December 2012 Kol Tikvah

December 2012 • Volume 26 • Issue 12

A Reform Congregation Embracing Our Jewish Tradition

You Can Share the Light!

Join in Temple Beth Tikvah’s

Jewish children around the world love to celebrate Chanukah, the Festival of Lights! Chanukah is about celebrating freedom, bringing light into our world, rededicating ourselves to our People and Tradition, and educating another generation in Jewish values and faith. These are the greatest gifts we can give our children!

This year, our Youth Committee is encouraging our families to focus our attention away from eight nights of gift-giving and towards illuminating our lives and our world with light through volunteering, acts of tzedakah and performing mitzvot!

Shabbat (Saturday), December 15 ~ 4:00-5:30 pm RSVP required to rsvp@bethtikvah.com Come together for a good ‘ole Chanukah Party. At our celebration, each family will make a “mitzvah menorah,” and we request that you bring a new, unwrapped book to replace the lost books in East Rockaway, New York’s school libraries. We will have other fun, meaningful activities for us to do together to benefit others in our community.

News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Chanukah Nights and Mitzvah Lights There are many boys and girls in our Jewish community whose most favorite Jewish holidays is Chanukah. That probably isn’t much of a surprise to many of you. The festival has emerged over the past several decades in America to be the ultimate gift-giving holiday.

Instead of marking Chanukah with a new present each and every night, consider doing different things, together as a family.

I believe that children want our presence more than any single present. And with our desire to raise a mensch, let’s think of new ways to observe, remember, teach and dedicate. Here are Many suspect that the focal point of gift giving emerged in the just a few ideas… twentieth century as Jewish parents wanted to compensate for the overwhelming presence of a Christmas-centered culture in  Light candles each night with the appropriate blessing.  Give a modest gift on one night of Chanukah, but it is our country. Wanting to have our children feel good about Chanukah, traditionally a minor holiday without the major always good to show someone that we love them. ritual moments of Passover or Sukkot, we began to give our  Go with your child and buy another gift and donate it to a children gifts each and every night. group that distributes holiday gifts to needy children, such as Jewish Family & Career Services or North Fulton As the Jewish community in America grew stronger and Community Charities Holiday Gift Program. stronger, the gift-giving aspect did as well. But in earlier times in Europe, Jewish children received something sweet (a  Send Chanukah cards to our Jewish soldiers serving far from home or their families who are still at home. little raisins and nuts) and gelt (“money” in Yiddish). The  practice of giving a little gelt is thought to have emerged when Give tzedakah (not charity, but the Jewish obligation to give!) to groups of your choice, such as MAZON: A Jewish Jews would provide gifts of support the students studying in a Response to Hunger, Nothing but Nets to fight malaria in yeshivah (seminary). Others think that it was to commemorate the coins minted by the first Hasmonean (the dynasty of Judah Africa, HomeStretch (a group here in Roswell helping families in need of affordable housing) Maccabee) ruler in the Land of Israel.  Bring food with your kids directly to the North Fulton But today, it is the gift giving that overshadows the Festival Community Charities in Roswell, Atlanta Community Food itself.

Bank, or MUST Ministries in Marietta.  Get home early and spend time with your family!

Chanukah is often translated as an act of “dedication.” When  Collect and donate children’s books to a local hospital the Syrian Greeks ruled the Land of Israel and occupied The (www.reachoutandread.org) or donate books of all ages to Holy Temple, a small band of Jewish fighters sought to STAR House Foundation here in Roswell. liberate it. After their victory, they re-consecrated the Temple and said this was a day of Chanukah. The root in Chanukah is Watch for more information from our Youth Committee about chet-nun-kaf. The verb l’chanech is to educate. In the Torah, Chanukah Nights, Mitzvah Lights. We hope that you come its original meaning is “to initiate” or “to begin.” There is an and celebrate with us on Saturday night, December 15 at interesting spectrum of meaning of this word, chanukah – 4:30-5:30pm. We will have some fun activities for our bringing together the messages of dedication, education and families to bring light into other people’s lives and for us beginning. to celebrate the Festival of Lights!

For this Chanukah, may we…

May your Chanukah be filled with light, and may you bring  begin our observance of Chanukah in a new way, with new much light to our world. priorities and new traditions.

Rabbi Fred Greene  dedicate ourselves to bringing light into our lives and into our world;  educate our children, grandchildren, students and young friends about the real importance of this festival: the significance of freedom and courage, resilience and securing our Jewish identity.

Some of the moms of our synagogue community have already been wrestling with these ideas: what do they want to teach about Chanukah, how do we show our children that it is not all about presents, and how do create authentic Jewish memories. These mothers have come up with a program being launched by our Youth Committee called “Chanukah Lights and Mitzvah Nights.”

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News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Notes from the Cantor I recently heard a story on NPR in which a teacher taught a class how to draw a 3-dimentional cube.

Most students were able to catch on to this task but one student just couldn’t figure it out. Instead of asking a student who was able to draw the cube to come forward, the teacher invited the struggling student to continue his attempts to draw the cube on the blackboard. As the class continued, the student at the blackboard persisted with his efforts to draw a cub. It took many attempts before he was finally able to do so. At that point, the class burst into applause and the student felt both supported and pride in his accomplishment gained through the struggle.

Another story was told in which students in two countries (one Eastern, one Western) were given a math problem that was knowingly beyond their reach. One group of students gave up on the problem within a minute’s time with the other group, although unable to solve the problem, persisted in the struggle until the class had ended. The reporter was trying to illustrate that value should not be placed solely on our individual aptitudes and talents but rather – the effort we put into things that both do and do not come easily to us. There is value in the struggle.

Who are we? The people of Israel? After struggling with a divine being and then prevailing, our patriarch Jacob was given the name “Yisrael”, the root letters of which pertain to struggling. There is merit and wisdom gained from those things with which we struggle, things that don’t necessarily come easily to us.

May the fruit of our struggles glean radiating light this Chanukah.

Chanukah Sameach to all of you,

Cantor Nancy Kassel

Shalom Chaverim - ‫שלום חברים‬ Of course our children love Chanukah because it means chocolate gelt -- and eight nights of gifts -- and sticky sufganiyot -- and lots of dreidel-playing. But when talking about and celebrating Chanukah with our families, let us not forget what Chanukah teaches us first and foremost, which is to carry the honor and challenge of living our lives publicly and proudly as Jews.

My favorite part of the holiday is lighting the candles each night and, as our tradition teaches us, having our chanukiah in the window for anyone to see. What a beautiful and profound act of ritual and reminder of what it means to live as a Jew. In a sense, we do not light the candles only for our own benefit -- to provide light for our own homes, or even to have a reminder in front of us of the story of the Maccabees, their triumph over those who sought to destroy our people, and the miracles G-d gave us then and continues to give -- although all these are so. We light the chanukiah -- our special Chanukah menorah that burns brightly as did the oil of days of yore -- also for the benefit of those who are unable to light the candles themselves. We light candles, we say the prayers, we celebrate our history and survival not only to remember the history of our people, not only as a celebration of what light may mean in our lives, not only to celebrate the importance of freedom on all levels, but as a way to honor and assist those whose lives prevent them from doing so themselves. As our rabbis say, Chanukah is about “illumination of the house without” -- those lives in parts of the world where they might not be able to live and celebrate freely as Jews, those who may not have the means to purchase Chanukah candles this year, those who might not feel comfortable living publically as Jews, and as an outreached hand to our fellow congregants who might not be comfortable with lighting their own chanukiah.

When we celebrate Chanukah, it is not so that our children will have their own version of Christmas, but so that we may teach our children what it means to be proud of one’s own heritage, tradition, practices and what light may mean for us as Jews. When we light the Chanukah lights with them, let us tell them why we put the chanukiah out on public display, and why we as Jews in everything that we do must “illuminate the house without.”

Let Chanukah be a stepping stone for getting your family involved in the public practice of Jewish life, for participating in events like the Ruach Relay for Life we just had back in October to spending Shabbat and the festivals in our synagogue. Let Chanukah be a stepping stone for getting your family involved in the practice of Jewish life in your home -lighting the Shabbat candles -- saying Kiddush as a family -- having Shabbat dinner together.

Let the light of Chanukah be for you and yours a stepping stone.

Shalom,

Steven C. Gerson, President 3

News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Religious School During the past month our children have been busy learning the letters, singing the songs and having lots of fun. Our 5th and 6th grade retreat was a huge success. The students spent the evening attending services, having dinner and playing lots of games. The next day they went to the Roswell Mill and had their Saturday morning services beside the river. John Restler attended the service and provided the musical accompaniment with his guitar. It was a beautiful spot for their morning Tefilah. The children enjoyed a fun filled afternoon at the MJCCA where they hiked and participated in the ropes course. Many thanks to John Restler, Rachel Wilson, Beth Janes and all the parent chaperones. Without you this would not have been possible.

The sanctuary was filled to capacity with our 1st and 2nd grade students and their families as they had their grade level Shabbat service. It was so wonderful to see and hear our students perform.

Our 6th grade families joined us for their Family Education Day. This day was spent with the Rabbi as he discussed the 13 Mitzvot program. Our students are given guidance and encouraged to perform Mitzvot to make the world a better a place. They have the power to Tikkun Olam, repair our world. It is such a wonderful lesson for our children to be taught that through one act they improve not only their life but the state of our world. Our 3rd grade students and their families attended their education day on November 11th where they studied and participated in creating a beautiful art project.

The scholastic book fair ran for two weeks. Toda Robah to Lisa Cohen and Melanie Nathan for organizing our wonderful book fair. Thanks to all the parents, grandparents and students that purchased books, you helped us raise $500 for the school.

The Falcons raffle has come to a close. Congratulations to Adrienne and Adam Bruckman on purchasing the winning raffle ticket for the game day package. Harris and Suellen Bergman were the lucky winners of the football signed by Tony Gonzalez. Thanks to all the families that sold and bought tickets. A special thanks to Arthur Blank for donating the game day package as well as the autographed football. Because of Arthur’s generosity we were able to raise almost $2,000.

5th grade families – mark your calendars for Friday, December 7th. This is the 5th grade Shabbat. The students will be presented with their own siddurs. Please plan to attend this very meaningful service. The oneg will begin at 6:00 PM followed by the service at 6:30 PM. 1st and 2nd grade parents – mark your calendars for Sunday, December 9th. This is the 1st and 2nd grade Family Education Day. Please plan to join your children for Tefilah services followed by an educational event with the Rabbi. You and your child will then create a special art project. We hope to see everyone that day.

Shalom

Hassia Levin

Youth Group November was a great month for both our Junior and Senior youth groups.

HOTTY enjoyed some Movie Mall Madness, complete with a scavenger hunt, dinner, and watching “Wreck-it Ralph.”

Chocolate Chanukah Party on Sunday, December 9th.

Then the 9th-12th graders will be hosting their annual Latke-In sleepover on December 15-16th, including the first ever Atlanta-wide NFTY Broomball game. Check out the youth group webpages and Facebook pages for details about all our events, or email youth@bethtikvah.com to make sure you’re on our email list.

Finally, December is a great time to be thinking about summer plans. The Reform movement has a wide range of summer camps, Israel trips, and other programs for you to choose from. Whether you’re looking for intensive sports training, community service opportunities, or travel, there’s a program that’s right for you. You can find information at www.nfty.org/summer or ask Adam and Bobbee for help finding the perfect program for your son or daughter.

JYG enjoyed their first social event of the year – bowling at Brunswick Zone. Both events had great turnouts.

We’ve got two exciting events planned for December. For the 6th-8th graders, we’re having a 4

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

B’not Mitzvah Yael Greene will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on December 1, 2012. Yael is an eighth grader at The Cottage School in Roswell. As a Cottage School student, she is involved in the JV Basketball team, the Track team, Student Council, and the Yearbook Club. She loves everything relating to music and is currently learning guitar. She also enjoys reading to younger kids as a volunteer at the STAR House Foundation in Roswell. And she is very excited to be a part of Kesher, TBT’s Monday night program for 8th and 9th graders. One of her most favorite things is to be a camper at URJ Camp Coleman.

Leora Greene will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on December 1, 2012. Leora is a seventh grader at Hightower Trail Middle School. She loves music and art, and has been involved in Art Competes, the Drama Club, and is a violist in training. Leora is a Falcons fan and loves to make people laugh. She likes to volunteer her time and make a difference in our world, such as volunteering for The Drake House to support women and children in need. Her home away from home is her Jewish camp, URJ Camp Coleman, where she has learned so much about her faith.

Liana Turiansky will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on December 8, 2012. Liana is the daughter of Mariann Mamberg and Bruce Turiansky, sister to Talia Epstein and Eric Turiansky and the granddaughter of Isaak and Lola Mamberg, and Lonnie Rowley and George Turiansky. She is a seventh grader at The Davis Academy in Sandy Springs. Lilei is a talented pianist and artist, and plays on the Davis Academy tennis team.

For one of her mitzvah projects, she continued her family’s tradition by organizing a drive to collect holiday toys for needy children.

Laura Neder will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on December 22, 2012. Laura is the daughter of Gail and Don Neder, sister to Joseph, David, Michael and Katherine, niece of Carolyn Bloom and granddaughter of Jeanne and Irving Bloom and Lou and Bill Neder. Laura is a 7th grade student at The Porter Academy in Roswell. Laura enjoys playing soccer, hanging out with family and friends, and taking walks with her dog Sadie. As part of her Mitzvah project, Laura has spent several days helping out at the Foster Care Support Foundation in Roswell.

Early Childhood Education Center Although teaching Jewish values are a part of what we do everyday in the ECEC, each month we like to focus on one.

By doing this, we are able to strengthen the children’s learning on what it means to be a Jew, as well as enable them to bring the learning home to their families. The Jewish value for November was: Hazan et HaKol: Feeding Everybody In the Birkat HaMazon, the Grace after meals, the first blessing praises G-d at length for nourishing the entire world, both with mercy and compassion as well as through physical sustenance. This first blessing ends by naming G-d, “Hazan et Hakol - Who nourishes all.” As we strive to model our behavior after G-d’s, it is incumbent upon us as well to feed those that are hungry. The Talmud tells us that a person that resides in a town for even thirty days is obligated to contribute to the local soup kitchen.

According to The Atlanta Community Food Bank, More than one in every four Georgia children – 28.3% of our children – now live in food insecure households. This is up from 27.9% last year. The USDA defines food insecurity as the lack of access to adequate food resulting from the lack of money and other resources.

Throughout the year, the ECEC takes many opportunities to collect food for our local food pantry shelves. The children filled the bins during Operation Isaiah, collected tuna to be donated from Relay for Life and participated in TBT’s Turkey Drive. During the year, we collect tzedakah from the children to purchase non-perishable food items that are donated to North Fulton Charities. The ECEC keeps this act of Hazan et Hakol going throughout the summer, filling up food bins for JF&CS. It may not seem that big of a project to some, but the lesson is huge. I encourage us all to take a lesson from the children of the ECEC, and take November’s Jewish value to heart; we must feed those that are hungry.

After all it is the behavior that we as Jews should strive to model.

Shalom,

Jenifer Friedman ECEC Director

News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

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House Committee Update When you walk through our Religious School, you will notice water damage to ceiling tiles and walls in many areas.

TBT’s House committee has been busy at work since early This damage is the result of September. For the first time in many years, the committee has significant leaks in sections of put together a detailed and broad list of projects to maintain and beautify our TBT home. As you may have noticed, several of the our roof and failures of our projects have already been completed, including drywall repairs exterior stucco and drainage inside our sanctuary, replacement of two large sanctuary picture system. Consequently, our next major projects are to repair both the flat roof above the two story windows that had become blurred, and repairs to the wood portion of the Religious School and the metal roof portion in the ceiling. We also replaced the old televisions used for the High middle of the building. We hope to have these projects started Holy Days with high definition flat screens. within a couple of months following a careful review of potential Other projects completed include the replacement of several service providers and solutions. major heating and air-conditioning components in the Religious School wing. At a cost of more than $39,000, we replaced an air Once the roof is repaired, we will move on to our next major handler and two furnaces, both of which were beyond repair and projects: repairing and cleaning our exterior stucco and stone.

After 20 years, these surfaces have become cracked and are had become safety concerns. One of the furnaces had to be contributing to leaks inside the building. We must fix the stucco removed by crane through a hole cut in the roof. The second and stone before we can improve the appearance of the exterior, replacement furnace will be installed in the next few weeks. which is clearly in need of improvement. As part of this effort, Prioritizing essential projects within financial constraints, and we will have to repair our drainage system and make significant working around school and programming schedules, not to changes to our landscaping, both of which are contributing to the mention the weather, have been a challenge. water problems inside the building.

House Committee Develops Comprehensive Plan to Maintain and Beautify TBT

The exterior projects are significant and will take time and financial resources to complete. We have many decisions to make over the course of the next year to ensure that these projects are done properly by quality providers and in a manner that will give us lasting results.

We have not lost site of the many other needed repairs and improvements inside our building, including the carpet and paint. You can rest assured that those items are on our project list, but the committee feels that we must first address the roof and walls of our building for the continued safety and comfort of all of our congregants and visitors.

To review our detailed project list, please send an email to house@bethtikvah.com.

The recently announced Annual Campaign will be crucial to funding these projects. We anticipate that we will need to invest approximately $100,000 per year over the next several years to complete these projects. We will continue to keep you updated as progress is made.

TBT House Committee Ted Nathan

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Ron Swichkow Paul Beckman Sam Herndon Sid Malkin Bobby Herman

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

December 2012 TBT Happenings Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat 1 9am B.L.T. Bagels, Learning and Torah 10am Shabbat Service - Greene B'not Mitzvah

2 9:30am Leadership Dev Program 9:30am Religious School 9:30am Shacharit Morning Minyan 10am Melton - Your Child Has ?s 11am Beg Hebrew Class - Level II 11am Ramban’s “Letter for the Ages”

3 7pm Families Anonymous 7pm Kesher 7:15pm Melton Beyond Borders: The Arab Israeli Conflict 7:15pm Melton Ethics of Jewish Living

9:30am Religious School 9:30am RS Family Education Day for 1st & 2nd Grades 9:30am Shacharit Morning Minyan 10am Melton - Your Child Has ?s 11am Beg Hebrew Class - Level II 11am Ramban’s “Letter for the Ages” 12:30pm JYG Chocolate Chanukah Party

23 No Religious School

7:30pm Israel Bonds Program Unrest in the Middle East

7:30pm Choir Rehearsal

11 Chanukah 9am Tai Chi 5pm Religious School

7pm Families Anonymous 7pm Kesher & Confirmation

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Chanukah 6:45pm Community Chanukah Celebration at TKE

Chanukah 7pm Rosh Chodesh Women's Spiritual Group 7:30pm Step Up for Israel

7:30pm Choir Rehearsal

7:15pm Melton Beyond Borders: The Arab Israeli Conflict

8 1st Night of Chanukah

6:30pm Family Shabbat Service hosted by the 5th Grade

9am B.L.T. Bagels, Learning and Torah 10am Shabbat Service Turiansky Bat Mitzvah

14 Chanukah 12pm ECEC Chanukah Celebration 6:30pm Friday's with Friends

15 Last Night of Chanukah 9am B.L.T. Bagels, Learning and Torah 10am Shabbat Service 4:30pm Chanukah Lights, Mitzvah Nights

7:15pm Melton Ethics of Jewish Living

7pm HOTTY Latke Lock-in

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18

19

20

21

No Rel School

No Rel School

No ECEC Classes

No ECEC Classes

7pm Families Anonymous

9am Tai Chi

8pm Shabbat Service

7:15pm Melton Beyond Borders

7:30pm Board of Trustees Meeting

7:30pm Achim TBT's Men's Group

27 No ECEC Classes

28 No ECEC Classes

22 9am B.L.T. Bagels, Learning and Torah 10am Shabbat Service - Neder Bat Mitzvah

7:15pm Melton Ethics of Jewish Living 7:30pm Ritual Committee Meeting 24 No ECEC Classes No Rel School

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7 6pm Oneg Shabbat

8pm Shabbat Service w/Choir

25 Christmas

26 No ECEC Classes

No ECEC Classes

8pm Shabbat Service

No Rel School Synagogue Office Closed

No Religious School

6 7:30am TBT Business to Business

5pm Religious School

10 Chanukah 11:30am Seniors Luncheon

16 9:30am Leadership Dev Program 9:30am Religious School 9:30am Shacharit Morning Minyan 10am Melton - Your Child Has ?s 10:30am The Rabbi's Tisch 11am Beg Hebrew Class - Level II 11am Ramban’s “Letter for the Ages”

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7:30pm Endowment Board Meeting

9 Chanukah

4 9am Tai Chi

29 9am B.L.T. Bagels, Learning and Torah 10am Shabbat Service

31 New Year's Eve No ECEC Classes No Rel School

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Donations Annual Campaign Spencer and Debra Shilling in memory of William Kerbel Dale and Wendy Bearman in memory of Eleanore Bearman and Jules Stein Peter Klokow and Ellen Frank in memory of Barry Feinberg Ron and Lindsay Levin in honor of the wedding of Amir and Tanya Levin Mark and Stephanie Craig in honor of Yael and Leora Greene Gordon and Patty Berger in memory of Doris Berger Dale and Wendy Bearman in memory of Jeanne Laibow

Michael Zalkin Memorial Library Fund Jeffrey & Beth Kess in memory of Iris Kess and Ben Goldberg Mark and Gail Rudel in memory of Gloria Berke Steven and Amy Fine in memory of Joe Arogeti Prayerbook Fund Mark and Sally Vosk in memory of Leonard Vosk Addie Myers in memory of William L. Myers Mark and Sally Vosk in memory of Irving Vosk Preschool Fund TBT Preschool in memory of Hilda Karlin and Irys Friedman TBT Preschool in appreciation of Katie Jaffe Stuart and Dorene Krackow in honor of Blake and Hayley's B'nai Mitzvah Rory and Jenifer Friedman in memory of Carole Kaminsky, Bobby Hatoff, Irys Friedman and Becky Goldberg

Building Fund Bernard and Susan Greenberg in memory of Harry Greenberg Cantor’s Discretionary Fund Steve, Amy, Jennifer and Ellen Fine in honor of the beautiful choir conducting by Paige Dobbins during the High Holy Days Gordon and Hollis Decker in appreciation of Cantor Kassel officiating at the marriage of Brandon and Jessica Ira & Brenda Share in honor of Cantor Kassel Pam Alterman in memory of Paul Alterman Pam Alterman in appreciation of the Danny Maseng concert Pam Alterman in celebration of the marriage of Michael Alterman and Melissa Steinberg

Rabbi Greene’s Discretionary Fund Michael and Deborah Schlifka congratulating Mark and Arleen Reese on the marriage of their daughter, Lauren Michael and Deborah Schlifka congratulating Gordon and Holli Decker on the marriage of their son, Brandon Bruce and Carol Waldman in memory of Sylvia Waldman Gordon and Hollis Decker in appreciation of Rabbi Greene's blessing of your son, Brandon and his bride Jessica Axelrad Elliot, Carol and Sari Millman in memory of William Millman Andy and Marci Fried in memory of Ruth Fried, Florence Rogol and Fred Singer Ira & Brenda Share in honor of Rabbi Greene Pam Alterman in memory of Paul Alterman Pam Alterman in appreciation of the Danny Maseng concert Cary Goldenthal and Lori Shapiro in memory of Barry Goldenthal Michael and Wanda Cohen in memory of Gladys Cohen Ruth Zeidman in memory of Harris Simons Melvin and Nanette Ross in appreciation of worshipping at Temple Beth Tikvah on Rosh Hashanah Families Anonymous Leonard Berger in memory of Mrs. Doris K. Berger Irv and Gail Laddin in appreciation of your High Holy Day honor Saul & Shirley Plotkin in memory of Henry Trucker Ellen Rosenthal Klein in memory of Alfred and Mildred Rosenthal Isaac & Jeanine Shweky in honor of their ninth wedding anniversary Anne Grossman in memory of Conrad Grossman, MD

Caring/Kehillat Chesed Fund Ronald and Leslie Swichkow in memory of Elizabeth Hodes Ronald and Leslie Swichkow in memory of Gloria Berke Sara Grossman in memory of William Brooks Jack & Susan Arogeti in memory of Joe B Arogeti Fred and Patricia Landsberg in honor of a speedy recovery for John Hirsch Endowment Campaign Bruce and Bonnie Walkes in memory of Sarah Wixman Lawrence and Anne Skal in memory of Rose Skal and Lenore Levy Bruce and Bonnie Walkes in memory of Nathan Mangen Paul and Anne Beckman in appreciation of the 25th Anniversary Committee's hard work and sterling results Paul and Anne Beckman in honor of Michael and Jeanne Lipsitt's generous hearts General Fund Seymour and Renee Davis in memory of Elias Waxman Rosalind Taranto in memory of Abram Pomerance Thomas and Marsha McMurrain in appreciation of the wonderful celebration planned by the 25th Anniversary Committee Michael Edelman and Lorraine Haneyko in memory of Natalie Berlin June Wallach in memory of Irving Hertzberg, Blanche Hertzberg and Howard Wallach Shawna Block in appreciation of spending the High Holy Days with the Temple Beth Tikvah community Sandy Friedwald in memory of Elliott Friedwald Howard and Nan Janis in memory of Joseph Arogeti Gordon and Hollis Decker in memory of Isadore Zierler Dale and Wendy Bearman in memory of Jacob Dutkiewitz David and Anne Strauss in memory of Marvin Landstein and Bernard Strauss

Rabbi Tam’s Discretionary Fund Gordon and Hollis Decker in appreciation of Rabbi Tam officiating at the marriage of Brandon and Jessica Ira & Brenda Share in honor of Rabbi Tam Steven and Sheila Barid in memory of Mary Barid and Aleck Andich Howard & Suzanne Silverman in memory of Nathan Schwartz Barry Kaiser in memory of Sylvia Kaiser Alan and Barbara Chaiet in memory of Jacob Mellinger Andrew and Barbara Sacks in memory of Dorothy Tveit Religious School Fund Fred and Patricia Landsberg in memory of Alan Witzer David and Ellen Herold in memory of Charlie Edelstein Lila Stein in memory of Jeanne Laibow, Fritzie Shaw and Jules Stein Torah Fund Ira and Phyllis Madans in memory of Leonard Madans Morray and Susan Scheinfeld in memory of Leo Snitzer 9

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

SOCIAL ACTION

Join us on Tuesday, December 25th as a volunteer!

The Pinch Hitter Program, which is organized by B’nai B’rith and chaired by Harry Lutz and Jerry Kravitz, provides volunteers to work in non-medical positions in area hospitals on Christmas Day to give employees the day off to spend with their families.

We will work in four-hour shifts at thirteen hospitals and assisted living facilities this year. You can sign up on line or get more information at www.pinchhitters.org Call Harry at 770.392.1175 or Jerry at 770.640.5091 for more information.

It’s The Annual Turkey Drive!

Please help us help those in need to have a satisfying holiday season. Send your checks for $10 or more to TBT marked “Turkey” and we will purchase grocery store gift cards to share with North Fulton Community Charities and Jewish Family and Career Services.

For 20 years we have hoped to get $10 from every family—let’s make this the year!

Questions?

Call Marsha Mathis 770-992-4256

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Campaign TBT – EveryONE Matters!

“Campaign TBT – EveryONE Matters,” Temple Beth Tikvah’s annual campaign, kicked off in October. At TBT, like most congregations, Nadiv Lev (annual contribution) gifts alone are not adequate to balance our budget and to sustain the important work we are doing. Whether we are advancing the Jewish education and engagement of our students and teens, providing programming resources for our seniors, or supporting each other through lifecycle events and challenging economic times, fundraising is essential. This is why Campaign TBT is so important and why we are asking EveryONE to participate at a level that is appropriate for their circumstances Please Consider Making a Contribution Today To continue to meet our budget needs, fund critical building maintenance and renovations, and offer programs and services that serve all of our congregants, we ask for your help. Our goal this year is rather bold – $100,000 and 100% participation of our congregants.

To ensure everyone can participate, there is no minimum pledge amount. For your convenience, your pledge can be paid all at once or over the remainder of our fiscal year.

To Make Your Pledge. There are three convenient ways to make your pledge:  Complete and return the response card that was mailed to you recently,  Call the TBT office, or  Visit www.bethtikvah.com & select “Campaign TBT EveryONE Matters” on our donation page As the campaign continues, we will publish the names of those who’ve contributed in the Kol Tikvah.

Please feel free to contact any of the committee members if you have questions, need additional information, or would like to learn about opportunities to be involved in your Temple. Thank you for your continued commitment to this great congregation.

And remember, EveryONE can make a difference, no matter the amount of your donation!

Dale Bearman Jonathan Bennett Todd Boehm Ruben Braiter Dan DeRiemer Laura DeRiemer Steve Gerson Rob Rickles Bob Schacher David Shippel Ron Swichkow

In Case You Were Wondering … Your Contributions Do Make a Difference

$100,000 and 100% Participation

Help Us Meet Our Goal:

Congregants often ask TBT clergy, staff and lay leaders: “Is my contribution making a difference?” Without a doubt, the answer to that question is yes. The Temple strives to provide opportunities for EveryONE to be part of our Temple community.

Consider the following:  Our pre-school is thriving. Over the past seven years, attendance has tripled to 50 students.  Our students and teens are engaged in congregational life like never before. We have recently hired two youth professionals, who will build upon the tremendous progress we’ve made with our youngest congregants over the past five years. In addition, we have enlisted a specialist for Religious School students who learn differently.  New and exciting Family Programming. An example of our efforts to reach all kinds of families is “Fridays with Friends.” During this program the congregation shares Shabbat dinner together, followed by singing and our Shabbat service. Our most recent “Blue Jeans Fridays with Friends” had over 200 people sharing a terrific Shabbat evening together!  Men’s Club and Sisterhood participation is strong. The Men’s Club participation has been so strong that TBT fielded two teams this year in the Atlanta Men’s Synagogue Softball League (and competed quite well!). The Sisterhood continues to offer meaningful programming that speaks to the women of TBT and is integral in so many aspects of congregational life.  Seniors are enjoying learning and fellowship opportunities at TBT. Our seniors meet monthly for Lunch & Learn sessions, which often attract up to 70 participants. These congregants benefit from lifelong learning and opportunities to mix and mingle with their peers.  We are maintaining our beautiful – but aging – facility. In the past two years, we have replaced an HVAC unit and a significant section of our roof, added wireless Internet access, repaired water damage in the sanctuary and in Rabbi Greene’s study, and repaired the sanctuary dome – the most dramatic architectural feature of the building. Work is in the planning stages or underway to restore and seal the stucco on our facility’s exterior, clean water damage, replace other major sections of the roof and repair the drainage system to prevent further damage.

Our building committee has completed a detailed analysis of the major capital expenditures that will be needed over the next five years and they are significant.

These accomplishments would not have been possible without the generosity of so many of our congregants, who participated in various fundraising initiatives over the past few years.

Please consider making a contribution to the 2012-2013 Annual Campaign “Campaign TBT – EveryONE Matters.” EveryONE can make a difference, no matter the amount of your donation!

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

JF&CS - Volunteering Volunteering: A Win-Win for our Community Why do people volunteer? The reasons are endless. It’s a mitzvah to help others. It’s a great way to meet people with interests similar to our own. Our parents did and it’s part of our nature. It makes us feel good.

One of the best reasons and probably the one we hear the most is that people want to make a difference by giving back – whether it’s to the general community, the Jewish community or individual schools or synagogues.

Whether you’re the consummate volunteer or have never done it before, there are a multitude of opportunities in Atlanta. And one of the best places to start is right here at the synagogue. There’s a culture of caring and community within a synagogue, and the more you put in to it, the more you get out of it.

Like all nonprofit organizations, synagogues need and thrive on volunteer support. The more people volunteer, the more they feel engaged and have a sense of ownership.

Sisterhoods, men’s clubs, social action committees, caring/kesher committees and youth groups all offer a bounty TBT is proud to have 90 kids go to different Jewish summer of ways at both the group and individual levels to “give programs last summer and hopes the number will continue to back.”

JF&CS is proud to partner with so many synagogues in the community on volunteer-driven projects and we are grateful for all of your support in programs such as our Food of the Month program, where members bring in canned goods to stock the Kosher Food Pantry with food we give to clients and other community members. Other ways of working together include the Holiday Gift Program, Aviv Celebrations Cards and the Giving Garden.

Thank you for all you do for us. Your partnership helps us to serve our clients needs and we could not do it without you!

rise. To help do our part, we have a Scholarship Committee that provides modest need-based grants for Jewish summer camps, service learning, and Israel programs. If you need financial assistance to get your child to one of these overnight programs, please send a confidential letter to Rabbi Greene at rabbigreene@bethtikvah.com. A committee will sensitively review all requests. Allocations are made from a restricted fund called the Campership/Israel Scholarship Fund. The monies from this fund are received from individual contributions, the Men's Club, Sisterhood, and our clergy's discretionary funds. If you have any questions, please contact Rabbi Greene.

NEW MEMBERS

Volunteering brings people together. And as the winter holidays approach, there’s no better way to take advantage of that togetherness than finding ways to help others.

Temple Beth Tikvah warmly welcomes the following new members to our family: Michael and Heather Lober 1645 Northcliff Trace Roswell, GA 30076 Hannah & Hailey

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Women’s Spiritual Group Rosh Chodesh (New Moon) Caring for yourself is not self indulgent Caring for yourself is an act of survival

Welcoming new participants on a new night!

Thursday, Dec. 13 7 - 8:30 pm Let’s celebrate the 6th night of Chanukah together Yoga/stretch portion is 7 - 7:30 pm The month of Tevet begins on Dec. 14th. Why is there a fast on the 10th of Tevet? Have your habits made you fixed and rigid? Let’s unlock those habits and learn to perceive and experience renewal every day. This is your opportunity to strengthen your belief in yourself and energize the goodness buried inside you!

Each meeting begins with optional gentle yoga/stretch/breathing to unwind. Wear comfortable, loose clothing.

What to bring - A candle in a container, a yoga mat if you have one. Don't have these? Come anyway!

Celebrate your feminine spirit & its link to the Hebrew calendar Reserve these dates: Jan. 24 / Feb. 28 / Mar. 28 (Women’s Seder) / Apr. 25 To RSVP or to be added to our Evite list, contact Pam Chanin at

404-219-1453 or chaninp@bellsouth.net

CLEARANCE SALE AT YOUR Temple Beth Tikvah gift shop !

Join TBT Sisterhood!!

January 9th 7:30 pm

JUST IN TIME FOR CHANUKAH ! !

We want to make room for new inventory and will be having a sale on everything.

$5 at the door for the winning pot!

Come check out all the discounts on Sunday, December 2nd and Sunday, December 9th during religious school hours

Fun drinks and snacks provided Come schmooze with your TBT sisters.

Check out our new Facebook page to get updates and event information

Thanks for shopping with us!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/ TempleBethTikvahSisterhood

Carrie, Pam and Rhonda

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

ADULT ED Achim – TBT’S START UP MEN’S GROUP

Joshua ben Perachyah said: Find for yourself a teacher and get yourself a friend; and judge every man towards merit.

Pirkei Avot 1

Thurs, December 20; Tues, January 29; Thurs. February 21 at 7:30 pm in the Library Over the last few months, a few men have shared that they would appreciate having a "place" for men to gather and talk about things other than sports, business and the like. Here is our chance to share as men in a safe place. Rabbi Greene will be kicking off some ideas about how to connect… in relationships, with God, our Selves, our roles as fathers and grandfathers, our roles as husbands or just as men. If one of us has some tsuris (trouble) or another has a simchah (joyous event), here is a chance to come together in a safe place as men and as achim (brothers).

Jewish Learning is a lifelong endeavor. While many might focus on Jewish education for your children and youth, Jewish learning isn’t just for kids, but for every individual of every age. Our clergy, community partners, and many volunteers have worked hard to provide many opportunities for us to explore our Judaism along with our fellow congregants.

There will be changes and additions along the way, so please be sure to check our website for current information, http://www.bethtikvah.com/ ETHICS OF JEWISH LIVING Mondays, October 15 - February 11 at 7:15 pm in the Library community/adult-learning.

How do Jewish teachings shed light on contemporary issues such as the We hope that you will journey with us… environment, end-of-life decisions, and stem cell research? Explores the For all TBT classes, let us know which class you are attending at wisdom of ancient and modern rabbis, scholars and thinkers, offering rsvp@bethtikvah.com. For Melton classes, please contact the MJCCA multiple Jewish approaches to conducting our lives in the communal and directly at 678.812.3723 private spheres.

Instructor: Rabbi Eric Levy (15 lessons – Fall – Rhythms only) Fees: $300 (includes Student Reader) RAMBAN’S “LETTER FOR THE AGES” WITH RABBI DONALD TAM, TBT’S RABBI EMERITUS BEYOND BORDERS: THE ARAB ISRAELI CONFLICT Sunday mornings, December 2, 9, 16

11 am - 12 pm in the Michael Zalkin Library Musar is an ethical literature that is integral to Jewish ethics and central to the study of traditional Jewish writings. The Jewish guides to “right and wrong” and “character formation” are not always systematically spelled out in the Torah, but often extrapolated from its study. One of the most important musar writings is the Igerret HaMusar, a letter written by the Medieval Jewish Sage Ramaban (Nachmanides) from Acco in the Land of Israel, to his son Nachman in Catalina, Spain. In these five sessions, Rabbi Tam will explore its meanings and discuss implications for our complicated age.

Mondays, October 29 - March 18 at 7:15 pm in Classroom 2

This course provides students with a strong, historical overview covering the late 19th century through today. Course material is designed to encourage discussion and debate, and to challenge students to appreciate the basis of the conflicting historical claims made by all sides in the conflict.

Instructor: Rabbi Albert Slomovitz, Rabbi Emeritus at Congregation Gesher L’Torah Fees: $365 (includes Student Reader) Scholarship Available at the time of printing

SPECIAL PROGRAM FOR PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN!

BEGINNERS HEBREW, LEVEL 2 WITH CANTOR KASSEL Sundays (when Religious School is in session) through May 5 11 am – 12 pm in the Cantor’s office This class is a continuation of previous “Beginners Hebrew classes,” focusing on reading prayers, learning to chant Torah, and prepare for our Ben/Bat Torah experience.

EXPLORING PSALMS Third Thursday of every month beginning October 18 at 7 pm in the Oneg room (some dates are subject to change) $18 for the entire year. Please register by sending your check to the TBT office, designated for Women’s Study Group on the memo line.

This Women’s Study Group is supported by our Sisterhood and the Adult Education Committee.

Instructor: Shelley Buxbaum, PhD

YOUR CHILD HAS QUESTIONS, NOW YOU’LL HAVE THE ANSWERS! Sundays, December 2, 9, 16; January 13, 27; February 3 at 10 - 11:30 am in Classroom 21 Your preschooler has embarked on an exciting journey of Jewish learning, learning each day about the meaning of mitzvot and core Jewish values and how to live them. Let us teach YOU the same lessons, so that you can continue the conversation at home and enhance YOUR Jewish educational journey. By learning the lessons your child is learning, you will be empowered to engage in conversations about Jewish values that will enrich your entire family. This course will utilize “Foundations for Jewish Living” and “PJ Library” books that have been specifically chosen for you.

Fee: $100 per person for 10 lessons + $40 for the Student Reader. The first 10 participants to register will receive a $50 subsidy for this course provided by Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.

Instructor: Shelley Buxbaum, PhD 15

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Condolences

HELP US HELP YOU

Temple Beth Tikvah acknowledges with sorrow the passing of: Oselia Steinberg Grandmother of Henry Schwartz Betty Cohen Levitt Mother of Howard Levitt

Your synagogue community wants to be a Caring Community/Kehillat Chesed.

If you have recently experienced a loss or are facing a crisis, please let our office know as soon as possible.

Irys Friedman Grandmother of Laura Gordon Alan Mack Uncle of Suzanne Sacks Cecelia Schneider Mother of Nanette Wien Ellen Berger Mother of Jon Berger

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 that has experienced a loss or can use a hand, please contact the office at 770.642.0434.

“It is hard to sing of oneness when our world is not complete, when those who once brought wholeness to our life have gone and naught but memory can fill the emptiness their passing leaves behind”.

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

Schmooze News / Kudos Corner

The following Memorial Plaque has been placed onto our Memorial Board this past month:

Mazal Tov to...

Pam Alterman on the marriage of her son, Michael, to Melissa Steinberg

Carole Kaminsky Mother of Sheri Baker

Gordon and Holli Decker on the marriage of their son, Brandon, to Jessica Axelrad Baruch and Hassia Levin on the marriage of their son, Amir, to Tanya Blasbalg Mark and Arlene Reese on the marriage of their daughter, Lauren, to Allen Heffner

Please note that the Temple Beth Tikvah office will be closed on December 25 and January 1

Bonnie and Bruce Walkes on the birth of their grandson, Samuel Walker Scher Tamara and DJ Kruger on the birth of their daughter, Mia

Thank you to…

Michele Gergans and Dalia Faupel for planning the TBT Family Picnic, and to the Men's Club for their support for the event

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Submissions for the January Kol Tikvah are due to the synagogue office by Wednesday, December 5.

Please email to koltikvah@bethtikvah.com

Memorial Plaques Memorial plaques are a beautiful way to honor the memory of a loved one. Your loved one’s plaque will be lit up several times throughout the year.

Planning a simcha or group gathering?

The Tam-Blank Social Hall is the Place to Be.

We recite the Kaddish on the anniversary of their passing and Yizkor, which means to remember, is recited as part of the prayer service four times during the year.

For more information on renting our Social Hall, contact the synagogue office at 770-642-0434.

The price of a plaque is $300. If you have any questions or would like to order a plaque, please contact Lisa in the synagogue office at 770-642-0434 or send an email to

Donations may be mailed to: Temple Beth Tikvah 9955 Coleman Road Roswell, GA 30075

lisa@bethtikvah.com.

TBT Seniors Luncheon Monday, Dec. 10 at 11:30 AM presenting Rabbi Donald Tam

Please RSVP to Ruth Zeidman at 770.552.1966

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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

Potential Customers are Reading this Publication Right Now! Call Lisa at 770.642.0434 to find out how you can advertise your business.

Get Involved! TBT Committees and Chairpersons Adult Education Cindy Getty cindygetty@me.com Budget & Finance Harlan Graiser harlanng@yahoo.com Chavurot Ivie Graiser iviegraiser@yahoo.com College Outreach Lynda Bennett lrbennett08@comcast.net Ginger Glazer ggchoc@bellsouth.net Communications Dave Faupel davefaupel8@yahoo.com Fundraising Ruben Braiter rbraiter@manh.com Gift Shop Pam Alterman pmalterman@earthlink.net Carrie Bickwit carriebickwit@yahoo.com Rhonda Schweber rschweber@comcast.net House Ted Nathan tnathan@baldwinscheduling.com Human Resources Karen Moss karenmoss4@msn.com

Israel Gene Carasick gcarasick@gmail.com Kehillat Chesed (Caring) Leslie Swichkow lswichkow@comcast.net Membership Recruitment & Retention Mark Rudel mrudel@ups.com Men’s Club Neil Goldstein nsg24@cornell.edu Nominating Committee Bart Schwartz bart_schwartz@coface-usa.com Andy Goldstrom agoldstrom87@hotmail.com Outreach To Be Determined Ritual Esther Shultz savtaesther5@gmail.com Rosh Chodesh Women’s Group Pam Chanin chaninp@bellsouth.net Security Michael Gutkin gutkin1@bellsouth.net Seniors Ruth Zeidman zeidmanr@comcast.net

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Sisterhood Mary Block Mary_block@hotmail.com Social Action Jeff Willard pursuejustice@comcast.net Rodney Eberhardt reberhardt@amerisourcebergen.com Social Committee To Be Determined Website Development Mark Weiss maweiss@mindspring.com Scott Povlot spovlot@yahoo.com Youth Group Chad Salinas csalinas@b2bworkforce.com

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

For A Special Friend: A courtesy examination & x-ray at no charge when you present this card

LEVINSON CHIROPRACTIC & VAX-D CENTER 5457 Roswell Road, Suite 102 Sandy Springs, Georgia 30342 404-257-0404

www.levinsonchiropractic.com

Potential Customers are Reading this Publication Right Now! Call Lisa at 770.642.0434 to find out how you can advertise your business.

Potential Customers are Reading this Publication Right Now! Call Lisa at 770.642.0434 to find out how you can advertise your business.

Publication’s Title and Number: Kol Tikvah • Volume 26 Issue 12 Issue Date: December 2012 Frequency: Monthly Authorized Organization’s Name and Address: Temple Beth Tikvah • 9955 Coleman Road • Roswell, GA 30075 19

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Fred Greene Rabbi Donald A. Tam Rabbi Emeritus Nancy Kassel Cantor Hassia Levin Education Director Jenifer Friedman ECEC Director Steve Gerson President Ron Swichkow President-Elect Paul Beckman Vice President Todd Boehm Vice President Marsha Mathis Vice President Mark Craig Treasurer Rhonda Povlot Secretary Seth Zimmer Chairperson, Board of Education

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Save the Date

TBT Comedy Night February 9th, 2013 TBT Social Hall Featuring nationally recognized comedian Jerry Farber

More details to come

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