Jan 2015 Kol Tikvah

January 2015 • Volume 29 • Issue 1

A Reform Congregation Embracing Our Jewish Tradition

Sounds of Shabbat Celebrate the Life & Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. with a special Musical Shabbat January 16th at 8:00 PM

on

Shabbat Shirah Jan. 30th 7:30 PM Add your voice to those of our choirs, instrumentalists and students!

“Happy Purim” was so successful we are doing it again!

Watch for more information coming soon!

News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

See page 11 for more info

THE RITUAL OF VOLUNTEERING Friends, there is a lot going on in our community. For some, there are mixed feelings about the changes that are about to take place. I would like to encourage you to jump! Take a leap of faith. Help this sacred community come together and build its future with a wonderful, strong foundation of prayer, learning, community and healing.

I would like to share a teaching with you that I learned from Dr. Vanessa Ochs years ago:

At the Red Sea, the children of Israel stood paralyzed, a great sea before them and the mighty Egyptian army at their backs. It took a brave volunteer, Nachshon the chief of the tribe of Judah, to wade into the water and show them that the sea would split, just as God and Moses promised. “For that reason Judah was worthy to be made the ruling power in Israel.”

(Babylonian Talmud, Sotah 37a) Indeed, we are descendants from that tribe of Judah; in Hebrew, that is Yehudah. Jews are Yehudim!

Volunteering often feels like that: caught between family and work responsibilities on the one side, and the seemingly endless needs of the synagogue, agency, or the less fortunate on the other side. It isn’t easy to take the plunge.

Temple Beth Tikvah needs you now more than ever… to share your gifts so that this community continues to thrive. My teacher taught that “volunteering is its own ritual…every volunteer act announces to friends, family, and colleagues that you are committed to a better world, as daunting a proposition as that may be.

Be a Nachshon – a role model – for others standing on the seashore who, with the slightest nudge, might join you.”

As the secular year moves into 2015, I hope it is a year of renewal, hope, strength and good health for you, those you love and for this sacred community.

If we do jump into the sea – sometimes uncertain of what lies before us – then we join a long line of Jewish leaders who are willing to be generous with their time, energy and yes, financial resources so that they can make a difference in our community and in our world.

Rabbi Fred Greene

Thank You!

One of my favorite readings is the following: A woman walked along a beach filled with starfish, stranded by the low tide. As she walked, she would stoop down, pick up one at random, and throw it back into the ocean. A man came upon her and asked, “Why do you bother to throw some back when there were so many more? What difference does it make?” She picked up another starfish, threw it back into the ocean, and said, “It makes a difference to that one.”

Thank you to all of you who chose to make difference in someone’s life by donating to the Annual Turkey Drive. It may be $10 to you but it means being able to put food on the table to the people you helped through your generosity!

Approximately 25% of the congregation made it possible to donate more than $2,300 to those in need this holiday season.

The Introduction to the Talmud that You’ve Been Waiting For! Bring a dairy lunch and join Rabbi Greene for a lively monthly class and discussion which will consist of an introduction to the Talmud - its stories, its themes, the sages, and see how its teachings build upon the foundation of the Torah.

The class will meet from 11:45 am to 1 pm on Fridays, January 23, February 20, March 13 and April 17 All are welcome. Dates are subject to change. Please check the TBT calendar to confirm.

RSVPs are appreciated for each session.

RSVP to michelle@bethtikvah.com 2

News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

NOTES FROM CANTOR KASSEL BOOK DISCUSSION – led by Cantor Kassel “Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots .”

Sunday, January 11th, 10:45 – 11:55 AM This book, by Deborah Feldman, was a New York Times Bestseller published in 2012. It is the author’s account of her years as a member of Brooklyn’s insular Satmar Hasidic community and the events that ultimately led to her leaving this life without any regrets.

Deborah Feldman was raised by her grandparents as her mother had abandoned the Satmar community and her father was mentally unstable. She spoke Yiddish in her daily life and was forbidden to read books or seek to obtain knowledge of the outside secular community. She was married off at the age of seventeen to a man she had only met once. She proposes (as have many before her) that that the insularity of the Satmar Hasidic community covers up shameful and unlawful behavior.

While there have been thoughtful critiques of this book, its accounts certainly stir discussion!

“SHABBAT TZEDEK / SABBATH OF JUSTICE” in commemoration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Friday night, January 16th at 8:00 PM 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 attributed to Dr. Martin Luther King as well as Jewish scholars throughout the years.

I believe that the unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality…. I have the audacity to believe that people can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits. I believe that what self-centered men have torn down, men other-centered can build up…. I still believe that we shall overcome.”

-Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech, December 10, 1964

”SOUNDS OF SHABBAT” in celebration of: “SHABBAT SHIRAH” – SABBATH OF SONG Friday, January 30th at 7:30 PM Let’s nourish our extra Shabbat “soul” and celebrate Jewish Music and its power to elevate our prayer experience. Many members of our congregation, from Adult & Jr. Choirs to members of our Religious School and talented instrumentalists – will lead us in a joyous, uplifting Erev Shabbat service. Shabbat Shirah derives it’s name from our Torah Portion which includes our escape from Egypt, the splitting of the Sea of Reeds - after which our ancestors broke out into song and dance!

B’Shalom,

Cantor Kassel’s Upcoming Adult Learning

Memorial Plaques Memorial plaques are a beautiful way to honor the memory of a loved one. Your loved one’s plaque will be lit up on the anniversary of their passing and at Yizkor services.

The Music and Religion of Leonard Cohen Sunday, Feb. 8 from 10:45-11:55 am

The price of a plaque is $300. If you have any questions or would like to order a plaque, please contact Lisa in the synagogue office at 770-642-0434 or send an email to lisa@bethtikvah.com.

Tips for Leading an Engaging Seder Sunday, Mar. 15 and Sunday, Mar. 22 from 11:00-11:55 am 3

News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Help Us Work WITH You! (For those of you who usually skip my articles) As the President of Temple Beth Tikvah, I field many complaints. Among them, “The doors were locked when I arrived for my meeting.” “I wasn’t thanked for my donation in a timely manner.” “My name was misspelled on a letter.” “I don’t like having to arrive an hour early in order to sit in a pew for the High Holy Days.” “I was in the hospital and no one called or came to visit.”

The Board of Trustees and I want to increase “Matterness” and we need your help. These are a few initiatives we hope might increase “Matterness” that you might recall. We made personal calls at Rosh Hashanah in an attempt to connect with each congregant. We had Focus Groups to discuss what you wanted in your next Senior Rabbi and last month, offered multiple opportunities to meet Rabbi Shuval-Weiner.

It was the last comment that bothered me the most – how could Last year, we had an amazing Purim carnival, at a nominal cost, this be? It happened because no one was aware that the subsidized by Men’s Club, Sisterhood and TBT to offer a chance congregant was hospitalized – no one communicated it to our office. There are a number of complaints, many relatively minor, for families to celebrate Purim together. This year, we will have a congregational second night Passover Seder. But, still I know that are sent my way but they are all fundamentally the same, “I that many of you feel we need to do more. Will you share with want to believe that you care about me, but some of the things me what we can do to make you feel that you matter and are a you are doing make me feel like I don’t matter. part of our community? I truly want to hear from you.

“Matterness” is what we’ll call the intersection of people and our Maya Angelou wrote, “I’ve learned that people will forget what synagogue when they come together in a positive and mutually you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never beneficial way. “Matterness” is: forget the way you made them feel.” We want to better 1. The willingness and ability of individuals to speak and be incorporate “Matterness” into our synagogue life to ensure that heard. our congregants and our congregation may bring out the best in 2. The willingness of our lay leadership to listen and work each other.

WITH our congregants, and to engage people on the inside and outside as creative problem solvers and ambassadors.

L’Shalom 3. The smart use of social media to connect people online and in Ron Swichkow person to support our community and infuse it with their gifts of the hand and gifts of the heart.

Happy January to you!

Also, our next Sisterhood Board Meeting is set for Wednesday, 1/21/15, 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at Starbucks, Roswell Marketplace, 10800 Alpharetta Hwy. Please come and share your ideas and creativity!

Sisterhood certainly has been busy with a variety of events to broaden our horizons this year. Firstly, a big THANK YOU to our Temple friends at Brilliant Atlanta, for a super set of jewelry making nights in December and to our Sisterhood members, Jenni Trebon, Danielle Rubenstein, and Katie Jaffe for being such great planners! Also, a big THANK YOU to our new Women’s Outreach Committee chair, Terry Carasick, for planning a very informative and preventive health seminar in December on cold and flu prevention, a timely topic this winter.

Furthermore, our winter cold weather “gear” drive for homeless women at area shelters has proven to be a much needed donation… THANK YOU Terry!

In addition, our next Mah Jong Happening is Sunday, 1/25/15, 9:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. in the Social Hall. Please watch for your evite and RSVP to these social events and plan on attending our next board meeting.

Brunch and a tour of the Anne Frank In The World Exhibit is set for Sunday morning, 2/22/15.

Hamentashen baking for the TBT Purim Carnival is set for Thursday, 2/26/15, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Please watch for evites to both events.

See you soon!

This month, we look forward to seeing you at our Challah Baking/Bake Off/ TBT Kitchen Shower on Tuesday, 1/13/15, 7:30p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at TBT. Hassia Levin will share her challah baking secrets (shhh!), great baked goods will abound, and a kitchen registry full of needed items will be available for your purchase and donation to our TBT kitchen.

Robin Bledsoe and Stacy Chambers Sisterhood Co-Chairs

4

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Early Childhood Education Center

ATTENTION! NOMINATING COMMITTEE SEEKS YOUR INPUT The Nominating Committee for the 2015-2016 slate for the Board of Trustees, Officers and Board of Education has begun their work.

If you have names that you would like to suggest to the committee for consideration, please send them to Todd Boehm at tboehm30@gmail.com

Religious School th

During the 5 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. The pride felt by the parents and teachers was evident by all the smiling faces.

Our Hanukkah assembly was a hit. The 5th grade students were shining stars. They performed two short skits as well as led us in song. The celebration continued in the classrooms with latkes, applesauce, donuts and gelt.

I hope you have a wonderful Hanukkah and a relaxing winter break.

School will resume on Sunday, January 11th.

Hassia Levin

News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

5

Youth Group

HOTTY IDF NIGHT HOTTY (9-12th Grade)

HOTTY was especially excited because for the first time in several years our annual Broomball Latke-In actually fell on Chanukah! What could be a better way to celebrate Chanukah than latkes, broomball, havdallah and a lock-in with all of your favorite friends?

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!

UP NEXT:

January 16-19th is NFTY-SAR’s Winter Regionals & Elections so we are headed to Jacksonville for a fun filled weekend with other teens from around our region. Wish good luck to all of our HOTTYites who are running for a regional board position! Then, on January 31st we have our first Camp Jenny Fundraiser at Top Golf. Want more details? Talk to Allie Goodman, our HOTTY SAVP. Join the HOTTY Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/TBT.HOTTY/) to stay up-to-date on what's happening and to RSVP for HOTTY events!

JYG (7-8th Grade)

JYG’s In Next up for JYG is one of our favorite events – the Chocolate Making Party at Chamberlains Chocolate Factory. Mark your calendars for January 25th so you don’t miss this fun event! More details will be sent via email and on our Facebook page.

And, save-the-date…March 20-22nd is NFTY-SAR’s Hatikvah Kallah for 7th & 8th Graders (at Temple Sinai in Sandy Springs)!! We’ll send out more info about this awesome weekend as the date gets closer.

Join the JYG Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/TBT.JYG/) to stay up-to-date on what's happening with JYG, RSVP and arrange carpools for events!

5th & 6th Grade

December was our 2nd Club 56 youth group event. We had a lot of fun eating pizza, playing laser tag, and arcade games at Stars & Strikes. We’re so excited to be building up this awesome new youth group. If you missed the event, no worries, mark your calendars to join us on February 8th for our Mad Scientist event at TBT! Join the 5th & 6th Grade Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/TBT.56/) to stay up-to-date on what's happening, RSVP and arrange carpools for events!

Want more info about the youth groups at TBT? Contact us at: youth@bethtikvah.com or call us: Bobbee (303) 981-2356 & Adam (404) 971-4687 Upcoming Events: January 16-19th – NFTY-SAR Winter Regional & Elections (Jacksonville, FL) January 25th – JYG Chocolate Factory January 31st – HOTTY Camp Jenny Fundraiser February 6th - HOTTY Congregational Services February 8th - Club 56 Mad Scientist

We are SO excited to finally have our very own youth lounge at TBT (classroom 21)! We are looking for some items to help furnish it. Here is our wish list. If you have any of these items that you would be willing to donate to us, please email us at: youth@bethtikvah.com (they don't have to be brand new, but in reasonably good condition). Thank you!!

6

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

tables

B’nai Mitzvah Daniel (Danny) Aranson will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on January 10, 2015.

He is the son of Rick and Nancy Aranson, and younger brother of Lindsey. Danny is the grandson of Richard and Barbara Barnett of Jasper, Georgia, Patti Greenberger Shensa of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and the late Michael Aranson of Boca Raton, Florida. Danny is a 7th grader at Taylor Road Middle School in Alpharetta. Danny loves soccer and has played with Alpharetta Ambush for several years. Danny also enjoys playing guitar and video games.

Elizabeth"Libby" Povlot will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on January 24, 2015.

Libby is the daughter of Rhonda and Scott Povlot and the sister of Zachary Povlot. She is the grand-daughter of Harris Povlot of Albany GA. She is a seventh grade Honor Roll student at Hopewell Middle School where she is a member of the chorus and French club. Libby's hobbies include art, singing and baking. Libby is looking forward to sharing this special day with her family and friends.

NFTY FALL KALLAH - THEN & NOW AMAZING WHAT 2 YEARS CAN DO !!

Thank You Many thanks to all of you who baked for the Immersion Weekend and to those of you who helped set up the oneg and stayed to help clean up afterward.

Purim Carnival 2015 Help Wanted!

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

If you would like to be a part of making this the best year yet for our children (of all ages!) please email Beth Janes at bethjanes@comcast.net

It was a beautiful oneg made warm and welcoming because of the delicacies you provided and the time and care that went into it.

It was appreciated by all who attended.

7

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

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

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

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

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

Mitchell and Julie Hilsen Jamie and Katie Jaffe Peter and Sharon Jedel Morris and Anna Kagan Cantor Nancy Kassel Jerry and Marcy Kaufman Jeff and Cindy Klein Marc and Deborah Klein Stanley and Bobbie Kopkin Ned and Lisa Kreiss Robert and Karen Kremer

Martin and Charlene Milstein Ilene Monat Robert Moss Bernie and Gail Natter Ryan and Rachel Palazzo Jason and Melanie Pickett Shirley Plotkin Scott and Rhonda Povlot Marla Ramaglia Betty Rickles Robert and Ellen Rickles Barry & Robin Riegelhaupt Howard & Barbara Rosenberg Joel and Judy Rosenberg Harvey and Natine Rosenzweig Andrew and Barbara Sacks Robert and Donna Schacher Joel and Kathleen Schoenblum Gary and Debra Schwartz Rhonda Schweber Sanford and Gail Seidman Ira and Brenda Share Stacy and Alicia Sher Walter and Esther Shultz Carol Shutzberg David and Elisa Siegel

Kenneth Lawler Jr and Ginger Glazer

Hal and Jill Leitman Ron and Lindsay Levin Ronald and Jennifer Levine Gary and Michal Loventhal William and Rita Loventhal Hadley and Lisa Lowy Gilbert and Ellen Ludwig Murray and Sonia Lynn Joel and Aviva Margolies Jason and Maggie McAuliffe Thomas and Marsha McMurrain Howard and Helaine Medoff Gary and Peggy Mendelson Ric and Barrie Mershon

Sandy and Nancy Simon Lawrence and Anne Skal Kenneth and Helene Skolky Stuart and Frances Solomon Howard and Cynthia Steinberg Mathew and Dani Stordy Barry & Denise Straus Ronald and Leslie Swichkow Donald and Marilyn Tam Rosalind Taranto Lloyd and Gail Tate Steven and Abbe Tobin David & Christine Toltzis Bruce and Mariann Mamberg Turiansky

Mark and Sally Vosk Bruce and Carol Waldman Russell and Cyndi Waldman Mark and Debbie Weiss Douglas Wexler and Jane Greenberger

Bram and Dana Wieskopf Mark Williams and Michelle Easton

Todd and Rachel Wilson Andrew and Ilana Zalkin Seth and Ellen Zimmer (donations received through November)

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

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

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

Sound interesting? Start the new year with a focus on community and join a Chavurah. New groups are forming now!

What's a Chavurah?

It's a group of people who share common interests and meet regularly to celebrate Jewish holidays, share simchas, attend TBT events, and participate in any activities that interest them. Being part of a Chavurah can enhance your experience at TBT by helping you develop a strong sense of community and deeper connections within the congregation.

How do I join a Chavurah? Just fill out the application and we'll help you find like-minded families or individuals to form a group. Drop by the TBT office to pick one up, or visit http://www.bethtikvah.com/community/chavurot to download.

What does a Chavurah do?

You choose the activities you'll participate in and how often and where you meet. We can help you design a calendar of programs based on your group's interests.

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

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

January 2014 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday 1 New Year's Day

Friday 2

Saturday 3

Cobb & Fulton Winter Break

Cobb & Fulton Winter Break

No ECEC

No ECEC

TBT Offices Closed

8:00 pm - 9:00 pm Shabbat Service

Cobb & Fulton Winter Break 9:00 am - 10:00 Bagels, Learning & Torah

10:00 am Shabbat Service 4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Cobb & Fulton Winter Break

Cobb & Fulton Winter Break

No Religious School

Confirmation Trip

9:30 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Board of Ed Meeting

8:00 pm - 9:00 pm Shabbat Service

No Religious School

ECEC Teacher Work Day No Religious School 7:00 pm Families Anonymous

11 9:30 am ATID 9:30 am - 12:00 pm Religious School

12

13 9:30 am Tai Chi

No Religious School

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Sisterhood Challah Baking Class / Kitchen Shower / Bake-Off

7:00 pm Families Anonymous

18 NFTY Winter Regional Elections No Religious School

19

Martin Luther King Day

NFTY Winter Regional Elections No Religious School

TBT Offices Closed

5:00 pm Religious School

20 9:30 am Tai Chi 5:00 pm Religious School 7:30 pm Board of Trustees Meeting

9:00 am - 10:00 Bagels, Learning & Torah

10:00 am Shabbat Service Daniel Aranson Bar Mitzvah

7:30 pm Officers Meeting

12:00 pm Senior Luncheon

Confirmation Trip

14

15

6:30 pm HOTTY Board Meeting

7:00 pm Women's Study

16 NFTY Winter Regional Elections 9:45 am ECEC Family Shabbat

8:00 pm - 9:00 pm Shabbat Tzedek Service - Shabbat of Justice

21

22

10:00 am - 10:30 am ECEC Pre-K Open House

7:00 pm Breast Cancer Support Group

7:30 pm - 8:30 pm Sisterhood Board Meeting

23 11:45 am The Introduction to the Talmud that You've Been Waiting For! 5:30 pm Bonim K, 1st & 2nd Grade Dinner

7:00 pm Families Anonymous

17 NFTY Winter Regional Elections 9:00 am - 10:00 Bagels, Learning & Torah

10:00 am Shabbat Service

24 9:00 am - 10:00 Bagels, Learning & Torah

10:00 am Shabbat Service Elizabeth Povlot Bat Mitzvah

6:00 pm - 6:30 pm Oneg

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Family Shabbat Service - 1st & 2nd Grade 25 Family Promise 9:30 am ATID 9:30 am - 12:00 pm Religious School

9:45 am Sisterhood Mah Jongg & Game Morning

26 Family Promise 6:45 pm - 8:30 pm Kesher/Confirmation /Kivunim 7:00 pm Families Anonymous

27

28

29

Family Promise

Family Promise

9:30 am Tai Chi

10:00 am - 10:30 am ECEC Madrigot Open House

5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Religious School 7:30 pm Officers Meeting

Family Promise

30

31

Family Promise

Family Promise

7:30 pm - 8:30 pm 9:00 am - 10:00 Shabbat Service - Bagels, Learning Sounds of Shabbat & Torah 10:00 am Shabbat Service 5:00 pm HOTTY Camp Jenny Fundraiser

12:30 pm JYG Chocolate Factory

9

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

1st Annual Sy Davis Memorial Blood Drive Update On Sunday November 16th we held the 1st Annual Sy Davis Memorial Blood Drive and it was a great success. At the Blood Drive this year, we registered 106 people from our congregation along with others from outside the TBT Family. In doing so we were able to provide LifeSouth Blood Center with over 86 pints of blood. This was one of the largest blood donations we provided LifeSouth in many years and we would like to thank everyone for coming in and supporting this worthy cause. We could not be more thrilled with the response we received by our community. As you know, at this time of year there is an extreme shortage of blood in our Tri-State Area and each pint of blood has the potential of saving up to 3 lives.

Also, we would like to thank the many volunteers and supporters for the success of the blood drive.

We know we could not have been nearly as successful without their assistance and guidance. We would also like give a special thanks to Rabbi Greene, Cantor Kassel, Becky Sullivan, Lisa Singer and the entire office and religious staff for their support as well.

Finally, be sure to circle on your calendars Sunday October 18 th, 2015 for the next Sy Davis Memorial Blood Drive.

Thanks again for Everyone’s Support in making this Blood Drive such a HUGE Success, Renee Davis, John Restler, Bart Schwartz, Gary Schwartz, and Terry Stein

TBT Seniors Luncheon Monday, January 12 at 12 PM

Family Promise Program Continues

Dr. Jed Goldstein

- Save the Date!

will speak about

Our first Family Promise week is approaching quickly! January 25th - February 1st.

Please look for upcoming opportunities to volunteer and help with this heartwarming program! Details to follow…

As we move into the New Year, Andy and Marci Fried, along with Jeff and Jeanne Schultz, who have chaired this wonderful program for the past two years are handing over the baton to the new chairs. They have done a tremendous job facilitating all of the volunteers and coordinating food, shelter and transportation for all of our guests. We would like to give a huge thank you to them for all of the time, effort and heart that has gone into their work!

Please welcome our new chairs: Randy and Amy Siegal, Brian and Jennifer Steinberg and Tony Rosenberg. They will be reaching out to the congregants for volunteers as well as food donations and personal care items as the weeks approach.

Mark your calendars for the 2015 Family Promise Weeks: January 25-February 1, April 19-26, July 26-August 2, and October 18-25.

10

Healthcare in Israel RSVP to Natine at

rosen4348@aol.com FOOD OF THE MONTH The food bins are empty. Please bring hearty soups and peanut butter for North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) and Kosher foods for Jewish Family & Career Services (JF&CS) The need in our area is great.

Together we “can” make a difference!

Dear Valued Community Partner, We cannot thank you enough for your partnership and support! The book festival was a huge success -- much in part to you. Thank you for passing out promotional materials, encouraging your constituents to attend programs, and, of course, for your generosity. We hope to work with you again next year!

Diane Cohen, Ann Rawn, and Sylvia Shlisky 23rd Edition of the Book Festival of the MJCCA, Community Partner Co-Chairs Marcy Bass and Susan Tourial 23rd Edition of the Book Festival of the MJCCA Co-Chairs Pam Morton Lauren Berger Book Festival Director Book Festival Coordinator

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

11

Donations Annual Campaign Edward and Gail Green in memory of Ira Madans Renee Davis in appreciation of all the blood donors and volunteers, and Terry Stein for all his time and hard work on the TBT Memorial Blood Drive Lawrence and Anne Skal in memory of Joseph Cunix June Wallach in memory of Howard Wallach and Irving Hertzberg Douglas Wexler and Jane Greenberger in honor of Rabbi Greene Building Fund Dale and Wendy Bearman in memory of Eleanore Bearman, Jules Stein and Jeanne Laibow Campership/Israel Fund Howard and Suzanne Silverman in memory of Nathan Schwartz Larry and Jackie Pepper in memory of Louie Herbin Cantor Kassel’s Discretionary Fund Michael and Wanda Cohen in memory of Irving Cohen Betty Rickles in memory of David Goldsmith and in appreciation of the beautiful High Holy Day music Dan and Laura DeRiemer in memory of Sydney DeRiemer Steven and Janice Liederman in memory of David Liederman Jane Greenberger in memory of Ben Findley Scott and Marci Weiss in honor of Cantor Kassel Caring/Kehillat Chesed Fund Mariann Mamberg in memory of Kashmira Kiesel Jack & Susan Arogeti in memory of Jane and David Levy Aviv Chavurah in honor of a speedy recovery for Esther Shultz Addie Myers wishing continued good health to Esther Shultz General Fund Dan and Laura DeRiemer in honor of all the work that Marsha Mathis does for TBT Shirley Crawford Ed and Cindy Getty in memory of Ella Goldstein Seth and Ellen Zimmer in appreciation of the Rabbinic Search Committee Seth and Ellen Zimmer in appreciation of Sheryl Blechner, Steve Gerson and Ron Swichkow for their ongoing leadership and caring Douglas Wexler in memory of P. Richard Wexler Harlan & Ivie Graiser in honor of Josh Karol's Bar Mitzvah and in memory of Isaac Ackerman and Rose Ackerman

Prayerbook Fund Addie Myers in memory of William L. Myers Rabbi Greene’s Discretionary Fund Mariann Mamberg in memory of Isaac Mamberg David and Robin Bledsoe in memory of Mr. Larry Reuss Arthur and Linda Waters in memory of Robert Waters Addie Myers in honor of a speedy recovery for Gene Carasick Nadine Duhaney in honor of Rabbi Greene Rabbi Tam’s Discretionary Fund Jane Greenberger in memory of Jacob Stern Howard and Suzanne Silverman in honor of Rabbi Tam David and Ellen Herold in honor of Rabbi Tam Andrew and Barbara Sacks in memory of Dorothy Tveit Steven and Sheila Barid in memory of Aleck Andich Steven and Sheila Barid in memory of Mary Barid Barry and Dore Kaiser in memory of Herbert Merlin Religious School Fund Dr. Barry Straus in honor of Hassia Levin for all the work she does for the Religious School Sisterhood Fund Brilliant Atlanta, LLC in appreciation of the wonderful Sisterhood parties Tikkun Olam Fund Jeffrey Willard and Steve Mahan in honor of a speedy recovery for Esther Shultz Steve Mahan in memory of Anna Mahan Torah Fund Sam and Alice Herndon in honor of a speedy recovery for Esther Shultz Youth Group Fund Ronald and Leslie Swichkow in honor of enhancing our youth group participation at the NFTY convention

12

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

SHMOOZE NEWS / KUDOS CORNER

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

Thank You to our Amazing Office Volunteers!

Jack Wilner Father of Debbie Jacobson Donald Singletary Brother of Patty Berger Louise Singletary Mother of Patty Berger

Richard Staviss Marsha McMurrain June Wallach Natine Rosenzweig Marsha Mathis Esther Shultz

Bernie Bickwit Husband of Bernice Bickwit Father of Ellen Herold, Susan Williams and Andy Bickwit Melvin Haber Father of Deborah Schlifka

Erika Stein Dani Stordy Audrey Gordon Gil Ludwig Shari Perkins

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

Honor a person or event

Breast Cancer Survivor Group for the Jewish Community

with a leaf on our tree of life. You can purchase a leaf as an individual or as

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

a group.!

HELP US HELP YOU Your synagogue community wants to be a Caring Community/Kehillat Chesed If you have recently experienced a loss, are facing a crisis or are celebrating a simcha, please let our office know as soon as possible.

Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, January 22 at 7:00 PM

Our clergy and friends strive to be a source of support as best as they can. If you know of one of our fellow congregants who has experienced a loss or can use a hand, please contact the office at 770.642.0434.

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

13

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

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

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

Planning a simcha or group gathering?

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

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

Human Resources Seth Zimmer sz4941@att.com Interior Standards & Marketing Susan Estroff sestroff@earthlink.net Israel Gene Carasick gcarasick@gmail.com Kehillat Chesed (Caring) Leslie Swichkow lswichkow@comcast.net Library Ilana Zalkin ilanaz@att.net Membership Recruitment & Retention Mark Rudel mrudel@ups.com Jill Leitman jaarons2@yahoo.com Marcia Pearl marciapearl@bellsouth.net Men’s Club Mark Greenspan greenspanfamily@bellsouth.net Peter Hartog althazyr@gmail.com

14

Nominating Committee Todd Boehm tboehm30@bellsouth.net Ritual Esther Shultz savtaesther5@gmail.com Security Jay Sausmer jsausmer@gmail.com Seniors Natine Rosenzweig rosen4348@aol.com Sisterhood Stacy Chambers sisterhoodtbt@gmail.com Robin Bledsoe sisterhoodtbt@gmail.com Social Action Darrin Cohen dcohen@wealthofga.com Website Development Scott Povlot spovlot@yahoo.com Youth Group Debra Schwartz dls63@bellsouth.net Michal Loventhal loventhalmichal@gmail.com

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

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 Harlan Graiser Vice President Denise Straus Vice President Andy Gutman Treasurer Michael Braun Secretary Jill Mattos Chairperson, Board of Education

16