August Kol Tikvah

August 2018 • Volume 34 • Issue 7

News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

A Reform Congregation Embracing Our Jewish Tradition

Ani L’Dodi V’Dodi Li

May we all take advantage of these days of preparation, these days of discovery! And may we each reclaim our loving relationship to God, to our own inner beloved, and with all with whom we walk in life.

You have probably heard these words at a Jewish wedding or seen them on a Jewish anniversary card. They come from the Bible, Song of Songs; the beautiful narrative of the young lover in search of his beautiful beloved. Many rabbinic commentators suggest that the Lover is God and the Beloved is the Jewish people- each searching to make a deep and lasting connection with the other. I offer this brief explanation as we prepare to enter a time of great opportunity in our Jewish time-cycle.

Hodesh Tov! August 2 August 9 August 13 August 14 August 16 August 21

August 12 is Rosh Hodesh Elul. The month that precedes the High Holiday period. The letters that comprise the word “Elul”—aleph, lamed, vav, lamed—are said to be an acronym of “Ani l’dodi v’dodi li—I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine”. Beginning on the first of Elul and continuing through Rosh Hashanah, the shofar is sounded daily— the Beloved calling to the Beloved One to return to him/her/them.

For us, this means to explore our hearts and our relationships, human and Divine, through a variety of modalities that will vibrate the soul, shake out the body and open the mind. It is a time when we can become aroused spiritually and stir ourselves to an inner awakening.

August 21 August 22 August 23 August 26 August 28 August 29 August 30 Sept 1 Sept 6

One can almost hear the sweet cords of music wafting through the night’s sky “Achat sha’alti mei-et Adonai…One thing I ask of You, this alone do I seek: to live in God’s house all the days of my life.” (Psalm 27:4)

7:00 pm Mindfulness Meditation 7:30 pm Coloring Kavanah 1:00 pm Mitzvah Monday Sandwich Making 7:00 pm Yoga 7:30 pm Elul Sound Journey I 12:00 pm Brown Bag Learning: Repentance, Prayer & Tzedakah Do What?

7:00 pm Yoga 7:00 pm Sacred Eating; Spiritual Cooking for the Holy Days Part I 7:30 pm Elul Sound Journey II 10:00 am 1st Annual TBT Mitzvah Day 7:00 pm Yoga 7:00 pm Sacred Eating: Spiritual Cooking for the Holy Days Part II 7:30 pm Elul Sound Journey III 8:00 pm Selichot program & service 7:00 pm Mindfulness Meditation

For program descriptions and links to register read more on page 10-11.

May this time of preparation be meaningful.

In Aramaic the word "Elul" means “to search," which is appropriate, because this the time of deep internal exploration. Taking an accounting of our souls, taking stock of our actions, and determining in what ways we desire growth.

Throughout the month of Elul, here at Temple Beth Tikvah, we have created a month of soul tapping, body strengthening, heart opening, mind probing, Mitzvah-doing opportunities to meet you where you are and take you on a journey of preparation leading up to the Days of Awe.

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News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

NOTES FROM CANTOR KASSEL Back in late June, I attended the annual American Conference of Cantors convention in Dallas, TX. It’s always good to see friends and meet new colleagues.

It’s also good to learn from guest presenters as well as from each other. Lastly, I was taking many mental notes about the conference because next year’s convention will be held here in Atlanta.

One of our presenters was Rabbi Shefa Gold who for many years now has created and led Hebrew chants “based on Jewish sacred texts for transformative spiritual growth.” We have sung some of her chants and here at TBT, the most familiar of which might be “Ozi V’zimrat Yah”. I heard her repeatedly say, as I have heard others say…… that the most transformative moments are the quiet following one’s chant and/or meditation. Coincidentally (or not…..) I began reading Dan Harris’ book “Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics” on the plane to Dallas. I spoke with colleagues who have a meditation practice. I invite you to share with me any personal practices of meditation or chant that you have. All the research seems to indicated that this is good for your health and overall well -being. If you’d like to know more about Rabbi Shefa Gold and hear her numerous chants, you may do so at: http://www.rabbishefagold.com.

In addition to an absolute top-notch concert during the convention, another highlight of the was meeting, hearing and learning about The Dallas Street Choir. This choir’s mission is short and to the point: to offer “a musical outlet for those experiencing homelessness and severe disadvantage”.

The choir’s vision “seeks to improve the way society views those experiencing homelessness” and as it’s founder and director, Dr. Jonathan Palant explained, the choir “gives a voice to those who usually feel voiceless”.

Their musical repertoire is uplifting and great care is given to avoiding songs that might be emotionally charged for members of the choir. Attendance to weekly rehearsals is strict and some members go to great lengths to come to and from rehearsals. PLEASE check out The Dallas Street Choir at: https:// www.dallasstreetchoir.org

DON’T FORGET: Please let me know if you’d like to chant Torah, especially if you haven’t done so since your own Bar/Bat Mitzvah.

It’s very do-able!

Would LOVE to welcome new members to our Adult Choir!

We rehearse on Tuesday nights and resume on Aug. 7.

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Elul and Reflections-You Matter Making our TBT family matter is more than just something that I say as your President, or the Rabbi, Cantor, or Board says. We really want to be more responsive. We care and we want you to know that. We want to support one another.

Synagogues are vitally important to a community. Some 3300 years ago, Moses through G-d empowered the Jewish people for all time. He provided them with instruction to build the Mishkan, the portable Temple, and in doing so make a home for G-d on Earth. That empowerment, however, did not start with the Temple itself. It started with the ability to see and build a spark of divine presence in one another.

We want to provide programming, education, and even some ritual that works for you, not just “business as usual”.

How are we doing? Am I/we there for you when you or a member of your family is ill? If we are and especially if not, please let us know.

Are we there when you have lost a loved one? Please let us stand or sit and pray with you and hold you up.

Are we there to celebrate joy and simchas? Mazel tov! Let’s shout it from the roof tops together like Tevya!

Are we being as responsive to your needs as we can be? Do you feel known? Do you feel empowered?

Do you feel appreciated? Most importantly though…..

As we enter this season of reflection and start to begin anew, your clergy, board, and I want you to feel like you matter because you do.

Kol Tuv

Rhonda Povlot, President rhondapovlot@gmail.com

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YOUTH GROUP It’s hard to believe the summer is over already. My family had a great time at Camp Coleman. It was fun to see and spend time with all of our TBT kids, campers and staff, up there!

Many of you may not know this, but Adam and I used to run an outdoor adventure summer camp for tweens and teens. It was a combination of camping, outdoor activities, and a road trip. Our camp was different than most, there was no dining hall, no housekeeping staff, no maintenance. Our counselors and campers really had to step up to make camp happen. By that, I mean they designed the menus, did the shopping, cooked the meals, packed the van, and helped with the maps and navigation. I believe it taught the teens responsibility and showed them that they are capable of much more than they might think.

As we gear up for the school year, I started thinking about the things we can do during the year to help make our teens more independent and responsible; show them that they are capable and competent. I recently came across an article that gave some great tips. It’s called, “Quit Doing These 8 Things for Your Teen This Year if You Want to Raise an Adult.” (https://faithit.com/stop-doing-8-things-teenschool-year-amy-carney/) I’ll let you read the article, but here are the things the author mentions: * Waking them up in the morning. * Making their breakfast and packing their lunch. * Filling out their paperwork. * Delivering their forgotten items. * Doing all of their laundry. * Making their failure to plan, your emergency. * Meddling in their academics. * Emailing and calling their teachers and coaches.

Hope this gets you thinking and maybe one or two of these will resonate with you (and maybe give you a little break too!)

Bobbee

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

NFTY678 Events—cont.

(We’re finalizing our HOTTY dates, but here’s a few to put on your calendars now.)

Iron Chef Night – April 28 NFTY-SAR Kallah Dates

NFTY678 Events

LLTI – August 24-26, 2018 (Camp Coleman, Cleveland, GA)

Kick off Pool Party – August 12

Fall Kallah – November 2-4, 2018 (The Temple, Atlanta, GA)

8th grade only event – October TBD

Donut Party – December 7th

Winter Kallah – January 18-21, 2019 (Congregation Ahavath Chesed, Jacksonville, FL)

Ski Trip – January 2-3 (Maggie Valley, NC) Hatikvah Kallah – February 8-10 (Camp Thunderbird, Lake Wylie, SC)

Spring Kallah – April 12-14, 2019 (Camp Coleman, Cleveland, GA)

Find out what’s happening!!

HOTTY Remind101 text updates:

HOTTY Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/groups/TBT.HOTTY/

text @826ef3 to 81010 TBT YOUTH Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/groups/BethTikvahYouth/

HOTTY website: hotty.tyg.weebly.com 5

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

CONGREGATIONAL LEARNING—SUSAN COSDEN “This month shall be unto you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year to you.” – Exodus 12:2 In the Torah we have four Jewish new years – the new year of the Jewish calendar, the 1st of Tishrei, otherwise known as Rosh HaShanah; Tu B’Shevat, (the 15th of the month of Shevat) the new year of the trees; the first of Nisan, this is the new year for the reigns of Jewish kings and corresponds to the season of our Exodus from Egypt and therefore the birth of the Israelite nation; and the 1st of Elul, the new year for tithing cattle. (This last new year will take place on Sunday, August 12.) In addition to our Jewish new years, we as American Jews also celebrate the secular new year and the school new year. This last one occurs for many of us as soon as we enter the month of August. Happy new year of school! We are so excited to welcome in a new year of learning, creating, making new friends, and strengthening the friendships you already have.

On these two pages you will find many events that are happening to welcome in both the school new year and prepare for Rosh HaShanah, the High Holy Days, and the Jewish new year. Many of these programs are new this year. We hope you will find a variety of ways to join us as we celebrate learning. I look forward to seeing everyone on Friday, August 3 for Backpack Shabbat as part of Ruach Shabbat when Rabbi Shuval-Weiner and Cantor Kassel will bless all teachers and students in public schools, private schools, religious school, early childhood programs, colleges, and graduate schools.

As always, if you have any questions about any of our educational programs or any of the events on these two pages, please feel free to contact me at education@bethtikvah.com or 973-917-9294.

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CONGREGATIONAL LEARNING—CHILDREN, TEEN & FAMILY EDUCATION

August 20th 6:30 - 8:30 Open to teens in 8th and 9th grade. Dinner will be served.

Sukkot Family Fun Day Sept 23rd 4:00pm We will meet at Uncle Shucks Corn Maze for an afternoon filled with family fun. Conquer the corn maze, go on a hayride, feed the goats, pick a pumpkin, have a snack and enjoy the fall air. More information will be forthcoming.

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B’NAI MITZVAH Jacen (Jace) Parker Levin is the son of Debbie and Rob Levin and brother to Ryan Levin. Jace is in the 7th grade at The Galloway School. He loves playing baseball, lacrosse and basketball. Jace spends his free time hanging out with his friends. As part of his 13 mitzvot, Jace collected books for Amy’s Holiday Party through the Creating Connected Communities Organization. Amy’s Holiday Party provides children and families in need with a reprieve from their oftenchallenging daily realities through a DJ dance party with carnival games, craft projects, and a visit to the “toy store”. For his last mitzvah project, Jace is donating his Kiddush luncheon centerpieces to the Creating Connected Communities Organization as his contribution to the Amy’s Holiday Party “toy store”. Jace is excited to share his Bar Mitzvah with family and friends.

Easton Riley Wechter will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on August 18, 2018. Easton is the daughter of Brian and Nicole Wechter and sister to Madison. She is in the 8th grade at Creekland Middle School where she participates on the competition cheerleading squad. Easton is also a member of the Stingray All -Star Cheerleading Program in Marietta where she competes on a team called Ice, Senior level 4. One of the largest pieces of her mitzvah project is her participation with the Super Rays, a Cheer-Abilities team I coach in Johns Creek. Easton works with me and other students her age to coach and mentor these athletes who perform in local competitions.

Julia Davis is the daughter of Andy and Jeremy Davis, sister to Aislin Davis. She is in 8th grade at Dean Rusk Middle school and an active participant in the Orchestra there. Her Mitzvah projects have highlighted her passion for animals. She has volunteered at the Georgia House Rabbit Society as well as her annual participation in an event reading to service and therapy dogs. She is always quick to help anyone in need and loves to help where she can. We're very proud of Julia as she achieves this milestone.

SISTERHOOD I look forward to the future.....

I am deeply honored to serve as Sisterhood Chair for Temple Beth Tikvah and welcome the opportunity of working with all of you. My vision for Sisterhood is to provide programming that will involve and represent all the female demographics of our vibrant synagogue. My key focus in the next few months will be to engage all TBT women at every age and stage. I will need all of your help to make Sisterhood programming enjoyable, interesting and meaningful.

A heartfelt thank you to Robin Bledsoe. Your dedication to Sisterhood has sustained us for four years. We welcome you to sit back, relax, and partake in our events as a guest! You deserve it! ‫לעתיד מצפה אני‬ I look forward to the future....

Illana Zalkin, Sisterhood Chair 8 News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

MEN’S CLUB

CHAVUROT / AFFINITY GROUPS

WANTED: New Affinity and Chavurah Leaders Have you wanted to be a part of our exciting Chavurah and Affinity groups? Do you want to get to know more people here in our community, and have a lot of fun doing it? Perhaps you'd like to join a discussion that will expand your horizons in ways you never imagined.

If you answered yes to any of these questions, we'd love for you to become a group a leader. All we need are your ideas and I’ll help you do the rest. Email us at tbtchavurot@gmail.com or call Donna Goldenberg at 678-524-8978 – for questions and information: We want to start new groups after the High Holy Days. Stay tuned for much more information.

The Unseen Force Flowing Through the Universe

Bridge Club

Meets at 1:00 pm on the first and third

Tuesday mornings 9:30 Great for flexibility, balance and

Thursdays of the month

lowering stress.

This informal group meets

Contact Bonnie at

for a full practice. Open to new, curious and

bonnie.walkes@gmail.com

experienced practitioners.

Family Promise - September 23-29 9

News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

ELUL PROGRAMS / PREPARING FOR THE HOLIDAYS August 16 is free for anyone attending August 23 & 30/ $18 per session for TBT members, non-members $25 per session

Three weeks of Spiritual Yoga with Pam Chanin August 14, 21, 28 @7:00pm

All levels are welcome.

During the month of Elul, we are to prepare our minds and souls for the holidays of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. Can our bodies be part of this preparation, as well? Join us for a heart opening asana yoga class where we'll use our bodies to explore themes of selichot—forgiveness, teshuva--the process of turning and returning to our best selves, and Hiddush-renewal.

Pamela Chanin has been a TBT member for over 20 years and has instructed yoga for She led the Women’s Rosh Chodesh group for 3 years and also taught a class called Yoga She believes passionately that a yoga practice, the union of mind, body and spirit, is an essential growth and understanding. Everything that you learn on the mat, can be taken off the mat to One of her favorite quotes is “What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters within us.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

nearly 10 years. with a Jewish Twist. component to personal enhance your daily life. compared to what lies

Meditation Circle I'm very excited to bring to our next Meditation Circle one of the most powerful tools for restoring balance to our mind and body. I recently enjoyed the gift of silence and insight for one week at a retreat held

by Rabbi Jeff Roth in Asheville. My expectation was to strengthen my own practice but instead I learned three lessons that I know will change my life for the better. And I'd like to share them with you.

Join Rabbi Shuval-Weiner and Terry Carasick for a two part session focusing on wholistic eating. In session one, we will focus on clean foods, and humane alternatives with food, to bring more spiritual, mindful eating into your holiday season.

Please join us Thursday, August 2, at 7:30 p.m. at Temple Beth Tikvah.

We will talk, discuss, sit, and eat. Our Meditation Circle is open to all, from first timers to lifelong practitioners, and provides a welcoming community and supportive space to connect with others while developing or enriching your own practice. I look forward to seeing you on August 2!

The second session will involve having some fun with us cooking a meal to put the tools learned in the first session into use. And of course, in both sessions, we will connect the teachings of Torah in preparation for the holy season.

Please RSVP by August 1st. Email Carol Lipinsky, CLipinsky@comcast.net with any questions.

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August 22nd and 29th @7:00pm

ELUL PROGRAMS / PREPARING FOR THE HOLIDAYS Brown Bag Learning: Repentance, Prayer & Tzedakah; Do What?!

Perhaps one of the most mystifying, awe inspiring and for many troubling portions of the Holy Day service is the recitation of the Unetaneh Tokef prayer- Who Shall Live and Who Shall Die. Still others consider this prayer, this poem, to be the pinnacle of the Rosh Hashanah liturgy. Join Rabbi Shuval-Weiner for brown bag lunchtime study. We will unpack its themes and find the message we can fully embrace in the 21st century.

This program is part of our month long Elul Preparation for the Holy Days

Tuesday, August 21. 12:00 pm Free; No RSVPs needed.

HIGH HOLY DAYS SERVICES SCHEDULE 2018/5779

Selichot – Saturday, September 1st 7:30 PM

Yom Kippur

Rosh Hashanah

Kol Nidre Tuesday, September 18th 8:00 PM Yom Kippur Morning Wednesday, September 19th Early Service 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM Late Service 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM Tot Family Service 2:30 PM (geared for children early elementary or younger) Yom Kippur Afternoon Wednesday, September 19th Mincha/Yizkor/Neilah 4:00 PM Sukkot Sukkot Family Festival – Sunday, September 23rd 5:30 PM Festival Service – Monday, September 24th 10:00 AM Simchat Torah Simchat Torah – Sunday, September 30th 6:30 PM Shemini Atzeret/Yizkor – Monday, October 1st 10:00 AM

Erev Rosh Hashanah Sunday, September 9th 8:00 PM Rosh Hashanah Monday, September 10th Early Service 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM Late Service 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM Tot Family Service 2:30 PM (geared for children early elementary or younger) Tashlich 4:30 PM Chattahoochee River on Azalea Drive (from Willeo to Azalea Dr., second parking lot on right) Tuesday, September 11th 10:00 AM Shabbat Shuvah Friday Shabbat Service, September 14th 8:00 PM Saturday Shabbat Service, September 15th 10:00 AM

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News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

ETC...

Creative Coloring Kavanah Coloring pages offers mindfulness without the paralysis that a blank page can cause. It’s a lot like walking a paper labyrinth. There’s nothing to trap you and there’s nothing to solve. You just wander down the path until you’re done.

Thursday evening, August 9th at 7:30 pm.

Bring a friend or come to make a new one.

All materials will be provided- just come!

NO expectations, just time to chill, have a cool drink and color. Let your mind unwind.

RSVP to Kim at 770-642-0434 Free to TBT members $5 for non-members Join TBT and friends as we watch “The Quarrel” on September 1st at 7:00pm.

In 1948 on Rosh Hashanah, Chaim (a Yiddish writer) is forced to think of his religion when he's asked to be the tenth in a minyan. As he sits in the park, he suddenly sees an old friend whom he hasn't seen since they quarreled when they were yeshiva students together. Hersh, a rabbi, survived Auschwitz and his faith was strengthened by his ordeal, while Chaim escaped the Nazis, but had lost his faith and turned his back on God. The two walk together, reminisce, and argue passionately about themselves, their actions, their lives, their religion, their old quarrel, and their friendship.

Tea and Honey cake will be served.

Did you know that on the third Friday of the month anyone with a birthday or anniversary will have the opportunity to be called to the bimah to be blessed?

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Donations

(donations

received as of 7/12/18)

ANNUAL CAMPAIGN 2017/2018 Shari and Barry Alhadeff in memory of Esther n Kirchheimer, Nuysey and Shelia Freed Ellen and David Herold in memory of Ilana Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Gary Fader in memory of Daniel Kaufman Steve and Linda Steinberg in memory of George Rosen, Thelma Rosen, Herbert Steinberg, and Muriel Steinberg Dave and Wendy Bearman in memory of Samuel Bearman Dave and Wendy Bearman in memory of Leo Ebstein Mark and Debbie Weiss in memory of Rose Weiss Howard Hecker in memory of Edeth Rockoff Nancy and Sandy Simon in memory of Gloria Paul David and Christy Toltzis in memory of Norton Simons Joe and Waynah Dunn in memory of Selma Dunn Sheryl Blechner in memory of Rose Berg Marvin Davis in memory of Sam Davis Mark and Debbie Weiss in memory of Jerome Weiss Mark and Debbie Weiss in memory of Walter Berlin Mark and Debbie Weiss in memory of Natalie Berlin Anonymous in memory of Marcy Kaufman’s mother Scott Block Todd Antin in acknowledgment of the TBT-1 Softball Challenge and Ted Nathan’s leadership of the team Sheryl Blechner in honor of the birth of Blake Noah Weiss Andy and Ilana Zalkin in honor of Leslie Swichkow and Elisa Siegel reading from the Torah Anonymous in honor of Ron Swichkow, Harlan Grawer, Andy Zalkin, and Betty Rickles for their work on behalf of TBT Swichkow Family in honor of the 2018 Ben/Bat Torah Class CAMPERSHIP/ISRAEL FUND Lisa and Hadley Lowy in memory of Harry Lowy and Richard Cooper Howard and Suzanne Silverman ENDOWMENT FUND Lisa and Hadley Lowy in memory of Harry Lowy and Richard Cooper CANTORS FUND Viki Stein in memory of Bernard Taranto Steve and Arlene Cohn in memory of Shirley Cohn Ilene Monat Fader in memory of Ruth Kaufman mother of Ilene Monat Fader Steve, Amy, Jennifer, and Ella Fine in memory of Flora Fine Adele Toltzis in memory of Harriette Seifstein Sharon Khoury in appreciation of Cantor Kassel Jerry and Marcy Kaufman in memory of Max Kaufman Laura Deriemer in memory Anita Beitler Steve and Arlene Cohn in memory Martin Wasserman Lisa and Hadley Lowy in memory of Marilyn Nardutzi Ellen and David Herold in memory of Dvora Herold Dan and Laura Deriemer in memory of Lorraine Deriemer Carol Shutzberg in memory of Morris (Moe) Shutzberg Carole Crenshaw in memory of Reuben Eisman Michael and Wanda Cohen in memory Jenny Cohen Swichkow Family in appreciation for the meaningful Ben/Bat Torah Service Scott Block in appreciation of Nicolas Block’s Bar Mitzvah Nadine Duhoney in honor of Cantor Kassel GENERAL FUND Mitchell and Lynn Weiskopf in memory of Loretta Zwilling Shirley, Chuck, Jon, and Hal in memory of Saul Plotkin P. Douglas Wexler in memory of Jean Berman Mitch Wieskopf in memory of Linda Wiskman Ron and Karen Feibel in memory of Rose Berg Roberta Aronson in memory of Marcy Kaufman’s mother Marvin and Trudy Davis in memory of Gerald Rein Cliff and Loretta Weiss

KEHILLAT CHESED/CARING FUND Mr. and Mrs. K. Skolky in memory of Ellis Breines and Shirley Skolky Bonnie Walkes in memory of Bessie Wixman Sheila and Aaron Stieglitz in memory of Anne Fruss and Jack Stieglitz Ciff and Loretta Weiss in memory of Fred and Annette Knieberg Gary Kaplan in memory of Ted Kaplan Judy Stanton in memory of Rose Berg Dale and Bob Israel in memory of Rose Berg Marcy Kaufman in memory of Rose Berg Marcia Pearl in memory of Rose Berg Sharon Khoury in memory of Marcy Kaufman’s mother MICHAEL ZALKIN MEMORIAL LIBRARY FUND Mark Rudel in honor of the B’not of our special congregants PRAYERBOOK FUND Mr. and Mrs. K. Skolky in memory of Ellis Breines and Shirley Skolky PRESCHOOL FUND Jeffrey Howard RABBI SHUVAL-WEINER DISC. FUND Steve, Amy, Jennifer, and Ella Fine in memory of Marvin Fine Margie Aarons in memory of Morton Grosswald Ilene Monat Fader in memory of Rose Berg Joe and Waynah Dunn in memory of Irene Milligan Benjamin Tolchinsky in memory of Carol Tolchinsky Diane Deutsch in memory of Steven Deutsch Patti and Tom Seibold in memory of Lillian Gelb Robin and David Bledser in memory Ruthan Raiken Margie and Jerry Cohen in memory of Minniel Friedman and Esther Cohen Scott Morchower in memory of Beverly Robertson Ellen and Seth Zimmer in memory of Edward Gralnick Mariann Mamberg Turiansky in memory of Lola Mamberg Robin and David Bledser in memory of Morris Raiken Steve and Roseann Gerson in memory of Helen Reibos Linda Baron wishes for a speedy recovery for Herb Williams Harvey and Natine Rosenzweig in honor of the birth of Harlan and Ivie Graisen’s Grandson Margie Aarons in honor of the yahrzeit of Sophie Madans Sharon Khoury in appreciation of Rabbi Shuval-Weiner Lawrence Wolfe in appreciation of Rabbi Shuval-Weiner Mark Rudel in honor of Rabbi and Jay’s 25th Anniversary Swichkow Family in appreciation for the meaningful Ben/Bat Torah Service Scott Block in appreciation of Nicolas Block’s Bar Mitzvah Omar Chergin in appreciation of Rabbi Shuval-Weiner Judy Jellinek Nadine Duhoney in honor of Rabbi Shuval-Weiner RABBI TAM DISC. FUND Sonia and Murray Lynn in memory of Bernice Katz Carol and Max Wolf in memory of Sylvia Perling Debbie and Mark Weiss in memory of Walter Berlin Carole Crenshaw in memory Reuben Eisman RELIGIOUS SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND Howard Hecker in memory of Evelyn Berkowitz Swichkow Family in honor of the Men’s Club Bourbon and BBQ TIKKUM OLAM FUND Lynn and Bob Sustak in honor of Maxine and Gary Rosen Lesly Gregory in memory of Steve Hershman YOUTH GROUP FUND Lynda and Jon Bennett in memory of Ros Rivkin Lynda and Jon Bennett in memory of Arnold Rivkin Ron and Leslie Switchkow in honor of TBT Youth Program in support of Bobbee Griff’s amazing success with our TBT youth BUILDING FUND Steve and Linda Steinberg in honor of the birth of Blake Weiss Steve and Linda Steinberg in memory of Rose

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News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Braves Game w/ the Men’s club @ 1:35pm

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

KEHILAT / CHESED

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

We Must Know Before We Can Respond If you are grieving or struggling with illness, or if you are celebrating a birth or a new love, we want to be there.

That’s what community’s all about, that’s what family’s all about.

Let us know how we can support you or anyone else in our community by calling Kim Weindorf, Clergy Assistant, at 770-642-0434

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.

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Mark and I first became part of the Temple Beth Tikvah family when our son Matthew started in the preschool 13 years ago when he was 2 years old.

We quickly decided that we wanted to make TBT our spiritual home and have been members ever since. My parents, Pat and Fred, joined TBT around the same time and we have remained active members ever since. I have served on the Board of Trustees and many years on the Board of Education.

I have been teaching in the Religious School and preschool for the last 6 years. Currently, my mom and I co-teach the 2nd grade. Mark served on the search committee for the Director of Congregational Learning as well as being active in the Men’s Club.

Our boys both have attended the preschool and religious school, participated in youth group activities, and Matthew had his Bar Mitzvah in 2016.

My parents are active in their Chavurah and Pat also is a member of the Tai-Chi group that meets weekly.

We have all found our place in the TBT community and find it a special place that has been there for us during our simchas and life cycle events.

In Memoriam Temple Beth Tikvah acknowledges with sorrow the passing of: Rose Berg Mother of Marcy Kaufman

Welcome to the TBT Family!!

Kobie and Abby Johnson Josh and Amanda Kantor Daniel and Rachel Noto Matt and Leslie Zlotnick

KUDOS CORNER / SCHMOOZE NEWS

Gil and Judy Levine Aaron Stieglitz Trever and Donna Goldenberg

May God console you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

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Ellen Frank Sharon Khoury Gil Ludwig Renee Weiskopf

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

A Q&A to Help You Better Understand the New TBT Building Maintenance Fee In response to our recent mailing of Nadiv Lev invoices, we have received questions from some congregants about the new $250 building maintenance fee, which was adopted as part of the fiscal year budget approved by the congregation in April. This interest and concern about the new fee is certainly understandable, particularly among those who were not at the annual meeting to hear the explanation for this important element of the budget. For this reason, we have prepared this brief Q&A to help you better understand the rationale for the fee and the important role it will play in ensuring that we can continue on a financially sustainable path.

Why do we need a building maintenance fee?

As the Budget & Finance Committee began work on the budget for the 2018-19 fiscal year, it became clear that our aging facilities were creating ever increasing demands on our financial resources. By way of just a couple of examples, repairs to the stucco on the outside of our building have cost approximately $122,000 in the past few years alone.

Looking ahead, we are anticipating a significant financial commitment to the maintenance of our HVAC system.

Even in the best of financial circumstances, meeting these extraordinary demands through traditional Nadiv Lev commitments simply wasn’t feasible. As a result of this analysis and discussion, the Board adopted the building maintenance fee.

We paid our building fund off already, so why are we being asked to pay a building maintenance fee?

The primary purpose of our building fund is to pay the mortgage. While we have made significant strides in reducing our mortgage and will soon be refinancing it, today the outstanding balance stands at $425,000. So, tapping the building fund for other purposes at this point simply was not a viable option, nor was shifting resources from other parts of an already tight budget. Taking these and other factors into consideration, the Budget & Finance Committee recommended the new fee to the Board of Trustees, which agreed to it.

How will the building maintenance fee be used?

These funds will be used as part of our general operating budget to fund facility-related costs.

Is the building maintenance fee a one-time charge?

The building maintenance fee is likely to be an integral part of the way we meet our financial commitments for the foreseeable future and so is expected to be assessed on an annual basis.

Did congregants have a say in the new fee?

Yes. First, after frank and open discussion of the proposed fee, during which many pros and cons were considered, our elected representatives on the Board of Trustees overwhelmingly agreed to adopt the new fee. Next, in advance of the annual meeting, congregants were notified about the proposed fee and encouraged to attend the annual meeting to hear a further explanation. During the annual meeting, the rationale for the fee was presented and congregants were encouraged to ask any questions. No questions were asked and the budget went on to be unanimously approved.

Who is obligated to pay the new building maintenance fee?

The fee is applied to invoices of congregants who have fulfilled their building fund commitments. As other congregants complete their building fund commitments in the future, they will be assessed the building maintenance fee on a goforward basis.

Do other synagogues have a similar approach to funding the needs of aging facilities?

Yes. As part of the Budget & Finance Committee’s due diligence, we learned that other synagogues both here in our community and throughout the US, have adopted similar fees to meet the increasing financial demands of aging facilities.

How can I learn more about our congregation’s financial matters?

If you have questions about the budget or would like to get more involved in these matters, please reach out to the Budget & Finance Committee, which is chaired by Karen Korshak or our Treasurer, Joe Dunn.

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Alexandria Shuval-Weiner Rabbi Donald A. Tam Rabbi Emeritus Nancy Kassel Cantor Susan Cosden Director of Congregational Learning

Rhonda Povlot President Wendy Klein Vice President Tony Rosenberg Vice President Andrea Rubin Vice President

Joe Dunn Treasurer Caryn Schilstra Secretary Deidre Kinoshita Chairperson, Board of Education

Get Involved! TBT Committees and Chairpersons Adult Education Peter Jedel phjed@aol.com Budget & Finance Karen Korshak karcpa@comcast.net Camp/Israel Scholarship Marcia Haber marciahaber@yahoo.com Chavurot/Affinity Groups Donna Goldenberg donnagoldenberg0@gmail.com College Outreach Nan Janis hnjanis@bellsouth.net Communications Marlene Cohn marlene@thecohns.us Family Promise Tony Rosenberg trosenberg860@gmail.com Philanthropy Mark Rudel mrudel@ups.com

House Ted Nathan tnathan@baldwinscheduling.com Human Resources Seth Zimmer sz4941@att.com Kehillat Chesed (Caring) Leslie Swichkow lswichkow@comcast.net Library Ilana Zalkin ilanaz@att.net Membership Recruitment & Retention Jill Leitman jaarons2@yahoo.com Rachel Wilson rachelw65@gmail.com Men’s Club Peter Hartog althazyr@gmail.com Mark Greenspan greenspanfamily@bellsouth.net Nominating Committee Wendy Klein Wendy.klein.hr@gmail.com

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Ritual Rick Winer rsw@drrickwiner.com Security Jay Sausmer jsausmer@gmail.com Seniors Steve Mahan smahan206bc@yahoo.com Sisterhood Ilana Zalkin sisterhoodtbt@gmail.com Social Action/Social Justice Dalia Faupel d2faupel@gmail.com Lori Goldstrom lorigoldst@att.net Website Development Scott Povlot spovlot@yahoo.com Youth Group youth@tbt.com