May 2013 • Volume 27 • Issue 5
A Reform Congregation Embracing Our Jewish Tradition
For the second year in a row…
“It Ain’t Your Daddy’s (or Your Momma’s)
Annual Synagogue Meeting”
IT’S A CELEBRATION! May 19, 2013 — 9:30 AM ● Free Baby Sitting and Youth Activities Provided by Reservation ● ● D’var Torah by Rabbi Tam ● Adult and Teen Choirs will sing ● ● Religious School Madrichim Recognition ● ATID Recognition ● ● Rabbi Greene’s Annual Message to the Congregation ● ● Elections and Installation of Trustees ● Financial Update ●
Chances to win an iPad, Kindle Fire, A weekend in the mountains and more
(We don’t want to run out of food, so please RSVP) Click this link to RSVP for the Celebration or visit the TBT website at www.bethtikvah.com Menu
Fridays with Friends Please join Friends and Family for a "Blue Jean Shabbat" Cookout on Friday, May 17 at 6:30 pm Followed by a joyous "camp style" service in our outdoor Alterman Chapel at 8:00 pm
Kosher Hot Dogs Baked Beans &Slaw Veggie Burgers are available for vegetarians $8/pp in advance - Adults $5/pp in advance - children under 6
RSVP by May 10 online at www.bethtikvah.com Dinner by paid reservations only Please send check to TBT marked "Fridays With Friends" News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
So Grateful for our Leaders Leadership is a congregation’s most precious asset. The efforts of a great many people who come together as partners to advance Jewish identity and Jewish faithfulness in a very secular society, in my eyes, is nothing less than an act of courage. It takes vision, heart, and a lot of effort.
about our congregation’s history, Reform Judaism, and the workings of a synagogue. Exploring mission, vision, culture, and Jewish leadership, they are now ready to take on many roles themselves. I would like to thank Harlan for organizing this project and thank the following people who have “graduated” ATID’s first cohort: Jonathan Agin, Scott Block, Darrin Cohen, Lisa Cohen, Rodney Eberhardt, Erika Eberhardt, Hadley Lowy, Jill Mattos, Mark Mosbacher, Kara Segal, and Todd Wilson.
Our greatest leaders have always had partners at their sides. The kings of Israel had prophets to keep them honest. Moses’ weak points were filled in with the gifts of Aaron. Even with the creation of the human being, Adam, God created another to be an ezer k’negdo. While it is often translated as a “help-mate,” I think that misses the point. Eve was created to be someone who would build a relationship with Adam by providing thoughtful challenges. Whether it is a CEO, a rabbi, or a husband/wife, we all need people to push us, to challenge us and support us at the very same time. Yes, we need partners as leaders!
One of the things that I love about synagogue life is that every individual has the opportunity to make change and build community. To all of you who volunteer, an expression of thanks doesn’t really illustrate how much your efforts mean to us. Standing up isn’t easy. But it makes a difference. And yes, we are grateful. For those of you who want to learn how to get involved and engaged more deeply within our synagogue community or the larger Jewish community, I would be thrilled to talk to you and explore what kind of work might be a meaningful match.
I am so happy to share two thoughts about our own congregants with this message on leadership and partnerships. First of all, one of our most active members for our entire existence has been Steve Gerson. Steve is moving out of the Presidency after his term ends this May. He has expended great energy and countless hours in order to build a healthier synagogue. It is here where he and RoseAnn raised their children and where they have played numerous roles over our entire 25 years. I can only imagine how sweet it was to be a part of opening our doors and seeing our strength during our 25th Anniversary Celebration.
I hope to see you at our Annual Celebration/Meeting where we can once again thank our leaders, take care of the sacred business of the congregation, and find some inspiration to make our work in this place holy.
Rabbi Fred Greene
Steve, thank you for your time, your efforts, your leadership, and your hope. You are leaving a deep impact on this congregation and we are grateful. But we can’t thank you without thanking your wife, as well. RoseAnn, you have given up a lot of your time with your husband so that he could serve in this role. We know that with leadership comes sacrifice. People don’t anticipate what your sacrifices might have been. So we want to thank you for being so supportive of your husband as he played this important role.
TBT Seniors Luncheon Monday, May 13 at 11:45 AM
Gene Carasick presents “Establishing Personal Relationships with Israel”
To our outgoing Officers, Members of the Board of Trustees, Members of the Board of Education, and many committee chairpeople…forgive me for not sharing all of your names. But Steve’s successes could not have happened without you. Your willingness to play a leadership role to make Beth Tikvah the meaningful Jewish address for our friends is a sacred gift. Thank you!
Gene, TBT’s Israel Committee chairman, just returned from Israel with a group from the Jewish Federation. He has attended AIPAC meetings in Atlanta and Washington, DC.
To Ron Swichkow, our President Elect… welcome aboard. As Joshua took on the role of leadership after Moses, we see that transitions occur in all of our lives. Thank you for being so active and engaged as a leader in our community. We are looking forward to seeing your vision come to fruition as a partner in the sacred business of our synagogue.
He is involved - informed - concerned Being a Senior makes you a member of a very special club, and it has been my pleasure to chair the Seniors program these many years. I would like to thank all my many “helpers” for their support. The new face, with new ideas, belongs to a new member, Natine Rosenzweig. Join us as we meet and welcome Natine.
But we also must talk about our future… This year, under the leadership of Harlan Graiser, we had a wonderful initiative that was completed for the first time in many years. We launched a Leadership Development initiative called ATID, which means “future.” In this year-long course, Harlan facilitated a wide array of sessions to teach our future leaders
RSVP to Ruth Zeidman at 770.552.1966
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News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Notes from Cantor Kassel - In Honor of Shavuot Odds are – if you are even reading this bulletin article then you are old enough to be familiar with these photos. Yes – it’s Mel Brook’s portrayal of Moses (History of The World, Part I) receiving the 15....make that 10....commandments. Observing ten or even fifteen commandments would seem to be quite feasible compared to observance of the 613 mitzvot (commandments) contained in the Torah. Whether or not you feel personally bound to the observance of each and every one of the 613 mitzvot, the section of the Mishnah known as Pirkei Avot has the following thought-provoking comment as to the equal sacredness of each mitzvah: "Run after the most 'minor' mitzvah as you would after the most 'important' and flee from transgression, because doing one mitzvah draws you into doing another, and doing one transgression draws you into doing another, and because the reward for a mitzvah is a mitzvah and the punishment for a transgression is a transgression." The idea here is that the performance of mitzvot can and should become habitual and second nature. Equally true, however, is it’s opposite: one transgression leads to another. What are our habits with respect to how we take care of ourselves, interact with and care for others, how often and with what intent do we pray and study? These are but a few questions about personal and ritual habits. Studies have been done about how long it takes to establish new habits and what happens after you reach a plateau. I am not as successful as I would like to be with creating new and healthier (mental, physical and spiritual) habits, but psychologically I rely on what many say should have been an eleventh commandment: Thou Shalt Not Lose Hope. Maybe this imaginary eleventh commandment has been suggested in jest, but I don’t think so. Hope, “tikvah”, is an absolute necessity in life. We have to have even the smallest iota of hope that we can change unhealthy habits into healthy ones. You just have to start somewhere………..anywhere. In this month of May – I look forward to: Confirmation on Friday, May 3 (all are invited to this service created and led by our confirmands) Delivering a sermon on Friday, May 10 about my recent genealogical research The observance of Shavuot at TBT on Tuesday evening, May 14 and Wednesday morning, May 15 The TBT annual meeting on May 19!
Our Confirmation Service will be held on Friday, May 3 at 7:30 pm The following confirmands will assist in leading the service that evening: Zach Baker, son of Sheri and Brian Baker
Emily Medoff, daughter of Helaine and Howard Medoff
Daniel Gutman, son of Karen and Andrew Gutman
Maryn Perlson, daughter of Julie and Marc Perlson
Halle Jacobs, daughter of Monica and Andrew Jacobs
Zachary Povlot, son of Rhonda and Scott Povlot
Jacob Kremer, son of Karen and Robert Kremer
Noah Rickles, son of Ellen and Robert Rickles
Brian Lenhard, son of Wendy and Steven Lenhard
Alexandra Schiffer, daughter of Lisa and Douglas Schiffer
Liana Lipinsky, daughter of Carol Lipinsky
Aaron Schwartz, son of Debra and Gary Schwartz
Samuel Marks, son of Joan and Jonathan Marks
Daniel Zimmer, son of Ellen and Seth Zimmer
MAZEL TOV! Confirmation Class 2013/5773 3
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Religious School In the past month we have had 2 Israeli soldiers visit our school and speak with our students. The first soldier is in the IDF as part of the Navy. The second soldier is in the Army for the IDF. It was very meaningful to have the Army soldier speak to us on Yom Hazikaron – Memorial Day for Israel’s Fallen. It is a day when we remember all the people who perished during the struggle for the establishment of the state of Israel and for victims of terrorist attacks. The army soldier spoke to the 3rd – 7th grade students about his experiences joining the IDF, life in the IDF and then helped with the Yom Hazikaron service that day. The soldier then went to the classes of the younger grades and spent time answering their questions. The following week we celebrated Yom Ha’atzmaut- Israel Independence Day, with cake and oranges. The students marched throughout the synagogue with flags and sang many songs. We also had a very touching memorial service for Yom HaShoah – this is the Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Special thanks to Perri Kunofsky for her dedication and hard work! Perri helps everything run smoothly, our school is lucky to have her. And lastly I’d like to thank Rabbi Greene and Cantor Kassel for always being so involved in our school. As our year comes to a close, we are already working hard on next year. By now, everyone should have received their registration packet by email. If you have not received a packet please call the religious school office at 770-642-4168 or email us at rschool@bethtikvah.com and we will send you a packet. You can also visit our website to download the registration forms. Please note that there is a discount for those who return their registration forms by May 25th. Receiving your registration forms on time allows us to plan effectively for next year. Please mark your calendars for our first day of school which will be August 25 th, 2013.
I would like to encourage all of you to keep practicing Hebrew with your children over the summer. The beauty of education is that it We have had a terrific school year. I am always so amazed by how never ends. Learning another language necessitates practice. Even much our students have learned and how they have grown by the end if it’s just 10 minutes every other day over the summer, this will of the year. It has been a true pleasure to teach them and celebrate allow the children to retain all that they learned with us. I our holidays, traditions and customs with them. I am so proud not recommend that you review flash cards, read your Siddur together only of the knowledge they have gained, but of their understanding and attend services over the summer. There are also wonderful of how important tzedakah and mitzvot are to us. websites where students can practice their Hebrew such as We are very lucky to have wonderful teachers, students and parents. www.behrmanhouse.com. This combination is what makes our school so special. I’d like to Wishing everyone a happy and healthy summer. thank all of our dedicated parent volunteers who assisted us See you in August! throughout the year with our holiday celebrations, Shabbat Onegs, the book fair and helping with tasks throughout the summer. We Shalom, truly could not have done it without you. I’d also like to thank our Hassia Levin amazing Board of Education, led by Seth Zimmer, for supporting us Director of Education whenever needed.
Early Childhood Education Center Another wonderful school year is coming to a close. It seems just like yesterday that we were welcoming back old students and comforting new ones. Now, all of the children walk down the hallways with their heads held high and smiles beaming from their cute faces. The children of the ECEC spent their school year immersed in Jewish learning, making friends and having fun. I would like to thank the ECEC teachers: Sheri Baker, Mary Block, Lisa Garris, Laura Gordon, Deborah Greene, Alicia Hirsch, Karen Kremer, Lisa Laudicina, Rachel Laudicina Rebecca Mattace, Jill Matthews, Rhonda Povlot, Maria Schwartz, Martyne Seidband, Linda Siegel, Ellisa Vitulli, Rachel Wilson and Robyn Shippel for their hard work and dedication. These ladies are the backbone of the school, and we are so lucky to have them all as part of our family. Thank you all for another successful school year! I would also like to thank Seth Zimmer and the Board of Education, as well as Steve Gerson and the Board of Trustees for their hard work and support. These leaders are invaluable to our school and their time and dedication are greatly appreciated. I would like to thank Rabbi Greene and Cantor Kassel for their support, participation and guidance that they provide us all throughout the year. We are so lucky to have you! Finally, I would like to thank all of our ECEC families for their dedication, loyalty and support of our school. Your thoughtfulness and kindness helped provide the Zaban Shelter with meals, JF&CS with food, showed appreciation to our teachers and assisted the teachers in providing quality class programs. The ECEC is so lucky to have such warm and wonderful parents and families, and we thank you for sharing your most precious treasure with us. We are still accepting registration for both summer camp and the 2013-2014 school year! If you or someone you know would like to come see all of the great things going in our school, please do not hesitate to contact me 678-350-0076 or preschool@bethtikvah.com. Shalom,
Jenifer Friedman ECEC Director 4
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
B’nai Mitzvah Sarah Goldenthal will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on May 11, 2013. Sarah is the daughter of Lori Shapiro and Cary Goldenthal and the sister of Ben Goldenthal. She is the granddaughter of Ina Goldenthal of Delray Beach, Florida, and of Susan and Aaron Shapiro of Waretown, New Jersey. She is in the seventh grade at Hightower Trail Middle School, where she plays viola in the orchestra and participates in the hiking and adventure club. She also enjoys ice skating and being a Girl Scout. She was proud to participate in the 13 Mitzvot Initiative for her Bat Mitzvah. Her mitzvot included helping with the High Holy Day Experience and the Purim Carnival at Temple Beth Tikvah, volunteering at the Special Olympics, participating in a Rosh Hodesh group, and visiting the Breman Museum to learn about the Holocaust. Sarah is dedicating her Bat Mitzvah to Haja Marosan, a child who died in the Holocaust. Rachel Jordan Ramaglia will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on May 11, 2013. Rachel is the daughter of Marla Ramaglia and Kurt Ramaglia, and sister to Ethan. She is the granddaughter of Evie and Stan Garnet, and Nancy and Peter Ramaglia. Rachel is a seventh grade honor student at Haynes Bridge Middle School. She enjoys soccer, swimming, tumbling, acting and writing. Through the past years, Rachel has embraced her Judaism in preparation for this day. Daniel Marks will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on May 18, 2013. Daniel is the son of Joan and Jon Marks, the brother of Zach and Samuel Marks, the grandson of Rhoda and Gene Preslier of New York, and the grandson of Harriet Marks of Sarasota. Daniel is in seventh grade at Dickerson Middle School where he plays percussion. He also is a fencer with the Dunwoody Fencing Club. Daniel is looking forward to another fantastic summer at Camp Coleman. Daniel Sandfelder will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on May 18, 2013. Daniel is the son of Bonnie and David Sandfelder and brother to Ben and Amanda. He is the grandson of Paula Sandfelder of Dunwoody, James and Audrey Whiddon of Kingsland GA and Barney Cross of Roswell. He attends Haynes Bridge Middle School where he is active in Student Council, Chorus and several clubs. Daniel dedicates special effort toward POP (Power Over Prejudice) a program which works to reduce bullying and PALS, a group that works with special education students. For fun, he enjoys wakeboarding and spending time with family and friends. Daniel looks forward to the honor of leading our congregation, his family and his friends in prayer as he becomes a Bar Mitzvah.
Youth Group HOTTY (9-12th Grade)
UP NEXT:
WHAT DID WE DO THIS PAST MONTH?
Join us Sunday, May 12th as HOTTY Shoots the Hooch! Jump in a raft, canoe, kayak, or tube and take a fun and relaxing trip down the Chattahoochee River. Check your email for details on how to RSVP.
At the end of March, several HOTTY members pitched in and volunteered at The Drake House (a crisis residential center for homeless women and children in Roswell). We cleaned up two apartments and got them ready for new families to move into this month.
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) WHAT DID WE DO THIS PAST MONTH? 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? That’s it for JYG this year. We hope you have a great summer and look forward to seeing you in the Fall! 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!
We also had a record breaking number of 28 HOTTY-ites who attended the NFTY-SAR Spring Kallah at Camp Coleman April 26-28th. It was an awesome weekend and we can’t wait until Fall next year… especially because HOTTY will be hosting the Kallah at Temple Beth Tikvah!
Want more info about HOTTY or JYG?
And, congrats to the new 2013-2014 HOTTY Board who were elected at our Battle of the Sexes event on April 21st. Great job to all of the candidates – we’re so proud of you and so glad you ran!
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Contact Adam or Bobbee at: youth@bethtikvah.com or (404) 228–2494
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Shalom Chaverim - שלום חברים FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW . . .
recognize their parents and families as well, who help make it so that they can serve the synagogue in this way!
IT AIN’T YOUR DADDY’s (or YOUR MOMMA’s) ANNUAL SYNAGOGUE MEETING! IT’S A CELEBRATION!
I am also so very pleased to honor at our Celebration our first class of congregants who completed our ATID program this year, a year-long Temple Beth Tikvah leadership development program. Our ATID participants met every other Sunday during this year learning all about what it means to be a leader in synagogue life. We will likewise recognize the participants’ spouses, partners and families also for making it so that they could participate in this intensive program in the way they did.
(May 19, 2013 -- 9:30 AM)
Hello Friends, It’s time to CELEBRATE! Usually people think about a synagogue’s annual meeting as a very subdued event that’s a bit of a drudgery to get through. Starting last year, we transformed our annual get together to be a CELEBRATION! And . . .we continue that with this year’s terrific Annual Celebration!
Babysitting is available for our youngest children, and our senior youth group will have activities for our elementary school age children. We hope this will make attendance at the Celebration by our younger families much easier. And . . . the best part: BOTH OF THESE ARE FREE! No charge for babysitting and no charge for the activities program for the elementary school age children!
What a year it has been to CELEBRATE! This year as we come together, we do so concluding our year-long celebration of our 25th Anniversary as a synagogue community. For 25 years we’ve prayed together, studied together, celebrated each other’s simchas and being there for each other in our challenging times. As we go from strength to strength together, we will be with one another for many years to come.
We’ll be reviewing with you how the synagogue did financially this year, what our budget looks like for the coming year, and some of the large capital projects we need to undertake to continue to care for our building in the coming five years.
So what will you find at this year’s Annual Celebration you ask? I’ll tell you! We’ll all be there together, celebrating, schmoozing a bit with long-time friends, and meeting some new friends as well.
The Adult Choir will open our Celebration with some terrific Jewish music. And . . .yep we want you to join in, tap a toe or two, sing along a bit and hear the celebration in the song.
We will join together in learning about those who have been nominated to serve the synagogue in the coming year on the Board of Trustees, the Board of Education and the Endowment Fund Board of Directors. We will honor and thank them for stepping forward to serve our synagogue community in their respective capacities. For those stepping off these Boards, we will also thank them and honor their service. Without folks like these who step forward to serve, we would not have our House of Hope.
We are so fortunate to have Rabbi Tam, our Rabbi Emeritus who led us for seventeen years, teach us a bit with his D’var Torah. Our celebration will be that much richer for sharing the morning with him.
You’ll see a special slide show running during breakfast that depicts some of the terrific highlights of the year. You might even see yourself, a family member, or someone you know up there on “the big screen!”
Once again we’ll be serving BREAKFAST! And . . . once again not just bagels and a schmear! And once again it’s FREE! (OK . . . we want you to stay and celebrate with us throughout the morning, but other than that there’s no catch!)
And finally . . . our Junior and Teen Choir will close out the Rabbi Greene will share with us some of the terrific happenings that occurred this year at Temple Beth Tikvah, and will also share morning bringing us to our feet in song and celebration! his thoughts on where we are going in the coming year. Rabbi So you see my friends . . . Greene’s inspiring words will help us celebrate our past, present FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW . . . and future. It Ain’t your Daddy’s (or Momma’s) Annual Meeting! I know each of you have thought about “How can I get involved? IT’S A CELEBRATION!! How can I get connected to something in synagogue life?” Well, I’ll tell you!! There’s a great opportunity to chat a bit with all of Go right now, do not pass go, do not collect $200 (unless of the Committees that will be present at our Celebration to talk course you win the raffle that we’re having for that morning!) with you about what they do and what might be of interest to you. and RSVP your attendance plans for the Annual Celebration. Stop by the Committee tables that morning and find a new This way we’re sure to have enough food for everyone and their something that strikes your interest, and make a new friend along families who will be attending. You can RSVP by clicking here. the way. I look forward to personally greeting each and every one of you I am so very pleased to honor and recognize some very special that morning. youth this year during our Celebration, and they are those who serve the synagogue in the Madrichim program. These teens are Shalom, there every Sunday during the Religious School year helping in Steven C. Gerson classrooms, helping in the Religious School Office, with carpool, President and just wherever a helping hand is needed. And . . . we will 6
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Invites you to our
Shavuot Celebration
The Festival of the Giving of the Torah & Celebrating the First Fruits of the Season
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 14 Multigenerational Family Potluck Picnic Bring a blanket and a dairy or vegetarian dish to share
Dessert and Drinks will be provided. Some tables and chairs will be available for those who need them.
7:00 p.m.
Shavuot Service In the Alterman Outdoor Chapel
8:00 p.m.
Tikkun Leyl Shavuot - Back to the Sources: Throughout history, Jews have stayed up late at night studying Torah and sacred texts to commemorate the Giving of the Torah by God on Mt. Sinai. We are doing the same (but not so late). Let’s look at different Jewish sources relating to how God “revealed” the Torah to our people…and then add YOUR own commentary!
Please let us know you will be attending at rsvp@bethtikvah.com
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, May 15 Shavuot Festival and Yizkor service
“SHABBAT EXPERIENCE” Parents of young children can attend services in the sanctuary while their children are in either: babysitting (for ages 2-4) or
Creative Jewish Experience (for ages Pre-K thru 2nd grade)
Saturday, May 4 10:00 – 11:30 am FREE TO ATTEND – BUT RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED and must be placed by noon on Friday, May 3 at: www.bethtikvah.com “Sign up For Events” section 7
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
May 2013 TBT Happenings Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu 1
Fri
Sat
2 7:30 am TBT Business to Business
3 6:15pm Confirmation Class Dinner
10am Shabbat Service and Shabbat Experience
7:30 pm Confirmation & Shabbat Service
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6
9:30am Last Day of Religious School
5:30pm Youth Board Meeting
9:45am Sisterhood Steering Committee
7pm Last Kesher Teen/Parent Class
11:00am Adult Beginning Hebrew II
7pm Melton Dramas
12pm A Taste of “Rosh Hodesh-It’s a Girl Thing”
7pm Families Anonymous
12 Mother’s Day
6pm Shavuot Picnic
10am Shabbat Service
8:00pm Shabbat Service with Choir
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Synagogue Office Closed
B’not Mitzvah of Sarah Goldenthal and Rachel Ramaglia
8pm Camp Style Blue Jean Shabbat Service in the Alterman Chapel
8pm Tikkun Leyl Shavuot Study
20
21
22
9am Tai Chi
27 9am Tai Chi
HOTTY—Camp Jenny
7:30pm Officers Meeting
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30
18 9am B.L.T., Bagels Learning and Torah 10am Shabbat Service - B’nai Mitzvah of Daniel Marks and Daniel Sandfelder
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25
HOTTY—Camp Jenny
HOTTY—Camp Jenny
8pm Shabbat Service
9am B.L.T., Bagels Learning and Torah
8pm Women’s Study Group
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Memorial Day - Synagogue Office Closed
23 7pm Yoga with a Jewish Twist
7:30pm Board of Trustees Meeting
7pm Melton Dramas
17 6:30pm Fridays with Friends Shabbat Dinner
10:00 am Shavuot Service & Yizkor
11 9am B.L.T., Bagels Learning and Torah
12pm ECEC Family Picnic
7pm Shavuot Service
7pm Families Anonymous
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10 Last Day of ECEC
5pm Relay for Life Team Captain Meeting
14 Synagogue Office Closes at Noon
7pm Families Anonymous
HOTTY—Camp Jenny
12pm ECEC Madrigot Graduation
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19
9 12pm ECEC PreK Graduation
7:30pm Relay for Life Steering Committee Meeting
7pm Melton Dramas
9:30am Annual Congregational Celebration
8 Yom Yerushalayim
7:30pm Choir Rehearsal
11:45am Seniors Luncheon
12:30pm HOTTY Shoot the Hooch
7 9am Tai Chi
4 9am B.L.T., Bagels Learning and Torah
10am Shabbat Service
31 8pm Shabbat Service
June 1 9am B.L.T., Bagels Learning and Torah 10am Shabbat Service - Bar Mitzvah of Jacob Mershon
7pm Families Anonymous
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Donations Campaign TBT - EveryONE Matters Sandy & Nancy Simon in memory of Howard Paul Linda Steinberg and Family in memory of George Rosen Mark and Debbie Weiss in memory of Rose Weiss Todd and Rachel Wilson in memory of Helen Skyer and Miriam Wolpe Chai & Mighty Chavurah in memory of Martin Dodell Harlan & Ivie Graiser in memory of Enia Zaidel and Mark Zaidel
Rabbi Greene’s Discretionary Fund Andy and Marci Fried in memory of Myrtie Sims Kiwanis Club of Atlanta in honor of Rabbi Greene Gerald and Carol Berkowitz in appreciation of Rabbi Greene and the TBT Caring Committee Sherwin and Judee Levinson in memory of Maryetta Aronow Howard & Cynthia Steinberg in memory of Harold and John Steinberg Joel and Judy Rosenberg in honor of the wedding of Nancy Rosenberg and David Johnson and David's conversion Steven and Sheila Barid in memory of Richard Barid Jeffrey and Ellen Levitz in memory of Harold Levitz Rosalind Taranto in memory of Warren Pomerance Robert and Ilicia Shapiro in honor of Rabbi Greene David and Ellen Herold David and Terri Cohen in appreciation of Rabbi Greene David and Ellen Herold in memory of Ilana Cohen Edward and Myrna Kaye in memory of Simon Kapp, Julius Norvell, Leslie Norvell and Morris Norvell Ed and Cindy Getty in memory of Ella Goldstrom Ed and Cindy Getty Andrew and Lori Goldstrom in honor of Audrey's Bat Mitzvah Donald and June Restler in honor of Hannah Sage Restler Nancy Broudy in memory of Dorothy Rothman Jeffrey and Ellen Levitz in memory of Enid Levitz David and Beth Janes in support of Family Promise Steven and Teri Astren in appreciation of Rabbi Greene
Campership/Israel Fund Hadley and Lisa Lowy in memory of Nadia Cooper Larry & Jackie Pepper in memory of Harriet Herbin and Rose Pepper Larry & Jackie Pepper in memory of Rose Pepper and Harriett Herbin Cantor Kassel’s Discretionary Fund June Wallach in appreciation of the beautiful musical service with The Temple and Temple Beth Tikvah choirs Lois Clymin in appreciation of Cantor Kassel's beautiful musical service Andrew and Lori Goldstrom in honor of Audrey's Bat Mitzvah Donald and June Restler in honor of Hannah Sage Restler Jeffrey and Ellen Levitz in memory of Enid Levitz Carol Shutzberg in memory of Morris "Moe" Shutzberg David and Beth Janes in support of the TBT Choir Sidney and Lois Malkin in memory of Al Malkin Caring/Kehillat Chesed Fund Anonymous in appreciation of the TBT Office Staff
Rabbi Tam’s Discretionary Fund David and Ellen Herold in honor of Rabbi Tam Bernard and Bernice Bickwit in memory of Nathan Resnick Donald and June Restler in honor of Hannah Sage Restler Martin & Fern Soniker in memory of Ida Soniker Marvin and Trudy Davis in memory of Gerald Rein Barry Kaiser in memory of Arlene Kaiser Barry Kaiser in memory of Muriel Merlin
General Fund Saul and Gloria Levenson in memory of Rose Levenson Jane Greenberger in memory of Margaret Zolla Melvin and Amy Finkel in memory of Margaret Finkel Shirley Crawford Robert and Myra Idol in memory of Esta Schaier Prayerbook Fund Edmund Weisberger in memory of Joan Gray Weisberger Edmund Weisberger in memory of Joan Gray Weisberger
Religious School Fund Fred and Patricia Landsberg in memory of Bernice Landsberg Arthur Decker
Preschool Fund Jeffrey and Jeanne Schultz in memory of Madeleine Schultz Energy Recruiters ECEC Staff in memory of Miriam Wolpe Barry & Marlene Goren in memory of Ann Sands and Bennie Urband
Torah Fund Ira and Phyllis Madans in memory of Samuel Grosswald Youth Group Fund Steve and RoseAnn Gerson in memory of Jacob Gerson Stan Reich in memory of Paula Baer
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
JF&CS - Legacy Program
Curious about Chavurot?
In the United States, someone turns 65 every 10 seconds. Women who reach that age have an average life expectancy of 20 additional years; men, slightly more than 17 years. That’s up from previous decades; in fact, life expectancy as well as the number of older adults in this country keeps going up. Older adults comprise roughly 13 percent of the U.S. population. But what’s in a number anyway? “We still use 65 to define old age,” said Connie White, Director of Aviv Older Adult Services – Tools for Aging at Jewish Family & Career Services. “But that was developed more than 100 years ago, and we’re a different society now. Nobody in recent years has defined what an “older adult” is, but it should be more like 75.” As the population ages, we’re seeing many older adults caring for even older adults, usually their parents. And often, the caregivers are much more focused on their parents than on themselves. “The assault hits you quickly,” said Connie. “When you’re young and have children, you have an idea of what to expect in the coming years — preschool, school, camps, high school, college and so forth. When you become an older adult dealing with older parents, there’s no lay of the land. You don’t necessarily know what lies ahead. It’s important to educate yourself about what options are out there.” For some, the answer is an assisted living facility or nursing homes. But most people want to remain at home, said Connie. “One of the first lines of defense is home care. Having a paid caregiver in the home, even if it’s just a few hours a day or week, can stabilize a situation and prevent something catastrophic like a fall from happening.” Legacy Home Care, a program of Tools for Aging, is a great place to turn. “We are used to stepping into situations where a quick response is needed to stabilize a situation and then work with the family and older adults to determine more long-term needs. We have the additional skill set of our entire division of aging professionals as opposed to home care agencies that operate independently.” “We get that sometimes you need help for a few days or weeks, sometimes for the long term, sometimes all day or a little bit every day. We’re there to meet all your needs.”
The Chavurah program is available to members of Temple Beth Tikvah and provides a way to get to know others and to build lasting friendships with fellow synagogue members. It is one of the many ways to enhance your experience as a member of the Temple Beth Tikvah community.
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.
When does a Chavurah meet? Each Chavurah usually meets once a month in the homes of its members (or at another location), in rotation. With that said, each Chavurah sets the frequency of meeting that works best for that particular group. The group will decide on the most convenient dates and times based on the schedules of all its members. Sometimes meetings alternate adult only and family events. Questions? Please contact Ivie Graiser @ iviegraiser@yahoo.com or 770-641-0144
Temple Beth Tikvah extends a warm welcome back to: Jamie & Lisa Guttman Lauren, Hannah & Zachary
Graduation Information Wanted! Do you have a child graduating from High School or College? If so, we want to know about it! Please email lisa@bethtikvah.com your child’s name, school graduating from and where they will be attending next fall (if moving onto college). We will publish this news in the June/July Kol Tikvah - please submit by May 6th.
For more information about Legacy, please contact Jeannie Aiken at 770-677-9407 or jaiken@jfcs-atlanta.org. 10
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
SOCIAL ACTION
The Yokneam – Megido Baseball Teams want to thank Temple Beth Tikvah for their generous help with the baseball program in the region. We have weekly practice at two schools and team practices twice a week once in the Megido region and once in Yokneam. Over 30 children from 2nd grade to 9th grade participate in the program. At the end of April we are taking a team to the Israel Jr. Olympics where last year we came in third place. This year there are around 14 different teams coming to the Olympics in Holon. The Maccabiah Games will be in July and we have two players from Yokneam trying out for the National Israeli Team. There are four players the National coach of the team is interested in helping train for future National Teams, but they are too young right now. 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.
2.
Enter your email address.
3.
Sign up! Choose your spots. You will receive an automated confirmation and reminders. 11
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Yoga with a Jewish Twist
TBT Women’s Book Club
Thursday, May 23rd, 7 - 8:15 pm
Sponsored by Sisterhood Sunday, June 2nd
7 - 8:30pm
Book- to be determined
Enjoy the physical journey of yoga by strengthening your body, mind and spirit, while integrating Jewish wisdom. If you are new to yoga but involved in Jewish study, you will discover how your own body is an expression of Torah wisdom. If you are involved in a yoga practice, you will increase your journey by finding inspiration and meaning from Judaic wisdom.
Provide a list of 3 potential books and the group will vote! (genre can be Judaic or inspiring women) Please rsvp! We typically meet in the TBT little Oneg Room but based on the group size, we may meet at Starbucks on Coleman Road in the Kroger Shopping Center. If you’d like to join us, just add your name to our distribution list by email – dlgreene3@att.net or “like” the TBT Sisterhood facebook page for updates.
Learn to understand your body while enlightening your soul with Torah wisdom.
Is Coming Back to Temple Beth Tikvah!
Co-ed class will meet once a month. Bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothes. RSVP to Pam Chanin chaninp@bellsouth.net or 404-219-1453
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.
Temple Beth Tikvah gift shop
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.
MAY-be this is the month that you come by and discover what great gifts and jewelry await you at your Temple Beth Tikvah gift shop. Gorgeous and handsome tallits, jewelry made in Israel are just some of the items that we have for you. Thanks for supporting us!
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.
Carrie, Pam and Rhonda
Rabbi Green and the Youth Committee are so excited to be bringing this program back to TBT, with our first group beginning with rising 6th grade girls in the Fall (led by Keira Oseroff.) Come see what it’s all about by joining us for free pizza and a “Taste of Rosh Hodesh” on Sunday, May 5 th at 12:15, just after Religious School! For more information or to RSVP, contact Keira Oseroff at koseroff@comcast.net.
Bakers Wanted! We would like to do another homemade oneg following the Blue Jean Shabbat Cookout If you would like to bake, please call Leslie Swichkow at 770-973-0062 12
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
CONDOLENCES
Memorial Plaques
Temple Beth Tikvah
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.
acknowledges with sorrow the passing of: Sandra Cohen Mother of David Cohen Aunt of Debra Schwartz
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.
Sol Blumenthal Uncle of Rick Blue Miriam Wolpe Grandmother of Rachel Wilson Martin Dodell Father of Neal Dodell
KUDOS CORNER
Creigh W. Taylor, Jr. Father of Jason Taylor
Thank You to‌ Natine Rosenzweig, June Wallach, Ellen Weiner, Richard Staviss, Kay Smolin, Leslie Swichkow, Aaron Stieglitz, Janice Liederman and Roberta Goldman for all their wonderful help in the synagogue office.
May God console you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Submissions for the June/July Kol Tikvah are due to the synagogue office by Wednesday, May 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.
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Synagogue Information Synagogue Office Fax Number School Office (Perri) Preschool (Jenifer) Assistant to Clergy Financial Secretary Admin. Assistant Office Manager
- 770-642-0434 - 770-642-0647 - 770-642-4168 - 678-350-0076 - Michelle Leder - Jenny Korsen - Lisa Singer - Becky Sullivan
Get Involved! TBT Committees and Chairpersons Adult Education Cindy Getty cindygetty@me.com 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 Ruben Braiter rbraiter@manh.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 & Retention Mark Rudel mrudel@ups.com Men’s Club Neil Goldstein nsg24@cornell.edu Nominating Committee Vicki Steine vicsteine@comcast.net Outreach To Be Determined Ritual Esther Shultz savtaesther5@gmail.com Rosh Chodesh Women’s Group Pam Chanin chaninp@bellsouth.net Security Michael Gutkin gutkin1@bellsouth.net
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Seniors Ruth Zeidman zeidmanr@comcast.net Sisterhood Mary Block Mary_block@hotmail.com Social Action Jeff Willard pursuejustice@comcast.net Rodney Eberhardt reberhardt@amerisourcebergen.com Social Committee To Be Determined Website Development Mark Weiss maweiss@mindspring.com Scott Povlot spovlot@yahoo.com Youth Group Michal Loventhal and Debra Schwartz loventhalmichal@gmail.com dls63@bellsouth.net
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
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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 Steve Gerson President Ron Swichkow President-Elect Paul Beckman Vice President Todd Boehm Vice President Marsha Mathis Vice President Mark Craig Treasurer Rhonda Povlot Secretary Seth Zimmer Chairperson, Board of Education
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