November 2012 • Volume 26 • Issue 11
A Reform Congregation Embracing Our Jewish
Campaign TBT- EveryONE Matters! See page 12 for more info!
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Approaching December As a native New Yorker and still a recent transplant to the South, I underestimated the power of living in a Christian community. Even on Long Island, while the Jewish population was far larger, we were always a minority and often felt it. But the sheer numbers and strength of the Jewish community created a different atmosphere.
to you. Being Jewish is so much more than an ethnic identifier. It is more than nostalgic recollections of my childhood synagogue’s sukkah or my grandmother’s matzah balls. We have a worldview, too. The greatest strategy for keeping our kids Jewish and having another Jewish generation is to “live it.” As December approaches and schools will decorate the halls with different religious symbols, I have asked my friend and colleague, Shelley Rose, the associate director of our region’s Anti-Defamation League, to learn more about “ABC’s of Religion in the Public Schools.” This gathering is scheduled for Thursday, November 15 at 7pm. This gathering, for parents and for middle school and high school students, will be an opportunity to learn our rights, receive some strategies, and figure out how to appropriately respond to the concerns we have.
In public schools, then and now, no one would ever have to contend with a group in schools called the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Their mission is to “To present to coaches and athletes, and all whom they influence, the challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church.” While it is admirable to live out your faith, our students are often encouraged to attend these meetings. What is a greater issue, we have a number of parents who permit our kids to attend. Please take note of the phrase …and all whom they influence…. While we want our kids to make Jewish choices, we are often conflicted with the desire to not deny them any opportunity.
Just so you don’t think that all is lost…just the other day, a prominent, neighboring church’s youth minister invited me to speak to their 80 high school students in their Sunday learning program. The youth pastor saw that the students had such a closed perspective on God and wanted to hear another perspective. I get those calls, too, all the time. As I develop greater relationships with local pastors, I find that there is much work we can do together to develop mutual understanding and respect. They can be our greatest allies in teaching a community unfamiliar with Judaism how we ought to treat our neighbors.
I have recently heard from several of you about a not-so-new campaign in some local churches about how to bring Jewish neighbors into the church. This is a missionary group that is being advanced by a very wealthy man who was born Jewish but who has since found a stronger faith in Christianity. His Light of Messiah Ministries’ task is: “Bringing Jesus to the Jewish People.” I even got a free DVD in the mail from him to see his message.
But we cannot rely on others to secure our community. It begins with us…today. Rabbi Fred Greene
These are dramatic challenges to our community, but we also face more subtle, perhaps less threatening issues of an unfamiliarity of Judaism and Jews by our neighbors. I have heard from parent after parent about how our schools’ teachers and administrators have not been so sensitive to our community’s needs during the Days of Awe. Many of our students even felt pressure to NOT miss school.
Notes from the Cantor NAME THAT TUNE: Where do our prayer melodies come from?
Why am I sharing all of this with you?
Short answer: EVERYWHERE!
I understand the need to live out our faith. I try to do it every single day with every decision I make. I don’t even blame others whose faith dictates that they need to focus on bringing our community over to their faith. But I am not prepared to make it easy for them. We have a lot to offer the world and ourselves. When people contact me asking, “what can I do?” – it is often too late.
Every once in a while I am asked why we don’t sing the same musical setting of Mi Chamocha (or any other prayer) for each service. I am also frequently asked why I don’t sing the same musical settings of prayer that the questioner grew up hearing. Sometimes these questions come from a place of curiosity and other times they come from a yearning to anchor into the familiar and comfortable associations with the past. While I may not have a satisfying answer for each person I both appreciate and understand these types of questions. Nothing would make me happier than to have each and every one of you feel more connected to Jewish worship through music.
I will have a letter for our parents in August and hope everyone will bring it to your school principals and teachers, that will explain different holy days and why some in the Jewish community will miss school, and how we would like for them to respond to our needs. Encourage your child to refrain from “being welcomed” into FCA or sports teams whose mission is to teach the values of Christian faith, particularly the kind of team at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in East Cobb.
The fixed component or proof text of our services are the Hebrew prayers themselves, presented in a specific order. The fixed component or proof text of Torah study is….the Torah. Just as there have been and continue to be a myriad of interpretations of the Torah, so too are there different musical expressions of our liturgy. In every age we are influenced by the world in which we live, which in turn gives us new perspectives
Do Jewish! Live out your faith. Try to become better equipped to participate in Jewish prayer. Come to a study session. Register your high school student for our post-b’nai mitzvah programs. Tell your grandchildren how important being Jewish is 2
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
in the interpretation and understanding of ancient texts. Similarly, in every age we are influenced by the music of surrounding cultures and this becomes reflected in the musical expressions of our prayers and other sacred texts. There are a set of musical phrases associated with each holiday that are refered to as “Mi Sinai” tunes because they are such an integral part of the identity of each holiday that it is as if they came from Moses at Mt. Sinai. In truth, these “Mi Sinai” tunes developed in the Rhineland in the 12th-15th centuries and contained elements borrowed from European music. You will also hear the term “nusach” when discussing Jewish liturgical music. Nusach may be translated as “text” or “version” and in terms of Jewish liturgy it refers to musical phrases associated with each time of prayer (morning, noon, night, Shabbat, holidays) and/or each Jewish community: Ashkenazi, Sephardi, to name just two familiar communities. We also have contemporary musical settings of our prayers – for solo, for choir, with or without instrumentation. Some contemporary Jewish liurgical music comes from classicly trained musicians and composers and some of this music created more organically from the Jewish Camp or other similar settings. In a nutshell – it’s ALL out there. Just as a rabbi of a congregation chooses which interpretations of sacred Jewish texts to share and explore, so too does a cantor choose which musical expressions of the liturgy to share and teach. I do my best to preserve what I feel to be essential from the past just as I try to be open to newer compositions from a variety of sources. I also try keep current with the music used in our fellow URJ congregations. How I wish I could provide what each individual member of Temple Beth Tikvah is looking for in terms of worship music but it simply isn’t possible. There’s going to be a little bit of this and a little bit of that but one thing I know for sure……. the music can only become familiar by your frequent exposure to it. So come and be an active part of Temple Beth Tikvah worship! Cantor Nancy Kassel
Shalom Chaverim - שלום חברים I recall being a SEFTYite (Southeast Federation of Temple Youth) in my teen years, and being in SEFTY convention discussion groups that from time-to-time posed the question . . . “Are you a Jewish American, or are you an American Jew?” It’s funny -- over the years that question enters my mind from time to time. I think it especially happens as Thanksgiving draws close. I find myself once again grappling with this question of whether I am an American Jew, or a Jewish American: Where does my identity lie, first and foremost? Every time I start to answer that question, I know one thing -- I start telling myself all the reasons why either the opposite answer is really the one that fits better for me, or, I begin to justify to myself why no such declaration is necessary. And -- just when I make that statement to myself, I begin telling myself all the reasons why such a prioritization does resonate for me. It’s representative of the cherished line from “Fiddler on the Roof” where Tevye says “On the other hand . . .” I believe wholeheartedly with every ounce of my being, that my Judaism causes me to question, to ponder, to challenge, to dig and frankly, to never be satisfied or certain that I have “the” answer to any question, and especially any question of depth. Especially at this time of year as Thanksgiving draws near, I also am wholeheartedly thankful that I live in this great America that provides the environment which freely allows me to be Jewish and therefore to engage in that questioning that is inherent in who we are as a people. It is more than a “good match” for us as Jews that we live in a nation that also encourages questioning -- exploring the breadth of the issue at hand -- contemplating the various nuanced dimensions of an issue. I am thankful for the challenge that my Judaism delivers to me to question and for the freedom afforded to me to do so by this great country. As I think about Thanksgiving, I can’t help but find a distinctly Jewish thread at its core. In October, we celebrated the Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot. And now we celebrate the American harvest festival of Thanksgiving. Both holidays ask the same thing of us: To find time within our day-to-day routine to gather with our families and loved ones and express -- both to G-d and to one another -- our thanks as we acknowledge that for which we are thankful. Thanksgiving occurs during the middle of the work week, on a Thursday, during the middle of a time of year that bustles with secular activity. And yet our country asks of us to volunteer a whole day from our busy lives to express our thankfulness. In some sense then, Thanksgiving is much like the birchat hamazon -- an expression of appreciation to G-d “for sustaining life and providing food for all creatures,” 1 even when we are not faced with need, want, or hardship. How lucky we are to live in a country that prioritizes this act of humility, grace, and gratitude. How lucky we are to live in a country where we may live freely as Jews, where, indeed, we may openly celebrate Sukkot just as joyfully as we do Thanksgiving. As Jews, even when we celebrate the bountifulness of our lives, we are mandated to consider those whose paths are not as fortunate. This month, Temple Beth Tikvah engages in two activities that help us engage in giving to others. First, as we have done for the past twenty years, TBT holds its Annual Turkey Drive to support North Fulton Community Charities and Jewish Family & Career Services by donating grocery gift certificates to these two agencies. Through our support of this annual effort, we are able to help families with their food needs during this season. Please take a moment to send in your check in increments of $10 to the synagogue office. $10 goes a long way to help others as their families sit down to break bread together. 1
http://www.myjewishlearning.com/practices/Ritual/Prayer/Blessings/Blessings_for_Food/birkathamazon.shtml 3
(continued on page 6)
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Religious School We are off to a great start for our school year. It’s been a pleasure to see the hard work everyone has put forth come together throughout the school. We want to thank all the parents who have taken the time to let us know how happy their children are in our school. On Sunday, October 7th our PreK and Kindergarten students were consecrated as part of our Simchat Torah celebration. They were joined by 1st – 3rd grade students who had never been consecrated. Each child received a torah scroll of their own and a certificate that they could keep to remember this meaningful ceremony. Mark your calendars, here are some important dates for our students: Our 1st and 2nd grade students will have their grade level Shabbat service on Friday, November 2nd at 6:30 PM. Our 6th Grade families should plan to join us on Sunday, November 4th as their Family Education Day will be centered around our 13 Mitzvot program for upcoming Bar and Bat Mitzvah students. Our 3rd grade students will have their family education day on Sunday, November 11th. We look forward to seeing you on these days. Remember to sell your Falcons raffle tickets. The first package includes 4 Tickets for the November 18th Falcons/ Cardinals game in a luxury suite, 4 Pre Game Sideline Passes and 2 Falcons Shirts and 2 Hats. The second package includes a football signed by Tony Gonzalez and a Falcons backpack. The raffle drawing will be held November 11th during Sunday School. Tickets this year will be $20 each or 3 for $50. You can mix and match the tickets between the two raffles. You do not need to be a RS family or member to purchase a raffle ticket. Tickets can be purchased from any religious school family or in the religious school office. We are counting on your support for the success of this fundraiser. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year. Shalom
Hassia Levin
Youth Group The youth department is looking forward to an exciting fall and winter! The senior youth group (HOTTY) board met in late September for a leadership retreat. During the mini-retreat, we talked about our goals for the year, learned how to plan an event, and came up with our calendar for the year. We also enjoyed some delicious Japanese food! Continuing the Japanese theme (coincidentally!), our first event of the year was Sushi in the Sukkah. We had a great turnout and made sushi, dessert sushi, and celebrated Havdallah.
We hope you’ll join us in November for HOTTY’s Movie Mall Madness event on the 3rd. For Junior Youth Group members (6th-8th grade), we’ll have our first social event of the year on November 11th – Bowling! Later in the month, HOTTY will head to the NFTY –SAR Fall Regional Convention, where Beth Tikvah teens will spend the weekend with hundreds of teens from around the southeast. For the latest info about all of our youth programs, please check our Facebook pages or email youth@bethtikvah.com to be added to our email list.
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
B’nai Mitzvah Ilana Segal will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on November 3, 2012. Ilana is the daughter of Kara and Bart Segal, sister to Jeremy and Tori, and the granddaughter of Roberta and Gerry Mittler of Smithtown, NY, and Elaine and Irving Segal formerly of Philadelphia PA . Ilana is a seventh grader at Simpson Middle School in East Cobb. She enjoys playing percussion and piano, tumbling and is a member of the Lassiter Junior Trojan Dance Team. For one of her mitzvah projects Ilana volunteered with MUST ministries several times this past summer to work on their Summer Lunch Program. Blake Parker Freeman will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on November 3, 2012. Blake is the son of Bryna and Stephen Freeman and the brother to Shane. He is the grandson of Rona and Jerome Levenson of Baltimore and Elaine and Robert Freeman of Knoxville. Blake is in the 7th grade at Hightower Trail Middle School. Blake is a competitive fencer, guitar player and artist. Yael Greene will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on December 1, 2012. Yael is an eighth grader at The Cottage School in Roswell. As a Cottage School student, she is involved in the JV Basketball team, the Track team, Student Council, and the Yearbook Club. She loves everything relating to music and is currently learning guitar. She also enjoys reading to younger kids as a volunteer at the STAR House Foundation in Roswell. And she is very excited to be a part of Kesher, TBT’s Monday night program for 8th and 9th graders. One of her most favorite things is to be a camper at URJ Camp Coleman. Leora Greene will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on December 1, 2012. Leora is a seventh grader at Hightower Trail Middle School. She loves music and art, and has been involved in Art Competes, the Drama Club, and is a violist in training. Leora is a Falcons fan and loves to make people laugh. She likes to volunteer her time and make a difference in our world, such as volunteering for The Drake House to support women and children in need. Her home away from home is her Jewish camp, URJ Camp Coleman, where she has learned so much about her faith.
Early Childhood Education Center While spending time in the classrooms over the past months, it has become clear that the children at Temple Beth Tikvah’s Early Childhood Education Center are an extremely knowledgeable group of children. They have learned all of the symbols and traditions related to all the holidays (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah), but most importantly they are learning each and everyday about the way we are supposed to treat one another. The teachers are constantly using everyday moments to teach our children about kindness, caring, and giving. In that same spirit, the ECEC will be focusing on a Jewish value or concept that will be carried from the classroom to the home. In October, our value was V’Samachta B’chagecha, Rejoicing in our Festivals. This serves as a reminder to approach each holiday on the Jewish calendar, even Shabbat, with a heart full of joy, reaching out to the entire community as we celebrate and rejoice. If you have not seen the wonderful that happens everyday in our Early Childhood Center, you are missing out! Check out our new bulletin board in the school lobby for our Jewish Value of the month, as well as other information. If you or someone you know is interested in our school, please do not hesitate to contact me at preschool@bethtikvah.com. Shalom, Jenifer Friedman ECEC Director
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
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Shalom Chaverim
TBT Community
(cont. from page 3)
Second, TBT is proud to be a sponsor alongside other metro-Atlanta area shuls for the summit “Human Trafficking: From Education to Action,” being held at The Temple on November 4th from 2-4 pm. Especially at this time of year when we have so much to be grateful for, we strive toward fulfilling our obligation as we come together as a community to advocate for freedom and justice for those -so often children -- held victim to this form of modern-day slavery. Here we will come together with other Atlanta Jews to learn more about this tragic epidemic plaguing not just our country, but our city in particular, as we hear from, among others, US Attorney Sally Quillian Yates and Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens and learn how to channel our knowledge into action.
On Kol Nidre I made a special effort to be in the sanctuary early enough to inspect the placement of my father’s Memorial Plaque that had been placed that very afternoon. It was not until the next afternoon just before Yizkor service that I noticed the new Memorial Board by one of our Sanctuary doors. It seems fitting that as we begin our 25th Anniversary we hang a fourth Memorial Board. The new Memorial Board is a blank canvas of what will become part of Beth Tikvah’s history. Like a cemetery, our Memorial Boards are full of life. They reveal the history and tradition of a community. If we take the time, every Shabbat we can be reminded of the life, history and tradition of our synagogue community. A few days before Rosh Hashanah I returned from participating in a Melton Seminar studying pre-World War Jewish Polish society up through the Holocaust and Polish immigrants’ influence on Israeli society. While in Poland I visited five concentration camps or memorials. Raw personal feelings from the passing of my father in May and remembering the “nameless graves, in far-off forests and lonely fields” made this year’s Yizkor service particularly meaningful for me. Even more than in the years since my mother’s death, I thought about my own mortality and I asked myself, “What legacy will I leave?”. I wondered who will say Kaddish for me?
May your Thanksgiving be one of fullness, and as you share cherished time with family and friends may the richness of our braided traditions be a source of strength and inspiration to you. Shalom, Steven C. Gerson, President
In Israel we visited Yad Vashem’s Valley of Destroyed Communities where the names of five thousand communities are carved on massive stones. Each name represents a Jewish community that existed for hundreds of years before the Holocaust. Each of us searched for the communities of our ancestors. In some small way we were in search of our heritage, our roots. I felt surrounded by death the entire trip. I wept and said Kaddish not only for my family members but also for all those who were lost. I felt the void of what the entire world lost then and now... the teachings of learned scholars, the brilliant minds of scientists, the creativity of artists, the sweet notes of talented musicians that will never be heard and the wonder of everyday life of farmers, businessmen, mothers and fathers. It was a trip of sorrow. It was a trip of knowledge. It was a trip of memory. It was a trip that made the Yizkor Service so much more meaningful for me this year and will continue to add new meaning for me each year in the future. By Sheryl S. Blechner
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Thank you to those supporters whose generous donations contributed to the success of our
Thank you to the 25th Anniversary Committee whose hard work and commitment to Temple Beth Tikvah
25th Anniversary Celebration!
Mary Block and Gene Carasick, Co-Chairs
helped to make the anniversary celebration possible: Laura DeRiemer, Steve Fine, Traci Hartog,
A Peach of a Party
Rachel Herman, Katie Jaffe, Lindsay Levin,
Alon’s Bakery and Market
Marsha Mathis, Ron Swichkow,
Alpine Bakery & Trattoria
Hedva Wiener and Dolores Barrash
Chef Cary’s Cuisine Fresh Market
A heartfelt thank you to
Henri’s Bakery
Jeanne and Michael Lipsitt
Silver Platter
Who, in their ongoing generosity to TBT, underwrote the
Small Cakes
Danny Maseng Concert
Wild Oats ♦
And additionally provided the
On Occasions of Atlanta, LLC
required sound equipment.
Floral Design and Event Décor
And to our Sponsors
♦
Ron Sherman Photography
Platinum
Ric Mershon Photographers
Jeanne and Michael Lipsitt
Thank you to OUR TBT BAKERS
Silver
Aviva Margolies Bunny Renkin ECEC Moms Esti Blue Hassia Levin Hedva Wiener Hollis Decker Ivie Graiser Katie Jaffe Laura DeRiemer Leslie Swichkow Lindsay Levin Maggie McAuliffe Maria Schwartz Nurit Shacham Rhonda Povlot Ruti Padan Sharon Khoury Silke Schilling
Sharon and Ben Khoury RoseAnn and Steve Gerson Hedva and Keith Wiener Bronze Sheryl Blechner Wendy and Dale Bearman Ellen and Seth Zimmer Donna and Doug Kallman
Thank you to Emma Lipsitt for sharing her sound expertise. And thank you to Rob Rickles for his help with publicity and to RoseAnn Gerson, Aviva Margolies, Sandy Friedwald and Marilyn Tam for their help in setting up for the event.
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
November 2012 TBT Happenings Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu 1 7:30am TBT Business to Business
Fri
Sat
2 9:45am ECEC Family Shabbat & Mezuzah Ceremony
3 9am B.L.T. Bagels, Learning and Torah
6pm Oneg Shabbat
10am Shabbat Service - Segal/ Freeman B'nai Mitzvah
6:30pm Family Shabbat Service hosted by the 1st & 2nd Grades
4 9:30am Religious School/Family Ed Day & 13 Mitzvot with 6th Grade 9:30am Shacharit Morning Minyan 9:45am Leadership Dev. Program 11am Beg Hebrew II Class 11am Ramban’s Letter for the Ages 11 9:30am Religious School/ Family Ed Day for 3rd Grade 9:30am Shacharit Morning Minyan 9:30am Sisterhood "Baby Shower for the Drake House" 10am Melton - Your Child Has ?s 11am Beg Hebrew II Class 11am Ramban’s Letter for the Ages 12:30pm JYG Bowling 18 No Religious School 9am Leadership Development Pgm
5 No Religious School
6 pm Melton - Your Child Has ?s
9am Tai Chi
7pm Kesher & Confirmation 7:15pm Melton Beyond Borders: The Arab Israeli Conflict 7:15pm Melton Ethics of Jewish Living
7 No ECEC Classes
8 6:30pm Women's Interfaith Group - A Celebration of Faiths
9
8pm Shabbat Service with choir to honor our Veterans
7:30pm Choir Rehearsal
12 7pm Families Anonymous
13
14
9am Tai Chi 5pm Religious School
7pm Kesher & Confirmation
7:30pm Choir Rehearsal
7:15pm Melton Beyond Borders: The Arab Israeli Conflict
15 7pm ADL SE Region Interactive Workshop "ABC’s of Religion in the Public Schools" 7pm Women's Study Group
7:30pm Achim TBT's Men's Group
16 HOTTY NFTY-SAR Fall Kallah 12pm ECEC Shabbat and Thanksgiving Feast
10 9am B.L.T. Bagels, Learning and Torah 10am Shabbat Service
17 9am B.L.T. Bagels, Learning and Torah 10am Shabbat Service
8pm Shabbat Service
7:15pm Melton Ethics of Jewish Living
19 20 No ECEC Classes No ECEC Classes No Rel School No Rel School 7:15pm Melton Beyond Borders &- Ethics of Jewish Living
25 No Religious School
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7pm Families Anonymous
5:30 pm HOTTY Movie Mall Madness
9am Tai Chi 7:30pm Board of Trustees Meeting
26 7pm Families Anonymous 7pm Kesher & Confirmation 7:15pm Melton Beyond Borders & Ethics of Jewish Living
21 No ECEC Classes
22 Thanksgiving Day
23 No ECEC Classes
No ECEC Classes
Synagogue Office Closed for Thanksgiving
Synagogue Office Closed for Thanksgiving 27
28
9am Tai Chi
29
8pm Shabbat Service
24 9am B.L.T. Bagels, Learning and Torah 10am Shabbat Service
30
8pm Ruach Shabbat Service
5pm Religious School 7:30pm Officers Meeting
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Donations Annual Campaign High Holy Day 2012 Fund Bruce and Bonnie Walkes in memory of Murray Wixman and Michael Rubenstein and Hedy From in honor of Brian and Anna Mangen Danielle Rubenstein becoming new members of TBT Brad and Jill Kaplan in honor of Rabbi Greene's inspiring High Michael Zalkin Memorial Library Fund Holy Day sermons Jeffrey & Beth Kess in memory of Lillian Mansfield and Elizabeth Goldberg Building Fund Brad and Jill Kaplan in memory of Jules Kaplan Preschool Fund Sandy & Nancy Simon in memory of Marian and Keith and Angela Long in memory of Max Skyer Rudolph Simon Robert and Rachel Herman in memory of Carole Kaminsky Bernard Taranto Robert and Rachel Herman in memory of Max Skyer Hadley and Lisa Lowy in memory of Bea Lowy TBT ECEC Staff in memory of Carole Kaminsky TBT ECEC Staff in memory of Bobby Hatoff Campership/Israel Fund Mark and Roberta Bergman in memory of Carole Kaminsky Rabbi Greene’s Discretionary Fund Sheryl Blechner in honor of your High Holy Day aliyahs Cary Goldenthal and Lori Shapiro in memory of David & Christine Toltzis in memory of Harris Simons Carole Kaminsky Todd and Jennifer Boehm in appreciation of Rabbi Greene Cantor Kassel’s Discretionary Fund Walter and Esther Shultz in honor of the marriage of Gordon Cliff and Alissa Kendel in memory of Joel Fried, and Holli Decker's son, Brandon Esther Ginsberg, Sam Kendel and Lorraine Kendel Todd and Jennifer Boehm in appreciation of Cantor Kassel Jerome and Margie Cohen in memory of Ben Cohen Robert and Ilicia Shapiro in honor of Cantor Kassel for her Jeanne Lipsitt in memory of Russell J Elliott help and guidance in getting Aaron Shapiro ready for his Edward and Myrna Kaye in appreciation of their Yom Kippur Bar Mitzvah aliyot & in memory of Ettie Norwell, Ruth Kaye, Dr. Tod and Leslie Rubin in honor of Cantor Kassel Alfred Kaye, Abraham Evensky, Sylvan Kaye, Rhonda Schweber in memory of Stan Albert Rose Evensky and Harry Carasick TBT Choir in honor of Cantor Kassel and the High Holy Days Ruth Zeidman in honor of your Bima honor during Yom Kippur service Caring/KehillatChesed Fund Robert and Ilicia Shapiro in honor of Rabbi Greene's help and Walter and Esther Shultz in memory of Judy Friedman guidance in getting Aaron Shapiro ready for his Bar Mitzvah Arnie & Aubiere Cohen in memory of Belvie Hawkins, Andrew and Jennifer Hornick in honor of our grandchildren, Bessie Hawkins, Carlton Hawkins, Gloria Ershler, Emma & Ezra Garris Morris Cohen and Bessie Mandel Dr. Jerry Bilsky in honor of Rabbi Greene Douglas Wexler in memory of Delores Wexler Saul & Shirley Plotkin in memory of Rose Trucker Endowment Campaign Rabbi Tam’s Discretionary Fund Julian and Deborah Isakow in memory of Sam Speer Richard Monat in honor of Rabbi Irving Bloom Sheryl Blechner in memory of Margie Astren and wishing a speedy recovery to Jeanne Lipsitt Relgious School Fund Fred and Patricia Landsberg in memory of Larry Lindenbaum General Fund Fred and Patricia Landsberg in memory of Albert Landsberg Ronald and Leslie Swichkow in honor of their High Holy Day aliyahs Religious School Scholarship Fund David and Ellen Herold in memory of Margie Astren Igor Reizenson and Alla Alpert Bracha Sokolic in memory of Scott Monat Youth Group Fund Barry and Barbara Kanter in memory of Rose and Steve and RoseAnn Gerson in honor of the marriage of Barrie Dmocher Lindsay and Kyle Black, daughter and son-in-law of Shirley Crawford Becky Sullivan Don and Leslie Pugatch Fred & Vicki Steine in appreciation of their High Holy Day aliyahs
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
SOCIAL ACTION
Operation Isaiah We collected 20 barrels of food on Yom Kippur for Operation Isaiah! Thank you to those who donated!!
This is a picture of the home that faith built. The Cobb Interfaith Habitat Coalition is an interfaith-Christian, Jewish and Muslim group. All the members are focused on building Habitat homes as their way of giving back to the community. Currently, there are 14 contributing members of the coalition. The following people from TBT worked on the Habitat House in Marietta: David Shippel, Loren Perez, Kathy Levin, Leslie Swichkow, Ron Swichkow, Jason McAuliffe, Mark Mosbacher, Rodney T. Eberhardt, Hildy Ortiz, Jon Potash and Rick Thompson. Our thanks to all who helped.
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.” ~Dr. Seuss TOV - Tikkun Olam Volunteers, an initiative of Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta's Women and Philanthropy Division, presents our first annual Coat Drive! The coat drive runs from today through November 15. The winter months are not the easiest for those without the means to stay warm, and donating to this drive is another way you can support your Federation’s mission of caring for those in need. This project will benefit: Jewish Family & Career Services Yad L’Yad ~ Zaban Couples Night Shelter Please donate all of your lightly worn coats and scarves by dropping them off at TBT or one of the following locations: Ali’s Cookies (East Cobb Location ONLY) 1255 Johnson Ferry Road Marietta, GA 30068 Jewish Family & Career Services 4549 Chamblee Dunwoody Road Atlanta, GA 30338 Please contact Elisa Iteld at elisa1836@gmail.com if you have any questions or for information on other drop off locations.
It’s The Annual Turkey Drive! Please help us help those in need to have a satisfying holiday season. Send your checks for $10 or more to TBT marked “Turkey” and we will purchase grocery store gift cards to share with North Fulton Community Charities and Jewish Family and Career Services. For 20 years we have hoped to get $10 from every family—let’s make this the year! Questions? Call Marsha Mathis 770-992-4256
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Campaign TBT – EveryONE Matters! “Campaign TBT – EveryONE Matters,” Temple Beth Tikvah’s annual campaign, kicked off in October. At TBT, like most congregations, Nadiv Lev (annual contribution) gifts alone are not adequate to balance our budget and to sustain the important work we are doing. Whether we are advancing the Jewish education and engagement of our students and teens, providing programming resources for our seniors, or supporting each other through lifecycle events and challenging economic times, fundraising is essential. This is why Campaign TBT is so important and why we are asking EveryONE to participate at a level that is appropriate for their circumstances Please Consider Making a Contribution Today To continue to meet our budget needs, fund critical building maintenance and renovations, and offer programs and services that serve all of our congregants, we ask for your help. Our goal this year is rather bold – $100,000 and 100% participation of our congregants. To ensure everyone can participate, there is no minimum pledge amount. For your convenience, your pledge can be paid all at once or over the remainder of our fiscal year.
To Make Your Pledge. There are three convenient ways to make your pledge: Complete and return the response card that was mailed to you recently, Call the TBT office, or Visit www.bethtikvah.com & select “Campaign TBT EveryONE Matters” on our donation page As the campaign continues, we will publish the names of those who’ve contributed in the Kol Tikvah. Please feel free to contact any of the committee members if you have questions, need additional information, or would like to learn about opportunities to be involved in your Temple. Thank you for your continued commitment to this great congregation. And remember, EveryONE can make a difference, no matter the amount of your donation! Dale Bearman Jonathan Bennett Todd Boehm Ruben Braiter Dan DeRiemer Laura DeRiemer Steve Gerson Rob Rickles Bob Schacher David Shippel Ron Swichkow
In Case You Were Wondering … Your Contributions Do Make a Difference
$100,000 and 100% Participation
Help Us Meet Our Goal:
Congregants often ask TBT clergy, staff and lay leaders: “Is my contribution making a difference?” Without a doubt, the answer to that question is yes. The Temple strives to provide opportunities for EveryONE to be part of our Temple community. Consider the following: Our pre-school is thriving. Over the past seven years, attendance has tripled to 50 students. Our students and teens are engaged in congregational life like never before. We have recently hired two youth professionals, who will build upon the tremendous progress we’ve made with our youngest congregants over the past five years. In addition, we have enlisted a specialist for Religious School students who learn differently. New and exciting Family Programming. An example of our efforts to reach all kinds of families is “Fridays with Friends.” During this program the congregation shares Shabbat dinner together, followed by singing and our Shabbat service. Our most recent “Blue Jeans Fridays with Friends” had over 200 people sharing a terrific Shabbat evening together! Men’s Club and Sisterhood participation is strong. The Men’s Club participation has been so strong that TBT fielded two teams this year in the Atlanta Men’s Synagogue Softball League (and competed quite well!). The Sisterhood continues to offer meaningful programming that speaks to the women of TBT and is integral in so many aspects of congregational life. Seniors are enjoying learning and fellowship opportunities at TBT. Our seniors meet monthly for Lunch & Learn sessions, which often attract up to 70 participants. These congregants benefit from lifelong learning and opportunities to mix and mingle with their peers. We are maintaining our beautiful – but aging – facility. In the past two years, we have replaced an HVAC unit and a significant section of our roof, added wireless Internet access, repaired water damage in the sanctuary and in Rabbi Greene’s study, and repaired the sanctuary dome – the most dramatic architectural feature of the building. Work is in the planning stages or underway to restore and seal the stucco on our facility’s exterior, clean water damage, replace other major sections of the roof and repair the drainage system to prevent further damage. Our building committee has completed a detailed analysis of the major capital expenditures that will be needed over the next five years and they are significant. These accomplishments would not have been possible without the generosity of so many of our congregants, who participated in various fundraising initiatives over the past few years. Please consider making a contribution to the 2012-2013 Annual Campaign “Campaign TBT – EveryONE Matters.” EveryONE can make a difference, no matter the amount of your donation! 12
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
College Outreach Program The first mailing of the school year has taken place to 51 of Temple Beth Tikvah’s college students. What better way to show them we’re thinking of them while away at school? Included in the packages were items such as “Jewish U” books (for freshmen only), office supplies, microwave popcorn, candy, gum, bookmarks, coffee samples, and Israeli/American flag lapel pins. There will be another similar mailing in the spring. Don’t let your student miss out on the fun. If you would like for your student to receive a package, and we do not currently have their school mailing address, please send it to us and they will be included in the next shipment.
to work towards building this unique bond.
How do I join a Chavurah? Simply complete an interest form and either return it to the synagogue (by fax 770-642-0647) or directly to our Chavurot Chair, Ivie Graiser, at iviegraiser@yahoo.com. You will be contacted soon afterwards. New chavurot are formed on the basis of age, children, spheres of interest, etc. You will be placed in a Chavurah if there is a current opening that matches your interests or as soon as enough interest forms are received to create a new group conducive to your needs. If you have any questions or require
additional information, email Ivie for more information.
Of course, this would not be possible without the help of many, as well as the generous donations we received. We so appreciate the contributions of these sponsors below:
NEW MEMBERS Temple Beth Tikvah warmly welcomes the following new members to our family:
Jill Kaplan (who so generously donated packages of Five’s chewing gum for all the students) Starbucks (4180 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30005, for the delicious coffee samples) Copy Atlanta (office supplies, including pens, highlighters, note pads, white-out, sticky notes and markers) David & Bonnie Sandfelder (monetary donation)
Peter and Sharon Jedel 1033 Oakpointe Place Dunwoody, GA 30338 (770) 698-1414
There are many volunteers who assisted with assembling the packages and we so appreciate their help: Pam Chanin, Donna Kallman, Beth Kess, Sharon Khoury, Ellen Levitz, Hillary Levitz, Julie Scott, and Vicki Steine. Thank you all so much for your assistance!
Marc and Kristi Glickman 6030 Hampton Bluff Way Roswell, GA 30075 (678) 373-1814 Madison, Caleb & Brayden
Finally, we couldn’t have done this without the help of the office staff . Thank you for giving us all the assistance we needed, provided lists, labels, setting up the social hall and so many other details. Rabbi Greene, we so appreciate the words of wisdom in your personal letter to the students. I’m sure it will be the highlight of their package.
Colin and Stacy Chambers 2170 Watercrest Commons Circle Marietta, GA 30062 (952) 221-1347 (952) 221-1346 Gabriella
Keeping our students connected to the TBT community is important for us as well as them. If you have any small items you’d like to supply for the next mailing or would like to make a monetary donation to the cause it would be much appreciated. Please help us stay connected to your students by giving us their college mailing address (if you haven’t already). Thank you!
Harvey and Natine Rosenzweig 5420 Brooke Ridge Drive Dunwoody, GA 30338 (770) 913-0466
Lynda Bennett (lrbennett08@comcast.net) Ginger Glazer (ggchoc@bellsouth.net)
Bruce Beck 455 Ansley Drive Roswell, GA 30076 (770) 993-3127
What Is A Chavurah?
Russell and Cynthia Waldman 320 Summerfield Court Alpharetta, GA 30009 (404) 751-6456 Lexi
A Chavurah is a group of synagogue members who come together to learn, socialize and enjoy Jewish life and living with their families. A Chavurah consist of adults, families, couples, and singles who meet monthly, to share Jewish life in an "extended family" type setting. The Chavurah program is an intimate Jewish group experience with other congregation members who want to make a commitment 13
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Rosh Chodesh (New Moon)
Fall Bargainata is Coming! The Atlanta Section of the NCJW Fall Bargainata with new or gently worn men's and women's Designer Clothing is back. Many racks of $1 items. The sale starts with a Special Preview Night on November 7th at 7 pm-10 pm ($25 in advance, $35 at the door); Free admission on November 8th at 11 am -7:30 pm and free admission on November 11th at 11 am-4:30 pm. Hilderbrand Court Shopping Center at 6125 Roswell Rd Atlanta GA 30328. Cash, or credit cards are accepted, no checks. Call 404-843-9600 or visit www.ncjwatlanta.org
Women’s Spiritual Group Caring for yourself is not self indulgent Caring for yourself is an act of survival
Thursday, Dec. 13 7 - 8:30 pm Yoga/stretch portion is 7 - 7:30 pm This is your opportunity to strengthen your belief in yourself, respect yourself and energize the goodness inside you! We will explore the relevance of each Hebrew month, hear stories about Jewish female figures and discuss how each of these affects us in ways we don’t always recognize. Each meeting begins with optional gentle yoga/stretch/ breathing to unwind. Wear comfortable, loose clothing. (If you have physical limitations, have no fear. You can participate sitting in a chair) What to bring - A candle in a container, a yoga mat if you have one. Don't have any of these? Come anyway! Celebrate your feminine spirit & its link to the Hebrew calendar To RSVP or to be added to our evite list, contact Pam Chanin at 404-219-1453 or chaninp@bellsouth.net
18% OFF jewelry IN THE
Upcoming Sisterhood Events
Temple Beth Tikvah gift shop !
Exploring Psalms Women’s Study Group meets the third Thursday evening of every month (dates subject to change)
TBT's jewelry is hand-picked by Carrie and Rhonda and is brought to you by Israeli artists. Jewelry makes a wonderful Hanukkah, "just because", birthday or b'nai mitzvah gift. Stop by and purchase a piece of jewelry during November and receive 18% off!
Instructor: Shelley Buxbaum, PhD $18 for the entire year. Please register by sending your check to the TBT office, designated for Women’s Study Group on the memo line
We thank you and please feel free to call us if you have any questions. Carrie can be reached at 404-457-3242.
November 11th - Baby Shower @ TBT to benefit the Drake House and Foster Care Support January 9th - Bunco Night!! Come schmooze with your TBT sisters. Check out our new Facebook page to get updates and event information http://www.facebook.com/#!/ TempleBethTikvahSisterhood
Carrie, Pam and Rhonda
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
ADULT ED Achim – TBT’S START UP MEN’S GROUP
Joshua ben Perachyah said: Find for yourself a teacher and get yourself a friend; and judge every man towards merit. Pirkei Avot 1
Tues, November 13; Thurs, December 20; Tues, January 29; Thurs. February 21 at 7:30 pm in the Library Over the last few months, a few men have shared that they would appreciate having a "place" for men to gather and talk about things other than sports, business and the like. Here is our chance to share as men in a safe place. Rabbi Greene will be kicking off some ideas about how to connect… in relationships, with God, our Selves, our roles as fathers and grandfathers, our roles as husbands or just as men. If one of us has some tsuris (trouble) or another has a simchah (joyous event), here is a chance to come together in a safe place as men and as achim (brothers).
Jewish Learning is a lifelong endeavor. While many might focus on Jewish education for your children and youth, Jewish learning isn’t just for kids, but for every individual of every age. Our clergy, community partners, and many volunteers have worked hard to provide many opportunities for us to explore our Judaism along with our fellow congregants. There will be changes and additions along the way, so please be sure to check our website for current information, http://www.bethtikvah.com/ ETHICS OF JEWISH LIVING Mondays, October 15 - February 11 at 7:15 pm in the Library community/adult-learning. How do Jewish teachings shed light on contemporary issues such as the We hope that you will journey with us… environment, end-of-life decisions, and stem cell research? Explores the For all TBT classes, let us know which class you are attending at wisdom of ancient and modern rabbis, scholars and thinkers, offering rsvp@bethtikvah.com. For Melton classes, please contact the MJCCA multiple Jewish approaches to conducting our lives in the communal and directly at 678.812.3723 private spheres. Instructor: Rabbi Eric Levy (15 lessons – Fall – Rhythms only) RAMBAN’S “LETTER FOR THE AGES” WITH RABBI DON- Fees: $300 (includes Student Reader) ALD TAM, TBT’S RABBI EMERITUS BEYOND BORDERS: THE ARAB ISRAELI CONFLICT Sunday mornings, November 4, 11; December 2, 9, 16
11 am - 12 pm in the Michael Zalkin Library Musar is an ethical literature that is integral to Jewish ethics and central to the study of traditional Jewish writings. The Jewish guides to “right and wrong” and “character formation” are not always systematically spelled out in the Torah, but often extrapolated from its study. One of the most important musar writings is the Igerret HaMusar, a letter written by the Medieval Jewish Sage Ramaban (Nachmanides) from Acco in the Land of Israel, to his son Nachman in Catalina, Spain. In these five sessions, Rabbi Tam will explore its meanings and discuss implications for our complicated age.
Mondays, October 29 - March 18 at 7:15 pm in Classroom 2
This course provides students with a strong, historical overview covering the late 19th century through today. Course material is designed to encourage discussion and debate, and to challenge students to appreciate the basis of the conflicting historical claims made by all sides in the conflict. Instructor: Rabbi Albert Slomovitz, Rabbi Emeritus at Congregation Gesher L’Torah Fees: $365 (includes Student Reader) Scholarship Available at the time of printing
SPECIAL PROGRAM FOR PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN!
BEGINNERS HEBREW, LEVEL 2 WITH CANTOR KASSEL Sundays (when Religious School is in session) through May 5 11 am – 12 pm in the Cantor’s office This class is a continuation of previous “Beginners Hebrew classes,” focusing on reading prayers, learning to chant Torah, and prepare for our Ben/Bat Torah experience.
YOUR CHILD HAS QUESTIONS, NOW YOU’LL HAVE THE ANSWERS!
EXPLORING PSALMS
Your preschooler has embarked on an exciting journey of Jewish learning, learning each day about the meaning of mitzvot and core Jewish values and how to live them. Let us teach YOU the same lessons, so that you can continue the conversation at home and enhance YOUR Jewish educational journey. By learning the lessons your child is learning, you will be empowered to engage in conversations about Jewish values that will enrich your entire family. This course will utilize “Foundations for Jewish Living” and “PJ Library” books that have been specifically chosen for you. Fee: $100 per person for 10 lessons + $40 for the Student Reader. The first 10 participants to register will receive a $50 subsidy for this course provided by Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.
Third Thursday of every month beginning October 18 at 7 pm in the Oneg room (some dates are subject to change) $18 for the entire year. Please register by sending your check to the TBT office, designated for Women’s Study Group on the memo line. This Women’s Study Group is supported by our Sisterhood and the Adult Education Committee. Instructor: Shelley Buxbaum, PhD
Sundays, October 21, 28; November 5 (at 6 pm this date only), 11; December 2, 9, 16; January 13, 27; February 3 at 10 - 11:30 am in Classroom 21
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Condolences Temple Beth Tikvah acknowledges with sorrow the passing of: Veronica Beck Wife of Bruce Beck Bobby Hatoff Uncle of Laura Gordon Allan Pearlstein Brother-in-law of Renee Gurin Gloria Berke Mother of Andy Berke Evie Leibowitz Aunt of Howard Medoff Joe B. Arogeti Father of Jack Arogeti
May God console you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Kudos Corner Thank you to… Walt and Esther Shultz, for preparing the bagels and food for B.L.T and the Kiddush lunches in October.
“It is hard to sing of oneness when our world is not complete, when those who once brought wholeness to our life have gone and naught but memory can fill the emptiness their passing leaves behind”. The following Memorial Plaque has been placed onto our Memorial Board this past month:
Reuben Kruger Father of Anne Beckman
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Submissions for the December Kol Tikvah are due to the synagogue office by Monday, November 5. Please email to koltikvah@bethtikvah.com
Memorial Plaques Memorial plaques are a beautiful way to honor the memory of a loved one. Your loved one’s plaque will be lit up several times throughout the year.
Planning a simcha or group gathering? The Tam-Blank Social Hall is the Place to Be.
We recite the Kaddish on the anniversary of their passing and Yizkor, which means to remember, is recited as part of the prayer service four times during the year.
For more information on renting our Social Hall, contact the synagogue office at 770-642-0434.
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
Donations may be mailed to: Temple Beth Tikvah 9955 Coleman Road Roswell, GA 30075
lisa@bethtikvah.com.
TBT Seniors Luncheon Monday, Nov. 12th at11:30 AM presents Mr. Alan Mintz of "Volunteers for Israel" VFI began in 1982 during Israel's first war with Lebanon. Men were called up for duty and help was needed to harvest the crops and save Israel's economy. More than 600 volunteers from the US responded immediately. Since 1982, 100,000 internationally have volunteered to help Israel wherever needed. Alan will tell us his personal experience in an "Israel Defense Base'' and other wonderful work he has done for VFI. Please RSVP to Ruth Zeidman at 770.552.1966
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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 Bart Schwartz bart_schwartz@coface-usa.com Andy Goldstrom agoldstrom87@hotmail.com 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 Seniors Ruth Zeidman zeidmanr@comcast.net
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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 Chad Salinas csalinas@b2bworkforce.com
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
For A Special Friend: A courtesy examination & x-ray at no charge when you present this card
LEVINSON CHIROPRACTIC & VAX-D CENTER 5457 Roswell Road, Suite 102 Sandy Springs, Georgia 30342 404-257-0404
www.levinsonchiropractic.com
Publication’s Title and Number: Kol Tikvah • Volume 26 Issue 11 Issue Date: November 2012 Frequency: Monthly Authorized Organization’s Name and Address: Temple Beth Tikvah • 9955 Coleman Road • Roswell, GA 30075 19
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
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
Attention Postmaster: Time Sensitive Materials ďƒ˜ In home date: October 31, 2012ďƒ—
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