernard Berger
Cary Goldenthal and Lori Shapiro in memory of Bernard E. Taranto Pam Alterman in memory of Miriam Levine Nancy Broudy in memory of Bernard Taranto Steven and Amy Fine and Family in memory of Thelma Rosen Ronald and Leslie Swichkow in memory of Bernard Taranto and Thelma Rosen Rosalind Taranto in memory of Molly Pomerance Schneider Mark and Debbie Weiss in memory of Thelma Rosen Josh and Andrea Berman in memory of Bernard E. Taranto Jane Greenberger in memory of Frank Greenberger Steven and Janice Liederman in memory of Pauline Liederman Steven and Sheila Barid in memory of Ida Andich Gary and Ilene Fader in memory of Ruth Kaufman Marvin and Trudy Davis in memory of Sam Davis Robert and Adele Toltzis in memory of Thelma Rosen David and Christy Toltzis in memory of Norton Simons Rosalind Taranto in appreciation of Kelly Schiffer Phyllis Madans in memory of Esther Grosswald
Annual Campaign Peter and Sharon Jedel in appreciation of Leslie and Ron Swichkow's dedication and commitment to TBT Sandy and Nancy Simon in memory of Ruth Berney and Howard Kaufman, father of Marsha McMurrain June Wallach in memory of Gertrude Hertzberg Mark and Debbie Weiss in memory of Natalie Berlin and Walter Berlin Dale and Wendy Bearman in memory of Samuel Bearman Clifford and Loretta Weiss in memory of Fred Knieberg Steven and Linda Steinberg in memory of Muriel Steinberg and Herbert Steinberg Barry and Shari Alhadeff in memory of Esther Kirchheimer Sandy and Nancy Simon in memory of Gloria Paul and in memory of Bernard Taranto Dale and Wendy Bearman in memory of Leo Ebstein Brian and Jennifer Steinberg in honor of their 20th wedding Caring/Kehillat Chesed Fund anniversary Aviv Chavurah wishing Mazel Tov to Pat and Fred Landsberg in honor of their grandson, Matthew Hirsch, Building Fund becoming a Bar Mitzvah Bernie and Gail Natter in memory of Cydel Feldser Lois Clymin in honor of the birth of Adele and Bob Toltzis' Michael and Carol Aarons in memory of Norma Grosswald granddaughter David and Christine Toltzis in memory of Ruth Zeidman Campership/Israel Fund Lois Clymin in honor of Alana Myers' law school graduation Howard and Suzanne Silverman in memory of Edith and Aaron and Sheila Stieglitz in memory of Ann Efruss Matthew Silverman Marcy Graiser in honor of Ivie Graiser Aaron and Sheila Stieglitz in memory of Jack Stieglitz Cantor Kassel’s Discretionary Fund Robert and Cindy Goldstein in memory of Morris Goldstein Peter and Sharon Jedel in appreciation of Cantor Kassel David and Christine Toltzis in memory of Thelma Rosen and the beautiful music at the installation of Rabbi Clifford and Loretta Weiss in memory of Annette Knieberg Shuval-Weiner Fern Soniker in memory of Sam Gordon Dale and Wendy Bearman in loving memory of Fred and Pat Landsberg in memory of Michael Stein Miriam Levine Bruce Turiansky and Mariann Mamberg in memory of Endowment Campaign Lola Mamberg Hadley and Lisa Lowy in memory of Marilyn Narduzzi Douglas and Donna Kallman in memory of Miriam Levine Ronald and Leslie Swichkow in memory of Miriam Levine General Fund Kenneth and Helene Skolky in memory of Shirley Skolky Joseph and Waynah Dunn in memory of Selma Dunn Gordon and Hollis Decker in memory of Miriam Katz Levine Renee Davis in memory of Miriam Levine Rosalind Taranto in memory of Miriam Levine Jack and Susan Arogeti in memory of Betty Arogeti Howard Hecker in memory of Oscar Hecker Allan and Pessie Shippel Rosalind Taranto in memory of Miriam Katz Levine Jay and Elise Empel in memory of Norma Grosswald Pam Alterman in memory of Bernard Taranto Shirley Crawford
(continued on next page) 12
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Donations (continued) Michael Zalkin Memorial Library Fund Gail Seidman, Barb, Dale, Jeri and Terry in memory of Thelma Rosen Sanford and Gail Seidman in memory of Sidney Levinson
Marlene Goren in memory of Thelma Rosen Carol Lipinsky in memory of Miriam Levine Steve and RoseAnn Gerson in memory of Helen Reiber Steve and RoseAnn Gerson in memory of Gertrude Gerson Bernard & Rita Tuvlin in memory of Hilda Myers Prayerbook Fund Confirmation Class of 2016 in honor of Rabbi ShuvalHaim Boaron and Wendy Liederman in honor of Janice and Weiner Steve Liederman's 50th anniversary Michael and Heather Braun in memory of Paul H. Braun Rabbi Tam’s Discretionary Fund Marvin and Trudy Davis in memory of Gerald Rein Preschool Fund Barry and Dore Kaiser in memory of Arlene Kaiser Douglas Wexler and Jane Greenberger in honor of the birth Marvin and Trudy Davis in memory of Pauline Davis of their great granddaughter, Jillian Cooper Religious School Fund Rabbi Shuval-Weiner’s Discretionary Fund Alyson Hartman in memory of Norma Rosen Andy and Marci Fried in memory of Agnes Makatura Mike and Kathy Levin in memory of Agnes Makatura, and Torah Fund Howard Kaufman. Morray and Susan Scheinfeld in memory of David and Robin Bledsoe in memory of Katharine G. Reuss Sidney Levinson Nadine Duhaney in honor of Rabbi Shuval-Weiner Steve and RoseAnn Gerson in memory of Jacob Gerson Youth Group Fund Marcy Graiser in honor of Rabbi Shuval-Weiner Carol Shutzberg in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Barry and Karen Shapiro in honor of Rabbi Shuval-Weiner Matthew Hirsch David and Ellen Herold in memory of Dvora Herold (donations processed through 7/19) Families Anonymous Bruce and Carol Waldman in memory of Ruth Pollak Robert and Adele Toltzis in honor of the birth of their granddaughter, Mila Nicole Jerry and Marcy Kaufman in memory of Max Kaufman William and Susan Shields in honor of Talia Loventhal's bat mitzvah Sam Moffitt in memory of Norma Rosen Silverton Mortgage Company in memory of Norma Rosen Shirley Plotkin in memory of Saul Plotkin David and Robin Bledsoe in memory of Morris Raiken Maxine and Gary Silverstein in memory of Norma Grosswald Steve Salowitz in memory of Norma Grosswald Ellen, Seth, Megan and Danny Zimmer in memory of Edward Gralnick Nancy and Jim Dykhouse in memory of Norma Grosswald Bruce and Bonnie Walkes in memory of Thelma Rosen David and Robin Bledsoe in memory of Ruthann G. Raiken Jerome and Margie Cohen in memory of Minnie Friedman and Esther Cohen Joseph and Waynah Dunn in memory of Irene Milligan Marjorie Aarons in memory of Norma Grosswald Lynn Morris and Family in memory of Norma Grosswald Yitzhak and Ronit Hermoni in memory of Leah Minka Judy Paul in memory of Norma Grosswald
Thank you to the TBT Sisterhood and
Jennifer and Mark Mosbacher
for their donations towards the sound system upgrades
13
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
SHMOOZE NEWS / KUDOS CORNER
In Memoriam
Thank You to our Amazing Office Volunteers!
Temple Beth Tikvah acknowledges with sorrow the passing of: Sidney Irving Levinson Father of Peter Levinson
June Wallach Lois Malkin Leslie Swichkow Rachel Palazzo Marsha McMurrain Bernice Isaac Aaron Stieglitz Julie & Blake Hilsen Allyson & Brooke Kaseff Melanie Pickett Tony Rosenberg Suzanne Sacks Lisa Kiel
Miriam Katz Levine Mother of Sharon Khoury Norma Rosen Grosswald Wife of Dick Grosswald Thelma Rosen Mother of Linda Steinberg Bernard E. Taranto Father of Lisa Schiffer and Viki Stein
Thank you to all who shopped for and/or donated onegs during June and July: Jill Leitman Cherie Cervasio Carol Wolf Ilana Zalkin Waynah Dunn Rhonda Povlot
May God console you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Memorial Plaques We Must Know Before We Can Respond If you know of a Temple member who is ill or in the hospital, please call the Temple and share that information with us. That way the Rabbi can visit, and Kehillat Chesed can provide support. Please don’t assume that we know we will only know if you tell us! To do this, please call Michelle Leder, Clergy Assistant at 770-642-0434
Memorial plaques are a beautiful way to honor the memory of a loved one. Your loved one’s plaque will be lit up on the anniversary of their passing and at Yizkor services. The price of a plaque is $300. If you have any questions or would like to order a plaque, please click here for the order form, or contact Lisa in the synagogue office at 770-642-0434 or send an email to lisa@bethtikvah.com. Please see the schedule below if you are planning on ordering a plaque in time for the holy days.
Order by August 2nd to receive plaque in time for Rosh Hashanah Order by August 9th to receive plaque in time for Yom Kippur
14
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Synagogue Information Synagogue Office Fax Number School Office (Perri) Preschool (Jenifer) Assistant to Clergy Financial Secretary Admin. Assistant Office Manager
- 770-642-0434 - 770-642-0647 - 770-642-4168 - 678-350-0076 - Michelle Leder - Jenny Korsen - Lisa Singer - Becky Sullivan
Planning a simcha or group gathering? The Tam-Blank Social Hall is the Place to Be. For more information on renting our Social Hall, contact the synagogue office at 770-642-0434.
Get Involved! TBT Committees and Chairpersons Adult Education Ivie Graiser iviegraiser@yahoo.com Budget & Finance Karen Korshak karcpa@comcast.net Camp/Israel Scholarship Marcia Haber marciahaber@yahoo.com Chavurot Andrea Rubin tbtchavurot@gmail.com College Outreach Nan Janis hnjanis@bellsouth.net Beth Kess bmkess@yahoo.com Communications Marlene Cohn marlene@thecohns.us Family Promise Brian and Jennifer Steinberg zokadesigns@gmail.com Tony Rosenberg trosenberg860@gmail.com Fundraising Andy Zalkin azups@att.net
House Ted Nathan Human Resources Seth Zimmer sz4941@att.com Israel Gene Carasick gcarasick@gmail.com Kehillat Chesed (Caring) Leslie Swichkow lswichkow@comcast.net Library Ilana Zalkin ilanaz@att.net Membership Recruitment & Retention Jill Leitman jaarons2@yahoo.com Marcia Pearl marciapearl@bellsouth.net Men’s Club Mark Greenspan greenspanfamily@bellsouth.net Peter Hartog althazyr@gmail.com
15
Nominating Committee Todd Boehm tboehm30@bellsouth.net Ritual Rick Winer rsw@drrickwiner.com Security Jay Sausmer jsausmer@gmail.com Seniors Natine Rosenzweig rosen4348@aol.com Sisterhood Robin Bledsoe sisterhoodtbt@gmail.com Social Action/Social Justice Michelle Putnam michelle.putnam@gmail.com Dalia Faupel d2faupel@gmail.com Website Development Scott Povlot spovlot@yahoo.com Youth Group John Restler jkrestler@gmail.com Michal Loventhal loventhalmichal@gmail.com
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Prepare, Aim, Train and get Hired Do you know a college graduate who needs help launching their career? Landing that first post-college job can be difficult. Jewish Family & Career Services is here to help with our new gPATH program. gPATH helps with career direction, professionalism, resume and cover letter writing, interviewing, networking, LinkedIn, and more. Over 70% of our participants landed jobs in their desired field within just six weeks of completing gPATH. We are now accepting applications for the August program of gPATH. For more information and to apply, visit the gPATH website at YTFL.org/gPATH. Program Coordinator, Mandy Wright can be reached by phone at 770677-9477 or email at gpath@jfcs-atlanta.org for more information.
16
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Alexandria Shuval-Weiner Rabbi Donald A. Tam Rabbi Emeritus Nancy Kassel Cantor Hassia Levin Education Director Jenifer Friedman ECEC Director
Harlan Graiser President Wendy Klein Vice President Rob Rickles Vice President Rhonda Povlot Vice President Joe Dunn Treasurer Traci Hartog Secretary Mary Block Chairperson, Board of Education
August 22nd 6:00pm 1st day of Kesher August 28th 9:30am 1st day of Sunday School August 28th 10:45am 6th grade Bar/Bat Mitzvah meeting – Parents only August 30th 5:00pm 1st day of Hebrew School September 18th 10:45am - Kindergarten Parent Meeting September 19th 6:45pm 1st day of Confirmation and Kivunim
17