May 2015 • Volume 29 • Issue 5
A Reform Congregation Embracing Our Jewish Tradition
Set a Reminder!! Annual Congregational Meeting Sunday, May 17th 9:30 am Be Part of the Process RSVP at www.bethtikvah.com under Sign up for Events
Shavuot Celebration Saturday, May 23
Family Potluck Dairy Dinner followed by a Multi-Generational Shavuot Service 6 pm - Potluck Dairy Dinner 7 pm - Shavuot Service 8 pm - Tikkun Leil Shavuot See page 11 for details News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Counting of the Omer and Farewell As I write this message, I am reminded of the teachings of our mystics as they help us find meaning in a tradition referred to as the Counting of the Omer. The term omer means "barley sheaf" and refers to the offering brought to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem on the second day of Passover. According to the Bible (Leviticus 22:15): “You shall count for yourselves from the day after the day of rest, from the day you brought the Omer of the wave offering; seven complete weeks there shall be, until the day after the seventh week shall you number fifty days....” We are instructed to count seven weeks from the day of the offering (the second day of Passover) and on the 50th day, the Festival of Shavuot (also known as the Feast of Weeks) begins. Since the destruction of the Temple, the Omer sacrifice is no longer offered, but it is still a mitzvah to count the 50 days between Passover and Shavuot. A fundamental aspect of this tradition is gratitude to God. We are thankful for the harvest and our ability to harvest as free men and women, not the slaves we read about in the Passover Haggadah. But if we dig deeper, we focus on the counting every evening (the beginning of a new day in the Hebrew calendar). Perhaps the Counting of the Omer challenges us to make our days count! A great Reform rabbi and social justice activist, Rabbi Everett Gendler, teaches that the verse Limnot yameinu kein hoda (Ps 90:12) means: “make our days count by saying yes to each one of them.” Another teaching is from our mystics. They teach that if we can create a practice of awareness for each day, then we would be able to build ourselves up from one day to the next. They teach us that there are 49 gates our people needed to pass through in order to shed the layers of impurity that they had accumulated as slaves in Egypt. As each gate closed behind them, a new gate of possibility, potential and opportunity opened in front. As they passed each gate, they achieved an increased level of purity. Each gate made them more ready to accept the Torah at Sinai. As they journeyed forward, they prepared themselves for their encounter with Torah. At the end of their 49 days of mindfulness, they believed that we were prepared to receive the Torah that God has given. One of my teachers taught: Counting the Omer is a 49-day mindfulness practice aimed at helping us pay attention to the movement of our lives, to notice the subtle shifts, the big changes, the yearnings, the strivings, the disappointments, the hopes and the fears. It is an opportunity for deep introspection, a call to notice our inclinations, our default responses, our reactions to shifting emotions and
circumstances. The Counting of the Omer seeks to cleanse and renew our nefesh, ruach and neshamah (layers of body, mind and soul) so we can respond to the circumstances of our lives with compassion and wisdom. As I walk through my own gateways of my Jewish journey, I reflect on what I have learned and what I have received. I feel like I have had many moments at Sinai, receiving God’s truths – from my congregants at Beth Tikvah, from my previous congregation in Bridgeport, from different institutions as an intern, youth advisor, songleader, religious school teacher, fundraiser, Israel activist, among other roles. I am grateful for these gifts and I hope and pray that I have shared some of my own along the way. But it is time to move through my next gate, to my next stage, ever striving to encounter God’s truths and Sinai and then continue toward the Promised Land. The same is true for this sacred congregation. I am grateful for all that you have shared and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead, teach, challenge, and engage you in your own sacred journeys. I am so very grateful to my wife and children. Without their love and ongoing support, I could not do what I do believe I am called to do. They have always been like oxygen to me. I don’t forget that they compromise a lot to have a rabbi as a husband and father. It is a gift they continuously give. I am grateful to the Kadosh Baruch Hu, the Holy One of Blessing, the ultimate source of all wisdom and from where compassion flows. I try to walk in God’s ways every day, prepared for meaningful encounters and hopeful that I will live up to my role as a partner in continuing the work of Creation. I feel blessed for the opportunity to do so with every breath. I hope that I have cared for God’s people as I should. And I hope that my efforts may in some small way reflect God’s infinite love for us, for the people of Israel, and all of God’s children. My friends at Temple Beth Tikvah, I hope your journey will continue to be sweet, filled with meaning and joy. I hope you continue to grow as individuals and will continue to grow as a sacred community with your next rabbi. It has been a privilege and a pleasure. Shalom berakhah ve-tovah – wishing you peace, blessing and all good things to come your way.
Rabbi Fred Greene
2
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
NOTES FROM CANTOR KASSEL TRUE BAR MITZVAH STORY - PAST & PRESENT Both my parents were raised in Savannah, GA and their families belonged to the historic Reform congregation “Mikveh Israel.” When they were growing up it was not the custom to observe becoming Bar Mitzvah (all the more so, Bat Mitzvah) in the way that we do now. Instead, all of the emphasis was placed on the more-or-less invented life cycle of Confirmation. When my father, Milton Kassel, was twelve years old, his grandfather Jacob Kassel, on his deathbed, made my father promise to go over to the Orthodox synagogue and “have” his Bar Mitzvah. His grandfather died and less than ten months later my father observed his becoming Bar Mitzvah at the Orthodox synagogue. My father has enjoyed telling us the story of working with Cantor Gefen to learn his Torah portion. Believe it or not, my father is mostly tone deaf and the tutoring was a labored process during which Cantor Gefen often threw up his hands in the air, exclaiming NISHT DO GEDACHT – which my father understood as “G-d forbid!”. But when my father would tell the story the Yiddish expression sounded like “nish doggy dot”, of which I could make NO sense. I was certain my father did not remember the phrase correctly. One night this past April, my father was telling the story to my son Jacob Kassel (named after his great-great grandfather) and my Jacob decided to look up the phrase on “Google Translate.” And there it was:
NISHT DO GEDACHT! It shouldn’t happen! G-d forbid! (Lit., May we be saved from it [sad event])
We’ve come a long way since then – both Reform Judaism and the Kassel family! And now, after years and years of tutoring other people’s children in preparation for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah service, it’s my turn to be the parent! I so look forward to celebrating this day with family, friends and the Temple Beth Tikvah community and I like to think that our ancestors will be with us in spirit as well.
Cantor Nancy Kassel
IT WOULD BE AN HONOR TO HAVE THE TBT COMMUNITY JOIN IN THE CELEBRATION AS
JACOB SOLOMON KASSEL IS CALLED TO THE TORAH AS A BAR MITZVAH EREV SHABBAT SERVICE MAY
29th
SHABBAT MORNING SERVICE
at 8:00 PM
MAY 30 th at 10:00 AM
DESSERT ONEG TO FOLLOW
KIDDUSH LUNCHEON TO FOLLOW
Please RSVP at www.bethtikvah.com or click here 3
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
From the President I can’t believe it’s already May. Where have all the months gone? But, I do want to briefly reflect back on April. On April 4th, over 110 congregants, family members and friends joined us for a renewal of our Congregational Seder, led by Cantor Nancy Kassel. Jeff Willard and Steve Mahan co-chaired the event. They made sure all the small details were covered. It was a warm and meaningful evening, and I anticipate it being an annual event. It was the perfect way to celebrate Passover as a community.
being in attendance. You can RSVP at www.bethtikvah.com.
It hasn’t been a dull year by any stretch. This month our congregation comes together to honor Rabbi Greene and say goodbye at a special Shabbat service on May 15 th. A few days later on May 17th we will hold our TBT annual meeting. For many years the biggest challenge was making sure we had a quorum to enable us to properly conduct our synagogue business. The difficulty in getting 15% to attend the annual meeting has been indicative of the feeling by some that someone else will always be there to take care of things. As I have said before, that has been disappointing. The annual meeting is a unique opportunity to see how the synagogue is run, how much it costs to run and maintain our facilities and who’s in charge of running it. After having done this for a few years now, I can assure you that the synagogue absolutely will not run on its own.
Speaking of financial feet, I want to put in a final plug for our annual campaign. So far, about 180 families have participated. I know our community can do more. Without a successful annual campaign, the Board struggles to balance our budget. Our facility continues to soak up any headway we seem to make as repairs continue to be needed. If you haven’t already, please consider making a meaningful gift this month to the campaign. Our next major project this summer will be cleaning and sealing another large portion of our building stucco on the school side. We are only able to afford to do this desperately needed work in phases.
2015-2016 will be a year of transition as we begin our journey with our new Senior Rabbi, Rabbi Shuval-Weiner. Although change has its challenges, I am excited to see where this year takes us as a congregation. Your Board has worked very hard to position ourselves to get off on the right financial foot for this new chapter in our history.
As the school year ends this month and your summer plans begin to take shape, please remember that your lay leaders are always working to make TBT a better and more vibrant community. If you are in town this summer, please join us for services. On a personal note, I continue to be moved and motivated by so many dedicated congregants. The group of volunteers and lay leaders could stand to be larger and if it were, we certainly could move mountains.
The annual meeting is vital as we discuss our financial position and results for the year and adopt our budget for the next fiscal year. Several new members of our Board will be installed and other very important matters related to the running of the synagogue will be discussed. Please join us for all these matters and also to pay a special tribute to our teachers who are congregants. Show a favorite teacher your love and support by
L’Shalom
Ron Swichkow
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, Lisa Garris, Alicia Hirsch, Lisa Laudicina, Rhonda Povlot, 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 Jill Mattos and the Board of Education, as well as Ron Swichkow 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. Finally, I would like to thank the ECEC’s Parents Group and all of our ECEC families for their dedication, loyalty and support of our school. 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 2015-2016 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.
Jenifer Friedman 4
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Religious School We have had some very busy days in March and April at the school. Our Madrichim were in charge of putting together our Purim celebration. What a wonderful job they did. Zac Povlot took the lead and organized the Purim Spiel. Thanks to Zac and all the aides who participated. Lots of students, teachers and Madrichim came to school dressed in costume. Prizes were awarded for a variety of categories. We sang songs, had an adloyadah (parade), ate hamentashen and made a lot of noise. It was a very festive day at the school. The 4th grade class went on a field trip to the Purple Hippo Art Studio. The students spent the morning drawing and painting their own versions of the Chagall Windows. The kids had a great time and came away with some amazing artwork. We had a celebratory ice cream party for the entire 4th and 5th grades. All the students passed their reading tests with flying colors. Great job students, keep up the good work! The students had a wonderful experience on the 29th of March. The children participated in an interactive Seder. They spent the morning going to different stations and doing a variety of activities. The students made charoses, recited the brachot (prayers) over Passover foods, sang Passover songs, recited the 4 questions, created Passover projects and played Passover games. Please ask your children what they learned and what they can lead as an activity at their family Seders. SOJOURN presented a workshop to our 7th grade class. The workshop focused on stereotypes, self worth, self esteem and tolerance. They also focused on anti-bullying to stand up to bully type situations. This all tied into the current unit about the Holocaust and anti-Semitism. It was so wonderful to see so many parents participating with their children. It was truly a great experience. For the past several years we have brought in Devorah Lowenstein from The Atlanta Educators. She has led 4 training sessions for our Madrichim. The classes range in topics and have included: Working with Special Needs Students, Curriculum Supplements and Basic Skills. The training sessions have been wonderful and the students have walked away from the classes with some great information. Were are looking forward to the end of April when we will hold our annual Yom Hashoah(Holocaust Remembrance Day), Yom Hazikaron(Israel Memorial Day) and Yom Ha’atzmaut(Israel Independence Day) assemblies. Shalom,
Hassia Levin
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
5
HOTTY - ELECTIONS
Youth Group HOTTY (9-12th Grade) In April, 38 HOTTYites headed to Charlotte, NC for the last Kallah of the year, Spring Kallah. We had a blast! We also had our Screen on the Green event and elections. Congratulations to our 2015-2016 HOTTY Board: President– Emily Restler Programming VP– Daniel Marks Religious & Cultural VP– Drew Baker Social Action VP– Robby Scott Membership VP– Maddie Schwartz We are SO PROUD of everyone who ran for a position. We’re lucky to have so many awesome HOTTYites who want to be leaders in our youth group! Our last HOTTY event for the year is on May 9th. There is a lot happening at this event: We’re installing the new HOTTY Board, sending our Seniors off with some roasting & toasting, and handing out some fun awards. Hope you can join us. 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 - NFTY-SAR HATIKVAH KALLAH
JYG (7-8th Grade) Check out some pictures from NFTY-SAR Hatikvah Kallah that happened in March. Save-the-date for our final JYG event of the year on May 17th. We’re getting ready for summer and having lunch and a pool party at the Strauss house! More details will be coming soon. Hope you can join us. And, 6th graders – you are all invited to join us for this event. Join the JYG Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/TBT.JYG/) to stay up-to-date on what's happening with JYG, RSVP and arrange carpools for events!
5th & 6th Grade Our last Club 56 scheduled event got rained out so we went to see the movie “Home” at Aurora Cineplex instead. Join the 5th & 6th Grade Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/TBT.56/) to stay up-to-date on what's happening, RSVP and arrange carpools for events!
Want more info about the youth groups at TBT? Contact us at: youth@bethtikvah.com or call us: Bobbee (303) 981-2356 & Adam (404) 971-4687
Upcoming Events: May 9 – HOTTY Installations, Senior Sendoff & Final Banquet May 17 – JYG Pool Party WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS SUMMER??? It’s not too late to attend a Jewish camp in Atlanta this summer! There are several great options for your kids. Need help figuring out which one is the best for your kid? Ask Adam and Bobbee! We’re happy to help you find the right program for your child for this summer. Here is a list of Rabbi Greene’s favorite summer camps: http://www.bethtikvah.com/document/rabbi-greenes-favoritecamps
6
B’nai Mitzvah Matthew Steven Zukowski will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on May 2, 2015. Matthew is the son of Suzanne and Russ Zukowski, brother of David Zukowski, and grandson of Ann and Larry Winitsky of Voorhees, New Jersey, Gina Wolf of Alpharetta, Georgia, the late Carlos Zukowski and Terri Union of Fayetteville, North Carolina. Matthew is a 7th grade honor student at Crabapple Middle School. He enjoys playing soccer and basketball, making origami, and participating in the drama club and the jazz band at school. Adam Boehm will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on May 9, 2015. He is the son of Jennifer and Todd Boehm and younger brother to Riley. Adam is a seventh grader at Dodgen Middle School where he is an honor student. He enjoys acting, making original videos, and hanging with friends and family. Adam has been a Madrich at religious school. which he will continue next year along with youth group and Kesher. Adam is also looking forward to his second summer at URJ’s 6 Points Sci-Tech camp. Coleman Harrison Wiatric will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on May 9, 2015. Coleman is the son of Scott and Marsha Wiatric and the brother to Emma. He is the grandson of Elaine Wiatric and the late Jerome Wiatric of North Miami Beach, Florida, and Nicholas and Madeline Dragich of Washington, Pennsylvania. He is in the 7th grade at Hightower Trail Middle School and is an outstanding student. Coleman is also a gifted athlete. He plays travel baseball which is his favorite sport. He gets his basketball genes from his mother and his water skiing genes from his dad. Coleman’s mitzvah project is serving food to others who are less fortunate. He volunteered and donated his money to The Atlanta Community Food Bank. Coleman has worked hard to prepare for this special day and we are very proud of him!!! Marla A. McCord will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on May 16, 2015. Marla is the daughter of Renee Rappaport McCord and Bruce McCord of Woodstock, Georgia, and sister to Jamie P. McCord, 10. Marla is in the 7th grade at Mill Creek Middle School (MCMS) where she is a cheerleader for the all the basketball teams, is a member of the Junior Beta Club, plays the cello in the MCMS 7 th grade orchestra and sings with the MCMS chorus. Marla loves reading, drawing, roller-blading, playing with her cat and going to the beach. As preparation for her Bat Mitzvah, Marla has been involved monthly with Project Open Hand which allows people to continue living at home by getting fresh, nutritious meals delivered to them and she looks forward to continuing with this. She is excited to share this milestone with family and friends Matthew Aaron Gergans will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on May 16, 2015. He is the son of Michele and Steven Gergans and older brother of Lindsey. Matthew is a 7 th grader at Elkins Pointe Middle School. He is in his second year of learning Japanese and loves it. Matthew is active in karate and he enjoys playing video games and hanging out with his friends during his free time.
Jacob Solomon Kassel will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on May 30, 2015. Jacob is the son of our cantor, Nancy Kassel, and grandson of Milton and Valerie Kassel of Atlanta. A 7 th grader at Atlanta Jewish Academy, Jacob is an avid soccer player, looking forward to playing in this summer’s Maccabi games in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Over the years Jacob has enjoyed performing a variety of Mitzvot at Temple Beth Tikvah such as Family Promise, and working with young children in the ECEC, Shabbat Experience and Religious School, as well as numerous volunteer opportunities in the greater community.
Lexi and Spencer Cooper will be called to the Torah as B’nai Mitzvah on May 16, 2015 in Big Canoe in Jasper, Georgia. They are the children of Lawrence and Lauren Cooper of Johns Creek, and the grandchildren of Lynn and Mitch Wieskopf of Duluth, and Elaine Cooper of Tamarac, Florida, and the late Neil Cooper. Lexi Jacqueline is a rising 10th grader. She is a dancer and swimmer. She enjoys music, dance , and spending time with her family and friends. She is very involved with HOTTY and NFTY. Spencer Adam is a rising 8th grader. He is a swimmer and plays tennis. He enjoys playing basketball and tennis, and anything that involves sports. Spencer loves hanging out with his friends, and spending time with family. They both love their time in Big Canoe, in the North Georgia Mountains, swimming, hiking, paddle boarding, and kayaking. Lexi and Spencer love anything Disney! Lexi and Spencer are so excited to share this special milestone with their friends and family, and both look forward to continuing their Jewish education next year in Kesher and Confirmation. 7
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Fundraising News Shalom! I read an article recently that kind of summed up the role/need of fundraising in Temple life. Basically, ever since the time of Moses, Jews have been trying to maintain a balanced budget. Whether we like it or not, financial resources are a necessity of religious life. To paraphrase the Torah, “Man does not live by bread alone.” The sages of the Talmud had a saying for this: Im ein kemach ein Torah, literally, “Without dough there is no Jewish life.” But the question remains: how do we do this jewishly and according to the highest standards of the Torah? Is there a right way to give and collect funds? Is there a religious and a righteous way for congregations to meet their fiscal needs? What higher values ought to inform the way we go about raising funds and maintaining a congregation? The article goes into further details describing a "10 Commandments of Temple Fundraising" I won't bore you with all the details but here are a few to reflect upon as our year enters the last few months and we try to accomplish the goals we set in the beginning of the year: 1. Thou shalt give! 2. Synagogue members should support their own congregation. 3. Thou shalt contribute honestly. Shalom, Jonathan Agin, TBT Fundraising Chairman
Andy and Julie Aaronson Jonathan and Allison Agin Barry and Shari Alhadeff Pam Alterman Steven and Teri Astren Brian and Sheri Baker Steven and Sheila Barid Dale and Wendy Bearman Jonathan and Barbara Berger Leonard Berger Harris and Suellen Bergman Michael and Jeannine Bernstein Jerry Bilsky and Judy Tolkan Peter Birnbaum Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation
David and Robin Bledsoe Todd and Jennifer Boehm Michael and Heather Braun Adam and Adrienne Bruckman Jamie Burak Paul and Cherie Cervasio Lois Clymin David and Roberta Coad Michael D. and Lisa R. Cohen Michael and Marlene Cohn Steve and Arlene Cohn Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties Mark and Stephanie Craig Renee Davis Gordon and Hollis Decker Craig and Susan Derene Mitchell and Dyann Diamond Kristopher and Paige Dobbins Joseph and Waynah Dunn Rodney and Erika Eberhardt Audrey Eisen Alan and Pam Epstein Elliot and Donna Feller Steven and Amy Fine Rory and Jenifer Friedman Steve and RoseAnn Gerson Ed and Cindy Getty
Arthur Gittelman and Marcia Pearl Cary Goldenthal and Lori Shapiro Neil and Jennifer Goldstein Robert and Cindy Goldstein Harlan & Ivie Graiser Rabbi Fred and Deborah Greene Anne Grossman Burton and Sara Grossman Andrew and Karen Gutman Scott and Nancy Harris Peter and Tracy Hartog Yitzhak and Ronit Hermoni David and Ellen Herold Mitchell and Julie Hilsen Jamie and Katie Jaffe David and Beth Janes Peter and Sharon Jedel Daniel and Stephanie Joseph Morris and Anna Kagan Doug and Donna Kallman Cantor Nancy Kassel Valerie Kassel Jr Howard and Linda Katz Jerry and Marcy Kaufman Jeffrey and Beth Kess Sharon Khoury Jared and Rachel King Jeff and Cindy Klein Marc and Deborah Klein Peter Klokow and Ellen Frank Stanley and Bobbie Kopkin Steven and Helen Kraus Ned and Lisa Kreiss Robert and Karen Kremer
Hadley and Lisa Lowy Gilbert and Ellen Ludwig Murray and Sonia Lynn Joel and Aviva Margolies Jonathan and Joan Marks Jason and Maggie McAuliffe David McClung Thomas and Marsha McMurrain Howard and Helaine Medoff Gary and Peggy Mendelson Ric and Barrie Mershon Martin and Charlene Milstein Ilene Monat Mark and Jennifer Mosbacher Robert Moss Jay and Anita Myer Robert and Marcy Nader Ted and Melanie Nathan Bernie and Gail Natter North Georgia Pain Clinic, PC Ryan and Rachel Palazzo Larry and Jackie Pepper Gary and Sheyla Peterson Jason and Melanie Pickett Shirley Plotkin Scott and Rhonda Povlot Marla Ramaglia Joel and Valerie Rapowitz Herbert and Bunny Renkin Betty Rickles Robert and Ellen Rickles Barry & Robin Riegelhaupt Howard & Barbara Rosenberg Joel and Judy Rosenberg Harvey and Natine Rosenzweig Irving and Doris Rosing Paul and Julie Rubin Tod and Leslie Rubin Mark and Gail Rudel Andrew and Barbara Sacks Robert and Donna Schacher Joel and Kathleen Schoenblum Gary and Debra Schwartz
Kenneth Lawler Jr and Ginger Glazer
Fred and Patricia Landsberg Melvin and Vivian Lapes Scott and Sheryl Lasky
Hal and Jill Leitman Ron and Lindsay Levin Ronald and Jennifer Levine Emily Lewit Gary and Michal Loventhal William and Rita Loventhal
8
William and Terry Schwartz Rhonda Schweber Sanford and Gail Seidman Ira and Brenda Share Stacy and Alicia Sher Walter and Esther Shultz Carol Shutzberg David and Elisa Siegel Sandy and Nancy Simon Lawrence and Anne Skal Kenneth and Helene Skolky Sharon Snowiss Stuart and Frances Solomon Howard and Cynthia Steinberg Steven and Linda Steinberg Aaron and Sheila Stieglitz Mathew and Dani Stordy Barry & Denise Straus Ronald and Leslie Swichkow Donald and Marilyn Tam Rosalind Taranto Lloyd and Gail Tate Steven and Abbe Tobin David & Christine Toltzis Bruce and Mariann Mamberg Turiansky
Mark and Sally Vosk Bruce and Carol Waldman Bruce and Bonnie Walkes June Wallach Ronald and Sheri Weiner Clifford and Loretta Weiss Mark and Debbie Weiss Douglas Wexler and Jane Greenberger
Bram and Dana Wieskopf Jeff Willard and Steve Mahan Mark Williams and Michelle Easton Thomas and Susan Williams
Todd and Rachel Wilson Scott and Susan Wynne Andrew and Ilana Zalkin Ruth Zeidman Seth and Ellen Zimmer (donations received through March 2015)
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
May 2015 Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday 1
Saturday 2 9:00 am - 10:00 am Bagels, Learning & Torah
6:00 pm Confirmation Group Picture 6:15 pm - 7:30 pm Confirmation Dinner
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Shabbat Service - Zukowski Bar Mitzvah
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Confirmation & Shabbat Service 3
4 9:30 am Religious School Last Day
5 7:15 pm Families Anonymous
6
7
LAG B'OMER
8
9 12:00 pm ECEC Mom's Tea and Shabbat
9:30 am Tai Chi
8:00 pm - 9:00 pm Shabbat Service
10:00 am Prospective Member Coffee
9:00 am Bagels, Learning & Torah
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Shabbat Service - Boehm/Wiatric B'nai Mitzvah 5:00 pm HOTTY Installations/Senior Sendoff
10
Mother's Day
11
12
12:00 pm Senior Luncheon 7:15 pm Families Anonymous
13
14 12:00 pm ECEC Pre-K Celebration
9:30 am Tai Chi 12:00 pm ECEC Madrigot Graduation
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Sisterhood - Social Event at Red Sky Tapas & Bar
15 ECEC Last Day
7:30 pm Ruach Shabbat Service w/ Farewell to Rabbi Greene
7:00 pm Breast Cancer Support Group
17
18
9:30 am Annual Congregational Meeting
19
7:15 pm Families Anonymous
20
21
9:30 am Tai Chi
NFTY Camp Jenny
7:30 pm Board of Trustees Meeting
22
16 9:00 am - 10:00 am Bagels, Learning & Torah
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Shabbat Service - McCord/Gergans B’nai Mitzvah
23
EREV SHAVUOT
NFTY Camp Jenny
NFTY Camp Jenny
8:00 pm - 9:00 pm Shabbat Service
9:00 am - 10:00 am Bagels, Learning & Torah
12:30 pm - 3:00 pm JYG - Pool Party
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Shabbat Service 6:00 pm Shavuot Family Dairy Potluck Dinner 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Shavuot MultiGenerational Service 8:00 pm Tikkun Leil Shavuot 24
SHAVUOT
25
Memorial Day
26
NFTY Camp Jenny
NFTY Camp Jenny
9:30 am Tai Chi
10:00 am Shavuot Service and Yizkor
TBT Offices Closed
7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Officers Meeting
7:15 pm Families Anonymous
27
28
29 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm Shabbat Service
30 9:00 am - 10:00 am Bagels, Learning & Torah
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Shabbat Service - Kassel Bar Mitzvah 31
9
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
TBT Seniors Luncheon Monday, May 11 at 12 PM
Create Community in a Chavurah
Rabbi Fred Greene will be our speaker
"The members of our Chavurah are like extended family. I can't imagine holidays without them!" (comment from TBT Chavurah member)
RSVP to Natine at rosen4348@aol.com
What's a Chavurah? It's a group of people who share common interests and meet regularly to celebrate Jewish holidays, share simchas, attend TBT events, and participate in any activities that interest them. Being part of a Chavurah can enhance your experience at TBT by helping you develop a strong sense of community and deeper connections within the congregation.
Happy May! Sisterhood has such great energy and really has fulfilled a major goal of planning diverse, unique and “eye catching” events this year! A big THANK YOU goes out to all our committee women for planning these marvelous programs. Creativity and commitment to nurturing new Sisterhood bonds has grown so nicely. Kudos abound to such great Sisterhood leaders! Knit and Nosh is a growing women’s community outreach project led by Terry Carasick. We are in the process of knitting or crocheting scarves for homeless men and women in the metro Atlanta area and will be ready to distribute our wares by 12/15. Our last meeting 4/19/15 was so productive and a big thank you is in order for Terry! A big thank you also is in order to Leslie Swichkow for planning our Sunday morning Mah Jongg in April. As always, all are welcome to this growing regular event as we have different levels of expertise from the beginning level to the advanced. Teachers are always needed for this popular happening so please share your knowledge with upcoming Mah Jongg Sundays and thank you to those that have taught during the year! Our May social event will be held at Red Sky Tapas and Bar, Thursday, 5/14/15 at 6:30 p.m. Please plan on attending and partaking of tapas, nonalcoholic and/or alcoholic drinks, and good company as we strive to expand our Sisterhood participation to all ages and interests for the women of TBT! Robin Bledsoe
Sisterhood Chair
What does a Chavurah do? You choose the activities you'll participate in and how often and where you meet. We can help you design a calendar of programs based on your group's interests. How do I join a Chavurah? Just fill out the application and we'll help you find like -minded families or individuals to form a group. Drop by the TBT office to pick one up, or visit http://www.bethtikvah.com/community/chavurot to download. Questions? Please contact Dalia Faupel at d2faupel@comcast.net
HELP US HELP YOU Your synagogue community wants to be a Caring Community/Kehillat Chesed If you have recently experienced a loss, are facing a crisis or are celebrating a simcha, please let our office know as soon as possible. Our clergy and friends strive to be a source of support as best as they can. If you know of one of our fellow congregants who has experienced a loss or can use a hand, please contact the office at 770.642.0434.
10
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Be A Part of the Process! Temple Beth Tikvah Annual Congregational Meeting & Brunch
Sunday, May 17th @ 9:30 a.m. Presentation and election of the slate of Officers and Trustees. Presentation & acceptance of the 2015-2016 Budget & Constitutional Amendments Hear a review of the past year and a preview of capital projects for the next year Enjoy a light brunch and the voices of our Adult and Youth Choirs. For your convenience we are also providing free babysitting and elementary age kids will have programming with Senior Youth Group members. Please RSVP online at www.bethtikvah.com at sign up for events
Please join us for a multi generational celebration of Shavuot
Saturday, May 23, 2015 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:15 PM
Shavuot Dairy Pot Luck Dinner Multi-Generational Shavuot Service Tikkun Leyl Shavuot - A Shavuot Study Session
Rethinking Shavuot – Join Rabbi Greene to explore how the Book of Ruth can help us focus on the importance of living in community, the power of small acts of kindness in building trust, and the necessity of imagining a different future. And if that is not enough, we will share some of our favorite cheesecakes!
Choices: Dairy Main Dish for 8 Side Dish for 8 Salad for 8
Please RSVP to lswichkow@comcast.net and indicate your first and second choices as to what you would like to contribute. You will receive an email confirmation. RSVP is for dinner only. Please feel free to attend any or all events. 11
Donations Annual Campaign
Sandy and Nancy Simon in memory of Howard Paul Lawrence and Anne Skal in memory of Isabelle Edelman Building Fund Addie Myers in memory of Norman Bachman Campership/Israel Fund Hadley and Lisa Lowy in memory of Nadia Cooper Nadine Duhaney Todd and Rachel Wilson in memory of Helen Skyer Cantor Kassel’s Discretionary Fund Shirley Plotkin in memory of Ida Plotkin Jane Greenberger in memory of Margaret Zolla Ed and Shirley Schiffer in appreciation of Cantor Kassel performing in the cantorial concert at their synagogue Rosalind Taranto in memory of Warren Pomerance Steven and Janice Liederman in memory of Harry Liederman Steven and Sheila Barid in memory of Richard Barid Hadley and Lisa Lowy in appreciation of Cantor Kassel Morray and Susan Scheinfeld in appreciation of Cantor Kassel Susan Scheinfeld in appreciation of Cantor Kassel Steven and Janice Liederman in memory of Pauline Liederman Carol Shutzberg in memory of Morris "Moe" Shutzberg Scott and Marci Weiss in honor and appreciation of Cantor Kassel Mark and Debbie Weiss in memory of Rose Weiss Ilene Monat in memory of Daniel Kaufman Peter and Helene Levinson in memory of Carole Friedman Caring/Kehillat Chesed Fund David and Ellen Herold in memory of Bernard Bickwit Nancy Miller in appreciation of friendship with Kara, Bart, Jeremy, Ilana and Tori Segal Sherwin and Judee Levinson in memory of Maryetta Aronow Elaine Korman in memory of Phyllis Israeloff Douglas Wexler and Jane Greenberger in memory of Miriam Belger Walter and Esther Shultz in memory of Miriam Belger Harvey and Natine Rosenzweig in honor of Daniel Ellison’s double Bar Mitzvah Dale and Wendy Bearman in memory of Miriam Belger Endowment Campaign Hadley and Lisa Lowy in memory of Marilyn Narduzzi
General Fund ATID Class of 2014-15 in honor of Harlan Graiser and Seth Zimmer for their incredible leadership during the 2014-15 ATID program Larry & Jackie Pepper in memory of Louise Herndon Shirley Crawford Harlan and Ivie Graiser in memory of Florence Ackerman Berger Auerbach, Isaac Ackerman, and Charles Moore, brother-in-law of Steve Mahan William and Marjory Segal in memory of Edward Segal Robert and Myra Idol in memory of Esta Schaier Harry and Bettye Baer in honor of Dale Bearman's recovery Prayerbook Fund Melvin and Tobi Levine in memory of Sarah Stansky Rabbi Greene’s Discretionary Fund Robert and Adele Toltzis in memory of Arthur Toltzis and in memory of Anita Seidman, mother of Sandy Seidman Ron and Ellie Katz in honor of Rabbi Greene Phyllis Madans in memory of Ira Madans and Samuel Grosswald Hadley and Lisa Lowy in appreciation of Rabbi Greene Dick Grosswald and Norma Rosen Grosswald in honor of Rabbi Greene Nadine Duhaney in honor of Rabbi Greene Howard and Cynthia Steinberg in memory of John and Harold Steinberg Nancy Broudy in memory of Dorothy Rothman Rabbi Tam’s Discretionary Fund Renee Davis in memory of Sy Davis William and Marjory Segal in memory of Miriam Belger Barry and Dore Kaiser in memory of Arlene Kaiser Barry and Dore Kaiser Bernard and Rita Tuvlin in memory of Mathew Tuvlin Religious School Fund Bruce and Bonnie Walkes in memory of Miriam Belger Bernice Bickwit in memory of Nathan Resnick Tikkun Olam Fund Jeffrey Willard in memory of Gertrude Willard Torah Fund Richard Quintana and Bernice Isaac in appreciation of Rabbi Fred Greene and Cantor Nancy Kassel Youth Group Fund Marc and Julie Perlson in honor of Cantor Kassel (donations received through 4/17) 12
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
SHMOOZE NEWS / KUDOS CORNER In Memorium Thank You to our Amazing Office Volunteers!
Temple Beth Tikvah acknowledges with sorrow the passing of:
Marcia Pearl Ellen Levitz Lois Malkin Ellen Frank Marsha McMurrain Marla Ramaglia Erica Stein June Wallach Gil Ludwig Richard & Ian Staviss Marsha Mathis
Harriet Hatoff Grandmother of Laura Gordon Eve Hilsen Grandmother of Mitch Hilsen Gerald Berkowitz Husband of Carol Berkowitz Lowell Herman Father of Deborah Greene Shirley Friedman Lipsitz Mother of Julie Aaronson
May God console you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. TO: Steve and RoseAnn Gerson on the birth of granddaughter, Arden Florence Uffalussy. Proud parents are Jennifer and Matt Uffalussy.
Honor a person or event with a leaf on our tree of
Rob Cherof on his engagement to Jessica Ravitz. An April 2016 wedding is planned.
life. You can purchase a leaf as an individual or as a group.!
13
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Synagogue Information Synagogue Office Fax Number School Office (Perri) Preschool (Jenifer) Assistant to Clergy Financial Secretary Admin. Assistant Office Manager
- 770-642-0434 - 770-642-0647 - 770-642-4168 - 678-350-0076 - Michelle Leder - Jenny Korsen - Lisa Singer - Becky Sullivan
Planning a simcha or group gathering? The Tam-Blank Social Hall is the Place to Be. For more information on renting our Social Hall, contact the synagogue office at 770-642-0434.
Get Involved! TBT Committees and Chairpersons Adult Education Cindy Getty eeg@comcast.net Budget & Finance Karen Korshak karcpa@comcast.net Camp/Israel Scholarship Marcia Haber marciahaber@yahoo.com Chavurot Dalia Faupel d2faupel@comcast.net College Outreach Lynda Bennett lrbennett08@comcast.net Ginger Glazer ggchoc@bellsouth.net Communications Mark Rudel mrudel@ups.com Family Promise Randy and Amy Siegal amysiegal@gmail.com Brian and Jennifer Steinberg zokadesigns@gmail.com Tony Rosenberg trosenberg860@gmail.com
Fundraising Jonathan Agin jlagin1@gmail.com House Ted Nathan tnathan@baldwinscheduling.com Human Resources Seth Zimmer sz4941@att.com Israel Gene Carasick gcarasick@gmail.com Kehillat Chesed (Caring) Leslie Swichkow lswichkow@comcast.net Library Ilana Zalkin ilanaz@att.net Membership Recruitment & Retention Jill Leitman jaarons2@yahoo.com Marcia Pearl marciapearl@bellsouth.net Men’s Club Mark Greenspan greenspanfamily@bellsouth.net Peter Hartog althazyr@gmail.com
14
Nominating Committee Todd Boehm tboehm30@bellsouth.net Ritual Esther Shultz savtaesther5@gmail.com Security Jay Sausmer jsausmer@gmail.com Seniors Natine Rosenzweig rosen4348@aol.com Sisterhood Robin Bledsoe sisterhoodtbt@gmail.com Social Action Darrin Cohen dcohen@wealthofga.com Website Development Scott Povlot spovlot@yahoo.com Youth Group Debra Schwartz dls63@bellsouth.net Michal Loventhal loventhalmichal@gmail.com
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
15
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Fred Greene Rabbi Donald A. Tam Rabbi Emeritus Nancy Kassel Cantor Hassia Levin Education Director Jenifer Friedman ECEC Director Ron Swichkow President Todd Boehm Vice President Harlan Graiser Vice President Denise Straus Vice President Andy Gutman Treasurer Michael Braun Secretary Jill Mattos Chairperson, Board of Education
16