Nov 2014 Kol Tikvah

November 2014 • Volume 28 • Issue 10

A Reform Congregation Embracing Our Jewish Tradition

Nov. 14th 8:00 PM

IT’S THE ANNUAL TURKEY DRIVE! FIND OUT HOW TO HELP THOSE IN NEED THIS HOLIDAY SEASON SEE PAGE 11 News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Veteran’s Recognition Shabbat Service

VOTE FOR REFORM IN ISRAEL The next World Zionist Congress will be held in October 2015. More than 500 delegates from Israel and the Diaspora will gather in Jerusalem to discuss key issues confronting Israel, Zionism and world Jewry, and to determine allocations made by the World Zionist Organization. These decisions are determined by the vote of delegates, who reflect a wide diversity of ideological and religious perspectives.

The time for elections is again upon us, and your support is vital to our success.

The first step towards victory will be voter registration. Registration campaigns will be initiated in every Reform synagogue around the world, and we are asking for your support throughout this election.

Registration materials will be made available to our entire community.

We hope that you will take the pledge to vote by registering here: www.reformjews4israel.org. This will give ARZA a way to contact you directly when it is time to vote later in the winter.

If you care about the Reform Movement in Israel, if you support egalitarian prayer, if you believe in freedom of religion, the right of Reform rabbis to conduct marriage, divorce, burial and conversion, if you believe that women should have equal status, here is your chance to make a difference.

If you have any questions, contact Gene Carasick for more information at gcarasick@gmail.com.

The Zionist Congress is the World Zionist Organization’s (WZO) Help Beth Tikvah raise a voice of celebration and support for Reform supreme institution and legislative body, holding elections every five Judaism! years. The Congress influences policy throughout Israel and directs hundreds of millions of dollars towards Jewish life globally. The Reform Movement’s victories in the past WZO elections have empowered Israeli Rabbi Fred Greene Reform Jews with increased support and respect. Many of us already support such efforts as members of ARZA—The Reform Israel Fund, www.arza.org. ARZA’s presence at the Zionist Congress has empowered the Movement to fight for Reform Judaism around the globe:

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Support for Progressive Jews across the FSU and Israel

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Training Israel’s next generation of Reform Rabbis

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Reform Jewish programming on six continents

NFTY Convention is coming to Atlanta!

February 13-17, 2015 NFTY is part of the URJ Youth family of camps and programs.

The network includes summer camps, Israel programs, social justice and service travel experiences, and NFTY youth group programming.

What is NFTY Convention?

5 days with over 1,000 Jewish high school students from across North America A magical Shabbat experience – a chance to experience the Reform Movement’s ground-breaking song sessions and worship experiences. Shabbat is an extraordinary moment, with a community of over a thousand teens and adults who join in worship together.

Over 200 interactive sessions - gain new skills, hear fresh perspectives on hot topics, and time for teens to explore the connections between themselves and their communities. These multimedia plenary sessions feature wellknown teen and adult speakers, popular Jewish musicians, and more.

A chance to gain new skills that will translate into leadership and job opportunities. Teens can choose a specialized leadership seminar focused on songleading, social justice advocacy, and assistant teaching (Madrichim).

We’d love for as many of our HOTTY teens to attend as possible.

Think it’s too expensive? There are scholarships available (both through TBT and through NFTY). Please ask Bobbee or Rabbi Greene about applying.

Also, there is a special (and cheaper) Teen Commuter Registration for local teens to stay at home at night and attend the convention during the day.

Register at any time and pay only the $75.00 deposit. Hurry – the early bird deadline ends Nov. 17! Go to: http:// www.nftyconvention.org/

Almost $2 million dollars in annual funding to Israeli Reform Jewish projects

The Introduction to the Talmud that You’ve Been Waiting For! Bring a dairy lunch and join Rabbi Greene for a lively monthly class and discussion which will consist of an introduction to the Talmud - its stories, its themes, the sages, and see how its teachings build upon the foundation of the Torah.

The class will meet from 11:45 am to 1 pm on: Fridays, November 7, December 19, January 23, February 20, March 13 and April 17 All are welcome. Dates are subject to change. Please check the TBT calendar to confirm.

RSVPs are appreciated for each session.

RSVP to michelle@bethtikvah.com

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News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

NOTES FROM CANTOR KASSEL way they are in terms of structure, content, choreography and what we do to honor our B’nei Mitzvah.

WHAT’S OUR SHABBAT MORNING BAR/BAT MITZVAH SERVICE ALL ABOUT? & HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SHABBAT MORNING SERVICES?

On another topic……

Great questions. I’m glad you asked!

Now that we have celebrated Sukkot and Simchat Torah, I am officially making good on my promise The liturgy and service structure for a Shabbat to create and maintain an established Friday night morning service is the same whether or not we are service musical repertoire. It is my hope that you celebrating a Bar/Bat/B’nei Mitzvah. The main difwill take advantage of the opportunity to catch on ference is that our students lead a significant to the melodies we use, thereby enabling you to amount of the service and there are a few more adPARTICIPATE in services. ditions which allow us to honor our students who have studied for years acquiring service-leading and Every service has a different dynamic, often deTorah/Haftarah chanting skills. pendent on the varying abilities of those assembled - to participate. There are times when Rabbi That’s the simplest answer to the questions above, Greene and I exchange glances during services, to but of course there’s much more to learn about communicate to each other “How NICE it is to hear Shabbat morning worship. So, I invite you attend: so many voices confidently joined together in prayer!” That’s what we want – not only for ourselves UNDERSTANDING THE SHABBAT MORNING but for YOU! SERVICE WITH BAR/BAT/B’NEI MITZVAH UNDERSTANDING SHABBAT MORNING SERVICES – Wishing you a joyous Hebrew month of Cheshvan” IN GENERAL (Oct. 25 – Nov. 22) – the month without any Jewish holidays, but a month FULL of opportunities to parSUNDAY MORNINGS: NOV. 2 & NOV. 9, ticipate in Jewish life, especially at TBT! 11:05 – 11:55 B’Shalom,

Let’s take a closer look at why our services are the

TIME TO APPLY FOR ALEF FUND TAX CREDIT 2015!

Cantor Nancy Kassel

Cantor Kassel’s Adult Learning Parent's Guide To The B'nei Mitzvah Service Sundays: Nov. 2 and Nov. 9 from 11:05-11:55 am These 2 classes will help parents better understand the structure, choreography and honors associated with a Bar/Bat Mitzvah service.

Since 2008, ALEF Fund has provided over $10 Million in scholarships to students at local Jewish pre-k, day schools, and high schools. Redirecting a portion of your state taxes to ALEF Fund helps provide children in our community with a Jewish education.

Book Discussion: "Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots"

by Deborah Feldman Sunday, Jan. 11 from 10:45-11:55 am

ALEF Fund has made the process of reserving a state tax credit even simpler this year. At www.aleffund.org , you can reserve your 2015 tax credit in less than two minutes! Complete your application and direct your tax dollars to the ALEF Fund Partner Schools of your choice.

Please act now to ensure your credit will be approved and your tax dollars will secure a Jewish education for our families!

The Music and Religion of Leonard Cohen Sunday, Feb. 8 from 10:45-11:55 am

Please visit our website to reserve your tax credit or contact Allison Feldman, ALEF Fund Manager at afeldman@jfga.org or 678.222.3739 for assistance.

Tips for Leading an Engaging Seder Sunday, Mar. 15 and Sunday, Mar. 22 from 11:00-11:55 am

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News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

New Math We Can Take to the Bank On Rosh Hashanah morning, I touched on the financial challenges we face at Beth Tikvah. First, I want to point out a little TBT history. Many reform synagogues send a messenger, usually a lay leader, to the Bimah sometime during the High Holy Days with a mission is to make a “strong and persuasive” fundraising plea to the captive audience for some large program typically known as the annual or capital campaign. Bottom line, as I have said before, almost every synagogue needs to raise between 25-35% of its operating budget from sources other than congregants’ annual commitments (formerly known as dues). I have experienced those pleas in my lifetime at other synagogues and I think you will agree it is not too comfortable. Sometimes, it is the Rabbi who actually makes the plea because who can say no to a Rabbi, on Rosh Hashana or Yom Kippur no less?

Well, I am proud to say that, to the best of my knowledge, never in Beth Tikvah’s history has that been done. Sure, the President, as I have done, mentions the campaign and might even say we are kicking it off after the holidays but we have never actually asked specifically for pledges on those Holy Days or handed out pledge cards to take home. So, no awkward moments of asking. No mumbling under congregants’ breath on the way out.

Certainly, we do our share of asking AFTER the High Holy Days and this year is no exception. For the past two years we have had the lofty goal of 100% participation in the campaign. We even have the catchy tag line, EveryOne Matters. With a lot of effort on the part of the fundraising committee, we have had participation of only 34% and 38% in the last two years. So for the 2014-2015 campaign, a more realistic goal of participation might be 50%.

Having said that, I am asking each of you to be part of the 50% that participates in some meaningful way that works for you and your family. (It’s really an accounting trick because if EACH of you were to choose to be part of the 50% that participates, then we would actually get to 100% participation). I will tell you that your Board of Trustees, in support of our 100% participation goal, have ALL made a pledge to the campaign already. What a powerful statement for your lay leadership to make!

Our dollar goal this year is $100,000. This will allow us to continue on our path to making needed facility improvements and upgrades and to help us fund our normal cost of operations while minimizing the use of cash reserves. Once again The Arthur M. Blank Foundation has made a generous matching grant towards our annual campaign. For every two dollars our congregants pledge to our campaign, the foundation will match one dollar up to a total match of $25,000. So your contribution is really worth 50% more. We need to do this by January 31, 2015 to receive the full matching gift.

I have always respected our tradition and method of how we ask for funds above and beyond our Nadiv Lev because it feels “right” and because no matter how and when we ask, our congregants rally and support our community and our mission with their time and their money. Please join me in whatever amount is right for you and your family in giving tzedakah to this year’s Annual Campaign. Let’s meet our goal together.

L’Shalom

Ron Swichkow

Fundraising Shalom! By now, the entire congregation has received information concerning the 2014- 2015 Annual Campaign – EveryONE Matters.

Our committee is excited about this year’s campaign and the challenges ahead. Let me point out some of the key goals ahead: Raise $100,000 for the 2nd straight year Increase our community’s participation level to 100% Part of accomplishing goal #1 is asking everyone to consider, if you are able to do so, to make a pledge by January 31st, 2015. Our community has a great incentive to raise $50,000 by January 31st. By accomplishing this milestone, The Blank Foundation will contribute a 50% matching gift of $25,000 to TBT. Needless to say, this matching contribution will significantly help us achieve our overall goal of $100,000.

As for goal #2, participation by EveryONE Matters because TBT is our home, our community, our House of Worship. We gather here for spiritual holiday experiences, heartwarming life cycle events, exciting community socials and fabulous educational programs. No matter what your age is or how long you have been a member, TBT provides you various opportunities to connect with friends and family in a warm comforting setting.

As many of you have seen from your recent attendance during the High Holidays, the success of last year’s campaign afforded us many upgrades to our 27 year old building but there is more work to be done. Achieving our 2014-2015 goals will provide:

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New programming and staffing resources for the future

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Correct the ground water seepage into the school wing classrooms

Phase 2 of the stucco repair needed at the front of the school wing and the Alterman Chapel Replace the un-repairable key fob and access system Continue the audio and video system upgrades started last year Begin refurbishing the Youth Lounge Make our final payment on the flooring project

Complete the second phase of the landscape enhancements As you can see, we still have more work to do and your support for the annual campaign REALLY DOES MATTER! Please reach out to the Temple office by calling 770-642-0434 and ask for Jenny or simply log onto www.bethtikvah.com and click on the 2014- 2015 Annual Campaign – EveryONE Matters link on the home page and you will be guided to the on-line contribution area for the campaign.

May the New Year of 5775 bring health, happiness and prosperity to you and your family!

Shalom,

Jonathan Agin 4

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

B’nai Mitzvah Jessica and Zachary Shiffman will be called to the Torah as a B’nai Mitzvah on November 1, 2014.

They are the children of Barb and Floyd Shiffman of Milton.

Jessica is in the 8th grade at Hopewell Middle School where she is regularly recognized as a Principal’s Honor Roll recipient. She is actively involved in school activities, such as Cheerleading, Jr. Beta Club, and a Science Fair participant. Jessie also acts as a WEB leader; this group is part of a pilot program mentoring rising middle school students. She received recognition as a recipient of the Greater Atlanta Hadassah Marian F. Perling Chesed Student Award where she was nominated by her teachers at TBT. Zachary also attends Hopewell Middle School as a 7 th grader. He is a sports fanatic and excels in Football and Lacrosse. Zach plays as a starter on the middle school feeder teams for both sports. Zachary also participated this past summer on an elite travel LAX team, traveling to tournaments in Boca Raton, Atlanta, Boston, and Philadelphia. Our “comedian” also excels in Language Arts and has been recognized as a Creative Writer by his peers.

Samuel Gropman will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on November 8th, 2014. He is the son of Curtis Gropman and Claire Gropman, older brother of Leo Gropman. Sam is the grandson of Roberta and Gary Barna of Anthem, Arizona and Marlene and Jerome Gropman of Palm Beach, Florida. Sam is a 7th Grade honor roll student at Simpson Middle School. Sam loves baseball and has played at Sandy Plains Baseball for the last five years. In his free time, Sam loves to play video games, watch movies, and play football and soccer with kids in the neighborhood. Sam is very excited to have his friends and family from all over the country come share in his special day.

Nathan Braun will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on November 22, 2014. Nathan is the son of Heather and Michael Braun and the brother to Ashlyn and Sadie Braun. He is in the seventh grade at Dodgen Middle School. His hobbies include football, baseball, and basketball. Nathan is the grandson of Carol and Gary Moss from Miami, Florida and Ruth Auzenne from Marietta, Georgia.

Religious School th

On Sunday, October 19 our Kindergarten students and several 1st and 2nd grade students were consecrated. Each child received a Torah scroll of their own and a certificate to remember this meaningful ceremony. The entire school as well as many family members were in attendance to celebrate with these students as they began their religious education.

The Rabbi and Cantor met with each grade in the Sukkah. The children decorated the sukkah, recited blessings and sang songs. A wonderful time was had by all. The sukkah was decorated so beautifully with all the art projects our students made.

Our 3rd – 7th grade students have had 2 mixers this year. The mixers, organized by the youth group, are a way for the entire grade to get together and get to know each other better. two more mixers are planned this year as well as grade level field trips.

Our kindergarten – 3rd grade families have an opportunity of participating in the Same Moon project. The “Same Moon” is a project created to establish a connection between young Jewish families in the United States and Israel. The hope is that through “The Same Moon” the families involved will realize that despite the great distance, their worlds are very similar. The project uses a customizable book and story-telling technique to enable selected individual families in Atlanta to get to know an Israeli family who lives in our Partnership Region of Yokneam-Megiddo. The families are matched and paired in ways that, we hope, will create and foster lifelong relationships between Atlantans and Israelis. Families commit to writing and receiving a letter a month for six months. The families will write to each other on a variety of topics. If you haven’t already done so and would like to participate please contact the religious school office to see if books are still available.

Mark your calendars, here are some important dates for our students: Our 6th grade students will have their grade level Shabbat service on Friday, November 7th at 6:30 PM. Our 2nd and 3rd grade students will have their family education day on Sunday, November 9th at 9:35 AM. We look forward to seeing you on these days.

Hassia Levin News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

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Youth Group

HOTTY's Downtown Roswell Scavenger Hunt HOTTY (9-12th Grade)

Check out some pictures from our kickoff event – we had so much fun on our scavenger hunt in downtown Roswell! Then in October we celebrated Sukkot in TBT’s sukkah by making candy sushi (yum!) and roasting s’mores over the campfire. Thanks to Drew for planning a rockin’ Havdallah for us also. This month we are learning about Israel and the IDF at our IDF night and then headed to Congregation Dor Tamid in Duluth for NFTYSAR’s Fall Kallah!

Join the HOTTY Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/TBT.HOTTY/) to stay up-to-date on what's happening and to RSVP for HOTTY events!

JYG (7-8th Grade)

JYG’s Kickoff event in September was a blast! We went to Area 51 to play mini-golf and see a movie. After golfing we loaded up on popcorn and soda to watch When the Game Stands Tall. We all loved the movie! Our next event is bowling at Stars and Strikes on November 2. Mark it on your calendars so you can be sure to be there!

Join the JYG Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/TBT.JYG/) to stay up-to-date on what's happening with JYG, RSVP and arrange carpools for events!

5th/6th Grade Youth Group at Scottsdale Farms

5th & 6th Grade

Our first event for our new 5th & 6th grade youth group was so much fun! We had a great afternoon at Scottsdale Farms going on a hayride, picking pumpkins and eating ice cream! Mark your calendars for our next 5th & 6th grade event, Paint your Own Pottery, on December 14th.

Join the 5th & 6th Grade Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/TBT.56/) to stay up-to-date on what's happening, RSVP and arrange carpools for events!

Want more info about the youth groups at TBT? Contact us at: youth@bethtikvah.com or call us: Bobbee (303) 981-2356 & Adam (404) 971-4687 Upcoming Events: November 2 - JYG Bowling November 8 - HOTTY IDF night December 6-7 - HOTTY Latke-In December 14 - 5/6th Paint Your Own Pottery

College Connection Congregants:  Missy and Terry Stein for donating computer/phone cleaning cloths, pens and pencils Businesses:  Consulate General of Israel to the Southeast for donating Israel/ American flag lapel pins  Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest for donating the CD Touch the Sky

CARE PACKAGES SENT TO OUR COLLEGE STUDENTS The boxes were filled to the brim with all kinds of goodies! On behalf of TBT, the College Outreach Committee has just sent care packages to our college students. They received a letter from the Rabbi with his words of wisdom, a CD featuring Israeli musicians, school supplies, a variety of snacks, honey sticks, honey drops, apple cereal bars (to coincide with Rosh Hashana), computer/phone cleaning cloths, and an Israeli/American flag lapel pin.

If you can provide any donations for our next package, please let us know. Finding a variety of useful and relevant items for our packages is our greatest challenge. You can be of great help to us in this area.

We trust that these care packages will be enjoyed and will be a reminder We would also like to thank our volunteers who helped assemble the that TBT is thinking of them and though they may not be living at home, packages: Jill Kaplan, Beth Kess, Helaine Medoff, Julie Scott, and they are definitely a part of our community. We hope to keep the lines Leslie Swichkow. Appreciation also goes out to Rabbi Greene and the of communication open with them and hope that TBT will continue to office staff, Michelle Leder, Lisa Singer, and Becky Sullivan for all be their spiritual home. their assistance.

The care packages could not have been created and sent without the help If for some reason you forgot to send us your child’s college address, of many others. We would like to give HUGE THANKS to our donors please send it to Lynda Bennett at lrbennett08@comcast.net so he/she for their contributions. can receive our next package that will be sent out in late February or early March to coincide with Purim.

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Adult Ed flourish as women and as leaders - at home and Simon Dubnov (The great Jewish in the workplace - in the 21st century. historian from Vilna in first half of the twentieth century, who believed How to have a difficult conversation; when to tell the Jews to be a “unique nation,” but a social lie – Sarah (Genesis 18) Instructor: Rabbi Donald Tam was not a believer in Zionism. He How to take charge of a situation – Rebecca Confronting the challenges of Modernity, many was shot in the street as an old man (Genesis 27) Jewish intellectuals and religious leaders by the Nazis in 1941): “A Spiritual How to take charge of a situation – Rachel attempted to define and explain the nature of (Genesis 31) Nation.” the Jewish people. Are we a religion like any Dec. 14 Erich Kahler (A Jewish intellectual of How to work for justice & freedom – The Midwives, Miriam, Pharaoh’s Daughter (Exodus other? Are we a national entity or ethnicity like the mid-twentieth century who taught 1-2) the Italians or Poles? What is it about our at the New School of Social Research How to protect your family & be an equal partner history that is unique, if in fact it is unique at in New York and was a member of at home – Tziporah (Exodus 4) all? How can the Jews survive as a distinct the Institute of Advanced Study at How to lead in the workplace; conforming to entity in the modern world? What are the Princeton): “What Are the Jews?” gender roles – Miriam (Exodus 15) conditions our survival demands? On Sunday How to communicate effectively; when talk is mornings we will read from and discuss several not gossip – Miriam (Numbers 12) Classes will meet from 10:30-11:45 am excerpts from essays by “modern” Jewish in the Library thinkers on the nature and future of the Jewish $36 for the class series.

People. Do any of these essays guide us toward Please register by sending your check to the TBT office, and designate Women’s Study Group on the a viable Jewish future?

From Sarah to Savannah: Leadership

Essays on the Unique Nature and Destiny of the Jewish People: Fact or Fiction?

Nov. 2

Abraham Geiger (“Father of Reform Judaism): “Revelation.”

Nov. 9 Moses Hess (A Zionist Thinker prior to Herzl): “Israel Within the Organism of Humanity.”

Nov. 16 Leon Pinsker (A physician and 19th.

Century Jew whose hope that assimilation was the natural solution to the “Jewish Problem” failed him, causing him to turn to Zionism): “Auto-Emancipation.”

Dec. 7

lessons from our ancestral mothers for today’s women Instructor: Rabbi Pamela Jay Gottfried Do women have different ways of communicating, praying, acting and leading?

What lessons can we learn about women’s leadership today from the biblical and rabbinic stories of women such as Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel & Miriam? Together we’ll study the ancient texts and try to glean wisdom to help us

memo line.

This class meets on the following Thursday evenings at 7 pm: 2014: November 20th, December 18th 2015: January 15th, February 19th, March 19th, April 23rd

See pages 1 and 2 for classes led by Rabbi Greene and Cantor Kassel

Create Community in a Chavurah

Purim Carnival

"The members of our Chavurah are like extended family. I can't imagine holidays without them!"

"We joined a Chavurah when we first got to TBT and it helped us feel comfortable in the community quickly."

-Comments from TBT members who are part of the Chavurah program.

Sound interesting? Start the new year with a focus on community and join a Chavurah. New groups are forming now!

What's a Chavurah?

It's a group of people who share common interests and meet regularly to celebrate Jewish holidays, share simchas, attend TBT events, and participate in any activities that interest them. Being part of a Chavurah can enhance your experience at TBT by helping you develop a strong sense of community and deeper connections within the congregation.

How do I join a Chavurah? Just fill out the application and we'll help you find like-minded families or individuals to form a group. Drop by the TBT office to pick one up, or visit http://www.bethtikvah.com/community/chavurot to download.

What does a Chavurah do?

You choose the activities you'll participate in and how often and where you meet. We can help you design a calendar of programs based on your group's interests.

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

2015 Help Wanted!

It’s time to start planning for Purim Carnival 2015 and as they say, “Many hands make light work”!

If you would like to be a part of making this the best year yet for our children (of all ages!) please email Marsha Mathis at marmat0915@yahoo.com

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Sisterhood News

Sisterhood ~ Social Action Project

It's Sisterhood

Sisterhood

Meals for the Zaban Couples Shelter

Mah Jongg Time!

with a mitzvah project,

November 13, 2014

For the Zaban Couples Shelter.

7:30pm to 9:30pm

This sign up is for November 10, 2014.

Jewelry Making Party! at Brilliant Atlanta Jewelry Store December 1st & 3rd

TBT Social Hall

RSVP is requested.

Check Your Email For The Evite Invitation

Please check your Email for the Two Evite Invitations and for details.

We need YOUR assistance

please visit: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C0945AAAB23A4F94-shelter

Sisterhood is starting out very strong, with our first Social Events outing. On October 18 th, we had our sweet tooth filled, courtesy of “Sweet Night Out”, at Schakolad Chocolate Factory. It was a lot of fun getting to know each other and indulging in chocolates (especially for all the chocolate lovers, indeed!)

Sisterhood has important information to share about November and early December.

Please take a moment to read everything below.

November is quite the busy month!

On November 2nd, please join us for a Sisterhood Board Meeting, in the Oneg Room, starting at 9:45am. We’re looking for a Secretary and other members, to join our sub committees (Social Action, Adult Education, Social Events, and Baking).

All are invited to attend.

In addition to the fun, we need YOUR assistance, for a Social Action mitzvah project…

November 10th, we are requesting donations of prepared meals, for the Zaban Couples Shelter. It’s easy – just bring your favorite prepared food and drop it off at Temple Beth Tikvah! For all the details and to sign up, please see: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0945aaab23a4f94-shelter Our next Social Event is on November 13th, at Temple Beth Tikvah. We are playing Mah Jongg (and other games). RSVP is requested. Check your Email for the Evite Invitation. For additional information and to RSVP, please use the Evite link sent

to your email.

Moving forward….Let’s get a “jump” on holiday shopping and have fun! Sisterhood is having TWO jewelry making parties at Brilliant Jewelry Store. Brilliant is donating 10% of sales back to Sisterhood! On December 1st, it’s “Stamping Night” and on December 3rd, we’re having Beading Night. RSVP is requested. Check your Email for the Evite Invitation. For additional information and to

RSVP, please use the Evite link sent to your email.

If you did not receive any of the Evites mentioned above or have questions, please contact us at SisterhoodTBT@gmail.com Sisterhood is continually planning educational, social events, baking, and social action activities. If you are interested in assisting with planning these activities, please contact us directly via SisterhoodTBT@gmail.com. If you haven’t yet joined Sisterhood, today is a fine day to join! Remember, dues not only support Sisterhood events, but also summer camp scholarships, the Purim Carnival, and other Temple events, and charitable causes. These very important areas can only happen through involvement and support, through Sisterhood Membership Dues and Volunteers See you soon!

Robin Bledsoe and Stacy Chambers Sisterhood Co-Chairs

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

November 2014 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday 1 9:00 am - 10:00 am Bagels, Learning & Torah in Oneg Room

10:00 am - 12:00 pm Shabbat Service B'nai Mitzvah of Jessica & Zachary Shiffman 2 Daylight Saving Time Ends

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4

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9:30 am - 12:00 pm Religious School

12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Senior Luncheon

9:30 am - 10:30 am Tai Chi in Oneg Room

9:45 am - 10:45 am

6:45 pm - 8:30 pm Kesher/Confirmation/Kivunim

5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Religious School

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Families Anonymous

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Board of Ed Meeting

Sisterhood Board Meeting in Oneg Room 10:30 am - 11:45 am Essays on the Unique Nature & Destiny of the Jewish People: Fact or Fiction? in Library

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8 9:45 am - 10:15 am ECEC Family Shabbat in Social Hall

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm HOTTY - Board Meeting

11:45 am - 1:00 pm The Introduction to the Talmud that You've Been Waiting For! in Conference Room

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Family Shabbat Service - 6th Grade in Sanctuary

10:00 am - 12:00 pm Shabbat Service - Bar Mitzvah of Sam Gropman 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm HOTTY - IDF Night

11:05 am - 11:55 am Parent's Guide to the B'nei Mitzvah Service in Meeting Room 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm Madrichim Training in Oneg Room 12:45 pm - 2:45 pm JYG - Bowling at Stars and Strikes 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Endowment Board Meeting

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10

11

Veteran's Day

9:30 am - 11:45 am ATID in Meeting Room

NO ECEC - Parent/Teacher Conferences

9:30 am - 10:30 am Tai Chi in Oneg Room

9:30 am - 12:00 pm Religious School

6:45 pm - 8:30 pm Kesher & Confirmation

5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Religious School

10:10 am - 11:45 am RS Family Ed Day - 2nd & 3rd grade

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Families Anonymous

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13

14

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Sisterhood Mah Jongg in Social Hall

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NFTY Fall Kallah at Monarch School

NFTY Fall Kallah at Monarch School

8:00 pm - 9:00 pm Shabbat Service w/ Choir and Veteran's Recognition in Sanctuary

9:00 am - 10:00 am Bagels, Learning & Torah in Oneg Room

10:30 am - 11:45 am Essays on the Unique Nature & Destiny of the Jewish People: Fact or Fiction? in Library

10:00 am - 12:00 pm Shabbat Service in Sanctuary

11:05 am - 11:55 am Parent's Guide to the B'nei Mitzvah Service in Oneg Room

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NFTY Fall Kallah at Monarch School

6:45 pm - 8:30 pm Kesher/Confirmation/Kivunim

9:30 am - 10:30 am Tai Chi in Oneg Room

8:00 am - 2:00 pm Sy Davis Memorial TBT Blood Drive

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Families Anonymous

5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Religious School

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10:30 am - 11:45 am

9:00 am - 10:00 am Bagels, Learning & Torah in Oneg Room

10:00 am - 12:00 pm Shabbat Service - Bar Mitzvah of Nathan Braun

7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Officers Meeting

Essays on the Unique Nature & Destiny of the Jewish People: Fact or Fiction? in Library

No Religious School

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8:00 pm - 9:00 pm Shabbat Service in Sanctuary

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Women's Study - From Sarah to Savannah: Leadership Lessons from our Ancestral Mothers in Classroom 1

7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Board of Trustees Meeting

9:30 am - 12:00 pm Religious School

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7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Breast Cancer Support Group in Oneg Room

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No Religious School

No Religious School

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Families Anonymous

9:30 am - 10:30 am Tai Chi in Oneg Room

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Thanksgiving Day

TBT Offices Closed

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29 TBT Offices Closed

8:00 pm - 9:00 pm Shabbat Service in Sanctuary

9:00 am - 10:00 am Bagels, Learning & Torah in Oneg Room

10:00 am - 12:00 pm Shabbat Service in Sanctuary

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Light One Candle: Supporting Temple Beth Tikvah

By Dale and Wendy Bearman Through the years, supporting TBT has become a defining characteristic of our family. When we relocated to Atlanta in 1988, TBT was a welcoming extended family. Here, our three children saw that being part of a Jewish community was an important part of their identity. Joining TBT during its infancy, we felt like pioneers helping to shape the congregation, from facilities and programming to worship experiences and social opportunities. Knowing that our contributions have helped to create a sacred space and a special community with which to share the many facets of Jewish life makes us feel that the investment has been very worthwhile.

We have always felt that commitment to our community comes with an obligation to help that community thrive. We support many local, national and international Jewish institutions, which all rely on the generosity of donors to fulfill their missions. This provides a link to our heritage and ensures a legacy for our children and grandchildren.

No cause is more important than supporting our spiritual home at TBT. Having participated in the search to bring Rabbi Greene to TBT, we came to appreciate the stabilizing role the congregation plays in so many of our lives. As TBT transitions to the next era of rabbinic leadership, a stable financial foundation is even more apparent. Projects like the Endowment Fund and efforts to eliminate the mortgage on our building allow us to share resources and promote programmatic goals. We hope you will join us in supporting our House of Hope and helping to ensure that it continues to be a light for every generation that follows.

If you would like to share your story about why you support Temple Beth Tikvah and what TBT means to you, please feel free to contact Jonathan Agin at jlagin1@gmail.com or call him at 770-309-4908. We’d love to hear your story and share it with our TBT family!

FOOD OF THE MONTH The food bins are empty. Please bring hearty soups and peanut butter for North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) and Kosher foods for Jewish Family & Career Services (JF&CS) The need in our area is great.

Together we “can” make a difference!

Thank you to all who donated for Operation Isaiah.

The food weighed in at 4,691 pounds - wow!!!

This will create 3,909 meals for children, seniors, and many hungry families in the community. We truly appreciate all of your efforts to collect so much food! Great work! Happy New Year to all!

PINCH HITTER PROGRAM Join us on Thursday, 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 eleven 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.

TBT Seniors Luncheon Monday, November 3rd at 12 PM

“Always a New Chapter" presented by Edward Gadrix

RSVP to Natine at

rosen4348@aol.com 10

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

2014 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 more than 20 years we have hoped to get $10 from every family—let’s make this the year!

The need in our community is growing every year. Our contributions help many families in our own area to put food on the table.

Questions? Call Marsha Mathis 770-992-4256

Jewish Overnight Camp/Israel Scholarships 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 in-marriage, synagogue affiliation and a stronger connection to Israel and Jewish life. And…it’s fun!

To help do our part, we have a Scholarship Committee that provides modest need-based grants for Jewish summer camps, service learning and Israel programs.

The monies from the fund are received from individual contributions, the Mens' Club, Sisterhood, and our clergy's discretionary funds. If you need financial assistance to get your child to one of these overnight programs please submit the camp scholarship form to Marcia Haber at marciahaber@yahoo.com by December 1st. This letter will be shared with a Scholarship Committee but will be held in the strictest of confidence.

Dine out at Brixx on November 19th and $3 per full price pizza will be donated to Relay for Life Ruach Atlanta.

Avenues of East Cobb 4475 Roswell Rd Marietta GA Tell them you are there for Relay!

The 3rd Annual Relay is over but your donations count until the end of the year! If you have not yet made a donation to this worthy cause, please go to www.relayforlife.org/ruachga look for Tikvah Troopers or the name of a specific person and make your donation.

Your donation goes to research in hopes to find a cure for Cancer.

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Donations Annual Campaign Sandy and Nancy Simon in memory of Brian Allen, Rudolph Simon and Marion Simon Douglas Wexler in memory of Delores Wexler Robert and Donna Schacher in memory of Lottie Gilbert Gary and Debra Schwartz in appreciation of Ron Swichkow's dedication and commitment to our TBT community Michael D. and Lisa R. Cohen in memory of Ira Madans David McClung in memory of Ira Madans Jamie and Katie Jaffe in memory of Ira Madans Lawrence and Anne Skal in memory of Rose Skal Ronald and Leslie Swichkow in appreciation of the High Holy Day services Rory and Jenifer Friedman in memory of Ira Madans Brian and Sheri Baker in memory of Ira Madans

General Fund Renee Davis in memory of Sy Davis Brad Kaplan in memory of Jules Kaplan Tom and Patti Seibold Omar Chevy Shirley and Stanley Cohen in memory of Ira Madans Ability Rehab in memory of Ira Madans Aaron Stieglitz in appreciation of Yom Kippur Aliyah Prayerbook Fund Russ and Suzanne Zukowski in memory of Carlos Zukowski Rabbi Greene’s Discretionary Fund Adam and Carly Biegel in honor of Milly's babynaming and in appreciation of Rabbi Greene and Michelle Leder Audrey Eisen in memory of Seymour Honig Joel and Kathleen Schoenblum in memory of Duane S. Rutte Ruth Zeidman in memory of Celia Mendelson George and Frances Jordan in memory of Henrietta Jordan David and Anne Strauss in honor of Rabbi Greene Nadine Duhaney in honor of Temple Beth Tikvah Stuart Farber in memory of Myra Farber, Esther Farber and Arthur Farber Michelle Putnam in appreciation of Rabbi Greene Lloyd and Gail Tate in appreciation of Rabbi Greene Andy and Marci Fried in honor of Rabbi Greene for the High Holy Day services David and Ellen Herold in honor of the High Holy Day services

Building Fund Andy Berke in memory of Gloria Berke Andy Berke in memory of Stanley Berke Hadley and Lisa Lowy in memory of Bea Lowy Dale and Wendy Bearman in memory of Fritzie Shaw Campership/Israel Fund Nadine Duhaney in honor of Temple Beth Tikvah Cantor Kassel’s Discretionary Fund Cantor Nancy Kassel in appreciation of Dan DeRiemer Michelle Putnam in appreciation of Cantor Kassel Lloyd and Gail Tate in appreciation of Cantor Kassel Jonathan and Joan Marks in memory of Ira Madans David and Ellen Herold in appreciation of the beautiful music at the High Holy Day services

Religious School Fund Ben and Amy Tolchinsky in memory of Carol Tolchinsky Bruce and Carol Waldman in honor of the engagement of Jennifer Waldman and Max Gross

Caring/Kehillat Chesed Fund Walter and Esther Shultz in appreciation of Rob, Ruth and Izaac for all their help and support for the Bark for Life Bruce and Bonnie Walkes in memory of Anna Mangen and Murray Wixman David & Christine Toltzis in memory of Harris Simons Fred and Patricia Landsberg in memory of Jeff Baskin Steven & Janice Liederman in memory of Joseph Zimmerman Ronald and Leslie Swichkow in memory of Elizabeth Hodes Martin & Fern Soniker in memory of Irene Brettler

Torah Fund Ira and Phyllis Madans in memory of Leonard Madans Youth Group Fund Stan Reich in memory of Margaret Danzig Steve and RoseAnn Gerson with prayers and best wishes for Aaron Palazzo Gary and Debra Schwartz in honor of our amazing TBT youth community

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

SHMOOZE NEWS / KUDOS CORNER

In Memorium Temple Beth Tikvah acknowledges with sorrow the passing of:

Thank You to our Amazing Office Volunteers!

Carol Brody Sister of Peter Birnbaum Manuel Leff Brother of Sandy Leff

Ellen Levitz Erica Stein Addie Myers Leslie Swichkow June Wallach Natine Rosenzweig Richard Staviss Terry Stein Jackie Pepper Audrey Gordon

Edna Kwass Grandmother of Eric Estroff Lena Levinson Aunt of Sherwin Levinson Ira Madans Husband of Phyllis Madans Father of Mark Madans & Beth Janes Uncle of Jill Leitman and Cherie Cervasio

Bruce and Carol Waldman on the engagement of their daughter Jennifer, to Max Gross. A May wedding is planned.

David and Anne Strauss on the marriage of their son, Matthew, to Amy Himmelstein, on October 25th at Temple Israel in Memphis.

Welcome to the TBT Family!!

May God console you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Pasha and Lina Lifshiz Alisa, Alexandra and Andy

Breast Cancer Survivor Group for the Jewish Community

David and Sharon Reibel Jenna and Lauren

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. In addition, this program is for sharing experiences, meeting others and gathering information regarding diagnoses, surgeries, and genetic testing from various professionals.

Welcome back to Jeff and Amy Fain

Our next meeting will be held on

Thursday, November 20th at 7:00 PM

HELP US HELP YOU

This survivor support group is sponsored by The Kehillat Chesed/ Caring Committee of Temple Beth Tikvah.

Your synagogue community wants to be a Caring Community/Kehillat Chesed

For further information or questions, please contact Valerie Rapowitz at vrapowitzslp@yahoo.com or call 678-643-9672.

Please RSVP. All are welcome.

If you have recently experienced a loss, are facing a crisis or are celebrating a simcha, please let our office know as soon as possible.

Our clergy and friends strive to be a source of support as best as they can. If you know of one of our fellow congregants who has experienced a loss or can use a hand, please contact the office at 770.642.0434.

Honor a person or event with a leaf on our tree of life. You can purchase a leaf as an individual or as a group.!

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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

Planning a simcha or group gathering?

The Tam-Blank Social Hall is the Place to Be. For more information on renting our Social Hall, contact the synagogue office at 770-642-0434.

Get Involved! TBT Committees and Chairpersons Adult Education Cindy Getty eeg@comcast.net Budget & Finance Karen Korshak karcpa@comcast.net 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 Marsha Mathis marmat0915@yahoo.com Family Promise Andy Fried andyf17@gmail.com Jeff Schultz asburypark@comcast.net Fundraising Jonathan Agin jlagin1@gmail.com 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@att.net Membership Recruitment & Retention Mark Rudel mrudel@ups.com Jill Leitman jaarons2@yahoo.com Marcia Pearl marciapearl@bellsouth.net Men’s Club Mark Greenspan greenspanfamily@bellsouth.net Peter Hartog althazyr@gmail.com

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Nominating Committee Sheryl Blechner ssb1951@gmail.com Ritual Esther Shultz savtaesther5@gmail.com Security Jay Sausmer jsausmer@gmail.com Seniors Natine Rosenzweig rosen4348@aol.com Sisterhood Stacy Chambers sisterhoodtbt@gmail.com Robin Bledsoe sisterhoodtbt@gmail.com Social Action Darrin Cohen dcohen@wealthofga.com Website Development Scott Povlot spovlot@yahoo.com Youth Group Debra Schwartz dls63@bellsouth.net Michal Loventhal loventhalmichal@gmail.com

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

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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 Harlan Graiser Vice President Denise Straus Vice President Andy Gutman Treasurer Michael Braun Secretary Jill Mattos Chairperson, Board of Education

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