April 2012 • Volume 26 • Issue 4
A Reform Congregation Embracing Our Jewish Tradition
A Look Inside Our Gates Fridays With Friends Cover and page 9 Ruach Shabbat Cover and page 3 Seniors Luncheon
Page 2
Help ECEC Recycle
Page 5
Bonfire Havdallah
Page 5
B’nai Mitzvah
Page 6
Women’s Rosh Chodesh Group - Seder Page 6
REGISTRATION CAN ALSO BE DONE ON TBT’S WEBSITE AT WWW.BETHTIKVAH.COM
Gift Shop News
Page 6
Men’s Club News
Page 7
Annual Congregational Meeting Page 8 “Pass Over” Your Coat Drive Page 9 Food of the Month Page 9 “Job Searching from a Recruiters Prospective” Page 9 In the Community Page 12 Contributions Schmooze News
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Pages 13-15 Page 16
Passover’s Message: Let All Who are Hungry Come and Eat! We say that message every year during the Passover seder: Let all who are hungry come and eat. It is an ultimate truth of our Festival day! We recall moving from the degradation of slavery to the liberation of journeying to the Promised Land. We celebrate our freedom by eating a bread of affliction, matzah. This “poor man’s bread” reminds us of how we were once strangers in a strange land. With that knowledge, with that memory, we are to be good, kind and generous to the stranger because we know what it is like to be a stranger. A stranger, after all, is someone who is a part of a society that is not his own. Without that support system, without a network, the stranger is vulnerable.
Fulton, rallying congregations of different faith traditions together to respond to people in crisis. The IHN is a program modeled throughout the country where congregations open their doors to homeless families for one week, four times per year. I am proud of our Board of Trustees to have agreed to join the IHN and for us to open our doors to support these families in crisis. This is where we need you! We will need volunteer teams to help make dinners, prepare cold breakfasts, organize a space within the synagogue, get supplies, provide welcoming gifts to our guests, and at least one man and one woman to stay overnight in the synagogue to be sure we are good hosts to our guests. (Since we will have families staying over, I will encourage our hosts to be families, too! My family will be participating in staying overnight, too). During the day, the families will either go to work, go to school, or go to a day center where they can receive the assistance they need. They will not be here during the day, but only in the evenings and to sleep at night. After their stay with us, they will go to their next synagogue, church or mosque.
The Torah also teaches that if you are part of the community, not a stranger, then the community has a responsibility to take care of you when you are facing hard times: “If there is among you a poor man, one of your brethren, in any of your towns within your land that the Eternal your God gives you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him, and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be.” (Deut. 15:7-10) Passover’s message, then, of opening our doors to someone who is hungry, is of primary importance but would we really do it? We open the doors of our homes to symbolically welcome Elijah the Prophet to drink that fifth cup of wine reserved for him at our seders. It is the cup of redemption! The message is that if Elijah comes, we will mark the time of peace for our world. But our sages teach that Elijah will be dressed as a beggar, looking for someone – anyone – to welcome him in to a home for the Passover meal.
People are still in a variety of “Egypts” today in our world. The Egypt of poverty and homelessness is more than most of us can even imagine. As we celebrate Passover this year, let us take these words to heart: Let all who are hungry come and eat! Let’s open our sacred house up to four families at a time that need the help of people of faith – of people who want to do God’s work. We need you to help us help these families. To get involved, please contact one of the following by email: Andy Friend, agf17@bellsouth.net, Marcy Fried, marcifried@bellsouth.net, or Jeanne and Jeff Schultz, asburypark@comcast.net. Watch for more information in May! The program will not formally start before the summer, but we want to get our teams together so we will be ready to launch.
I believe it is time to take this message to heart. While we might have concerns about security relating to welcoming someone we don’t know into our homes, we have a chance to enact this tradition in a very real way through the Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) of Family Promise. We are launching a branch of Family Promise in North
Rabbi Fred Greene
Rabbi Greene
"WHAT IS A MIRACLE?"
to Headline
This session with Rabbi Greene will explore what miracles are. Is it a miracle when one feels a prayer had been answered? Does a miracle have to have a supernatural component to be considered "miraculous?” Join us as we explore what we think Miracles are and how we can encounter them.
Seniors Luncheon
Monday, April 16th at 11:30 a.m. Lunch and Program
Please RSVP to Ruth Zeidman at 770-552-1966 All are welcome. 2
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Notes from Cantor Kassel This April is...quite the Jewish month, while on the Hebrew calendar it is made up of two months: Nisan and Iyar.
(community of the people of Israel). This is truly a double-blessing for which I welcome all the reminders I can get, including a month of observances: 4 Holidays, 4 Shabbatot and parts of 2 Hebrew months!
This April (corresponding to 9 Nisan thru 8 Iyar): The 1st day of Pesach coincides with Shabbat The end of Pesach brings us right up to the next Shabbat 5 days later: Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Commemoration) 1 week later: Yom Hazkiaron (Day of Remembrance) and Yom Ha-atzmaut (Day of Independence)
PURIM THANK-YOU’S Thank you to the 33 participants in this year’s Purim Shpiel and Megillah reading! We definitely discovered some hidden talents here at TBT. Purim is a “the more, the merrier” holiday and our sanctuary was full of participants and those who cheered us on!
As Jews living fairly assimilated lives in this country, there is much in the month of April calling us to be aware of the “Jewish” part of our lives. For me personally, In every day there is a JEWISH PART of my life. AND every day is a part of my JEWISH LIFE.
THE NEXT RUACH SHABBAT Friday, April 27th at 7:00 p.m. (Separate and apart from the 8:00 p.m. service that evening.) This will be our last Ruach Shabbat service until next year. If you enjoy an up-beat, spirited service, then Ruach Shabbat is for you! Come and check it out and let us know if you’d like to see Ruach Shabbat return next year!
These two perspectives are inextricably linked and the festival of Pesach reminds me of this more than any other Jewish holiday. As I sit around the Seder table with generations of family it is the ultimate American-Jewish/ Jewish-American experience. I am simultaneously reminded of the freedoms and responsibilities inherent in being a citizen of this country and a member of K’lal Yisrael
Nancy Kassel
Shalom Chaverim - שלום חבריםaand Happy Passover - חג פסח שמח This Friday evening, April 6, 2012, 14 Nissan, 5772, we as Jews have a “double mitzvah” opportunity; it is Erev Shabbat and Erev Passover. While Shabbat calls upon us to rest, to stop our busy lives, to stop “creating” or working as we remember God’s creation, Pesach calls upon us to remember our Exodus from Egypt, to look present at that which may enslave us today, and ultimately to look forward. It is the present look and the looking forward which we must do. It is not an option, for if we do not, then we are set in motion to relive that which occurred before our Exodus.
the synagogue through which we may realize our freedom. So friends, as you rest on this upcoming Shabbat, and as you remember on this Pesach the story of our own slavery and God’s freeing of us, think about four questions. What responsibility do each of us have to look present
and hence to contribute to creating synagogue community for now and the future? Will it be only the “others” that will create community? If I am not there for a minyan needed for others, who will be at the one needed for me? Do I position myself, my children, my grandchildren, my partner, to hear God’s hand in freeing me . . . Do I let in the sounds of Passover, Dayehnu, the tastes of Passover -- Matzah, Karpas dipped in our tears and Charoset, and the hope of Passover for freedom and for future so that they awaken in me this springtime of my Jewish self.
As we prepare our homes for Pesach and our tables for Seder, consistent with our tradition, we are challenged to think and to look inside. Not only is this an opportunity for us to evaluate our personal lives regarding that to which we allow ourselves to be enslaved, but it calls upon us to free ourselves from those entrapments and ultimately to face our obligation to keep the Jewish people alive and well. It is the synagogue -- the synagogue community, with it’s communal worship in the language of our forefathers and foremothers and its melodious and sweetsounding chanting that lifts our souls, — it is the synagogue — with its celebration of B’nai Mitzvah, with its investment in Jewish learning, with its challenge to create a world better than the one our eyes see today — yes, it is
My best wishes to you and yours for a very Happy Pesach, celebrated with family and friends. Steven C. Gerson President 3
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Religious School Education Director In March, the 7th grade students along with their parents participated once again in a special Holocaust program designed and implemented by the William Breman Heritage Museum. And, what a program it was! They went to the Breman and were given guided tours which introduced them to all aspects of that tragic part of our history.
which had ties to Atlanta who perished in the Holocaust.
The 2nd part our program was held at TBT. Our 6th and 7th grade students learned about the historical background of the occupation. The educators from the Breman were serious and thoughtful and engaged the students during the entire program. That Sunday was especially poignant because of the presentations by actual survivors who were willing to share their extremely moving stories with us. The students were in awe of their survival skills and sensitive to their pain. The stories were very moving and memorable.
We have tested our 4th and 5th grade students on the prayers they have been learning in class. I am so proud of the students. As an incentive, we allowed the students to attend an ice cream party if they passed their tests. I am very proud to say that all the students were able to attend the party.
We had been very busy studying and celebrating Purim. Our children came to school dressed in fabulous costumes and the adloyadah (Purim parade) was adorable. And to top it all off, our 5th grade put on a wonderful Purim shpiel for the entire school. Great fun was had by all.
Our 4th grade students decorated stones to be placed at the site of the Temple Beth Tikvah book burial. These stones were decorated with Hebrew words and Jewish symbols.
This program has been designed to empower our students to know our history; and to be able to share it with future generations so that this kind of inhumanity will never happen again. But, it also teaches young people that the Jewish people did not just sit back and accept their lot, but many struggled and tried to keep a light burning. That is so important to impart for Jewish pride in our students.
On March 25th, we had our model Seder with two Seders going on simultaneously. One Seder was for the Pre-K – 2nd grade students, the other for the 3rd through 7th grades. We read from the Haggadot, sang and everyone got to partake in the traditional Seder plate foods. As you can see, we had a very busy March. We wish you and your families a very Happy Pesach.
As part of the Holocaust series the 7th grade students decorated stones that will be used for a Yom Hashoah Ceremony at Greenwood Cemetery on April 22nd. The stones were beautifully decorated with names of children
Shalom, Hassia Levin and Perri
Early Childhood Education Center Director “Educate a child according to his own way and even when he grows old, he will not stray from it.” Proverbs 22:6
parents and teachers can provide. Educating a child “in his own way” involves respect, observation and a lot of self-restraint from adults. As parents and educators, we must create an opportunities for self- expression rather than trying to mold children to be what we think they should be.
A child enters the world composed of a unique makeup of dispositions or natures. These dispositions are what makes us who we are and like or unlike others. I think we all can agree that every child is special and that each enters the world with something fabulous to offer. As a parent, I cannot even count how many times I have explained to my children that we are all different and that if we were all the same what a boring world we would live in! Does this sound familiar?
Every child has something fabulous to offer. As adults, we must listen to them, respect them and help them be who they are. If you child is shy, help him to learn to live with the shyness rather than pushing him to be outgoing. If your child is sensitive, help him learn to use it to his advantage as opposed to stifling it.
So, what do we do if our child’s nature, talents or abilities aren’t exactly what we as parents hoped they would be? We step back, we take a deep breath and we allow our children be true to themselves. Helping a child thrive while retaining their authenticity is the greatest gift
Educate a child according to his/her own way, says Proverbs, not the teacher’s way. When we do this, the child will never stray. Jenifer Friedman 4
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Youth News Save the Date: Bonfire Havdallah Saturday, May 12 at 5:00 p.m.
RECYCLE+REDUCE+REUSE=REPAIR Temple Beth Tikvah’s Early Childhood Center
wants your aluminum cans!
Make your own Besamim (spicebox), spend time with family and friends and celebrate all of TBT’s Youth Groups! All TBT families are welcome!
What do I have to do? All you have to do is save your aluminum cans and put them in our new recycling bin located outside in the back parking lot. It is mighty big, so send in all that you have! We will continue to do this throughout the year, so stock up on sodas! By doing this simple deed, you will be helping the ECEC as we will get money back from what we collect, but most importantly you will be helping our world and creating a better place for our children!
Look for more details to follow
Why should I do it? It is so easy! It is a great lesson in Tikkun Olam, repair of our world, and because we love those precious faces that brighten our days!
GESHER
When should I send in my cans? Send in one or send in a bunch– it doesn’t matter how many or when! Can I bring other recyclables? Anything aluminum—pie pans, cat food cans, etc. But Only Aluminum
Gesher Youth Group has fun at The Fringe Purim Packages Sent to Our College Students Wonderful packages were sent to our college students to remind them that although they may not be home, they are in the thoughts of our TBT community. Forty seven college students received these packages filled with information and goodies.
10955 Jones Bridge Road, for the pizza coupon, and Costco at 2855 Jordan Court, for the hamantashen. We would also like to thank our TBT volunteers who assembled the care packages. Thanks go to Beth Kess, Sharon Khoury, Ellen Levitz, Emily Lewit, and Gail Neder. It goes without saying that we couldn’t have done this without the assistance and support of Rabbi Greene, Bernice Isaac, Michelle Leder, Becky Sullivan, and Jeremiah Crosby.
A personal letter from Rabbi Greene was enclosed, along with information about interest free student loan opportunities and study abroad programs in Israel. To coincide with Purim, hamantashen and groggers were sent. The packages also included a very nice collection of school supplies, Starbucks samples, a Domino’s pizza coupon, microwave popcorn, and candy.
If you have ideas for items to include in our next care package, or better yet, any donations we could include, please let us know.
Many of the items were donated and we would like to recognize and thank the following donors: Copy Atlanta for the school supplies, Starbucks at 4180 Old Milton Parkway, for the coffee samples, Domino’s Pizza at
Lynda Bennett and Ginger Glazer College Connection Co-Chairs
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
B’nai Mitzvah Robert “Robby” Eugene Scott III will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on April 21, 2012. Robby is the son of Julie and Bob Scott, and younger brother to Sarah. He is the grandson of Theda and Len Seifert, and the late Portia and Robert Scott. Robby is in the 7th grade at River Trail Middle School, where he was selected for the Duke Talent Identification Program and participates in intramural track, and the African Library Project. He plays cello in the RTMS orchestra, and piano at home. Robby is a Star Boy Scout with Troop 3143 in Johns Creek, and recently received the Ner Tamid award. He is excited to share this special day with family and friends. Lily Nicole Rubin will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on April, 21,2012. Lily is the daughter of Douglas and Ellen Rubin and sister to Joshua. She is a 7th grade honor student at Crabapple Middle School where she has participated in Jr. Beta, tennis, and drama. Lily’s hobbies include playing tennis, baking, reading and spending time with friends. Braden Greenbaum will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on April 28, 2012. Braden is the son of Sharon and Andrew Greenbaum and brother to Zachary. Braden is in 7th grade at Mabry Middle School. Braden is an avid reader and he loves to draw. He enjoys tennis and whirlyball and plays violin in the Mabry Orchestra. He loves hanging with his friends.
Ryan Mermelstein will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on April 28, 2012. Ryan is the son of Evan and Sharon Mermelstein and brother to Ilana. He is in the 7th grade at Northwestern Middle School where he plays the bass clarinet in the 7th grade band. Ryan enjoys playing basketball and hanging out with his friends. Ryan has raised money for the Atlanta Humane Society and North Fulton Community Charities as part of his Bar Mitzvah project. He will also be collecting canned food and toiletries for NFCC on the day of his Bar Mitzvah.
Rosh Chodesh Women’s Spiritual Group
From the TBT Gift Shop
Spirituality is the nutrient of the neshama (soul). Celebrate your feminine spirit and its link to the Hebrew calendar. (TBT Women of all ages and knowledge are welcome.)
Join us on Wednesday, April 11, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Oneg room for our Women’s Seder! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 2 for our final Rosh Chodesh, as we take a break for summer. Women’s Seder, Wednesday, April 11: 7:00 - 7:30 p.m. - We will begin with optional gentle yoga/stretch/breathing to unwind and focus on the meaning of the Hebrew month NISAN. (If you have physical limitations, have no fear. You can participate sitting in a chair.) If you can't arrive until 7:30, you can join us then. 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. - We will enjoy the feminine spirit of Passover, the 4 girls inside each of us and stories of the women in the Exodus. What to bring – A favorite diary/vegetarian Passover dish to share, a candle in a container and a yoga mat if you have one. Wear comfy clothes.
Jewelry is the way to any one's heart is what we have found! Your TBT gift shop has fabulous jewelry available for you or your loved ones. Made in Israel, sterling silver...these must be seen to be appreciated. Haven't been by to see us recently? That's okay because you will be pleased by the items available to you! Have a bar/bat mitzvah coming up? We custom order kippot for you. There are lots to choose from! Thanks for shopping with us! Carrie, Pam and Rhonda
Please RSVP to Pam Chanin at chaninp@bellsouth.net 6
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Annual Martini Mixer… Is now the Margarita Mixer on Cinco de Mayo at 7:00 p.m. TBT Men's Club Annual Martini Mixer will have a Mexican flair in 2012. This year's "fiesta" will be held on Cinco de Mayo (Saturday, May 5) at the home of Floyd and Barb Shiffman. With catering by a Mexican restaurant and a margarita machine on hand, this will certainly be a fun evening to catch up with old friends. The cost is $20 per person/$40 per couple. If you RSVP by April 15, the cost is only $15/per person. Send questions or RSVP to mensclub@bethtikvah.com.
Let’s Talk About Israel!
Sunday, May 20 - Let Your Vote Count TBT’s Annual Congregational Meeting
The Israel Committee has formed a discussion group on Israeli Affairs, both political and cultural. Participants are provided with timely articles from the Israeli and other press via email on which to base our discussions. We meet about once a month. All are welcome. If you are interested in joining the group or in receiving the emails, please contact Gene Carasick at gcarasick@gmail.com.
9:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast 10:00 a.m. Meeting
Join ARZA! ARZA (www.arza.org) is the sole organization within the reform movement exclusively focused on strengthening the connection between American Reform Jews and Israel. If you want to express your commitment to the Jewish people and Israel, support Reform values in Israel, and strengthen your personal connection to Israel, please consider joining ARZA. The dues are only $36/year, with $2 retained by TBT to support Israel programming in the synagogue. Contact the office to join.
Purim K-1 Masked Strangers! in the
3rd GR - Petach Tikvah
Religious School
Gene Carasick Chair
Dear TBT Members: On behalf of North Fulton Community Charities, I want to thank you so much for your generous donation of food throughout the fourth quarter of 2011. We are so touched that you have designated NFCC for your charitable giving. Your kind gifts have made a real difference for many families in our community. Your continued support of NFCC is greatly appreciated. Assistance has continued to rise steadily and we are working hard to help families keep going during these trying days. So many people have reached the end of their unemployment benefits and have been unable to find new employment. We are so thankful that donations are coming in so that we can meet the overwhelming demand for our services. During the fourth quarter of this year, 2280 families received food and staple goods from our Food Pantry more than 5004 times. We give out 2 tons of food on a daily basis, so it is critical that we have a constant inflow of food donations to keep our shelves filled. Your donation has enabled us to fill our shelves and continue to distribute food to families in need. Thank you again for caring about those who live in our community that need our help. We would like to wish continued blessings to you. Sincerely,
Kevin Tracy Volunteer Coordinator 7
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
TBT Offers Members the Whole Megillah: A Fun, Informative Annual Meeting and a Raffle For Great Prizes All At the Same Time This year's annual meeting won't just be filled with important information about TBT but it will also offer fun activities, musical entertainment, good food and the opportunity to win great prizes. Come see for yourself! Who: All TBT members When: May 20, 2012 at 9:30 a.m. (breakfast) and 10:00 a.m. Meeting Begins Where: TBT's Social Hall and Sanctuary What: A fun, informative annual meeting that includes… Rabbi Greene's Annual Report 25th Anniversary Celebration Kickoff Recognition of 12th graders who completed the Kivunim program Free babysitting for members by reservation
Fun, supervised activities for elementary school age children by reservation Beautiful Music performed by TBT's Adult, Teen and Youth Choirs
Exciting Raffle Drawing with great items to win, including: *IPAD2 *2 night/3 day weekend package in North GA Mountains Raffle tickets go on SALE April 15th—Tickets cost $12 each or 2 for $18 BONUS: Opportunity to double your chances of winning! Attend the Annual Meeting, receive a second raffle ticket free for each ticket already purchased. The winning ticket will be drawn at the Annual Meeting. We look forward to seeing you there!
Getting to know your TBT Family - Introducing the Shultz Family In an effort to help us all become better acquainted with one another, this month we highlight another special Temple Beth Tikvah family that actually credit their membership and involvement at TBT for their recent union. Meet Robert and Ruth Shultz.
Both Rob and Ruth give back to our community in many ways. Their combined contributions range from co-chairing the High Holy Day experience, serving on the Board of Education, providing Usher Emergency Training, revising a fire safety plan for the Religious School as well as working with the preschool, the front office, and the religious school. In addition, they support several TBT funds, including the Bucket Project Campaign, the Turkey Drive and the Cantor's Fund.
As the daughter of a rabbi, Ruth found it incredibly difficult to select a synagogue when she came to Atlanta. After all, how could any Rabbi truly compare to her dad? Fortunately, TBT met her high standards and she became a member in 1996. Twelve years later, Rob followed his parents', Esther and Walter Shultz, lead and became a member in 2008. Why TBT? Ultimately, Rob was sold when he attended High Holiday services led by our very special Rabbi Greene.
It is clear that they follow in the footsteps of Esther and Walter, also invaluable and very active TBT members who give generously to our community with gifts of the hand and gifts of the heart throughout the year every year.
TBT truly is a second family and spiritual home for Rob and Ruth. And they both agree that the greatest gift they have received from their membership was meeting each other!
A big thanks to the Shultz family for your active involvement and contributions to TBT!
Their recent marriage in the summer of 2011 also brought together Ruth's 11 year-old triplets - Ben, Jake and Sam Rockaway - and Rob's son – Izaac. The new clan affectionately call themselves the “Shultzaways.” All four boys attend our Religious School and are involved in the Gesher Youth Group.
PHOTO
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
TBT’s Seventh Annual “Pass Over” Your Coat Drive Spring has sprung, and like most of nature we are busy shedding our heavy, gray, winter wear in favor of lighter and brighter clothing. If you have adult or children's coats that have been outgrown, or ones that you cannot bear to wear another season, please consider donating them to our coat drive. The plan is to collect coats at the synagogue, have them cleaned (Bob Kraun of Crown Cleaners has generously offered to clean the coats for us again this year!) and deliver them to North Fulton Community Charities for distribution next winter. The coats will be given to families in need; they will not be sold at the clothes closet. Please drop off your coats at the synagogue anytime between April 1st and April 30th, and we will take care of the rest. If you have any questions about this project, please feel free to talk to Marsha Mathis any time. Thank you for your continued support of Temple Beth Tikvah’s efforts to alleviate some of the hardships faced by members of our community.
“Job Searching from a Recruiters Perspective” with Alice Herndon
Tuesday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m. Alice Herndon has over 15 years of recruiting experience from both the agency and corporate prospective. Your resume is the first impression you make for a potential new position. JOB SEARCHING FROM A RECRUITER’S PERSPECTIVE will discuss why recruiters toss resumes, what recruiters look for in a resume, and what should and should not be on a resume. You will also walk through ways to set yourself apart, get your resume noticed, network, and hit a home run in an interview! This program will appeal to those who are in transition, recent college graduates, underemployed or employed and interested in learning for future job searches. Please RSVP to the synagogue office at RSVP@bethtikvah.com This event is co-sponsored by TBT’s Business to Business Networking Group and the Men’s Club
Save the Date! Friday, June 1,2012 Fridays with Friends Cookout!
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Food of the month
April For JF&CS And NFCC Pasta Sauce Canned Fruit Applesauce
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
TBT Happenings
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
s for April 2012
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
In the Community Yom HaShoah Program featuring The Atlanta Boy Choir Wednesday, April 18 7:30 p.m. at The Temple on Peachtree On Erev Yom Hashoah, The Temple will feature The Atlanta Boy Choir, and The Alumni Men's Choir, conducted by Maestro Fletcher Wolfe (a protege of Robert Shaw), in a rendition of the beautiful, moving, and haunting piece of music, written by Cantor Charles Davidson, "I Never Saw Another Butterfly". This piece set to music, the poems and paintings of the children of the Terensienstadt Concentration Camp: of the 15,000 children who were interned there, only 150 remained alive... Maestro Fletcher Wolfe performed this piece countless times, both in Atlanta and abroad. The Atlanta Boy Choir sang this piece, in 1979, at the Capitol Rotunda, before both Houses of Congress, in which President Jimmy Carter, Elie Wiesel, and Cantor Goodfriend were present. They also sang this piece throughout Europe, while on Tour, and often sang it despite being told,"it would not be a good idea, nor would it be wellreceived"...Maestro Wolfe strongly believes that the World must know, and must not forget this colossal atrocity! The Atlanta Rabbinical Association and the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta invite you to:
A Community Yom HaShoah Commemoration Sunday, April 22 4:00 - 5:00 pm (Rain or Shine) Besser Holocaust Memorial Garden at the MJCCA in Dunwoody The program will include the lighting of the torches and a special musical presentation featuring Cantor Daniel Gale from Temple Beth-El, Birmingham, Alabama. Yom HaShoah, also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day, is the day on which we remember the atrocities that were committed against the Jewish people and others during World War II. This is a memorial day for all those who died in the Shoah. This program is free and open to the community.
On October 11, the Anti-Defamation League and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Chorus will present Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezin, a multi-media concert that tells the story of the courageous Jewish prisoners in the Theresienstadt Concentration Camp during World War II who learned Verdi’s Requiem Mass by rote and then performed this compelling work 16 times. The concert/drama features a full performance of the Requiem, video testimony with surviving members of the choir, original Nazi propaganda film footage, and actors telling the remarkable story of the Jewish prisoners who sang as a symbol of secret defiance against their Nazi captors. The performance is powerful, dramatic and inspirational, with a contemporary message of hope. Click here for Defiant Requiem video & more!
Tickets go on sale on Monday, April 30, and can be purchased by calling the Woodruff Center box office at 404 733-5000 or on the Atlanta Symphony website at www.atlantasymphony.org. Use discount code ADL10 for a 10% discount on each ticket. 12
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Thank You to Our March and April Bucket Campaign Contributors We would like to take this opportunity to list the new contributors to our Second Year Bucket Projects Campaign who donated over the past two months. Thank you for your support as we work together to fulfill our mission and sustain a strong TBT. The next quarterly donor report will be in the June Kol Tikvah. Contributions as of January 21, 2011 Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Robert Cherof Beth and Jeffrey Kess Valerie and Richard Gerber Barbara and Howard Rosenberg Molly Rosenfield Ilana and Andy Zalkin Tributes In memory of: Abe Berney ∙ Nancy and Sandy Simon Nathan Wixman Sol Walkes ∙ Bonnie and Bruce Walkes Robert Tam ∙ Rebecca and Jonathan Bennett ∙ Marcy and Robert Nader George Dodd ∙ Judy and Joel Rosenberg
Frances Cunix ∙ Anne and Larry Skal Beverly Isaac ∙ Anne and Robert Davis ∙ Ellen and Seth Zimmer ∙ Nancy and Sandy Simon ∙ Bonnie and Bruce Walkes Martha Bearman Herb Stein Betty Ebstein Yetta Dutkiewitz Nora Stein Ann Eileen Kant ∙ Wendy and Dale Bearman Eric Lipson ∙ Anne Grossman Debra and Spencer Shilling ∙ Ida Kerbel
In honor of: The bar mitzvah of Nathan Buffington ∙ Dyann and Mitch Diamond In appreciation of: The Beth Tikvah community ∙ Jane Greenberger and Doug Wexler
Beth Tikvah’s Bucket Projects
Campaign Year II
Contributions to Temple Beth Tikvah Contributions from January 21, 2012 through March 22, 2012 Rabbi Greene’s Discretionary Fund In memory of: Charlotte Liroff ∙ Audrey Eisen Beverly Isaac ∙ Benton Gup ∙ Rita and Bernie Tuvlin ∙ Carol and Bruce Waldman ∙ Lori Shapiro and Cary Goldenthal ∙ Florence Gordon and Susan Gordon ∙ Jeff Willard and Steve Mahan ∙ Lois Clymin ∙ Alice and Sam Herndon ∙ Judee and Sherwin Levinson Hyman and Shirley Pater Donald MacPhee Dina Adato ∙ Lois and Sid Malkin Ida and Philip Plotkin ∙ Shirley and Saul Plotkin
Jean Migatz ∙ Lois Clymin Judy Naftolin ∙ Debbie and Josh Sinsley Regina Karmel ∙ Cynthia and Howard Steinberg Norman Bronstein ∙ Lori Shapiro and Cary Goldenthal Sam Charyn ∙ Charlotte Fleisher Herman Myers ∙ Rita and Bernie Tuvlin Robert Tuvlin ∙ Rita and Bernie Tuvlin ∙ Estelle Tuvlin Herbert Waldman ∙ Carol and Bruce Waldman Anne Brisk Selma Strauss ∙ Anne and David Strauss Melvin Haskins ∙ Terri, David, Austin, Taylor and Payton Cohen 13
Phil Pomerance ∙ Viki and Eric Stein Scott Monat ∙ Ilene and Rick Monat Murray J. Moss ∙ Robert Moss Max Mendelson ∙ Ruth Zeidman Harry Liederman ∙ Janice and Steve Liederman Dominic Chiappini ∙ Loretta and Warren Taninbaum Arthur Sirkin Ruth Sirkin Waxman ∙ Catherine and Bill Sirkin In honor of: Florence Gordon on her grandson, Zach Hall, becoming a bar mitzvah ∙ Lois Clymin The speedy recovery of Doug Wexler ∙ Lois Clymin Contributions continued on page 14
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Contributions continued... Rabbi Greene’s Discretionary Fund continued… In appreciation of: Rabbi Greene ∙ Carol and Bruce Waldman ∙ Cumming First United Methodist Church The Shabbat honors ∙ Cindy and Ed Getty TBT’s hospitality for our meetings ∙ Families Anonymous Rabbi Greene for preparing Marin for her bat mitzvah ∙ Leanne and Michael McGrath Rabbi Greene for preparing Olivia for her bat mitzvah ∙ Jennifer and Neil Goldstein Rabbi Greene ∙ Leslie and Ron Swichkow Rabbi Tam’s Discretionary Fund In memory of: Sarah Bickwit Beverly Isaac ∙ Bernice and Bernie Bickwit Robert Tam ∙ Helaine and Howard Medoff ∙ Lois and Jim Shaevel ∙ Kathleen Rieter ∙ Nancy and Kenny Blank ∙ Sharon Snowiss, Adam and Brian Weinstein ∙ Rita and Bernie Tuvlin Ruth Rein ∙ Trudy and Marv Davis Adrian Gerson ∙ RoseAnn, Steve, Jennifer and Matt and Jason Gerson Moses Reiber ∙ RoseAnn and Steve Gerson Cantor Kassel’s Discretionary Fund In memory of: Beverly Isaac ∙ Carol Shutzberg ∙ Jane Greenberger and Doug Wexler ∙ Pam Alterman ∙ Erika and Rodney Eberhardt Stanley Fain ∙ Amy and Jeff Fain
Joseph Zeidman ∙ Ruth Zeidman Arthur Toltzis ∙ Christi and David Toltzis Milton Marshall ∙ Judy Levine In honor of: The speedy recovery of Doug Wexler ∙ Carol Shutzberg Jeff’s Torah honor on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of his bar mitzvah ∙ Amy and Jeff Fain Erika Eberhardt on becoming a bat mitzvah ∙ Allison and Jonathan Agin The engagement of Ariel Cohn to David Margis ∙ RoseAnn and Steve Gerson In appreciation of: Cantor Kassel ∙ Lauren Fields Cantor Kassel for preparing Marin for her bat mitzvah ∙ Leanne and Michael McGrath Cantor Kassel for preparing Olivia for her bat mitzvah ∙ Jennifer and Neil Goldstein Building Fund In memory of: Irving Bachman ∙ Addie Myers Herbert Berke ∙ Andy Berke Robert Tam Nadia Cooper ∙ Lisa and Hadley Lowy Beverly Isaac ∙ Rhonda Schweber ∙ Renee and Sy Davis Endowment Fund In memory of: Samuel Restler ∙ June and Don Restler Beverly Isaac ∙ Sheryl S. Blechner Jay Rosen ∙ Linda and Steven Steinberg 14
In honor of: The engagement of Alex Straus to Christina Minter ∙ Sheryl S. Blechner The engagement of Michael Alterman to Melissa Steinberg ∙ Sheryl S. Blechner The speedy recovery of Doug Wexler ∙ Sheryl S. Blechner The engagement of Ellery and Stephanie ∙ Sheryl S. Blechner The marriage of the son of Mr. & Mrs. Rick Bernstein ∙ Sheryl S. Blechner General Fund In memory of: Max Bruss ∙ Carol and Bruce Waldman Harold Grossman ∙ Sara and Burt Grossman David Goldstein ∙ Carol Goldstein ∙ Jennifer and Neil Goldstein Barbara Rubin ∙ Leslie and Tod Rubin Lily Creggy Sonders ∙ Florence Gordon Mark Worth ∙ Irving Worth Beverly Isaac ∙ Ellen and Rob Rickles ∙ Wendy and Steven Lenhard ∙ Ivie and Harlan Graiser Melody Sherry Berger ∙ Ivie and Harlan Graiser Sandy Ashe ∙ Ilicia and Robert Shapiro In honor of: Charlene Milstein on becoming a bat Torah ∙ From your friends ∙ Zelda and Allen Stein Our son, Brian, on his acceptance Into the Doctoral program at the University of Cincinnati ∙ Ivie and Harlan Graiser
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Contributions continued... General Fund continued… In appreciation of: The mishloach manot from my TBT friends—thank you ∙ Carol Shutzberg ∙ Ruth Zeidman Campership/Israel Fund In memory of: Elaine Segal ∙ Kara and Bart Segal Caring/Kehillat Chesed Fund In memory of: Beverly Isaac ∙ Addie Myers ∙ Leslie and Tod Rubin ∙ Kathleen Rieter ∙ Ruth Zeidman ∙ Mary and Scott Block ∙ Esther and Walt Shultz Henrietta Keyser ∙ Fern and Marty Soniker Harriet Decker Levi ∙ Holli and Gordon Decker Sol B. Gutman ∙ Karen and Andrew Gutman Norman Bronstein ∙ Ilicia and Robert Shapiro In honor of: The speedy recover of Doug Wexler and Saul Plotkin ∙ Doris and Irving Rosing The bar mitzvah of Jacob Shippel ∙ Aviv Chavurah ∙ Barbara Bogartz and Richard Mindel The speedy recovery of Doug Wexler - wishing good health ∙ Ruth Zeidman The engagement of Alex Straus to Christina Minter ∙ RoseAnn and Steve Gerson Prayerbook Fund In memory of: Larry Knowles ∙ Anna Knowles ∙ Loretta and Cliff Weiss
Preschool/ECEC Fund In memory of: William Sands ∙ Marlene and Barry Goren Brandon Hirsch ∙ Pat and Fred Landsberg ∙ Jenifer and Rory Friedman Beverly Isaac Charles Palazzo ∙ Jenifer and Rory Friedman Religious School/Education Fund ∙ Rhonda and Scott Povlot In memory of: Beverly Isaac Robert Tam Norman Bronstein ∙ Hassia and Barry Levin Beverly Isaac ∙ Kathleen and Joel Schoenblum Solomon Turkel ∙ Pat and Fred Landsberg In honor of: The engagement of our son, Alex Straus to Christina Minter ∙ Denise and Barry Straus Religious School Scholarship Fund In memory of: Beverly Isaac ∙ Ellen and David Herold ∙ Hedva and Keith Wiener ∙ Michelle Leder Robert Tam ∙ Hedva and Keith Wiener Torah Fund In memory of: Beverly Isaac ∙ Phyllis and Ira Madans Tess Holzman ∙ Deborah and Julian Isakow Sophie Scheinfeld Joseph Scheinfeld ∙ Susan and Morray Scheinfeld In honor of: Erika Eberhardt, Charlene Milstein and Helene Skolky on their becoming B’not Torah ∙ RoseAnn and Steve Gerson 15
In Appreciation of: The prayers ∙ Nadine Duhaney Youth Fund In memory of: Shirley Lovett ∙ Lynda and Jonathan Bennett Beverly Isaac ∙ Julie and Marc Perlson In honor of: The birth of Emmanuelle Rose Waldman ∙ RoseAnn and Steve Gerson The birth of Micah Dymkowski ∙ RoseAnn and Steve Gerson Michael Zalkin Memorial Library Fund In memory of: Jacob Krigsner ∙ Sheila and Aaron Stieglitz Larry Knowles ∙ Anna Knowles Joseph Zeidman ∙ Christi and David Toltzis Lester Mansfield Elizabeth Goldberg Iris Kess ∙ Beth and Jeffrey Kess Beverly Isaac ∙ June Wallach Rae and Abe Rudel ∙ Gail and Mark Rudel In honor of: Cassidy Gilbert on becoming a Bat mitzvah ∙ Gail and Mark Rudel The speedy recovery of Haley Zalkin ∙ RoseAnn and Steve Gerson
Donations can be mailed to: Temple Beth Tikvah 9955 Coleman Road Roswell, GA 30075
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Condolences
Welcome New Members Temple Beth Tikvah wishes to welcome the following new members to our family:
Temple Beth Tikvah acknowledges with sorrow the passing of:
Elyse Granoff 532 Watercress Drive Woodstock, GA 30188 305-877-9704 Maddie and Skyler
Norman Bronstein ∙ Grandfather of Kim Peters Arnold Mangen ∙ Uncle of Bonnie Walkes Harris Derene ∙ Father of Craig Derene Morton Schneider ∙ Father of Nannette Wien
Get Well Wishes The following congregants have recently been ill. We hope and pray for a complete and speedy recovery of the following members of our Beth Tikvah family: Hayley Zalkin
Nancy White
May God console you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Maxine Rosen
Address Changes
Sunday, May 20
Please make note of the following families who have recently moved. We wish them all the best in their new homes.
Let Your Vote Count
TBT’s Annual Congregational Meeting 9:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast
Debbie and Josh Sinsley 8400 Valemont Drive Atlanta, GA 30350
10:00 a.m. Meeting
Julie and Mitch Hilsen 6885 Kew Gardens Way Cumming, GA 30040 Carol Jacobs 6189 Willow Run Road Norcross, GA 30092
Schmooze News Mazal Tov to… Arlene and Steve Cohn on the engagement of their daughter, Ariel to David Margis Fern and Marty Soniker on the birth of their 3rd grandson, Micah, born on February 12 to Randi and Isaac Dymkowski Arleen and Mark Reese on the engagement of their son, Brett, to Jennifer Bachner Ivie and Harlan Graiser on their son, Brian’s acceptance to the Doctoral program at The University of Cincinnati Dick Dressler for publishing his poignant book, The Protector: A Father’s Insightful and Passionate Journey through Family Crises Jill and Joel Lehrer on their son, Ian’s acceptance to the University of Southern California School of Dentistry If you have some “schmooze news” you would like to share with the congregation, or say “thank you” for a job well done, please email your schmooze news and kudos to koltikvah@bethtikvah.com. 16
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Honor a special person or event with a leaf on our Tree of Life
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.
The Tree of Life is a great way to honor a person or life cycle event. Leaves can be donated by individuals or by several people or families. Please consider the Tree of Life the next time you are looking for a way to honor someone or something special!
Submissions for the May KT are due to the synagogue office on Monday, April 2. koltikvah@bethtikvah.com
Get Involved! TBT Committees and Chairpersons Adult Education Cindy Getty cindygetty@me.com Budget & Finance Harlan Graiser harlanng@yahoo.com Chavurot Ivie Graiser iviegraiser@yahoo.com College Outreach Lynda Bennett lrbennett08@comcast.net Ginger Glazer ggchoc@bellsouth.net Communications Dave Faupel davefaupel8@yahoo.com Fundraising Laura DeRiemer lderiemer@mindspring.com Gift Shop Pam Alterman pmalterman@earthlink.net Carrie Bickwit carriebickwit@yahoo.com Rhonda Schweber rschweber@comcast.net House Ted Nathan tnathan@baldwinscheduling.com Human Resources Karen Moss karenmoss4@msn.com
Israel Gene Carasick gcarasick@gmail.com Kehillat Chesed (Caring) Leslie Swichkow lswichkow@comcast.net Membership Recruitment Kim Peters bradkim3@yahoo.com Lori Goldstrom lorigoldst@att.net Membership Transition Scott Block sblock@bellsouth.net Michael Braun mrbraun@earthlink.net Men’s Club Neil Goldstein nsg24@cornell.edu Nominating Committee Bart Schwartz bart_schwartz@coface-usa.com Andy Goldstrom agoldstrom87@hotmail.com Outreach To Be Determined Purim Mishloach Manot Wendy Lenhard wel1967@mindspring.com Suellen Bergman swbergman@gmail.com
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Ritual Esther Shultz savtaesther@bellsouth.net Rosh Chodesh Women’s Group Pam Chanin chaninp@bellsouth.net Security Michael Gutkin gutkin1@bellsouth.net Seniors Ruth Zeidman zeidmanr@comcast.net Sisterhood Heather Braun hbraun@earthlink.net Sheri Weiner ronsheri@bellsouth.net Social Action Jeff Willard pursuejustice@comcast.net Rodney Eberhardt reberhardt@amerisourcebergen.com Social Committee To Be Determined Website Development Mark Weiss maweiss@mindspring.com Scott Povlot spovlot@yahoo.com Youth Group Julie Perlson jbperlson@hotmail.com
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
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- 770-642-0434 - 770-642-0647 - 770-642-4168 - 678-350-0076 - Michelle Leder - Jenny Korsen - Bernice Isaac - Becky Sullivan
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Joanna Grisham, Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist
Individual Psychotherapy and Marital Therapy • Anxiety • Grief and Loss • Depression • Relationship Issues • Trauma • Assertiveness 1180 Grimes Bridge Rd., Roswell, GA 770-645-5650
For A Special Friend: A courtesy examination & x-ray at no charge when you present this card
LEVINSON CHIROPRACTIC & VAX-D CENTER 5457 Roswell Road, Suite 102 Sandy Springs, Georgia 30342 404-257-0404
www.levinsonchiropractic.com
Publication’s Title and Number: Kol Tikvah • Volume 26 Issue 4 Issue Date: April 2012 Frequency: Monthly Authorized Organization’s Name and Address: Temple Beth Tikvah • 9955 Coleman Road • Roswell, GA 30075 19
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
20 Fred Greene Rabbi Donald A. Tam Rabbi Emeritus Nancy Kassel Cantor Hassia Levin Education Director Jenifer Friedman ECEC Director Steve Gerson President Paul Beckman Vice President Jonathan Bennett Vice President Debra Schwartz Vice President Ron Swichkow Treasurer Rhonda Povlot Secretary Seth Zimmer Chairperson, Board of Education
Attention Postmaster: Time Sensitive Materials ďƒ˜ In home date: March 29, 2012 ďƒ—