January 2014 • Volume 28 • Issue 1
A Reform Congregation Embracing Our Jewish Tradition
TBT Volunteer Recognition Shabbat January 31, 2014, 8:00 PM TBT would like to honor and thank our volunteers for the amazing job that they do in, around and for our synagogue. If you are a volunteer in any area, please join us for a special service and oneg. If you are not yet a volunteer, please join us in saying thank you!
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Our Volunteers
Please email Suellen @ swbergman@gmail.com if you have volunteered this year
Celebrate the Life & Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. with a special Musical Shabbat. January 17th at 8:00 PM
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Why the Jewish Federation is So Important I know I have shared this joke with you before: Abe and Esther are flying to Australia for a two week vacation to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Suddenly, over the public address system, the Captain announces, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I am afraid I have some very bad news. Our engines have ceased functioning and we will attempt an emergency landing. Luckily, I see an uncharted island below us and we should be able to land on the beach. However, the odds are that we may never be rescued and will have to live on the island for the rest of our lives!" Thanks to the skill of the flight crew, the plane lands safely on the island. An hour later Abe turns to his wife and asks, "Esther, did we pay our charity pledge check to Beth Shalom Synagogue yet?" "No, sweetheart," she responds. Abe, still shaken from the crash landing, then asks, "Esther, did we pay our Jewish Federation pledge?" "Oy, no! I'm sorry. I forgot to send the check," she says. "One last thing, Esther. Did you remember to send a check for the Synagogue Building Fund this month," he asks? "Oy, forgive me, Abie," begged Esther. "I didn't sent that one, either." Abe grabs her and gives her the biggest kiss in 40 years. Esther pulls away and asks him, " So, why did you kiss me?" Abe answers, "They'll find us!" The joke is funny but it illustrates a tone of how we feel about our Jewish community and supporting it. We tend to relegate causes that are actually important to us because we think "fundraising" is a dirty word. The truth is, our faith -- every faith -- is built on the idea of giving an offering. An act of tzedakah (justice, righteousness). Why shouldn't we ask one another to give... and to give often... and to give till it hurts (just a little; that would probably mean we are giving the right amount). I do believe that acts of tzedakah change the world. Support for the Jewish community enables us to be there for people wherever they might be. Real funding helps us accomplish our community’s dreams. With that said, I have joined the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and have been impressed with what they have been trying to accomplish – strengthening its mission as a communal address to support Jewish interests throughout Atlanta, in Israel and around the world. Here is why I donated this year – and hope you will consider these and perhaps making your first gift or an increased gift. The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta is:
raising serious dollars to provide incentive grants and financial aid to middle-income and low-income families to enable their children to attend a Jewish overnight camp program – one of the greatest investments we can make in our youth to insure a bright Jewish future.
enabling young adults in Atlanta to have their own Birthright Israel experience – a Jewish community’s gift of a free trip to Israel to deepen connections with Israel and their Judaism.
funding the PJ Library program in metro Atlanta, providing books at no cost to Jewish children every month to encourage families’ Jewish journeys.
ongoing financial support to our Jewish communities most significant agencies, including Jewish Family & Career Services, The Breman Jewish Home and its expanded services, the Jewish Community Center, another other supportive services for refugees, the elderly, and the vulnerable.
strengthening religious pluralism in Israel, including to Reform and Conservative movement institutions and synagogues; along with building connections to communities in need in our sister cities of Yokneam and Megiddo.
Many of us give to the causes and agencies that we are most committed to, which is wonderful. I do the same. And certainly, it includes my own giving to our congregation. But there is still a power to contribute to a communal fund where key leaders are assessing the needs for a whole community. That is why I give. I hope you will to. To make your gift, go to www.jewishatlanta.org and select the Donate Now! button. The website has lots of information for you to learn how to do your part. Thanks for starting this new year off right and considering a gift to the Community Campaign of 2014. I hope we steadily increase Temple Beth Tikvah’s representation in our Federation Campaign. Wishing you a happy, healthy and sweet 2014. Rabbi Fred Greene
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News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Notes from Cantor Kassel “RUACH” SHABBAT & Volunteer Recognition Shabbat
“MUSIC IS WHAT FEELINGS SOUND LIKE”
Friday night, January 31 at 8:00 PM
Maybe this saying has been around a while – but I first encountered it last month. One of the best compliments I received on a few occasions is…… (after a worship service or after a funeral service) “I don’t really understand Hebrew, but I felt I understood the meaning of the words through the music.” Even attempting to express how music moves us – is best done through music itself rather than words. I hope you’ll take note (pun) of the special musical services taking place this month which are sure to invite your participation and enhance your Shabbat observance.
We now have a steady Ruach Shabbat musical repertoire and instrumentalists who make our Erev Shabbat services so joyous. If you’ve been to a Ruach Shabbat service before then you know how invigorating this service is. If you haven’t yet attended a Ruach Shabbat service – then NOW is the time!
SHABBAT EXPERIENCE Friday night, January 24 at 6:30 PM For children age 2 through 2nd grade and their Parents!!
“SHABBAT SHIRAH” SABBATH OF SONG
Parents can attend services in the sanctuary while their children are in: BABYSITTING (children ages 2 - 4) or "CREATIVE JEWISH PROGRAMMING" (children ages Pre-K thru 2nd grade)
SATURDAY MORNING Service, January 11 at 10:00 AM From this week’s Torah portion, Beshallach, we chant the “Song Of The Sea” that our ancestors sang after crossing the Sea of Reeds, which includes “Mi Chamocha” from our liturgy. This entire Shabbat has become known as “Shabbat Shirah” – The Sabbath of Song.
NO COST BUT RESERVATIONS REQUESTED
ATTENTION! NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Choir members (of all ages) and instrumentalists lead us in spirited Shabbat Morning worship
SEEKS YOUR INPUT
The Nominating Committee for the 2014-2015 slate for the Board of Trustees, Officers and Board of Education has begun their work.
“MLK” SHABBAT Friday night, January 17 at 8:00 PM
If you have names that you would like to suggest to the committee for consideration, please send them to Sheryl Blechner at
Many musical forces at TBT will join together as we honor the memory and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The theme of freedom permeates our liturgy and this Erev Shabbat service will include special readings and music to highlight this important time of year.
ssb1951@gmail.com
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News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Warm and Welcoming Many times I have heard a congregation described as warm and welcoming. In fact, if you google the search terms “synagogue, warm, welcoming” and start reading various synagogues’ web sites, those terms are used over and over again. My first question is: Can all of these synagogues really be warm and welcoming as we espouse TBT to be? And second, does TBT practice what we preach or is it just a brochure slogan?
come very often and the “regulars” don’t recognize them. Even a smile and a simple “Shabbat Shalom” would go a long way toward making someone feel welcome. So, here is my challenge to every TBT member. I don’t want those in our synagogue to experience what we did in Florida. Let’s make TBT the poster child for “warm and welcoming”. If you are in the building, whatever the reason, make it a point to say hello to someone you don’t know. Even better, introduce yourself and make them feel good about being here. If it turns out they are members, then at worst, you made a new connection.
Leslie and I enjoy visiting other Reform synagogues when we are out of town and this Thanksgiving we spent the holiday in Florida with our daughter and son -in-law. They had recently joined a synagogue and had attended services a few times before we visited. We were very disappointed when they told us that no one approached them to say hello or to introduce themselves. When we visited and attended services with them, we were sad to find that this happened again. Not one person said anything to us the entire time we were there. We said hello or “Shabbat Shalom” to a few people and their response was little more than a cursory nod. Even the greeter did not pause from her conversation or make eye contact as she handed us the weekly flyer. I was shocked and found myself hoping that we do a better job at TBT. I considered how we treat our new visitors, members and non-members at TBT. I know we make an effort by having our board members and committee representatives serve as greeters for services but handing out prayer books is not what makes a synagogue warm or welcoming and it isn’t really fair to put that onus on two lay leaders every Shabbat.
Let’s all join together as a community to make our visitors and members happy that they are in our “home” so that we are truly warm and welcoming. L’Shalom
Ron Swichkow
In my opinion, what makes a synagogue truly warm and welcoming is that every member of our community takes ownership of this task. I know sometimes it’s a bit out of our comfort zone to walk up to a total stranger and say hello, wish them Shabbat Shalom and just chat for a minute. I think it’s a nightmare for all of us to introduce ourselves to someone we think is new to our community and find out they have been members for 10 years. But, they are probably equally embarrassed because they don’t 4
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Campaign TBT: EveryONE Matters Update We are four months into our annual campaign and are making great progress towards our goals. Our financial goal for this year’s campaign is to raise $100,000. To date our campaign has raised over $78,000 (as of 12/3/2013). Funds raised are used to help meet operating expenses, improve our facility, and support the exciting programming offered at TBT. In addition to our goal of raising $100,000, we have a goal of 100% participation. Approximately 100 families have participated in this year’s campaign, representing 20% of our congregation. Please consider joining your fellow congregants and participating in this year’s campaign. Remember, there is no minimum pledge amount. You can make your pledge by: - Returning the response card mailed to you in September - Calling the TBT office (770-642-0434), or - Visiting www.bethtikvah.com and selecting "Annual Campaign - EveryONE Matters" on our donation page (www.bethtikvah.com/make-donation). Create a Jewish Legacy Temple Beth Tikvah recently joined an innovative program entitled Create a Jewish Legacy. Create a Jewish Legacy is an initiative of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta to build a strong, vibrant community, now and in the future with bequests for permanent endowments. This program is designed to help individuals and families support the Jewish causes they care about, such as Jewish camps, Federation, or their synagogue. More information on how you can participate will be made available in the next few months. In the meantime, additional information can be found at www.atlantajewishlegacy.org. Thank You The fundraising committee would like to thank the families that have participated in this year’s campaign (as of 12/2/2013):
Barry and Shari Alhadeff Steven and Teri Astren Dale and Wendy Bearman Harris and Suellen Bergman Andy Berke Arnold and Ellen Bernstein Michael and Jeannine Bernstein Peter Birnbaum Todd and Jennifer Boehm Nancy Broudy Paul J. and Cherie Cervasio David and Roberta Coad Michael and Wanda Cohen Steven and Arlene Cohn Michael and Marlene Cohn Seymour and Renee Davis Audrey Eisen Daniel Ellison Elliot and Donna Feller Steven and Amy Fine Andy and Marci Fried Matthew and Vanteria Geller Ed and Cindy Getty Arthur Gittelman and Marcia Pearl Gittelman Cary Goldenthal and Lori Shapiro Goldenthal Marshall and Roberta Goldman Harlan and Ivie Graiser Rabbi Fred and Deborah Greene Burton and Sara Grossman Michael and Anna Gutkin Scott and Nancy Harris Drs. Larry and Stacey Heit
Michael and Kim Hirsch Peter and Sharon Jedel Morris and Anna Kagan Cantor Nancy Kassel Sharon Khoury Peter Klokow and Ellen Frank Klokow Stanley and Bobbie Kopkin Glen and Veronica Krapf Ned and Lisa Kreiss Fred and Patricia Landsberg Kenneth Lawler and Ginger Glazer Lawler Amir Levin and Tanya Blasbalg Levin Ron and Jennifer Levine Judy Levine Sherwin and Judee Levinson Jeffrey and Ellen Levitz Emily Lewit Drs. Gary and Michal Loventhal Hadley and Lisa Lowy Gilbert and Ellen Ludwig Joel and Aviva Margolies Jonathan and Joan Marks Thomas and Marsha McMurrain Robert Moss Hilda Ortiz Larry and Jackie Pepper Jason and Melanie Pickett Saul and Shirley Plotkin Robert and Ellen Rickles Russell and Gailen Rosenberg Irving and Doris Rosing
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Dr. Tod and Leslie Rubin Morray and Susan Scheinfeld Douglas and Lisa Schiffer Gary and Debra Schwartz Rhonda Schweber Ira and Brenda Share Stacy and Alicia Sher Spencer and Debra Shilling Allan and Pessie Shippel Walter and Esther Shultz Carol Shutzberg Sandy and Nancy Simon Lawrence and Anne Skal Eric and Victoria Stein Lila Stein Terry and Michelle Stein Howard and Cynthia Steinberg Steven and Linda Steinberg Aaron and Sheila Stieglitz Lionel Stutz Ronald and Leslie Swichkow Donald and Marilyn Tam Rosalind Taranto Bruce Turiansky and Mariann Mamberg Turiansky Mark and Sally Vosk Bruce and Bonnie Walkes Douglas Wexler and Jane Greenberger Wexler Mark Williams and Michelle Easton Williams Todd and Rachel Wilson Andrew and Ilana Zalkin Marilyn Zimmer
Educator’s Message Welcome back to school. I hope you had a wonderful and relaxing winter vacation. School will resume on Tuesday, January 7th for our 3rd through 6th graders and Sunday, January 12th for the entire school. During the 5th grade Shabbat service, one could feel the anticipation and excitement experienced by the students as they were called up to the Bimah by the Rabbi, and presented with their personal Siddur. One only had to look at the parents and teachers and see the pride and naches reflected on their faces as we commemorated this event. Our Hanukkah assembly was a big hit. The 3rd and 4th grade students were the stars. They performed a short skit as well as led us in song. The festivities continued in the classrooms as our students partook in playing Hanukkah games, ate latkes, applesauce and gelt. Our kindergarten and 1st grade students had their family education day. The parents spent the morning in Tefilah with the students; learning from the Rabbi and doing a craft project with their children. I just finished testing our 4th and 5th grade students. It was a pleasure testing the kids. The results were very good and the students are doing wonderfully. Report cards were sent home before the winter break. I was thrilled with our student’s abilities so far and the report cards reflected this. Thanks to the parents for continuing the education we are doing in school at home. January 10th is the 1st and 2nd grade family Shabbat service. Services will begin at 6:30 that night. January 12th is the 4th and 5th grade Family Education Day. Our 5th grade class will be performing for the school as part of our Tu’b Shevat celebration. Parents and grandparents are welcome to watch the students perform. Our 10th grade students are eagerly anticipating the confirmation trip at the end of January. Rabbi Greene and Bobbee Griff will accompany the students on their 4 day trip to Washington DC. The program is designed to expose students to a variety of public policy issues, explore the Jewish values surrounding these issues and teach the skills of being an effective advocate. We look forward to welcoming everyone back healthy, rested and ready to delve into the exciting semester planned for our students. I trust that all of our students, teachers, and parents are well rested and eager to begin the second half of the year.
Hassia
Early Childhood Education Center In December, the ECEC took all of the Tzedakah we had collected since September, as well as some other generous contributions and became a family sponsor for North Fulton Community Charity’s Holiday Program. In total, we had over $400 to spend on our assigned family. We were able to purchase all of the items on their wish list and more. Thank you to all families and teachers for your generosity and kindness in making a family’s holiday a happy one! Wishing you all a happy, healthy 2014!
Jenifer Friedman,
Early Childhood Director
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B’nai Mitzvah Elliana Rae Loventhal will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on February 1, 2014. Ellie is the daughter of Gary and Michal Loventhal and most devoted big sister to Talia, age 10, and Mayah, age 6. Her Grandma and Grandpa, Richard and Naomi Binenfeld reside in Atlanta, as do her Mimi and Pop, Bill and Rita Loventhal. Her Saba and Savta reside in Karmiel, Israel. Ellie attends Hightower Trail Middle School, where she is an Honor student and plays the clarinet. Dance has been an important part of Ellie’s life since the age of 2, and she currently loves dancing in a company at Rhythm Dance Center. She also loves art and reading. Ellie has chosen to give of herself in many ways this year. She was lucky enough to be able to volunteer at Camp Jenny in the art room. Camp Jenny gives inner city children from Atlanta the opportunity to go to Camp Coleman. She also has been working on making pillow case dresses for girls in Africa, who need the dresses in order to be allowed to go to school. Ellie will dedicate her Bat Mitzvah to her great, great Aunt Marta Kern, who was sent to Auschwitz at the age of 13 and never lived to celebrate becoming a Bat Mitzvah. Sophia Noelle Goldstein will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on February 8, 2014. She is the daughter of Jennifer and Neil Goldstein and sister to Olivia and the granddaughter of Joan Pisano, Carol Goldstein and the late David Goldstein. Sophia is a 7th grader at Hightower Trail Middle School where she is an Honor Roll student. Sophia dances competitively at Rhythm Dance Center and also enjoys playing tennis in her free time.
Exciting News!! TBT Early Childhood Education Center is now an approved recipient for the ALEF Fund. The 2014 State of Georgia Credit Allocation will run out quickly. Click here for more info.
Youth Group HOTTY (9-12th Grade)
JYG (6-8th Grade)
WHAT DID WE DO THIS PAST MONTH?
WHAT DID WE DO THIS PAST MONTH?
Chanukah may have been over, but that didn’t stop us. We had so much fun at our annual Broomball Latke-In! This event was open to all Atlanta NFTY members and we had over 40 teens at the event. We did mixers, ate pizza, and then headed to the Marietta Ice Center for a lively game of broomball. Then, back to the temple for games, movies, and the lock-in. If you missed it, no worries – you can come next year!
SkyZone Fun!
Join the JYG Facebook Page (https:// www.facebook.com/groups/TBT.JYG/) to stay up-to-date on what's happening and to RSVP and help arrange carpools for events!
UP NEXT:
TBT has a youth lounge???? Well, not quite yet. But, on Saturday, January 11th, we’ll be transforming the upstairs room into a youth group lounge! Come help us paint, redecorate, move furniture around, and make this a fun space for the youth to hang out in! We’ll be there from 4-9pm. Later in the month we’re headed to Temple Kol Emeth for NFTY-SAR’s UP NEXT: Winter Regional and Elections! January 12th JYG is headed to Young Chef’s Academy for a fun afternoon cooking up Join the HOTTY Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/TBT.HO homemade pasta and sauce (and, of course, TTY/) to stay up-to-date on what's happening dessert)! Watch your email and our Facebook page for this fun event which will start right and to RSVP for HOTTY events! after Sunday school. See you there!
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
And, save-the-date…Feb. 21-23 is NFTYSAR’s Hatikvah Kallah for 7th & 8th Graders (at The Temple in Midtown)!! A Kallah is a convention, a gathering of youth from around our region for a weekend of teen-created educational, spiritual, and of course social activities. At a Kallah teens worship together, learn from interesting and exciting programs, participate in a social action project, and of course have tons of fun.
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Want more info about HOTTY or JYG? Contact Adam or Bobbee at: youth@bethtikvah.com or 404) 228–2494.
SAVE-THE-DATE: HOTTY Jan. 11 – Youth Lounge Decorating Night January 17-10 – NFTY-SAR Winter Regional & Election February 1 – Camp Jenny Talent Show Fundraiser JYG Jan. 12 – Young Chef’s Academy Feb. 21-23 – NFTY-SAR Hatikvah Kallah
Great news! The TBT Board of Trustees and Social Action Committee have approved the creation of a Tikkun Olam Fund. The purpose is to provide financial resources intended to support TBT’s social action programs and local social justice initiatives and groups. The theme of Tikkun Olam, repair of our broken world, shall serve as the guiding light for these initiatives. The new Fund was created due to a generous donation from a congregant, and will accept donations in any amount. The Tikkun Olam Fund will be used to assist with local and TBT social action activities and groups. Examples include local agencies like North Fulton Community Charities, Homestretch, MAZON, and Drake House as well as TBT social justice activities and events. Funds can also be used for TBT programs such as Family Promise, Habitat for Humanity and Ruach Relay for Life. Darrin S. Cohen, CFP® The TBT Gift Shop announces the arrival of
ELITE TALLITS Designed and made by Meg Fisher of Marietta We are so proud to now represent Meg’s custom Tallits. Please come by your TBT gift shop and view these gorgeous (and reasonably priced) Tallits. Thanks so much for supporting your gift shop!
A new day and time!
Yoga with a Jewish Twist Sunday, January 26th
10 am - 11:15 am This free co-ed class is for anyone who would like to strengthen their body, calm their mind, dissolve anxiety, and engage their spiritual side. We will unite yoga poses with the theme of the weekly parsha. Our guide will be The Kosher Sutras – The Jewish Way in Yoga and Meditation Co-ed class will meet once a month in the Oneg room and is sponsored by Sisterhood.
Save the Date - February 23rd Bring a yoga mat and wear loose clothes; this is a gentle classJ Space is limited so please rsvp! RSVP to Pam Chanin chaninp@bellsouth.net or 404-219-1453
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
January 2014 TBT Happenings Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
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New Year’s Day
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No Religious School
12pm Senior Luncheon
9:35am 4th & 5th Grade Family Ed Day
6:45pm Kesher / Confirmation / Kivunim
12:30pm JYG— Cooking Class @ Young Chef’s Academy
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9:30am Tai Chi 5pm Religious School
Family Promise Begins
No Religious School
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9:30am Tai Chi
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Confirmation Trip
9:30am Tai Chi
10am Rabbi Greene’s Adult Ed Class: Living Ethics
9am Bagels, Learning & Torah
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9:45am ECEC Family Shabbat 6:30pm Shabbat Service w/ Shabbat Experience
Family Promise Ends
6:45pm Kesher & Kivunim
5pm Religious School
7pm Families Anonymous
7:30pm Officer’s Meeting
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7:30pm Fundraising Orientation Meeting
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Confirmation Trip 9am Bagels, Learning & Torah 10am Shabbat Service
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10am Rabbi Greene’s Adult Ed Class: Living Ethics 6:30pm Friday’s with Friends
7:15pm Melton Dramas
10am Shabbat Service 10am Jewish Meditation Experience
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Confirmation Trip
6pm Oneg
ECEC Madrigot Open House
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7pm Breast Cancer Survivor Group
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Confirmation Trip
10am Rabbi Tam’s Adult Ed Class: The History & Thinking Behind the Major Prayers in the Siddur
5:30pm Congregational Tu B’Shevat Seder NFTY-SAR Winter Regional
7:15pm Melton Dramas
9:30am Religious School
6:30pm Family Shabbat Service hosted by 1st & 2nd Grade NFTY-SAR Winter Regional
7:30pm Board of Trustees Meeting
7pm Families Anonymous
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6pm Oneg
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10am ECEC PreK Open House
5pm Religious School
10am Shabbat Shirah Service 4pm HOTTY Youth Lounge Decorating Night
8pm Martin Luther King Shabbat Service
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MLK Day - TBT Offices Closed
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9am Bagels, Learning & Torah
7pm Women's Study Group
7:15pm Melton Dramas
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10am Rabbi Greene’s Adult Ed Class: Living Ethics
7pm Families Anonymous
NFTY-SAR Winter Regional
No Religious School
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5pm Bonim Dinner & Mitzvah Project
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9:30am Religious School
10:30am Cantor’s Corner
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7:30pm Officers Meeting
7:15pm Melton Dramas
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9am Bagels, Learning & Torah 10am Shabbat Service
7pm HOTTY Board Meeting
5pm Religious School
7pm Families Anonymous
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9:30am Tai Chi
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8:00 pm Shabbat Service
TBT Offices Closed
No Religious School
Sat
8pm Volunteer Recognition & Ruach Shabbat Service
February 1
9am Bagels, Learning & Torah 10am Shabbat Service Bat Mitzvah of Ellie Loventhal 5pm HOTTY Camp Jenny Talent Show
10am Yoga w/ a Jewish Twist 10:30am Cantor’s Corner
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Donations Jasmine Peterson in appreciation of Rabbi Greene Robert Clooney and Nelson Kosak in honor of Jeff Willard and Steve Mahan's wedding Joel and Judy Rosenberg in celebration of the birth of Eva Brooke Mendelson and the 50th anniversary of Joel Rosenberg's Bar Mitzvah Campership/Israel Fund Joe and Barbara Feinberg in honor of Rabbi Greene Larry & Jackie Pepper in memory of Louie Herbin and Irving Pepper Michael Goodman in memory of Corinne Goodman Bernard and Rita Tuvlin in memory of Estelle Tuvlin Cantor Kassel’s Discretionary Fund Elaine Rabb in honor of Rabbi Greene Michael and Wanda Cohen in memory of Irving Cohen Dr. Marc and Deborah Klein in appreciation of Cantor Kassel for Lois Clymin in memory of Beatrice Clymin and Saul Migatz Melvyn and Vivian Lapes in memory of Eleanor and Alexa's Bat Mitzvah Abner Kayser David and Roberta Coad in memory of Dorothy Spielvogel Steven and Sheila Barid in appreciation of Rabbi Greene Judy Levine in memory of Milton Marshall Robert Leventhal in memory of Robert E. Leventhal Jasmine Peterson in appreciation of Cantor Kassel Steven and Wendy Lenhard in appreciation of Cantor Kassel for Steven and Wendy Lenhard in appreciation of Rabbi Greene for Adam's Bar Mitzvah Adam's Bar Mitzvah Cary Goldenthal and Lori Shapiro in memory of Estelle Tuvlin David and Jill Mattos in appreciation of Cantor Kassel for Steven & Janice Liederman in memory of David Liederman Ben's Bar Mitzvah Scott and Marci Weiss in honor and appreciation of Cora and Stu Tuchbord in honor of Jeff Willard and Steve Mahan Cantor Kassel on the occasion of their marriage David and Jill Mattos in appreciation of Rabbi Greene for Caring/Kehillat Chesed Fund Ben's Bar Mitzvah Martin & Fern Soniker in memory of Arthur Keyser Rabbi Tam’s Discretionary Fund Endowment Fund Barry Kaiser in memory of Herbert Merlin Douglas Wexler in memory of P. Richard Wexler Howard & Suzanne Silverman in memory of Bertha Schwartz Irv and Gail Laddin in memory of Shirley Nemerow Wachtel, General Fund Milton Nemerow, Ilene N. Braha, Nat Laddin and Seymour and Renee Davis in memory of Albert Davis Jeanne Lipsitt Seymour and Renee Davis in memory of Lucy Waxman Martin and Charlene Milstein in memory of Jeannette C. Zimmerman Steve and RoseAnn Gerson in memory of Adrian Gerson Martin and Charlene Milstein in memory of Susan Saltzberg Religious School Scholarship Fund David and Robin Bledsoe in memory of Lawrence Reuss Burton and Sara Grossman in memory of Evelyn Grossman Steven & Linda Steinberg in memory of Jay Rosen Shirley Crawford June Wallach in honor of Betty Rickles' special birthday Brad Kaplan in memory of Shirley Kaplan Campaign TBT - EveryONE Matters Irving and Doris Rosing in honor of the recovery of Ellen Mills Sandy and Nancy Simon in memory of Leonard Paul Lawrence and Anne Skal in memory of Frances Cunix
Coming Soon!
Watch your mail for a new
Michael Zalkin Memorial Library Fund Dr. Steven and Helen Kraus in memory of Clifford Oxman
twist on an old idea !!
Prayerbook Fund Clifford and Loretta Weiss in memory of Larry Knowles and Rhonda Knowles Rabbi Greene’s Discretionary Fund Jeffrey Willard and Steve Mahan in memory of Anna Mahan Ed and Cindy Getty in memory of Ella Goldstein Dr. Marc and Deborah Klein in appreciation of Rabbi Greene for Alexa's Bat Mitzvah Joel and Marilyn Morgovsky in honor of the legal marriage of Jeff Willard and Steve Mahan 10
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Adult Ed Join us for the remainder of the Women's Study Classes with Rabbi Pamela Gottfried! The group will meet from 7:00pm 8:30pm in the library on the following dates in 2014: January 16th, February 20th, March 20th, April 17th & May 15th. Please send a check to the office for $36 with Women's study in the memo. No past participation is necessary. Questions: Call Cindy Getty at 513-238-8849 or email at eeg@comcast.net
Rabbi Greene’s Adult Ed Class Living Ethics: An Investigation of Reform Halachah through Case Studies
The Adult Ed committee is looking to add some members. Interested? Contact Cindy Getty at eeg@comcast.net or speak with Rabbi Greene.
Fridays, Jan 10, 17, and 31 10:00 - 11:30 am in the oneg room Lets explore Reform Jewish approaches to contemporary issues. We will review particular cases of responsa – modern questions to and answers from the CCAR Responsa Committee. (The CCAR is the Central Conference of American Rabbis, the Reform Movement’s rabbinical organization.)
Purim Carnival 2014 Help Wanted!
Please RSVP to rsvp@bethtikvah.com Rabbi Tam’s Adult Ed Class
Plans for the Purim Carnival are underway and as they say, “Many hands make light work”! If you would like to be a part of making this the best year yet for our children (of all ages!) please email Marsha Mathis at marmat0915@yahoo.com
The History and Thinking Behind the Major Prayers in the Siddur (the Jewish Prayer Book) Sundays, Jan 26; Feb 2, 9, 23; Mar 2 and 9 10:00 - 11:30 am in the library We often don't understand the origins of the formal prayers, nor what questions they are trying to answer as they express the Jewish world view. Formal prayer by and large is not commanded in the Torah. How then did we end up with such a formal tradition of Jewish prayer? Can these prayers still resonate for us in a modern world, different in so many ways from the world that gave birth to them? We will read the major prayers line by line as the occur in our Reform Siddur, interpreting their meaning and discussing possible problems they might present to us, after giving an overview of the origins and development of the prayer book.
TBT Seniors Luncheon Monday, January 13 at 12 PM Dr. Richard Winer, Submissions for the February Kol Tikvah are due by January 6. Please email to koltikvah@bethtikvah.com
Psychiatrist and TBT member will speak RSVP to Natine at rosen4348@aol.com
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
JF&CS - It’s Your Career The fact is that you- not your boss nor your company- are in charge of your career. Many people wait to think of a job or career change when they are forced into it. Here are some warning signs that will help guide you into being proactive about your career versus reactive. 1.
Your company continues to show a decline in revenue and/or profit. 2. Downsizing occurs frequently. 3. Your company merges with another firm. 4. A company acquires your organization. 5. Your solid performance is not recognized by way of promotion, appreciation or income. 6. The company is losing market share and becoming less relevant. 7. The culture and environment in which you work has become uncomfortable. 8. Your work life balance has become impossible to achieve. 9. You are simply not having fun. 10. Your performance has declined.
Breast Cancer Survivor Group for the Jewish Community The Breast Cancer Support Group meetings will continue for the new year! The monthly support group meetings are for all interested people who have had cancer, who are going through treatment or surgeries, and /or who have been recently diagnosed, as well as for those who might have questions pertinent to breast cancer. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, January 16, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting is reflecting upon personal experiences, meeting others and gathering information regarding diagnoses, treatments and surgeries. This survivor support group is being sponsored by The Kehillat Chesed/Caring Committee of Temple Beth Tikvah, 9955 Coleman Rd, Roswell, 30075, who is also the host synagogue.
If any of these warning signs apply to you, Career Services - Tools for Employment can help you prepare to find a job and will teach you the necessary skills to be a competitive candidate. Tools for Employment offers career counseling to help clients focus and prepare a plan for their job search, resume and interview skills workshops, and job search skills. Additionally, career specialists are available to help match your skills and experience to what employers are currently seeking. For more information about how Tools for Employment can help you and your career, contact 770.677.9358. Or, if you are an employer who is looking to fill a position with a qualified candidate, please call 770.677.9340.
The Role of Women In Judaism, Christianity and Islam Roswell Community Masjid 345 Market Place, Roswell, 30075 Sunday January 12 from 3:00-5:30 pm
This event is sponsored by the
Women’s Interfaith Community
Looking forward to February, Adele Wang, Energy Healer and Life Coach, will present on February 13 at 7:00 pm.
We will also be collecting hats, gloves and scarves A-G Family Names: please bring hats H-O Family Names: please bring gloves P-Z Family Names: please bring scarves
For further information or questions, please contact Valerie Rapowitz at vrapowitzslp@yahoo.com or call 678-643-9672.
Please RSVP to Terry at terryshealthyliving@gmail.com only if you are planning to attend
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
In Memorium
SHMOOZE NEWS / KUDOS CORNER
Temple Beth Tikvah acknowledges with sorrow the passing of:
Thank You to our Amazing Office Volunteers!
Norine Alltmont Grandmother of Ellen Rickles and Nan Janis
Ruben Braiter Mia Braiter Ava Braiter June Wallach Roberta Goldman Richard Staviss Kathy Reiter Leslie Swichkow Marsha Mathis Denise Straus Ellen Frank Natine Rosenzweig
Barbara Rubin Mother of Paul Rubin Karen White Mother of Mark Tuttle
May God console you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
“It is hard to sing of oneness when our world is not complete, when those who once brought wholeness to our life have gone and naught but memory can fill the emptiness their passing leaves behind�. A Memorial Plaque has been placed onto our Memorial Board this past month: Ran Shohat Brother of Esti Blue
HELP US HELP YOU Your synagogue community wants to be a Caring Community/Kehillat Chesed. If you have recently experienced a loss or are facing a crisis, or are celebrating a simcha, please let our office know as soon as possible. Our clergy and friends strive to be a source of support as best as they can. If you know of one of our fellow congregants that has experienced a loss or can use a hand, please contact the office at 770.642.0434.
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.
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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
Get Involved! TBT Committees and Chairpersons Adult Education Cindy Getty eeg@comcast.net Budget & Finance Harlan Graiser harlanng@yahoo.com Campership Marcia Haber marciahaber@yahoo.com Chavurot Dalia Faupel d2faupel@comcast.net College Outreach Lynda Bennett lrbennett08@comcast.net Ginger Glazer ggchoc@bellsouth.net Communications Tom and Marsha McMurrain bethtikvahcommunications@gmail.com Family Promise Andy Fried andyf17@gmail.com Jeff Schultz asburypark@comcast.net Fundraising Ruben Braiter rbraiter@manh.com Gift Shop Pam Alterman pmalterman@gmail.com Carrie Bickwit carriebickwit@yahoo.com
Rhonda Schweber rschweber@comcast.net House Ted Nathan tnathan@baldwinscheduling.com Human Resources Seth Zimmer sz4941@att.com Interior Standards & Marketing Susan Estroff sestroff@earthlink.net Israel Gene Carasick gcarasick@gmail.com Kehillat Chesed (Caring) Leslie Swichkow lswichkow@comcast.net Library Ilana Zalkin ilanaz@earthlink.net Membership Recruitment & Retention Mark Rudel mrudel@ups.com Lindsay Levin linsday@splicerealty.com Katie Jaffe katiegjaffe@gmail.com Men’s Club Peter Hartog althazyr@bellsouth.net Mark Greenspan greenspanfamily@bellsouth.net
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Nominating Committee Vicki Steine vicsteine@comcast.net Ritual Esther Shultz savtaesther5@gmail.com Rosh Chodesh Women’s Group Pam Chanin chaninp@bellsouth.net Security Jay Sausmer jsausmer@gmail.com Seniors Natine Rosenzweig rosen4348@aol.com Sisterhood Traci Hartog tracigator@bellsouth.net Danielle Rubenstein bdruben@bellsouth.net Social Action Rodney Eberhardt reberhardt@amerisourcebergen.com Darin Cohen dcohen@wealthofga.com Website Development Scott Povlot spovlot@yahoo.com Youth Group Debra Schwartz dls63@bellsouth.net Michal Loventhal loventhalmichal@gmail.com
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Lindsay Levin, J.D. MBA, Realtor ÂŽ 404.667.3232 (cell) 770.407.8522 (fax) Lindsay@ATLREInsider.com www.AtlantaRealEstateInsider.com
Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta is proud to be one of the founding partners and leading fundraisers of the Atlanta Community Food Bank’s Hunger Walk. Check out this video to see what it is all about! Hunger Walk 2014 is on Sunday, March 9 at Turner Field. The park opens at noon and the walk begins at 2 p.m. How can you help? Join a team, make a donation and spread the word! To make donations and form teams, contact Marni Bronstein. Stay tuned! Registration opens early December. 15
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Fred Greene Rabbi Donald A. Tam Rabbi Emeritus Nancy Kassel Cantor Hassia Levin Education Director Jenifer Friedman ECEC Director Ron Swichkow President Todd Boehm Vice President Marsha Mathis Vice President Denise Straus Vice President Andy Gutman Treasurer Michael Braun Secretary Jill Mattos Chairperson, Board of Education
your Brought to you by
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mittee Membership Com