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June/July 2013 â€˘ Volume 27 â€˘ Issue 6

A Reform Congregation Embracing Our Jewish Tradition

Upcoming Prospective Member Events

URJ Community Shabbat July 26, 2013 @ 8:00 PM Temple Kol Emeth

August 11 - Prospective Member Brunch August 23 - Prospective Member Shabbat Preceded by Wine & Cheese Reception

If you have friends who are looking for a Synagogue home, please let us know so that we can invite them to join us for these events.

1415 Old Canton Rd Marietta, GA 30062

Join the Atlanta Reform Jewish community for a special Shabbat service as we pray together as one unified congregation. Guest speaker will be URJ President Rabbi Rick Jacobs. There will be no services at Temple Beth Tikvah that evening.

Lindsay Levin lindsay@splicerealty.com Katie Jaffe

katiegjaffe@gmail.com

Mark Rudel

mrudel@ups.com

Join Rabbi Greene on the Temple Beth Tikvah Tour to Israel February 16 - 26, 2014 If you have never been to Israel, or the last time you were there was so long ago (and it is time to return) then join us for our next Temple Beth Tikvah Tour to Israel. This will be a wonderful opportunity to journey to Israel with old friends and make new ones from our congregation. Click here for more info. News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Excerpts from Rabbi Greene’s Report at the Annual Meeting This past weekend, in the Torah portion, Naso, we learned about Israel taking a census. But the idiom for counting literally means to “lift up his head.” The clear message in taking a count of the people is to make sure that their heads are lifted up so that they feel that they matter – that they count.

thriving, particularly since our director, Jenifer Friedman, had the good fortune of being selected to be one of sixteen Jewish educators to be accepted into the Jewish Early Childhood Education Leadership Institute.

Hassia Levin, after 25 years, continues to lead our school which has expanded to include a strong high school program. With over 50 kids, In next week's parashah, B’ha’alot’cha, Joshua comes running to Moses we continue to grow and are renewing our efforts to re-launch our upset that two Israelites, Eldad and Medad, were prophesying in the Kivunim program for 11/12 grade students. camp. He said: “My lord Moses, shut them up.” Moses replied: “Are you We are also very proud to be only one of three schools in the area to jealous for my sake? Would that all God’s people were prophets!” We have a special education specialist in our religious school. With learn from this story that Moses was the wisest of prophets. He renewed interest in our larger Atlanta Jewish community, we will be understood that his leadership was not challenged by others who strengthening our own efforts to insure we are inclusive and committed prophesied but just the opposite! When a people are infused with passion to students who learn differently. there is no limit to the greatness they can achieve. In fact, Moses laments Community/Kehillah that more people were not moved to prophesy. We have had an amazing array of activities, from our 25th Anniversary These two sources give us two points of connection: celebration in the fall, to the efforts of bringing together men and First, everyone matters, everyone counts. In order for the community be women of all ages through Men’s Club, Sisterhood, our Seniors Group, strong like an army, we need everyone’s head held up high so that they and more. feel invested in the community. Second, we love to see the passion and Our Youth programs have been thriving due to the commitments of enthusiasm of our congregants for the community so that we can achieve devoted parents and our youth advisors for Middle School and High our mission of having our congregants embrace and engage in Jewish School students, Adam and Bobbee Griff. With their partnerships, we living. have 99 students in Jewish summer camps, Israel programs, and We offer a very wide array of opportunities to connect, but it is time to community service programs. go deeper. To need you to be prophets, to bring others to the community Tikkun/Healing – I don’t necessarily mean by “recruiting” – but to connect to our friends As we embrace Tikkun Olam, the reparation of our broken world, we and family who are already here and open to meaningful experiences. have continued our efforts to support the food pantries at North Fulton Community Charities and JF&CS. Our community has reached out to I highlighted different things within our “Gateways” to show our and volunteer at The Drake House, HomeStretch and Habitat for progress this year. An abridged listing includes: Humanity. Our newest and greatest endeavor is to partner with Family Prayer / Tefila Promise and the Interfaith Hospitality Network where we host up to four We launched our Ruach Shabbat experiences that have brought people homeless families for a week at a time, four times each year. This is an together for prayer using guitars and a mix of contemporary, camp, and amazing gift we can give to the most vulnerable in our community…but other spirited melodies. The two times we have hosted our Ruach we always need able and willing partners. Please help us do our part to Shabbat in our Alterman Chapel, we have had over 250 people attend bring healing to our broken world. each time.

Rabbi Fred Greene

We began to offer Shabbat Experience programming. Our parents with young children have asked that we offer something for our youngest children to do while they attend services. We will be offering numerous Shabbat Experience programs for our kids to have Shabbat activities, developed by Jewish educators, so that they have a meaningful Shabbat experience parallel to their parents in services. Please note, due to some efforts to bring our community closer together, our services will be at different times over the course of the month. Please check the Kol Tikvah and the website for service times. Study/Limmud This has been the most ambitious year so far with adult learning opportunities. There has been something for everyone, from Melton Classes for parents of young children to the more “standard” classes on Monday nights; Rabbi Tam, Cantor Kassel and I have all taught classes; I launched our first online class this year focusing on “Reclaiming Ritual”; our BLT group (Bagels, Learning, & Torah) has been reading the Book of Exodus line-by-line for a year-and-a-half and all are welcome to drop in; and our Women’s Study Group continues on. Next year’s classes and opportunities will seem to be just as ambitious and will have something for everyone. In our schools, the Early Childhood Education Center has been

News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Notes from Cantor Kassel I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the attribute of being compassionate and merciful. In Hebrew we use the terms “rachamim” or “rachmanus” which comes from the word “rechem”, meaning: womb. I have noticed this trait in those I admire most. You can see it in their eyes and you can feel it when in their presence. A compassionate person does not dismiss all of your short-comings or convey that you have a free-pass to continue with knowingly wrong behavior. A compassionate person conveys an understanding that there is always more we can do to honor the Divine Spark that is within each being. When I am in the presence of a truly compassionate person, I feel my angst give way to calm, if not totally than in some amount that feels measurable. In the Torah, after Moses carves two tablets of stone, like the first, he ascended Mt. Sinai, taking the new tablets with him. As it is written in Exodus 34:6-7: “The Eternal came down in a cloud; God stood with him there, and proclaimed in the name of God: Adonai! Adonai! A God compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in kindness and faithfulness, extending kindness to the thousandth generation, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; yet God does not remit all punishment.” Jewish tradition has distinguished thirteen attributes of God, based on the verses above, the first of which is God’s attribute of mercy: “Eil rachum”. If God’s attribute of compassion is first on the list, then maybe it should be something we strive to have on the top of our own lists of attributes. Easier said than done! I think we are set-up (by ourselves, not by God) to look at expectations of ourselves and of others as falling into simply delineated categories of black and white. I am far from a scholar on this subject, but in the school of observing others – I do have perceived such rigidity in those who convey this precious attribute. These rigid, confining categories of black and white do us a disservice and lessen our abilities to be compassionate human beings. When I am caught up in the tailspin routines of the school year, with it’s non-stop personal and professional obligations, I find myself becoming less and less compassionate towards myself and others. Shabbat brings me back to the center to some degree but not as much as I’d like. I am a strong believer in learning from the examples of others – not just their words, but from their actions. This summer I look forward to more time for reflection and pray that my efforts will strengthen this attribute of “rachmanus” in my life. Shalom,

Cantor Nancy Kassel

News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

2012-13 School Year Review

Early Childhood Education Center It is summer time, and the children of the Early Childhood Education Center are doing what they do bestâ€Ś having fun! Summer is a time for relaxing in the sun, playing in the dirt and splashing in the pool! While all of those fun things are taking place here over the summer months, we are also gearing up for the upcoming school year! The ECEC is so excited to begin another busy school year and are spending the quiet summer months planning and getting ready for all of our children! If you would like additional information regarding our school and its programs, please contact me at 678-350-0076 or email me at preschool@bethtikvah.com. Hoping you all have a wonderful and safe summer! Shalom,

Jenifer Friedman ECEC Director 4

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

B’nai Mitzvah Jacob Harrison Mershon will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on June 1, 2013. Jake is the son of Barrie and Ric, and brother to Mara. He is the grandson of Mike and Margie Cohn of Sarasota, Florida and Helene and Bob Mershon of Boynton Beach, Florida. Jake is a seventh grade honor student at Haynes Bridge Middle School where he is a member of the band and jazz band. His hobbies include playing the alto saxophone and baseball at Ocee Park. Jake is honored to dedicate his Bar Mitzvah to Mosze Lawenda, a child from Lodz, Poland (his great-grandfather's birth place) who perished in the Holocaust. Abby Paige Friedman will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on June 8, 2013. Abby is the daughter of Jenifer and Rory Friedman and the sister of Evan Friedman. She is the granddaughter of Susan and Richard Orenstein and Joan and Mark Friedman. Abby enjoys dancing, art and spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite mitzvah project involved volunteering at the Foster-Schmidt Dance Academy which serves children with Down Syndrome.

Isaiah Eberhardt will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on June 8, 2013. Isaiah is the son of Rodney and Erika Eberhardt and brother to Zoe, Noah, and Joshua. He is the grandson of Rosemary Pittman of Los Angeles, California. Isaiah is a seventh grader at Elkins Point Middle School, where he plays saxophone for the school band and his favorite subjects are Language Arts and Spanish. Isaiah is a huge sports fan and plays basketball for the Roswell Jr. Hornets as well as the Elkins Point school team. Boy Scouts keeps Isaiah busy. He is a Star Scout and hopes to someday become an Eagle Scout. Isaiah is excited about leading the congregation, his family, and friends in prayer as he becomes a Bar Mitzvah.

Youth Group HOTTY (9-12th Grade)

Congratulations to the 2013-2014 HOTTY Board!! President -Aaron Schwartz PVP - Brian Lenhard SAVP - Allie Goodman RCVP - Samuel Marks CVP - Emily Restler MVP - Jacob Kremer 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) We had a blast at our Kickball and Cook-out at Roswell Area Park. But, what’s better than kickball, hot dogs, and hanging out with all of your JYG friends on a Sunday afternoon? We hope you have a great summer and look forward to seeing you in the Fall!

Want more info about HOTTY or JYG? Contact Adam or Bobbee at: youth@bethtikvah.com

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!

News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

or (404) 228–2494

No, I Don’t Think I Am Crazy Since agreeing to be the next president of Temple Beth Tikvah, I have heard many comments. These comments ran the gamut from, “You poor guy!”, or “What were you thinking?”, to “Are you nuts?”. Most of these responses were made by members of our own synagogue or other Jewish friends or clients. Here’s the odd part. The reaction of many of my non-Jewish acquaintances was the polar opposite, ranging from “Wow, congratulations!” to “That’s such a great honor!.” I find these differing reactions fascinating and yet somewhat upsetting. Why would my fellow congregants and Jewish friends react that way? Do they know something I don’t or is the reason for thinking that far deeper? Certainly the work will be challenging but my previous experience in synagogue leadership has been nothing short of inspiring. Our current and past lay leaders have done what was needed to allow TBT to have such a rich 25 year history. Over the last few years I have made wonderful friends while working with other lay leaders. I have talked to some former TBT lay leaders, some of whom are still involved and some that are not. Each, in their own way, reflected that they were proud to have served their TBT community and feel like they made a difference. I am hopeful that I can make a difference as well.

and comfort to others in our community during their own challenges. That is what makes our community special. I believe that part of my job is to inspire others to get involved to serve our community in a variety of different ways. Whether you choose to give back to our community of your time, your financial resources, your particular area of professional expertise or just volunteer to serve on a committee, your support and involvement will make a huge difference. I would also love to see our community better appreciate these acts of kindness and hard work by fellow congregants. A kind word goes a long way, whether it is said to our lay leaders, our committee volunteers, our clergy, our office staff, or our teachers. I will do my best to foster this mutual respect and appreciation amongst all members of our TBT community.

This past year, I have enjoyed serving as the PresidentElect and have fully immersed myself as an active member of many committees. I have learned a lot from both Steve Gerson, our most recent president and Sheryl Blechner, our President before Steve. I have witnessed their commitment and have seen the progress we have made under their leadership.

Thank you for trusting me to lead our Beth Tikvah community. It is an honor and a privilege to have this opportunity.

I am excited about beginning this journey. I know I will be faced with difficult decisions and challenges but you have my commitment that I will always do what is in the best interest of our community and our members at large. The Board of Trustees will continue to prioritize the Jewish identity of our children as well as programming and continued education for all of our members. My fellow Board members want our campus to continue to be a safe In my first Kol Tikvah article, I wanted to introduce myself and comfortable space for young and old alike to take to those of you that don’t know me. Leslie and I have been advantage of all that our community offers. My door (if I members of TBT for all but two of its 25 years. Our two actually had an office) will be open if you would like to children, Erin and Brian, were educated in the religious speak to me about what we can do to make our community school and became B’nai Mitzvah here. Erin married her better. I plan to host regular “town hall” style gatherings husband, Seth, in 2011 in our beautiful sanctuary. I have where everything and anything about synagogue life can be twice served as the Treasurer and also chaired the Budget discussed. Please keep an eye out for details in the Kol and Finance Committee for five years. Tikvah.

L’shalom

Ron Swichkow President

Temple Beth Tikvah is our spiritual home and both Leslie and I find comfort in simply being in our building. That comfort comes from participating in services to just being with our friends at a variety of synagogue functions and events. We have been supported by our TBT family during difficult times in our lives and we have provided support

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Casino Night and Silent Auction! October 19, 2013 Be a part of planning another great TBT event!!!! Email Lindsay Levin at Lindsaylevin@bellsouth.net

Ruach Atlanta 2nd Annual Relay October 13, 2013 Fan the Flames in the Search

Celebrate! Remember!

for a Cure! Join us Today! Support a TBT Team @

Celebrate! Remember

www.RelayForLife.org/ruachga

Let’s “End the Fight”! 7

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

June 2013 TBT Happenings Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat 1 9am Bagels, Learning & Torah 10am Shabbat Service Bar Mitzvah of Jacob Mershon

9:30 AM Board/Chair Orientation

First Session of Summer Camp Starts

9am Tai Chi

7pm Families Anonymous

7:30pm Relay for Life Steering Committee Meeting

9am Tai Chi

7pm Families Anonymous

8pm Shabbat Service

7pm Families Anonymous

6pm Oneg 6:30pm Shabbat Service

9am Tai Chi 7:30pm Board of Trustees Meeting 25

9am Bagels, Learning & Torah 10am Shabbat Service

6pm Oneg 6:30pm Shabbat Service 27

9am Tai Chi 7:30pm Officers Meeting

9am Bagels, Learning & Torah 10am Shabbat Service Bâ€™nai Mitzvah of Abby Friedman and Isaiah Eberhardt

7:30pm Israel Committee Meeting

7pm Families Anonymous

Father's Day

6pm Relay for Life Team Captain Meeting

9am Bagels, Learning & Torah 10am Shabbat Service

6pm Oneg 6:30pm Shabbat Service

9am Bagels, Learning & Torah 10am Shabbat Service

July 2013 TBT Happenings Sun

Mon

Tue 1

Wed 2

Thu 3 Independence Day Offices Closed

Second Session of Summer Camp Starts 7pm Families Anonymous 7

7pm Families Anonymous

9am Bagels, Learning & Torah 10am Shabbat Service

8:00pm URJ Combined Atlanta Shabbat at TKE NO SERVICE AT TBT 29

9am Bagels, Learning & Torah 10am Shabbat Service

6pm Oneg 6:30pm Shabbat Service

7pm Families Anonymous

Tisha Bâ€™av

Sat 5

6pm Oneg 6:30pm Shabbat Service

7:30pm Relay for Life Steering Committee Meeting

7pm Families Anonymous

Fri 4

9am Bagels, Learning & Torah 10am Shabbat Service

7pm Families Anonymous

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Donations Campaign TBT - EveryONE Matters Mark and Debbie Weiss in memory of Natalie Berlin Steven & Linda Steinberg in memory of Muriel Steinberg Mark and Debbie Weiss in memory of Walter Berlin Michael and Lauren Cooper in honor of Ron Swichkow's election as President of TBT Jeffrey and Risa Fibus in memory of Bea Fibus

Prayerbook Fund Andrew and Jane Glickman in honor of the speedy recovery of Betsy Brown Max and Carol Wolf in memory of Sylvia Perling Preschool Fund Peter and Traci Hartog in honor of the Pre-K and Madrigot Graduates Peter and Traci Hartog in appreciation of Jenifer Friedman and the ECEC teachers and staff Energy Recruiters Jenifer Friedman in appreciation of Maggie McAuliffe, Rachel Palazzo, Traci Hartog, Katie Jaffe and Susan Shields

Building Fund Dale and Wendy Bearman in memory of Samuel Bearman Addie Myers in memory of Norman Bachman David & Marci Slotin in memory of Marian Birlant Slotin Campership/Israel Fund Gary and Wendy Dichtenberg Tracy and Karen Honeycutt Cary Goldenthal and Lori Shapiro Addie Myers in honor of herr granddaughter, Alana Shea Myers, upon her graduation from the University of Miami and her admission to Yeshiva University Cardozo School of Law Bart and Kara Segal Kurt Ramaglia in appreciation of Rabbi Greene

Rabbi Greene’s Discretionary Fund Carol Goldstein in memory of Joseph Goldstein Bruce and Carol Waldman in memory of Ruth Pollak Eric and Pamela Chanin in honor of Rabbi Greene Bram and Dana Wieskopf in honor of Rabbi Greene Jewel Rubin in memory of Sandra Moore Steven and Amy Fine in memory of Marvin Fine David and Ellen Herold in memory of Dvora Herold Kenneth and Helene Skolky in memory of Shirley Skolky Cantor Kassel’s Discretionary Fund Henry and Stephanie Schwartz in appreciation of Bram and Dana Wieskopf in honor of Jack Wieskopf becoming Rabbi Fred Greene a Bar Mitzvah Richard Quintana Michael and Wanda Cohen in memory of Jennie Cohen Barry and Shari Alhadeff in memory of Esther Kirchheimer Henry and Stephanie Schwartz in appreciation of Bruce and Bonnie Walkes in appreciation of Cantor Nancy Kassel Rabbi Fred Greene Ruth Zeidman in appreciation of Cantor Nancy Kassel on Ruth Zeidman in appreciation of Rabbi Fred Greene on sharing in the honor from the Seniors Group sharing in the honor from the Seniors Group Bernard and Bernice Bickwit in memory of Meyer Bickwit Caring/Kehillat Chesed Fund Steven and Sheila Barid in memory of Eli Molotsky Douglas Wexler in memory of Jean Berman Sheryl Blechner in honor of the engagement of Emily Malkin Rabbi Tam’s Discretionary Fund and in honor of the Confirmation of Zach Povlot, Noah Rickles, Howard & Suzanne Silverman in memory of Edith Silverman Danny Zimmer, Aaron Schwartz, Emily Medoff, and in honor Jerome and Margie Cohen in memory of Minnie Friedman of Ruth Zeidman and her tireless work for the Senior Group Bernard and Bernice Bickwit in memory of Ruth Smith and Jewel Rubin in memory of Sandra Moore Saul Kalish Addie Myers in memory of Ida Elkin Bachman Howard & Suzanne Silverman in memory of Edith Silverman Ruth Zeidman in appreciation of the wonderful honor from the Ruth Zeidman in appreciation of Rabbi Donald Tam on sharing Seniors Group in the honor from the Seniors Group Endowment Fund Sheryl Blechner in memory of Sam Speer and Rita Russ Speer, and in honor of Steve Gerson's service as President of Temple Beth Tikvah, and Ron Swichkow becoming President of Temple Beth Tikvah Bruce and Bonnie Walkes in memory of Bessie Wixman

Religious School Scholarship Fund Joshua and Debbie Sinsley in memory of Elaine Judith Naftolin Richard and Susan Staviss in appreciation of Rachel Wilson, Lois Malkin, Robyn Faintich, Alex Glass and Rabbi Lauren Cohen for a wonderful year

General Fund Michelle Jacobowitz in memory of Albert Jacobowitz Sharon and Alan Lightstone in memory of Ella Goldstein, mother of Cindy Getty Shirley Crawford Melvin and Amy Finkel in memory of Robert E. Camp William & Marjory Segal in memory of Rose Lieber Mariann Mamberg in memory of Lola Mamberg Shirley Crawford Michael and Heather Braun in memory of Paul Braun

Torah Fund Morray and Susan Scheinfeld in memory of Paul and Joan Barton Ira and Phyllis Madans in memory of Sophie Madans Youth Group Fund Todd and Rachel Wilson in honor of Zachary Povlot's confirmation Stanley and Bobbie Kopkin in memory of Dave Kopkin Gary and Debra Schwartz in honor of the Confirmation Class of 2013 The Family & Fun Chavurah in memory of Miriam Wolpe

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

JF&CS - GradWORKS

Curious about Chavurot?

The state’s unemployment rate in March was down nearly a percentage point from last year – 8.4 percent compared with 9.1 percent last March. That’s the lowest it has been since 2008. That doesn’t mean a whole lot to anyone trying to start a career in today’s job market, where a lot of people are competing for a limited number of jobs.

What does a Chavurah do? Each Chavurah decides on

its own blend of Jewish learning, through programs of study, observances of holidays and festivals, socializing and sharing of simchas. Members personalize and vitalize their Jewish experience and participate together in synagogue life and community concerns. Various Nobody knows that more than the long-term unemployed. And activities enrich the lives of the members of each Chavurah. Examples of some activities include: in a few weeks, college graduates will find out just how challenging the job hunt can be. Even when the economy is  meeting at TBT to share services, adult strong, finding a job can be quite stressful for new grads. education, and other special events JF&CS can help. Our Career Services – Tools for Employment provides college graduates resources and programs for their job search. Through GradWORKS, we offer career packages at three levels, with each including assessments to help determine interests, strengths and abilities. They also offer individual career counseling, attendance in our career workshops, connection with job developers, the opportunity to register in our job database and more. We can customize any of the packages to meet your needs. The value of these packages is really in how they prepare job seekers. Not only have they helped people find jobs; those who have used them have expressed an increased sense of clarity in direction, a better understanding of themselves and increased confidence in pursuing their jobs and presenting themselves effectively to others in networking situations.

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celebrating Jewish and other holidays together

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dinners for adults only or with families (young and old) included

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apple picking in the Georgia mountains

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overnight trips to other states

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book reviews

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concerts, movies and plays



lectures



wine tasting



talent shows by the kids (young and old)



festivals

The list of things to do is endless! Please consider joining or starting a new chavurah. The first step in the process is to complete an application and submit it to TBT.

Come see for yourself. To get started, call 770-677-9358 or email grads@jfcs-atlanta.org.

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

Temple Beth Tikvah extends a warm welcome to: Sasha Friedman Natan

Matthew and Shari Perkins David and Benjamin

David and Nancy Johnson

Avi and Erica Stein Dylan and Devin

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

SOCIAL ACTION The House That Faith Built Volunteers Needed! Sunday, August 11 & 25, 2013 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm Temple Beth Tikvah is partnering with other faith communities in the area and NW Metro Atlanta Habitat for Humanity to help build a home for a needy family. People from all walks of life are welcome to join us as we build a simple, decent, affordable house in partnership with God and a family in need. No construction experience or building skills is needed. You will be trained. Volunteers are involved in most phases of construction. By working side-by-side with the family who will live in the house, our volunteers experience for themselves the joy created when a family is able to realize their dream of home ownership. AGE REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS A person must be 18 years of age or older. If you cannot volunteer please consider making a donation to build the house. It takes $62,000 to build the home. Any amount will be appreciated. To sign-up or to contribute please contact Jeff Willard at pursuejustice@comcast.net or call (770) 886-1704.

Our congregation generously hosted two homeless families this past March as part of our involvement with the Family Promise program. We are happy to report that three of the four guest parents found employment. Both families have since voluntarily departed the Family Promise network with hopes of finding independent and more permanent accommodations. Over 60 TBT members were directly involved in serving our guests, and so many members donated items that we have plenty for Weeks 2 and 3. We would like to express our thanks to everyone for donating your time and money! We are now busy preparing to welcome Family Promise guests for Week 2 (June 9-16) and Week 3 (August 18 -25). I know these dates are during the busy summer months, but if you can check your calendars and make time once again to volunteer for Family Promise, that would be wonderful. Volunteer spots are now open for both preparing and serving meals, as well as overnight stay. Signups are available at the links below. As a Jewish community, TBT is committed to Tikkun Olam - which literally translates to "repairing the world" - we need to respond to those in need. We believe in this program, which is why we are putting out this plea now to anybody who can give their time to help this worthy cause. Thanks again for all you have done. To learn more about the program, visit: Rabbi Greene's blog post or http://familypromise.org/ihn-how-it-works. Video Introduction to Family Promise: http://www.familypromise.org/ihn-video To sign up: 1.

Click on this link http://vols.pt/SjH3iF (June 9-16) or http://vols.pt/1pAkqB (August 18-25) to go to our invitation page on Volunteer Spot.

Enter your email address.

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

One Good Deed Do you enjoy helping others? Do you know someone who could use a little help? Are you a family Care Giver taking care of a loved one, a parent, husband or wife?“ One Good Deed” is looking for both volunteers and care recipients! This Atlanta based grassroots non-profit organization utilizes volunteers of all ages to assist and improve the quality of life for family care givers and their loved ones. Volunteers are matched with Care Recipients and commit to spending a few hours a month as a friendly visitor and perform more than One Good Deed. For more information visit their website: www.1gooddeed.org or contact Vivienne Kurland by email viv@1gooddeed.org or phone 678-978-1249.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE THAT WAS INVOLVED WITH THE WONDERFUL HONOR FROM THE LAST SENIORS LUNCHEON AND FOR THE “LEAF” IN MY NAME ON THE “TREE OF LIFE”

Ruth Zeidman

Is Coming Back to Temple Beth Tikvah! Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing! is an experiential education program currently touching the lives of girls ages 11-18 across North America. The program uses Jewish teachings and practices to give girls a place to feel safe, articulate their deepest concerns, consider the impact of gender on their daily lives, have fun, and be ‘real’ with their peers. Meetings are once monthly. Through discussion, arts & crafts, creative ritual, games, and drama, the girls and their leaders draw on Jewish values and a gender lens to explore the issues the girls care about most, such as body image, friendship, relationships, family, competition, and stress. Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing! was launched in 2002 as a response to two challenges that still face girls a decade later:  A majority of girls drop out of Jewish communal life after bat mitzvah.  Girls’ self-concept plummets as they enter adolescence. Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing! was developed by educators, rabbis, social workers, and psychologists to address the real needs of teen girls within a rich Jewish context. It was the first program to draw on Jewish teachings and traditions to keep girls healthy and whole, instilling in them the ability to counter narrow views of gender in popular culture. Rabbi Green and the Youth Committee are so excited to be bringing this program back to TBT. For more information contact Keira Oseroff at koseroff@comcast.net.

Congratulations graduates! Temple Beth Tikvah would like to congratulate all of our graduates. We wish you the best of luck as you move forward to the next phase of your life, be it college or career. Mazal tov! High School Graduates and where they will attend this fall: Andrew Shutzberg - North Springs High School - Georgia Tech Eric Wallach - Dunwoody High School - Miami of Ohio University College Graduates : Alana Myers - University of Miami - Cardozo School of Law ,Yeshiva University in New York City Madelyn Pearl Kallman - Wellesley College - Associate Project Manager with The Link Group Please provide the college outreach committee your rising freshman's name and college address once available. TBT would like to maintain contact them while they're away from home. Please send the information to Lynda Bennett at lrbennett08@comcast.net or Ginger Glazer at ggchoc@bellsouth.net.

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

SHMOOZE NEWS / KUDOS CORNER

Memorial Plaques

Mazal Tov to:

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

Alli and Jonathan Agin on the birth of their daughter, Darrah Ivy, on May 12. Lois and Sid Malkin on the engagement of their daughter, Emily. Bernie Bickwit on his 92nd birthday.

With the High Holy Days fast approaching, we want to make sure we receive your order in time.

Arlene and Steven Cohn on the wedding of their daughter, Ariel, to David Margis on May 26.

The ordering deadlines to receive plaques in time for the High Holy Days are as follows:

Thank You to: Marsha McMurrain, Ellen Herold and Marsha Mathis for all the hard work they put into making Ruth's thank you luncheon successful. It was a job well done!

Rosh Hashanah - July 1st Yom Kippur - July 15th 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.

Natine Rosenzweig, June Wallach, Ian Staviss, Richard Staviss, Kay Smolin, Arleen Reese, Leslie Swichkow, Aaron Stieglitz, Janice Liederman and Roberta Goldman for all their wonderful help in the synagogue office.

Submissions for the August Kol Tikvah are due to the synagogue office by July 1. Please email to koltikvah@bethtikvah.com

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, please let our office know as soon as possible.

Planning a simcha or group gathering?

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.

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.

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 cindygetty@me.com Budget & Finance Harlan Graiser harlanng@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 tom.mcmurrain@gmail.com marsha.mcmurrain@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 Menâ€™s Club Peter Hartog althazyr@bellsouth.net Mark Greenspan greenspanfamily@bellsouth.net

Nominating Committee Vicki Steine vicsteine@comcast.net Ritual Esther Shultz savtaesther5@gmail.com Rosh Chodesh Womenâ€™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

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