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Congregation P’nai Tikvah Congregation P’nai Tikvah meets on the 1st and 3rd Shabbat of the Month 2685 South Rainbow Blvd, STE 108 Las Vegas, Nevada 89146 Happenings
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Rosh Chodesh-A New Moon for All
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From Rabbi Mintz, Rabbi Emerita
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Jewlicious -Kidz Korner-Yad Squad
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Note from the Cantor
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Adult Education
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From Rabbinic Intern, Jamie Hyams
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HH Honey and Challah Baking
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From Co-President Sam Lieberman
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Celebration, Yahrzeit and Nidei Lev
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Providing Service at CPT
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Calendar at a Glance
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Congregation P’nai Tikvah will worship on Shabbat, August 4th and 18th at 2685 South Rainbow Street, STE 108. Tot Shabbat-, Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv services will begin at 6:30 PM on August 4th and Shabbat-Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv services will begin at 7:30PM on August 18th. Torah Study will take place at 9:30 AM on August 5th and 19th. Congregation P’nai Tikvah meets at 2685 South Rainbow Street, STE 108, Las Vegas, NV 89146 $
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Message From the Rabbi Dear Chevreh: “Ma Nishtanah”? The question doesn’t only pertain to Pesach, my friends; as we go into a new and exciting year, “What’s different?” is certainly applicable to CPT! First of all, as most of you know, your Rabbi Emerita is different…or, in reality, more like her old self. Having gone through Focused Ultrasound Sonication July 2, I no longer have the tremoring hand and leg that has been a challenge (and distraction) these past four years. (More about this miracle, on Rosh HaShanah…) Secondly, we are going to have Reb Jamie Hyams, a Rabbinic Intern with us this year, a brilliant third year Rabbinical student at the Academy for Jewish Religion, CA. I will be mentoring her and the entire congregation will be the beneficiaries of her wisdom and learning. I will generally preside over services on the first Shabbat of the month and Reb Jamie will do the second service (on the third weekend). I’m eager for you to get to know her and hopeful that this will be a good match for us all. (Check out her greeting on page 4.) Thirdly, our Board has really stepped up this summer, and we have some terrific experiences planned for the year. By Rosh HaShanah, we will have a calendar of events prepared for you, so you can plan accordingly. Fourth of all, my trip to Israel was not only life changing for me (dayenu), but introduced me to a number of amazing individuals and resources, which I plan to share with you all; including a source for stimulating trigger films which we will offer our teens and teens from Indigo (and maybe beyond). Very exciting!! Fifth of all, our wonderful relationship with Indigo Valley continues to be of mutual benefit. Since neither of us can afford to go forward with the expansion, we invite you to help identify individuals or groups who might wish to rent the Indigo space during off hours. Do you know of an HOA group, a yoga teacher, a study group, a mah jongg club, a book club, etc. who might need to rent space? Please have them contact Pastor Char at 702-439-4511. The more we are able to help Indigo cover its costs, the more likely growth is possible, which will be to everyone’s advantage. Finally, what is most different this year is your opportunity. You have the opportunity to prepare for the future of Congregation P’nai Tikvah in a way we’ve never done before. We’re going to get ahead of the game, earn the where-with-all to have a balanced budget and be able to afford the rabbinical leadership we desire, and develop CPT in the direction of our dreams! Mah Nishtanah? Plenty!! And it’s all good!! L’Shalom.
Rabbi Emerita, Senior Educator 2
Cantor’s Notes A Note From the Cantor So, what happens when you get around 250 cantors and temple musicians together for a week of learning and fun? First, you get a wonderful concert performed by great cantors from all over the country. Second, you get enriching worship services. Third, you get wonderful workshops full of great learning. Fourth, you get comradery from colleagues, classmates and friends you haven’t seen in a while. Fifth, you find new music that inspires. All these things happened to me the last week of June when I attended the annual American Conference of Cantors/Guild of Temple Musicians conference which took place at the Red Rock Hotel this year. I have had to miss many of these conferences due to travel and other expenses, but was thrilled that it was in our town this year. As I listed about there were many wonderful things I was able to do during the week. The concert, in which I performed as one of many soloists and as a choir member, was incredible. It was at Congregation Ner Tamid. I know a few of our CPT members attended. One highlight was a medley of many Classic Reform melodies that have been sung in Reform congregations for many years. The choir on the stage was joined by the entire group of cantors and musicians who attended. While our main choir was on the bima, the rest of the attendees who were only singing the one piece sang from the audience. It was a surround sound of wonderful music. Each day we had a morning service and an evening service conducted by different cantors each time. Each had a unique style and added some new melodies, and some old melodies that helped enrich our prayers. There was only one service I didn’t really like because it seemed more like a Barry Manilow concert than an evening service. I wasn’t able to attend all the workshops I wanted due to rehearsing for the concert, but the ones I did attend involved seeing what new music was out there. Transcontinental Music had a booth, and I saw many books I wanted. I did purchase a couple, one of children’s songs and one of new Shabbat Melodies. I look forward to adding some of them to our services. Most of the conference I came home to sleep, after all I live pretty close to the hotel. The last night, where there usually is a big banquet, I chose to spend the night at the Red Rock. It was then I got to have a little bit of relaxing fun with my colleagues. Most of us spent the afternoon at the pool. We had a great time and joked that we could just do our evening service there, we had a minyan. At the end of the week, I came out with renewed enthusiasm for Jewish music and worship. I am now saving my money to, hopefully be able to attend next year’s conference in Dallas. L’Shalom,
Cantor Marla Goldberg.
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Note from Rabbi Mintz: “Ma Nishtanah ha shanah ha-zot? What makes this year different?” This year we are welcoming Rabbinic student Jamie Hyams as our Rabbinic Intern. It will be my privilege to mentor her and I am fully confident that we will all be privileged to learn from JaMessage From Jamie Hyams, Rabbinic Intern To the Congregation P’nai Tikvah family, Ellie Wiesel once said, “In Jewish history there are no coincidences.” We can explore that idea more fully when we are together but I believe that one should make the most of every opportunity that presents itself. That certainly was the case when one Shabbat morning earlier this year I casually rolled out of bed and headed to Torah study at my local shul. There I was introduced to Rabbi Yocheved Mintz. Our common passion for text study and Jewish community drew us together and led to my internship at P’nai Tikvah, which will begin in August. My path to the rabbinate began after college. I planned to become a Reform rabbi after spending a year in Israel and yet my life took a different turn. One year turned into many and my perspective of Jewish life broadened to include life in the Orthodox world. When I returned to the States, I married, had children and worked in the Bay Area Jewish community. At different junctures, I reconsidered rabbinical school but it wasn’t until I found the Academy of Jewish Religion - CA that I knew I would be trained by an institution that would value and nurture my pluralistic approach to Judaism. My journey through rabbinical school, thus far, has been powerful, exhilarating and transformative. For me, an authentic Jewish life is less about strict adherence to Jewish law and more about living our lives in community and engagement with Jewish ideas. But Jewish texts, history, and philosophy, which I am studying in the classroom, are only part of the story. Much of what enriches my life is not compartmentalized within the walls of the synagogue. It happens at regularly scheduled Friday afternoon Kabbalat Shabbat at the wine bar with my girlfriends, in a backyard sukkah, at our families’ annual Academy Awards party, and at the beach. As my thinking expands, I want to share and explore these ideas with you. I love conversations had on bikes, on walks and at the Shabbat table. I am so looking forward to getting to know everyone over the course of the next year. B’Shalom (in peace),
Jamie 4
Message from Co-President Sam Lieberman On behalf of Co-President Barbara Holland and the Congregations Board of Directors I welcome you to yet another exciting and dynamic year at Congregation P’nai Tikvah. Rabbi Mintz’s active return and the addition of Rabbinic Intern Jamie Hyams to our congregational family brings promise of a wonderful year. We need and value your participation, ideas and thoughts about how to collectively move CPT forward for now and future generations. I welcome the opportunity to visit with each of you to hear your thoughts and insights as always feel free to call me at 702.286.0739 or at regentsamlieberman@gmail.com Thanks for all you do. I know we are approaching what has the potential to be an incredible year
Sam Lieberman
The congregation extends condolences to Lynn Pisetzner and Family on the loss of beloved husband, father and grandfather David Pisetzner
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Providing Service to CPT – Join and Participate! Your talents and active participation are both needed and welcomed. Hands on participation is necessary to provide the array of services that our congregation has to offer in a manner that is affordable, effective, and fulfilling. We are looking to provide as many requested services and events as possible. Join us in this important Mitzvah for our congregation and community. Please indicate three choices of participation. Each committee is led by a Board Member who will contact you. Speak to Stephanie Paykel or another CPT Board Member about your choices at services ___ Board of Directors and Nominating. We are responsible for recruiting and supervising election of new Board members and Board members whose terms of office are completed. Recommend appointments for Board members who have resigned before the expiration of their term of office. ___ Ritual, Holiday, and Special Events. What we do: Organize logistics and catering for High Holiday Services; Cater the Pesach Seder; Setup and takedown Friday Shabbat Services, coordinate Oneg; Planning for Sukkot, Chanukah, and Purim, including decorating and catering; and Planning other Special Events. ____ Adult Education. Organize Torah study; Recruit Speakers for the Brunch with Brilliants program; Provide creative ideas to plan and implement Adult Lectures, Classes or Programs to engage and educate. ____ Youth Education. We assist our Jewlicious Learning Educators in a wide variety of areas, including provision of needed materials, planning for classes, and other Youth events. ____ Fundraising. Encourage active participation from all Members to organize, plan, and support our fundraising activities in order to maintain and grow the Congregational Budget. Activities include our Annual Roast fundraiser and planning the Tribute Book; selecting, conceptualizing, planning and implementing additional fundraising activities. ___ Marketing and Membership: We need to maximize the visibility of CPT in the Las Vegas community and grow our membership. We are responsible for sending out press releases, engaging in marketing strategies, along with performing outreach functions, updating our Facebook page and other media. ____ Finance. Responsible for devising the Annual Budget, accounting of income and expenses, including reporting to the Board any significant deviance from budgeted items; approving contracts for consultants and venues; approving budgets for events. ___ Congregational Outreach: Coordinate with the above groups to Contact Members and potential participants to encourage attendance in upcoming classes, events and programs; Maintain and update Phone Lists; provide Greeters for Shabbat Services and other events; perform Mitzvah of Bikur Cholim (visiting or calling members who have been ill). Organize and send greeting cards for life events. Provide outreach to absent members. 6
Rosh Chodesh Elul Astronomy in the Park A NEW MOON FOR ALL. We will meet at 7:00pm for picnic and Havdallah and then join the Las Vegas Astronomical Society for a public viewing of the night sky. Local amateur astronomers will gather with their telescopes and set their sites on the moon, Saturn, double stars, constellations and distant galaxies. Open to the whole family!
August 26, 2017 Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center 1000 Scenic Loop Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89161
http://www.lvastronomy.com/index.php/events/upcoming-events for more info from the Las Vegas Astronomy Society 7
A New Moon for All
Elul
Saturday, August 26 7:00 PM
Stargazing at Red Rock Canyon Visitor’s Center
Saturday September 16 7:00 PM
Slichot at the home of Rabbi Mintz
Sunday, October 22 12-4 PM
JCC BBQ Team Event “Slabs and Tichels”-call Nancey 702.956.7378 Opportunity Village
Kislev
Sunday, November 19 7:00 PM
“A Pintrest Chanukah” at the home of Rabbi Mintz
Tevet
Sunday, December 17 TBD
Bowl-A-Thon Rosh Chodesh Team Red Rock Bowling Alley
Sh’vat
Sunday, January 21 TBD
Jewish Film Festival and Dessert
Adar
Sunday, February 18 7:00 PM
Drum Circle TBD
Sunday, March 18 1-3 PM
Our Favorite Passovers Workshop TBD
Iyyar
April 15
Israeli Film and Discussion
Sivan
May 20
Torah Trek-Spring Mountain Ranch
Tishrei Cheshvan
Nissan
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Jewlicious Learning SIGN UP TODAY FOR OUR 2016-2017 SESSION Jewlicious Learning Hands on, experiential learning makes Jewish education fun and meaningful for our youngsters from Kindergarten through B’nai Mitzvah. Working with Rabbi Mintz, Cantor Goldberg, and our caring and engaging teaching staff makes a loving, caring, and motivating environment for our youngsters.
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KIDZ KORNER for July and August
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Yad Squad (formerly “Teen Torah Tribe�) Post B'nai Mitzvah teens will be meeting from 10:00 to 11:30 on Sunday mornings once monthly this year for continuing education and leadership training. In addition to increasing their skill in "doing Jewish." They will experience: Social Action Opportunities Building self-esteem Building Jewish identity Building Jewish literacy Connecting with other Jewish teens and with the community and being provided with opportunities for positive personal expression. 702.436.4900 11
JEWISH, is our Introduction to Judaism course; divide into three ALIVE AND This 10 class sessions each class is an introduction into the Jewish AMERICAN life-cycle and experience regarding living a committed Jewish taught by life. Although this is a requirement for those interested in choosing Judaism, it is a great way for people who are born RABBI Jewish to understand the tradition better, explore the interacYOCHEVED tion between the heritage and our contemporary experience, and get a great guide for further exploration on their own. MINTZ The 10 class sessions running from August 15, 2017 to No3-10 CLASS vember 7, 2017; November 11, 2017 to February 20, 2018; SESSIONS February 27, 2018 to May 15, 2018 will include Shabbat, Theology, Hanukkah, The Jewish Home, Synagogue, Tu B'Shevat, August The World of Jewish Texts and Mysticism. 2017—May Contact 702.436.4900 to reserve you place. The course for 2018 members is $165.00 and for non-members $215.00. The syl7:00 PM— labus is $25.00. 8:30 PM Tuesday PM CALL 702.436.4900 to sign up You Shall Be Holy
This Mussar Institute course will be facilitated by Rabbi Yocheved Mintz on Monday evenings starting in August. The course will be for 12 weeks with meeting every other week. The Mussar va’ad dates are: August 14th, 28th, September 11th, 25th, October 9th, 23rd FIRST SESSION: AUGUST 14 2017 from 7-8 PM. The class will meet in the home of Rabbi Yocheved Mintz starting at 7:00 PM. Cohort size is limited. Cost for the course: $330 for members and $380 for non-members. Call 702.869.2700 for more information WHAT IS MUSSAR? Mussar is a path of contemplative practices and exercises that have evolved over the past thousand years to help an individual soul to pinpoint and then to break through the barriers that surround and obstruct the flow of inner light in our lives. Mussar is a treasury of techniques and understandings that offers immensely valuable guidance for the journey of our lives.
ADULT EDUCATION THIS YEAR WE WILL BE OFFERING 5-5WEEK SESSION FOR OUR TALMIDIM, OUR ADULT LEARNERS. CONGREGATION P’NAI TIKVAH IS BLESSED WITH A PASSIONATE GROUP OF ADULTS WHO CONSISTENTLY SEEK OUT WHAT BEING JEWISH MEANS TO THEM TODAY. PLEASE JOIN US WITH YOUR IDEAS, SUGGESTIONS AND PARTICIPATION AS WE GO ON OUR JOURNEYS AS INDIVIDUALS AND WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY. EMAIL YOUR IDEAS: INFO@PNAITIKVAHLV.ORG PUT IN THE SUBJECT LINE ADULT ED AT CPT WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU HERE ARE SOME IDEAS WE ARE PONDERING:
FOODS AND THE JEWISH CALENDAR BREAKING DOWN THE AMIDAH EMBODYING SPIRIT MANDALAS AS A HEALING TOOL MODESTY IN MODERNITY PSALMS FOR YOU AND ME
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Would you like to send honey for Rosh Hashanah 5778? $10.00 per bottle Call the office for assistance 702.436.4900
Join us on September 10th Congregation P’nai Tikvah’s Annual Hi Ho Challah Baking Home of Rabbi Yocheved Mintz 1-4 PM 13
In Memory of Those We Love
NAMES FOR THE BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE – 5778 To honor the memory of loved ones who have passed away, please fill out this form and send to: Congregation P’nai Tikvah ATTN: Administrative Office 1697 Black Fox Canyon Rd, Henderson, Nevada 89052 by September 18th, 2017 It is traditional to make a donation ($18) to the congregation for each of your loved ones. Remembered by ______________________________________________________ Phone no. _________________ I am contributing $ _________ in memory of each of my loved ones, for a total of $_______ for the Book of Remembrance 5778 . Name ____________________________________________________________________________ Name ____________________________________________________________________________ Name ____________________________________________________________________________ Name ____________________________________________________________________________ Name ____________________________________________________________________________ Name ____________________________________________________________________________ Name ____________________________________________________________________________ Name ____________________________________________________________________________ Name ____________________________________________________________________________ Name ____________________________________________________________________________
Please remit names and donations to Congregation P’nai Tikvah ATTN: Administrative Office 1697 Black Fox Canyon Rd, Henderson, Nevada 89052 or email to info@pnaitikvahlv.org Call the office at 702.436.4900 for more information.
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July and August Birthdays Joey Goodrich
11-Jul
Gary Ullman
Lynda French
15-Jul
Mason DeLee
10-Aug
Marie Ackerman
16-Jul
Evelyn Clark
19-Aug
Mary Benstock
17-Jul
Gary Paykel
20-Aug
Alexandra Goodrich
17-Jul
Joanne Goodwin
23-Aug
Paula Deal
20-Jul
Iris Katz
27-Aug
Tim Lockett
25-Jul
David Aris
29-Aug
Maple DeLee
27-Jul
Aaron Nussbaum
29-Aug
Edward Benstock
28-Jul
Rachel Piekarsky
30-Aug
Barbara Finkelberg
28-Jul
Hedda Abbott
30-Jul
Rick Bindhamer
30-Jul
1-Aug
July and August Anniversaries Ellen & Ron Royer Iris & Joel Katz
5-Aug 22-Aug
For $40.00 a prayer book can either be purchased for personal use or be dedicated to the congregation “In Memory” or “In Honor of” and a card from CPT will be sent to the family. The prayer book plate will be placed on the inside cover of our Kol HaNeshamah siddur.
VOLUNTEERISM ABOUNDS AT CPT Homes are always needed for the various activities and meetings of our congregation. Offer a Personal prayer – If you’d like to write your own, please do so. If you would like to see it published in the newsletter. 15
For the Month of July and August Sam Bender -Remembered by Elliot Bender Sidney Benstock -Remembered by Edward Benstock Barry Corchnoy and Dorothy Hillman -Remembered by Anne & Gary Ullman Morris DeLee -Remembered by Michael DeLee
Joan Petker -Remembered by Wendy Sprattler Paul Roshkind -Remembered by Jane Kusel Harold Sussman -Remembered by Laura Sussman Solomon Tzorfas -Remembered by Evelyn & Ken Clark
Patricia Elliot -Remembered by Rachel Elliot Piekarsky Michael Goldberg -Remembered by Nancy and Marla Goldberg Shirley Kamanitz and Samuel Weiman -Remembered by Barbara Holland David King -Remembered by David Aris Davida Lewin-Schermer -Remembered by CPT Congregation Allan Lytel -Remembered by Laurie Lytel Don Mandell -Remembered by Ann Mandell Sophie Margolis -Remembered by Zelda Goldwater Neal Paykel -Remembered by Gary Paykel
Memorial plaques are available; to honor the departed, to inspire the living. to be remembered in the hearts of those we leave behind is, in a sense, to live forever. For further information, call the Synagogue office at 702-436-4900 16
Nid’vei Lev- Donations from the Heart
P’nai Tikvah is a warm and welcoming, progressive, egalitarian, and pluralistic congregation focusing on the spiritual, educational, and social well-being of those who wish to live a fulfilling and meaningful Jewish life. Clergy and Staff Rabbi Emerita: Rabbi Yocheved Mintz Rabbinic Intern: Jamie Hyams Cantor: Cantor Marla Goldberg Educators: Rabbi Yocheved Mintz and Cantor Marla Goldberg Teacher’s Aide: Austin Royer Bookkeeper: Lynn Pisetzner Treasurer: Lynn Pisetzner
702.436.4900 www.pnaitikvahlv.org info@pnaitikvahlv.org
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August 4 August 5 August 14 August 14 August 15 August 16 August 18 August 19 August 21 August 22 August 23 August 26 August 28 August 28 August 29 August 30 September 1 September 2 September 4 September 5 September 6 September 7 September 10 September 11 September 15 September 16 September 16 September 18 September 20 September 21 September 22
CALENDAR AT A GLANCE: 6:30 PM Tot Shabbat, Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv Service 9:30 AM Torah Study 4:15 PM Jewlicious Learning 7:00 PM You Shall Be Holy – Mussar 7:00 PM Jewish, Alive and American 7:00 PM Jewish Adult Education Series I 7:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv Service 9:30 AM Torah Study 4:15 PM Jewlicious Open House 7:00 PM Jewish, Alive and American 7:00 PM Adult Education Series I 7:00 PM New Moon for All: Astronomy in the Park 4:15 PM Jewlicious Learning 7:00 PM Mussar 7:00 PM Jewish, Alive and American 7:00 PM Adult Education Series I 6:30 PM Tot Shabbat, Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv Service 9:30 AM Torah Study Labor Day 7:00 PM Jewish, Alive and American 7:00 PM Jewish Adult Education Series I 7:00 PM CPT Board Meeting 1:00 PM Hi Ho Challah Baking, bring your apron 7:00 PM You Shall Be Holy – Mussar 7:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv Service 9:30 AM Torah Study 7:00 PM S’lichot 4:15 PM Jewlicious Learning 7:00 PM Rosh Hashanah at Texas Station 10:00 AM Rosh Hashanah at Texas Station 5:00 PM Tashlich and picnic at Sunset Park
Blessing for the Month of Av
May this time of introspection marked by the deep sadness of Tisha B’Av and encouraged by the prospect of the coming new year result in steps towards new beginnings for us all. Amein 18