January Kol Tikvah

January 2012 • Volume 26 • Issue 1

A Reform Congregation Embracing Our Jewish Tradition

January is Chavurot Month!

Join us on January 6, 2012

A Look Inside Our Gates

6:30 p.m. Shabbat Dinner 8:00 p.m. Shabbat Service It is time for our annual combined chavurot event!

We will be having a Shabbat dinner prior to Friday evening services in the Oneg room.

Please look for additional information from your chavurah liaison. Questions? Please contact Ivie Graiser at 770-641-0144 or by email at iviegraiser@yahoo.com.

Chavurot Shabbat Dinner cover Cabaret

cover & page 3

Ruach Shabbat

cover & page 3

B2B Networking

Page 2

Seniors Luncheon

page 4

Fridays with Friends

page 5

Bonim Mitzvah Night and Shabbat Dinner Page 7 Purim Carnival

Page 7

Recycle with ECEC

Page 7

Rosh Chodesh Women’s Spiritual Group Page 8

Reservations: 770-642-0434

Tickets: $30.00 Sponsorships Available

Men’s Club goes to Gwinnett Gladiators Hockey Page 8 Rabbi Mark Borovitz

Page 9

Gift Shop Volunteers Needed Page 9

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Social Action in Action

Page 9

Israeli Movie Night

Page 9

Food of the Month

Page 11

Let’s Talk About Israel

Page 12

Bucket Campaign

Page 14

Use GoodSearch

Page 17

Labor is a Value – Help our Fellow Congregants Achieve Meaningful Work We don’t consider manual work as a curse, or a bitter necessity, not even as a means of making a living. We consider it as a high human function, as the basis of human life, the most dignified thing in the life of the human being, and which out to be free, creative. Men ought to be proud of it.

David Ben Gurion to the AngloAmerican Committee of Inquiry March 19, 1946

might be true. But you might be able to assist someone else make an important connection to a colleague, and you might find a worthwhile connection, too. You can get more info by joining Temple Beth Tikvah’s “group” on LinkedIn.com or by contacting Wendy at wendy.klein.hr@gmail.com or Bart at bsegal@trimedsolutions.net. All are welcome (and bring plenty of business cards).

2. If you are looking for a new employee for your business or in your company, call our friends at Jewish Family & Career Services. Their Career Services Department has helped countless people in Atlanta’s Jewish community find jobs. Our own Wendy Siegel has recently joined their staff as a Job Developer, finding ways to connect people to meaningful work. JF&CS’ Employer Services prescreens job-ready applicants through experienced placement and career counseling professionals. This department has a large amount of applicants, but they always need potential employers. Helping others in our community find meaningful employment is a true act of chesed – kindness and loyalty. For more information on placement services for prospective employees and employers, go to https://yourtoolsforliving.org/services/careers.

3. As I mentioned, TBT has its own group on www.LinkedIn.com. I have many congregants, as well as others in Atlanta, in my own personal network to help make connections for you. If I can be helpful, do not hesitate to use me for an “introduction” to a potential employer or client. I can’t guarantee it would work, but I welcome the opportunity to help our congregants support themselves and their families.

One of the things that I have found most gratifying as a rabbi is to make Torah work in our every day lives.

Maimonides, one of Jewish history’s greatest scholars and thinkers, developed a Ladder of Tzedakah. The bottom rung of the ladder is described as a situation where tzedakah is given reluctantly. The highest rung is when our actions will help another facing great financial distress secure assistance (even as a loan) to become selfsufficient. It fulfills the commandment from Leviticus: “Strengthen him *the poor person+ so that he does not fall [as distinct from the one who has already become poor] and become dependent on others” (25:35).

Times are still tough out there. That is not new Torah for anyone reading this article. But there is something we can do for others facing hard times in our community. Fulfill the mitzvah of helping to keep a person up, before they fall, through job and business networking.

If we believe in the power of community and the ideal that all of Israel is responsible for one another, then…I beg of you, let us take a little bit of time to help others in our community find a job, secure a better job, or enter into a partnership or collaboration to enrich their business opportunities. Here is what you can do to help fulfill Maimonides’ vision:

I believe an authentic Jewish orientation takes our spiritual energy and translates it into the world in very practical ways. Prayer and faith compel me to act. Join me in making a difference in the lives of our fellow congregants.

1. Come to our own Business to Business Networking Group. It meets on the first Thursday morning of every month (with few exceptions due to holy days).

It is chaired by two amazing people who took on the challenge of bringing people together for mutual benefit over two years ago: Bart Segal and Wendy Klein. It provides a time for some networking and the group participates in a presentation on some aspect of leadership. Many of our very talented congregants have been guest speakers on such topics as marketing, leadership, insurance issues, social media, and much more. Perhaps you feel like you will not benefit from this experience. That

Rabbi Fred Greene

Business 2 Business Networking Meeting Thursday, January 5 at 7:30 a.m.

Join us for our special guest speaker, Guy Tessler, VP of Business & Technology for the American-Israel Chamber of Commerce. All are welcome!

RSVP: Wendy.Klein.hr@gmail.com 2

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Notes from Cantor Kassel Are you “COMING TO THE CABARET”?

What good is sitting along in your home?

Come…hear the music play.

Put down the remote, the computer and phone…

Come to the…High School Reunion CABARET!

to learn years ago but never finished. It is my hope, with each cycle, that in the end, a few of our adult learners will rise to the occasion of becoming “Ben or Bat Torah” – sons/daughters of the Torah. It really isn’t fitting to use the term “Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah” because technically, one becomes a Bar/Bat Mitzvah at the age of thirteen.

RUACH SHABBAT #!: Friday, January 13, 7:00 p.m. (prior to 8:00 p.m. service) Did you know that our tradition teaches us that we receive an extra soul for Shabbat? Well, we invite you to nourish that extra soul – in a very spirited “Ruach Shabbat” filled with music and instrumental accompaniment. Shabbat is known not only as a time of rest, but also as a time of JOY! Now that we have repaired our roof – its time to raise the roof with “ruach”. There will be two more “Ruach Shabbat” services scheduled this year (March 16 and April 27) and we hope, with your presence and participation, to get this alternative service off to a positive start. Please note, however, that there will also be the 8:00 p.m. service held on these same evenings.

On January 14th, three women from our class will lead us in worship, chant from the Torah and Haftarah portions. Each woman has taken a different path to this celebratory moment and I couldn’t be more proud of Charlene Milstein, Helene Skolky and Erika Eberhardt (see Schmooze News—page 16). They have been enthusiastically supported by two other students in the class: Mets Schilstra and Lynne Koppang. No, it’s “not an easy gig” but these women are to be commended for making Judaism more real and more personal with their decision to become “B’not Torah” – daughters of the Torah.

Three Adults become “B’NOT TORAH” on Saturday, January 14 at 10:00 a.m.

To quote Rabbi Greene in his recent address to two young men becoming Bar Mitzvah: “It’s not an easy gig”. It takes a lot of hard work, determination and a bit of chutzpah to lead a Jewish worship service, chant from the Torah and Haftarah and deliver a D’var Torah! Many of you know this from either first-hand experience or from experiencing it on the parental side. But there are many of you who have yet to take on these responsibilities. Every few years I begin again - the cycle of teaching beginning Hebrew on Sunday mornings to adults who are starting from scratch or others who need a refresher of the Hebrew they started

Next Round of Beginning Hebrew starts Sunday, February 5 You don’t need to know “ALEF”! I’ll teach you how to read Hebrew and lead up to learning basic prayers. Class meets on Sundays when we have Religious School from 11:00 – 11:55 a.m. I guarantee to make learning Hebrew fun and accessible. Don’t put it off any longer. Now is the time to learn to read Hebrew. I will provide all materials. Just follow the signs for where the class will meet on February 5th. Feel free to contact me with questions.

Nancy Kassel

A ticket to the “High School Reunion Cabaret”...

A fun way to contribute to TBT's Bucket Projects Campaign Start 2012 off with a bang as Temple Beth Tikvah reigns in the new year with an exciting “High School Reunion Cabaret” on Saturday, January 7th at 8:00 p.m. The Cabaret features accomplished performers and recently reunited Riverwood High School classmates - Courtenay Collins, Laura Patinkin and our very own Cantor Nancy Kassel. They will be accompanied by the talented Judy Cole. The event is sure to be wonderful and, unlike other Broadway-like experiences, by attending the Cabaret you will enjoy an enchanting musical evening, drinks and dessert while also giving back to TBT. Money collected will be donated to TBT's Bucket Projects Campaign and will be used for future musical programming. Tickets are $30 per person and sponsorship opportunities also are available.

RSVP: 770-642-0434 or rsvp@bethtikvah.com Stay tuned for more opportunities to give to the Bucket Campaign – in the meantime, we hope to see you at the Cabaret!!

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Shalom Chaverim - ‫שלום חברים‬ It’s What We Do . . . we light candles together, say Kiddish and ‘Motzi together, share a Shabbat Meal together — Challah and all, “bench”1 a bit together and sing some very familiar songs together!

services! We were there already! We sat around had coffee, talked a bit, and after singing a few songs, made our way into the sanctuary for Shabbat Evening Services. And for those with small children who needed something else in the 8:00 p.m. Time frame...we had babysitting available, free of charge!

So...mark your calendars now...no really...right now, go to the paper calendar you keep, or the calendar on your smartphone or computer, and mark the synagogue’s next “Friday’s with Friends” on Friday, February 3, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. (RSVP your reservation to the synagogue office at the same time!)

And that my friends is Temple Beth Tikvah’s “Friday’s with Friends” . . .our congregation’s Shabbat Dinner together.

It was GREAT — really, really terrific!

80 folks from our synagogue family joined each other on Friday, December 2nd for Temple Beth Tikvah’s first of many to come, “Friday’s with Friends.” And that’s what it truly was. Here we were, 80 congregants, of all age groups, of all different longevity of membership in the synagogue (from founding families to those contemplating joining to those who had recently joined) getting together to have a nice Shabbat Dinner together as friends. For some, friendships were longstanding, while also new friendships were sparked.

Come and . . . light candles together, say Kiddish and ‘Motzi together, share a Shabbat Meal together — Challah and all, “bench”1 a bit together and sing some very familiar songs together!

Stir your Jewish soul!

It’s What We Do...as we build community together.

Each table had candles that those seated lit, and kiddish and Challah followed. Following the meal. Rabbi Greene led us all in “benching1” after which we sang a few songs that brought the sweetness of the moment together with the of sweetness in their familiarity. It stirred the Jewish soul.

Shalom, Steven C. Gerson President 1

“Birkat Hamazon (Hebrew: ‫ ;ברכת המזון‬trans.

Blessing on Nourishment), known in English as the Grace After Meals, (Yiddish: ‫ בענטשן‬translit. Bentshn or "to bless"; Yinglish: Benching), is a set of Hebrew blessings that Jewish Law prescribes following a meal that includes bread . . .” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birkat_Hamazon).

And the best part of all... no cooking and no cleaning — that our phenomenal “Fridays with Friends” committee took care of. Many thanks to Marsha Mathis, Wendy Bearman, Leslie Swichkow, Sheryl Blechner and RoseAnn Gerson for their efforts.

And the second next best part of all... no rush to get to

Seniors Luncheon Sheryl Blechner, our past President of Temple Beth Tikvah will present "Seferad: Then and Now"

Monday, January 9, 2012 11:30 a.m. lunch and program Please join us as Sheryl takes us on an amazing journey of the Jews from Spain, Portugal and Israel.

ALL ARE WELCOME!! Please RSVP to Ruth Zeidman 770-552-1966 4

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Religious School Education Director Unbelievable as it seems, we are already done with the first half of the school year.

During December our children attended the scholastic book fair that was held in the school foyer. Having the book fair in house has allowed the children to see, read and touch the items available for purchase. It was interesting to observe the interaction of the children amongst themselves as well as with the books. Thank you Lisa Cohen and Melanie Nathan for organizing and volunteering for the book fair The fair was a great success. We raised $730.00 for the school as well as earned 125 in scholastic credit.

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 nachas reflected on their faces as we commemorated this event.

On VIP day the Junior Choir performed followed by Sasha Friedman, a storyteller. She entertained the students in Kindergarten through second grade by reading and acting out the story of The Chanukah Guest by Giora Carmi.

Our Chanukah assembly was a hit. The 4th grade students were the stars. They performed several short skits 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 donuts.

As we are beginning the second half of the year, we look forward to welcoming everyone back healthy, rested and ready to delve into the exciting semester planned for our students.

Hassia Levin

Happy, Healthy New Year from The Early Childhood Education Center!

The New Year continues to bring new and exciting things to our school. Just a few weeks ago, under the guidance of ECEC parent and TBT congregant, Rachel Herman, our children planted a new organic garden! The children planted pansies, violas, rosemary and even a blueberry tree. They had so much fun using shovels, rakes and getting dirty! It was truly an experience to watch the wonder in the children’s eyes as they dug a hole, picked a plant, and planted it into the ground.

Come Spring, the children will be planting a vegetable garden which will yield many wonderful vegetables and fruits that we will donate to North Fulton Community Charities. The whole garden experience holds many teaching moments for our children. We are so thankful to Rachel for her time and excited to be a part of this wonderful experience!

I would like to thank the ECEC families for their participation in the 2011 Turkey Drive. The ECEC families were responsible for over 60% of the turkeys donated

by TBT. How fortunate we are to have these families in our school!

The ECEC is doing wonderful things‌ if you or someone else you know is interested in visiting our school please contact me for a tour at preschool@bethtikvah.com.

Jenifer Friedman 6

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Youth News

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

TBT Sisterhood and Men’s Club Happenings Rosh Chodesh Women’s Spiritual Group Spirituality is the nutrient of the neshama (soul).

Celebrate your feminine spirit and its link to the Hebrew calendar.

(TBT Women of all ages and knowledge are welcome.)

Join us on Wednesday, January 11, from 7:00-8:30 p.m., in the Oneg room. *Reserve the date, Wednesday, February 1 for our next gathering!

7:00 - 7:30 p.m. - We will begin with optional gentle yoga/stretch/breathing to unwind and focus on the meaning of the Hebrew month of TEVET. (If you have physical limitations, have no fear. You can participate sitting in a chair.)

If you can't arrive until 7:30 p.m., you can join us then.

7:30 - 8:15 p.m. - We will focus on an activity that enables us to connect to the meaning of TEVET… Another fast???

Remembering our misguided ways of the past year provides the path to self-improvement in the coming year.

8:15 - 8:30 p.m. - Focused meditation and relaxation.

What to bring - A candle in a container and a yoga mat if you have one. Wear comfy clothes.

For more information, contact Pam Chanin at chaninp@bellsouth.net

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Save the Date!

Gift Shop Volunteers Wanted

Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.

The Gift Shop is in need of volunteers during Religious School hours. This is an easy and fun way to give back to TBT. All proceeds from the gift shop will go to the Religious School.

We are honored to present

Rabbi Mark Borovitz

All volunteers get a 10% discount.

COO and Spiritual Leader of Beit T’shuvah in Los Angeles

No prior experience needed. Volunteer yourself or with a friend. You may commit as little as once every other month. We can't give back to the school if we aren't open! Please contact Rhonda.Schweber@hotmail.com

Rabbi Borovitz is the senior Rabbi and spiritual leader of the Beit T'Shuvah recovery program and Congregation Beit T'Shuvah. Rabbi Mark's personal spiritual journey and his Rabbinic education provides a unique and valuable perspective on Jewish culture and learning. His recently published memoir, The Holy Thief, chronicles his journey from con man to Rabbi and community leader. The spiritual journey that led Mark Borovitz to Beit T'Shuvah began many years ago when he was serving as an inmate Rabbi's Clerk at the California State Prison in Chino. Join us for an important discussion on Faith, Addition, and the Jewish Community.

And for those of you that cannot volunteer - COME IN AND SHOP! Please think of us first for all your Judaica needs!!

TBT and the Israel Committee Present…

A Night at the Movies, Featuring

LIVE AND BECOME Winner of Atlanta Jewish Film Festival’s Audience Award

Social Action in Action

Thursday, January 12, 2012 6:30 p.m. in the TBT Social Hall

Judaism is not just a religion of belief; it is a religion of action. That is why Reform Jews call it Social Action. In Reform Judaism what you do is more important than what you believe! Our sages instructed us to partner with God to take action to heal and repair our world.

Micah 6.8 tells us that we are required to do justice and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God. On the High Holidays, we were asked to make vows for the coming year. Our prayers in the Gates of Repentance ask for forgiveness for not taking action to help correct injustices in our world. When we ask for forgiveness it is implied that will change our behavior. The Kol Nidre prayer asks that the vows that we made and did not complete in the last year be nullified. The important line in that prayer is that we be absolved of uncompleted vows only after we have made an honest effort and find ourselves unable to fulfill them. At the start of the secular new year, your Social Action Committee wants to help you make that honest effort in the coming year.

The New York Times says: Fundamental issues of ethnic and religious identity and the agony of exile are the heart of LIVE AND BECOME. A COMPELLING SWATCH OF RECENT Israeli history filtered through the experience of an African Immigrant.

Join us for a light nosh and Previews from the 2012 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival followed by our feature film, LIVE AND BECOME. A short discussion with Rabbi Greene will conclude our program.

There is NO CHARGE for this event, an RSVP is STRONGLY Requested.

Please RSVP to RSVP@bethtikvah.com.

This program is co-sponsored by the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival

Please contact me at pursuejustice@comcast.net or call 770-886-1704 to help you find the appropriate activity.

Jeff Willard Chair, Social Action Committee 9

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

TBT Happenings f Meetings Cabaret - Concert Saturday, January 7 at 8:00 p.m.

High School Reunion Cabaret featuring Cantor Nancy Kassel, Courtenay Collins, and Laura Patinkin with Accompanist, Judy Cole.

Contact the synagogue office for ticket and sponsorship information. General admission is $30.00 per person.

Caring Committee Tuesdays, January 2, 10, 17 and 24 Tai Chi at 9:30 a.m. Join the caring committee as they share in the art of relaxation through Tai Chi. Contact

Chavurot Friday, January 6 at 6:30 p.m.

All Chavurot Shabbat Dinner Celebrate Chavurot Month with all of TBT’s Chavurot for Shabbat dinner.

Look for more information from your Chavurah Liaison. For more Information, contact Ivie Graiser.

Gift Shop Hours The Gift Shop is open during Religious School the following hours: Tuesdays from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The synagogue staff will be happy to help during normal business hours.

Israel Committee Thursday, January 12 at 6:30 p.m.

Israeli Film Night featuring LIVE AND BECOME co-sponsored by the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival Discussion to follow with Rabbi Greene.

This is a free event!

RSVP: rsvp@bethtikvah.com

Tuesday, January 17 at 7:30 p.m.

Board of Trustees Meeting Tuesday, January 24 at 7:30 p.m.

TBT Officers Meeting

Networking Thursday, January 5 at 7:30 a.m.

Business to Business Networking RSVP: Wendy.Klein.hr@gmail.com

Office Hours The synagogue office will be closed: Monday, January 2 in observance of the New Year Monday, January 16 in observance of the MLK holiday.

Seniors Luncheon Monday, January 9 at 11:30 a.m.

Seniors Luncheon Join the Seniors for their monthly pot-luck lunch and special guest, Sheryl Blechner. For more information and to RSVP, contact Ruth Zeidman.

Sisterhood

Shabbat Friday, January 6 Candle Lighting 5:26 p.m.

Chavurot Shabbat Dinner 6:30 p.m.

Shabbat Service w/Choir at 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 7 Parashat Vayechi Shabbat Service at 10:00 a.m.

Friday, January 13 Candle Lighting 5:32 p.m.

Ruach Shabbat 7:00 p.m.

Shabbat Service 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 14 Parashat Shemot Tot Shabbat 9:30 a.m.

Shabbat Service 10:00 a.m.

Ben Bat Torah Service ofErika Eberhardt, Charlene Milstein and Helene Skolky Friday, January 20 Candle Lighting 5:38 p.m.

Shabbat Service 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, January 11 at 7:00p.m.

Rosh Chodesh Women’s Spiritual Group Join your “moon sisters” for the monthly celebration of the new moon.

Saturday, January 21 Parashat Vaera Shabbat Service at 10:00 a.m.

B’nai Mitzvah of Jared Miller and Jacob Shippel

RSVP: chaninp@bellsouth.net

Friday, January 27 Candle Lighting 5:45 p.m.

Oneg Shabbat 6:00 p.m.

Shabbat Service at 6:30 p.m.— Hosted by the 1st and 2nd Grades

Youth Group Friday - Monday, January 13 - 16 Senior Youth Group - NFTY-SAR Winter Regional & Regional Board Elections For more information contact advisor, Rachel Wilson Friday, January 27 at 5:00 p.m.

Bonim Youth Group Mitzvah Project and Shabbat Dinner For more details contact Michal Loventhal.

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Saturday, January 28 Parashat Bo Shabbat Service 10:00 a.m.

B’nai Mitzvah of Madison Siegel and Michael Wynne

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

for January 2012 Early Childhood Ed.

Adult Learning Saturday, January 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

B.L.T. - Bagels, Learning and Torah Join Rabbi Greene every Saturday for an in-depth look into the Torah.

Starting with Genesis, this group goes through the Torah one verse at a time.

Mondays, January 9, 23 and 30 at 7:15 p.m.

Melton I - Purposes of Jewish Living

No ECEC Classes Mondays, January 1 and 16 Tuesday, January 2 Wednesday, January 3 - ECEC Classes Resume Friday, January 13 at 9:45 a.m.

Healing cont.

Sunday, January 29 at 2:00 p.m.

JF&CS and the Atlanta Rabbinical Assn. present...Aging: Facing the Facts, Feelings & Fears This event is open to the community and is free.

RSVP is strongly recommended to outreach@jfcs-atlanta.org or call 770-677-9434.

Religious School Religious School Class Dates: Sundays, January 22 and 29 Tuesdays, January 10, 17, 24 and 31

Sundays, January 22 and 29 CAFÉ tikVAH Kibbitz and schmooze Mondays, January 23 & 30 at 7:15 p.m. while your children are in class!

Melton Alumni - Jews in America: Insiders and Outsiders Sunday, January 22 at 12:45 p.m.

6th & 7th grade students tour North Thursdays, January 12, 19 and 26 Fulton Community Charities Seniors for Enriched Living (SEL) Journey Through Genesis with Rabbi Greene at RUMC. You must register with SEL to attend.

Sunday, January 29 at 9:30 a.m.

6th Grade D’var Torah B’nai Mitzvah Family Meeting

Sunday, January 15 at 9:00 a.m.

Open Doors, Open Minds: An Interfaith Learning and Sharing Experience in Roswell at St. David’s Episcopal Church

Monday Nights - Post B’nai Mitzvah: Kesher - January 23 and 30 Confirmation - January 23 and 30 Kivunim - January 30

Submissions for the February KT are due to the synagogue office on January 2. koltikvah@bethtikvah.com

Thursday, January 19 at 7:15 p.m.

Women’s Study Group -Dreamgirls of Jewish History: Ancient Babes and Middle Age Mammas with Rabbi Judy Beiner as the facilitator.

Sunday, January 22 & 29 at 9:30 a.m.

Shacharit Morning Minyan Join us for morning prayers.

Healing

Mondays, January 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Families Anonymous at 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, January 22 & 29 at 11:00 a.m. Interested in learning more? Contact w/Rabbi Don Tam - Exploring the Jeff at jbf30075@aol.com.

Worldview & Thought of Our Major Prophets, and Their Message for Today One to One Support Looking for support? We can partner Sunday, January 22 & 29 at 11:00 a.m. you with a congregant who has Beginning Hebrew — Level I experienced a similar situations such with Cantor Kassel as illness, divorce, loss of a loved one For a copy of our Adult Learning and other life crises. Contact the brochure, contact the office or go to synagogue office for more details. www.bethtikvah.com/study/adults/ 11

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

January B’nai Mitzvah Jared Miller will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on January 21, 2012. He is the son of Marilyn and Kevin Miller and brother to Drew. Jared is the grandson of Lynda and Harry Rich of Delray Beach, Florida and Sandy and Gerry Schultz of Boynton Beach, Florida. Jared is on the Principal’s Honor Roll and is in 7th grade at Dodgen Middle School. He is a member of the Pope Jr. Basketball Team and plays baseball for 6-4-3 DP Baseball Academy. Jared also enjoys skiing, ping-pong and volunteering for Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless in Atlanta.

Jacob Shippel will be called to Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on January 21, 2012. He is the son of Robyn and David Shippel and brother to Lindsey. He is in the 7th grade at Elkins Pointe Middle School where he participates in orchestra and news team. His hobby is music. He loves playing guitar, writing songs, and performing with his band "The Endless Energy".

Maddie Siegel will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on January 28, 2012. She is the daughter of Bob and Wendy Siegel and sister to older brother Matt. She is the granddaughter of Nancy Wells of Atlanta, Georgia, Mark Zimmerman of Anchorage, Alaska and Renee Siegel of Cleveland, Ohio. She is in the 7th grade at Dodgen Middle School where she participates in the yearly drama productions, Chorus and Beta Club. Maddie is actively involved in food allergy advocacy, awareness and fundraising. She is thrilled to be sharing her special day with her cousin Michael and the entire Wynne family.

Michael Wynne will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on January 28, 2012. He is the son of Susan and Scott Wynne, and brother to Anna. He is the grandson of Flora and Richard Cohen of Dallas, Texas, and Margot and David Wynne of Greenville, South Carolina. He is in the 7th Grade at Dodgen Middle School where he is a Principal’s Honor Roll student, and participates in Junior Beta Club.

Michael plays travel baseball and played on the Pope Jr. 7th grade football team. He enjoys all sports and spending time with friends.

Let’s Talk About Israel!

The Israel Committee has formed a discussion group on Israeli Affairs, both political and cultural. Participants are provided with timely articles from the Israeli and other press on which to base our discussions. The group meets about once a month. All are welcome. If you are interested, please email Gene Carasick at gcarasick@gmail.com.

affairs. If you want to know what your Rabbi is thinking, don’t miss this!

Let’s Have Some Fun!

Share Some Popcorn and View an Israeli Film with Rabbi Greene.

Join ARZA!

Mark your calendars, and join your fellow congregants on Saturday evening, March 10, 2012, for a festive celebration of Israeli culture, featuring authentic Israeli food, music and dance.

ARZA, www.arza.org, is the sole organization within the reform movement exclusively focused on strengthening the connection between American Reform Jews and Israel. If you want to express your commitment to the Jewish people and Israel, support Reform values in Israel, and strengthen your personal connection to Israel, please consider joining ARZA. The dues are only $36/year, with $2.00 retained by TBT to support Israel programming in the synagogue.

Contact the office to join.

Join us on Thursday evening, January 12, 2012, for a screening of Live and Become, an inspiring heartfelt drama based on actual events during Operation Moses, a joint effort between American and Israeli troops aimed at relocating Jewish refugees from Africa to Israel.

Discussion to follow.

Curious About What Rabbi Greene and Other Local Rabbis Think About Current Israel Affairs?

Rabbis Fred Greene, Michael Bernstein, and Adam Starr will convene at TBT on Thursday evening, February 2, to lead a discussion, and offer their views on current Israeli

Gene Carasick Chair 12

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Honor a special person or event with a leaf on our Tree of Life

Temple Beth Tikvah’s Tree of Life was established as a way to honor many different life cycle events. Leaves can be purchased through the synagogue office at a cost of $180. They are a beautiful and permanent way to celebrate and honor a special person or event.

In the Community Aging: Facing the Facts, Feelings & Fears Aging is something each of us will face in more ways than one during our lives. Our parents age, our spouses age, we all age. And with aging comes a variety of health issues – physical as well as mental. Do you know what to expect in your aging parents, your spouse or yourself? And are you prepared for the things that can happen?

“People often don’t begin to investigate the available resources for aging until there’s a crisis, and then they react without information and education,” says Connie White, Director of Aviv Older Adult Services – Tools for Aging.

Now is the time to get a head start and learn some helpful information about aging. On Sunday, January 29, Jewish Family & Career Services (JF&CS) and the Atlanta Rabbinical Association (ARA) are co-sponsoring a workshop that will present an overview of aging services, including information you need to know as well as issues for caregivers. The program, featuring experts from JF&CS’ Tools for Aging Division, will include two breakout sessions: the Practicalities of Aging, which will explore some common questions about what to look for (How do I know when something is wrong?

What are the red flags?), and the Spiritual and Emotional Side of Aging, which will examine more personal questions (How do I deal with my feelings about the changes happening with my parents? How do I change my role from adult child to caregiver?). Rabbi Fred Greene of Temple Beth Tikvah will join the panel on emotional and spiritual questions as well.

“To be armed with some information to have a basic understanding of what’s out there is really valuable, and January is a great time of the year for this discussion,” says Connie. “Over the November/December holidays is when a lot of people go to visit their families, and they start to notice things – their mother’s clothes are always dirty, their father is having trouble remembering things, and so forth. They start to realize something is wrong, and it’s still fresh in their minds.”

Thinking back to Thanksgiving and the winter holidays, did you notice anything different about your aging parents?

Or, are you noticing some changes in yourself or spouse? Age-related changes tend to spike seasonally, when people can have trouble transitioning from one period to another. If you can relate to any of these types of things, this workshop is for you.

Please join us from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El (1580 Spalding Drive, Atlanta). This event is free and open to the community, but RSVPs are requested. To do so or to get more information, please email outreach@jfcs-atlanta.org or call 770-677-9434.

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Thank You to this Past Months Bucket Campaign Contributors We would like to take this opportunity to list the new contributors to our Second Year Bucket Projects Campaign who donated this past month. Thank you for your support as we work together to fulfill our mission and sustain a strong TBT. The February issue will contain all donors for Year II of the campaign. Contributions as of December 16, 2011 Wendy and Dale Bearman Stuart Farber Stacey and Larry Heit Nancy Kassel Lori Shapiro and Cary Goldenthal Debra and Spencer Shilling Debbie and Mark Weiss Bucket Campaign Tributes In memory of: Marion and Rudolf Simon Shirley Bersch ∙ Nancy and Sandy Simon Harris Mitchell Simons ∙ Ruth Zeidman

Sarah Wixman ∙ Bonnie and Bruce Walkes John Constantine ∙ Stephanie and Mark Craig ∙ Allison and Jonathan Agin ∙ Allyson and Brian Kaseff ∙ Robyn and David Shippel ∙ Robin and Jerry Elinger

Beth Tikvah’s Bucket Projects

In honor of: Rebecca and Jonathan Bennett ∙ Sandra and Matthew Bennett

Campaign Year II

TBT's Bucket Projects: Year II Donation Form Working Together to Fulfill Our Mission and Sustain a Strong TBT Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ Telephone ____________________________________________________________________ Donation amount:

______ $5,000

______ $1,800

______ $500

______ $2,500

______ $1,000

______ $100 ______ Other

Please check which bucket(s) you would like your donation to be put in: Interior Repairs Bucket___

Religious School Bucket___

Undesignated Bucket ___

Please make all checks payable to Temple Beth Tikvah (write TBT's Bucket Projects in the memo) and mail to: Temple Beth Tikvah, 9955 Coleman Road, Roswell, GA 30075-4242 Or call TBT's office at 770-642-0434 to make other payment arrangements.

Thank you!

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Contributions Contributions through December 16

Cantor Kassel’s Discretionary Fund

Prayerbook Fund

Rabbi Greene’s Discretionary Fund

In memory of: Jeannette C. Zimmerman ∙ Charlene and Marty Milstein Hal Segal ∙ Leslie and Tod Rubin In honor of: The 60th wedding anniversary of Valerie and Milton Kassel ∙ Estelle and Herbert Karp

In memory of: William L. Myers ∙ Addie Myers Leonard Vosk ∙ Sally and Mark Vosk

In memory of: Hal Segal ∙ Karen and Andrew Gutman David Goldsmith George Goldsmith Harold Goldsmith ∙ Betty Rickles Lillian Feldman ∙ Carol and Bruce Waldman Irving Vosk ∙ Sally and Mark Vosk Edna Licht ∙ Ruth and Neil Hilsen Henry Trucker ∙ Shirley and Saul Plotkin Arthur Farber Esther Farber ∙ Stuart Farber In honor of: The birth of Keera Dylan Harris ∙ Wanda and Michael Cohen In appreciation of: Rabbi Greene ∙ Barbara Giordano ∙ Sharon Gerber ∙ Wayne Gerber ∙ Maureen and Bruce Severn ∙ Pam and Eric Chanin Temple Beth Tikvah’s generosity and hospitality ∙ Families Anonymous Yosi Ben-Dor Anne Davis Amy Krafchick ∙ Maureen and Bruce Severn Rabbi Greene for officiating at Bernice Orenstein’s funeral service ∙ The Friedman and Orenstein families Rabbi Tam’s Discretionary Fund

Building Fund In memory of: Jacob Dutkiewitz ∙ Wendy and Dale Bearman General Fund In memory of: Conrad P. Grossman, MD ∙ Anne Grossman Carl Borer ∙ Dale and Bill Borer Sydney DeRiemer ∙ Laura and Dan DeRiemer Abraham Benjamin Elowitch ∙ Leanne and Michael McGrath In honor of: Our first great-granddaughter, Aubrey Leigh ∙ Renee and Sy Davis Sid Cojac’s special birthday ∙ June Wallach Adam Estroff becoming a bar mitzvah ∙ Leigh and Mathew Nathan and family

Torah Fund In honor of: The speedy recovery of Saul Plotkin ∙ Susan and Morray Scheinfeld Preschool/ECEC Fund In memory of: Bernice Orenstein ∙ Lisa and Hadley Lowy In honor of: The birth of Joseph Chaim Liebschutz ∙ Carol and Fred Warshofsky Zalkin Memorial Library Fund In memory of: John Jacoby ∙ Geoffrey Jacoby

Kehillat Chesed/Caring Fund In memory of: Jacob Stern ∙ Jane Greenberger Judy Friedman ∙ Rebecca and Jonathan Bennett

In memory of: Jacob Mellinger ∙ Barbara and Alan Chaiet Sylvia Kaiser ∙ Barry Kaiser

Please send all of your contributions to: Temple Beth Tikvah 9955 Coleman Road Roswell, Georgia 30075

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Condolences

Get Well Wishes The following congregants have recently been ill. We hope and pray for a complete and speedy recovery of the following members of our Beth Tikvah family:

Temple Beth Tikvah acknowledges with sorrow the passing of: John Constantine Rockas ∙ Father of Anne Bessoff Hal Segal ∙ Brother of Bart Segal Isabel Steinberg Kushner ∙ Aunt of Henry Schwartz David Harris ∙ Uncle of Wendy Winer

Gail Laddin Allie Schiffer Chris Eagen

Schmooze News & Kudos Corner Mazal Tov to…

Renee and Sy Davis on the birth of their first great granddaughter, Aubrey Leigh, born on November 11

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

Rabbi Donald Tam on having an article about his teacher, Dr. Werner Weinberg, published in The Reform Jewish Quarterly, published by the Central Conference of American Rabbi’s – Kol HaKavod!

Ashley Saef and Jonathan Maloy their marriage in November

In Loving Memory

Jeff Willard on his being elected to the Board of Directors of the ACLU of Georgia

“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”. The following Memorial Plaques have been placed onto the Memorial Board this past month:

The Chai Life Chavurah held their annual Chanukah party and was attended by everyone in their empty nesters group. They each brought a child’s gift which was donated to JF&CS for Chanukah presents for those in need.

Rita Lederman Cyril Lederman

Wanda and Michael Cohen on the birth of their twin grandchildren, Melanie and Logan to Preston and Elizabeth Cohen (from left to right), Helene Skolky, Erika Eberhardt and Charlene Milstein, who will become B’not Torah on Saturday, January 14, 2012.

Thank you to…

Larry Boehm for taking the photo of our B’not Torah for the newsletter

Planning a simcha or group gathering?

The Tam-Blank Social Hall is the Place to Be.

If you have some “schmooze news” you would like to share with the congregation, or say “thank you” for a job well done, please email your schmooze news and kudos to koltikvah@bethtikvah.com.

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

Search AND Shop with GoodSearch!

Good news! Temple Beth Tikvah has once again been the recipient of $63.71 from GoodSearch.com and GoodShop.com. What this means is that between October 2010 and September 2011, our congregants used these search engines to shop and look up information online and earned this donation. Every time you use these tools, TBT can receive up to 20% of every purchase and also receives cash incentives to use their search engine.

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

What an easy way to give back to the synagogue without even writing a check to TBT! Over 2,500 retailers, 10,000 restaurants (goodsearch.com/gooddining) and over 100,000 registered charities utilize this site!

-

770-642-0434 770-642-0647 770-642-4168 678-350-0076 Michelle Leder Jenny Korsen Bernice Isaac Becky Sullivan

Use GoodSearch.com today to benefit TBT tomorrow!

Temple Beth Tikvah (Roswell, GA)

Get Involved! TBT Committees and Chairpersons Adult Education To Be Determined Budget & Finance Harlan Graiser harlanng@yahoo.com Chavurot Ivie Graiser iviegraiser@yahoo.com College Outreach Lynda Bennett lrbennett08@comcast.net Ginger Glazer ggchoc@bellsouth.net Communications Dave Faupel davefaupel8@yahoo.com Fundraising Laura DeRiemer lderiemer@mindspring.com Gift Shop Pam Alterman pmalterman@earthlink.net Carrie Bickwit carriebickwit@yahoo.com Rhonda Schweber rschweber@comcast.net House Ted Nathan tnathan@baldwinscheduling.com

Human Resources Karen Moss karenmoss4@msn.com Israel Gene Carasick gcarasick@gmail.com Kehillat Chesed (Caring) Leslie Swichkow lswichkow@comcast.net Membership Recruitment Kim Peters bradkim3@yahoo.com Lori Goldstrom lorigoldst@att.net Membership Transition Scott Block sblock@bellsouth.net Michael Braun mrbraun@earthlink.net Men’s Club Neil Goldstein nsg24@cornell.edu Nominating Committee Bart Schwartz bart_schwartz@coface-usa.com Andy Goldstrom agoldstrom87@hotmail.com Outreach To Be Determined

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Purim Mishloach Manot To Be Determined Ritual Esther Shultz savtaesther@bellsouth.net Rosh Chodesh Women’s Group Pam Chanin chaninp@bellsouth.net Security Michael Gutkin gutkin1@bellsouth.net Seniors Ruth Zeidman zeidmanr@comcast.net Sisterhood Heather Braun hbraun@earthlink.net Sheri Weiner ronsheri@bellsouth.net Social Action Jeff Willard pursuejustice@comcast.net Social Committee To Be Determined Youth Group Julie Perlson jbperlson@hotmail.com

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Joanna Grisham, Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist

Individual Psychotherapy and Marital Therapy • Anxiety • Grief and Loss • Depression • Relationship Issues • Trauma • Assertiveness 1180 Grimes Bridge Rd., Roswell, GA 770-645-5650

For A Special Friend: A courtesy examination & x-ray at no charge when you present this card

LEVINSON CHIROPRACTIC & VAX-D CENTER 5457 Roswell Road, Suite 102 Sandy Springs, Georgia 30342 404-257-0404

www.levinsonchiropractic.com

Publication’s Title and Number: Kol Tikvah • Volume 26 Issue 1 Issue Date: January 2012 Frequency: Monthly Authorized Organization’s Name and Address: Temple Beth Tikvah • 9955 Coleman Road • Roswell, GA 30075 19

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

20 Fred Greene Rabbi Donald A. Tam Rabbi Emeritus Nancy Kassel Cantor Hassia Levin Education Director Jenifer Friedman ECEC Director Steve Gerson President Paul Beckman Vice President Jonathan Bennett Vice President Debra Schwartz Vice President Ron Swichkow Treasurer Rhonda Povlot Secretary Seth Zimmer Chairperson, Board of Education

Attention Postmaster: Time Sensitive Materials ďƒ˜ In home date December 30, 2011 ďƒ—