April 2017 • Volume 31 • Issue 4
A Reform Congregation Embracing Our Jewish Tradition
Wishing You a Zissen Pesach from Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner
Cantor Nancy Kassel Rabbi Emeritus, Donald Tam Hassia Levin
Jenifer Friedman
Harlan Graiser, President TBT Officers and Board of Trustees and your Synagogue Staff Passover Service Tuesday, April 11th at 10 am Passover Service & Yizkor Monday, April 17th at 10 am
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
What’s the thing with Kitniyot? Seder preparations are underway, menus are being finalized, and I have received a number of phone calls and email messages around, what I am calling the kitniyot conundrum.
In 2015, the Conservative Movement’s Committee on Laws and Standards passed a similar resolution to the one introduced in 1989 Israel, permitting the consumption of kitniyot for those living in Diaspora.
“Rabbi, so I can cook rice and lentils for Seder this year, it just doesn’t seem right?” “Rabbi, a PBnJ matzah sandwhich? Really??- My grandmother is rolling in her grave!” “This must be one of those Reform things, but I grew up Conservative…”
Q: How should a TBT member look at kitniyot? A: Minhag (common practice) is often stronger than Halacha (Jewish law). The ability to shift one’s personal practices can be difficult. We may be afraid of losing something dear to us. Although the adoption of eating kitniyot may be perfectly fine from a Halachic stand point, it might just be psychologically tougher to change up great-grandma’s tzimmis recipe or to place a plate of rice next to the brisket.
So let’s discuss… Q: First of all, what exactly is kitniyot? A: Kitniyot is a category of food that means legumes but also includes rice, beans, corn & millet. The Jews of Sephardi/Mizrachi communities have historically eaten these foods year round, including during Passover. As opposed to Hametz, the five grains, wheat, barley, oats, rye and spelt are forbidden to all Jews during the seven day festival of Pesach.
To best figure out how YOU want to accept or reject this particular food group on Passover, I direct you to weigh your decision through the lens of our Reform Jewish practice: ask yourself one key question: WHY? Why am I choosing to continue to refrain from consuming kitniyot? It’s not enough to say “Because I always have” or “because it’s tradition.” We are not Tevya—Reform Judaism demands us to go further, to be able to say, “This is spiritually important to me, and here’s why.” Make a list of the pros and the cons, and then decide.
Q: How did Ashkenazi Jews inherit this particular stance avoiding the consumption of kitniyot? A: Sometime in the 1200s in Medieval France, Ashkenazi rabbis banned the consumption of kitniyot (literally legumes) because of the sharing of storage sacks. Their concern was that the remains of forbidden grains might contaminate rice and legumes. So, to avoid an accidental ingestion, the rabbis took a stance by prohibiting all these foods on Passover to safeguard the purity of the community.
Whatever your personal Passover food practice may end up becoming, remember, Reform Jewish “halacha” is about knowing what you choose to practice and why you are making that particular decision—understand the past, place it in contrast to the now and then ask: Does this act elevate my spiritual connectedness to God and the community, to family and Jewish living? Your response will guide your way. And remember, Cantor Kassel and I are always available to help you along your journey.
Q: So what changed? A: There are a number of reasons. First, since the medieval period rabbis have continued to debate whether this ruling made logical sense. (Two Jews, three opinions…) On a practical level, the kitniyot concern today is simply considered an out dated practice on numerous levels. With the industrialization of food processing and with strict FDA packaging requirements, the likelihood of such mixing is rare. Secondly, in Israel, with some 70 years of marriage between Jews of North African descent, Sephardic descent and Eastern European decent, Ashkenazi Judaism became the minority practice, and the eating of kitniyot became more and more the predominant tradition. Products marked Kosher for Passover in Israel have long included kitniyot.
At the end of the day, whatever you “choose” to do in the way of your Passover kitniyot practice—know why you are making that choice and celebrate it. Hag Kasher V’Sameach and may you enjoy a Zissen Pesach!
Rabbi Shuval-Weiner rabbi@bethtikvah.com
Click here to read more about the Reform and Conservative responsa on the eating of kitniyot
In response to this trend, in 1989 the Conservative Movement in Israel passed a t’shuvah halachically permitting the consumption of kitniyot by Conservative Ashkenazi Jews.
"PESACH KASHRUT AND REFORM JUDAISM". CCAR RESPONSA. Central Conference of American Rabbis. 1995. Retrieved 24 April 2016.
The North American Jewish community has experienced the same cultural blending. Marketing trends reflect this change in Jewish family structures, and traditional practices. Did you know that prior to 1923, Jews did not partake of the coffee bean during Passover? It was tea served at great-great-grandma’s table—Maxwell House1 brought the coffee bean (berry) to our Seder tables way back when and today no one thinks twice! Manischewitz’s 2014 new label Kitni, introduced Israeli favorites like tahini, peanut butter and packaged Mujadara— all kosher for Passover.2
Pesach Guide http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/default/files/public/jewishl aw/holidays/pesah/pesah-guide-5777.pdf 1
https://www.fastcompany.com/3007315/genius-marketing-idea-putmaxwell-house-every-passover-table 2 http://forward.com/culture/food/338525/conservative-movement-overturns -800-year-old-passover-ban-on-rice-and-legum/
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News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Notes from Cantor Kassel ANOTHER CHANCE TO START ALL OVER AGAIN? If it’s April, odds are it’s Passover too! (Occasionally Passover falls in March.) Springtime. Renewal. And…..another opportunity to look at our past as a ‘people’ and have it inform the choices we make now….and the impact of those choices on our future. Like the High Holy Days and January 1 st in the secular calendar, selfreflection takes place on both the collective and personal levels……..yet again. I think to myself…..after all these years of Jewish and secular new years’ observances and Passovers, shouldn’t I have figured everything out by now? Shouldn’t I be living the most self-aware and healthy-on-every-level life by now? How can I possibly still be stuck in various areas of my life? If I’m not careful, at this point I can find myself on a downward spiral to the land of “It’s too late to change. Why bother trying?” What’s to stop me? The answer, for me, is TIKVAH, hope. It is the TIKVAH embraced by the very name of our synagogue. I suppose if I stopped working, stopped being a family member and friend and stopped my involvement in the various communities to which I belong, I could devote every waking moment to self-actualization and peace with all beings. But let’s face it – that’s not the world most of us live in. We DO interact with the rest of the world and we ARE responsible not only to ourselves, but to others as well. The challenge seems to be in finding a balance and becoming comfortable with moderation instead of over-achievement. What role can Passover play in this quest to choose TIKVAH over despair? Our Haggadah narrative reminds us freedom is both a physical and mental state and the two are not necessarily in synch with one another. Our Haggadah narrative, along with the Torah and subsequent commentaries, remind us that our maturity and understandings are a process of evolution. There is no “wand waving” and poof – we are enlightened. There is a process….. to understanding the challenges we face and our ability to engage with those challenges. Another chance to start all over again? Yes. And thank God for that. I wish you all a zissen Pesach, one that will bring you together with family and friends, and one that leave you embracing the possibilities for change and growth, as an individual and as part of the Jewish community! Chag Sameach!
Thanks to Jen Friedman and her committee for another terrific Carnival---there were many smiling faces of all ages!
Reflections on Purim 2017 Kudos to Jon Marks and Cantor Kassel for a tremendously successful Purim evening event---the Mel Brooks Purim was outstanding! Thanks to the amazing TBT choir and all of the Temple Purim actors. It was truly a night to be remembered!
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
30th Anniversary Dear Friends, This is a time of change at Temple Beth Tikvah. Hassia Levin, our beloved Director of Education for the past 30 years is retiring and we are planning a celebratory send off for her on May 13, 2017 in conjunction with the Year of Celebration for our 30th Anniversary. In order to let Hassia know how much she has meant to Temple Beth Tikvah, we will be compiling a Tribute Book to present to her at the celebratory 30th Anniversary Gala. This Tribute Book will be filled with pictures and well wishes from our TBT family, as well as the entire community.
We are asking for your help in making this a keepsake that she will treasure. Please submit a personal greeting from you or your family to the Tribute Book by clicking on the link below which will take you to the appropriate order page on our website. You may also upload a picture to be included with your message. If responding by mail, we are requesting that your greeting be typed or printed and all photos should be sent in a high quality digital format.
Please do not send original photos as we cannot be responsible for their return. Please follow the link below and submit your message with payment no later than April 14, 2017. https://bethtikvahroswell.wufoo.com/forms/hassia-retirement-tribute-book/ Your greeting could be one of the following; - A Mazel Tov message to Hassia - A picture of your family with a message to Hassia - A synagogue group (Chavurah, Adult Ed, Religious School class, Men’s club, Sisterhood, etc) sending messages of thanks and congratulations In addition to the printed copy that will be presented to Hassia, this Tribute Book will be displayed on the large screen in the Social Hall throughout the Saturday, May 13th Gala. All the messages will play in a loop. In this way, your warm wishes for Hassia will also be shared with the Congregation. A second book will also be kept at Temple Beth Tikvah. You won’t want to be excluded from this very special memento, so please send your order in by the April 14th deadline. If you have any questions, please call Marsha Mathis at 770-992-4256. On behalf of the 30th Anniversary Gala committee, we thank you for helping to create a keepsake that we know Hassia will hold dear for years to come. The 30th Anniversary Gala Committee
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30th Anniversary
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Religious School Purim - What a fun day it was! Kudos to the 4th grade students and teachers, they did an amazing job. Some people don’t take Purim seriously as a holiday because it’s such a unique day with costumes, noise making, singing, spieling, eating, and giving food gifts. But that is the point - that as much as we need the serious holidays, this day of silly fun is just as important. One of the major themes of Purim is the connectedness of all Jews to one another. This is what Mordecai told Esther in order to get her to realize that her fate was tied up with the Jewish community. We turn the negative plan for the Jews by someone like Haman, into an occasion of strength and solidarity, celebrating with silliness and pure joy, the fact that we are here and we are together. Our 4th grade students put on a wonderful Purim Spiel for the school. The entire school accompanied them with songs. The children dressed in costumes and marched in our Adloyadah – Purim parade. Prizes were handed out for the best costumes and hamentashen was eaten by all. Growing up in Israel it was two days of celebration, now some schools have a full week of festivities. Each day the students come dressed up according to the “theme of the day”. Some of the themes are animals, professional day, opposite day, legends day and megillah character day. The students are having fun while the parents rush each night to figure out what they need for the next day. The religious school and the preschool were in charge of the Mishloach Manot program this year. We ran two campaigns at the same time. You were able to send a greeting card or a gift basket to your family and friends. The schools raised $6,600 before expenses. Thanks to everyone that participated in this fundraiser. The breakfast baskets have been a big huge hit. The 4th and 5th grade students have been reading to me over the past month. They have all done a great job. All the students need to practice at home to retain what they are learning during class and to help them with their fluency. In celebration of their reading achievements we had an ice cream party for them on March 19th. It was a delicious way to end our day and to let them know how very proud of them I am. Our Confirmation students and their chaperones had a wonderful time on their trip to Washington DC. The class participated in a 4 day seminar sponsored by the Religious Action Center. Every year, the L'Taken Seminars expose thousands of high school students to a variety of public policy issues, Jewish values, and advocacy skills, culminating with a day of direct advocacy with members of Congress on Capitol Hill.
Our 6th grade students spent a few weeks discussing the ceremony and ritual involved in a Jewish wedding and then had a fabulous mock wedding in their classes.
Hassia
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
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Youth Group HOTTY (9-12th Grade) Thanks to all of the families who came and supported HOTTY at the Camp Jenny Bingo Fundraiser! It was a fun evening and we raised $1816.65. That’s enough to send 3 kids to camp this summer! This month Temple Beth Tikvah’s senior youth group HOTTY brought the most people of any youth group to our region’s Spring Kallah at Camp Coleman. This was a great accomplishment for HOTTY and all of its participants. At spring we also had two members inducted into NFTY-SAR’s Regional Board, Daniel Marks as Programing Vice-President and Hannah Restler as Social Action Vice President - congratulations to both of you and we can't wait to watch what you will bring to our region. HOTTY has its yearly elections coming up, where our new 2017-2018 board will be elected. Good luck to everyone running. Our youth group is growing stronger and stronger every day and I am so lucky to be a part of such an incredible community and the “youth group on fire”. Remember: HOTTY 2016-2017 t-shirts are still available on our website. -Rebecca Torino, Communications Vice-President Hope to see you at one of our upcoming events: April 12 – Lounge Night
April 22/23 – HOTTY Takes Atlanta
May 6 – Elections & Super Sloppy
May 17 – Installations, Senior Sendoff & Final HOTTY Banquet
Join the HOTTY Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/TBT.HOTTY/) and check out the HOTTY website: http://hottytyg.weebly.com/ to stay up-to-date on what's happening and to RSVP for HOTTY events! Join our Remind101 text updates: text @826ef3 to 81010. TBT Younger Youth Groups April 23rd is the last day for youth group programming for the year and it’s going to be busy!! Bonim (K-2nd graders) kids and their families will head to East Cobb Park for a picnic and field games, like kickball! Gesher (3-5th grade) will join with 3-5th graders at Temple Kol Emeth for a Doggie Day! Come learn about and play with dogs from an animal shelter, make dog toys for them to “take home,” and have fun meeting with the kids from TKE! NFTY678 (6-8th graders) are finishing off the year at the Odyssey Escape Game in Alpharetta. Search for clues! Solve the puzzles and find the keys! All events will start at 12:30pm. If you need help carpooling, please let Bobbee or one of the parent volunteers know. We would have for your child to miss out because of a ride! Bonim: Jenni (jennirun@yahoo.com) & Lesly (leslyjh@yahoo.com) Gesher: Jenn (jllevine1@comcast.net) & Jamie (burake22@comcast.net) NFTY678: Meredith (Meredith.paulin@gmail.com), Kara (karamsegal@gmail.com), Emily (emily_gordon@hotmail.com) & Michele (msgergans@bellsouth.net) Make sure to join our NEW TBT YOUTH Facebook Page to stay-up-to date on what’s happening for your younger kiddos! https://www.facebook.com/groups/BethTikvahYouth/ Want more info about the youth groups at TBT?
Bonim - Xdrenaline
Contact Bobbee at: youth@bethtikvah.com or (303) 981–2356
HOTTY Super Bowl Party
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Mitzvah Munchkins
Rabbi’s Table - Rabbi Shuval-Weiner Lunch & Learn - Saturdays, 12:30 PM (after services) Learn more about how our understanding of Torah has evolved and how it still provides meaning and purpose for our lives today. Saturday Night Movies 6 - 10 PM - Dinner, Havdalah, movie and discussion April 1st - Arranged- This is about two young friends who are teachers in Brooklyn. Rochel (an Orthodox Jew) and Nasira (a Syrian-descent Muslim) are each going through the arranged marriage process. Each character must find her own path in her respective religion and in her quest to get married. The movie has some hilarious moments. Passover Passover Service - Tuesday, April 11th at 10 am Second Seder - Tuesday, April 11th at 6 pm (by prior reservation) Congregational Passover Retreat at Camp Coleman Passover Service & Yizkor - Monday, April 17th at 10 am For more information about any of the programs, please visit http://www.bethtikvah.com/community/adult-learning
TZEDEK COMMITTEE The Daffodil Dash! On the morning of Sun. April 2nd, join fellow Temple Beth Tikvah members at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody to participate in The Daffodil Dash. (There's no religious school that day!) This 5K/1 mile race/walk is in memory of the 1.5 million children who perished in the Holocaust and in support for children suffering in humanitarian crises in the world today. Funds raised support The Daffodil Project as well as organizations helping children and families in remote villages of Darfur, South Sudan and Rwanda, as well as the Atlanta Holocaust Survivor Fund which provides needed medical, dental and home health care for Holocaust survivors. Join our team today, as an individual or as a family! Visit http:// daffodildash.org/register.asp and select Temple Beth Tikvah Tzedek in the team drop down menu. Can't wait to show our TBT spirit at this important community event!
Helping Refugees On Sunday, March 5, the Tzedek committee was happy to hear from Ellie Coe about her experience volunteering with Georgians for Syrian Refugees, a local organization dedicated to helping Syrian refugees transition into the community. Ellie helps a local family once a week, assisting two sisters with their homework and ensuring they understand their assignments. Not only that, Ellie also acts as a great resource for the girls as they learn how to navigate high school. Most of all, though, Ellie has made this family feel welcome. Georgia has resettled 164 Syrians, and Georgians for Syrian Refugees complements the work of local resettlement agencies, helping Syrians learn English and navigate a new culture. Things we at times take forgranted, like simply driving to the grocery store, can be quite a challenge for refugee families. Georgians for Syrian Refugees is helping about nine families in Roswell and is currently accepting volunteers. You can help by becoming a volunteer or donating needed goods, like diapers, to the organization. If you're interested, please email Michelle Putnam with the Tzedek Committee at michelle.putnam@gmail.com. Ellie has kindly offered to help organize our volunteer efforts and will keep us updated on how to be involved.
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News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Social Justice in an Age of Political Polarization Rabbi Jonathan Sachs gave a great example of speaking about social justice from the standpoint of Jewish values: Why should you not hate the stranger? – asks the Torah. Because you once stood where he stands now. You know the heart of the stranger because you were once a stranger in the land of Egypt. If you are human, so is he. If he is less than human, so are you. You must fight the hatred in your heart as I once fought the greatest ruler and the strongest empire in the ancient world on your behalf. I made you into the world’s archetypal strangers so that you would fight for the rights of strangers – for your own and those of others, wherever they are, whoever they are, whatever the colour of their skin or the nature of their culture, because though they are not in your image – says G-d – they are nonetheless in Mine. There is only one reply strong enough to answer the question: Why should I not hate the stranger? Because the stranger is me.
One of the clarion calls of our tradition is the command, “Justice, justice shall you pursue” (Deuteronomy 16:20). Essentially it is our Jewish obligation to engage in social justice. And if a fundamental purpose of a synagogue is to encourage its members to live more Jewishly, shouldn’t TBT play an active role in highlighting social justice issues? The dilemma, of course, is that one person’s stance on a particular social justice topic can easily be seen by another as pushing an unwanted political agenda that has no business in a synagogue. The key question is: how can TBT be a place that works to advance social justice while coexisting with dramatically different political views among its members? I think the answer is: by rooting our promotion of social justice issues in Jewish values. Let’s take the example of refugees and immigration. If TBT can’t be a forum for respectful, civil sharing of ideas about the refugee crisis as well a conduit for allowing like-minded members to gather together for advocacy and action, then what are we? I don’t think we’d be fulfilling our mission as a synagogue if we ignore this type of topic. I think the Rabbi should talk about it from the bimah; the Tzedek Committee should sponsor educational forums about the refugee sitution for members. However, we should do so from the perspective of what Jewish values and tradition are teaching us. The specific actions one subsequently takes can be left to the individual.
[Source: Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, commentary on parsha Mishpatim, 2/2/2008, available online] Notwithstanding the ever-present political landmines, learning about and taking action on social justice issues should be part and parcel of what TBT is about. If there is an issue about which you would like to “sponsor” such an effort at TBT, please let me or the Tzedek Committee know.
How might this play out? For starters, our liberal and conservative members can ideally engage in conversations, listen to each other’s views, and be able to articulate the other’s key points. The liberal-tilting faction might conclude that our government’s vetting process is already relatively safe, and they may begin to advocate around increasing the US’s immigration quotas and support. The conservative-tilting faction might conclude that an immigration pause coupled with a reexamination (and possible strengthening) of our vetting process is entirely appropriate. They may therefore choose to advocate for establishing overseas safe zones and for increased foreign aid to the countries shouldering the lion’s share of the refugee burden. In both cases TBT is facilitating important conversations and resulting actions, and in both cases members are fulfilling their Jewish obligation around pursuing justice.
L’Shalom, Harlan Graiser, President harlanng@yahoo.com
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Shalom! The 2016-2017 Annual Campaign - "Celebrating 30 Years" has raised over $118,000 so far. Contributions have been received from 40% of our families. Please join the families below in supporting TBT and the Annual Campaign. Andy Zalkin - Fundraising Chair
Jonathan and Allison Agin Barry and Shari Alhadeff Pam Alterman Lee and Ellen Altschuler Allan and Pam Apple Steven and Teri Astren Steven and Sheila Barid Dale and Wendy Bearman Bruce Beck Paul and Anne Beckman Jon and Barbara Berger Harris and Suellen Bergman Steve and Susan Berman Michael and Jeannine Bernstein Bernice Bickwit Peter Birnbaum Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Sheryl Blechner David and Robin Bledsoe Scott and Mary Block Todd and Jennifer Boehm Ruben and Margot Braiter Michael and Heather Braun Nancy Broudy Adam and Adrienne Bruckman 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 Carole Crenshaw Renee Davis Gordon and Holli Decker Dan and Laura DeRiemer Kristopher and Paige Dobbins Joseph and Waynah Dunn Chris and Mayrov Eagen Stuart Farber Elliot and Donna Feller Rabbi Tam’s Discretionary Fund Steve and RoseAnn Gerson Ed and Cindy Getty Arthur Gittelman and Marcia Pearl Cary Goldenthal and Lori Shapiro
Carol Goldstein Robert and Cindy Goldstein Mark and Emily Gordon Harlan and Ivie Graiser Bernard and Susan Greenberg Trey and Lesly Gregory Dotty Gross Anne Grossman Burton and Sara Grossman Ronald and Judy Gurin Michael and Anna Gutkin Andrew and Karen Gutman Scott and Nancy Harris Carolyn Harrison Peter and Traci Hartog Howard Hecker Sam and Alice Herndon David and Ellen Herold Mitchell and Julie Hilsen Michael and Kim Hirsch Bernice Isaac and Richard Quintana Carol Jacobs Peter and Sharon Jedel Frances Jordan Daniel and Stephanie Joseph Morris and Anna Kagan Barry and Dore Kaiser Jill Kaplan Sidney and Robin Karlin Nancy Kassel Valerie Kassel Jr Bradley Katz Lloyd and Diane Katz Jerry and Marcy Kaufman Jeffrey and Beth Kess Sharon Khoury Jeff and Cindy Klein Marc and Deborah Klein Sam and Wendy Klein Peter Klokow and Ellen Frank Karen Korshak Steven and Helen Kraus Belle Kulkin Fred and Patricia Landsberg Scott and Sheryl Lasky Kenneth Lawler, Jr. and Ginger Glazer Barry and Hassia Levin Ron and Lindsay Levin
Judy Levine Mel and Tobi Levine Ronald and Jennifer Levine Jeffrey and Ellen Levitz Scott and Stacy Lewin 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 Gerald and Francie Marshall David and Jill Mattos Thomas and Marsha McMurrain Howard and Helaine Medoff Gary and Peggy Mendelson Evan and Missi Mermelstein Mark and Jennifer Mosbacher Joel and Karen Moss Jay and Anita Myer Robert and Marcy Nader Ted and Melanie Nathan Jeff and Debbie Otto Shirley Plotkin Scott and Rhonda Povlot Herbert and Bunny Renkin John and Dahlia Restler Betty Rickles Robert and Ellen Rickles Kathleen Rieter Stuart and Lucille Robinson Howard and Barbara Rosenberg Russell and Gailen Rosenberg Harvey and Natine Rosenzweig Brian and Danielle Rubenstein Kevin and Andrea Rubin Mark and Gail Rudel Andrew and Barbara Sacks David and Bonnie Sandfelder Paula Sandfelder Robert and Donna Schacher Morray and Susan Scheinfeld Nathan and Carol Schemo Douglas and Lisa Schiffer Joel and Kathleen Schoenblum
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Jeff and Jeanne Schultz Bill and Terry Schwartz Rhonda Schweber Bart and Kara Segal William and Marjory Segal Jerome and Kathy Shainberg Ira and Brenda Share Stacy and Alicia Sher William and Susan Shields Allan and Pessie Shippel Carol Shutzberg David and Elisa Siegel Sandy and Nancy Simon Stuart and Frances Solomon Fern Soniker Richard and Susan Staviss Terry and Missy Stein Eric and Viki Stein Steven and Linda Steinberg Brian and Jennifer Steinberg Aaron and Sheila Stieglitz Matthew and Dani Stordy Ronald and Leslie Swichkow Steven and Abbe Tobin David and Christine Toltzis Mark and Karen Tuttle Bernard and Ritz Tuvlin Mark and Sally Vosk Bruce and Carol Waldman Bruce and Bonnie Walkes June Wallach Jay Weiner and Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner Ronald and Sheri Weiner Mark and Debbie Weiss Cliff and Loretta Weiss Doug Wexler and Jane Greenberger Joyce Wice Jeff Willard and Steve Mahan Mark Williams and Michelle EastonWilliams Todd and Rachel Wilson Max and Carol Wolf Scott and Susan Wynne Andrew and Ilana Zalkin Seth and Ellen Zimmer
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
(as of 3/22)
Greetings from Sisterhood! Sisterhood welcomes spring with many events and projects! Our membership has been busy with a variety of programs covering social, educational, artistic, and baking/cooking activities. We have two events coming up April 23rd, and both are sure to capture your interest. Knit and Nosh will be at 9:45 a.m. on April 23rd. Sisterhood has been very productive making scarves for homeless folks in the metro Atlanta area as well as “mommy squares” for critically ill newborns in ICU. Blanket squares are also in progress. Please join us! If you need to learn how to knit or crotchet we will be happy to teach you. “It’s The Journey” is a joint presentation on April 23rd by the Sisterhoods of Temple Kol Emeth, Temple Kehillat Chaim and our own Temple Beth Tikvah. Vital information will be disseminated on the BRCA genes, and its link to breast cancer in women of Ashkenazi descent. Please join us at Temple Kol Emeth for this very informative program, 2pm.- 4 p.m. Piedmont Hospital will present educational information on this topic. Our next book review is Thursday April 27th at 7:30 p.m. Modern Girls by Jennifer Brown is our selection. Please join us for an exciting discussion that will surely peak your interest. Our closing social event will be Sunday April 30th at 10 a.m. at The Mill. Please join us as we have brunch and mingle at this scrumptious local eatery. We hope to see you there! Many thanks are in order to our leaders of our March events and projects. Our Passover cookbook has been a great success and our heartfelt thanks shout out to Diane Katz and Paulabeth Weinberger for organizing this major endeavor. We hope you enjoy the culinary treats highlighted in the cookbook and tasted some at our highly successful women’s Seder on March 30 th. Many kudos are also in order to Ilana Zalkin and Marcy Kaufman for coordinating our women’s Seder. Great job! Speaking of food, our hamentashen bakers were outstanding for the Purim carnival. Thanks abound to Leslie Swichkow for organizing and leading our bakers. Thanks also to Leslie and Bonnie Walkes for arranging a great evening, Pinot and Painting, with our artist in residence, Mordechai Rosenstein. Finally, thank you to Leslie Swichkow and Terry Carasick for leading Mah Jongg and Knit and Nosh respectively in March.
Robin Bledsoe ,
Sisterhood Chair sisterhoodtbt@gmail.com
Many thanks to Schakolad Chocolate Factory in Roswell for sponsoring our Chocolate Oneg during Rabbi Deborah Prinz’s visit!
April 23rd at 9:30 am
P
urim is a time of joyful fun and craziness! Gifts of food to family and friends abound— fulfillment of this beautiful mitzvah demonstrates the openheartedness we share with one another. So many of our TBT family members participated in the annual Mishloach Manot drive, and we are extremely grateful.
A huge todah rabah to our school directors Jen Friedman and Hassia Levin, and school administrator Peri Kunofsky, who coordinated this year’s Purim mitzvah project. Seeing the beautiful baskets and cards being shared across our community was a true m’cha’yah! On a personal note, my husband Jay joins me in thanking everyone who included us in their holiday greetings and gift giving. Your support for Temple Beth Tikvah is deeply appreciated! With much gratitude to all,
Rabbi Alex Shuval-Weiner 11
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Welcoming New Members at TBT Our Jewish heritage connects us as strangers or Gerim. In fact, the commandment not to oppress the stranger is mentioned 36 times in the Torah. We know that during Pesach, we retell the story how we were strangers in the land of Egypt and thank God for freeing us from bondage. We also know that at TBT, in our earliest days, we were once strangers who, without a home, were welcomed with open arms by St. David’s Episcopal Church. At TBT, we reflect our heritage in that we are a welcoming community that strives to offer many opportunities for everyone to connect and feel as if TBT is their home. Amongst many examples, this can be found when Rabbi Shuval-Weiner often meets with congregants outside in front of the synagogue before and after services, when Cantor Kassel shares her warm and welcoming voice, when we welcome others to activities as part of our Chavurot and with our social action volunteerism, our Tikkun Olam. Given our history as a people and synagogue, we wish to do an even better job at welcoming new members and visitors to our community. A committee has been formed to develop a program to meet this need. We need volunteers who can meet new members and visitors when they come to TBT. We also need people who can be a friendly face and a resource both inside and outside the synagogue as new families explore and integrate into our community. If you would be interested in being part of our welcoming committee please contact Rachel Wilson at Rachelw65@gmail.com or 678-469-3816. Thank you and Shalom, New Member Engagement Committee
May 8th at 12 noon with guest speaker
Jay Weiner RSVP to Natine at rosen4348@aol.com
Make more connections within TBT and expand your circle - check out the new affinity 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! Contact Andrea Rubin for more info about these groups. Mindful Meditation - April 20th at 7:30 pm Shabbat Hike - April 22nd
Wendy Klein, Karen Korshak, Jill Mattos, Rachel Wilson, and Andy Goldstrom
V’al Zeh Ani Modeh: For all these things we are most grateful
V’al Zeh Ani Modeh: For all these things we are most grateful
Thank you to
Thank you to
Wendy and Rick Winer
Daniel Ellison
For the
For the
Repair and restoration of the
new Israeli and American flags
Tam Torah scroll
in our social hall
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April 2017 Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Shabbat Service 10:00 am
6th of Nisan 5777
No Religious School
Shabbat Service 10:00 am No ECEC
No ECEC
No ECEC
No ECEC
No ECEC
Tot Shabbat 10:00 am
Oneg 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
The Rabbi's Table 12:30 pm
Ruach Shabbat Service 6:30 pm 11
13th of Nisan 5777
No Religious School
15th of Nisan 5777
16th of Nisan 5777
17th of Nisan 5777
18th of Nisan 5777
19th of Nisan 5777
Passover
Passover
Passover
Passover
Passover
TBT Offices Closed
No Hebrew School
No ECEC
TBT Offices Closed
No Religious School
Tai Chi 9:30 am
Pesach Service 10:00 am
Shabbat Service w/ Choir 8:00 pm
Shabbat Service 10:00 am
ECEC Family Shabbat 9:45 am
Shabbat Service 10:00 am
Oneg 6:00 pm
Shabbat Hike
Shabbat Service 6:30 pm
HOTTY - ATL Day 5:00 pm
2nd Night Passover Seder 6:00 pm
20th of Nisan 5777
21st of Nisan 5777 Passover
TBT Passover Retreat w/ Noah Aronson
No ECEC
Tai Chi 9:30 am
No Religious School
Hebrew School 5:00 pm
TBT Offices Closed
Board of Trustees Meeting 7:30 pm
Passover Service & Yizkor 10:00 am
HOTTY - Board Meeting 6:30 pm
Mindful Meditation 7:30 pm
Families Anonymous 7:00 pm
27th of Nisan 5777
28th of Nisan 5777
Yom HaShoah Kesher - Last Night - Parent session 6:30 pm
29th of Nisan 5777
Administrative Professionals Day
Last Night Kivunim 6:45 pm
Bagels, Brew and Beth Tikvah 10:00 am
Families Anonymous 7:00 pm
2nd of Iyyar 5777
Young Family Shabbat Dinner 5:30 pm
Confirmation 6:45 pm Knit & Nosh 9:45 am
1st of Iyyar 5777
3rd of Iyyar 5777
Shabbat Service 10:00 am
Young Family Shabbat Service 6:15 pm
Shabbat Service 8:00 pm
Sisterhood Committee Meeting 11:00 am
Men's Club Bourbon & BBQ Camp Scholarship Fundraiser 7:00 pm
Bonim - Picnic 12:30 pm Gesher - Animal Shelter Event at TKE 12:30 pm
4th of Iyyar 5777
Religious School 9:30 am
Bagels, Brew and Beth Tikvah 10:00 am Sisterhood - Closing Event at The Mill 10:00 am
Yom Hashoah and Yom Hazikaron Assembly 10:00 am
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Donations Annual Campaign Gordon and Hollis Decker in memory of Harriet Decker Levi and Sharon Corin Mathew and Dani Stordy in memory of Linda Stordy Sandy and Nancy Simon in memory of Howard Paul Mark and Debbie Weiss in memory of Mannie Berlin Jimmy and Nancy Parker in appreciation of Rabbi ShuvalWeiner, Leslie Swichkow and Harlan and Ivie Graiser
Prayerbook Fund Mark and Sally Vosk in memory of Ella Monaco
Building Fund Hadley and Lisa Lowy in memory of Nadia Cooper
Rabbi Shuval-Weiner’s Discretionary Fund Steve, Amy, Jennifer and Ellen Fine in memory of George Wise Tom and Patti Seibold in memory of Maxine Kurtz Nancy Greenberg in honor of Rabbi Shuval-Weiner Arnie and Aubiere Cohen in memory of Belvie Hawkins, Bessie Hawkins, Carlton Hawkins, Gloria Ershler, Morris Cohen and Bessie Mandel Bruce and Carol Waldman in honor of Rabbi ShuvalWeiner Michael Dunn and Jaime Kroll in appreciation of Rabbi Shuval-Weiner Jerome Shainberg in memory of Estelle Shainberg and Carol Shainberg Weinberger Betty Rickles in memory of Irwin Rickles Eric and Pamela Chanin in honor of Rabbi Shuval-Weiner Joseph and Waynah Dunn in memory of Harry Herrell
Campership/Israel Fund Betty Rickles in honor of Sophie Wilson becoming a Bat Mitzvah Cantor Kassel’s Discretionary Fund Families Anonymous Douglas and Donna Kallman in memory of Arnold Cohn Mark and Debbie Weiss in memory of Arnold Cohn Caring/Kehillat Chesed Fuhnd Sharon Snowiss in loving memory of Mr. Marty Katz Lois Clymin in memory of Jean Migatz Stuart and Lucille Robinson to thank the Rabbi, Cantor, Caring Committee and many caring people at TBT for all of the good wishes and prayers for Stu's recovery Daniel Loventhal in memory of Michael Gergans Sheryl Blechner in memory of Morris Levin Sherwin and Judee Levinson in memory of Maryetta L. Aronow
Preschool Fund Lori Shapiro in memory of Morris Aaron Levin Ron Axelrod in memory of Morry Levin Rory and Jenifer Friedman in memory of Morris Aaron Levin
Rabbi Tam’s Discretionary Fund Steve and RoseAnn Gerson in memory of Moses Reiber Steve and RoseAnn Gerson in honor of David Herold's 70th birthday
Endowment Campaign Bruce and Bonnie Walkes in memory of Sol Walkes and Nathan Wixman
Religious School Fund Burton and Sara Grossman in memory of Harold Grossman Sam and Wendy Klein in memory of Bonnie Friedland
General Fund Sherwin and Judee Levinson in memory of Joseph Aronow Myra Idol in memory of Jack Schaier Mitch and Lynn Wieskopf in memory of Toby Wieskopf Robert and Ellen Rickles in memory of Irwin Rickles Gilbert and Ellen Ludwig in memory of Abraham Ludwig Michael and Wanda Cohen in memory of Morris Cohen Gilbert and Ellen Ludwig in memory of Elsie Stern
Torah Fund Allan and Pam Apple in memory of Susan Winner and in memory of Marion Goren Youth Group Fund Jerome Shainberg in memory of Lois Wilson
(donations processed through 3/22/17)
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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: Arnold Cohn Father of Steve Cohn
June Wallach Lois Malkin Leslie Swichkow Marsha McMurrain Aaron Stieglitz Marsha Mathis
Michael Gergans Brother of Steve Gergans Morris Aaron Levin Father of Mike Levin Jack Constangy Cousin of Nancy Kassel
Alice and Sam Herndon are happy to announce the engagement of their daughter, Cari, to Ariel M’ndange Pfupfu. An August wedding in Washington, DC is being planned.
May God console you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Hila and Eric Trinkowsky on the birth of their daughter, Eden Zahava, on February 18th.
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 or Cantor 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
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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
House Ted Nathan tnathan@baldwinscheduling.com
Ritual Rick Winer rsw@drrickwiner.com
Budget & Finance Karen Korshak karcpa@comcast.net Camp/Israel Scholarship Marcia Haber marciahaber@yahoo.com
Human Resources Seth Zimmer sz4941@att.com Israel Gene Carasick gcarasick@gmail.com
Security Jay Sausmer jsausmer@gmail.com Seniors Natine Rosenzweig rosen4348@aol.com
Chavurot Andrea Rubin tbtchavurot@gmail.com College Outreach Nan Janis hnjanis@bellsouth.net Beth Kess bmkess@yahoo.com
Kehillat Chesed (Caring) Leslie Swichkow lswichkow@comcast.net Library Ilana Zalkin ilanaz@att.net
Sisterhood Robin Bledsoe sisterhoodtbt@gmail.com Social Action/Social Justice Michelle Putnam michelle.putnam@gmail.com Dalia Faupel d2faupel@gmail.com
Communications Marlene Cohn marlene@thecohns.us Family Promise Tony Rosenberg trosenberg860@gmail.com Fundraising Andy Zalkin azups@att.net
Membership Recruitment & Retention Jill Leitman jaarons2@yahoo.com Men’s Club Mark Greenspan greenspanfamily@bellsouth.net Peter Hartog althazyr@gmail.com Nominating Committee Wendy Klein Wendy.klein.hr@gmail.com
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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
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE 17
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
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