August 2015 • Volume 29 • Issue 7
A Reform Congregation Embracing Our Jewish Tradition
Prospective & New Member Wine & Cheese
Friday, August 14th 6:30 PM - Cookout 7:30 PM Blue Jean Shabbat Service $8/pp in advance- Adults $5/pp in advance - Children Dinner by paid reservations only
Friday, August 28th at 7:30 PM followed by Shabbat Services at 8 PM
Meet Rabbi Shuval-Weiner and other members of our congregation
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RSVP
RSVP NOW!!
Religious School Parents You are invited to meet Rabbi Shuval-Weiner at one of the following meet and greet coffees Sunday, August 23 Sunday, August 30 Sunday, October 18 Click on the coffee cup to RSVP
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
at 11:15 am
WHERE ARE YOU? In the few weeks since arriving to Roswell, in between unpacking boxes, finding my way around the synagogue and meeting wonderful people, I have been exploring the history, narrative and physical spaces of Roswell/ Atlanta. What an incredible place this is- so full! So dynamic! Recently on one of my exploratory excursions, I got a bit turned around, so I called my husband for a little assistance, the first thing he asked me was “where are you?!” Uncertain, I needed to stop and look at the landmarks around me. Sharing that information with him helped me to get myself heading back in the right direction.
back on track. And let’s be honest, even GPS makes mistakes on occasion! In those instances, we have to call for help. Most of the time, we only need someone to ask us “Ayeka”- to look around, to focus in on the landmarks in order to find our way home. As we enter into our 60-day count down to into the Holy Day Season, it is time to start to think, to look into our souls and ask ourselves “Ayeka?!”- to assess where we’ve been, where we are and where we want to be going in our lives. To do this work, we may need to reach out for some help. For the readers among our TBT family, I’d like to suggest two wonderful books. Both are oldies but definite goodies. 1) This is Real and I am Totally Unprepared, by Rabbi Alan Lew z”l. and 2) Preparing Your Heart for the High Holy Days by Rabbi Kerry Olitzky
The first question asked in Torah is “Ayekah? Where are you?” On one level, it’s a simple question, on another, it can be seen truly as one of the most thought provoking questions we can ask ourselves. Primarily because until we are willing to drill down to know who we are, and what we stand for, we can not move forward, nor we are able to grow in any positive manner.
These are two of the landmarks that help me guide my soul home; perhaps you too will find them meaningful. I guarantee they will get you thinking!
It is at this time of the year when we begin to ask this very question of ourselves in preparation for the High Holy Day season. We all desire to grow as human beings, to make our personal life journeys meaningful. And in the course of doing so, we can get pulled in so many directions, some that may distract us from the experiences we would like to have. Before we know it, we’ve lost our way, and we don’t know how to get
May it be a good August for us all- Chodesh Tov!
Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner.
NOTES FROM CANTOR KASSEL This month’s article comes to you shortly after returning from the annual American Conference of Cantors convention. In addition to seeing longtime colleagues and meeting new ones, much was packed into our four days together.
these challenges. Additionally important for me to share with you – is how ordained cantors have increased our visibility and status within the Union of Reform Judaism and are gaining more opportunities to partner with rabbis and URJ leadership.
Among the scholars and speakers participating in this year’s convention:
During the convention we premiered the hot-off-the-press publication of “Shirei Mishkan HaNefesh” which contains twentyfour commissioned compositions which may be used with the new machzor, Mishkan HaNefesh, published by the CCAR. For the past two years I served on a committee that decided which parts of the liturgy might benefit from additional musical settings to compliment the new machzor, which composers should be selected and which piece of liturgy would best fit each composer’s style, and which committee members would be the liaison to the list of composers. It was a long and arduous process but most fulfilling.
♦ Rabbi Aaron Panken: President of Hebrew Union CollegeJewish Institute of Religion. ♦ Rabbi Steven A. Fox, Chief Exec. Officer of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, (CCAR) ♦ Rabbi Peter J. Rubinstein: Director of Jewish Community & The Bronfman Center for Jewish Life at the 92Y in NYC and Rabbi Emeritus of Central Synagogue in NYC. ♦ Rabbi Richard Address, Founder & Director of Jewish Sacred Aging ♦ Rabbi Esther Lederman, assistant rabbi at Temple Micah in Washington DC prior to which she served as the Marshall T. Meyer Fellow at Congregation B’nai Jeshurun in NYC. ♦ Rabbi Edythe Mencher, LCSW who serves as URJ’s Caring Community Specialist for Jewish Family Concerns.
One more feature of our convention was exposure to the wealth of Argentinean Jewish music. I hope to share some of the lyrical gems with you later on in the year. I return from my yearly conference, refreshed and renewed and excited to partner with Rabbi Shuval-Weiner in a new chapter in the life of Temple Beth Tikvah.
With these Rabbis, we discussed and examined to where the Reform Movement and Hebrew Union College are headed, challenges we face and innovative ways to meet and grow from
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News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
What’s In a Name? My biggest fear and my most embarrassing moments as a lay leader have been as a greeter for services or just running into someone at TBT and realizing that I can’t recall their name. I’m pretty good with faces but not so much with names. Last year, I attended services at a Reform synagogue in Nashville. I noticed that everyone was wearing a name tag. It was very interesting to observe that each person entering the building walked to a cabinet in the lobby and grabbed their own name tag. I questioned one of the Board members, who said they had been doing this for several years. He admitted that their members seemed reluctant at first but it became habit after a while and they really embraced it. I chuckled when he said “It cut down on embarrassing encounters.”
Here is how it will work, and please humor me. Beginning this month, when you come into the lobby, there will be a cabinet of small drawers in front of the sanctuary. Inside you will find your name tag. Either grab yours or one of the greeters will get it for you (if they know your name, see my point?) Grab a TBT neck lanyard from the basket on the table, clip it to the plastic tag, slip it on and you are all set. Wear it “proudly” before and during services and at the Oneg. On your way out, just drop it in the basket by the door and we will get it filed back in the cabinet so it’s waiting for you the next time to do all over again. Pretty simple, right? Our Board has embraced Dr. Ron Wolfson’s concept of Relational Judaism. The more relationships we forge in synagogue life, the stronger our bonds are to our community and to each other. That all starts with knowing each other. As I was writing this article, one of my favorite sitcoms came to mind, “Cheers”, circa 1982-1993, where everyone knows your name. My hope is that we can make that happen at TBT - but please don’t call me Norm.
I decided to suggest the idea to our Board and we agreed to give it a try. I am sure you have been in the synagogue at some point and someone you may or may not recognize comes up to you and you have a lovely chat or just say Shabbat Shalom. The whole time you are talking, you are racking your brain trying to remember their name so you don’t embarrass yourself. Then when they walk away you lean over to your spouse or another friend and they ask you who that was and your answer might be, I have no idea. With our new approach, problem solved.
L’Shalom
Ron Swichkow
Fundraising News I was recently reading about Tzedakah. “Tzedakah" is the Hebrew word for the acts that we call "charity" in English: giving aid, assistance and money to the poor and needy or to other worthy causes, like your synagogue. However, the nature of tzedakah is very different from the idea of charity. The word "charity" suggests benevolence and generosity, a magnanimous act by the wealthy and powerful for the benefit of the poor and needy. The word "tzedakah" is derived from the Hebrew root Tzadei-Dalet-Qof, meaning righteousness, justice or fairness.
question of how do we ask our members to give when they feel like they already contribute? The solution to this question plagues congregations throughout the country. TBT is no different. Perhaps it’s time we take a different approach. Last year we did and it was successful. Every member of the BOT sent 5 hand written letters to close friends and asked them to contribute after each BOT contributed themselves. Adding a personal touch provided the Annual Campaign a very strong beginning and we were successful in reaching our financial goal. This approach certainly has room to grow and hopefully we can build upon last year's success and reach 2x as many people to contribute to the Annual Campaign.
How do these interpretations of the word tzadakah apply to our TBT family? Traditional jews who are affiliated with synagogue life tend to donate up to 10% of their earnings to support their synagogue. Can we or should we expect this size of contribution from each of our members?
If you've read my little article and have an interest in being part of a very important TBT committee, please drop me a note and let me know. jlagin1@gmail.com
As a community, it is important for each of us to reflect, take an introspective approach and ask,"Have we provided tzedakah to TBT recently and how much did we contribute? Can or should we give more? "
Enjoy your summer! Shalom!
"I know, I know, believe me, I understand...it always seems like we are asked to donate to TBT for one reason or another." As the chair for the fundraising committee I face the constant
Jonathan Agin Chairman of the Fundraising Committee
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Early Childhood Education Center As we begin a new school year, I wanted to share these wonderful words of wisdomfor they perfectly sum up a day in the life of a preschooler! Just Playing When I'm building in the block room, Please don’t' say I'm "just playing." For, you see, I'm learning as I play. About balances and shapes. When I'm getting all dressed up, Setting the table, caring for the babies, Don't get the idea I'm "just playing." For, you see, I'm learning as I play. I may be a mother or a father someday. When you see me up to my elbows in paint, Or standing at an easel, or molding and shaping clay, Please don't let me hear you say, "he's just playing." For, you see, I'm learning as I play. I'm expressing myself and being creative. I may be an artist or an inventor someday. When you see me sitting in a chair "Reading" to an imaginary audience, Please don't laugh and think I'm "just playing." For, you see, I'm learning as I play. I may be a teacher someday. When you see me combing the bushes for bugs, Or packing my pockets with choice things I find, Don't pass it off as "just playing." For, you see, I'm learning as I play. I may be a scientist someday. When you see me engrossed in a puzzle, Or some "plaything" at my school, Please don't feel the time is wasted in "play" For you see, I'm learning as I play. I'm learning to solve problems and concentrate. I may be in business someday. When you see me cooking or tasting foods, Please don't think that because I enjoy it, it is just "play." I'm learning to follow directions and see differences. I may be a chef someday. When you see me learning to skip, hop, run and move my body, Please don't say I'm "just playing." For you see, I'm learning as I play. I'm learning how my body works. I may be a doctor, nurse or athlete someday. When you ask me what I've done at school today, And I say, "I played." Please don't misunderstand me. For, you see, I'm learning as I play. I'm learning to enjoy and be successful in work. I'm preparing for tomorrow. Today, I'm a child and my work is play. ~by Anita Wadley from Chicken Soup for the Unsinkable Soul Jenifer Friedman ECEC Director
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Religious School We are just a few weeks away from beginning the new religious school year. The first day of Sunday school is August 23 rd. We are eager to see the students and begin an exciting new school year. Thank you to those families that took advantage of the early registration, this helped us immensly in the planning process. If you have not sent your registration form and tuition to the office, please do so promptly. This is the only way we can make sure your child will be placed in his/her appropriate class. Open house for 3rd – 6th grade will take place on Tuesday, August 25th. Please note this is also the first day of Hebrew school. Open House for PreK – 2rd and 7th grades will take place on Sunday, August 30th. A note to the parents of post B’nai Mitzvah age children (8 th through 12th grade): Please remember to enroll your child in our Kesher, Confirmation and Kivuinim programs. These programs are a continuation of your child’s Jewish education. “Journey Through Kesher” will be held on August 23 rd from 12:30 – 5:00. This is an afternoon where Kesher is introduced to new students, friendships are renewed and everyone gets to vote on what is being taught. We are looking forward to a wonderful school year with some exceptional teachers and an exciting curriculum. Have a wonderful and relaxing rest of the summer. Shalom,
Hassia Levin
Tickets are $20 each or 3 for $50
You could all be enjoying the
and can be purchased online at bethtikvah.com or in the religious school and main office Two packages will be raffled!
All raffle tickets must be purchased by September 4th, 2015. The drawing will be held on September 8th, 2015 News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
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B’nai Mitzvah Rachel Emma Nathan will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on August 8, 2015. She is the daughter of Leigh and Mathew Nathan and sister to Rebecca and Jordan. She is the granddaughter of Ann and Michael Levin, Ivan Nathan and Haila Cohen and the great granddaughter to Sally Levin. She is in the 8 th grade at Dodgen Middle School where she participates in Chorus and is an honor roll student. Rachel’s hobbies include basketball, drama, spending time with her friends and family. She loves spending her summers at Camp Barney Medintz. Rachel has been collecting tzedakah every Shabbat for one of her thirteen mitzvot and will be donating all of it to a local food bank. Olivia Oseroff will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on August 8, 2015. Olivia is the daughter of Keira Oseroff and Jonathan Oseroff, and sister to Owen Oseroff. She is a rising 8 th grader at Mill Creek Middle school in Woodstock. Olivia is about everything sports and is spending the first part of her summer at URJ 6 Points. She loves social studies and is excited to celebrate becoming a Bat Mitzvah by visiting Paris and London this Fall and learning more about WW II from the perspective of the two cities. Elana Morchower will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on August 15, 2015. Elana is the daughter of Lisa and Scott Morchower and is the younger sister of Erica Morchower, a senior in high school. She is an eighth grader at Hightower Trail Middle School and is on the Principal’s Honor Roll. In addition to participating in beauty pageants, Elana enjoys tumbling and drawing and was a competitive cheerleader for the past two years. She intends to start playing lacrosse this school year. Some of Elana’s mitzvot have included donating clothes, shoes and household items to various local charities, hosting a bake sale and donating all of her profits to the Georgia Epilepsy Foundation, and donating canned food to the hungry. Elana loves animals, particularly her dogs, Lola and Peaches, and would like to be a veterinarian when she is older. Elana dedicates her Bat Mitzvah to her grandparents, Max and Betty Steinmetz, Beverly and Jerry Robertson, and Barbara and Harry (of Blessed Memory) Morchower, and is excited that they will all be with her during this joyous occasion. Leah Matai Faupel will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on August 22, 2015. She is the daughter of Dalia Baseman Faupel and Dave Faupel and sister to Jayson. Leah is a rising 8 th grader at Elkins Pointe Middle School, where she is an honors student, sings in the chorus and is a Sources of Strength peer counselor. Leah is an avid softball player and attended URJ Six Points Sports Academy for the third time this summer. She was the TBT recipient of the Greater Atlanta Hadassah Marian F. Perlin Chesed Student Award, and for one of her mitzvah projects, collected children's books for homeless shelters through Children's Restoration Network. Leah looks forward to sharing this milestone with family and friends. Jake Urowsky will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on August 22, 2015. Jake is the son of Todd and Amy Urowsky and the brother to Tyler Urowsky. He is in the 7th grade at Hightower Middle School. Jake’s first love is lacrosse; he plays for the Pope Jr. Select Lacrosse team as well as The Thunder travel lacrosse team in the summer. He also enjoys cross country running and basketball. As a heart survivor, Jake is passionate about the Atlanta Heart Walk and the American Heart Association (AHA). Over the past 10 years, Jake and his family have raised over $310,000 for the AHA and have been honored as the largest Family & Friends Heart Walk Team in the United States.
Welcome to the TBT Family!! Paulabeth Weinberger Asher Diane & Lloyd Katz
Andrea & Kevin Rubin Jordyn, Jared and Matthew Lauren Cohn & Matt Ruggles Micah and Tali
Gregg Woodman & Stephanie Robins-Woodman Gabrielle, Carly and Kathryn
Amy & Evan Charles Hannah, Madelyn and Aidan Ellen & Brian Nagel Samantha and Jessica Karen Shacham & Michelle Putnam Lior
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Social Action
Adult Ed
Hello! I am the new chairperson for Social Action. I wanted to tell you about two new projects. The first is called Knit and Nosh. This program is sponsored by Sisterhood. We are knitting and crocheting scarves to be delivered in early Dec. for homeless persons. The group has not decided which group(s) will receive the scarves. If you are interested in knitting or crocheting a scarf, please contact me.
Greetings from your new Adult Education Chairperson! Many of the usual adult education opportunities will continue this year. These include: BLT on Saturdays from 9-10 beginning in July with Rabbi Shuval-Weiner. This "Bagels, Learning and Torah" discussion class meets every week and no reservations are needed. Drop in and try it out!!
The second project is called, Blessings in a Backpack. Guidance counselors have identified several elementary and some middle school aged children who are at risk of being hungry and not having meals over the weekend. The program packs food for these children and delivers on Friday mornings for the Guidance counselors to distribute to the children. If you are interested in helping with packing food or fundraising for donations of food, please email me.
Various courses from our clergy will again be available. These will.be determined after Rabbi Shuval-Weiner begins. Most will be located at TBT. The Melton courses (off site) are available for a fee. The Lisa F. Brill Institute for Jewish Learning has almost 30 classes available. These are located at the Marcus Jewish Community Center, are available for a fee, and begin as early as August 18. There are minimester courses that are shorter and are less expensive, $54 for MJCC members and $75 for nonmembers.
Finally, I am very interested in what YOU are already doing in your community that is Tikkun Olam (repairing our world). Please share as there may be other congregants who would be interested in working with you. And of course, your continued support of Family Promise is appreciated by the families.
If you have any questions or, would you like to be a part of the Adult Ed committee ,please contact me.
Terry Apt Carasick terryshealthyliving@gmail.com
Ivie Graiser 770-641-0144 or Iviegraiser@yahoo.com
Shabbat Greeters & High Holy Day Ushers Needed Are you a person who is just oozing with Southern hospitality? Do you enjoy meeting fellow congregants and visitors to TBT? Can you say "Shabbat Shalom" or "L'Shana Tova" and hand out a prayer book? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, TBT requests just a little bit of your time to help serve as a greeter. Greeting is not difficult, but it is so important in making congregants and visitors alike feel welcome and at home when they enter our doors. Whether you have plans to attend Friday night or Saturday morning services for worship, to participate in High Holy Day services, to celebrate a b'nai mitzvah, to observe a yahrzeit, or to simply attend services more often, why not take the opportunity to offer this special "gift of the hand" to your TBT family from time to time? To become a Shabbat greeter, contact Rob Kremer or Michelle in the TBT office. If you'd like to be a High Holy Day usher, please click here.
RELAY FOR LIFE - RUACH ATLANTA OCTOBER 11, 2015 NORTH SPRINGS CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL 7447 ROSWELL ROAD, SANDY SPRINGS JOIN A TEAM - MAKE A DONATION MAKE A DIFFERENCE! For more information or to register for a team, please visit: www.relayforlife.org/ruachga Or contact Holly.York@cancer.org 7
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
There are many reasons to make your reservations to go to the 2015 URJ Biennial Conference on November 4-8th in Orlando, Florida
Every conceivable topic is represented, providing critical information and unique ideas. Topics include Pre-school, Teens, Israel, Art, Social Action, Ritual, Outreach, Conversion, Fundraising, Membership, Prayer, Learning, Music and Community as well as all facets of synagogue management and lay leadership. Surprisingly, the most amazing programs of all were Services. Services are so special and inspiring that you will weep with love of Judaism and family with over 7,000 fellow reform Jews.
A Congregant’s perspective by Laura DeRiemer What is the Biennial? The Biennial Conference is a wonderfully crafted and executed 2-5 day experience designed for congregants, lay leaders, Rabbis and staff who come together from all over the country and unite as a community to learn and grow. From the moment we walked in, we sensed that this was not your average conference. First, we ran into the Rabbi who married us 25 years ago in Chattanooga! What a treat! We soon realized that nearly all Reform Rabbis in the country were in attendance. We also realized that these instructors and programs are the cream of the crop of Reform Judaism, they are literally the best of the best! Every program is like having a personal concert with Yitzhak Pearlman, finely crafted, real examples of how to engage people of all ages, how to make prayer meaningful and how to open your own hearts.
Finally, don’t miss the amazing exhibit hall that has booths for artists, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Books, Clothing, Consultants, Lay Leadership, Health, Holidays, Israel, Jewelry, Talit, Travel and Weddings. Do yourself a favor and join the 2015 Biennial Celebration! There are a variety of options available for attendance. Join us and be inspired. There is even summer camp for the kids! You can get all the details by going to www.urg.org/biennial.
TBT Men’s Softball TBT has two teams playing in the Atlanta-wide Synagogue Softball League. Both teams have won championships in their respective divisions in year’s past and are both playing well this season, which concludes in August. Pictured left to right: Mark Madans, Jay Myer, Rob Kremer, Brian Baker and Michael Cohen.
Youth Group
2nd Annual Sy Davis Memorial TBT Blood Drive Sunday October 18th , from 8 am to 2 pm
HOTTY (9-12th Grade) Join the HOTTY Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/TBT.HOTTY/) to stay up-to-date on what's happening and to RSVP for HOTTY events!
In a couple of months, TBT volunteers will be calling all of our members to schedule a time to donate. Please answer the call and schedule a time to us help us reach our goal of 100 pints in 2015. We had a fantastic turnout in 2014 and hope to have even a bigger event in October. If you are unable to give blood, we are always looking for people to donate their time during the Blood drive. We appreciate everyone coming out to make the 2nd Annual Sy Davis Memorial Blood Drive a great success.
JYG (7-8th Grade) Join the JYG Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/TBT.JYG/) to stay up-to-date on what's happening with JYG, RSVP and arrange carpools for events!
5th & 6th Grade
Join the 5th & 6th Grade Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/TBT.56/) to stay up-to-date on what's happening, RSVP and arrange carpools for events!
Want more info about the youth groups at TBT? Contact us at: youth@bethtikvah.com or call us: Bobbee (303) 981-2356 & Adam (404) 971-4687
If you have any questions, please contact Terry Stein at terry.stein@att.net 770.394.6157 or Renee Davis 770. 205.1115.
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August 2015 Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday 1 Family Promise 9:00 am Bagels, Learning & Torah
10:00 am Shabbat Service Tuttle/Ohayon B’nai Mitzvah 2
3 Family Promise
4 7:15 pm Families Anonymous
5
6
7
9:30 am Tai Chi
8 8:00 pm Shabbat Service
9:00 am Bagels, Learning & Torah
10:00 am Shabbat Service Nathan/Oseroff B’not Mitzvah 9
10 Board of Trustees Retreat
12:00 pm Senior Luncheon 7:15 pm Families Anonymous
16 HOTTY - Board Retreat
17 9:30 am First Day of Preschool 7:15 pm Families Anonymous
11
12
13
14
9:30 am Tai Chi
HOTTY - Board Retreat
HOTTY - Board Retreat
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Choir Rehearsal
10:00 am ECEC Meet and Greet
7:30 pm BOE Meeting
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Back to Shul Cookout
9:00 am Bagels, Learning & Torah
7:30 pm Transition Committee Meeting
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm Blue Jean Shabbat Service
18
19
20
9:30 am Tai Chi
6:00 pm Madrichim Training
6:00 pm Teacher's Meeting
21 9:30 am ECEC Welcome Breakfast
8:00 pm Shabbat Service
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Choir Rehearsal 7:30 pm Board of Trustees Meeting
23 9:30 am First Day of Religious School
24 7:15 pm Families Anonymous
25
26
27
9:30 am Tai Chi 5:00 pm First Day of Hebrew School
9:45 am Sisterhood K i c k o f f Event - Mocha My Day
5:00 pm Religious School Open House for 3rd - 6th grades
11:15 am Religious School Parent Coffee w/ Rabbi Shuval-Weiner
7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal
NFTY LLTI - (TYG Board Members & Songleaders)
9:30 am ATID
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10:00 am Shabbat Service Morchower Bat Mitzvah
22 9:00 am Bagels, Learning & Torah
10:00 am Shabbat Service Faupel/Urowsky B’nai Mitzvah
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NFTY LLTI - (TYG Board Members & Songleaders)
NFTY LLTI - (TYG Board Members & Songleaders)
7:15 pm - 8:00 pm Prospective & New Member Wine & Cheese
9:00 am Bagels, Learning & Torah
8:00 pm Shabbat Service
7:30 pm Officers Meeting
30
15
10:00 am Shabbat Service
31 6 pm Journey Through Kesher 7:15 pm Families Anonymous
9:30 am Religious School 9:30 am Religious School Open House for PreK -2nd and 7th grades 11:15 am Religious School Parent Coffee w/ Rabbi Shuval-Weiner
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
TBT Seniors Luncheon Monday, August 10 at 12 PM
Create Community in a Chavurah
"The members of our Chavurah are like extended family. I can't imagine holidays without them!" (comment from TBT Chavurah member)
Rabbi Shuval-Weiner will be our speaker
What's a Chavurah?
RSVP to Natine at rosen4348@aol.com
It's a group of people who share common interests and meet regularly to celebrate Jewish holidays, share simchas, attend TBT events, and participate in any activities that interest them. Being part of a Chavurah can enhance your experience at TBT by helping you develop a strong sense of community and deeper connections within the congregation. What does a Chavurah do?
Hello Sisterhood!
You choose the activities you'll participate in and how often and where you meet. We can help you design a calendar of programs based on your group's interests.
Please come to our fantastic opening event, Sunday, August 23, at 9:45 am in the social hall. It will be a great opportunity to meet fellow Sisterhood members and join this growing and multigenerational women’s group. Sisterhood takes an active role in synagogue life, offering unique, inspirational, and fun events throughout the year. This is your opportunity to participate and share programming ideas while exploring your special interest areas. We look forward to seeing you there! Sisterhood is participating in the ORT sponsored Honey From the Heart fundraiser this Rosh Hashanah season. Please join your fellow TBT members in sending friends and family a special jar of honey with a new year’s greeting just for them. Watch for details on how to order this thoughtful gift for this sweet season. We are also engaged in an ongoing project, Knit and Nosh, and look forward to your knitting and/or crocheting skills. Come join us as we craft scarves for homeless folks in the metro Atlanta area. Our scarves will be delivered to area shelters in early December. Please watch for those Knit and Nosh dates. Teachers welcome to instruct knitting and crocheting techniques for all newcomers to this craft. Many thanks are in order for the Sisterhood committee as planning meetings for fall events have already taken place this summer. If you would like to jump in and be a part of this dynamic group please contact us at SisterhoodTBT@gmail.com or give me a call at (770) 842-0813. We look forward to hearing from you.
Robin Bledsoe
Sisterhood Chair 10
How do I join a Chavurah? Just fill out the application and we'll help you find likeminded families or individuals to form a group. Drop by the TBT office to pick one up, or visit http://www.bethtikvah.com/community/chavurot to download.
Questions? Please contact Dalia Faupel at d2faupel@comcast.net
HELP US HELP YOU Your synagogue community wants to be a Caring Community/Kehillat Chesed If you have recently experienced a loss, are facing a crisis or are celebrating a simcha, please let our office know as soon as possible. Our clergy and friends strive to be a source of support as best as they can. If you know of one of our fellow congregants who has experienced a loss or can use a hand, please contact the office at 770.642.0434.
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
ATTENTION Parents of TBT College Students Do you have a child who will be attending college in the fall or is currently attending college? If so, please let us know who they are (even if we may already have their name on our list). We’d like to keep them connected to the TBT community by sending them a care package twice per year to coincide with the Rosh Hashanah and Purim holidays. We want them to know that they’re being thought of while away from home at school. If your student’s name is already on our list we’ll be soliciting current school contact information very soon. Don’t let your student feel left out. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!
Committee Feature The Communications Committee is responsible for coordinating all internal and external facing communications to our congregants and the community. The scope of our responsibility covers traditional sources from the Kol Tikvah and “Next 10 Days” to our TBT Website, Facebook, GrapeVine, and potentially other social media channels. The Committee is composed of the following members – Marlene Cohn, Dyann Diamond, Traci Hartog, Jill Marber, Marsha Mathis, Scott Povlot (Web owner), Todd Wilson, and Mark Rudel (Chair). We have a great mix of members including some very impressive skill sets on the technology / social media side.
Lynda Bennett (lrbennett08@comcast.net) Co-Chair TBT College Connection Committee
We have been working hard to ensure our communications are regular and thorough so all congregants (and the Jewish community as needed) are informed without overcommunicating. We are also working closely with synagogue leadership and other committees to improve the quality and coverage of our communications including potential website improvements (and benchmarking of other synagogues’ sites). We recently coordinated the production of the “send-off” book for Rabbi Greene (thank you Dyann Diamond!).
Beth Kess (bmkess@yahoo.com) Co-Chair TBT College Connection Committee
If anyone wants to join the committee, help with social media strategy or send suggestions, please contact Mark Rudel at 404.429.9289.
If you would like to donate to the cause either monetarily or with small items to be included in the packages, we would greatly appreciate the contributions. Our contact information is below:
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Donations Annual Campaign Bernice Bickwit in memory of Bernard Bickwit, Nathan Resnick and Martha Resnick Ellen, Seth, Megan and Danny Zimmer in memory of Edward Gralnick Richard and Susan Staviss:
in honor of Jacob Kassel becoming a Bar Mitzvah in honor of Leslie and Ron Swichkow's granddaughter in memory of Ira Madans with appreciation to Becky Sullivan, Lisa Singer and Jenny Korsen
Ronald and Leslie Swichkow in memory of Ken Kinoshita Barry and Shari Alhadeff in memory of Esther Kirchheimer Phyllis Madans wishing a speedy recovery to Sheryl Blechner Avi and Erica Stein in memory of Dorothy and David Groher Marvin and Trudy Davis in memory of Sam Davis Mark and Debbie Weiss in memory of Jerome Weiss Sandy and Nancy Simon in memory of Gloria Paul Ron and Lindsay Levin in honor of Rabbi Shuval-Weiner's arrival at TBT Phyllis Madans in memory of Esther Grosswald Ronald and Leslie Swichkow in memory of Helen Reiber and Shirley Levin, and in honor of the marriage of Bernice Isaac and Richard Quintana Dale and Wendy Bearman in memory of Leo Ebstein Building Fund Shirley Plotkin in memory of Saul Plotkin Hadley and Lisa Lowy in memory of Richard Cooper Campership/Israel Fund Hadley and Lisa Lowy in memory of Harry Lowy Cantor Kassel’s Discretionary Fund Todd and Rachel Wilson in honor of Jacob Kassel's Bar Mitzvah Harvey and Natine Rosenzweig in honor of Jacob Kassel's Bar Mitzvah Thomas and Marsha McMurrain in honor and appreciation of Cantor Kassel Lois Clymin in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Jacob Kassel Kristopher and Paige Dobbins in appreciation of Cantor Kassel Ruth Zeidman in honor of Jacob Kassel's Bar Mitzvah June Wallach in honor of Jacob Kassel's Bar Mitzvah Steven and Amy Fine and Family in memory of Flora Fine Michael and Wanda Cohen in memory of Seymour Cohen Nancy Broudy in honor of Jacob Kassel's Bar Mitzvah Gary and Fran Kamp in honor of Jacob Kassel becoming a Bar Mitzvah Michael and Lisa Cohen in honor of Jacob Kassel becoming a Bar Mitzvah Pam Alterman in memory of Marty Soniker, in honor of Jacob Kassel's Bar Mitzvah, in honor of the birth of Jacob Paul Alterman, son of Melissa and Michael, grandson of Pam Alterman Jane Greenberger in memory of Frank Greenberger Dan and Laura DeRiemer in memory of Anita Butler Michael Lipsitt in memory of William Lipsitt and Jeanne Lipsitt Robert and Adele Toltzis in memory of Harriette Seifstein Rosalind Taranto in memory of Molly Pomerance Schneider Pam Flatow in memory of Dr. Jeffrey Flatow Jerry and Marcy Kaufman in memory of Dorothy Kaufman Caring/Kehillat Chesed Fund Thomas and Marsha McMurrain in honor and appreciation of the Caring Committee Aaron and Sheila Stieglitz in memory of Jacob Stieglitz David and Roberta Coad in memory of Dorothy Spielvogel Robert Moss in memory of Evelyn Moss Aaron and Sheila Stieglitz in memory of Sarah Stieglitz Ruth Zeidman in honor of Irving Rosing's 90th birthday Melvin and Tobi Levine in memory of Leonard Stansky Endowment Fund
General Fund H.C. Smith in memory of Saul Plotkin Aaron and Sheila Stieglitz in memory of Ann Efruss Harlan and Ivie Graiser Mazel Tov to Ilene Monat and Gary Fader, and in memory of Deborah Greene's father and Steve Tobin's father Alan and Jane Fishman in honor of Steve Kraus's retirement Harlan and Ivie Graiser in memory of Bernard Berger, Lillian Graiser and Leonard Kutner Shirley Crawford Joseph and Waynah Dunn in memory of Irene Milligan Howard Hecker in memory of Oscar and Sylvia Hecker Michael Zalkin Memorial Library Fund Mark and Gail Rudel in honor of Jacob Kassel's Bar Mitzvah Mark and Sally Vosk in memory of Larry Youngerman Prayerbook Fund Mark and Sally Vosk in memory of Marty Soniker Kenneth and Helene Skolky in memory of Dora Breines Renee Davis in honor of Irving Rosing's birthday Confirmation Class of 2013 Preschool Fund Thomas and Marsha McMurrain in honor and appreciation of the Preschool Rabbi Greene’s Discretionary Fund Mariann Mamberg in memory of Lola Mamberg Kristopher and Paige Dobbins in appreciation of Rabbi Greene Gary and Fran Kamp in appreciation of Rabbi Greene's support Eilene Youngerman in appreciation of Rabbi Greene's support Jerry and Marcy Kaufman in memory of Max Kaufman Rabbi Shuval-Weiner’s Discretionary Fund Seth and Ellen Zimmer in memory of Helen Reiber Micah and Jenny Blechner in memory of Helen Reiber, mother of RoseAnn Gerson David and Robin Bledsoe in memory of RuthAnn Raiken Steve and RoseAnn Gerson in appreciation of Rabbi Shuval-Weiner Jamie and Katie Jaffe in honor of Rabbi Shuval-Weiner and Jay Weiner's arrival at Temple Beth Tikvah Rabbi Tam’s Discretionary Fund Steve and RoseAnn Gerson in memory of Gertrude Gerson David and Ellen Herold in memory of Helen Reiber Pam Flatow in memory of Dr. Jeffrey Flatow Religious School Funds David and Ellen Herold in memory of Dvora Herold and Bernard Bickwit Thomas and Marsha McMurrain in honor and appreciation of the Religious School Mike and Kathy Levin in memory of Helen Reiber David and Beth Janes Hal and Jill Leitman Morris and Anna Kagan David and Ellen Herold in memory of Marty Soniker Morris and Anna Kagan Tikkun Olam Fund GH Torah Fund Morray and Susan Scheinfeld in memory of Carolyn Besser Youth Fund Jonathan and Lynda Bennett in memory of Arnold Rivkin Alan and Sharon Lightstone in memory of Shirley Lipsitz, Steve Goldstrom and in honor of Rachel Steuer's Bat Mitzvah Ronald and Leslie Swichkow in honor of the wonderful success of our youth program
Rory and Jenifer Friedman wishing a speedy recovery to Sheryl Blechner
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
SHMOOZE NEWS / KUDOS CORNER
In Memorium Temple Beth Tikvah acknowledges with sorrow the passing of:
Thank You to our Amazing Office Volunteers! Marsha McMurrain June Wallach Richard Staviss Ian Staviss Marsha Mathis Karen Tuttle Marla Ramaglia Dalia and Jayson Faupel Debi and Abery Ohayon
Marshall Bernstein Father of Sheryl Lasky and Marci Slotin Shirley Gilman Levin Mother of Mike Levin Estelle Graiser Cousin of Harlan Graiser Ellis Bernard Breines Father of Helene Skolky Helen Reiber Mother of RoseAnn Gerson Shirley Cohn Mother of Steve Cohn Gerald Mittler Father of Kara Segal
TO:
Daisy Louise McLeod Mother of Aaron Grandison
Lisa Cohen, a Senior Producer at CNN, on receiving a prestigious Gracie Award from the Alliance for Women in Media for Outstanding Documentary. Her work is Every Day in Cambodia - http://edition.cnn.com/videos/intl_tvshows/2015/04/28/spc-freedom-project-every-day-incambodia.cnn - a documentary about mothers selling the virginity of their daughters. It is a horrible, important story that more people need know about so that we can support victims of human trafficking.
May God console you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
New leaves have been added to Temple Beth Tikvah’s
Pam Alterman, on the birth of grandson, Jacob Paul Alterman, born on May 13th, to proud parents Michael and Melissa Alterman.
Tree of Life!
Nurit Shacham on the birth of grandson, Lev Sidney Shacham, born on June 4th, to proud parents Ronen and Zoe Shacham. Welcoming Ethan Ryan Spector to our Family & In honor of Hudson Ryder Spector, our delightful new grandson
Bernice Isaac and Richard Quintana on their “surprise” wedding on June 13 at their high school reunion in San Antonio, Texas with approximately 150 of their classmates in attendance.
Marsha & Tom McMurrain
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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 Budget & Finance Karen Korshak karcpa@comcast.net Camp/Israel Scholarship Marcia Haber marciahaber@yahoo.com Chavurot Dalia Faupel d2faupel@comcast.net College Outreach Lynda Bennett lrbennett08@comcast.net Beth Kess bmkess@yahoo.com Communications Mark Rudel mrudel@ups.com Family Promise Randy and Amy Siegal amysiegal@gmail.com Brian and Jennifer Steinberg zokadesigns@gmail.com Tony Rosenberg trosenberg860@gmail.com Fundraising Jonathan Agin jlagin1@gmail.com
House Ted Nathan tnathan@baldwinscheduling.com Human Resources Seth Zimmer sz4941@att.com Israel Gene Carasick gcarasick@gmail.com Kehillat Chesed (Caring) Leslie Swichkow lswichkow@comcast.net Library Ilana Zalkin ilanaz@att.net Long Range Planning Harvey Rosenzweig Membership Recruitment & Retention Jill Leitman jaarons2@yahoo.com Marcia Pearl marciapearl@bellsouth.net Men’s Club Mark Greenspan greenspanfamily@bellsouth.net Peter Hartog althazyr@gmail.com
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Nominating Committee Todd Boehm tboehm30@bellsouth.net Ritual Rick Winer rsw@drrickwiner.com Security Jay Sausmer jsausmer@gmail.com Seniors Natine Rosenzweig rosen4348@aol.com Sisterhood Robin Bledsoe sisterhoodtbt@gmail.com Social Action Terry Apt Carasick Terrys healthyliving@gmail.com Website Development Scott Povlot spovlot@yahoo.com Youth Group Debra Schwartz dls63@bellsouth.net Michal Loventhal loventhalmichal@gmail.com
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
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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
Ron Swichkow President Harlan Graiser Vice President and President Elect Todd Boehm Vice President Denise Straus Vice President Joe Dunn Treasurer Michael Braun Secretary Mary Block Chairperson, Board of Education
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