Feb 2017 Kol Tikvah

February 2017 • Volume 31 • Issue 2

A Reform Congregation Embracing Our Jewish Tradition

Friday, February 10th at 8 PM Saturday, February 11th at 10 AM

Congregational Shabbat Service led by our Senior Youth Group W February 24th at 8 PM News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

ear yo ur NF TY T-Shir t!

“Awakening to Gratefulness” “V’al zeh, ani modeh For all these things God, I am most grateful!” These are words that we chant each Shabbat during our evening service. They come at the end of the week—giving us an opportunity to reflect upon and articulate our gratitude for the blessings—large and small---that we experienced during that week. For many of us, just those few moments to exhale and give voice to the gifts of; family, health, a kind word or deed from another, can nourish and sustain us in powerful ways.

In the morning, look at the prayer--remind yourself of your intention, meditate upon or chant the words to yourself Modeh Ani. If you wish to ease into the prayer, begin by starting with just the first three words---MODEH ANI L’FANECHA (I gratefully acknowledge You)---awareness of God’s Presence in the world. Or if you’re not too sure about “God”, giving yourself an opening for discovering holiness in the world.

As you move through your day, pay attention, be aware of those moments of grace or sanctity…and when you find them, breath into them, label them and honor them.

Our rabbis were cognizant of our human need to have a gratitude practice in our lives---so much so that we are given numerous opportunities to rise above the din of daily life and give thanks for the gifts that surround us. Contemplative Jewish prayer enables us to open our hearts, minds and souls and cultivate ways of being that realize our fullest selves in intimate contact with divinity.

At day’s end, reflect on your experience. If you like to journal, jot down a few thoughts. If you are not one too keen on journaling, simply take some time to honor the day’s discoveries and lessons.

And then start all over again…Continue this practice for a few days.

The first words our Jewish tradition offers to us to consider each and every day is found in the prayer Modeh Ani: sometimes referred to as “Awakening to Gratefulness”.

When ready to expand further, add on to your Modeh prayer.

Chant the first 6 words, Modeh ani l’fanecha, Ruach chai v’kayam. Acknowledge that although my whole world may be in flux, there is Sacred Energy, a Life Force, Something, eternal and enduring, moving through all of it. Seek it out, and honor it.

Modeh ani l’fanecha, Ruach (or Melech) chai v’kayam, she’hechazarta bi nishmati b’chemla, raba emunatecha I gratefully acknowledge You; Spirit lives and endures; You return my soul to me with compassion; How great is your faith in me!

Again, reflect. Continue that practice for as long as you need or desire.

These words, said upon rising in the morning or at the beginning of a prayer service, are a means to framing one’s Jewish contemplative practice, helping to begin the day with an intention of gratitude. If one is unable to access gratitude right now, these words can help to create the frame for feeling grateful again sometime in the future.

In time, move to exploring all 12 words: Modeh ani l’fanecha, Ruach chai v’kayam, she’hechazarta bi nishmati b’chemla, raba emunatecha. Rabbi Gold teaches that these 12 words offer us the opportunity for receiving consciousness from the One and the opening that comes with it, brings the sense of being seen, known, loved and fully accepted by the ruling Spirit of the Cosmos that embraces us very day.

Many members of our TBT community have shared a desire for more personal opportunities for growing in their spiritual engagement, beyond formal services. In this vein, I offer this simple practice from Rabbi Shefa Gold using the Modeh Ani prayer.

This feeling of love and gratitude connects us to the great flow of receptivity and generosity that is within all of creation.

As the rabbis teach, when we begin our day in gratefulness, we step on to the sacred path of love, which in turn transforms our way of living life each day.

In preparation for this practice, write or print out the words from the prayer Modeh Ani (listed above). Place them in an easily accessible location; in a frame on your bedside table or taped to your bathroom mirror, so they will be the first words you see upon rising at the beginning of your day.

V’al zeh, ani modeh-for this teaching I am most grateful.

May you find meaning in this practice, and may you be blessed with love and wholeness.

Each night as part of your bedtime routine, set an intention that when you awaken and open your eyes you will see and recognize God’s Face in the details of the new day you will experience.

Rabbi Shuval-Weiner rabbi@bethtikvah.com

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News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Notes from Cantor Kassel In Honor of Shabbat Shirah - The Sabbath of Song Friday, February 10th & Saturday, February 11th Where does ‘our’ music, the worship music used at TBT, come from?

The music we use in our services spans centuries of Jewish music. Among the oldest surviving tradition in Jewish music are the melodies used in chanting from the Torah and Prophets. When we chant the V’ahavta prayer, we are utilizing an ancient system (our Eastern-European/United States version) of Torah cantillation.

You’d be surprised how much music we still use from composers born in the 1800’s: Solomon Sulzer (b. 1804, Austria) Bar’chu, Shema, Kedusha responses, Hodo Al Eretz, Aleinu Louis Lewandowski (b. 1821, Kreis Wreschen) Kiddush for Friday night A. Z. Idelson (b. 1882, Latvia) R’tzei A. W. Binder (b. 1895, New York City) Candle Blessings Israel Goldfarb (b. 1879, Sieniawa, Galicia – today, Poland) Shalom Aleichem (he also wrote “I Have A Little Dreidel”) In the early-to-mid 1900’s, many composers of Jewish liturgical music composed complete services, often with complex accompaniment and choral arrangements more suited for professional singers. In the past, our TBT choir has sung a variety of settings from this repertoire, but they are rarely used at this time. From the mid-to-late 1900’s, however, our most treasured piece is Ben Steinberg’s “Shalom Rav. Also hailing from this time-period are the often-used “Yismechu” (Chassidic) and “Veshamru” by M. J. Rothblum.

TODAY………..the melodies we use primarily come from Israel and the United States.

From Israel: the classic “Oseh Shalom” by Nurit Hirsch as well as the contemporary setting by “Nava T’hila”. We sing several “L’cha Dodi” arrangements that originated in Israel and most recently have added Nava T’hila’s “Zamru L’Adonai”.

From the United States – a little bit of EVERYTHING! More sophisticated musical settings of “Veshamru” by David Shukaire and “Mi Chamocha” by Cantor Dan Singer, and a significant amount of music that originated from composers cherished in our camp movements: Jeff Klepper’s “Shalom Rav”, Noam Katz’s “Roll Into Dark”, Dan Nichol’s “Hashkiveinu” and Noah Aranson’s “Bar’chu”. The list goes on, but hopefully during this month which includes SHABBAT SHIRAH – you’ll give a pause to the variety of music used regularly at TBT!

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Religious School I wanted to share with our families the wonderful things our 7th grade class is doing in religious school. This class is led by two extraordinary teachers, Phonda Povlot and Erica Stein.

The students studied anti-semitism and propaganda, both as used by the Nazis and as manifested in our world today. They viewed the Holocaust through the lens of the 4 "Rs" - rescue, resistance, resilience and resourcefulness, repeatedly exploring examples of each. They looked at both the historic and human perspectives of the Holocaust, studying the events that occurred and how and why they occurred.

They also focused on individual stories and experiences related to the Holocaust. As they were learning about the Holocaust, they paralleled the developments in Palestine by the early Zionists and the worldwide response to what was happening to the Jews in Western and Eastern Europe. It was stressed that Jews were targets by a systematic government action and not victims, in addition to the resistance and resilience of the Jewish people. They learned about the pyramid of hate and antisemitism. The students researched and presented to each other on the 1936 Berlin Olympics, the Evian Conference, the St. Louis, and Kristallnacht. They also discussed the invasion of Poland and life in the ghettos.

The students are very bright and thoughtful with a great deal of insight. They understand that there was hope and faith even in the horrible times of growing antisemitism.

The Holocaust unit will continue next semester. They will take a field trip to the Breman Museum on February 26th, where they will visit the expansive exhibit they have there and have the opportunity to view some artifacts. On March 5th they will have the privilege to meet a Holocaust survivor and to hear her/his story at Temple Beth Tikvah. We hope that you will join us.

The Holocaust unit will also be complemented by a timely visit from SOJOURN, the Southern Jewish Resource Network for Gender and Sexual Diversity, on February 5th. SOJOURN will help us explore the concepts of inclusion, how to avoid bullying behavior, and how to seek support ourselves and provide support for others who are going through difficult times.

Their final unit of study will continue with the building of Modern Israel.

As you can see our 7th grade program is wonderful and full of richness. We are very fortunate to have teachers who are so exceptional.

Mark your calendars:

♦ February 3rd - 3rd and 4th grade Family Shabbat

♦ February 26th - 1st and 2nd grade Family Education Day

Hassia For more information about any of the programs below, please visit http://www.bethtikvah.com/community/adult-learning Rabbi’s Table - Rabbi Shuval-Weiner Lunch & Learn - Saturdays, 12:30 PM (after services) Learn more about how our understanding of Torah has evolved and how it still provides meaning and purpose for our lives today.

February Movie Night February 11th at 8:55 pm - Bang! the Bert Berns Story at LeFont Theater in Sandy Springs. February's movie will be at the Jewish Film Festival. Thirty tickets were ordered at $15 per person and are first come, first served by RSVP to Ivie at iviegraiser@yahoo.com .

Saturday Night Movies 6 - 10 PM - Dinner, Havdalah, movie and discussion March 4th - Kidon - This is from the Jewish Film Festival. It is an Israeli comedy cop caper. "Apparently on January 19, 2010, Mahmoud al Mabhouh was found dead in his hotel room in Dubai. The local police accused the Mossad and released security-camera footage showing supposed Israeli agents caught on tape in the preparation and execution of the murder, immediately making headlines all over the world. But no one was as shocked as the Mossad itself."

April 1st - Arranged- This is about two young friends who are teachers in Brooklyn. Rochel (an Orthodox Jew) and Nasira (a Syrian-descent Muslim) are each going through the arranged marriage process. Each character must find her own path in her respective religion and in her quest to get married. The movie has some hilarious moments.

Beginning Talmud – Rabbi Tam Lunch & Learn - Wednesdays 12:00 - 1:00 PM; 2/1, 2/8, 2/15 (Bring a dairy or parve lunch with you) Six part program. All texts and commentaries will be in English. We will start with the First Tractate of the Talmud: Berachot - 'Blessings,' specifically the rationale and specifics of the Sh'ma and its blessings. If you are interested in the logic of the arguments of the rabbis in Talmud, and how they crafted their opinions on a variety of subjects, then this class is for you. NO Hebrew/Aramaic or previous knowledge is necessary.

Hebrew Prayer & Torah Chanting Boot Camp – Cantor Kassel Sundays 11:00; 2/5, 2/12, 2/26, 3/5, 3/26 Eight part course: We will brush up on some of the basic prayers in our service as well as discuss and practice some of the different melodies used. You will also gain a better understanding of the structure of our Shabbat services and the meaning of our prayers. In addition , the Cantor will teach the basics of Torah Cantillation.

News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

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Youth Group HOTTY (9-12th Grade) From Rebecca Torino, HOTTY’s Communications Vice-President: Happy New Year! HOTTY had a very busy December & January. We hosted our 6th annual Broomball Latke Lock-in, where teens from all over NFTY-SAR (Southern Area Region) came to Temple Beth Tikvah for a night of fun. We began the night with broomball, a game where teens participated in a modified hockey game without skates on. After returning back to TBT teens participated in a havdallah that helped them to reflect on their 2016 and then slept over for a full night lock in. At our December lounge night we celebrated Hanukkah with donuts and dreidels. Our next lounge night will be February 15. Hope you can join us! In January, we had a great time at Winter Kallah at Camp Thunderbird with all of NFTY-SAR and electing a new regional board.

Hope to see you at one of our upcoming events: February 5 - Super Bowl Party February 15 - Lounge Night

February 24 – Shabbat Dinner & HOTTY-led Services March 1 – Lounge Night

Join the HOTTY Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/TBT.HOTTY/) and check out the HOTTY website: http://hottytyg.weebly.com/ to stay up-to-date on what's happening and to RSVP for HOTTY events! Join our Remind101 text updates: text @826ef3 to 81010.

TBT Younger Youth Groups Our 6-8th graders had an AMAZING time on the first ever NFTY678 Ski Trip! To start off 2017 we joined 6-8th graders from GA, SC, and NC for a 2-day ski trip in Maggie Valley, NC. It was a huge success, so be on the lookout for this event again next year! Check out some of the pictures in this month’s Kol Tikvah.

Our Gesher kids had a delicious time at Chamberlain’s Chocolate Factory on January 22nd. They learned about different kinds of chocolate and then made chocolate covered oreos, chocolate pizzas, and chocolate lollipops – yum! Thank you to all of our volunteer parent drivers. We appreciate your help!

And finally, we “kidnapped” the TBT 8th graders for a fun welcome into HOTTY! They were surprised when the HOTTYites showed up at their door! We brought them back to temple for some mixers and get-to-know you games and then headed out for pizza at Big Pie in the Sky, bowling & arcade games at Main Event, and to top it off, donuts for dessert at Krispy Kreme. We are so excited to welcome the new 8th graders to HOTTY! Bonim (Kindgergarten-2nd grade): Feb 12 - Xdrenaline 12:30-2:30pm NFTY678 (6th-8th grade): March 24-26 – NFTY-SAR Hatikvah Kallah at Temple Emanuel (Watch your emails for how to sign up!)

Gesher (3rd-5th grade): March 26 – Family Social Action Program at TBT 12:30-2:30pm Make sure to join our NEW TBT YOUTH Facebook Page to stay-up-to date on what’s happening for your younger kiddos! https://www.facebook.com/groups/BethTikvahYouth/ Want more info about the youth groups at TBT?

Contact Bobbee at: youth@bethtikvah.com or (303) 981–2356

NFTY678 Ski Trip Gesher (3-5th) Quidditch

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From your TBT Ritual Committee Temple Beth Tikvah is an inclusive community welcoming people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities into our midst. In an effort to assure all members and visitors are comfortable, our ritual committee has created this informational guide. We hope that the descriptions of our ever-evolving customs, below, will help you feel comfortable and very welcome to join us for worship.

Greeters Members of the Temple Beth Tikvah’s Board of Directors greet people at the entrance to our sanctuary with a warm “Shabbat Shalom.” On Friday nights, our greeters hand out weekly Shabbat flyer with announcements. Our greeters will be happy to answer questions and offer any assistance you may need.

Sacred Time and Space As we enter the sanctuary, we also enter into a sacred space and a holy time. Please add your voice and strength to the community by joining in the poetic readings and prayers in song. If you are not a Hebrew reader, use the transliterations in our prayerbook, Mishkan T’filah. And, in the spirit of creating and sustaining sacred time, we ask you to power down

your devices to help allow your soul to fill with Shabbat peace. During services, our worshippers turn off their cell phones and refrain from taking pictures.

right hand side. Alternative translations and interpretations of the prayer are offered on the left-hand side. Additional citations and explanations appear at the bottom of the pages.

All Abilities Welcome Being an inclusive community means we welcome people of all ages and abilities to worship with us. Our community includes and warmly supports adults and children with special needs, some of whom make noise or move around more or less than others. We want everyone to feel comfortable. Hearing devices are available from the greeters for those who need them. While there are times during our services when the congregation stands, we recognize that there are those among us who are unable to do so. In addition, there is a quiet play space with books and soft toys near the bimah if your child needs to move around. For anyone needing a break, our small meeting room is available just across from the sanctuary.

B) The larger book in the pews contains the Torah, in both English and Hebrew.

It is used primarily during Shabbat morning services.

Sacred Books In the pews of our sanctuary, you will find two blue books. A) Mishkan T’filah, a Reform Siddur (prayer book).

It is used for Shabbat services and contains both English and Hebrew. The Hebrew is written in both Hebrew letters and transliterated English. A traditional translation is offered on the

Kippot and Tallitot Wearing head coverings, called kippot or yarmulkes, during services is a sign of respect that reminds us that in a spiritual sense, God is ‘above’ us.

While it is traditional that men wear kippot, at Temple Beth Tikvah all people are welcome and encouraged to wear them.

Jews over the age of bar/bat mitzvah are welcome to wear tallitot (prayer shawls) when attending morning services.

Tallitot have tzitzit (fringes) that are reminders of the mitzvot (commandments). During the recitation of the Sh’ma, the tzitzit on the four corners of the tallit are gathered together and held over the eyes as we create a unity to parallel God’s Oneness.

Communal kippot and tallitot are available in the lobby outside the sanctuary for those who do not bring their own.

This year, our goal is to give every TBT member an opportunity to a meaningful way to engage in tikkun olam. Here are several upcoming opportunities in February:

TZEDEK COMMITTEE – Year in Review Over the past year, the Tzedek Committee (formerly the Social Action Committee) has evolved to encompass social action as well as social justice. In our journey to repair the world, we know that we not only have to put in the volunteer hours, we also have to dedicate ourselves to the pursuit of social justice through advocacy and education.

Tzedek Georgia Lobby Day, TBD: Tzedek Georgia will hold its annual lobby day at the Georgia Capitol one morning in February. Due to the way the legislature makes it schedule, we do not have a date yet, but stay tuned! We will post more information in upcoming Next 10 Days newsletters. Please join us!

The Tzedek committee wants to let every TBT member engage in events and causes that are meaningful. Whether that was the Stop Hunger Now! event in October, where over 100 TBT members created meals for those in need around the world, or whether you attended the Social Justice Shabbat to hear guest speaker Andrew Hanauer speak about his work at Jubilee USA to combat global poverty, or whether you were moved by our guest speaker from the Atlanta Community Food Bank to donate even more items during the High Holy Day food drive, we hope you found a way to carry out the mitzvah of tikkun olam in a ways that fit with your values.

Advocacy 101, early February: What’s the best way to reach your legislative representative? By email? By phone? By Facebook? Join us for a discussion to learn the best ways to have your voice heard at the Capitol. Stay tuned for more information in upcoming Next 10 Days newsletters.

Oneg Talk, February 10, 9:00 pm: Join us for a special discussion during the oneg, where we will discuss the recent anti-sex trafficking amendment and ways to impact this important issue.

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News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Of Weather and Resolutions As I write this in early January, it’s the end of a B’nai Mitzvah weekend for two young women who did a fabulous job demonstrating their preparedness to take on adult responsibilities for their own Jewish development and that of their community. I had been worried that the snow and ice forecasts, the warnings to stay off the roads, and the changed start time to 12:00 noon would severely depress attendance for that Shabbat morning. How wrong I was! The sanctuary was packed, and with a healthy contingent of TBT members as invited guests.

What is it about a Bar or Bat Mitzvah service that causes us to go out of our way to bear witness to this rite of passage in a young person’s life? I think it has something to do with our “Jewish DNA” compelling us to take action to preserve the Jewish people.

Religiously we may be more or less observant than the next person but almost all of us seem to have this inbred desire to maintain Jewish continuity – we don’t want to be the link that breaks

the chain. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah service that we attend gives us hope that there is indeed a next generation to which we can pass our tradition.

But is that enough? I don’t believe so.

What else can we be doing?

During High Holy Days we take a first crack at questions about teshuvah, or returning to who we were meant to be. I think our secular New Year represents a second opportunity. Many of us contemplate resolutions related to diet and exercise, family relationships, career development, etc. How many of us include a category for our own Jewish growth and development? If you were to think about it, what would you like to accomplish this year that will give you the feeling of making a material contribution to Jewish continuity? This question applies to all of us, not just those with young children. Does the answer involve lending your skills and talents to TBT in some way in order to impact the lives of others? Should your emphasis this year be on becoming more educated about our history and tradition so that you can talk more about it with children or grandchildren (or peers)?

Or should it be on looking for ways to participate in acts of tikkun olam

(repairing the world) with your TBT community? Might this be the year to experiment with attending some Shabbat services while engaging our clergy with your questions about the meaning and purpose of the various sections?

In reality, when we welcome a young person into our community as a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, these are exactly the kinds of things we mean when we talk about taking on “adult Jewish responsibilities”. In other words, these responsibilities start at age 13 but continue for the rest of our lives. The secular New Year is a great opportunity to reflect on how we can do just a little more as adult Jews in one (or more) of these areas. Temple Beth Tikvah offers a host of ways to satisfy that urge to ensure Jewish continuity through some type of personal action. If you have questions about how to turn your “Jewish” resolutions into accomplishments, an email or call to Rabbi Shuval-Weiner, Cantor Kassel, or someone on our leadership team would be a great starting point. We hope to hear from you.

L’Shalom, Harlan Graiser, President

REGISTRATION 4 DEADLINE IS 2/1

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Shalom! The 2016-2017 Annual Campaign - "Celebrating 30 Years" has raised over $111,000 so far. Contributions have been received from 31% of our families. Please join the families below in supporting TBT and the Annual Campaign.

Andy Zalkin - Fundraising Chair Barry and Shari Alhadeff Pam Alterman Allan and Pam Apple Steven and Teri Astren Steven and Sheila Barid Dale and Wendy Bearman Bruce Beck Paul and Anne Beckman Harris and Suellen Bergman Steve and Susan Berman Michael and Jeannine Bernstein Bernice Bickwit Peter Birnbaum Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Sheryl Blechner David and Robin Bledsoe Scott and Mary Block Todd and Jennifer Boehm Ruben and Margot Braiter Michael and Heather Braun Adam and Adrienne Bruckman Lois Clymin David and Roberta Coad Jerome and Margie Cohen Michael and Lisa Cohen Michael and Marlene Cohn Steven and Arlene Cohn Mark and Stephanie Craig Carole Crenshaw Renee Davis Dan and Laura DeRiemer Kristopher and Paige Dobbins Joseph and Waynah Dunn Stuart Farber Elliot and Donna Feller Rabbi Tam’s Discretionary Fund Steve and RoseAnn Gerson Ed and Cindy Getty

Arthur Gittelman and Marcia Pearl Cary Goldenthal and Lori Shapiro Robert and Cindy Goldstein Harlan and Ivie Graiser Bernard and Susan Greenberg Trey and Lesly Gregory Anne Grossman Burton and Sara Grossman Ronald and Judy Gurin Scott and Nancy Harris Peter and Traci Hartog Sam and Alice Herndon Michael and Kim Hirsch Peter and Sharon Jedel Frances Jordan Daniel and Stephanie Joseph Morris and Anna Kagan Jill Kaplan Sidney and Robin Karlin Nancy Kassel Valerie Kassel Jr Lloyd and Diane Katz Jerry and Marcy Kaufman Jeffrey and Beth Kess Jeff and Cindy Klein Marc and Deborah Klein Sam and Wendy Klein Peter Klokow and Ellen Frank Karen Korshak Steven and Helen Kraus Belle Kulkin Scott and Sheryl Lasky Kenneth Lawler, Jr. and Ginger Glazer Ron and Lindsay Levin Mel and Tobi Levine Ronald and Jennifer Levine Jeffrey and Ellen Levitz Emily Lewit

Gary and Michal Loventhal Hadley and Lisa Lowy Gil and Ellen Ludwig Murray and Sonia Lynn Phyllis Madans Sidney and Lois Malkin Joel and Aviva Margolies Jonathan and Joan Marks David and Jill Mattos Thomas and Marsha McMurrain Howard and Helaine Medoff Gary and Peggy Mendelson Evan and Missi Mermelstein Mark and Jennifer Mosbacher Joel and Karen Moss Jay and Anita Myer Ted and Melanie Nathan Shirley Plotkin Scott and Rhonda Povlot Herbert and Bunny Renkin John and Dahlia Restler Betty Rickles Robert and Ellen Rickles Kathleen Rieter Harvey and Natine Rosenzweig Brian and Danielle Rubenstein Kevin and Andrea Rubin Mark and Gail Rudel Andrew and Barbara Sacks David and Bonnie Sandfelder Paula Sandfelder Robert and Donna Schacher Morray and Susan Scheinfeld Douglas and Lisa Schiffer Joel and Kathleen Schoenblum Bill and Terry Schwartz Bart and Kara Segal William and Marjory Segal

Ira and Brenda Share Stacy and Alicia Sher William and Susan Shields David and Elisa Siegel Sandy and Nancy Simon Stuart and Frances Solomon Fern Soniker Richard and Susan Staviss Terry and Missy Stein Eric and Viki Stein Steven and Linda Steinberg Brian and Jennifer Steinberg Aaron and Sheila Stieglitz Ronald and Leslie Swichkow Steven and Abbe Tobin David and Christine Toltzis Mark and Karen Tuttle Mark and Sally Vosk Bruce and Carol Waldman Bruce and Bonnie Walkes June Wallach Jay Weiner and Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner Ronald and Sheri Weiner Mark and Debbie Weiss Cliff and Loretta Weiss Doug Wexler and Jane Greenberger Joyce Wice Jeff Willard and Steve Mahan Mark Williams and Michelle EastonWilliams Todd and Rachel Wilson Max and Carol Wolf Andrew and Ilana Zalkin Seth and Ellen Zimmer (as of 1/26)

Family Promise Week is February 12-18, 2017 Volunteer opportunities are now available at http://signup.com/go/UwEkP You can volunteer to bring a dinner or spend the night.

This is a very fulfilling service opportunity.

Helpful to those teenagers needing service hours (B’nai Mitzvah, Scouts, National Honor Society, etc).

For questions, contact Tony Rosenberg at trosenberg860@gmail.com 8

News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

B’not Mitzvah Sophie Elizabeth Wilson will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on February 4, 2017. Sophie is the daughter of Rachel and Todd Wilson and sister to Josh Wilson. She is a 7th grader at Crabapple Middle School and plays violin in the CMS orchestra and chamber orchestra. Sophie enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, attending URJ Camp Coleman, and competing in triathlons and other races. For her Bat Mitzvah project she is collecting books to donate to the children attending Camp Jenny.

Sydney Mae Estroff will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on February 4, 2017. Sydney is the daughter of Eric and Dianne Estroff and sister to Shelby and Noah Estroff. She is in the 7th grade at Hightower Trail Middle School. Sydney enjoys taking care of her dogs, Lola and Parker. She dances and plays lacrosse and basketball.

Casey Elinger will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on February 25, 2017. Casey is the son of Jerry and Robin Elinger and brother to Marley Elinger. He is in the 7th grade at St. Francis School where he participates in the debate club and is a member of the Junior Beta club. His hobbies include playing basketball and spending time with family and friends.

COMMUNITY CHANUKAH CELEBRATION AT TBT

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

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Greetings from Sisterhood!

Greetings from Sisterhood! We have been very busy lately with events and ongoing projects planned throughout this year. Please plan on attending our Financial Planning “know how” seminar, Sunday, 2/5 @ 9:45 a.m. in the oneg room. Our very own Alicia Sher will bring knowledge and insight, key vocabulary, and essential terms/concepts to enlighten us with this very important matter. Please encourage friends and family to come as no matter how much you think you know, knowledge is really power. This timely topic will be presented in a fun and truly stimulating way and we hope to see you there!

Our Sisterhood Passover Cookbook is coming along quite nicely. Recipes have been submitted and tested with many yummy results to be sure. We are now in the compilation stage and will be ready to sell our cookbooks soon, just in time for Passover.

Please be on the lookout for our cookbook sale. Please contact Diane Katz for further details.

Knit and Nosh will be meeting Sunday, 2/12 @ 9:45 a.m. in the conference room. Beginners and seasoned knitters and crotcheters welcome. Many thanks abound to Terry Carasick for spearheading this ongoing project benefitting homeless folks in the metro Atlanta area.

Mah Jongg is set for Sunday, 2/26 @ 9:45 a.m. in the library. Please bring sets and cards if you have them. Beginners, medium, and advanced level players welcome. We love to teach!

Our wine and cheese gathering before services on January 12th was a great success. It was so cordial and great to socialize with folks before attending services. A big thank you goes to Leslie Swichkow and Karen Blender for organizing this lovely get together.

Many thanks to Helen Kraus and Rabbi Shuval-Weiner for leading the book review last month. The Last Woman Standing, by Thelma Adams, was a most interesting book and led to an insightful discussion. Stay tuned for our next book review announcement and join us in the next read.

Robin Bledsoe , Sisterhood Chair

sisterhoodtbt@gmail.com

Temple Beth Tikvah Women’s Seder Thursday, March 30th at 7 PM Did you know that TBT offers a Tai Chi group every Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 AM? Tai Chi, a form of Chinese martial arts, has been shown to be helpful for improving balance, general psychological health, and is associated with general health benefits in older people. y 12th Februar am at 9:45

The movements are slow and gentle.

These movements bring about a calm and clear mental state. It’s is an exercise modality for stress management.

Beginners to masters, all ages are welcome.

Wear comfortable clothing and bring a willingness to learn!

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

February 13th at 12 noon

Jeff Willard presenting "Justice, Justice Shall You Pursue " RSVP to Natine at rosen4348@aol.com

Make more connections within TBT and expand your circle - check out the new affinity groups forming below or send an email to tbtchavurot@gmail.com/fill out the interest form on bethtikvah.com if you have an idea for a new group. We'll help you get started! Contact Andrea Rubin for more info about these groups.

Temple Beth Tikvah Women’s Seder

Mindful Meditation - February 2nd at 7 pm Adele Wang will be speaking: The Art of Feminine Presence and Energy Wine Tasting Social - February 18th at 6:30 pm

Thursday, March 30th at 7 PM

Hiking Group - Next hike March 4th

Please join us for an

Are you a lawyer looking to network with other lawyers at TBT? Please contact Kevin Rubin at

evening of inspiration

krubin@bcntlaw.com for more information about the new affinity group.

Welcome to the TBT Family!!

RSVP will be required.

Please watch for the Evite.

Welcome Back to:

For more information or to volunteer for this event, email Ilana Zalkin at ilanaz@att.net

Caren and Donnie Fox Marietta, GA 30066 Hannah and Rachel 14

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday 2

1 5th of Shevat 5777 ECEC Madrigot Open House 10:00 am

6th of Shevat 5777

Meditation & More 7:00 pm

Beginning Talmud "Lunch and Learn" 12:00 pm

5 9th of Shevat 5777

6

10th of Shevat 5777

7

11th of Shevat 5777

12th of Shevat 5777

Religious School 9:30 am

Beginning Talmud "Lunch and Learn" 12:00 pm

Sisterhood - Financial Know How 9:45 am

HOTTY - Board Meeting 6:30 pm

7th Grade - SOJOURN 9:30 am

Kesher, Confirmation, Kivunim 6:45 pm

Tai Chi 9:30 am

8

Hebrew School 5:00 pm

9

13th of Shevat 5777

Friday 3 7th of Shevat 5777

Saturday 4 8th of Shevat 5777

3rd and 4th Grade Family Shabbat 6:30 pm

Shabbat Service Wilson/Estroff B'not Mitzvah 10:00 am

Ruach Shabbat Service 6:30 pm

The Rabbi's Table 12:30 pm

Oneg 6:00 pm

10

14th of Shevat 5777 Erev Tu B’Shevat

Shabbat Shirah Service w/ Choir 8:00 pm

11

15th of Shevat 5777 Tu B’Shevat

PJ Library Tot Shabbat 10:00 am

Shabbat Service 10:00 am The Rabbi's Table 12:30 pm

Tu B’ Shevat Assembly 10:00 am Mitzvah Munchkins at Brookdale Sr. Living 10:00 am Hebrew Prayer & Torah Chanting Boot Camp 11:00 am HOTTY - Super Bowl Party 5:00 pm

12

16th of Shevat 5777

13

17th of Shevat 5777

Family Promise

Family Promise

Religious School 9:30 am

Senior Luncheon 12:00 pm

Knit & Nosh / Committee Meeting 9:45 am Hebrew Prayer & Torah Chanting Boot Camp 11:00 am

Kesher, Confirmation 6:45 pm

14

18th of Shevat 5777 Valentine's Day

Family Promise Tai Chi 9:30 am Hebrew School 5:00 pm

15

19th of Shevat 5777

16

20th of Shevat 5777

23rd of Shevat 5777

Family Promise No Religious School

20

24th of Shevat 5777 President's Day

Cobb & Fulton County Schools Closed

No Religious School

30th of Shevat 5777

27

1st of Adar 5777

Bremen Museum Field Trip 8:30 am

Kesher - Parent session 6:30 pm

1st and 2nd Grade Family Education 9:30 am

Confirmation, Kivunim 6:45 pm

25th of Shevat 5777

Cobb County Schools Closed

Family Promise

Family Promise

Officers Meeting 7:30 pm

Fulton County Schools Closed

Shabbat Service 10:00 am

ECEC VIP Shabbat 12:00 pm

The Rabbi's Table 12:30 pm

Oneg 6:00 pm

Wine Tasting Social 6:30 pm

22

26th of Shevat 5777

Cobb County Schools Closed

No Hebrew School

23

27th of Shevat 5777

Cobb County Schools Closed

24

28th of Shevat 5777

Cobb County Schools Closed

Tai Chi 9:30 am

HOTTY Dinner 6:30 pm

Board of Trustees Meeting 7:30 pm

Shabbat Service led

by HOTTY 8:00 pm

28

22nd of Shevat 5777

Family Promise

HOTTY - Youth Lounge Night 6:00 pm

21

18

Beginning Talmud "Lunch and Learn" 12:00 pm

Shabbat Service 6:30 pm

No ECEC

26

21st of Shevat 5777

Family Promise

Bonim at Xdrenaline 12:30 pm

19

17

25

Shabbat Service Elinger Bar Mitzvah 10:00 am The Rabbi's Table 12:30 pm

2nd of Adar 5777

Tai Chi 9:30 am Hebrew School 5:00 pm

Religious School 9:30 am Sisterhood - Mah Jongg 9:45 am Hebrew Prayer & Torah Chanting Boot Camp 11:00 am

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29th of Shevat 5777

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Donations Rabbi Shuval-Weiner’s Discretionary Fund Peter and Sharon Jedel in memory of Shelly Harrison Harvey and Natine Rosenzweig in memory of Shelly Harrison David and Christine Toltzis in memory of Ruth Zeidman Irv and Gail Laddin in memory of Ilene Nemerow Braha and Shirley Nemerow Wachtel Leon and Ellen Taranto in memory of Norma Grosswald Ed and Cindy Getty in memory of Ella Goldstein Steven and Sheila Barid in memory of Mary Barid Linda Klein in memory of Sheldon Harrison Howard and Marcey Alter in memory of Oscar Alter Allan and Pam Apple in honor of Rabbi Shuval-Weiner Building Fund Todd and Rachel Wilson in honor of Maddie Nathan's Bat Mitzvah Jessica and Allie Goodman in memory of Corinne and Stanley Goodman Dean and Felice Myers in memory of Addie Myers Campership/Israel Fund Sidney and Lois Malkin in memory of Shirley Pater Howard and Suzanne Silverman in memory of Ina Lieber and Bernard and Rita Tuvlin in memory of Estelle Tuvlin Bertha Schwartz Mark and Gail Rudel in honor of the marriage of Daniel Shuval Linda Klein in memory of Patricia Aronoff Cantor Kassel’s Discretionary Fund Steve and RoseAnn Gerson in memory of Adrian Gerson Shirley Plotkin in memory of Henry Trucker Mark, Jennifer & Lily Mosbacher in memory of Lester Mosbacher David and Roberta Coad in memory of Dorothy Spielvogel Robert and Adele Toltzis in memory of Susan Winner Steven and Sheila Barid in memory of Aleck Andich Eric and Victoria Stein in memory of Ada Pomerance and Martin and Charlene Milstein in memory of Jeannette C. Phil Pomerance Zimmerman and Shelly Harrison Steve and RoseAnn Gerson in memory of Susan Winner Rodney and Erika Eberhardt in honor of Cantor Kassel Andrew and Barbara Sacks in memory of Hyman Sacks Senior Lunch Group in appreciation of Cantor Nancy Kassel Ellen, Seth, Megan & Danny Zimmer in memory of Daniel Zimmer Judy Levine in memory of Milton Marshall David and Christine Toltzis in memory of Susan Winner Harris and Suellen Bergman in memory of Dr. Steven D. Winick Harris and Suellen Bergman in memory of Rabbi Abner Bergman Steven and Janice Liederman in memory of David Liederman Rosalind Taranto in memory of Ada Pomerance and Rabbi Tam’s Discretionary Fund Phil Pomerance Morray and Susan Scheinfeld in memory of Shelly Harrison Marvin and Trudy Davis in memory of Shelly Harrison Caring/Kehillat Chesed Fund Irv and Gail Laddin in memory of Saul Straus Harvey and Natine Rosenzweig in memory of Gerald Smolensky Max and Carol Wolf in memory of Morris Harry Perling Clifford and Loretta Weiss in memory of Rhonda Knowles and Irv and Gail Laddin in memory of Milton E. Nemerow Larry Knowles Matthew and Karen Blender in memory of Sheldon Harrison Religious School Fund Lois Clymin in memory of Michael Clymin Matthew and Karen Blender in memory of Blanch Snitzer Nancy, Bruce and Gracie Liskar in memory of Lorraine Liskar Staff at North Georgia Pain Clinic in appreciation of Barry Straus Branson Jenifer, Rory, Abby & Evan Friedman in honor of the birth of Fern Soniker in memory of Arthur Keyser and Henrietta Keyser Hassia and Baruch Levin's granddaughter, Nina Steven and Linda Steinberg in memory of Sue Winner Steve and RoseAnn Gerson in honor of the birth of granddaughter of Hassia and Baruch Levin Chumash Fund Fred and Patricia Landsberg in memory of Albert Landsberg Clifford and Loretta Weiss in memory of Larry Knowles Burton and Sara Grossman in memory of Sara Grossman Endowment Fund Tikkun Olam Fund Douglas Wexler in memory of Dr. P. Richard Wexler Steve Mahan in memory of Anna Mahan Pam Engler in memory of Susan Winner Steve Mahan in memory of Whit Mahan General Fund Bernie and Gail Natter in memory of Robert Feldser Torah Fund David and Robin Bledsoe in memory of Roger Bledsoe Morray and Susan Scheinfeld in memory of Sophie Scheinfeld Belle Kulkin in memory of Morris Richman Richard and Wendy Winer in memory of Dr. Herbert & Stan and Judith Beiner in memory of Sue Winner Phyllis Winer

Annual Campaign

Peter and Sharon Jedel in appreciation of Rabbi Shuval-Weiner and Cantor Kassel Peter and Sharon Jedel in memory of Dr. Gerald Smolensky Ted and Melanie Nathan in memory of Moya Lee Goldman Herbert and Bunny Renkin in appreciation of Rabbi Shuval -Weiner Sandy and Nancy Simon in memory of Leonard Paul Renee Davis in memory of Lucy Waxman Dale and Wendy Bearman in memory of Betty Ebstein Steven and Linda Steinberg in memory of Jay Rosen

Michael Zalkin Memorial Library Fund Jeff and Cindy Klein in memory of Moya Lee Goldman Preschool Fund Clifford and Loretta Weiss in memory of Rhonda Knowles and Larry Knowles Joe and Barbara Feinberg in memory of Moya Lee Goldman

Youth Group Fund Jane Greenberger in memory of Ben Findley Lloyd and Diane Katz in memory of Ethel Schmeltz Eric and Pamela Chanin (donations processed through 1/26/17)

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

SHMOOZE NEWS / KUDOS CORNER

In Memoriam Thank You to our Amazing Office Volunteers!

Temple Beth Tikvah acknowledges with sorrow the passing of: Susan Winner Mother of Christy Toltzis

June Wallach Lois Malkin Leslie Swichkow Marsha McMurrain Aaron Stieglitz Marsha Mathis

Barbara Schall Wife of Herb Schall Belinda Isaacs Mother of Stephanie Robins-Woodman

Alice and Sam Herndon joyfully announce the birth of their granddaughter, Mia Burke Herndon, on November 11, 2016 in Chicago, IL. Proud parents are Megan Burke and Adam Herndon.

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

We Must Know Before We Can Respond If you know of a Temple member who is ill or in the hospital, please call the Temple and share that information with us.

That way the Rabbi or Cantor can visit, and Kehillat Chesed can provide support.

Please don’t assume that we know - we will only know if you tell us!

Julie and Bob Scott ae proud to announce one of Troop 3143's newest Eagle Scouts, Robby Scott.

Robby successfully completed his Eagle Scout Board of Review and became the 80th from Troop 3143 to achieve scouting's highest rank.

His Eagle Court of Honor was held on January 22nd.

To do this, please call Michelle Leder, Clergy Assistant at 770-642-0434

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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 Andrea Rubin tbtchavurot@gmail.com College Outreach Nan Janis hnjanis@bellsouth.net Beth Kess bmkess@yahoo.com Communications Marlene Cohn marlene@thecohns.us Family Promise Tony Rosenberg trosenberg860@gmail.com Fundraising Andy Zalkin azups@att.net

House Ted Nathan 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 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/Social Justice Michelle Putnam michelle.putnam@gmail.com Dalia Faupel d2faupel@gmail.com Website Development Scott Povlot spovlot@yahoo.com Youth Group John Restler

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

Harlan Graiser President Wendy Klein Vice President Rob Rickles Vice President Rhonda Povlot Vice President Joe Dunn Treasurer Traci Hartog Secretary Mary Block Chairperson, Board of Education

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