Dec 2014 Kol Tikvah

December 2014 • Volume 28 • Issue 11

A Reform Congregation Embracing Our Jewish Tradition

Please join with friends and family as we welcome rabbinic candidate Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner and her husband, Jay Weiner to Temple Beth Tikvah.

A packed weekend has been planned and opportunities abound for everyone to meet them and for them to meet us.

A schedule of events can be found on page 11. In order for the committee to plan appropriately, please make note of events that require an RSVP. We look forward to seeing all of you during the weekend.

Happy Chanukah from Rabbi Greene, Rabbi Tam, Cantor Kassel, The Board of Trustees and the Staff of Temple Beth Tikvah!

IT’S THE ANNUAL TURKEY DRIVE! FIND OUT HOW TO HELP THOSE IN NEED THIS HOLIDAY SEASON SEE PAGE 10

Make a donation - make a difference!

News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

GIVE THE GIFT OF JEWISH CAMP TO A CHILD When I arrived to Beth Tikvah, it was great to see so many of our students involved in Jewish camping. I recently found a note from my first few years here reporting that we had close to 40 students attending Camp Barney Medintz, our local JCC’s Jewish summer program, along with just under ten students going to URJ Camp Coleman, the Reform movement’s regional camp for our Southeast area (“URJ” stands for the Union for Reform Judaism).

Lastly, I am thrilled to be able to announce that we are partnering with our Federation in a new program where we have four Parent Camp Ambassadors who are ready and excited to talk to you about one of the many Jewish summer camp options.

Feel free to reach out to (click on name to send an email): Margot Braiter Karen Greenspan Valerie Kassel Viki Stein

This past summer we had 110 students attending MJCCA Camp Barney, URJ Camp Coleman, URJ Six Points Sports Academy, URJ Six Points Sci-Tech (Science & Technology), URJ Kutz Camp/NFTY Leadership Institute, Camp Judaea, Adamah Adventures (now affiliated by the MJCCA and still directed by our youth advisors, Adam and Bobbee Griff), Blue Star, and even the 92nd Street Y’s Passport NYC.

They have sent their children to different Jewish summer programs, but they are ready to talk to you about the right camp for your child.

As a rabbi, I am invested in our Jewish future. As a father, I see how much my daughters love camp and have become stronger, more resilient and more faithful because of their particular experiences at camp.

And there are still so many programs that can still be experienced – Etgar 36, Camp Inc., or NFTY Mitzvah Corps, or the Genesis Program at Brandeis University.

If I can be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

I share this because I believe Jewish experiential education programs in these summer camps are an extension of our religious school goals – to strengthen Jewish identity, to foster connections to the Jewish People here and in Israel, to experience their own compelling encounters with Shabbat, to connect with other Jewish kids just like them!

Rabbi Fred Greene

Studies have clearly shown how sending kids to Jewish camps make a profound impact on these kids and our community. In the study, “CAMP WORKS: The Long-term Impact of Jewish Overnight Camp,” (2011) researchers showed that camp attendance increases the likelihood of adult participation and identification in every one of these areas.

As adults, campers are: 30% more likely to donate to a Jewish charity; 37% more likely to light Shabbat candles; CAMP COLEMAN 2014

45% more likely to attend synagogue monthly or more; and 55% more likely to be very emotionally attached to Israel.

These are just a few of the statistics that were published, but they illustrate the profound impact that these camps can make.

This is why I encourage you to send a kid to camp: if you have a child or grandchild, make this a gift. If there are no children in your home, consider helping us to give scholarships to make sure that every child who wants to go to a Jewish camp has the financial means to do so. The Temple Beth Tikvah Camp/Israel Scholarship Fund is a restricted fund that gives between $5,0006,000 in need based scholarship to our kids every year.

There are incentive grants and additional, significant need-based scholarships from a new program through the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. You can learn more about that information here: http://atlantajewishcamp.org.

CAMP BARNEY 2014

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News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

NOTES FROM CANTOR KASSEL serve as meditations, kabbalistic in origin. One part of this meditation says – that “even as I cover myself with the tallit in this world, so may my soul deserve to be clothed with a beauteous spiritual robe in the World to Come, in the garden of Eden.”

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the universe, who hallows us with mitzvot, commanding us to wrap ourselves in the fringes.

ABOUT THE TALLIT In Numbers 15:37 – 40, immediately following a passage about a man put to death for gathering wood on the sabbath day, we read:

I personally did not grow up seeing worshippers who donned a tallit, and it wasn’t until halfway through my cantorial education that I decided to experiment with wearing one. I have to say that observing this commandment has become precious to me and when I wear a tallit I feel enveloped by the beauty of our traditions and their call to me to remember and observe God’s commandments.

The Lord said to Moses, as follows: Speak to the Israelite people and instruct them to make for themselves fringes (tzitzit) on the corners of their garments throughout the ages; let them attach a cord of blue to the fringe at each corner.

That shall be your fringe; look at it and recall all the commandments of the Lord and observe them, so that you do not follow your heart and eyes in your lustful urge. Thus you shall be reminded to observe all My commandments and to be holy to your God.

BEING WRAPPED IN THE TALLIT BEING WRAPPED IN THE LIGHTS OF CHANUKAH The tallit and its fringes, just as the chanukiah and its ever-increasing candle lights, are both sources of comfort to me. They are rituals that in and of themselves may seem illogical, but the power of ritual is that it is not solely based upon logic. In Judaism, rituals are connected to higher visions and self-expectations in which we elevate the mundane to the sacred. When you next come to services on a Shabbat or holiday morning, maybe you will consider wearing a tallit if you do not already do so. In the meantime – may you be wrapped in the light and warmth of the Chanukiah.

Many of you have noticed that there are a plethora of tallitot (plural) to choose from these days and while they traditionally were worn only by men, many women choose to observe this commandment as well. As traditional or contemporary, large or small, masculine or feminine as these tallitot may be, they exist purely for the fringes, based on the biblical passage above. And they, the fringes or tzitzit, are to serve as a daily reminder, much like the mezzuzah and tefilin, to observe God’s commandments.

B’Shalom,

Cantor Nancy Kassel

In a traditional siddur (prayerbook) there are several passages prior to putting on the tallit which

Cantor Kassel’s Adult Learning Book Discussion: "Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots"

by Deborah Feldman Sunday, Jan. 11 from 10:45-11:55 am The Music and Religion of Leonard Cohen Sunday, Feb. 8 from 10:45-11:55 am Tips for Leading an Engaging Seder Sunday, Mar. 15 and Sunday, Mar. 22 from 11:00-11:55 am 3

News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

A December to Remember Where does the time go? It seems like only days ago I heard the blowing of the shofar during the High Holy Days. Our community came together and prayed together in such an inspiring way. Now, all I see and hear are signs, symbols and sounds of the secular holidays that will be in our faces and ears for the next 30 days or more. How will you deal with all the holiday celebrations going on around you and in your schools and neighborhoods? There are many opportunities to divert you from joining the mayhem at the mall…..Join us for one of our many adult education classes, attend the December Sisterhood event and make a piece of jewelry for yourself or as a gift (no mall traffic there!), attend Shabbat services on Friday night December 12th or Saturday morning December 13th and meet Rabbi ShuvalWeiner, a Rabbinic finalist candidate, take your kids to one of our many Youth activities……many opportunities exist.

Hopefully, Hanukkah puts you in the spirit of giving. Our community would love to receive your gift. The Annual campaign is underway, and our match opportunity expires at the end of January. Why not give one less present and give that money to our synagogue’s annual campaign? It can even be earmarked “In honor of” the person you choose. For example, a

gift of $100 will turn into $150 and will be not only appreciated, but put toward much needed projects. And don’t forget that gift from the IRS of a tax deduction for 2014.

If you are still reading, I thought I’d gift you with a cute Hanukkah story.

Admiring the Christmas trees displayed in his neighbor's windows, Micah asks his father, 'Daddy, can we have a ‘Hanukkah Tree?'

'What? No, of course not,' says his father.

'Why not?' asks Micah again.

Bewildered, his father replies, 'Because the last time we had dealings with a lighted bush we spent 40 years in the wilderness.'

Come and spend time at TBT and with your TBT family, make a new connection, re-kindle an old one. May your Hanukkah and your December be meaningful and safe this year!

L’Shalom

Ron Swichkow

Sisterhood Hello Sisterhood! We are in the midst of plans and events for this fall and winter seasons. First, we are sending a big “shout out” for a fantastic Mah Jongg and Game Night, in November. We had a fabulous response! Please plan for another Mah Jongg and Game Morning at Temple on January 25, 2015, starting at 9:45am to 11:45am, in the Social Hall. Please check your email, for the Evite, to RSVP, and join us for round number two!

As you receive this newsletter, our Brilliant Jewelry Making Nights are set for December 1st AND December 3rd, from 7pm to 9pm, at Brilliant. Atlanta. We hope you signed up through Evite, for these creative evenings.

We are proud to offer a very informative seminar: “Winter

We extend an open invitation to all of you, in becoming active in your Sisterhood. Please join us for our next Board Meeting, on January 21, 2015 at 7:30pm. We are meeting at Starbucks (in the Roswell Marketplace - Mansell Road and Alpharetta Highway ~ 10811 Alpharetta Highway, Roswell). We need your input, for our spring planning. The Sisterhood Adult Education Committee is in the midst of planning winter and spring events. Our Women’s Community Outreach Committee, formerly known as Social Action, has been reenergized with some great new members and excellent ideas. Both committees are designing meaningful events, to broaden our horizons within our Temple community, and the surrounding metro Atlanta area.

Wellness: Cold and Flu Prevention and Strategies Seminar”, with Terry Apt Carasick: Nurse Practitioner and Naturo-

Save the Dates For These Upcoming Events – Please check your email for your Evite - for details and to RSVP:

th

path, specializing in herbs. It is being held on December 7 at 10:00am, in the Oneg Room. Admission: Bring canned tuna fish, for the Kosher Pantry; RSVP is requested. Please check your email for the Evite.

Please also join us on January 13, 2015 at 7:30pm, for a Chal-

December 1st AND December 3rd – Jewelry Making Parties at Brilliant Atlanta December 7th - Winter Wellness: Cold and Flu Prevention and Strategies Seminar at TBT January 13th – Challah Baking Class, TBT Kitchen Shower, & Sisterhood Bake Off at TBT January 21st – Sisterhood Board Meeting at Starbucks (no Evite, just join us) January 25th – Mah Jongg and Game Morning at TBT February 26th – Hamentachen Baking at TBT

lah Baking Class, TBT Kitchen Shower, and a Sisterhood Bake Off, all “rolled” into one evening, at TBT’s Kitchen and Oneg Room. Let’s dress up our kitchen, with some much needed utensils and supplies, while enjoying how to make a great challah and tasting yummy baked goods. Admission to the event is one, new kitchen donation item.

Please check your email for the Evite, as an RSVP is requested.

We hope to see you soon!

Stacy Chambers and Robin Bledsoe 4

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Early Childhood Education Center In its latest report, The Centers of Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 1 in 68 children are identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This new estimate is about 30 percent higher than previous reports. The data shows that ASD is almost five times more common among boys than girls: 1 in 42 boys versus 1 in 189 girls. So what do the facts have to do with Temple Beth Tikvah?

Over the summer, I received a phone call from a mother interested in sending her child to our preschool. After answering some basic questions, the mother explained that her son has autism and is non-verbal, and asked if he would be able to come to our school. “Sure!” I said,” I have been here for 12 years, and we have made accommodations for children with all sorts of special needs.” As the director and a teacher in the Early Childhood Center, we have had children with special needs have a successful preschool experience here, so this was no big deal.

We scheduled a tour of the school. I met with mom and discovered that this child’s needs are more than we have handled before. The mother and I had an open, honest conversation about her son, what their goals are for him, how we can accommodate him, and the reality of what if we are not the right fit for him and his needs.

Jonah came to visit us over the summer. He came in like a tornado, eager to explore the new surroundings. I immediately sensed his sweetness and excitement, but was concerned that our Early Childhood Center was not the right place for him. Not because we didn’t want to accommodate him, but because of the what ifs… what if we can’t give him what he needs?, what if we can’t help him accomplish goals?, what if the other children don’t react well to him?, what if the parents of the other children get angry because he needs so much attention?, what if?….

Then I put myself in the place of this child’s parents and asked myself , what if this were your child?, what if they have no where else to go?, what if we could make a difference?, what if?.....

The truth was this family had no where else to go. Other schools had turned them away or have outrageous fees associated with them. We are a Jewish school. We teach our children Jewish values. How could I not practice what we teach?

Jonah arrived at school with his facilitator. His parents bought each child in the class a special book about having a new friend like him. The teachers read the story to the children and had conversations about how Jonah’s brain works differently. Families took the time to talk with their children about Jonah and his differences. Teachers took the time to embrace Jonah and his facilitator into our ECEC family. Jonah began to inspire each one of us in ways I could not imagine.

School has been in session for 10 weeks as I write this. In those 10 weeks, we have seen Jonah’s good and bad days. We have seen him throw himself on the ground, screaming, we have seen him running around the school, we have seen him get frustrated. We have also seen him hugging his new friends, having fun on the playground, sitting still in the sanctuary, and getting a little bit closer to the goals his parents have set for him.

Jonah has inspired our Early Childhood Center to take part in the Matan Institute, a nationally recognized organization that advocates for Jewish students with special needs. Our Early Childhood Center strives to give all children access to a meaningful Jewish education. We will continue to embrace Jonah, his family, other children like Jonah and all of the fabulously wonderful children that come through our program. The children in our classrooms inspire us everyday and we are better educators for that.

Jenifer Friedman Early Childhood Director

Religious School We are very proud of our achievements in the religious school. We are always very focused on Hebrew, History, Bible, Prayers, art and music. We are pleased to tell you about some new things we are doing in the school. With the support of The Board of Education and the Youth Group we planned new and exciting activities for our 3rd – 7th grade students. Our Religious School/Youth Group Collaboration has gotten off to a great start! We have had 2 sets of short mixers during the last month - the students spent time learning each other's names, a little more about their classmates, and had fun playing some silly games! We will have 2 more mixers, one in January and one in February for the students.

The first weekend in November was our first off-site event for the 3rd graders. We went to Cagle's Farm and had a blast jumping on the giant air pillow, going on a hayride, seeing pigs race and cows herded. It was a little chilly, but no one seemed to mind and definitely enjoyed the hot chocolate at the end of the farm tour! We are looking forward to our 4th, 5th and 6th grade events later in the year as well.

Hassia Levin

News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

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Youth Group

HOTTY HELPING AT MIRACLE LEAGUE HOTTY (9-12th Grade)

We’ve been busy these last few weeks. In October, a few HOTTYites went to Alpharetta Park to help out at a Miracle League baseball game. The kids had a lot of fun and so did our HOTTYites. In fact, we had such a great time that we are ready to go back! If you’ve never heard of it, make sure to check it out – it’s an awesome organization: http:// www.miracleleague.com/. Then, in November we had our IDF night where we learned about Israeli culture by doing some dancing, practicing some Krav Maga moves, eating falafel and playing an IDF scavenger hunt around the temple. And…we had a record breaking 42 HOTTYites attend NFTY-SAR’s Fall Kallah!! It was an awesome weekend!

Our annual event is right around the corner…join us on December 20-21st for HOTTY’s Annual Broomball & Latke-in Lock-in. We’ll meet at TBT on Saturday night and then head over to the Cooler to play broomball! Then, it’s back to TBT for a lock-in at the synagogue.

Hope you can make it!

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!

JYG (7-8th Grade)

JYG’s In November JYG met up with the Junior Youth Group from Temple Kehillat Chaim for a joint event at Brunswick Zone. We had a great time bowling, eating pizza and popcorn, and meeting some other JYGers. We’re hoping to do a few more joint events throughout the year so by the time we get to Hatikvah Kallah we’ll already know some JYGers from other synagogues in Atlanta. Next up for JYG is one of our favorite events – the Chocolate Making Party at Chamberlains Chocolate Factory. Mark your calendars for January 25th so you don’t miss this fun event!

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!

JYG BOWLING

5th & 6th Grade

Our December 5th & 6th grade event will be here before you know it. Join us on December 14th for Whirly ball and Laser Tag. Oh, and what event would be complete without pizza lunch? Watch your email and our Facebook page for all of the details.

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 Upcoming Events: December 14th – 5/6th Whirlyball and Laser Tag December 20-21st – HOTTY Latke-In January 16-19th – NFTY-SAR Winter Regional & Elections (Jacksonville, FL) January 25th – JYG Bowling January 31st – HOTTY Camp Jenny Fundraiser

The ECEC Parents Connection and

We are SO excited to finally have our very own youth lounge at TBT (classroom 23)! We are looking for some items to help furnish it. Here is our wish list. If you have any of these items that you would be willing to donate to us, please email us at: youth@bethtikvah.com (they don't have to be brand new, but in reasonably good condition). Thank you!!

TBT Fundraising Committee bring you

Come celebrate your Prom Night for a second time, eighties style & help support Temple Beth Tikvah & the ECEC. Auctions, DJ & Dancing, Raffle & Refreshments.

Saturday February 21, 2015 More Info to Come!

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Youth Lounge Wish List ♦Paint for walls ♦Chalkboard paint ♦TV stand ♦DVD player ♦Couches ♦Small tables/coffee ♦Storage cabinet ♦Bookshelves ♦Carpet ♦Wireless printer ♦Keurig machine

tables

Adult Ed Essays on the Unique Nature and Destiny of the Jewish People: Fact or Fiction?

From Sarah to Savannah: Leadership lessons from our ancestral mothers for today’s women

Instructor: Rabbi Donald Tam

Instructor: Rabbi Pamela Jay Gottfried

Confronting the challenges of Modernity, many Jewish intellectuals and religious leaders attempted to define and explain the nature of the Jewish people. Are we a religion like any other? Are we a national entity or ethnicity like the Italians or Poles? What is it about our history that is unique, if in fact it is unique at all? How can the Jews survive as a distinct entity in the modern world? What are the conditions our survival demands? On Sunday mornings we will read from and discuss several excerpts from essays by “modern” Jewish thinkers on the nature and future of the Jewish People. Do any of these essays guide us toward a viable Jewish future?

Do women have different ways of communicating, praying, acting and leading? What lessons can we learn about women’s leadership today from the biblical and rabbinic stories of women such as Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel & Miriam? Together we’ll study the ancient texts and try to glean wisdom to help us flourish as women and as leaders - at home and in the workplace - in the 21st century.

How to take charge of a situation – Rachel (Genesis 31) How to work for justice & freedom – The Midwives, Miriam, Pharaoh’s Daughter (Exodus 1-2) How to protect your family & be an equal partner at home – Tziporah (Exodus 4) How to lead in the workplace; conforming to gender roles – Miriam (Exodus 15) How to communicate effectively; when talk is not gossip – Miriam (Numbers 12)

Dec. 7 Simon Dubnov (The great Jewish historian from Vilna in first half of the twentieth century, who believed the Jews to be a “unique nation,” but was not a believer in Zionism. He was shot in the street as an old man by the Nazis in 1941): “A Spiritual Nation.”

Dec. 14

$36 for the class series.

Please register by sending your check to the TBT office, and designate Women’s Study Group on the memo line.

Erich Kahler (A Jewish intellectual of the mid-twentieth century who taught at the New School of Social Research in New York and was a member of the Institute of Advanced Study at Princeton): “What Are the Jews?”

This class meets on the following Thursday evenings at 7 pm: 2014: December 18th 2015: January 15th, February 19th, March 19th, April 23rd

Classes will meet from 10:30-11:45 am in the Library

See pages 1 and 2 for classes led by Rabbi Greene and Cantor Kassel

Purim Carnival 2015 Help Wanted!

It’s time to start planning for Purim Carnival 2015 and as they say, “Many hands make light work”!

If you would like to be a part of making this the best year yet for our children (of all ages!) please email Marsha Mathis at marmat0915@yahoo.com

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Fundraising News Shalom! The 2014 - 2015 Annual Campaign - EVERYONE Matters is off to a great start! As you consider making year-end contributions, please consider a gift to the Annual Campaign.

When we say, "EVERYONE Matters", that includes YOU! Just visit www.bethtikvah.com and scroll down to ANNUAL CAMPAIGN EVERYONE MATTERS to make your contribution today.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I'd like to thank the following members of our TBT family for their generous pledges and gifts:

Jonathan and Allison Agin Barry and Shari Alhadeff Brian and Sheri Baker Dale and Wendy Bearman Harris and Suellen Bergman Jerry Bilsky and Judy Tolkan Todd and Jennifer Boehm Michael and Heather Braun Paul and Cherie Cervasio Lois Clymin Michael D. and Lisa R. Cohen Michael and Marlene Cohn Renee Davis Mitchell and Dyann Diamond Audrey Eisen Alan and Pam Epstein Rory and Jenifer Friedman Steve and RoseAnn Gerson Ed and Cindy Getty Harlan & Ivie Graiser Rabbi Fred and Deborah Greene Burton and Sara Grossman

Andrew and Karen Gutman Scott and Nancy Harris Mitchell and Julie Hilsen Jamie and Katie Jaffe Peter and Sharon Jedel Morris and Anna Kagan Cantor Nancy Kassel Jerry and Marcy Kaufman Marc and Deborah Klein Stanley and Bobbie Kopkin Ned and Lisa Kreiss Robert and Karen Kremer Hal and Jill Leitman Ron and Lindsay Levin Ronald and Jennifer Levine Hadley and Lisa Lowy Gilbert and Ellen Ludwig Murray and Sonia Lynn Joel and Aviva Margolies Jason and Maggie McAuliffe Thomas and Marsha McMurrain Howard and Helaine Medoff

Gary and Peggy Mendelson Ric and Barrie Mershon Ilene Monat Robert Moss Bernie and Gail Natter Ryan and Rachel Palazzo Jason and Melanie Pickett Shirley Plotkin Scott and Rhonda Povlot Marla Ramaglia Betty Rickles Barry & Robin Riegelhaupt Howard & Barbara Rosenberg Joel and Judy Rosenberg Harvey and Natine Rosenzweig Andrew and Barbara Sacks Robert and Donna Schacher Gary and Debra Schwartz Rhonda Schweber Stacy and Alicia Sher Walter and Esther Shultz Carol Shutzberg

Create Community in a Chavurah "The members of our Chavurah are like extended family. I can't imagine holidays without them!"

"We joined a Chavurah when we first got to TBT and it helped us feel comfortable in the community quickly."

-Comments from TBT members who are part of the Chavurah program.

Sound interesting? Start the new year with a focus on community and join a Chavurah.

New groups are forming now!

What's a Chavurah?

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.

How do I join a Chavurah? Just fill out the application and we'll help you find like-minded 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.

What does a Chavurah do?

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.

Questions? Please contact Dalia Faupel at d2faupel@comcast.net 8

David and Elisa Siegel Sandy and Nancy Simon Lawrence and Anne Skal Kenneth and Helene Skolky Howard and Cynthia Steinberg Mathew and Dani Stordy Barry & Denise Straus Ronald and Leslie Swichkow Donald and Marilyn Tam Rosalind Taranto David & Christine Toltzis Mark and Sally Vosk Bruce and Carol Waldman Mark and Debbie Weiss Douglas Wexler and Jane Greenberger Bram and Dana Wieskopf Andrew and Ilana Zalkin Seth and Ellen Zimmer

TIME TO APPLY FOR ALEF FUND TAX CREDIT 2015!

Since 2008, ALEF Fund has provided over $10 million in scholarships to students at local Jewish pre-k, day schools, and high schools. Redirecting a portion of your state taxes to ALEF Fund helps provide children in our community with a Jewish education.

ALEF Fund has made the process of reserving a state tax credit even simpler this year. At www.aleffund.org , you can reserve your 2015 tax credit in less than two minutes! Complete your application and direct your tax dollars to the ALEF Fund Partner Schools of your choice.

Please act now to ensure your credit will be approved and your tax dollars will secure a Jewish education for our families!

Please visit our website to reserve your tax credit or contact Allison Feldman, ALEF Fund Manager at afeldman@jfga.org or 678.222.3739 for assistance.

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

December 2014 Sunday

Monday 1

Tuesday 2

6:45 pm - 8:30 pm Kesher & Confirmation

5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Religious School Tuesday

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Sisterhood - Jewelry Making Event 7

8 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Habitat for Humanity Build 9:30 am - 12:00 pm

ATID 9:30 am - 12:00 pm Religious School 10:00 am - 11:30 am Sisterhood Speaker - Cold & Flu Prevention & Strategies w/ Terry Apt Carasick

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12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Senior Luncheon 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Kesher Teen/Parent Dinner & Class 6:45 pm - 8:30 pm Confirmation & Kivunim

Thursday

3 9:30 am - 10:30 am Tai Chi

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Families Anonymous

Wednesday 4

Friday 5

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

6 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm Oneg

HOTTY - Board Meeting

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Family Shabbat Service - hosted by the 5th Grade

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Sisterhood Jewelry Making Event 10

11

12

9:30 am - 10:30 am

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Tai Chi

Breast Cancer Support Group

5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Religious School Tuesday 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Board of Ed Meeting

Saturday

9:45 am ECEC Family Shabbat 10:30 am Coffee & Nosh w/ Rabbi Shuval-Weiner for ECEC, Religious School & Youth Group parents 12:00 pm Seniors Lunch w/ Rabbi Shuval-Weiner

9:00 am - 10:00 am

Bagels, Learning & Torah 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Shabbat Service

13 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Bagels, Learning & Torah w/ Rabbi Shuval-Weiner 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Shabbat Service 2:30 pm - Teens chat w/ Rabbi ShuvalWeiner over Cocoa & Cookies

8:00 pm - 9:00 pm Shabbat Service w/ Choir

10:30 am - 11:45 am Essays on the Unique Nature & Destiny of the Jewish People: Fact or Fiction?

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15

9:30 am - 11:45 am

ATID 9:30 am - 12:00 pm Religious School & Chanukah Assembly

6:45 pm - 8:30 pm Confirmation & Kivunim 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Families Anonymous

16 First Chanukah Candle

17 Chanukah - 2nd Candle

9:30 am - 10:30 am Tai Chi

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Chanukah - 3rd Candle

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Women's Study From Sarah to Savannah: Leadership Lessons from our Ancestral Mothers

5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Religious School Tuesday

10:30 am - 11:45 am Essays on the Unique Nature & Destiny of the Jewish People: Fact or Fiction?

7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Board of Trustees Meeting

12:15 pm - 2:00 pm Gesher & Bonim Chanukah Party

19 Chanukah - 4th Candle

11:45 am - 1:00 pm The Introduction to the Talmud that You've Been Waiting For! 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm ECEC Chanukah Celebration

20 Chanukah - 5th Candle 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Bagels, Learning & Torah 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Shabbat Service 5:00 pm HOTTY Latke In and Broomball

8:00 pm - 9:00 pm Shabbat Service

12:30 pm - 3:00 pm 5th/6th YG - Whirly Ball & Laser Tag 21

Chanukah - 6th Candle

No Religious School

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No Religious School

22 Chanukah - 7thCandle

23

Chanukah - 8th Candle

No ECEC

No ECEC

No Religious School

No Religious School

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Families Anonymous

9:30 am - 10:30 am Tai Chi

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30

No ECEC

No ECEC

No Religious School

No Religious School

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Families Anonymous

9:30 am - 10:30 am Tai Chi

24 Last Day Chanukah No ECEC

25 No ECEC

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No ECEC

9:00 am - 10:00 am

8:00 pm - 9:00 pm Shabbat Service

Bagels, Learning & Torah 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Shabbat Service

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New Year's Eve

No ECEC

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

2014 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 more than 20 years we have hoped to get $10 from every family—let’s make this the year!

The need in our community is growing every year. Our contributions help many families in our own area to put food on the table.

In early August, you received an e-mail from TBT announcing Connecting the right people our new partnership with To the right opportunities “Grapevine”. This was also At the right time featured in a Kol Tikvah article in the August edition. In late August, you received an e-mail from “Grapevine” (www.grape-vine.com). Grapevine is a Jewish community / social network platform (sponsored in part

by Jewish Federations and private funding) -- to engage our members in the Jewish community and at TBT based on their stated interests and passions. TBT is one of 4 synagogues in Atlanta participating in the Grapevine pilot (at no cost to TBT until after the pilot concludes). Please check your email for Grapevine “goings on” in Atlanta, and take a moment to fill out your profile on the Grapevine site. We are currently developing a “work plan” for how we can most effectively leverage Grapevine for the benefit of TBT members.

If anyone is interested in participating in this work plan development, please contact Mark Rudel at 404-429-9289.

Questions? Call Marsha Mathis 770-992-4256

Building Homes, Building Lives

TBT Seniors Luncheon Monday, December 8th at 12 PM

Rabbi Donald Tam will be speaking

Volunteers Needed!

Please bring a gift card to give to JF&CS.

Sunday, December 7, 2014 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

You can get them from Publix, Kroger, Target or Walmart.

Breakfast and Lunch provided

RSVP to Natine at

rosen4348@aol.com Temple Beth Tikvah is partnering with Habitat for Humanity and other faith communities in the area to help build a home in Canton, Georgia for a needy family.

People from all walks of life are welcome to join us as we build a simple, decent, affordable house in partnership with God and a family in need. No construction experience or building skills is needed. You will be trained. Volunteers are involved in most phases of construction. By working side-by-side with the family who will live in the house, our volunteers experience for themselves the joy created when a family is able to realize their dream of home ownership.

AGE REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS A person must be 18 years of age or older.

If you cannot volunteer please consider making a donation to build the house. It takes $62,000 to build the home. Any amount will be appreciated.

To sign-up or to contribute please contact Darrin Cohen at dcohen@wealthofga.com or call 678.739.0175.

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FOOD OF THE MONTH The food bins are empty. Please bring hearty soups and peanut butter for North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) and Kosher foods for Jewish Family & Career Services (JF&CS) The need in our area is great.

Together we “can” make a difference!

PINCH HITTER PROGRAM Join us on Thursday, 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 eleven hospitals and assisted living facilities this year.

You can sign up on line at www.pinchhitters.org.

Call Harry at 770.392.1175 or Jerry at 770.640.5091 for more information.

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

THE RABBINIC SEARCH TRANSITION COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES: MEET RABBI ALEXANDRIA SHUVAL-WEINER The Rabbinic Transition Search Committee has invited Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner and her husband, Jay Weiner, to visit and participate in an “immersion weekend” experience at Temple Beth Tikvah on Friday, December 12th and Saturday, December 13th. Our goal is twofold: (1) to enable Rabbi Shuval-Weiner to meet as many members of the Temple Beth Tikvah community as possible and likewise to enable as many congregants as possible to meet her and (2) to have her observe our Shabbat minhag.

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend as many Shabbat activities as possible to help us welcome Rabbi Shuval-Weiner to TBT. Friday, December 12: 9:45 A.M. - 10:15 A.M.

ECEC Family Shabbat

10:30 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.

Rabbi Shuval-Weiner leads a discussion over coffee and nosh with ECEC parents. Religious School & Youth Group parents are also invited to attend.

12:00 P.M. -1:30 P.M.

Rabbi Shuval-Weiner joins the Seniors Group for Lunch and lively discussion

6:15 P.M. - 7:45 P.M.

Board of Trustees, Senior Staff and Youth Group Board Shabbat Dinner with Rabbi Shuval-Weiner and her husband, Jay Weiner

8:00 P.M.

Rabbi Shuval-Weiner joins the Congregation for Erev Shabbat Services and comes to the Bimah with Rabbi Tam and Cantor Kassel

Following Erev Shabbat Services, Rabbi Shuval-Weiner enjoys Oneg Shabbat with the Congregation Please click here to RSVP by December 2nd for Erev Shabbat Services Saturday, December 13: 9:00 A.M. - 9:45 A.M.

Rabbi Shuval-Weiner teaches Bagels, Learning and Torah

10:00 A.M.

Rabbi Shuval-Weiner joins the Congregation for Shabbat Services and comes to the Bimah with Rabbi Tam and Cantor Kassel

Following Shabbat Morning Services, Rabbi Shuval-Weiner enjoys Kiddish Lunch with the Congregation.

Please click here to RSVP by December 2nd for the Kiddush lunch as we want to have enough food for all 2:30 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.

Rabbi Shuval-Weiner chats with TEENS over cocoa and cookies

Free babysitting will be available for children age 2 through 2nd grade.

Please click here to RSVP by December 2nd to register your child for babysitting

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Donations Annual Campaign Walter and Esther Shultz in memory of Ira Madans, Sylvia and Isidor Goodman, and Judy Friedman, and in honor of TBT's consideration of seniors for HHD services and offering parking spaces Lawrence and Anne Skal in memory of Lenore Levy Lynne and Tom Greenfield in memory of Ira Madans Lisa and Douglas Weinbach in memory of Ira Madans Linda Haskins in memory of Ira Madans Harvey and Natine Rosenzweig in memory of Ira Madans Sarlou and Jose Valles in memory of Ira Madans Ronald and Leslie Swichkow in memory of Ira Madans Susan and Bernie Eisenstein in memory of Ira Madans William and Rita Loventhal in memory of Ira Madans Debbie and Marc Andres in memory of Ira Madans Goldenthal Family in memory of Barry Goldenthal Leonard Berger in memory of Ira Madans Martin and Charlene Milstein in memory of Ira Madans Robert and Ellen Rickles in memory of Ira Madans David and Robin Bledsoe in memory of Eli and Sadye Goldstein and Harry and Gussie Raikin Bruce and Bonnie Walkes in memory of Sarah Wixman Anne Grossman in memory of Conrad Grossman, MD and Ira Madans Walter and Esther Shultz in honor of Sheryl Blechner Ellen Frank in memory of Barry Feinberg Dr. Tod and Leslie Rubin in memory of Ira Madans Lynn and Barry Eisenberg in memory of Ira Madans Building Fund Hadley and Lisa Lowy in memory of Ira Madans Campership/Israel Fund Peggy and Michael Freedman in memory of Ira Michael Madans Walter and Esther Shultz in honor of Gene Carasick Cantor Kassel’s Discretionary Fund William & Marjory Segal in memory of Muriel Sylvia Segal Jason and Melanie Pickett in honor of Cantor Kassel Kenneth and Helene Skolky in memory of Joseph Skolky Michael and Wanda Cohen in memory of Gladys Cohen Floyd and Barbara Shiffman in honor of Cantor Kassel Carol Shutzberg in honor of Sid Cojac's 101st birthday Caring/Kehillat Chesed Fund Susan and Larry Ellison in memory of Ira Madans Ronald and Leslie Swichkow in memory of Lena Levinson Walter and Esther Shultz in honor of Lois Malkin's special birthday Douglas Wexler and Jane Greenberger in memory of Marsha Kaplan Balager General Fund Maxine and Gary Silverstein in memory of Ira Madans Ellen and Leon Taranto in memory of Ira Madans Michael and Carol Aarons in memory of Ira Madans Janet and John Poelker in memory of Ira Madans Leon and Judy Cohen in memory of Ira Madans

Scott and Robyn Barocas in memory of Ira Madans Joseph and Carol Rubin in memory of Ira Madans Howard and Pamela Levitt in memory of Betty Levitt Renee Davis in memory of Elias Waxman Vicki and Rael Grosswald in memory of Ira Madans David and Suzanne Grosswald in memory of Ira Madans Shirley Crawford Michael Zalkin Memorial Library Fund Jeffrey & Beth Kess in memory of Iris Naomi Kess and Ben Goldberg Prayerbook Fund Gordon and Hollis Decker in memory of Isadore Zierler Mark and Sally Vosk in memory of Leonard Vosk Mark and Sally Vosk in memory of Irving Vosk Preschool Fund Richard and Susan Orenstein in memory of Jason Orenstein and Bernice Orenstein Rabbi Greene’s Discretionary Fund David and Anne Strauss in appreciation of Rabbi Greene for the wonderful aufruf Jason and Melanie Pickett in honor of Rabbi Greene Terri Cohen in memory of Manuel Leff Irv and Gail Laddin in appreciation of High Holy Day honor Tom and Patti Seibold in memory of Lawrence Gelb Floyd and Barbara Shiffman in appreciation of Rabbi Greene Nadine Duhaney and Omar Chevy Anne Grossman in memory of Conrad Grossman, MD and Ira Madans Andy and Marci Fried in memory of Ruth Fried Robert and Adele Toltzis in memory of Harris Simons Shirley Plotkin in memory of Henry Trucker Eric and Victoria Stein in memory of Charlie Stein Bernard and Rita Tuvlin in memory of Estelle Tuvlin Rabbi Tam’s Discretionary Fund Ruth Zeidman in memory of Harris Mitchell Simons Barry and Dore Kaiser in memory of Sylvia Kaiser Religious School Fund Fred and Patricia Landsberg in memory of Albert Landsberg Nadine Duhaney and Omar Chevy Fred and Patricia Landsberg in memory of Blossom Kanouse Tikkun Olam Fund June Wallach in memory of Blanche Hertzberg Torah Fund Morray and Susan Scheinfeld in memory of Leo Snitzer Nadine Duhaney and Omar Chevy Youth Group Fund Steve and RoseAnn Gerson with prayers for strength and healing for Gene Carasick

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

SHMOOZE NEWS / KUDOS CORNER

Join Jewish Federation, MJCCA, TBT and Cobb & North Fulton congregations for a Community Chanukah Celebration.

Thank You to our Amazing Office Volunteers!

Monday, December 22nd starting at 7:00 p.m. at Congregation Etz Chaim 1190 Indian Hills Parkway, Marietta, GA 30068

Marsha McMurrain Addie Myers June Wallach Natine Rosenzweig Richard Staviss Terry Stein Marsha Mathis

We will celebrate the 7th night of Chanukah with plenty of fun, including: Lighting the menorah PJ Library storytelling & craft

Israeli Music Homemade sufganiyot And, much more!

of Cobb Temple Emeth BringChabad a gently used costume to send Kol to our Israeli Congregation Etz Chaim Hillels of Georgia – KSU partnership region of Yokneam-Megiddo for Purim.

Joe Dunn Frances Solomon Karen Tuttle Wryan Ward Esther Shultz Rhonda Povlot Ellen Levitz

Congregation Ner Tamid campus event is free of charge and TempleThis Kehillat Chaim open to the community.

Temple Beth Tikvah

RSVPs are appreciated; contact Stephanie Wyatt at swyatt@jfga.org or (404) 870-1625 to register.

Honor a person or event with a leaf on our tree of life. You can purchase a leaf as an individual or as a group.!

Breast Cancer Survivor Group for the Jewish Community

HELP US HELP YOU

We have had a great start to the Breast Cancer Survivor Group! The monthly support group meetings are for all interested people who have had cancer, who are going through treatment or surgeries, and / or who have been recently diagnosed, as well as for those who might have questions pertinent to breast cancer. In addition, this program is for sharing experiences, meeting others and gathering information regarding diagnoses, surgeries, and genetic testing from various professionals.

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 next meeting will be held on

Thursday, December 11th at 7:00 PM

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.

This survivor support group is sponsored by The Kehillat Chesed/ Caring Committee of Temple Beth Tikvah.

For further information or questions, please contact Valerie Rapowitz at vrapowitzslp@yahoo.com or call 678-643-9672.

Please RSVP. All are welcome.

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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 Cindy Getty eeg@comcast.net Budget & Finance Karen Korshak karcpa@comcast.net Campership Marcia Haber marciahaber@yahoo.com Chavurot Dalia Faupel d2faupel@comcast.net College Outreach Lynda Bennett lrbennett08@comcast.net Ginger Glazer ggchoc@bellsouth.net Communications Marsha Mathis marmat0915@yahoo.com Family Promise Andy Fried andyf17@gmail.com Jeff Schultz asburypark@comcast.net Fundraising Jonathan Agin jlagin1@gmail.com House Ted Nathan tnathan@baldwinscheduling.com

Human Resources Seth Zimmer sz4941@att.com Interior Standards & Marketing Susan Estroff sestroff@earthlink.net Israel Gene Carasick gcarasick@gmail.com Kehillat Chesed (Caring) Leslie Swichkow lswichkow@comcast.net Library Ilana Zalkin ilanaz@att.net Membership Recruitment & Retention Mark Rudel mrudel@ups.com 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 Sheryl Blechner ssb1951@gmail.com Ritual Esther Shultz savtaesther5@gmail.com Security Jay Sausmer jsausmer@gmail.com Seniors Natine Rosenzweig rosen4348@aol.com Sisterhood Stacy Chambers sisterhoodtbt@gmail.com Robin Bledsoe sisterhoodtbt@gmail.com Social Action Darrin Cohen dcohen@wealthofga.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

Fred Greene Rabbi Donald A. Tam Rabbi Emeritus Nancy Kassel Cantor Hassia Levin Education Director Jenifer Friedman ECEC Director Ron Swichkow President Todd Boehm Vice President Harlan Graiser Vice President Denise Straus Vice President Andy Gutman Treasurer Michael Braun Secretary Jill Mattos Chairperson, Board of Education

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