November 2013 • Volume 28 • Issue 10
A Reform Congregation Embracing Our Jewish Tradition
It’s the Annual Turkey Drive!
See page 5 for more info
Please send your donations in increments of $10 to TBT marked Turkey and we will do the rest. New to the Turkey Drive? Call Marsha Mathis @ 770-992-4256—She loves to talk Turkey!
Wednesday December 4, 2013
Temple Beth Tikvah joins with the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and neighboring synagogues to celebrate Hanukkah
See page 8 for details!
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Rededication of our Jewish Lives It is hard to believe that we will be celebrating Chanukah at the end of the month. Lots of folks have already made all the necessary jokes about the intersection of Chanukah and Thanksgiving, giving birth to Thanksgivukkah. But the coming together of our great American holiday, Thanksgiving, and the celebration of our religious freedom through Chanukah, offer tremendous insight and inspiration. However, they are not without their challenges. Friends, for the past few years, I have shared how there is a crisis in our Jewish community. Not just here in Temple Beth Tikvah, but in America’s Jewish community. That crisis emerges out of the freedoms we all cherish and celebrate. Nevertheless, they are a double edged sword. Our ability to blend in, be who we want to be, and participate without threat in America’s democracy has made this one of the most creative, innovative, and dynamic eras for Jews in all of Jewish history. And yet, we are finding that despite relatively large numbers, our community is shrinking in commitments and connections. In the new study that was just released this past month by the Pew Forum entitled “A Portrait of Jewish Americans” is taking the Jewish world by storm. We learn a number of things (actually, rabbis already knew its findings; it just confirmed what we knew with statistics). American Jews overwhelmingly say they are proud to be Jewish and have a strong Jewish identity. But the study tells us that one-in-five Jews (22%) describe themselves as having no religion. The survey finds they are much less connected to Jewish organizations and much less likely to be raising their children Jewish. Broken down by age, 32 percent of Jews born after 1980 — the so-called millennial generation — identify as Jews of no religion, compared to 19 percent of baby boomers and just 7 percent of Jews born before 1927. The proportion of Jews who say they have no religion and are Jewish only on the basis of ancestry, ethnicity or culture is growing rapidly, and two-thirds of them are not raising their children Jewish at all. This is compounded when we look at the next statistic: Overall, the intermarriage rate is at 58 percent, up from 43 percent in 1990 and 17 percent in 1970. Among non-Orthodox Jews, the intermarriage rate is 71 percent. This is significant because of our look to the future when less than one-third of interfaith couples raise Jewish children. Among Jewish denominations, the Reform movement remains the largest: 35 percent of respondents identified as Reform. The Conservative movement came in at 18 percent and the Orthodox community as 10 percent. But the secondlargest group is Jews of no denomination – 30 percent. But it is this statistic that is the most startling to me: Approximately one-quarter of Jews said religion is very important in their lives, compared to 56 percent among Americans generally. Further, less than one-third of American Jews say they belong to a synagogue. Twenty-three percent of U.S. Jews say they attend synagogue at least once or twice a month, compared with 62 percent of U.S. Christians. I want to embrace Thanksgiving with all of the good fortune that America has given to me, my family and our Jewish community. But it is also time to embrace the messages in Chanukah that go beyond gift-giving and speak to rededication. As the Maccabbees rededicated The Holy Temple that was defiled, we need to rededicate our Jewish Selves so that our rich, beautiful inheritance is not left behind in a museum or relegated to our Orthodox cousins. A liberal Judaism, be it Reform or Conservative or any other movement in American Judaism, has a voice that matters. But we have, as a community, lost our sense of faith. While identity seems strong, identity does not endure. Identity will not transform history into memory and we cannot instill Jewish values and ideas without memory. So let us celebrate our Thanksgiving with friends and family for all the good that America has given to us. And let’s celebrate Chanukah by bringing the light of Judaism – and God’s light – into our homes and our souls… so that we can then share that light with others. Rabbi Fred Greene
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News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Notes from Cantor Kassel WANTED: Hebrew Reading Adults interested in becoming “Ben/Bat Torah (analogous to “Bar/Bat Mitzvah”)
November 2013 – unusually busy for this time of year – ALL GOOD THINGS!
I would like to start a Sunday morning class in January (when Religious School is held) with the goal of preparing for a group “Ben/Bat Torah”. We will work on Shabbat morning prayers and how to chant from the Torah. Over the years there have been groups of TBT congregants who have become “Ben/Bat Torah” and as a result they have become more connected to others and more confident in their ability to participate in services. Please contact me if this is something that interests you – or if you have questions about the process and/or goal.
-Family Retreat at Camp Coleman Nov. 1-3 -6th Grade leads Erev Shabbat Services on Nov. 8 -5th & 6th Grade Retreat Nov. 8-9 -TBT hosting the NFTY SAR Fall Kallah Nov. 15-17 -Dare I say it…..a relatively quieter week beginning Nov. 17 -Chanukah beginning Wed. night Nov. 27 -“THANKSGIVUKKAH” on Nov. 28
“Cantor’s Corner” for November
Feedback Requested
(Adult Learning)
about
Shabbat
Experience
In the past year we have offered “Shabbat Experience” on occasional Friday night and Saturday mornings. The idea behind “Shabbat Experience” is to give parents of young children the opportunity to attend services in the sanctuary while programming is provided for their children in the Religious School wing. There is babysitting (free) for children ages 2-4 and music/art/stories/games for children in Pre-K thru 2nd grade. We intentionally scheduled the Friday night “Shabbat Experience” to correspond with 6:30 – 7:30 services and intentionally scheduled the Saturday morning “Shabbat Experience” on mornings of no Bar/Bat Mitzvah. The attendance has been sporadic and I am hoping that feedback and suggestions from you can help us strengthen the numbers who take advantage of this wonderful program. Please…….. contact me at cantorkassel@bethtikvah.com and share your thoughts.
Nov. 10 10:30 – 10:55 - Learn about the “Kaddish” prayer 11:00 – 11:25 - *Torah Cantillation (check with Cantor about status of this segment) 11:30 – 11:55 - prayer practice (for Hebrew & non-Hebrew readers) Nov. 17 10:30 – 10:55 - Discussion on “Chosenness” in Judaism 11:00 – 11:25 - *Torah Cantillation (check with Cantor about status of this segment) 11:30 – 11:55 - prayer practice (for Hebrew & non-Hebrew readers)
Shalom and an early Happy Chanukah!
Happy Chanukah From Rabbi Greene, Rabbi Tam Cantor Kassel The Board of Trustees and the Staff of Temple Beth Tikvah! 3
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Pass the Turkey and the Latkes! creativity as they participate in our Shabbat Did you ever think you would hear that at the dinner table? worship. Growing up as a kid, I remember looking forward to On December 3, the Religious School various solar and lunar eclipses that the adults insisted we celebrates Hanukkah with latkes and special see because they would never happen again in our lifetime. programming. The Seniors have their Well, this year we all have something special to make sure Hanukkah celebration on December 9 with Rabbi Tam as we don’t miss. The first day of Hanukkah coincides with the guest speaker. Enjoy a pot luck lunch with friends new Thanksgiving, on November 28th. That’s never happened and old before the program! before and won’t happen again until the year 79811. No, We have many reasons to be thankful at Temple Beth that is not a typo. If you miss it this year, you probably Tikvah. As the current President, all I want for Hanukkah won’t be around the next time it happens 77,798 years is for my phone to ring (or my email to ping) with a few later. people that might be interested in getting more involved in Pass the turkey and the latkes!
Thanksgiving was established by President Lincoln in 1863 as the last Thursday in November, meaning the latest it can be is November 28th. In 1942, it was changed to the fourth Thursday rather than the last Thursday. November 28th is the earliest Hanukkah can be. The Jewish calendar repeats on a 19 year cycle and Thanksgiving repeats on a 7 year cycle. The Jewish calendar is slowly getting out of sync with the solar calendar by about 4 days per 1000 years. So, the first day of Hanukkah won’t fall on November 28th again until the Gregorian calendar loops all the way back around in year 79811. (The next time the first night of Hanukkah will correspond with Thanksgiving will be in the years 2070 and 2165.)
the coming months, and perhaps even serving on our Board of Trustees. For this, I would be very thankful! I hope that you and your families enjoy your Thanksgiving/ Hanukkah (Thanksgivukkah) celebrations. We can all be thankful for our own families and our TBT family as well. L’shalom,
Ron Swichkow
The thought of celebrating Hanukkah and Thanksgiving at the same time will be a rather unique event. Should we serve latkes instead of stuffing? Sufganiyot instead of pumpkin pie? The celebrations do have some common themes. Both are preceded by specific historical events. Both are celebratory symbols of survival and endurance. And, in both instances we are thankful.
Welcome to the TBT Family!!
There are events, both traditional and new, that will occur at Temple Beth Tikvah around these holidays. We always have a Turkey Drive which is a community outreach effort to help our less fortunate North Fulton neighbors. (See info in this Kol Tikvah) And, we complete our fourth week of Family Promise.
Howie and Debbie Cohen Lainey & Rachel
Two exciting new events take place in November as well. Our first annual Family Retreat will be the first weekend of this month at beautiful Camp Coleman. I am confident that it will be a fun and meaningful experience for all who attend. And on November 15th, we will welcome approximately 250 teens for the weekend for the NFTYSAR Fall Kallah. I look forward to their energy and 4
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Campaign TBT: EveryONE Matters Update Campaign TBT: EveryONE Matters, our annual campaign, has kicked its second year fresh on the heels of a successful inaugural effort that exceeded our goal of $100,000. Last year’ campaign generated gifts of $107,000, a 16% increase over the prior year and increased the number of families participating by 48% compared to the prior year. However, we did fall short of our goal of 100% participation. This year, our Campaign TBT goal is once again $100,000 and 100% participation. We are counting on the Annual Campaign to enable us to: Help meet our operating expense budget Replace carpeting throughout the building, Upgrade the sanctuary audio system, Address landscaping and drainage needs around the backside of our facility, and Meet other important facility needs If you have not yet made a pledge to the 2013-2014 campaign, please consider doing so. You can make your pledge by: Returning the response card recently mailed to you Calling the TBT office (770-642-0434), or Visiting www.bethtikvah.com and selecting "Annual Campaign - EveryONE Matters" on our donation page (http://www.bethtikvah.com/make-donation). 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.
Book Festival Dates are November 2nd - 17th TBT will be hosting the following events: Jeffrey Toobin - Thursday, November 7th at 7:30 PM The Family Reading Festival - Sunday, November 10th at 10:00 AM
Please support this year’s Book Festival and support TBT at the same time. For every series ticket purchased TBT will receive $18. Use the code TBT when ordering individual tickets online. Use the code TBT SERIES when ordering series tickets online. The 22nd Edition of the Book Festival of the MJCCA, one of the South’s premier literary events, is scheduled for November 2-17, 2013. The Book Festival features works from more than 40 of this year’s most sought-after and talked-about authors, celebrities, and influencers. Keynote authors include: Scott Turow, Jeffrey Toobin, Chris Matthews, Elin Hilderbrand, Clark Howard, Alan Dershowitz, Brad Meltzer, and Pat Conroy. Local authors include: Jeffrey Stepakoff, Clark Howard, Wendy Wax, Jim T. Barfield, Lee N. Katz, Jeff Clemmons, and Robert Weintraub. More than 10,000 visitors will enjoy: The Family Reading Festival, The Comedy Night at The Punchline, engaging speaker programs, author meet-and-greets, book signings, panel discussions, and more. Most events will be held at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA), 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. To purchase tickets, call 678.812.4005 or visit online at www.atlantajcc.org/bookfestival. 5
Educator’s Message During the past month our children have been busy learning the letters, singing the songs and having lots of fun. Our 6th grade families joined us for their Family Education Day. This day was spent with the Rabbi as he discussed the 13 Mitzvot program. Our students are given guidance and encouraged to perform Mitzvot to make the world a better a place. They have the power to Tikkun Olam, repair our world. It is such a wonderful lesson for our children to be taught that through one act they improve not only their life but the state of our world. This meeting also discussed the Bar/Bat Mitzvah process. There are still a few more days left to purchase your Falcons raffle tickets. They can be purchased from any religious school family or you can purchase them online at http://bethtikvah.com/fabulous-falcons-fundraiser. A special thanks to Arthur Blank for donating the game day package as well as the autographed football. We are looking forward to our 5th & 6th Grade Retreat which will be held November 8th and 9th. Also on November 8th we will have our 6th grade family Shabbat. 2nd and 3rd grade parents – mark your calendars for Sunday, November 10th. This is the 2nd and 3rd grade family education day. Please plan to join your children for Tefilah services followed by an educational event with the Rabbi. You and your child will then create a special art project. We hope to see everyone that day. Please remember there is no school November 24 th, 25th, 26th or December 1st. Due to the timing of Hanukkah this year, we are asking all students in grades K- 7th to come to school on Tuesday, December 2 nd for our Hanukkah events. We will have our traditional celebration with latkes, donuts, gelt and songs. School starts at 5:00 and ends at 6:30. We hope to see everyone at school on that night. Shalom,
Hassia
Early Childhood Education Center
The children in our Early Childhood Education Center really enjoyed learning about and celebrating the holidays! With Chanukah just around the corner, we can’t wait to see what we will do next! Jenifer Friedman, Director JYG in the Sukkah
HOTTY Movie Mall Madness 6
B’nai Mitzvah Justin Ryan Kremer will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on November 9, 2013. Justin is the son of Robert and Karen Kremer and brother to Jacob and Emma. He is the grandson of George and Ray Ann Shapiro and the late Robert Kremer of Buckhead, and Robert and Vicky Eisner and the late Judith Eisner of Sandy Springs. Justin attends Elkins Pointe Middle school where he is an honor student and plays trumpet in the symphonic band. In his spare time he enjoys playing baseball and basketball. One of Justin's Bar Mitzvah projects was collecting school supplies for under privileged children in South Africa. He was able to deliver them personally on a trip with his grandparents Ray Ann and George Shapiro. He looks forward to sharing his simcha with his cousin, Adam Lenhard. Adam Marcus Lenhard will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on November 9, 2013. Adam is the son of Wendy and Steve Lenhard of Marietta, Georgia. He is the grandson of Bunny and Bob Lenhard and Vicky and Bob Eisner, all of Sandy Springs, and the late Judy Eisner, and great grandson of Lucille Miller, of Detroit, Michigan. Adam is an eighth grade honor roll student at Dickerson Middle School. He plays hockey, golf and tennis. This past summer, Adam became a Bar Mitzvah in Jerusalem as part of the Temple family tour. He looks forward to being called to the Torah again at TBT, along with his cousin, Justin Kremer. Adam is dedicating his Bar Mitzvah to Noah Pozner, who died in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings in Newtown, Connecticut last year. Leah and Sophie Heit will be called to the Torah as B’not Mitzvah on November 16, 2013. We are so proud of their hard work, starting with Ms Wendy when they were 2-years old. They have been with TBT since those early years and are very excited for their upcoming, culminating service and celebration. We find their Thursday folders open almost every morning, and know that they are practicing hard. Their Torah portion, coincidentally, is about twins--Jacob and Esau. That was not deliberate from anyone that we know of, but very meaningful nonetheless. We have had 2 other children become adults at TBT, and we are grateful that our girls are able to do the same. Zachary Isaac Eagen will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on November 30, 2013. Zachary is the son of Christopher and Mayrov Eagen. Zachary’s pre-school and elementary education began at The Wood Acres Day School. The Woods, gave him the strong foundation which shaped and developed his moral respectable character. Zachary now attends Mabry Middle School and is in the 7th grade, where he excels on the Principal’s honor role in all AC classes. Zachary participates in the Student Forum, Yearbook Club, and the Symphonic Band. He has spent the last 3 years playing lacrosse in the spring & fall seasons, with Trojan Youth Lacrosse. This fall, he is the assistant coach for the “under 9 team”, while studying for his Bar Mitzvah. Zachary is very devoted to and puts a high priority on his family & friends. Zachary’s maternal extended side of his family is from Israel, with his Great Grandmother, Edith Albalack residing in Jerusalem. His “Subba & Suvta”, Jes & Etty Baru, will be in attendance from Florida. Zachary’s “Poppie & Grammie”, George & Carol Flora, will be attending from New Jersey. In addition to his Aunts, Uncles and cousins.
Youth Group Calling all TBT families – We still need families to host all of the out-of-town youth groupers who are coming to TBT for NFTYSAR’s Fall Kallah November 15-17th. If you are able to help, please sign-up here: www.nfty.org/sar/about/volunteerform/. Thanks in advance!
descend upon TBT for an awesome weekend of learning, praying, community service, and fun! We hope you will all join us for services led by our youth group on Friday night. Also, if you haven’t signed up to help house, it’s not too late. Go to: www.nfty.org/sar/about/ volunteerform/
HOTTY (9-12th Grade)
Join the HOTTY Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/TBT.HO WHAT DID WE DO THIS PAST MONTH? TTY/) to stay up-to-date on what's happening HOTTY had a great turnout for our kickoff event in September…Movie Mall Madness. We and to RSVP for HOTTY events! had a potluck dinner at TBT and then headed to JYG (6-8th Grade) the Avenue and Picture Show Theater for a scavenger hunt and movie. We finished up the WHAT DID WE DO THIS PAST MONTH? night with a creative Havdallah service led by JYG had a ton of fun at our September Pizza in our RCVP Sam. We had two other events in the Sukkah event. How can it be bad when you October as well…HOTTY’s Chopped start with a pizza lunch and finish with ice Competition was a blast! We have some true cream sundaes? In between we played a bunch culinary talent in our youth group. We also of games and mixers, like, Group Blackjack participated in the Atlanta’s Ruach for Life and and Captain’s Coming. It was a great way to helped raise money by selling survivor start the year and let everyone have the chance bracelets during the event. to get to know each other. JYG also participated in Atlanta’s Ruach for Life in UP NEXT: October. We are SO, SO excited to be hosting NFTYth SAR Fall Kallah November 15-17 . Get ready as over 200 teens from around the Southeast News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
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UP NEXT:
Before you head off for Thanksgiving, join JYG on November 24th at Sky Zone. Watch our Facebook page and your email for more details. The event will start at 12:30pm, right after Religious School. Hope you can join us! Join the JYG Facebook Page (https:// www.facebook.com/groups/TBT.JYG/) to stay up-to-date on what's happening and to RSVP and help arrange carpools for events! Want more info about HOTTY or JYG? Contact Adam or Bobbee at: youth@bethtikvah.com or 404) 228–2494.
SAVE-THE-DATE: HOTTY Nov. 15-17 – NFTY-SAR Fall Kallah Nov. 20 – Fall Kallah Celebration Dinner Dec. 14-15 – Broomball & Latke-in Lock-in Jan. 12 – Youth Lounge Decorating Night JYG Nov. 15-17 – NFTY-SAR Fall Kallah (8th graders) Nov. 24 – Sky zone Dec. 8 – Young Chef’s Academy Jan. 12 – Hollywood Night
Treat yourself to something new‌
Yoga with a Jewish Twist November 14th, 7 - 8:15 pm We continually talk about shalom, or peace, but how can we embody the idea? This class is for anyone who would like to strengthen their body, calm their mind, dissolve anxiety, engage their spiritual side and live life with passion.
In each class we will discuss the weekly parsha then unite the theme with yoga poses. Our guide will be The Kosher Sutras – The Jewish Way in Yoga and Meditation
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
November 2013 TBT Happenings Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat 1
2
Family Retreat at Camp Coleman
Family Retreat at Camp Coleman
8pm Shabbat Service
9am Bagels, Learning & Torah 10am Shabbat Service
3 Family Retreat at Camp Coleman
9:30am Religious School 10am Rabbi Tam’s Adult Ed Class 12pm HOTTY Fall Kallah Work Day
4
5:45pm Fall Kallah Planning Meeting
8
9
9am Tai Chi
5
6
7
5th & 6th Grade Retreat
5th & 6th Grade Retreat
5pm Religious School
6pm Oneg
9am Bagels, Learning & Torah
6:30pm Family Shabbat Service hosted by the 6th Grade
10am Shabbat Service Bar Mitzvah of Justin Kremer Bar Mitzvah of Adam Lenhard
6:45pm Kesher / Confirmation / Kivunim 7pm Families Anonymous 7:15pm Melton Dramas
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11
9:30am Religious School
12pm Senior Luncheon
10am Rabbi Tam’s Adult Ed Class
5:45pm Fall Kallah Planning Meeting
10:15am 2nd & 3rd Grade Family Ed Day
6:45pm Kesher / Confirmation
10:30am Cantor’s Corner 12pm HOTTY Fall Kallah Work Day
9:30am Religious School 10:30am Cantor’s Corner 1pm Chanukah Scavenger Hunt with PJ Library
12:30pm JYG Sky Zone
14
7pm Yoga with a Jewish Twist
5pm Religious School
7pm Dor Chadash December Dilemma Discussion
15
16
NFTY-SAR Fall Kallah
NFTY-SAR Fall Kallah
8pm Shabbat Service led by NFTY
9am Bagels, Learning & Torah 10am Shabbat Service B’not Mitzvah of Leah and Sophie Heit
7:15pm Melton Dramas
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19
6:45pm Kesher / Confirmation / Kivunim
9am Tai Chi
7pm Families Anonymous
7:30pm Board of Trustees Meeting
5pm Religious School
20
7pm HOTTY Fall Kallah Celebration Dinner
7:15pm Melton Dramas
24
No Religious School
13
7pm Families Anonymous
17 NFTY-SAR Fall Kallah
12
9am Tai Chi
26
No Religious School
7pm Breast Cancer Support Group
27 1st Night of Chanukah
28
23
9am Bagels, Learning & Torah 10am Shabbat Service
8pm Shabbat Service
2nd Night of Chanukah Thanksgiving
9am Tai Chi
22
12pm ECEC Chanukah & Thanksgiving Celebration
7:30pm Officers Meeting
25
No Religious School 7pm Families Anonymous 7:15pm Melton Dramas
21
7pm Women's Study Group
29 3rd Night of Chanukah
30 4th Night of Chanukah
9am Bagels, Learning & Torah 10am Shabbat Service Bar Mitzvah of Zachary Eagen
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Donations Campaign TBT - EveryONE Matters Lawrence and Anne Skal in memory of Lenore Cunix Levy Lionel Stutz in memory of Kathleen and Benjamin Stutz Sandy and Nancy Simon in memory of Rita Weiner Bruce and Bonnie Walkes in memory of Nathan Mangen and Sarah Wixman Dale and Wendy Bearman in memory of Jacob Dutkiewitz Dale and Wendy Bearman in memory of Eleanore Bearman, Jules Stein and Jeanne Laibow Walter and Esther Shultz in honor of Jeff Willard and Steve Mahan, Gene Carasick's new granddaughter, and in appreciation of Natine Rosenzweig Building Fund Jeffrey & Pam Flatow in memory of Mary Schlifka Dale and Wendy Bearman in memory of Fritzie Shaw Lila Stein in memory of Fritzie Shaw Bernard and Susan Greenberg in memory of Harry and Nina Greenberg Campership/Israel Fund David & Christine Toltzis in memory of Harris Simons Cantor Kassel’s Discretionary Fund Ira and Brenda Share in memory of William Henry Share David and Ellen Herold in honor of Cantor Kassel for leading beautiful holy day services Harvey and Natine Rosenzweig in appreciation of Cantor Kassel Caring/Kehillat Chesed Fund Ruth Zeidman in honor of the birth of Lois Clymin's great granddaughter, Morgan Taylor Abramson Aaron Stieglitz in appreciation of his High Holy Day honor Ronald and Leslie Swichkow in memory of Elizabeth Hodes, Morris Hodes, Jean Kozlin and Edith Swichkow General Fund Shirley Crawford Carol Lipinsky in memory of Helaine Lipinsky and in appreciation of Liana's High Holy Day aliyah Lauren Fields Arthur Blank in memory of Max Blank Seymour and Renee Davis in memory of Eli Waxman Ellen Rosenthal in memory of Alfred Rosenthal Spencer and Debra Shilling in memory of William Kerbel Howard and Pamela Levitt in memory of Betty Levitt Prayerbook Fund Mark and Sally Vosk in memory of Leonard Vosk Preschool Fund Richard Orenstein in honor of a speedy recovery for Mrs. Phyllis Cohen and Jenifer Friedman Linda Siegel and Sheri Baker in honor of Cameron Schwartz becoming a Bar Mitzvah
Rabbi Greene’s Discretionary Fund Douglas Wexler and Jane Greenberger in memory of Delores Wexler Lois Clymin in honor of the marriage of Addie Myers' son, EJ, to Rosemary Rabbi Abner and Linda Bergman Saul & Shirley Plotkin in memory of Rose Trucker Steven and Sheila Barid in memory of Mary Barid Stuart Farber in memory of Myra Farber, Esther Farber and Arthur Farber Howard & Cynthia Steinberg in memory of Gerald and Sondra Prosterman Rosalind Taranto in memory of Abram Pomerance Ronald and Renee Gurin in memory of Etta Klepak and Alan Pearlstein Ira and Brenda Share in memory of William Henry Share Rhonda Schweber in memory of Stanley Albert David and Ellen Herold in honor of Rabbi Greene for leading beautiful holy day services Ruth Zeidman in memory of Harris Simons Anne Grossman in memory of Conrad Grossman, MD June Wallach in honor of the birth of Lois Clymin's first great granddaughter, Morgan Elliot and Carol Millman in memory of William Millman Saul & Shirley Plotkin in memory of Henry Trucker Seth and Ellen Zimmer in memory of Elaine Gralnick Harvey and Natine Rosenzweig in appreciation of Rabbi Greene David and Anne Strauss in honor of the aufruf of Benjamin Strauss and Elaine Mebel Addie Myers in honor of the birth of Lois Clymin's great granddaughter, Morgan Taylor Abramson Michelle Jacobowitz in memory of Philip Rosenbaum Steven and Sheila Barid in memory of Aleck Andich Andy and Marci Fried in memory of Ruth Fried and Florence Rogol Rabbi Tam’s Discretionary Fund Bruce and Carol Waldman in memory of Sylvia Waldman Ira and Brenda Share in memory of William Henry Share Alan and Barbara Chaiet in memory of David Mellinger David and Ellen Herold in honor of Rabbi Tam for leading beautiful holy day services Barry and Dore Kaiser in memory of Sylvia Kaiser Religious School Fund Fred and Patricia Landsberg in memory of Albert Landsberg and Dan Gaenger Torah Fund Ira and Phyllis Madans in memory of Leonard Madans Morray and Susan Scheinfeld in memory of Florence Lewkowicz Youth Group Fund Steve and RoseAnn Gerson in honor of the engagement of Micah Blechner and Jenny Gurman Steve and RoseAnn Gerson in memory of Florence Friedman
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
JEWISH SUMMER PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIPS
ADULT ED
TBT Seniors Luncheon Monday, November 11 at 12 PM Bob Bahr: Cocoon – The Movie and the Messianic Idea in Judaism RSVP to Natine at rosen4348@aol.com
Submissions for the December Kol Tikvah are due by November 1. Please email to koltikvah@bethtikvah.com
ADULT ED
I realize that fall just began but we are already looking forward to next summer, and I mean summer camp! Jewish overnight camp is more than just a fun summer escape — it's a place where Jewish values are learned and lived. Studies show that children who attend Jewish overnight camp have higher rates of inmarriage, synagogue affiliation and a stronger connection to Israel and Jewish life. And…it’s fun! Kids discover the magic of sleep-away camp – building friendships, learning new skills and making memories that will last a lifetime. In order to support and increase these meaningful adventures where kids get to experience Shabbat, Israeli dance, Hebrew and history all in an environment with other young people like themselves, often forming bonds that can last a lifetime, TBT had established the Campership & Israel Scholarship Fund a few years ago. This money is specifically designated to encourage and assist those seeking to participate in these life changing journeys in camps like URJ Camp Coleman, MJCCA Camp Barney Medintz, URJ’s Six Points (Jewish sports camp), NFTY in Israel programs, and many others. Unfortunately, these funds are limited so allocations are based on need. If you are planning on sending your child to an approved Jewish summer camp, program or Israel experience, and would like some financial assistance, please submit a letter, answering the questions below, to Marcia Haber at marciahaber@yahoo.com by November 30th. This information will be shared with a Scholarship Committee but will be held in the strictest of confidence. In addition to our scholarship fund there are other resources for you to consider when looking for financial assistance for summer programs. Others include One Happy Camper, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta (watch for more info from Federation as this is a new scholarship), and the individual camp itself.
Rabbi Tam’s Adult Ed Class HOW DOES THE JEWISH CHARACTER MAKE COMMUNAL COHESION IN AMERICA A PROBLEM AN HISTORICAL ANALYSIS
Sundays November 3, 10 10 - 11:30 am It is a given that in today's America, individual Jews have difficulty in joining and expressing loyalty for Jewish Communal life. There are, I think, historical reasons for this difficulty, to be found in the character formation of the Jew who was shaped by the Jewish historical experience. The causes for individual reluctance to express Jewish communal loyalties among young Jews especially, are not to be found in the nature of North American pluralistic, democratic culture alone. For six sessions we will investigate the experience of the Jew through four historical epics: Biblical, Greco-Roman, Medieval, and the Modern in attempt to discover the "lessons" Jews learned through this history. Are the lessons learned antithetical to the continuation of Jewish communal life in a setting of political and individual freedom? No knowledge of Jewish history or Hebrew is necessary.
Additional information regarding camps and additional financial support: http://www.urjcamps.org/index.cfm? http://www.jewishcamp.org/ http://www.onehappycamper.org/ http://www.jewishatlanta.org/page.aspx?id=258082 Already went to camp or sent your kids to camp and believe this is a wondering experience? Then consider making a gift to the Camp / Israel Scholarship Fund. If you have any questions please contact Marcia Haber. CAMP/ISRAEL SCHOLARSHIP REQUEST Name: Children: Ages: Experience with camp in the past: (1st time) What has camp meant to your family? What camp/program are you attending and what is the price of your camp/program? How much assistance were you hoping for? Do you qualify for another grant or scholarship? Has your family had any major financial changes over the past year? What is your family’s financial outlook for the upcoming year? Additional information:
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Breast Cancer Survivor Group for the Jewish Community We have had a great start to the Breast Cancer Survivor Group! The monthly support group meetings are for all interested people who have had cancer, who are going through treatment or surgeries, and /or who have been recently diagnosed, as well as for those who might have questions pertinent to breast cancer. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, November 21, at 7:00 p.m. The presenter is a licensed Physical Therapist and Lymphedema Specialist, Bernice Cohen. In addition, this program is for sharing experiences, meeting others and gathering information regarding diagnoses, surgeries, and genetic testing from various professionals. This survivor support group is being sponsored by The Kehillat Chesed/Caring Committee of Temple Beth Tikvah, 9955 Coleman Rd, Roswell, 30075, who is also the host synagogue. For further information or questions, please contact Valerie Rapowitz at vrapowitzslp@yahoo.com or call 678-643-9672.
JF&CS - Career Gateway If you’re looking for a job, Jewish Family & Career Services (JF&CS) has an exciting, new interactive tool to help you on your way. The Gateway to Careers website, which launched in late September, is exactly that – a gateway to a new or refreshed career path. Designed by the Federal Department of Labor and customized by JF&CS of Atlanta, the website takes users from assessing their career skills to looking for a job. “This is another key tool in the JF&CS Career Services toolkit,” said Rick Aranson, Chief Operating Officer of JF&CS. “It provides our clients access to an exclusive, comprehensive suite of assessments that complements our agency’s career counseling, workshops and job placement services perfectly. JF&CS-Atlanta is one of 32 members of the International Association of Jewish Vocational Services (IAJVS) to offer the tool. One of the key attributes is the ability for each agency to customize its site. In Atlanta, the JF&CS Careers team continually updates and monitors it. “In addition to what we offer, this will help people who are selfdirected in their job search,” said Debi Lastinger, Career Counselor and Gateway to Careers project lead. “They can engage with this site without a counselor or workshop. If they get stuck, they may come in to see us, but this gives them a good start.” Gateway to Careers (ga.jobseekersguide.org/) is free and will connect to JF&CS’ website, yourtoolsforliving.org.
COLLEGE CONNECTION The fall mailing of care packages to TBT’s college students has recently taken place. We want to let them know they’re being thought of by the community, even though they may be away from home. We received current school addresses for approximately 41 students. These lucky individuals received school supplies, gum, candy, cookies, honey straws (to bring in the sweet New Year) and other small items. None of this could be possible without the help of our gracious volunteers Beth Kess, Emily Lewit and Julie Scott. Thank you all so much for your time to help us package and ship the items! Rabbi Greene, we very much appreciate the letter you wrote containing words of wisdom to the students. That really makes our packages complete. Also, a huge thanks to the office staff who helped us tremendously, Becky Sullivan, Lisa Singer and Michelle Leder. It is so important to keep our students connected to the Jewish community. If we do not already have your student’s name on our list, please contact us and we’ll make sure they’re included in the next mailing. If you have any ideas or suggestions as to other ways we can stay in touch with them or with each other, please let us know that as well. If you are able to provide small items for the next set of packages it would be greatly appreciated. TBT College Connection Committee Ginger Glazer (ggchoc@bellsouth.net) Lynda Bennett (lrbennett08@bellsouth.net 12
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
SHMOOZE NEWS / KUDOS CORNER
In Memorium
Mazel Tov to:
Temple Beth Tikvah acknowledges with sorrow the passing of:
Gene and Terry Carasick on becoming grandparents to Harper Adilynn Hellwig on 10/8/13. Proud parents are Gene’s son, Brian and his wife, Jen.
Miriam Seldin Grandmother of Bobbee Seldin-Griff
Jeff Willard and Steve Mahan on their upcoming official ceremony in New York on 11/17/13.
Roslyn Cohen Mother of Howard Cohen Natalie Bronk Cousin of Stan Reich
Anne and David Strauss on the upcoming marriage of their son, Benjamin , to Elaine Mebel, on 11/16/13.
May God console you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Thank You to our Amazing Office Volunteers! June Wallach Ellen Frank Aaron Stieglitz Roberta Goldman Richard Staviss
“It is hard to sing of oneness when our world is not complete, when those who once brought wholeness to our life have gone and naught but memory can fill the emptiness their passing leaves behind”. The following Memorial Plaques have been placed onto our Memorial Board this past month: Milton and Esther Kirchheimer Grandfather and Grandmother of
Shari Alhadeff
HELP US HELP YOU Your synagogue community wants to be a Caring Community/Kehillat Chesed. If you have recently experienced a loss or are facing a crisis, 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 that has experienced a loss or can use a hand, please contact the office at 770.642.0434.
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.
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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 eeg@comcast.net Budget & Finance Harlan Graiser harlanng@yahoo.com Campership Marcia Haber marciahaber@yahoo.com Chavurot Dalia Faupel d2faupel@comcast.net College Outreach Lynda Bennett lrbennett08@comcast.net Ginger Glazer ggchoc@bellsouth.net Communications Tom and Marsha McMurrain bethtikvahcommunications@gmail.com Family Promise Andy Fried andyf17@gmail.com Jeff Schultz asburypark@comcast.net Fundraising Ruben Braiter rbraiter@manh.com Gift Shop Pam Alterman pmalterman@gmail.com Carrie Bickwit carriebickwit@yahoo.com
Rhonda Schweber rschweber@comcast.net House Ted Nathan tnathan@baldwinscheduling.com Human Resources Seth Zimmer sz4941@att.com Interior Standards & Marketing Susan Estroff sestroff@earthlink.net Israel Gene Carasick gcarasick@gmail.com Kehillat Chesed (Caring) Leslie Swichkow lswichkow@comcast.net Library Ilana Zalkin ilanaz@earthlink.net Membership Recruitment & Retention Mark Rudel mrudel@ups.com Lindsay Levin linsday@splicerealty.com Katie Jaffe katiegjaffe@gmail.com Men’s Club Peter Hartog althazyr@bellsouth.net Mark Greenspan greenspanfamily@bellsouth.net
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Nominating Committee Vicki Steine vicsteine@comcast.net Ritual Esther Shultz savtaesther5@gmail.com Rosh Chodesh Women’s Group Pam Chanin chaninp@bellsouth.net Security Jay Sausmer jsausmer@gmail.com Seniors Natine Rosenzweig rosen4348@aol.com Sisterhood Traci Hartog tracigator@bellsouth.net Danielle Rubenstein bdruben@bellsouth.net Social Action Rodney Eberhardt reberhardt@amerisourcebergen.com Darin Cohen dcohen@wealthofga.com Website Development Scott Povlot spovlot@yahoo.com Youth Group Debra Schwartz dls63@bellsouth.net Michal Loventhal loventhalmichal@gmail.com
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Click for more info!!
BE A PINCH HITTER ON DECEMBER 25TH! Join us on Wednesday, December 25th as a volunteer! The Pinch Hitter Program, which is organized by B’nai B’rith and chaired by Harry Lutz and Jerry Kravitz, provides volunteers to work in non-medical positions in area hospitals on Christmas Day to give employees the day off to spend with their families. We will work in four-hour shifts at thirteen hospitals and assisted living facilities this year. You can sign up on line at
www.pinchhitters.org Call Harry at 770.392.1175 or Jerry at 770.640.5091 for more information.
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Fred Greene Rabbi Donald A. Tam Rabbi Emeritus Nancy Kassel Cantor Hassia Levin Education Director Jenifer Friedman ECEC Director Ron Swichkow President Todd Boehm Vice President Marsha Mathis Vice President Denise Straus Vice President Andy Gutman Treasurer Michael Braun Secretary Jill Mattos Chairperson, Board of Education
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