Dec 2015 Kol Tikvah

December 2015 • Volume 29 • Issue 11

A Reform Congregation Embracing Our Jewish Tradition

anukah

of Ch t Night

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by Beit

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News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Home Guide for Chanukah Celebration On Sunday evening, December 6th at sundown, we begin our eight-day celebration of Chanukah. Traditionally we join with our family members each night in lighting the menorah. Based upon a wonderful discussion in the Talmud between the Houses of Hillel and Shammai, we understand the customs and procedures for how we treat these lights of wonder.

It is always nice to spend a few moments gazing into the flames, marking the miracles in our lives and in gratitude to do a bit of learning. Below are some mini-teachings, shared by rabbis from across the spectrum of Judaism, one for each night of Chanukah. Enjoy!

FOR THE FIRST NIGHT: We light the first candle to remind ourselves that in the beginning there was darkness on the face of the earth. With the words, “Let there be light” the world was brought into existence from darkness to light. We kindle our first candle, which we hope, like the earth’s first light, will grow to enlighten the whole world.

It is customary to place the Menorah in a window for the light to shine out into the world. If however this could be considered dangerous, the menorah may be placed in a position better suited in your home.

FOR THE SECOND NIGHT: The second light reminds us of the brightness of our community and the community of our people in ERETZ YISRAEL, the land of Israel. Through the darkness of years in exile our people clung to a beacon of hope, shining forth through our tradition. And now through years of miles and lands, that beacon burns brightly in our hearts, and in the world, again. “If I forget You, Oh Jerusalem, let my tongue cleave to my mouth, left my right hand forget its cunning.”

Facing the Menorah, the candles are added each night from right to left, & kindled with the Shamash (the helper candle) from left to right As the first candle is kindled we recite the first blessing: Baruch atah Adonai elohenu melech ha’olam, asher kid’sha-nu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu le’had’lik ner shel Chanukah.

FOR THE THIRD NIGHT: The third light reminds us that in every generation we need the faith of the Maccabees of old.

Long ago in Jerusalem, this brave band led by Judah, drove the Syrian Greeks out of the Temple, and as their first act of faith rekindles the Ner Tamid, the Eternal Light, which, along with the Temple, had been desecrated. In this simple, yet meaningful act of belief, they demonstrated their faith that God, once again had redeemed God’s people, for “Adonai is my light and my salvation.”

Praised are You, Adonai our God, Ruling Spirit of the Universe, by whose Mitzvot we are hallowed, and who commands us to kindle the Chanukah lights.

Then after the lights are lit, we recite the second blessing:

FOR THE FOURTH NIGHT: The fourth light is the light of courage. It took strength for Mattathias and his sons to ignore the bribes and threats of Antiochus. It took courage to make the decision that not gold and not precious stones, but freedom to worship was the higher goal of the people.

Every day we are called upon to make decisions. Some of them are easy and affect only ourselves; others are infinitely more difficult and involve many others; family, friends, community, even nations. Just as the Maccabees lived by the words of Moses to Joshua, may we also, “Be strong and of good courage.”

Baruch atah Atonai elohenu melech ba’olam, she’asah nissim la-av-otenu bayamin hahem baz-man hazeh.

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the Universe, who performed wondrous deeds for our ancestors in days of old, at this season.

FOR THE FIFTH NIGHT: The fifth light is the light of Torah, the Five Books of Moses, the source of our values. It was to be faithful to its teachings that Judah and his followers went to battle. Often we must sacrifice for an ideal. How much we are willing to lose is a mark of how much we hope to maintain. Yet we have a guide to help us. “The Mitzvah is a lamp and the Law is a light.”

ON THE FIRST NIGHT ONLY, we chant the She’hecheyanu blessing to mark this unique moment in this year’s commemoration of Chanukah: Baruch atah Adonai elohenu melech ba’olam, she’hecheyanu vekiyemanu vehigiyanu laz’man hazeh.

Continued on next page...

Praised are You, God, Ruler of the Universe, for giving us life, for sustaining us, and for enabling us to reach this season.

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News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Notes from Cantor Kassel BEIT TEFILAH ISRAELI (TEL AVIV) To Perform at Temple Beth Tikvah MONDAY, DECEMBER 14th 7:15 – 8:15 pm Beit Tefilah Israeli's famed musical ensemble to tour over a dozen USA Jewish communities on its annual Chanukah tour Beit Tefilah Israeli is a creative, innovative and inclusive Jewish-Israeli grassroots community and organization that offers meaningful Jewish ritual, study, activism and a sense of belonging to the general Israeli public. We are a young and fast-growing, liberal, musical, independent and egalitarian community in urban Tel Aviv, committed to Jewish spirit, culture, and social action and redefining the JewishIsraeli identity of the secular Israeli public. We strive to create, develop and sustain a dynamic, indigenous Israeli Judaism relevant to modern Israeli life and in line with our core values.

Rabbi Esteban Gottfried, Beit Tefilah Israeli's co-founder, director and spiritual leader, is leading the ensemble during a two-week tour in the United Staes, together with the incredible musicians of Beit Tefilah Israeli's musical ensemble: Atalya Lavi (cantor, soloist singer), Yotam Mahler (pianist, singer, songwriter), Eitan Gofman (flute/saxophone/clarinet) and Dor Biran (percussion). During the two-week tour, the ensemble will present its highly creative, innovative, modern Jewish-Israeli musical performances, original works and workshops in over a dozen communities across North America, to be attended by thousands.

For more information about Beit Tefilah Israeli, check out: http://www.kbyonline.org/Beit-Tefilah/

DONATIONS TO THE CANTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND ARE APPRECIATED TO HELP WITH THIS EVENT

… Continued from page 1 FOR THE SIXTH NIGHT: The sixth light is the light of the Synagogue. Some call it Temple; some shul, it is our symbol, that through worship, through common ideas, and through our devotion to the Jewish people, there can be no force which can ever destroy us. The Sanctuary is the sign that we, as co-workers with God, can help to bring about freedom in our world, “Blessed are all who come in the name of God, we bless you from out of the House of Adonai.”

FOR THE SEVENTH NIGHT: The seventh light reminds us that our beginnings are in the home, where we first learned our Judaism. The home is where we learn the warmth of love; the joys, tastes, aromas, sensations of caring families, of Jewish homes.

On this Festival, as at all times, may the hearts of children be turned to the parents and parents to children, and may we understand through all their experiences the blessings of love and devotion symbolized by the home. "Let your home be open wide, and let the lost be members of your household."

FOR THE EIGHTH NIGHT: The final light is the light of our responsibility, to be a “Kingdom of priests and holy people,” to try to complete the work of creation; bringing love and humanity into the world. The prophet Micah said, “It has been told to you what is good, and what God requires of you: “Only to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

B’nai Mitzvah Hannah Faer will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on December 5, 2015. Hannah is the daughter of Stefani and Craig Faer and sister to Emily. She is in 7th grade at Simpson Middle School where she participates in the Junior Sprayberry Jackets Cheer Program. Hannah is the granddaughter of Judy and Alan Schulman and Andy Faer and Bruce and Donna Faer. Her hobbies include cheer and hanging out with her friends.

Edward Benjamin Kagan will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on December 5, 2015. Edward is the son of Morris and Anna Kagan of Roswell, and brother to Albert and Diana. The Kagan family immigrated to the United States from Kiev, Ukraine in the early 1990s. Edward is an 8 th grader at Hightower Trail Middle School where he enjoys playing violin in the school orchestra. As part of his 13 Mitzvot Project, Edward is sharing his talent of performing magic tricks to entertain families of hospitalized children at the Ronald McDonald House. Edward’s Bar Mitzvah day marks the 115 th birthday of his great-grand-father Benyamin Gurevich (1900-1977), after whom Edward received his Hebrew name Benyamin.

Daniel Schilstra will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on December 12, 2015. Daniel is the son of Caryn Schilstra and Mets Schilstra. He has an older brother, Mark, and a younger brother, Jeremy. Daniel is a 7th grader at Elkins Pointe Middle School where he is an honor roll student. He loves playing baseball and especially 1st base on his travel baseball team, the Exhibition Athletics. Daniel also enjoys playing basketball and was excited to have the opportunity to participate in an adaptive basketball program where he played with children with developmental disabilities. Daniel is looking forward to sharing this occasion with his family Already missing your camp friends, or looking forward to going to camp for the first time? But not sure how to pay for it?

The TBT Camp Scholarship Program helps families with the cost of camp tuition. Camp scholarships are based on financial need and are awarded by the Camp Scholarship Committee as a part of an anonymous review and allocation process. All applications and inquiries are confidential. Please submit your application as well as any scholarship questions to MarciaHaber@yahoo.com by December 15th.

We are collecting toiletry samples for gift bags for the homeless. There is a basket underneath the education table in the lobby. Items to include are: toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, feminine hygiene products, soap, brushes/combs and lotion.

As you can see, we as a congregation are concerned with all who are hungry. It brings me to the Turkey Drive. Imagine your holiday dinner with no turkey...with just some potatoes or canned beans. We have done a wonderful job with Project Isaiah, now let's put our efforts into the most successful Turkey Drive we have ever had. 100% participation! All it takes is a $10 donation (you can write a check with Turkey Drive in the memo)! The money collected will be split between NFCC and JF&CS. Think about what a meaningful donation this will be to a family, just like yours, who will be able to celebrate the holiday and not be hungry.

We can do this for our community.

Knit and Nosh with Sisterhood; we are knitting and crocheting scarves for the homeless for distribution in December. Thanks to all who are participating. A warm scarf will be a wonderful gift for the upcoming cool temperatures.

Thank you.

Terry Apt Carasick www.terryshealthyliving@gmail.com

FOOD of the month for December will be pet food for dogs and cats...please start collecting canned and dry food in anticipation.

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

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ECEC The ALEF Fund is a registered Georgia 501(c)3 Student Scholarship Nonprofit Organization that supports Jewish education in Georgia by helping taxpayers get a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit for providing scholarships to students at the school or schools of their choice! ALEF Fund was established by Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta in 2008. They provide scholarships to pre-k, kindergarten, primary or secondary public school students who wish to attend participating Jewish schools. It is the only organization in Georgia that provides student scholarships exclusively to Jewish preschools, day schools and high schools.

Over the past two years, Temple Beth Tikvah’s Early Childhood Center has been fortunate to be a part of the ALEF fund. Several of our Temple Beth Tikvah students have been able to receive these funds toward their tuition. It allows families the comfort of continuing a Jewish education, without the worry and stress of tuition costs.

The key to success of the ALEF fund, however is YOU! By redirecting your state tax dollars to the Early Childhood Center at Temple Beth Tikvah, you can help our school provide a quality Jewish education to the youngest members of our community.

Visit www.aleffund.org to electronically complete your 2015 ALEF Fund forms OR contact Nina Rubin, ALEF Fund manager nrubin@jewishatlanta.org or 678.222.3739.

The ALEF Fund, 1440 Spring St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30309 Fax: 678.495.9927 E-mail: nrubin@jewishatlanta.org If you have any questions, call Nina Rubin at 678-222-3739 If you have any tax questions, please your tax advisor or you may contact Ron Swichkow for more information.

The Early Childhood Education Center thanks you in advance for your support!

Jenifer Friedman ECEC Director www.bethtikvahpreschool.com

Religious School We are very proud of our achievements in the religious school. We are extremely focused on Hebrew, History, Bible, Prayers, art and music. Each month I’d like to share some of the things our students are doing in their classes.

Here is a glimpse into our 2nd grade classes: They have covered bible stories from creation to Noah’s Ark, reviewed and discussed the Jewish holidays. They are able to take the familiar customs and have deeper discussions where the children are able to relate and share their own family experiences. The children are so excited each Sunday as they are introduced to one or two new Hebrew letters.

Another class read the Tower of Babel. The students were then tasked to build a tower without using their words to communicate!

Boy was that funny. When they were allowed to speak again, they discussed the meaning of G-ds punishment to the builders when he gave them all different languages, leaving them unable to communicate. The class decided our greatest gift from G-d was being able to communicate with one another, and how much easier tasks are when they work together instead of apart.

Our final 2nd grade class does Mitzvah Moments. The Mitzvah Moments cover 18 different Mitzvahs that the student tries to accomplish at home during the year. Each week they turn in a brief written paper showing how they did the Mitzvah. They have done 3: Honoring Mother and Father, Inviting Guests to the home, and Being a Good Listener.

As you can see, our 2nd grade students are very busy and are having a lot of fun!

Our Religious School and Youth Group are again collaborating on making sure our children get to know one another. We have had 2 sets of mixers during the past month. The students spent time learning about their classmates and had fun playing silly mixer games!

Reminders:

Our Hanukkah assembly is December 13th. Please join us as our 6th grade students entertain the school with their holiday program. Our PreK, kindergarten and 1 st grade students will entertain us as well with Hanukkah songs.

There will be no school on the following days: December 15th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 27th, 28th, 29th January 3rd, 4th, 5th, 17th and 18th Shalom,

Hassia Levin News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

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Do as I Say, Not as I Do This month, I am deviating from my usual writings to share something that has been bothersome to me. My thoughts are shared in hopes that we can all better assess the role we play in influencing our own children and grandchildren as well as those in our synagogue community.

So, here is my point. If we want to raise ethically behaving children, we need to work on developing their character. We as parents are the most powerful role models for our children, but if we are dishonest even in ways we consider to be just “white lies”, the odds are that our children will internalize these behaviors as well. We can spend thousands of dollars on private schools, either secular or nonsecular, in hopes of getting our kids the best education and instilling some semblance of ethics. But, we sometimes undermine that education when our child hears us fudge their age at the movie theatre or amusement park to get a cheaper ticket.

In Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech, he referred to the “content of one’s character.” Growing up, I knew the words of his speech but not until I became the parent of two young adults did I realize what those words truly meant. In my mind, one’s character goes hand in hand with one’s ethical DNA. In my professional life, I have seen many examples of poor ethical behavior, both in people’s business and personal lives. What is even more perplexing to me is that many of these people are individuals of strong faith, both Jewish and non-Jewish.

The same theme can be applied to our children’s attitudes toward their Judaism. How can we expect our kids to fully embrace their Judaism and spirituality when we make passing comments they might overhear about how Religious School interferes with another event or when we, ourselves, only enter the synagogue a few times a year?

So I asked myself, where might that behavior come from?

Shockingly enough, it often comes from our parents.

According to a report published in the Journal of American Medicine, babies are born with an instinctive capacity and desire to imitate adult human behavior. I think we all have experienced this as we make fools of ourselves making weird faces to try to get babies to imitate us. As a new grandparent, I am absolutely guilty of that. But here’s the rub - they do not possess an instinct for gauging whether a behavior ought to be imitated. Repeated enough times, babies and children will imitate almost anything, including behaviors that most adults would regard as destructive or anti-social.

Parents may be the strongest role models, but our children also learn from grandparents, teachers and other adults in their lives.

We can all aspire to be better role models at home, at work and in the synagogue, an improvement that will undoubtedly pay dividends well into the future.

L’Shalom

Ron Swichkow

The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) presented TBT and Rabbi Shuval-Weiner with the Maurice N. Eisendrath “Bearer of Light” Award “for participation in the American Journey for Justice and outstanding civil rights work”.

The march served to inspire everyone involved in calling attention to social justice and civil rights. Rabbi Shuval-Weiner noted “we are a people whose sacred narrative is based on a journey from slavery to redemption. In Torah the single most repeated line is “remember you were once slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt” – How is a liberated people to act? This gives us our ethical charge, just as we were redeemed, The award was given at the November URJ we too acting b’tzelem eloheim (in the image of G-d) are obligated to work toward bringing redemption to broken places. As members Biennial convention in Orlando in early November. The Eisendrath Bearer of Light of our sacred congregation - Beth Tikvah - the House of Hope - each and every one of us should feel that obligation to better understand Award is conferred every two years in two the injustices that exist in our community, in our country, and work categories’: Service to Reform Jewry and toward repairing the wrongs. Rabbi Maurice Eisendrath was a powService to the World Community. As detailed in the October Kol Tikvah, Rabbi Shuval-Weiner joined 150 other Reform Rabbis from erful voice in the American rabbinate. He served as president of the all over the U.S. in the march organized by the NAACP from Selma, UAHC (URJ) from 1943-1973, and helped to found the Religious Action Center in 1961. He was a champion of prophetic Judaism, Alabama to Washington D.C., carrying a 20 pound Torah scroll and as such he spoke out passionately on the struggle for civil rights enroute. Rabbi Shuval-Weiner marched 16 miles through historic South Atlanta / the Capital and observed “the experience of walking and marched with MLK carrying the Torah, representing God’s demand for tzedek. (This is why we carried the Torah during side by side sharing the stories of our lives, and learning from one America’s Journey for Justice march)”. another was incredibly profound. We made deeply impactful relationships in a very short amount of time. The carrying of the Torah May we all be so inspired for social justice causes like this one ! was a powerful thing…passing it between Jews and non-Jews, Black and White; we all talk about its message and purpose”.

-Mark Rudel, Communications Chair 8

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Youth Group Want more info about the youth groups at TBT? Contact Adam or Bobbee at: youth@bethtikvah.com or (404) 228–2494

HOTTY (9-12th Grade) WHAT DID WE DO THIS PAST MONTH? November was a fun and busy month for HOTTY. On November 7th, we had our HOTTY Spooky night. We played games at temple and spent some time learning about what Judaism has to say about the afterlife. Then we headed to the town square for Roswell’s Haunted Ghost tour and havdallah under the stars.

See some pictures in this month’s newsletter.

We also had our inaugural HOTTY youth lounge night! HOTTYites hung out in our brand new youth lounge, eating dinner, watching TV, and decorating our new space. If you missed it, don’t worry, we have another one next month!

HOTTY - Kallah The Definition of Success…

WHAT’S UP NEXT FOR HOTTY? Come hang out with your HOTTY friends at our next Lounge Night, December 2nd. And, the event every HOTTYite waits all year for…our annual Broomball & Latke-in Lock-in is December 12-13th. 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 lockin at the synagogue. Hope you can make it!

Save-the-date: NFTY-SAR Winter Regional & Elections is January 15-18th, 2016 at Camp Thunderbird.

Stay tuned for details on how to register!

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!

Join our Remind101 text updates: text @826ef3 to 81010.

JYG (7-8th Grade) In November we had a great time at The Main Event…we went bowling, competed in laser tag and played arcade games. It was a great way to kickoff the year! Check out some of the pictures from our event in this month’s newsletter.

December 6th JYG is headed to Young Chef’s Academy for a fun afternoon cooking up delicious treats! Watch your email and our Facebook page for this fun event which will start right after Sunday school. See you there!

Save-the-date: March 11-13th is NFTY-SAR’s Hatikvah Kallah for 7th & 8th Graders at Temple Kol Emeth in Marietta!!

We’ll send out more info about this awesome weekend as the date gets closer.

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!

Club 56 (5th & 6th Grade) Ever wanted to go to a movie premiere?? Well, we may not be able to get to

The definition of success when it comes to planning NFTY Kallot is always multi-faceted. Did we establish and keep in mind the technicalities of the Kallah so that it runs smoothly and without interference? Did we plan programs, mixers, and services that genuinely engaged the participants and made them feel like more than just an observer? Was the Kallah meaningful for the participants? Did they leave with a brightened sense of what the theme of the Kallah was meant to convey?

HOTTY worked tirelessly for months preparing for NFTYSAR’s Fall Kallah – brainstorming and organizing and planning and writing and buying – and was rewarded with innumerable positive responses via word of mouth and the Kallah survey created by one of our own advisors, Adam Griff. Among these were compliments on services, on the Saturday night program at Cagle’s, and especially on the Saturday social action program, which invited members of several different charitable organizations such as North Fulton Community Charities and the Drake House to speak, allowing participants the opportunity to learn more about the social action movements in our area.

However, the most striking and meaningful for HOTTY were those commenting on our preparedness for and execution of the Kallah: “Out of all the Kallot I've been to, HOTTY has always done a good job on being organized and on-pace, but they also make sure to include every member of their TYG who wants to be a part of it. There have always been entirely new program ideas and themes coming out of those Kallot that seem to exponentially raise the bar compared to what other TYG's do.” It is because of such impacts on the participants that HOTTY has always striven to be a model for our region and our members.

HOTTY has become such a force in NFTY-SAR that the Kallah co-chairs, Allie Goodman and Ben Goldenthal, and our advisors, Bobbee and Adam Griff, without whom the Kallah would not have had such immense success, will be interviewed by the URJ on December 9 on how to run a successful Kallah.

Meanwhile, HOTTY will be back to business as usual for the month of December. Our December events include a youth lounge night on December 2nd and our Broomball Latke-in on December 12th and 13th. The Latke-in is our annual December event in which participants from other TYG’s are welcome to come. We will be going to The Cooler to play broomball, a hockey-like game played with brooms on ice, and returning to Temple for a “Latke-in” (lock-in), spending the night at TBT. All HOTTY 9th-12th graders are welcome, and if you are interested in HOTTY this would be a great event to meet not only HOTTYites but members of other NFTY-SAR TYGs as well!

SEE YOU THERE!

L.A., but on Saturday, December 5th, we’re turning TBT into our own Hollywood!! Come dressed up like a movie star, walk the red carpet, get your picture taken, and enjoy dinner and a movie with Club56!

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!

UPCOMING YOUTH GROUP EVENTS: December 2 - HOTTY Lounge Night December 5 – Bonim & Gesher Chanukah Party December 5 – Club56 Hollywood Night December 6 – JYG Cooking Class December 12-13 - HOTTY Latke-In January 23 – Family Tu B’Shevat event (grades K-12)

-Joey Chanin, HOTTY’s Communication Vice-President

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HOTTY GHOST TOUR

TBT Seniors Luncheon Monday, December 14th at 12 PM Presentation by

Herb Smith Former Military Guard for the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” in Washington D.C.

JYG MAIN EVENT

RSVP to Natine at rosen4348@aol.com

THANK YOU to Sisterhood! We are well under way with planning great events for the winter and spring of 2016! We had so many great suggestions at our last 2 brainstorming programs that we are looking ahead to the fall of 2016 for implementation also…

Wow! There will be social, educational, social action, and hospitality themes to attend. Our committee looks forward to seeing YOU! Sisterhood had a great turn out for Mah Jongg and Knit and Nosh last month. We have been teaching beginners how to play Mah Jongg and how to knit scarves respectively. Please come to our next sessions whether you are experienced or a novice. We welcome all!

Oli and Ve is Thursday night, 12/3/15, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Please come and learn about wonderful oils and vinegars, socialize, and have some great taste treats. The shop has some wonderful gift ideas so come prepared with a shopping list.

Mah Jongg is Sunday, 12/6/15, 9:45 a.m.- 11:45 a.m. Please come and enjoy this intricate game, either as a novice or learned player. We have some wonderful teachers ready to teach the basics. You are sure to enjoy the morning and get to know fellow Sisterhood members.

Our scarves made at Knit and Nosh will be delivered this month to a homeless shelter. Please watch for more Knit and Nosh dates as this project will be continued into 2016.

A big THANK YOU goes out to all the volunteers that have signed up to help with onegs this fall. This has also been a special ongoing project for Sisterhood. There will be new dates for winter and spring to shop and/or bake for onegs, so please sign up when you receive the sign up genius link.

Sunday, January 24th at 4:30 pm in TBT’s Oneg Room Our Kehillat Chesed and Adult Education Committees, along with Etz Chaim’s Kehillat Chesed, will present an informative program on the Eden Alternative.

Please plan to join us and look for more information in the January Kol Tikvah.

Robin Bledsoe

Sisterhood Chair 10

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

TBT 30th Anniversary Volunteers Needed !

Contact Debbie Malever at dmalever@gmail.com

or Suzanne Hurwitz at suzanne@hurwitz.us

Watch for info about the TBT Business Network in the January Kol Tikvah

Holiday Turkey Drive

2015-2016 Jewish Scouting Religious Emblem Program for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of all ages and ranks

Unless, someone like you cares a whole lot, nothing is going to get better

It’s not!

Dr. Seuss

Donations in $10 increments will go to purchase grocery gift cards for JF&CS & NFCC

Help make someone’s holidays “Full”filling!

The Jewish Scouting Religious Emblem Program is designed to give recognition to youth who have demonstrated religious growth. The program originated in 1945 and is as strong as it has ever been. The program is a combination of classroom discussion and individual achievement. The more advanced programs may require service hours or additional homework and may not be completed within the selected timeframe. Future scheduling will be available. Recognition will still be offered at a Scout Shabbat either at your unit or at the District.

Class Dates: Sunday December 6 - 4:30-5 pm Orientation (scouts and parents) Sundays-December 6,13; January 10,17,24,31 5-6:30pm All classes will be held at Temple Beth Tikvah

Please make your checks out to TBT and mark them Food Drive or donate online here.

To Reserve a Space – Please email Tony Rosenberg

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News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

December 2015 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday 1

19th of Kislev 5776

Wednesday

Thursday

2 20th of Kislev 5776

No Religious School

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HOTTY - Youth Lounge Night 6:00 pm

Tai Chi 9:30 am

21st of Kislev 5776 Sisterhood - Evening at Oli & Ve 7:00 pm

Friday 4 22nd of Kislev 5776 Shabbat Service w/ Choir 8:00 pm

Saturday 5 23rd of Kislev 5776 Bagels, Learning & Torah 9:00 am

Shabbat Service Faer/Kagan Bnai Mitzvah 10:00 am

Officers Meeting 7:30 pm

Bonim & Gesher Chanukah Party 5:00 pm Club 56 - Hollywood Night 5:00 pm

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24th of Kislev 5776

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25th of Kislev 5776 1st Day CHANUKAH 1st Day Hanukkah

First Night of Chanukah

Religious School 9:30 am

2nd Night of Chanukah

Sisterhood - Mah Jongg 9:45 am

Kesher, Confirmation & Kivunim 6:45 pm

JYG - Cooking Class 12:30 pm

Families Anonymous 7:15 pm

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26th of Kislev 5776 CHANUKAH

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27th of Kislev 5776 CHANUKAH

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5th Night of Chanukah

3rd Night of Chanukah

4th Night of Chanukah

Tai Chi 9:30 am

HOTTY Board Meeting 6:30 pm

Religious School 5:00 pm

28th of Kislev 5776 CHANUKAH

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29th of Kislev 5776 CHANUKAH

ECEC Chanukah Celebration 12:00 pm

Chanukah Family Shabbat Service 6:30 pm

1st of Tevet 5776 CHANUKAH

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2nd of Tevet 5776 Last Day CHANUKAH

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3rd of Tevet 5776

Last Night of Chanukah

Senior Luncheon

Religious School 9:30 am

12:00 pm

Tai Chi 9:30 am

Religious School Chanukah Assembly 10 am

Kesher, Confirmation & Kivunim 6:45 pm with Beit Tefilah Israeli Performance at 7:15 pm

Board of Trustees Meeting 7:30 pm

Sisterhood - Knit & Nosh 9:45 am Sisterhood - Board Meeting 11 am

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8th of Tevet 5776

No Religious School

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4th of Tevet 5776

5th of Tevet 5776

15th of Tevet 5776

6th of Tevet 5776

Bagels, Learning & Torah - prior to service

Shabbat Service Schilstra Bar Mitzvah 10:00 am HOTTY - Broomball Latke-In 6:15 pm

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7th of Tevet 5776

Bagels, Learning & Torah 9:00 am

Shabbat Service 10:00 am

Families Anonymous 7:15 pm

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9th of Tevet 5776

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10th of Tevet 5776

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11th of Tevet 5776

Cobb & Fulton County School Break

Cobb & Fulton County School Break

Cobb & Fulton County School Break

No ECEC

No ECEC

No ECEC

No Religious School

No Religious School

Families Anonymous 7:15 pm

Tai Chi 9:30 am

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12th of Tevet 5776 Christmas Eve

Becky OOO Cobb & Fulton County School Break No ECEC

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16th of Tevet 5776

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17th of Tevet 5776

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13th of Tevet 5776 Christmas Day

Cobb & Fulton County School Break No ECEC

TBT Offices Closed Shabbat Service 8:00 pm

30th Anniv. Commitee Meeting 7:30 pm

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Shabbat Service 8:00 pm

No Religious School

30th of Kislev 5776 CHANUKAH 7th Night of Chanukah

6th Night of Chanukah

Chanukah Festivities 7:30 pm

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12

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18th of Tevet 5776

Cobb & Fulton County School Break

Cobb & Fulton County School Break

Cobb & Fulton County School Break

Cobb & Fulton County School Break

No Religious School

No ECEC

No ECEC

No ECEC

No Religious School

No Religious School

Families Anonymous 7:15 pm

Tai Chi 9:30 am

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Bagels, Learning & Torah 9:00 am

Shabbat Service 10:00 am

19th of Tevet 5776 New Year's Eve

Cobb & Fulton County School Break No ECEC

TBT Offices Close at 3 pm

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14th of Tevet 5776

Cobb & Fulton County School Break

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

a.

New Annual Campaign Donors. For each gift of $250 or more donated by congregants who have not participated in the Annual Campaign before, our congregant will match dollar for dollar up to $250. b. Past Annual Campaign Donors. For gifts that repre2015-2016 Annual sent an increase of $250 or more over last year’s Annual Campaign - Building Campaign donation, the congregant will match dollar Our Future Today! for dollar up to $250.

Our committee is excited about this year’s campaign and the These commitments must be made by January 31, 2016, to be challenges ahead. Let me point out some of the key goals ahead: eligible for the challenge donation.

1. Raise $110,000 Please reach out to the Temple office by calling 770-642-0434 2. Increase our community’s participation level and ask for Jenny, or simply log onto www.bethtikvah.com and st 3. Reach our January 31 incentives for our matching proclick on the 2015- 2016 Annual Campaign Building Our Fugrams ture Today link on the opening page and you will be guided to Part of accomplishing goal #1 is asking everyone to consider, if the on-line contribution area for the campaign. you are able to do so, to make a pledge by January 31st, 2016.

Our community has 2 outstanding matching programs to raise an Below is a list of all of the families that have made a pledge additional $30,000 by January 31st. during the first month of this year’s campaign…who is next??

1. This year The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation is Shalom, again prepared to add 50 cents to each dollar you contribute, up to a total of $25,000. The math is simple, but Jonathan Agin an example might help drive the point home. If you commit $100 to the campaign, TBT will receive a total Fundraising Chair of $150. Commit $500, and TBT will receive a total of Jlagin1@gmail.com $750. Where else can you get that kind of return on investment these days?

2. An anonymous congregant, has made a $10,000 challenge donation that can be achieved by a combination of the following: Shalom! By now, the entire congregation has received information concerning the

Jonathan and Allison Agin Barry and Shari Alhadeff Steven and Teri Astren Dale and Wendy Bearman Harris and Suellen Bergman Josh and Andrea Berman Michael and Jeannine Bernstein Michael and Heather Braun Lonnie and Debbie Carter Michael and Marlene Cohn

Renee Davis Gordon and Holli Decker Joseph and Waynah Dunn Steve and RoseAnn Gerson Harlan and Ivie Graiser Michael and Anna Gutkin Andrew and Karen Gutman David and Ellen Herold Jamie and Katie Jaffe Peter and Sharon Jedel Daniel and Stephanie Joseph Morris and Anna Kagan Jill Kaplan Valerie Kassel Jr Lloyd and Diane Katz Peter Klokow and Ellen Frank Judy Levine Sherwin and Judee Levinson Jeffrey and Ellen Levitz Emily Lewit Gary and Michal Loventhal Gil and Ellen Ludwig

Murray and Sonia Lynn Sidney and Lois Malkin Joel and Aviva Margolies Jonathan and Joan Marks Howard and Helaine Medoff Mark and Jennifer Mosbacher Bernie and Gail Natter Shirley Plotkin Herbert and Bunny Renkin Russell and Gailen Rosenberg Harvey and Natine Rosenzweig Kevin and Andrea Rubin Mark and Gail Rudel Paula Sandfelder Joel and Kathleen Schoenblum William and Marjory Segal Bart and Kara Segal Allan and Pessie Shippel David and Robyn Shippel Carol Shutzberg David and Elisa Siegel Sandy and Nancy Simon

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Larry and Anne Skal Stuart and Frances Solomon Terry and Missy Stein Shelby Steinhauer Aaron and Sheila Stieglitz Ronald and Leslie Swichkow Rosalind Taranto Mark and Sally Vosk Bruce and Carol Waldman Bruce and Bonnie Walkes Doug Wexler and Jane Greenberger Todd and Rachel Wilson Andrew and Ilana Zalkin Seth and Ellen Zimmer

Donations Annual Campaign Jamie and Katie Jaffe in memory of Aline McMurrain Renee Davis in memory of Elias Waxman Ellen Frank in memory of Barry Feinberg Gordon and Hollis Decker in memory of Isadore Zierler Shirley Plotkin in memory of Henry Trucker Anne Grossman in memory of Conrad P. Grossman Ellen Frank in memory of Lucille Falkof Lawrence and Anne Skal in memory of Joseph Cunix

Michael Zalkin Memorial Library Fund Jeffrey and Beth Kess in memory of Iris Naomi Kess and Ben Goldberg Mark and Gail Rudel in honor of Matthew Gilbert becoming a Bar Mitzvah

Building Fund Anne Grossman Dale and Wendy Bearman in memory of Jacob Dutkiewitz, Eleanore Bearman, Jeanne Laibow and Jules Stein

Preschool Fund ECEC Staff in honor of Aylin Allen Howard

Campership/Israel Fund Bruce and Bonnie Walkes in memory of Nathan Mangen Cantor Kassel’s Discretionary Fund Michael and Wanda Cohen in memory of Gladys Cohen Addie Myers in honor of the marriage of Lois Clymin's grandson, Joey Abramson to Debbie Kestadt Pam Alterman in honor of Josh Rubin becoming a Bar Mitzvah Mariann Mamberg in memory of Isaac Mamberg Mariann Mamberg in memory of Etta Mamberg Pam Alterman in memory of Paul Alterman, Sonia Oxman, and Edna McMurrain Sherwin Rubin in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Josh Rubin and in honor of Paul Rubin Mark and Joy Goldberg in memory of Bonnie Keller Harris Bergman in memory of Rabbi Abner Bergman Caring/Kehillat Chesed Fund Ruth Zeidman in honor of Rifka Isaac becoming a Bat Mitzvah Sherwin Rubin in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Josh Rubin and in honor of Paul Rubin Ruth Zeidman in honor of the marriage of Joseph and Debby Abramson Douglas Wexler and Jane Greenberger in memory of George Jordan General Fund Marvin and Trudy Davis in memory of Aline McMurrain Rhea Negrin wishing Lois Clymin a Mazel Tov on the upcoming marriage of her grandson.

William and Marjory Segal in memory of Muriel Segal Tod and Leslie Rubin in memory of Gerald Mittler Lawrence and Anne Skal in memory of Lenore Levy Nat and Jeanette Tieman in memory of George Jordan Jane Greenberger in memory of Jacob Stern Andrew and Barbara Sacks in memory of Dorothy Tveit

Prayerbook Fund Mark and Sally Vosk in memory of Leonard Vosk Addie Myers in memory of William L. Myers

Rabbi Shuval-Weiner’s Discretionary Fund George and Frances Jordan in memory of Henrietta Jordan Cary Goldenthal and Lori Shapiro in memory of Barry Goldenthal Steve and RoseAnn Gerson in memory of Aline McMurrain Donald and June Restler in memory of Sally and Philip Hinerfeld Betty Rickles in memory of David Goldsmith Betty Rickles in memory of Norton Locke Families Anonymous Sherwin Rubin in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Josh Rubin and in honor of Paul Rubin Harvey and Natine Rosenzweig in memory of Lucille Falkof Harvey and Natine Rosenzweig in memory of George Jordan David and Ellen Herold in memory of Bernard Bickwit Rabbi Tam’s Discretionary Fund Max and Carol Wolf in honor of Morris Harry Perling Bruce and Bonnie Walkes in memory of Sarah Wixman Robert and Marcy Nader in memory of Aline McMurrain Lila Stein in memory of Jeanne Laibow, Fritzie Shaw, Jacob Dutkiewitz and Jules Stein Barry and Dore Kaiser in memory of Sylvia Kaiser Bernice Bickwit in memory of Bernard Bickwit Religious School Fund David and Ellen Herold Tikkun Olam Fund June Wallach in memory of Blanche Hertzberg, Irving Hertzberg and Howard Wallach Torah Fund Morray and Susan Scheinfeld in memory of Leo Snitzer (donations processed through 11/ 23)

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

SHMOOZE NEWS / KUDOS CORNER

In Memoriam Temple Beth Tikvah acknowledges with sorrow the passing of:

Thank You to our Amazing Office Volunteers!

Lucille Falkof Mother of Ellen Frank Margaret Ann Shulman Mother of Gail Frank George Jordan Husband of Frances Jordan

Richard Staviss June Wallach Lois Malkin Leslie Swichkow Marsha McMurrain

Bernice “Bonnie” Keller Sister of Sid Malkin Sol Winder Cousin of Renee Berman

And a shout out to: Robin Bledsoe Alisa Bauman Jill Leitman Ann Dee Torino for shopping for and preparing TBT onegs in November.

If you would like to help with an oneg, please click here to sign up.

Thanks to Steve Bauman, Ted Nathan, Bart Segal & Ron Swichkow

Jeff Willard has been appointed to the Commission on Social for helping to replace the Action of Reform Judaism molding in the lobby and adding for a two year term as an non-skid strips to all our at-large member wood stairs beginning on1/1/16.

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

“Plan Ahead” An in-depth conversation regarding funeral pre-planning

Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care cordially invites you to join Edward Dressler, Licensed Funeral Director Sunday, January 10th, 2016 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm Whole Foods Market, 1311 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta complimentary dessert and drinks will be available

Edward Dressler, Owner

Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care provides a variety of services to Atlanta’s Jewish community including funeral and burials in Georgia, coordination of funerals in other states and Israel, purchase of cemetery plots and grave markers, and non-traditional requests.

Death is not an easy topic to discuss, yet many families find it more manageable to deal with the death of a loved one when a family member or friend has pre-planned all of the arrangements. Funeral pre-planning alleviates emotional decisions and financial stress at time of death.

Funeral pre-planning is responsible, safe, and easy to complete. Anyone can pre-plan and pre-pay for him- or herself, or for a loved one, in one lump sum or over time. When pre-paying, funeral home service fees, casket, vault and headstone prices become fixed, and are placed in an escrow account owned by the purchaser (not owned by the funeral home). Pre-paid funeral costs are released to the funeral home upon death.

Attend our complimentary pre-planning seminars and learn about: ♦Planning a funeral ♦Cemetery options ♦Fixing costs and how pre-payment works ♦Out-of-town funeral planning ♦Traditional and non-traditional options Helen Scherrer-Diamond is Community Outreach Director for Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care. She helps individuals understand the importance of funeral and cemetery pre-planning, offers continuing education for LMSWs, LPNs, and Chaplains, and Jewish Funeral Traditions education.

Please rsvp to Helen at 770-289-8964 or helen@jewishfuneralcare.com

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Synagogue Information Synagogue Office Fax Number School Office (Perri) Preschool (Jenifer) Assistant to Clergy Financial Secretary Admin. Assistant Office Manager

- 770-642-0434 - 770-642-0647 - 770-642-4168 - 678-350-0076 - Michelle Leder - Jenny Korsen - Lisa Singer - Becky Sullivan

Planning a simcha or group gathering?

The Tam-Blank Social Hall is the Place to Be. For more information on renting our Social Hall, contact the synagogue office at 770-642-0434.

Get Involved! TBT Committees and Chairpersons Adult Education Ivie Graiser iviegraiser@yahoo.com Budget & Finance Karen Korshak karcpa@comcast.net Camp/Israel Scholarship Marcia Haber marciahaber@yahoo.com Chavurot Dalia Faupel d2faupel@comcast.net College Outreach Lynda Bennett lrbennett08@comcast.net Beth Kess bmkess@yahoo.com Communications Mark Rudel mrudel@ups.com Family Promise Randy and Amy Siegal amysiegal@gmail.com Brian and Jennifer Steinberg zokadesigns@gmail.com Tony Rosenberg trosenberg860@gmail.com Fundraising Jonathan Agin jlagin1@gmail.com

House Ted Nathan tnathan@baldwinscheduling.com Human Resources Seth Zimmer sz4941@att.com Israel Gene Carasick gcarasick@gmail.com Kehillat Chesed (Caring) Leslie Swichkow lswichkow@comcast.net Library Ilana Zalkin ilanaz@att.net Long Range Planning Harvey Rosenzweig Membership Recruitment & Retention Jill Leitman jaarons2@yahoo.com Marcia Pearl marciapearl@bellsouth.net Men’s Club Mark Greenspan greenspanfamily@bellsouth.net Peter Hartog althazyr@gmail.com

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Nominating Committee Todd Boehm tboehm30@bellsouth.net Ritual Rick Winer rsw@drrickwiner.com Security Jay Sausmer jsausmer@gmail.com Seniors Natine Rosenzweig rosen4348@aol.com Sisterhood Robin Bledsoe sisterhoodtbt@gmail.com Social Action Terry Apt Carasick terryshealthyliving@gmail.com Website Development Scott Povlot spovlot@yahoo.com Youth Group Debra Schwartz dls63@bellsouth.net Michal Loventhal loventhalmichal@gmail.com

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Alexandria Shuval-Weiner Rabbi Donald A. Tam Rabbi Emeritus Nancy Kassel Cantor Hassia Levin Education Director Jenifer Friedman ECEC Director

Ron Swichkow President Harlan Graiser Vice President and President Elect Todd Boehm Vice President Rhonda Povlot Vice President Joe Dunn Treasurer Michael Braun Secretary Mary Block Chairperson, Board of Education

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