February 2019 • Volume 38 • Issue 2
A Reform Congregation Embracing Our Jewish Tradition
Join us for TBT’s Annual “Fun”Raisng Event….
Catch up with Friends! Enjoy all of the incredible TBT talent! Bid on great items during the silent auction! News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
A painting hangs in our TBT lobby, with the Hebrew phrase from Rav Abraham Isaac Kook z”l, the first chief Rabbi of pre -state Israel “The old will be made new, and the new will be made Holy” Many have asked its meaning in terms of TBT. To me it is all about how we hold tradition as we move through modernity growing and evolving as a faith community. It takes bold steps forward to continue to remain relevant in an ever changing world. It is through the discoveries along the journey that we are able to deepen and enrich the power and beauty of our 5,000 year-old tradition. When we only hold on to what was, we can stagnate and lose people along the way. We must continue innovating and to be willing to take chances in order to grow. Let me put this another way… You know that feeling you get when you put on a well worn pair of jeans. There is something comforting about the familiarity; the feel, the washed out color, the slight tear in the back pocket… even though they are a bit ratty and out of style, you hold on to them just because you know them so well. Then one day, you’re out and about and you pass the jean store and see the fresh dark denim pants in the shop window. You think to yourself, I don’t need any new jeans, my old comfy ones are just fine. But then, you think, well, I’ll just try them on for fun, and “wow! I look great!” Indeed, you feel different, you feel good, you feel more confident, a tad younger…And if you decide to take the plunge and take those new jeans home, in time, they become just as adored, maybe even more so, than the previous pair. What too me so long to find a new pair?! Old and familiar or new and full of opportunity; both have their drawbacks and benefits, yet the big difference is that new can elicit a gleaming unseen response to life. A fresh lens can provide one the opportunity to notice new things not previously seen, to feel something anew that may have become dulled or discover a fresh understanding…the old is seen anew. From TBT’s very first Rosh Hashanah service back in 1986 until now, the congregation has prayed from Gates of Repentance (the red High Holy Day prayer book). For many, this is the only Holy Day prayerbook they have ever known. It is comfortable because it is familiar. When it was first published by the Central Conference of American Rabbis Press in 1978, it represented exciting and progressive liturgical innovation, however, today it is beginning to feel dated. The simple fact that it does not include transliteration is a stumbling block for many in our congregation. So too, many of our congregants feel disconnected from prayer and from theological and ideological concepts that do not seem consistent with a contemporary sensibility. Like our Shabbat prayer book Mishkan Tfilah, Mishkan HaNefesh invites the individual into an experience meeting each person where they are at any given moment in time. The multi-vocality creates a space for all to inhabit, offering a multiplicity of different approaches to religious understanding. Through updated translations, elucidating essays, rich commentary, and a beautiful selection of poetry, Mishkan HaNefesh provides an environment for those of all backgrounds to find meaning in the High Holy Days. Over the past three years many TBT members have inquired about the new Machzor, asking when and if TBT would ever consider adopting it. After some study and in dialogue with the Ritual Committee I am most pleased to announce that Temple Beth Tikvah has voted to adopt Mishkan HaNefesh as our Holy Day Machzorim. In order to make the change for the upcoming Holy Day season, we received a generous grant from the Richard and Wendy Winer Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City to purchase a significant number of copies of Mishkan Hanefesh. The Cantor and I are extremely excited to begin working on our Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services, to plumb the depths of our traditional liturgy and bring forth elements to reignite the beauty, purpose and meaning of these ancient prayers. The choir will continue to be a major element of all of our services to ignite our souls with their uplifting music. Finally, we look forward to our collective shehecheyanu moment as we usher in this wonderful new era in our community’s ongoing journey forward. “The Old shall be made new, and the New shall be made Holy”. With blessings,
**For those who wish to own their own set of Machzorim, Mishkan HaNefesh is available on Kindle, and hard copy through ccarpress.org
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News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
NOTES FROM CANTOR KASSEL
Guest Cantor—Patti Linsky February 2 & 3
SHABBAT MORNING SERVICES at 10:00 AM Cantor Linksy will engage the congregation with the Torah portion “Mishpatim” as it relates to her essay “God’s Perfect Child”, which is included in the acclaimed anthology “Shades of Blue”.
SATURDAY EVENING PERFORMANCE at 7:30 PM Cantor Patti Linsky’s One-Woman-Musical “ALTAR EGO” A witty telling of one cantor’s transformation from addiction to healing.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON at 1:00 PM A TALK WITH TEENS (including Q & A)
Cantor Linksy will meet with Atlanta-area teens to talk about her experiences as a member of the clergy, a mom, wife and community leader - all while struggling with addiction, and eventually to a path of healing.
Purim Service,
SAVE THE DATE!
Megillah Reading & Spiel
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March 20 7:00 PM
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
CONGREGATIONAL LEARNING—SUSAN COSDEN Many of you may know I grew up in Orlando, Florida and watched it grow after Disney arrived. For me Orlando and Walt Disney World were magical and a great place to be raised. I say that, and yet, Anti-Semitism was certainly a part of my childhood. From a very young age I remember classmates informing me they couldn’t be my friend because I was Jewish. There were times when my dad and I would arrive at the synagogue where he was the senior rabbi and there would be Anti-Semitic graffiti on the building. I remember seeing signs at some locations saying no Blacks, no Jews, no dogs. I was asked where my horns were and told I must be rich because I was a Jew. One of the hardest moments was when I was beaten up in elementary school by a boy solely for being Jewish. These occurrences have influenced how I respond in the general public to various questions, including “what do you do for a living?” Therefore, I was always so pleased when my own children felt so open to share about their Judaism, including on planes around the December holidays. I was happy that they felt safe as Jews in America. For years I was relieved when teaching the Shoah that most of my students had not experienced Anti-Semitism first hand. Unfortunately, in recent years this has changed. According to the ADL in a report from 2017, “anti-Semitic incidents in the U.S. surged more than one-third in 2016 and have jumped 86 percent in the first quarter of 2017, according to new data from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). In its annual Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents, ADL reports that there has been a massive increase in the amount of harassment of American Jews . . . and a doubling in the amount of anti-Semitic bullying and vandalism at non-denominational K-12 grade schools.” Obviously, since 2017 antiSemitism continued to escalate and in October it led to the mass killing at Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh. The Monday after that killing our teens joined us to process that event. We continue to process that event and the rise of Anti-Semitism. In early January the Jewish community gathered together for an Anti-Semitism Summit at Temple Sinai and Temple Beth Tikvah was one of the co-sponsors. Now, Temple Beth Tikvah has partnered with the ADL and JumpSpark to bring to Temple Beth Tikvah and open to the entire Jewish community, Words to Action. This program is open to teens and their parents. We will begin with the parent session on Monday, February 11, 6:45-8:30. Then we will hold two teen sessions on Wednesdays, February 27, 6:30 - 8:30 and March 13, 6:30-8:30. Each night will include dinner and programming. The cost for the event will be $12 for each Temple Beth Tikvah teen and their parent and $18 for all other teens with their parent. It is our hope that the teens will attend both of their sessions and that at least one of their parents will attend the parent session first. To RSVP for this program, please contact Susan Cosden at education@bethtikvah.com.
-Susan Cosden We invite the parents of pre-school age children to join the faculty and staff of the Early Childhood Education Center at Temple Beth Tikvah for a tour of our school. Meet our teachers, learn about our nurturing environment, and find out about the programs we offer.
WHEN:
Where: Early Childhood Education Center at Temple Beth Tikvah 9955 Coleman Road, Roswell 30075 RSVP: Susan Cosden, education@bethtikvah.com or (770) 642-4168
th
Friday, February 8
ECEC Shabbat at 9:45 for parents and children Programming for parents: 10:15 - 11:00 Activities for children: 10:15-11:00 4
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
CONGREGATIONAL LEARNING—CHILDREN, TEEN & FAMILY EDUCATION THIRD GRADE FAMILY EDUCATION DAY
First and Second Grade Potluck Dinner and Service Friday, February 1
Sunday, February 3
5:30 PM Dinner
9:30 AM
6:30 PM Ruach Shabbat Service welcoming all scouts!
“The Great God Hunt” Students will meet in their classrooms and parents will go to social hall. At 9:50 kids and parents will come together for the rest of the morning.
RSVP to perri@bethtikvah.com or 770-642-4168
**Please make note**
Family Retreat at Camp Coleman
No Religious School, Kesher, Confirmation and Kivunim
Rescheduled
February 17-22
October 25—27, 2019
due to the President’s Day Holiday
Friday, March 1—Ruach and Third Grade Shabbat Service Sunday, March 3—Religious School, Fourth Grade Education Day Monday, March 4—ECEC Parent/Teacher Conferences Monday, March 4—Kesher Parent Night Sunday, March 24—Purim Carnival
For our Youngest Members: Mark your Calendars for these upcoming events! We hope you will join us! Shabbat in the Park Saturday, Feb 2 9:00 AM -At TBT due to cold weather!
Mitzvah Munchkins February 24 10:00—12:00 pm Food Pantry
Make Believe or
Mommy and Me!*
Make it Real
Thursdays at 9:45 am
Sunday, March 3 9:45 am—TBT playground
Munchkin Shabbat
February 7, 14, 21, 28 March 7, 14, 21 and 28 For more info, education@bethtikvah.com *for children under 2. Moms, dads, or grandparents welcome. Free of charge
Friday, March 8 5:30 PM Dinner 6:00 PM Services 5
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
YOUTH GROUP Camp Jenny, held at URJ Camp Coleman every Memorial Day weekend gives underprivileged children the opportunity to experience camp! They get to receive the love of big "brothers and sisters," three nutritious meals a day, and encouragement for the future. The campers also enjoy activities such as hiking in the mountains, swimming, canoeing in the lake, arts and crafts, and a variety of sports and team building activities. Unfortunately, these are rare luxuries for most of them. Camp Jenny has allowed these kids to be kids in a beautiful and safe place. The cost to send one child to Camp Jenny is $500.00. Thanks to fundraising efforts of Temple Youth Groups (like HOTTY!) in the NFTY-SAR and NFTY-STR regions, we are able to send approximately 150 campers to Camp Jenny each year. We currently partner with F.L. Stanton Elementary School in Atlanta, GA. Read below to hear about one HOTTY’ites experience as a Camp Jenny counselor. We hope you’ll join us on March 9th at the HOTTY Camp Jenny Bingo Fundraiser to help send more deserving kids to camp! - Bobbee Camp Jenny is one of a kind. For the past two years I have been given the opportunity to attend Camp Jenny as a Counselor in Training and a Juniors Counselor. Both years were such amazing experiences that taught me so many important lessons. The days spent there with the most incredible campers taught me so much about the importance of helping those less fortunate. Camp Jenny was the most rewarding experience that I have ever been part of. It teaches you what it feels like to truly give back. Being able to provide the camp experience to the deserving kids that attend Camp Jenny is something that is irreplaceable and that I will never forget the feeling of. The students who attend share their love and excitement from the minute they meet you. I will always remember the irreplaceable moments I share with them. - Anna Wynne
8th Grade Rush and Winter Event
Find out what’s happening!!
HOTTY Remind101 text updates:
HOTTY Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/groups/TBT.HOTTY/
text @826ef3 to 81010
HOTTY website: hotty.tyg.weebly.com
www.facebook.com/groups/BethTikvahYouth/
TBT YOUTH Facebook Page:
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
YOUTH GROUP EVENTS
Cantor Linsky will share her experience with addiction, recovery and healing For more information about the event, contact cantorkassel@bethtikvah.com. For more information about Cantor Linsky, visit www.pattilinsky.com. 7
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Where is God when I need God? Is God Here?
Recently in our Kivunim class (11th and 12th grade) we had a lengthy discussion about God. The discussion started around text study from the 23rd Psalm.
[Psalms 23: (1) A psalm of David. ADONAI is my shepherd; I lack nothing. (2) He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me to water in places of repose; (3) He renews my life; He guides me in right paths as befits His name. (4) Though I walk through a valley of deepest darkness, I fear no harm, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me. (5) You spread a table for me in full view of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my drink is abundant. (6) Only goodness and steadfast love shall pursue me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of ADONAI for many long years.] א מִ ז ְ֥מֹור לְדָ ִוִ֑ד י ְה ֹ ָו֥ה ֹ֜ר ֹעִִ֗ י ֹ֣לא אֶ חְ ָסָֽר :ל־מי מְ נ ֹֻ֣חֹות י ְנַ ָֽהֲ ָֽלנִי ֵ֖ ִַיצנ ִי ע ִ֑ ב ִבנ ְֹ֣אֹות ֵ֖דֶשֶ א י ְַרב :ְשֹובב יַנ ְ֥חנִי בְמַ עְ גְלי־ ִֹ֜֗ ֶצדֶ ק ל ַ ְֹ֣מעַ ן שְ מָֽ ֹו ִ֑ ג נַפְ ִ ֥שי י :מנִי ָֽ ֻ ֲירא ָ ִ֗רע כִי־אַ ָ ֥תה עִ מָ ִ ִ֑די שִ בְטְ ך֥ וֹ֜ מִ שְ עַ נְתִֶ֗ ך ֹ֣המָ ה י ְנַ ָֽח ָ ַּ֚ ִִ֘ד ַּ֚ ַגם ִכָֽי־א ֵ֨לְך בְגֵ֪יא ַצלְמָָ֡ ו ֶת לא־א :כֹוסי ְרו ָ ָי ָֽה ָֽ ַ ִ֘ ה ֥ ִ ַשמֶ ן ֹ֜ר ֹאשִִ֗ י ֥ ֶ תעֲ ֹ֤ר ְֹך לְפָ ֵַ֨ני | שֻ לְחִָ֗ ן ֶ ֥נגֶד צ ֹ ְָֽר ָ ִ֑רי דִ ַ ֵ֖שנְתָ ב :ו ַּ֚אַ ְך ֹ֣טֹוב ו ֶ ָֹ֣חסֶ ד יֵ֖ ְִרדְ פונִי כָל־י ְֹ֣מי חַ ָיִ֑י ו ְשַ ב ִ ְֵ֖תי בְבית־ ְֹ֜יה ִָֹ֗וה ל ְֹ֣א ֹ ֶרְך י ִָמָֽים The 23rd Psalm is the one many of us think of in terms of death and mourning or troubled times, but some of us also think of the 23rd Psalm for times of comfort and solace. The discussion started with each us talking about what we feel God does for us. As often happens with this age group, the conversation leads to more questions than answers. Is there really a God? Can God really hear us? What happens if we don’t believe in God? Why is there so much stress and anxiety if God is there for us? We ended the conversation with probably as many questions but a bit more ok with the questions knowing that at Temple Beth Tikvah, questions are always welcome. This is where we come for safety and security and home. This is where we are welcome to be ourselves. This is where we find God, no matter how we define him or her. I found this poem by Danny Siegel and wanted to share it with you my Beth Tikvah family:
God is in the friend who offers to hold a newborn so its exhausted mother can take a shower and get some sleep. God is in those who gather for shiva so the mourner can say kaddish in the presence of a minyan. God is in the friend who makes a pasta salad and brings it to the home of a woman whose husband has slipped a disc and can't get out of bed. God is in the parent who rocks a croupy child in a steamy bathroom in the middle of the night. We find God in our acts of love for one another. When you listen to someone pour out their worries, you are God's ears, listening. When you place a hand on someone's shoulder blade, or offer an embrace, you are God's hands, soothing. When you make meatloaf for Take and Eat, your hands are God's hands, providing sustenance. And when you offer comfort, you are God's presence, comforting. This is how I understand -- נַחֲ מּו נַחֲ מּו עַ מִּ י י ֹאמַ ר אֱ ֹלהֵ יכֶם Nachamu, nachamu ami, yomer eloheichem. "Y'all comfort -- really comfort -- My people, says Your God." It's our job to comfort one another. And when we do, we bring God's presence into the world and into our lives.
8 News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN Our Annual Campaign is well underway. TBT’s Annual Giving Campaign remains the backbone of a strong financial base for our congregation. While dues and tuition help pay for the much of the cost to run the synagogue, we also rely on philanthropic annual gifts from TBT congregants. These gifts allow us to provide wonderful programming and engagement opportunities for our congregational community. Please join us on our journey to 100% community participation in our Temple’s Annual Giving Campaign. To those who have already pledged their gift to Temple Beth Tikvah, we say Todah Rabbah— thank you! -Mark Rudel, Chair, Fundraising Committee Andy and Julie Aaronson
Burton and Sara Grossman
Robert and Ellen Rickles
Barry and Shari Alhadeff
Dick Grosswald
Russell and Gailen Rosenberg
Pam Alterman Lee and Ellen Altschuler
Michael and Anna Gutkin Scott and Nancy Harris
Harvey and Natine Rosenzweig Kevin and Andrea Rubin
Allan and Pam Apple
Sam and Alice Herndon
Mark and Gail Rudel
Barry and Beth Asher
David and Ellen Herold
Robert and Donna Schacher
Steve and Teri Astren
Michael and Kim Hirsch
Caryn Schilstra
Steven and Sheila Barid Dale and Wendy Bearman
David and Beth Janes Peter and Sharon Jedel
Joel and Kathleen Schoenblum William and Terry Schwartz
Bruce Beck
Daniel and Stephanie Joseph
William and Majory Segal
Paul and Anne Beckman
Jeffrey and Beth Kess
David Shapiro and Ilene Alter-Shapiro
Michael and Jeannine Bernstein
Sharon Khoury
Ira and Brenda Share
Bernice Bickwit Peter and Linda Birnbaum
Jeff and Cindy Klein Marc and Deborah Klein
Stacy and Alicia Sher David and Elisa Siegel
Sheryl Blechner
Sam and Wendy Klein
Sandy and Nancy Simon
David and Robin Bledsoe
Peter Klokow and Ellen Frank
Stuart and Frances Solomon
Scott and Mary Block
Steven and Helen Kraus
Fern Soniker
Adam and Adrienne Bruckman Gene Carasick and Terry Apt Carasick
Scott and Sheryl Lasky Hal and Jill Leitman
Richard and Susan Staviss Eric and Victoria Stein
Jerome and Margie Cohen
Mike and Kathy Levin
Steven and Linda Steinberg
Michael and Marlene Cohn
Judy Levine
Aaron and Sheila Stieglitz
Steve and Arlene Cohn
Melvin and Tobi Levine
Ronald and Leslie Swichkow
Carole Crenshaw Marvin and Trudy Davis
Ronald and Jennifer Levine Emily Lewit
Donald and Marilyn Tam Rosalind Taranto
Renee Davis
Gary and Michael Loventhal
Steven and Abbe Tobin
Dan and Laura DeRiemer
Hadley and Lisa Lowy
David and Christine Toltzis
Charles and Lynne Dhuyvetter
Gilbert and Ellen Ludwig
Mark and Sally Vosk
Joseph and Waynah Dunn William and Susan Farina
Murray and Sonia Lynn Phyllis Madans
Bruce and Bonnie Walkes Jay Weiner and Alexandria Shuval-Weiner
Elliot and Donna Feller
Joel and Aviva Margolies
Robert and Ellen Weiner
Aaron and Amy Frank
Jonathan and Helene Masor
Clifford and Loretta Weiss
Steve and RoseAnn Gerson
Jim and Marsha Mathis
Mark and Debbie Weiss
Ed and Cindy Getty Glenn Goldberg and Linda Leibowitz
Howard and Helaine Medoff Evan and Missi Mermelstein
Herbert and Marsha Williams Mark Williams and Michelle Easton-Williams
Marshall and Roberta Goldman
Ted and Melanie Nathan
Todd and Rachel Wilson
Robert and Cindy Goldstein
Bernie and Gail Natter
Andrew and Ilana Zalkin
Michael and Audrey Gordon Harlan and Ivie Graiser
Keira Oseroff Marcia Pearl
Seth and Ellen Zimmer
Mark and Karen Greenspan
Shirley Plotkin
(pledges as of 1/23/19)
Trey and Lesly Gregory
Scott and Rhonda Povlot 9
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
FAMILY PROMISE For over a decade, Temple Beth Tikvah has been a host congregation for the Family Promise program. Family Promise of North Fulton is a non-profit organization that partners with families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless by helping them get back on their feet so they can create a stable lifestyle for their children. In North Fulton, 12 congregations, ranging from Jewish, Christian and Muslim work on an annual basis to supply food and shelter for an average of 3-families for a week at a time. Temple Beth Tikvah is a host two times each year. Ranging from Overnight Host to Day Captain to Dinner Preparer, there are 65 slots to fill each week. It truly takes a village. Our next TBT Family Promise is February 17-24. We are commanded by our teachings to care for those less fortunate. “You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.” - Deuteronomy 15:11 “If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and are unable to support themselves among you, help them as you would a foreigner and stranger, so they can continue to live among you” - Leviticus 25:35 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: . . . to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” - Isaiah 58:6–7 In a common homeless shelter scenario, one is considered an adult at the age of 12 and shelters are separated by gender. Therefore, 12-year old boys are separated from their mothers in a standard shelter. The Family Promise program’s main goal is to keep a family together. Yes, children are homeless too – even in our community. Temple Beth Tikvah takes great pride in being able to play a small part in helping these families get back on the road to life recovery. Please consider helping us by volunteering for either a meal or to stay overnight. Bring your family as this is a great educational experience to show your children that life can take a bad turn sometimes but there are people out there that will help. Thank you for your consideration. To sign up, go to
http://signup.com/go/nodEhbq Tony Rosenberg Co-Chair – Family Promise, Temple Beth Tikvah
SISTERHOOD Shalom Sisterhood!! Hope you are all enjoying Atlanta’s on- again, off -again winter! Weather in the South is always interesting! Our 1st Annual Mah Jongg, Margaritas and Munchies evening was a huge success! We had at least 12 tables of marvelous Mah Jongg madness. There were door prizes galore, and it was a great opportunity to meet and mingle with both sisterhood congregants and friends from outside the Beth Tikvah community. There is no denying that this was a fabulous program and there is already chatter about doing this again next year. To Ilene Fader and Elisa Siegel -thank you, thank you for all of your input, planning expertise, and hard work in making this program a success! Looking ahead, in February there may be an opportunity for Tikum Olam (with a dash of exercise thrown in), so please keep your eyes open for an email from Sisterhood. In March, we will be making Hamantaschen for Purim, which is always so much fun. If you have never participated in the past, put this project on your calendar!!! A sign-up Evite will come out some time in February. See Page There will be one daytime session on March 17th and one evening session on March 19th. Both are led by our Hamantaschen expert Leslie Swichkow!!! Also on the horizon, our famous Temple Beth Tikvah Women’s Seder on Thursday April 11 th. You don’t want to miss this special evening of sisterhood and song, led by our wonderful Rabbi, Cantor and Religious School Director. So, for now, keep warm and we’ll see you at TBT! 10
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
UPCOMING EVENTS
Mitzvah Opportunity!! TBT Landscape Clean-up Day!! Sunday, February 17 at 9:00 am We need YOUR help! We will pull up all the vines near the sidewalks of Coleman Road and Magnolia Rd moving inward towards the building. Please bring your GLOVES, clippers, pole saws or any yard tools you think would be useful. And of course bring your enthusiasm!! Our landscape company will remove the debris after it’s been pulled and piled.
TBT Goes to Israel— December 2019!! For more info:
For any questions, please call the office or contact Richard Staviss at rjstaviss@comcast.net
SAVE THE DATE TO BAKE HAMENTASHEN!!
Wednesday, March 20th: Purim Service and Shpiel—7:00 PM Thursday, March 21st: Adult Megillah Reading and brown bag lunch 12:00 PM
Sunday, March 17th 9:30 am—Noon or Tuesday, March 19th 7:00 -9:30 pm Watch for evite mid February!
Sunday, March 24th: Purim Carnival 12:00 PM
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News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
COLLEGE CONNECTION
Attention Parents of College Students The College Outreach Committee is getting ready to send care packages to TBT college students to coincide with Purim. We will include a gift card and a message from Rabbi Shuval-Weiner.
If we have your student’s current address from last semester, great! If it changed, please let us know. If you have not recently submitted your student’s name and mailing address, please email kim@bethtikvah.com by March 1. In the meantime, please email helainemedoff@gmail.com if you have questions or comments. Thank you!
MEN’S CLUB What better way to enjoy the Super Bowl than joining your friends at TBT for another round of “Super Bowl and Other Football Stats”! Hosted by the Men’s Club and TBT’s very own Dr. Rick Winer, come sit with us on Sunday, February 3rd at 10 AM to talk all things football! Meeting will be held in the Library. Questions? Contact mensclub@bethtikvah.com.
CHAVUROT / AFFINITY GROUPS Our next event is Saturday, February 9th at 7:00 PM
Grand Champion BBQ Do you love good food? Good Conversation? Come join the Foodies Chavurah! Bridge Club Meets at 1:00 PM on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. Contact Bonnie at bonnie.walkes@gmail.com
982 Canton Street, Roswell Please RSVP by February 6th to either Donna Goldenberg (donnagoldenberg0@gmail.com) or Jamie Burak (burake22@comcast.net) The Unseen Force Flowing
Through the Universe Tuesday mornings 9:30 Great for flexibility, balance and lowering stress. This informal group meets for a full practice. Open to new, curious and experienced practitioners. No RSVP required. 13
Meditation Circle Next Event: Thursday, February 7th Dr. Terry Segal, our special guest speaker, will lead us in a discussion and meditation of Increasing Joy Through the Practice of Self-Love Contact Carol Lipinsky, bounceroo@bellsouth.net
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
B’NAI MITZVAH Max Benjamin Rosenberg will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on February 23, 2019. Max is the son of Katie and Sammy Rosenberg. He is the grandson of Pam Alterman and the late Paul Alterman, of Marietta , and Bunny & Charles Rosenberg of Duluth. He is in the 7th grade at Haynes Bridge Middle School where he participates in Jr. Beta Club. He plays football for the Centennial Jr. Knights. He also enjoys playing basketball, hanging out with his friends, Xbox and loves going to Camp Barney Medintz. His Mitzvah project was at the Zaban Paradies Center. He collected items from the community to create welcome baskets for the homeless couples that were moving in for the season. Each couple got a large basket filled with items they desperately needed. It took over a month to collect the items and a full day to assemble them. He also prepared and served a meal for 50 homeless adults and did an extra warm coat drive for them where he collected over 40 coats.
MAZAL TOV Jacob Bearman , son of Dale and Wendy Bearman, is engaged to Erin Abramson.
Helen and Steven Kraus welcomed new granddaughter Eve Tobae Kraus,
If you have a simcha to share— Let’s Kvell together!!
daughter of Michael Kraus and Claire
Contact Kim at
Reyner on November 15, 2018. Audrey and Michael Gordon welcomed new
kim@bethtikvah.com, so we may share your good blessings!
grandson Bennett Irving Gordon, son of David and Kari Gordon on January 7, 2019.
TBT’S (TRULY) GOT TALENT Resonant as a Shofar blast Cleansing as a Mikvah There’s a great abundance within our halls Did you know that on
Of talent at Beth Tikvah Okay, I have my work cut out for me as a closet lyricist. But it’s this spirit of individual willingness and communal courage that’s scheduled to fill the stage of our March 2 event, TBT’s Got Talent. As video producers, my wife and I see everyday people rise to the occasion of personal performance, oftentimes in ways that inspire and astound. I’ve no doubt that the collection of gifted entertainers we have scheduled for this year’s fundraising experience will bring that same sense of admiration to their audience. That’s you! These are your fellow congregants of Temple Beth Tikvah, from teens to seniors, all of whom are willing to put it on the line to delight those of us comfortably situated in our seats. That’s never not impressive.
the third Friday of the month anyone with a birthday or anniversary will have the opportunity to be called to the bimah to be blessed?
So plan to be there for them. Reserve your tickets now for an evening that promises to be enthralling, genuinely entertaining and, in all the best senses of the word, communal. David Shapiro TBT Board of Trustees 14
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
TZEDEK COMMITTEE
On Christmas Day we joined the Rabbi in Lumpkin, Ga. (population 1300) to visit the detainees at the Stewart Detention Center. Lumpkin is in SW Georgia (2 and 1/2 hours from Atlanta) and the closest hotels and restaurants are 30 miles away. We met at a little yellow house that provides the only beds and food for visitors to the Center. The little house is run by an organization called El Refugio, and they also arrange for people to visit the detainees. The total number of visitors in our group that day were 7. We were each given the name of the detainee we were visiting and then set off to the Center to be there at 10am, when visitations started. Stewart Detention Center is an I.C.E. high security prison that houses 1800 detainees and provides 5 visitor booths which have glass partitions between visitor and inmate and all communication is by phone. Due to the limited visitor facilities, we had to wait several hours before we could talk with our detainee for the one hour allotted time. Each of the detainees had a different story for their incarceration. Ellen spoke with a man from an African Nation who has been in the country since 1992. He initially entered the country with a visitor’s visa, and applied for asylum in N.Y. During the past years he married, had children and had a kidney transplant. A few years ago he was picked up for a minor traffic violation. He was not deported, but was required to report monthly to an immigration office. This past July he was picked up at the office and sent to the prison. He is presently waiting for a hearing in Washington. Peter met with a man who entered the United States two years ago and legally applied for asylum. He has been kept at the prison for two years while his application is being processed. Each man was very grateful to have a visitor. After visiting the detainees we returned to the yellow house and discussed our experiences with the other visitors. Everyone had a story. El Refugio is always looking for volunteers to visit the Detention Center and they can be contacted directly to make arrangements. Also, TV star Samantha Bee did a Christmas television show about I.C.E. and visited Lumpkin and purchased a larger house for Refugio. If one googles “Samantha Bee detention center “ you can see the portion of the show that pertains to Stewart Detention Center. -Ellen Frank and Peter Klokow
Call for Nominations: 2019-2020 TBT Leadership Roles Do you want to strengthen your relationship to TBT and meaningfully contribute to your spiritual home? The TBT Nominating Committee is now accepting nominations for trustees, board members and officers. These volunteer leaders are necessary to the future of our synagogue community. Who Can Be Nominated? Any TBT adult member in good standing can be a candidate. Whether you’re new to our community or a longstanding member, the Committee welcomes your interest. How to Nominate: Contact Wendy Klein (wendy.klein.hr@gmail.com) by February 10 to learn about open positions and nominate yourself or a fellow congregant. 15
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
ADULT EDUCATION Senior Luncheon Monday, February 11 12:00 PM Guest Speaker: Rabbi Shuval– Weiner
RSVP to Steve Mahan smahan206bc@yahoo.com or call the office at 770-642-0434
TBT Adult Education and Sisterhood Present: Rosh Chodesh—A Woman’s Circle Rosh Chodesh is the celebration of the new moon and the new month, according to the Jewish calendar. Rosh Chodesh has long been recognized as a women’s holiday. In midrash Pirke DeRabbi Elezer, Chapter 45, we are told that in the incident of the Golden Calf, the women refused to relinquish their earnings to the men who were building the calf. As a reward, God gave them an extra holy day each month, free from work. Each Month the women of TBT will gather to explore the issues women care about most, such as body image, friendship, relationships, family and more. Our themes will be based on each Jewish month and will be explored through discussions, arts & crafts, creative ritual, games, drama, cooking and more. The program will be held on the Tuesdays, closest to Rosh Chodesh from 7:30—9:00 PM at TBT. Dates are February 5, March 5, April 9, May 7, June 4. Wine and light refreshments will be served. Open to all.
SAVE THE DATE!! UPCOMING ADULT EDUCATION OPPORTUNITES Reverend Lyndsay Lee Slocum of Roswell Presbyterian Church will be leading a two part Lunch and Learn on March 13 and 27, 12-1:30 on the foundations of Christianity. More details to follow Clergy from the Roswell Masjid will offer a series on Islam this spring. Dates TBA
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More Adult Ed classes are in the works, stay tuned for more announcements! If you are interested in helping to create and market our adult education programs, please contact Susan Cosden at education@bethtikvah.com
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Donations
(donations
received as of 1/23/19)
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN 2018/2019 Renee Davis in memory of her mother, Lucy Waxman Wendy and Dale Bearman in memory of Betty Ebstein Sharon and Peter Jedel in memory of Steven D. Winick Sharon and Peter Jedel in memory of Elaine Jedel
HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE Gail and Mark Rudel in memory of Marsha Mathis’ mother
BUILDING FUND Linda Steinberg and Family in memory of Jay Rosen
MICHAEL ZALKIN MEMORIAL LIBRARY FUND Aaron and Sheila Stieglitz in memory of Jacob Krigsner
CANTORS FUND Sharon and Peter Jedel in appreciation of Cantor Kassel Ellen and Lee Altschuler in memory of Jacob Altschuler Debbie and Michael Shlifka in memory of Barbara Vosk Gail and Mark Rudel in appreciation of Cantor Kassel Jessica and Allie Goodman in memory of their grandmother, Corinne Goodman Christy and David Toltzis in memory of Ruth Zeidman, Susan Winner, Max Mendelson Ellen and Seth Zimmer in appreciation for the care shown to Marilyn Zimmer Judy Levine in memory of Milton Marshall Marsha and Jim Mathis in honor of Cantor Kassel Linda and Peter Birnbaum in honor of Cantor Kassel
RABBI SHUVAL-WEINER DISC. FUND Sandra and Lewis Craine in honor of Lola Craine’s Bat Mitzvah Marsha and Jim Mathis in honor of Rabbi Shuval-Weiner Robin and David Bledsoe in memory of Roger W. Bledsoe Ellen and Seth Zimmer in memory of Daniel Zimmer Jon Zarett in appreciation of Rabbi Shuval-Weiner for the unveiling for Marcia Zarett RoseAnn and Steve Gerson in honor of the engagement of Jacob Bearman and Erin Abramson Bob and Adele Toltzis in memory of Ruth Zeidman Ellen Salowitz in memory of Steve Salowitz RoseAnn and Steve Gerson in memory of Adrian Gerson Christy and David Toltzis in memory of Ruth Zeidman, Susan Winner, Max Mendelson Ellen and Lee Altschuler in honor of Rabbi Shuval-Weiner Sheila and Steve Barid in memory of Aleck Andich Gailen and Russell Rosenberg in honor of Rabbi Shuval-Weiner Ellen and Seth Zimmer in appreciation for the care shown to Marilyn Zimmer Sharon Snowiss in memory of Stephen Salowitz Linda and Peter Birnbaum in honor of Rabbi Shuval-Weiner
ENDOWMENT FUND Sheryl Blechner in memory of Stephen Salowitz ECEC/Preschool FUND Lois and Sid Malkin in memory of Hv and Shirley Pater Loretta and Cliff Weiss in memory of Larry Knowles and Rhonda Knowles GENERAL FUND Marlene and Michael Cohn in memory of Lana Franklin, Renee Weiskopf’s mother Marilynn and Ronny Winston in honor of Gerald Marshall’s birthday RELIGIOUS SCHOOL ENRICHMENT FUND Susan and Richard Staviss in appreciation of Ted Nathan and Jenny Korsen
MEMORIAL PLAQUE Amy Rubin in memory of Barbara Vosk
RABBI TAM DISC. FUND Sheila and Steven Barid in memory of Mary Barid Linda and Peter Birnbaum in appreciation of Rabbi Tam SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND Sara and Burton Grossman in memory of Evelyn Grossman TIKKUN OLAM FUND Steve Mahan in memory of Whit Mahan
KEHILLAT CHESED/CARING FUND The Hilsen Family in memory of Renee Weiskopf’s mother Lois Clymin in memory of Michael Clymin Christy and David Toltzis in memory of Ruth Zeidman, Susan Winner, Max Mendelson June Wallach in appreciation of the DeReimers, and Anne Strauss and their excellent help and caring Susan and Richard Staviss in memory of Bernard Swichkow Sherry Kornheiser in honor of the Sisterhood and Ilene Monat Fader Paula Sandfelder in memory of Rebecca Matusow and Lenard Whartman 17
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
KEHILAT / CHESED
Every Monday at TBT 7:15 pm—8:30 PM
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Upcoming Senior Events Monday February 11th 11:00 am at Chabad of Cobb: ‘Taste of Melton’
We Must Know Before We Can Respond
Wednesday February 13th 11:00 am at Etz Chaim: ‘Yoga & Meditation’ with Ling Olas
If you are grieving or struggling with illness, or if you are celebrating a birth or a new love, we want to be there.
Wednesday February 27th 11:00 am at Etz Chaim: ‘Healthy Aging & Spirituality’ with Debbi Dooley & Rabbi Beiner
That’s what community’s all about, that’s what family’s all about. Let us know how we can support you or anyone else in our community by calling
For more information or questions, contact Ashley Maloy (770) 677-9499
Kim Weindorf, Clergy Assistant, at 770-642-0434
Mitzvah Project Rock Concert! TBT 7th grader Jayson Faupel is joining forces with a Camp Coleman buddy to produce a charity rock concert as a mitzvah project. On Sunday, February 24th at 2 p.m. at The Galloway School, see Jayson and his rock band No Tim3 to 3xplain, TBT's own John Restler and other talented teen and adult musicians take the stage. The JI JAM: Playing for Pets and the Planet all-ages concert will donate 100% of all ticket sales to Angels Among Us Pet Rescue and Trees Atlanta.
Details: FaceBook JI Jam https://www.facebook.com/ events/281843156021646/
Planning a simcha or group gathering? Michelle Easton Williams
Aaron Stieglitz
Marsha Mathis
Karen Korshak
Nicole Dombrow
Marsha McMurrain
Sheri Flink
Sharon Khoury
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. 19
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Temple Beth Tikvah extends a hearty Mazel Tov to
Marsha Mathis
2019 Recipient of MACoM’s Mitzvah for the Mikvah Award
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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 Susan Cosden Director of Congregational Learning
Rhonda Povlot President Wendy Klein Vice President Tony Rosenberg Vice President Andrea Rubin Vice President Joe Dunn Treasurer Caryn Schilstra Secretary Beth Asher Chairperson, Board of Education
Get Involved! TBT Committees and Chairpersons Budget & Finance Karen Korshak karcpa@comcast.net
Human Resources Seth Zimmer sz4941@att.com
Ritual Rick Winer rsw@drrickwiner.com
Camp/Israel Scholarship Marcia Haber marciahaber@yahoo.com Chavurot/Affinity Groups Donna Goldenberg donnagoldenberg0@gmail.com
Kehillat Chesed (Caring) Leslie Swichkow lswichkow@comcast.net Library Ilana Zalkin ilanaz@att.net
Security Jay Sausmer jsausmer@gmail.com Seniors Steve Mahan smahan206bc@yahoo.com
College Outreach Helaine Medoff helainemedoff@gmail.com Communications Marlene Cohn marlene@thecohns.us
Membership Recruitment & Retention Jill Leitman jaarons2@yahoo.com Rachel Wilson rachelw65@gmail.com
Sisterhood Ilana Zalkin sisterhoodtbt@gmail.com Social Action/Social Justice Dalia Faupel d2faupel@gmail.com Lori Goldstrom lorigoldst@att.net
Family Promise Tony Rosenberg trosenberg860@gmail.com Philanthropy Mark Rudel mrudel2018@gmail.com House Ted Nathan tnathan@baldwinscheduling.com
Men’s Club Peter Hartog althazyr@gmail.com Mark Greenspan greenspanfamily@bellsouth.net Nominating Committee Wendy Klein Wendy.klein.hr@gmail.com
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Website Development Scott Povlot spovlot@yahoo.com Youth Group youth@tbt.com