October 2017 • Volume 31 • Issue 9
A Reform Congregation Embracing Our Jewish Tradition
Consecration and
October 11th Service 6 - 7:30 pm followed by an
Festival Service & Yizkor Thursday, October 12th at 10 am
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Shift Your Thinking Shana Tovah and Moadim L’Simcha to all! Another turning of the hands of time is upon us; a new Jewish year has come and with it a new cycle of Torah and Jewish living begins. As we discussed on Rosh Hashanah, with each new year comes fresh opportunity to explore and to grow. As we move into our festivals of joy; Sukkot and Simchat Torah, and read the Book of Genesis, anew, this is the time to consider exploring something to enrich your spiritual side. Try a fresh contemplative practice, a innovative ritual or simply take a step toward deepening a practice you’ve let slide.
So, in this New Year, I challenge you to shift your thinking about how you do Jewish. Explore how our Reform expression of Judaism can help us all bring more holy intention into our lives. I suggest that we, as a congregational family, focus this new year of 5778 on Shabbat because it comes every week, and that gives us 52 opportunities to make something stick! Each one of us might consider one new or different action to take to discover a little “oneg” (joy), a bit of “shalvah” (serenity), or a tad more “Kedusha” (sanctity) on Shabbat. Below are 18 suggests (some from the URJ) you might try, or come up with your own. If you wish, share what you’re doing with all of us- drop me a note or post a thought on our TBT Facebook page.
Fact: Our congregation is made up of a diversity of folks with a varied background in Jewish ritual observance. Some grew up in observant communities that required maintaining rigorous practice; some came from Classical Reform backgrounds where the prophetic values were of prime importance, still others came into Judaism from another faith tradition altogether.
1) Give yourself a break: Save house cleaning or grocery shopping for Sunday 2) Volunteer or give tzedakah. 3) Appreciate the beauty of prayer by attending a service- we’re here every week!
In learning about Jewish rituals and practices, many of us came away with the belief that one is obligated to practice the mitzvot completely, for there is “no half way”. For Shabbat observance alone there are 39 forbidden practices, with hundreds of subsets of behaviors; and one wrong step often makes one feel inauthentic “if I can’t do it right, I shouldn’t do it at all.” This brings nothing but spiritual ambivalence that sadly plays out in giving up on Jewish ritual observance completely. Ask yourself this: it’s the Hebrew month of Tishrei, when was the last time I built a Sukkah? (BTW, its one of our most awesome customs! Talk to me if you want to give it a go!)
4) Take a nature walk in the park or woods. (We have a great TBT hiking group) 5) Refrain from financial interactions; purchase those movie tickets before Friday. 6) Save the New York Times Sunday crossword puzzle and work it on Shabbat. 7) Read a good book. 8) Go to a dog park with your pooch(es). 9) Soak in a hot bath. 10) If you have a daily yoga practice, include a special Shabbat pose.
One of the many great blessings found in practicing Reform Judaism is the ability to live one’s Judaism in a creative, modern, non-traditional manner, bringing personal purpose and meaning to the ethical and religious values we hold dear. As an example; we are all exhausted, all of the time! Few people would disagree that rest is not a much needed thing. Now let’s consider the keeping of Shabbat as a day for relaxation and renewal (as it says in Torah- “v’yenafash” (to refresh). In the Halachic-world, all forms of creative expression are prohibited- no fire building, no writing, no knitting, no baking. But what if these activities bring you great calm, joy, renewal and satisfaction? Writing a piece of poetry, roasting smores in your fire pit to enjoy with friends under the Shabbat stars, or sitting on the back deck, enjoying a gentle breeze as you knit a sweater for a loved one. In Reform Judaism, that sense of personal nourishment, of slowing down, of softening life is in keeping with the value of Shabbat, and making the day unique, in some small way.
11) Snooze in your hammock. 12) Come to Torah study. 13) Finger-paint with your kids, grandkids or the neighbor kids. Get messy! 14) Read the Jewish press, such as the Forward, Moment magazine or Lilith. 15) Write in a journal, one you keep or one that records gems your kids say. 16) Meet friends in a park. Have a picnic. 17) Make a special tea or cocoa that you only have on Shabbat afternoon. 18) Turn off your phone and go for a walk by yourself and breathe intentionally. Let’s dedicate 5778 to being a year when we all take one new step in the direction of a more engaged, inspired Jewish life! L’Chayim!
We all should embrace this idea!
Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner
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News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Notes from Cantor Kassel Adult “Ben / Bat Torah” Preparation October 8 – December 10, 2017 10:00 – 10:45 A.M. in the Library Last year I met with a dedicated number of Adults on Sunday mornings of Religious school who already knew how to read Hebrew. During our time together we learned the basics of Torah Cantillation (also known as “trope”……how to chant the Torah). We called the class “Torah Cantillation Boot Camp”. While we have been on hiatus these past few months, we will be resuming our learning together on October 8 and meeting on all Sundays of Religious School through December: October 8, 15, 22 and 29 November 5, 12 December 3, 10 We will be preparing to lead parts of a Shabbat morning service (date to-be-determined) and chant from the Torah. In our tradition, at age 13 one automatically becomes Bar or Bat Mitzvah, a son or daughter of the commandments. For a variety of reasons, there are many adults who have learned Hebrew but who never had the opportunity to help lead services or chant from the Torah. We invite new Hebrew-reading adults to join us. While you may not have learned about Torah chanting, I welcome you to join this class and I will find an alternative time to get you caught up with the others. In the meantime, please contact me at cantorkassel@bethtikvah.com to let me know if you are interested in joining this class. The more the merrier, and the richer our community will be with your participation in our services.
Changes to “Jr. Choir” this year (all Parents of 3rd-6th Graders – please read) With the changes in the Religious School calendar, especially the extended Sunday, it no longer works to hold Jr. Choir from 12:00-12:30 on Sundays following Religious School. For this school year, I intend to cover teaching much of the Jr. Choir repertoire during the times that I teach music to 3 rd-6th graders on Sunday mornings. When we approach a special event involving “Jr. Choir”, I will hold a 15 minute review at 12:00 PM on designated Sundays, so that students who stay until 1:30 will still have a chance to have a quick snack before resuming their Hebrew studies. Please contact me at cantorkassel@bethtikvah.com to let me know if YOUR 3rd-6th grader is interested in singing with the Jr. Choir for special musical events throughout the year.
Cantor Nancy Kassel Looking for a few good women…..or men! Would you be willing to volunteer for an occasional special mission at TBT? The Rabbi plans some meaningful events, but could use some helpers to attend to the details. It is something that would take little time, but be so helpful to our clergy and to TBT. Please contact Leslie Swichkow, lswichkow@comcast.net, if you’d be willing to be a part of this group! 3
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
A New Year, A New Challenge Shanah Tovah! You’ve eaten apples and honey, attended Holy Day services, ended a fast with friends and family, and endured another speech from your synagogue President. You have somehow successfully managed to carve out some “Jewish time” from your busy life, and that’s something to celebrate. What’s next? How can you best use Temple Beth Tikvah to explore and expand your personal Judaism?
Follow up from the Tikkun Olam Fair last month by volunteering as a TBT representative at one of the 30 area nonprofits who participated. Or, help with one of the many other community service projects sponsored by our Sisterhood, Mens Club, and Tzedek Committee. Demonstrate to others (and your family) that helping to ‘repair the world’ is one of Judaism’s core values.
For starters, the holiday calendar continues with Sukkot and Simchat Torah just around the corner. Come “dwell” with us in our sukkah and share a nosh. Help us hold an unfurled Torah scroll in the sanctuary as we celebrate the end of one annual cycle of Torah readings and the beginning of another. Show your support for Jewish continuity by joining with your community to launch the next crop of kindergarteners on their path of formal Jewish study.
Would you like to bring another piece of Jewish living into your home? If you’re thinking about starting a Shabbat home ritual on Friday nights, building a sukkah, learning how to discuss Torah with your kids, or expanding what you do at Chanukah, we have the resources and the experts to help you on your path. Just shoot me or the Rabbi an email and we’ll help you get what you need. With the new year comes new opportunities to deepen your Jewish identity and your connections to the TBT community. How will you capitalize on those opportunities?
With regard to your own lifelong learning, I’m excited that everyone has the opportunity to experience Rabbi Shuval -Weiner’s engaging teaching style as she conducts introductory Mussar classes beginning in the Fall. If you’ve never shared a class with our Rabbi you don’t know what you’re missing! Make 5778 the year that you dip your toe into adult Jewish learning with fellow members. Get a taste of how stimulating and inspiring it can be.
L’Shalom,
Harlan Graiser, President harlanng@yahoo.com
The Tree of Life The Tree of Life is a constant reminder of the happy events that touch our lives and the lives of our family and friends.
Commemorate births, b’nai mitzvah, anniversaries, graduations, achievements and other milestones by adding an inscribed leaf to our Tree of Life. Season after season, the leaf will keep the joy and memories of your simcha in the hearts and minds of those who shared in the celebration. You may purchase a leaf for $180. Click here for the order form 4
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Congregational Learning - Susan Cosden “Sukkot is “the time of our rejoicing” because we do not celebrate alone – God also joins the celebration and rejoices with us. Joy unites us with God and with other people. Indeed, because joy cannot be celebrated alone, we are obligated to invite guests to our sukkot (plural of sukkah).” – Simon Jacobson
The Sefat Emet while teaching about the lulav cited Psalm 16, verse 11: “Help me know the way to live, to be sated with joy in Your presence.” He stated that the word lulav in Hebrew has the same numerical equivalence as the word hayim (the Hebrew word for life.) According to the Sefat Emet, when we take hold of the lulav, we are taking hold of life itself – we are expressing our desire for the true life of our innermost selves. This, then, is the meaning of the phrase “to be sated with joy” – Shortly we will welcome in Sukkot, the season of rejoicing. On you should take life so deeply into your heart that you are Wednesday, October 4, at 5:30 pm we will begin with Pizza in the Hut and then continue with Sukkot services. Throughout the called “sated.” holiday, various groups within the synagogue will visit and Rabbi Sharon Cohen Anisfeld, introduced me to this teaching of celebrate in the sukkah, including our ECEC families, our Tot the Sefat Emet in light of the waving of the lulav and etrog. She Shabbat families, and our religious school. (Friday, October 6; shared that we should look at the “gesture in light of this Saturday, October 7, and Sunday, October 8 respectively.) teaching from the Sefat Emet – to paraphrase, ‘Grab life with One of the ways we rejoice during Sukkot is by waving the lulav both of your hands and take it as deeply as you can into your own heart.’” (the bundle of three branches – palm, willow, and myrtle) and
etrog (citron) together in the six directions (south, east, west,
May this Sukkot inspire us to grab life with both of our hands. May this Sukkot help us better connect with our innermost selves and a life worth living. May this Sukkot help us to connect with others and with God. May this Sukkot be full of joy.
north, up and down) to symbolize that God is everywhere. I was taught by Cantor Carl Naluai z”l, whom I worked with at Congregation B’nai Israel in Sacramento, CA, that when waving the lulav in each direction, we are to hold it out and then draw it in to our chest to hold it close to our heart.
Wednesday, October 11 at 6:00 pm will be our Erev Simchat Torah service with consecration Mazal tov to our religious school consecration students and their families:
for Kindergarten - Second Grade Families
Alexandra Mitman Abigail Moskowitz Laynie White
October 21, 5:00 pm
May this next step on your Jewish journey be full of wonder and joy.
Free
May you live to see the world fulfilled, may your destiny be for worlds still to come, and may you trust in generations past and yet to be.
them as well) to learn about Havdallah, sing songs,
Bring the kids in their PJs (you are welcome to wear smell and taste spices, hear a story, and make your
May your heart be filled with intuition and your words be rich in understanding.
own Havdallah set. This event is in lieu of religious
May songs of praise ever be upon your tongue, and your vision clarify a straight path before you.
second grade.
school on Sunday, October 22, for kindergarten Come celebrate saying goodbye to Shabbat with us
May your eyes shine with the light of Torah and your face reflect the brightness of the heavens, and may your lips ever speak wisdom.
and welcome in the new week. End Shabbat with friendship and fun and then plop your children
Temple Beth Tikvah is thrilled to welcome you to our religious school. News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
into bed!
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Film and Discussion “COMPLICIT” The untold story of why the Roosevelt Administration denied safe haven to Jewish refugees
Saturday, November 11 7:00 pm Havdallah Refreshments will be served Admission: canned soup donation
Special Guest Ruth Ann Kalish, Phd, Producer of award winning film COMPLICIT Join us for this special screening of award winning film COMPLICIT. The film examines the refusal of Cuba, the US and Canada to grant safe haven to the Jewish refugees on board the luxury liner, SS. St Louis, which carried 937 men, women, and children seeking freedom from Nazi persecution in 1939. This act became a symbol of the world’s indifference to the terrorism of Jews in Europe by the Nazi regime. This film’s timeless message demonstrates that wherever anti-Semitism has gone unchecked, the persecution of others has been present or not far behind. (film 61 minutes) 6
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
B’nai Mitzvah Samuel Lee Weindorf will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on October 21, 2017. Sammy is the son of Steve and Kim Weindorf and brother of Lucy Weindorf. Sammy is the grandson of Dr. and Mrs. Frank Wasserman of St. Louis, MO and Sharon and the late G. Leroy Weindorf of N. Aurora, Illinois. He is in 7th grade at Mabry Middle School where he plays the trombone in band. Sammy's hobbies include swimming, hanging with friends and creating and editing videos. Mitzvah projects included, collecting toiletries for JF&CS and assisting with young children at camp.
Zachary Jacobson will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on October 28, 2017. Zachary Jacobson will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on October 28, 2017. Zachary is the son of Debbie and Jared Jacobson and the brother of Matthew. He is the grandson of Emily Wilner of Marietta, Georgia. Zachary is in the 7 th grade at Holcomb Bridge Middle School where he is a Principal’s Honor Roll Student. He is a member of the Junior Beta Club and the Model UN Team. If Zachary is not at school or home, you will find him at the Gwinnett Gymnastics Center training 16 hours a week as a Level 9 Competitive Gymnast. He has been competitive gymnast for over 6 years. Zachary would like to thank his family and friends for celebrating this special day with him. HOTTY (9-12th Grade)
TBT Younger Youth Groups
(This is an excerpt from a blog post by Ilana Mermelstein’s , youngandthoughtful.weebly.com)
I recently attended the NFTY-SAR Leadership Institute. In my temple youth group, I am the Religious and Cultural Vice President (RCVP), so while there I got to spend a lot of time with the other SARites in similar positions. I had the opportunity to meet the other people in my network, learn the process of planning a service, get experience in working with songleaders, and ask a rabbi any and all questions I had. Time with my RCVP network was definitely some of my favorite time in the weekend. Everything I did that weekend taught me more than I’ve learned in a long time. I learned that being a leader isn't about being controlling or above anyone else, but it’s about teaching and inspiring the people around you. Here’s my message to my fellow SARites: Dear NFTY-SAR, Thank you. Thank you for giving me some of my best friends. Thank you for encouraging me to learn new things every day. Thank you for teaching me how to be the best leader I can be. Thank you for letting me try new things. Thank you for allowing me to make a difference. Thank you for shaping my Jewish identity into something I’m proud of and something I’m confident in. THANK YOU. SO MUCH.
What’s happening this month for K-8th graders???
- Ilana Mermelstein, 10th Grader and Religious and Cultural Vice President of HOTTY
October 28 - NFTY678 Scavenger Hunt on Canton St (8th Grade)
October 4 - Pizza in the Hut & Sukkot Services (All Ages & Families) October 15 - NFTY678 Social Event in the PM (6th & 7th Grade) October 21 - Minute-to-Win-It Games (Gesher 3rd-5th Grade) Nov. 5 - City-wide Quidditch Game @ East Cobb Park (Gesher 3rd-5th Grade)
Hope to see you at one of our upcoming events:
If you need help carpooling, please let Bobbee or one of the parent volunteers know.
October 18 - HOTTY Lounge Night October 22 - Atlanta UNITED FC Game
Bonim: Jenni (jennirun@yahoo.com) & Lesly (leslyjh@yahoo.com)
November 1 - HOTTY Lounge Night
Gesher: Jenn (jllevine1@comcast.net) & Jamie (burake22@comcast.net)
November 12 - Social Action Day Trip Join the HOTTY Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/ TBT.HOTTY/) and check out the HOTTY website: hotty.tyg.weebly.com to stay up-to-date on what's happening and to RSVP for HOTTY events!
NFTY678: Meredith (Meredith.paulin@gmail.com), Kara (karamsegal@gmail.com) & Michele (msgergans@bellsouth.net)
Join our Remind101 text updates: text @826ef3 to 81010. 7
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Sunday 1
11th of Tishri 5778
Monday 2 12th of Tishri 5778 Kesher, Confirmation 8:30pm
No Religious School
Tuesday 3 13th of Tishri 5778 Religious School 5:00pm
Family Anonymous 8:30pm
18th of Tishri, Sukkot Religious School 9:30am Schoolwide Sukkot program 9:30am Adult "Ben/Bat Torah" Preparation Class 10:00am
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19th of Tishri, Columbus Day Sukkot
14th of Tishri, Erev Sukkot
TBT Offices Close at 3 pm Pizza in the Hut 5:30pm
Wise Aging - Empty Nesters Edition 7:00pm
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Wednesday 4
Thursday 5
15th of Tishri, Sukkot No ECEC
TBT Offices Closed Sukkot Service 10:00am
20th of Tishri, Sukkot Religious School 5:00pm
Fulton County Schools Closed
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21st of Tishri, Erev Simchat Torah Sukkot
TBT Offices Close at 3 pm Simchat Torah Service & Consecration 6:00pm
No Monday Night Classes Senior Luncheon 12:00pm ?? Family Anonymous 7:00pm
16th of Tishri, Sukkot Fulton County Schools Closed
ECEC Family Shabbat 9:45am Oneg 6:00pm
Ruach Shabbat Service 6:30pm
Sukkot Service 6:30pm
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Friday 6
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22nd of Tishri, Simchat Torah No ECEC
TBT Offices Closed Shemini Atzeret Service & Yizkor 10:00am
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23rd of Tishri 5778
Shabbat Service w/ Choir 8:00pm
Saturday 7
17th of Tishri, Sukkot
Shabbat Service 10:00am The Rabbi's Table: Parashat HaShavuah 12:30pm
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24th of Tishri 5778
Shabbat Service 10:00am The Rabbi's Table 12:30pm
Wise Aging - Empty Nesters Edition 7:00pm
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25th of Tishri 5778
Religious School 9:30am Adult "Ben/Bat Torah" Preparation Class 10:00am Sisterhood - Mah Jongg 10:00am Teacher Training 12:15pm
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26th of Tishri 5778
Kesher, Confirmation, Kivunim 6:45pm Family Anonymous 7:00pm
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27th of Tishri 5778
Religious School 5:00pm Bar/Bat Mitzvah Orientation for Parents 5:30pm
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28th of Tishri 5778
HOTTY - Youth Lounge Night 6:00pm
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29th of Tishri 5778
Board of Trustee Meeting 7:30pm Mindful Meditation 7:30pm
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30th of Tishri 5778
Oneg 6:00pm
Shabbat Service 6:30pm
Wise Aging - Empty Nesters Edition 7:00pm
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1st of Heshvan 5778
Shabbat Service Weindorf Bar Mitzvah 10:00am The Rabbi's Table 12:30pm Shabbat Hikers 3:00pm Gesher - Minute to Win It Games 5:00pm
NFTY 6/7 Social Event 5:00pm
K - 2nd Grade Havdalah Pajama Party 5:00pm
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3rd of Heshvan 5778
Religious School 3rd through 7th grade only 9:30am
No Confirmation or Kivunim
Adult "Ben/Bat Torah" Preparation Class 10:00am Sisterhood Committee Meeting 10:00am
Kesher 6:45pm
HOTTY - Atlanta United FC Game 2:00pm Sisterhood Ghost Tour and Dinner 4:00pm
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9th of Heshvan 5778
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4th of Heshvan 5778
25
5th of Heshvan 5778
Religious School 5:00pm
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6th of Heshvan 5778
Sisterhood - Knit and Nosh 7:00pm Officers Meeting 7:30pm
Family Anonymous 7:00pm Wise Aging - Empty Nesters Edition 7:00pm
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7th of Heshvan 5778
Shabbat Service 8:00pm
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8th of Heshvan 5778
Shabbat Service Jacobson Bar Mitzvah 10:00am The Rabbi's Table 12:30pm NFTY 678 - Scavenger Hunt on Canton St 5:00pm Movie Night 6:00pm
30 10th of Heshvan 5778
31 11th of Heshvan 5778
Family Promise
Family Promise
Family Promise
Breman Museum 9:00am Religious School 9:30am
No Confirmation or Kivunim
No Religious School
Adult "Ben/Bat Torah" Preparation Class 10:00am
Kesher - Parent Night 6:30pm Battle of the Sisterhoods Trivia Night at The Cohen Home 7:00pm Family Anonymous 7:00pm Wise Aging - Empty Nesters Edition 7:00pm
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For more information about any of the programs, please visit http://www.bethtikvah.com/community/adult-learning
Rabbi’s Table: Parashat HaShavuah - Rabbi Shuval-Weiner Saturdays at 12:30 pm Learn more about how our understanding of Torah has evolved and how it still provides meaning and purpose for our lives today. Tai Chi - classes meet on Tuesdays, 9:30 - 10:30 AM Saturday Night Movies 6 - 10 PM - Dinner, Havdalah, movie and discussion. Please remember to bring a non-perishable food item for the Food Bank as an act of Tzedakah. RSVP here Saturday, October 28th - Yentl Sacred Aging Circle: Empty Nester's Edition
A Season of Mussar I
7 Monday evenings beginning October 2 from 7:00 - 8:15 pm
Beginning Tuesday, October 10th from 7 - 8:15 pm
Join other Beth Tikvah members in a program specifically designed to meet the social, emotional and spiritual needs of those of us who are soon to be or recently empty nesters. With some thoughtful exploration, this "second chapter" is filled with new opportunities for the pursuit of our own passions and interests. Explore the opportunities and challenges of this stage within the context of a trusted peer group. Combining study of Jewish texts with contemplative practice, topics to be covered include: Becoming one's authentic self; relationship to our bodies; revitalizing and nourishing healthy relationships; practicing forgiveness; learning to live with loss and changing roles; creating relevant rituals; cultivating wisdom; and leaving a legacy. Session content will be based on the text Wise Aging: Living with Joy, Resilience and Spirit by Rabbi Rachel Cowan and Dr. Linda Thal, and will be provided for all participants. Cost: $36/person or $60/married couple RSVP to michelle@bethtikvah.com by September 30th
Mussar is a thousand-year-old Jewish system for personal growth. It is aimed at elevating one's character, or what Mussar calls soul traits (middot). Practices include meditation, chanting, studying Mussar texts, engaging in Mussar discussions, and keeping a daily journal on the middot (soul traits) that practitioners discover to be obstacles in their lives. A Season of Mussar I is an introduction to the study and practice of Mussar. The middot covered are Humility (Anavah), Anger (Ka'as), Gratitude (Hakarat Ha'tov), Trust (Bitahon), Honor (Kavod), and Alacrity (Zerizut). There is no prerequisite for this program, and no language other than English is required. Registration is a must for the course. The class must have a minimum of 8 people registered to start. Registration deadline is Monday, October 3rd. FEE: $100 per individual. Nobody will be denied admission because of inability to pay. Please contact Rabbi Shuval-Weiner regarding scholarships if needed. Please send your check made payable to Temple Beth Tikvah and add Mussar in the note section.
MINDFUL MEDITATION
Hear the incredible story of the world’s first combat soldier to lose a limb and return to active duty.
Monday, October 9th at 12:00 pm Potluck Dairy Meal RSVP to Michelle in the TBT office at 770.642.0434
Thursday, October 19th at 7:30 pm
Izzy Ezagui Winner of Israel’s highest medal of honor
SHABBAT HIKE Saturday, October 21st at 3 pm Contact Joan for location
Sponsored by Israel Bonds Atlanta
Photography Group Meeting
- Basic bridge lessons for beginners - Starts Monday, October 9th from 10am to 12pm at a TBT member’s home in Peachtree Corners - 14 lessons per session
Check calendar for October date
Contact Fran at 770.409.9115 or franjo@bellsouth.net for more information
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- Two spots left !!; others can join the waitlist and be included in the next session - Couples are welcome - Checks should be made out to TBT
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Shana Tova and WELCOME to Sisterhood!! We are so excited to have you join us for a really fun and inspiring new year! Sisterhood has done much planning and hope you will partake in many programs and assist us on our active committee. Our committee meets bimonthly and usually on Sunday morning. Our next committee meeting will be Sunday, 10/22/17 at 10 a.m. in the conference room, right off the main lobby. All are welcome and we encourage you to become involved. Much creativity abounds on our committee and we would love your participation. Hats off to Leslie Swichkow, organizer extraordinaire of our opening event, a fashion show by Fox’s of Atlanta. Thank you to Leslie and Fox’s for this unique and vibrant happening! The display of fashion, style, and culinary treats were really fabulous! Great fun indeed! Thank you to Terry Carasick and all the knitters and crotcheters for our ongoing Knit and Nosh projects, and to the helpers for Bingo Night at the William Breman Jewish Home. The volunteerism is wonderful and for such good causes to assist homeless individuals, infant/mother connectedness, and the elderly. Please be on the lookout for evites to our October happenings. Mah Jongg is Sunday, 10/15/17 at 10 a.m., Sisterhood Ghost Tour is Sunday 10/22/17 at 4 p.m. followed by dinner at The Mill, Knit and Nosh is Thursday 10/26/17 at 7p.m., and Battle of the Sisterhoods (trivia night) is Monday 10/30/17 at 7 p.m. at the Cohen Home. Please join us!
Robin Bledsoe , Sisterhood Chair
The week of October 29th through November 4th, Temple Beth Tikvah will be hosting families in transition through Family Promise. During this inspiring week we offer a helping hand to families so that they can get back on their feet. We invite the entire congregation to take part. We are looking for dinner hosts, overnight hosts and members to bring donations. All activities take place at TBT. We invite your family to come meet the families in Family Promise. For more information or to sign up to help, click here or visit http://signup.com/go/whUbVDO .
Dear Temple Beth Tikvah, I recently completed my Eagle Scout project at TBT by creating a meditation path that loops the Alderman Chapel. There were many people who I worked with to make this project a success. Becoming an Eagle Scout is more than a project. It is a process that takes many years. It is through this process that I have been taught leadership, citizenship and persistence. In addition, I have also grown in my Jewish learning. I understand that some of the same principles of scouting are also found in our teachings. As an Eagle Scout, it is my duty to play a larger role in my community and to enhance my leadership in my religious duties as well. I will be using my skills to lead my peers in the Jewish Student Union at my high school in addition to leading the younger scouts in my Troop. I look forward to using the path and seeing other use it. I look forward to watching the future confirmation classes enhance the path to make it more meaningful. Thanks to Rabbi Shuval-Weiner and Ms. Susan Cosden and everyone at Temple Beth Tikvah who helped me with the project. Shalom, Zach Rosenberg
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Sometimes It’s Who You Know When it comes to growing TBT membership, current congregants are our best referral source.
Now, making the case for TBT just got easier! For a limited time, individuals and families who join will enjoy a 50% discount off of the regular Nadiv Lev commitment during their first year. This is the perfect opportunity to invite your friends, family and acquaintances who are seeking a new spiritual home to explore all that TBT has to offer. Just ask them to call the office at 770-642-0434 to learn more about TBT, schedule a tour, or set up a meeting with Rabbi Shuval-Weiner, Cantor Nancy Kassel and/or Director of Congregational Learning, Susan Cosden
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News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Welcome to the TBT Family!!
Potluck or other Non-Catered Events TBT affirms our commitment to observance of the Kashrut (dietary guidelines) for all formal and informal synagogue events. By following these simple guidelines and principles, we can be assured that all members of our community are able to fully participate in the beautiful and sacred experience of sharing our meals and blessings.
Jackie and Michael Newman
1. Food items may be vegetarian, dairy, or fish (including tuna fish and egg dishes) but may not contain meat or seafood (shellfish, un-kosher fish, etc.) ingredients of any kind or in any amount.
Emma Roswell GA 30075
2. Prepare sufficient amounts of entrĂŠe, salads, or side dishes to feed ten adults.
Carole and Howard Rubenstein Atlanta, GA 30339
3. Food items must be served in disposal containers so nothing is left at TBT. 4. Please take your leftovers, utensils, and containers home with you.
Cindy and David Bruno Woodstock, GA 30189
5. If you have any questions relating to these guidelines contact Rabbi Shuval-Weiner or the TBT office. For more information about Kashrut and specific listings of kosher and non-kosher food go to Kosher 101. http://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/kashrut-101/
TBT Gets Summer Facelift Have you noticed that something looks difference when you walk into TBT? Your House Committee has been hard at work this summer. Just in time for the beginning of school and the High Holy Days, we have finished the next phase of our interior projects. The entire lobby, social hall and oneg room have been re-painted giving us a fresh new look. We have also had to clean and repaint both the outside of the main dome over the sanctuary and the dome over the Alterman Chapel. We continue to prioritize house projects to keep TBT a warm, welcoming and safe place for all of our families and visitors.
Atlanta Men’s Synagogue Softball League Congratulations to the Beth Tikvah 2 squad as they celebrate their C division championship: Rob Kremer, Mark Madans, Eric Levin, Roman Trebon, Michael Cohen, Adam Rosovsky, Brian Baker, Marty Levinson, Jay Myer, Doug Perkins, Gil Wolchock, Sam Bennett, Mike Levin, Eric Antebi and Jeff Rudel
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Donations Annual Campaign
Rabbi Shuval-Weiner’s Discretionary Fund
Dale and Wendy Bearman in memory of Julius "Jay" Bearman
Peter and Sharon Jedel in honor of Stephanie Bergman becoming a Bat Mitzvah
David and Christine Toltzis in memory of Celia Mendelson
Joshua and Debbie Sinsley in memory of Howard Sinsley
Cantor Kassel’s Discretionary Fund
Harris and Suellen Bergman in appreciation of Stephanie Bergman's Bat Mitzvah
Lisa Schiffer, Viki Stein and Marcia Haber in appreciation of Cantor Kassel Harris and Suellen Bergman in appreciation of Stephanie Bergman's Bat Mitzvah Peter and Sharon Jedel in honor of Stephanie Bergman becoming a Bat Mitzvah Betty Rickles in honor of Leslie and Ron Swichkow's new granddaughter, Avery Cooper, and in memory of Sandra Goldsmith Carole Crenshaw in memory of Roger Lee Crenshaw
Betty Rickles in memory of Harold Goldsmith and Art Gittelman and in honor of the marriage of Jaime and Michael Dunn John and Rita Ehrmann in memory of Sadelle Koppel Andy Fried in appreciation of Rabbi Shuval-Weiner Mike and Kathy Levin in honor of Avery Jay Cooper, granddaughter of Leslie and Ron Swichkow Michael and Ann Dee Torino in appreciation of Rabbi Shuval-Weiner
Andy Fried in appreciation of Cantor Kassel
Sidney and Lois Malkin in honor of Margot Shields becoming a Bat Mitzvah
Michael and Ann Dee Torino in appreciation of Cantor Kassel
Sheryl Blechner in honor of Dalia Faupel, Kol Hakavod on a wonderful Tikkun Olam Fair
Steven and Arlene Cohn in memory of Troy Dobbins David and Christine Toltzis in memory of Susan Winner
Hassia Levin Religious School Scholarship Fund
Lisa Schiffer, Viki Stein and Marci Haber in memory of Bernard E. Taranto
Ray Sonshein in memory of Beverly Robertson
Douglas and Lisa Schiffer in memory of Ronen Shacham
Tikkun Olam Fund Jeffrey Willard in memory of Morris Willard
Caring/Kehillat Chesed Fund Robert and Cindy Goldstein in memory of Phillip Kaplan
Torah Fund
June Wallach in appreciation of Leslie Swichkow
Morray and Susan Scheinfeld in memory of Morris Belger
Michael Zalkin Memorial Library Fund
Youth Group Fund
Jeffrey and Beth Kess in memory of Elizabeth Goldberg
Lloyd and Diane Katz in memory of Louis Katz Lloyd and Diane Katz in memory of Sophie Katz
Rabbi Tam’s Discretionary Fund
Donald Restler in memory of June Restler
Barry and Dore Kaiser in memory of Irving Kaiser Murray and Sonia Lynn in memory of Helen Stillman Lonnie and Debbie Carter in memory of Sy Lewis
(donations processed through 9/15)
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
KUDOS CORNER
In Memoriam Temple Beth Tikvah acknowledges with sorrow the passing of: Troy Dobbins
June Wallach Lois Malkin Leslie Swichkow Marsha McMurrain Irina Roberts Aaron Stieglitz Marsha Mathis Robin Coe Waynah & Joe Dunn
Father of Kristopher Dobbins Shlomo Stansky
Brother of Tobi Levine Beverly Robertson Mother of Scott Morchower
Michele Gergans Audrey Gordon Roberta Goldman Ellen Levitz Caryn Schilstra Elisa Siegel Ann Dee Torino Karen Tuttle Kim Weindorf
May God console you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
We Must Know Before We Can Respond If you are grieving or struggling with illness, or if you are celebrating a birth or a new love, we want to be there. That’s what community’s all about, that’s what family’s all about. Let us know how we can support you or anyone else in our community by calling Michelle, clergy assistant , at 770-642-0434
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Synagogue Information Synagogue Office Fax Number School Office (Perri) Assistant to Clergy Financial Secretary Admin. Assistant Office Manager
- 770-642-0434 - 770-642-0647 - 770-642-4168 - 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 Ivie Graiser iviegraiser@yahoo.com
House Ted Nathan tnathan@baldwinscheduling.com
Budget & Finance Karen Korshak karcpa@comcast.net Camp/Israel Scholarship Marcia Haber marciahaber@yahoo.com
Human Resources Seth Zimmer sz4941@att.com Israel Gene Carasick gcarasick@gmail.com
Chavurot/Affinity Groups Andrea Rubin tbtchavurot@gmail.com College Outreach Nan Janis hnjanis@bellsouth.net Beth Kess bmkess@yahoo.com
Kehillat Chesed (Caring) Leslie Swichkow lswichkow@comcast.net Library Ilana Zalkin ilanaz@att.net
Communications Marlene Cohn marlene@thecohns.us Family Promise Tony Rosenberg trosenberg860@gmail.com Fundraising Andy Zalkin azups@att.net
Nominating Committee Wendy Klein Wendy.klein.hr@gmail.com Ritual Rick Winer rsw@drrickwiner.com
Membership Recruitment & Retention Jill Leitman jaarons2@yahoo.com Donna Goldenberg donnagoldenberg0@gmail.com Kevin Rubin kjrubin@gmail.com
Security Jay Sausmer jsausmer@gmail.com Seniors Natine Rosenzweig rosen4348@aol.com Steve Mahan smahan206bc@yahoo.com Sisterhood Robin Bledsoe sisterhoodtbt@gmail.com Social Action/Social Justice Dalia Faupel d2faupel@gmail.com Website Development Scott Povlot spovlot@yahoo.com
Men’s Club Peter Hartog althazyr@gmail.com Mark Greenspan greenspanfamily@bellsouth.net
Youth Group Michal Loventhal loventhalmichal@gmail.com Margot Braiter rubenmargot@comcast.net
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Alexandria Shuval-Weiner Rabbi Donald A. Tam Rabbi Emeritus Nancy Kassel Cantor Susan Cosden Director of Congregational Learning
Harlan Graiser President Wendy Klein Vice President Rob Rickles Vice President Rhonda Povlot Vice President Joe Dunn Treasurer Mark Rudel Secretary Deidre Kinoshita Chairperson, Board of Education
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