The B'nai Emunah Messenger - October 2015

October, 2015 | Tishri - Cheshvan 5776 | Tulsa, Oklahoma | Vol. 99, No. 10

CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS

THE NEXT BIG THING

Please see our notes about calendar highlights on page 3 of this issue. That’s a good way of scanning quickly for what’s ahead. We hope this format is a help in locating the information you need.

CENTENNIAL YEAR BEGINS AT THE SYNAGOGUE

OCTOBER October 1.................................................. Sisters in the Sukkah October 2.................................................. Sukkot for Everyone October 3...................Havdalah Bat Mitzvah of Emily Lapidus October 4..................Hoshanah Rabbah + Erev Shmini Atzeret October 5.............................. Yizkor + Simchat Torah Dancing October 6..... Simchat Torah Day + Zarrow Families Luncheon October 16.................... Bibi-Dibi: Shabbat for the Very Young October 18........................................ Doing Jewish: Meditation October 20.......................................Synagogue T w e Board l Meeting v e October 24.............................Bar Mitzvah of Jacob Lieberman October 29........... Salon Emunah: The Travises and the Tellers October 30................ Shabbat for Everyone with Deborah Gist

First Jewish settler in Oklahoma Territory? Boggy Johnson, a Civil War veteran who met and married a Chickasaw Native American. Pioneer rabbi of the Eastern Europeans who were the first Jews to arrive in Tulsa? Rabbi I. Kuperstein, a transplant from South Africa, who seems to have left almost as soon as he arrived.

And the first permanent structure representing Jewish life in Tulsa? Congregation B’nai Emunah, designed by John T. Blair, architect of the Skelly Mansion, and built at Ninth and Cheyenne in 1916.

Congregation B’nai Emunah will celebrate over a hundred (continued on page 5)

NOVEMBER November 1.............................Sisterhood Membership Brunch November 10...................................Synagogue Board Meeting November 13.......Centennial Shabbat: The Celebration Begins November 15......................Doing Jewish: Study, Argue, Learn November 19.........Smart Converesation: Vatican and the Jews November 20................ Bibi-Dibi: Shabbat for the Very Young November 26........................................................Thanksgiving November 30.................................Synagogue Offices Re-open

SISTERHOOD MEMBERSHIP BRUNCH ON SUNDAY Morning November 1

Tim Blake Nelson, featured speaker at Inaugural Shabbat

SUKKOT DINNER!—FRIDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 2. SEE PAGE 7 FOR DETAILS.

DIRECTORY

PERSONALS BIRTHS

the messenger

Ian Isaac Plunkett, born to Stephen and Rebecca Plunkett. Ian is the grandson of Barry and Debbie Lederman and Philip and Christina Plunkett.

October, 2015 - Published Monthly

Congregation B’nai Emunah DEATHS

1719 South Owasso Tulsa, Oklahoma 74120 Office: (918) 583‑7121 School: (918) 585‑KIDS Fax: (918) 747-9696 Website: www.tulsagogue.com

Mary Louise (White) Young Mother of Judith Ungerman

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news (Isaiah 52:7)

Herman Foster Grandfather of Ryan McDonald

PROFESSIONAL FAMILY | LEADERSHIP

MAZAL TOV Congratulations to Dr. John Schumann, on being elected President of the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa Campus by the Board of Regents. John’s tenure promises to be an important next step in the development of a great public university in Tulsa.

Marc Boone Fitzerman.....................................................Rabbi Daniel Shalom Kaiman..................................... Assistant Rabbi Craig Silberg............................................................... President Dr. Elana Newman..............................................Vice-President Sally Donaldson.............. Vice-President for Finance/Treasurer Nancy Cohen............................................................... Secretary Carol Mandlebaum.................................... Sisterhood President Nancy Cohen.......................................Bissel Shop Chairperson Danny Kraft................................Interim Director of Education Betty Lehman.................................... Synagogue Administrator Greg Raskin............................................Music and Electronics Shelli Wright................................................ Preschool Director Didi Ralph............................................................... Bookkeeper Caroline Chandler..............................................Rabbis’ Offices Gwenn RedCorn............................................... Co-Receptionist Valerie Henderson............................................ Co-Receptionist Rita Zeff.........................................Seniors Programming Chair

Kudos to Nathan Levit, on being named a National Merit Scholar semi-finalist. Nathan is the son of Ken and Janet K. Levit, and the grandson of Rita and the late Dr. Si Levit.

NEW MEMBERS NEW FACES AT THE SYNAGOGUE Here’s a note to introduce these new faces to the B’nai Emunah family. Members and their families are a source of strength to all of us, and we are pleased to bring these good people to your attention.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Steve and Olga Rosenblum 9543 South 81st Street, Apt. 614 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133

Stephen Adelson, M.D. Sharon Cash Nancy Cohen Sally Donaldson Terry Marcum Karen Mintz Dr. Elana Newman Debby Raskin Craig Silberg Bethanie Verduzco

Daniel Rosenstein 8142 South 75th East Avenue Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133 Ed and Cheryl Shane 1322 South Guthrie Avenue Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119

Steven Aberson Brian Brouse Randee Charney Ross Heyman Aaron Miller Marty Newman Leor Roubein, M.D. Jeremy Rabinowitz Jill Wenger, M.D. Eva Unterman

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTS We are still accepting the donation of shoes until

David Charney Leor D. Roubein, M.D. Jolene Sanditen-Stephens

the close of Sukkot. Please help by dropping your contributions at the Synagogue Door.

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TAPE IT TO THE FRIDGE Stay abreast of the good things happening at B’nai Emunah.

Post this page on the front of your refrigerator and plan to be with us, get involved, or help the Synagogue in whatever way you can!

Sukkot Dinner for Everyone Friday, Oct. 2. Dinner at 6:00 p.m., Celebration at 7:00 p.m.

Havdalah Bat Mitzvah of Emily Lapidus Saturday, October 3, at 5:45 p.m.

Simchat Torah Dinner, Torah Dancing & Consecration Monday, Oct. 5. Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Dancing at 6:45 p.m.

Bar Mitzvah of Jacob Lieberman Shabbat Morning, October 24, at 9:00 a.m.

Shabbat for Everyone with Superintendent Deborah Gist Friday, Oct. 30. Dinner at 6:15 p.m. Celebration at 7:00 p.m.

Centennial Shabbat: The Celebration Begins Friday, November 13, at 6:00 p.m.

BAT MITZVAH FROM RABBI DANIEL KAIMAN

BAR MITZVAH JACOB LIEBERMAN

SETTING THE AGENDA It is not a secret; there are a lot of Jewish holidays this time of year. We move from Rosh Ha-Shanah to Yom Kippur. Before we know it, it is time for Sukkot and then Shemini Atzeret and then Simchat Torah. It is not a sprint, it is a marathon. So you may be asking yourself, why do we frontload all of the holidays so close together? Would it not make more sense to have a little more recovery time between these celebrations?

In one sense, the answer to these questions is “absolutely!” It is not easy to build a Sukkah while you are still recovering from 25 hours of not eating. It is very difficult to take time off of school and work, to interrupt our weekly routines in order to be present for these special occasions. Indeed, if the holidays were more spread out, there would be room for pragmatic and logistical gains.

However, I would like to suggest that there is good reason to fit all these holidays into this tiny window of time. In my experience, what we gain is something like a “corporate retreat.” This holiday season is a time to set our agenda for the year ahead. It is a time to get to know one another a little better. It is a time to familiarize ourselves with what it means to be part of this community.

There are many different ways to be involved in our institution.

By changing up our normal rhythms, we open ourselves up to new experiences and new opportunities. And hopefully, on the other side, we come out stronger and more ready for the year ahead. As we move into the final part of this holiday season, I hope you will find reason to join with us for celebration, reflection, and community.

Jacob Alexander Lieberman, son of Dr. Lawrence and Hillary Lieberman, and brother of Isabella and Jillian, will become a Bar Mitzvah on October 24, 2015, at Congregation B’nai Emunah which corresponds to the Hebrew date 11 Cheshvan 5776.

SYLVAN TRANSPORTATION FUND

Jacob attends Union’s Eighth Grade Center, where he is in advanced courses and plays for the tennis team. He is also a student of karate. Additionally, Jacob is an accomplished musician – playing oboe and clarinet, having taught himself guitar and now learning saxophone.

We’re eager to continue bringing members to Synagogue events when they cannot drive themselves. Please call us at the Synagogue (918) 583-7121 to reserve a ride.

This service is available to all of our members, thanks to the generosity of Dave and Barbara Sylvan. We are especially eager to help during the High Holiday season!

Jacob is the grandson of Linda and Leonard Lieberman, Andrea and Allan Gordon, Toni and Dr. Mickey Schwartz (all of Michigan) and Hirschel Levine of Florida. The celebration will continue in Michigan over Thanksgiving break so that his many cousins, aunts and uncles that can’t join him in Tulsa can share this simcha.

Preparations for his Bar Mitzvah have been led by Moreh Greg Raskin. Please join the Lieberman family for services at 9:00 a.m. and a kiddush reception to follow in Kaiser-Miller Auditorium.

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ADULT INSTITUTE

THE NEXT BIG THING (CONCLUDED) SISTERHOOD

CLASSES BEGIN OCTOBER 26

(continued from page 1)

Adult Institute, our community-wide adult education effort will begin shortly and we hope that you register soon by calling the Jewish Community Center. The first hour classes this fall are:

years of Jewish settlement in Tulsa in a year-long Centennial Celebration beginning officially in November of this year. The festivities will get underway with a salute to the seven founding families of the congregation, many of whom came to prominence as business leaders and philanthropists in the City of Tulsa.

Alfred E. Aaronson, father of the Tulsa City-County Library System, was among those who signed the official charter in 1915, along with Marion M. Travis, independent oil producer and the congregation’s first president. Marion’s brothers Dave and Sam, built the twin Italianate villas that now serve as the Tulsa Garden Center and the Tulsa Historical Society. Descendants of Robert Stekoll, N.C. Livingston, Jacob Beren, Emile Offenbacher, and Max Rubin are also expected to travel to Tulsa.

Laughing at Jews | Laughing with Jews Sacred Aging Journey of the Soul A Way into Liturgy When Bad Things Happen to Good People My Promised Land Sherwin Miller Museum in Depth Judaism in a Broken World Begiuning Hebrew

The inaugural event is scheduled for Friday evening, November 13. A joyful Shabbat dinner will be served that evening, followed by a musical celebration and remarks from former Secretary of State, Susan Savage, representing her predecessor, S. L. Lyon, who signed the articles of incorporation in November 1915.

Second hour classes include: Introduction to Judaism Modern Hebrew Poetry Israeli Film The World of Knitting Functional Fitness Intermediate Hebrew

Our featured speaker will be Tim Blake Nelson, accomplished filmmaker and actor, who grew up at B’nai Emunah. Tim is the grandson of Herman Kaiser, former president of the congregation. A folio featuring the biographies of the founders will be distributed, along with a CD compilation of Synagogue melodies for the Sabbath. The evening will culminate with traditional circle dancing and a Champagne Oneg Shabbat.

All classes will take place at the Charles Schusterman Jewish Community Center. The semester will kick off on Monday, October 19, with an optional session at Circle Cinema for the opening of the Oklahoma Jewish Film Festival.

The Centennial will unfold over the next thirteen months with scholars-in-residence, a presidential banquet, video histories, a photographic installation called Faces of B’nai Emunah, the publication of a Sisterhood congregational cook book, a memorial to the Synagogue’s roots in small-town Latvia, and a host of MEMBERSHIP other events, large and small.

Please call (918) 495-1111 for more infomation.

“BIBI-DIBI”

The culminating gala will take place on December 11, 2016. A preliminary calendar, available through the Synagogue, features a presentation by Wall Street Journal Editor, Michael Ruby, on the Travis and Teller Families. That talk will take place on October 29 at 7:00 p.m. Please contact the Synagogue for details.

Our program for babies and toddlers is scheduled for October 16. Space in the Atrium is limited, so please respond soon

The entire community is invited to participate in every centennial event. To reserve a space at the inaugural Shabbat meal at 6:00 p.m., please call the Synagogue Reservation Line at (918) 935-3373. The cost is $25 per person. No reservations are necessary for the service, beginning at 7:00 p.m. The Synagogue is an official Welcoming Congregation, opening its doors to its many friends in Tulsa at large. Together with its neighbors, B’nai Emunah hopes to build new bridges of shared commitment and community.

if you’d like your child to participate with you.

Remember, it’s Babies + Blessings + Dinner + Bedtime. We think you’ll have a wonderful time with other parents of very young children!

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e s. or s

SISTERHOOD—JANET DUNDEE UPCOMING (CONCLUDED) SISTERHOOD ANNUAL MEETING

Concluding the brunch, Rabbi Fitzerman said that the history of B’nai Emunah has been marked by the steady ascent of women in the congregation. Rabbi Fitzerman noted that the Sisterhood organization has provided essential continuity as we move from era to era.

Sunday, August 30, Sisterhood sponsored a brunch at the Synagogue to inaugurate a new slate of officers and to celebrate the past two years of exciting programs under the leadership of Sharon Cash.

SISTERS IN THE SUKKAH ON OCTOBER 1

After a light brunch, members and guests were introduced to the new board and officers for the period of 2016-2018. Carol Mandlebaum will assume the office of President. Serving with her will be Randee Charney, Membership Vice President; Sharon Benjamin, Treasurer; and Rebecca Plunkett, Secretary.

Soup, Salad and Sips, a casual dinner with time to socialize, will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the congregational Sukkah. The cost is $18.00 for the meal. RSVPs go to Joan Neidell.

MEMBERSHIP BRUNCH ON NOVEMBER 1

Board of Directors will include Molly Berger, Michelle Brock, Sharon Cash, Nancy Cohen, Janet Dundee, Jan Finer, Joan Neidell, Hillary Roubein, Sarah-Anne Henning Schumann, and Jill Wenger.

Once again, Sisterhood will open its doors to all women in the congregation to join together for a complimentary brunch on Sunday, November 1, at 9:30 a.m.. Guest speaker will be Connie Cronley, director of the Iron Gate program in Tulsa.

Sharon Cash reviewed the previous programs. Beginning in December, 2013, Sisterhood was introduced to West Indian cooking. In February, 2014 Sisterhood Shabbat, under the leadership of Jennifer Joels and Jackie Lasky, was celebrated with 25 women accepting honors and participating in the Shabbat morning service.

Sisterhood members are free. New members can pay their $36.00 dues at the door. Admission is at least one can of fish or substantial foodstuff to donate to the Iron Gate pantry.

Join Sisterhood for a very special conversation with Connie Cronley. Please RSVP to Sharon Benjamin.

Other programs included Creating Succulent Gardens at Zarrow Manor, Food Truck Wednesdays, Sisters in the Sukkah, Membership Brunch, and a trip to Pinot’s Palette.

KUM ESSEN V Carol Mandlebaum and Janet Dundee are reporting that Kum Essen V will be an important achievement in many respects.

Sharon Benjamin, Treasurer, reported that Sisterhood will be donating $7,500 to the Religious School. In addition, Sisterhood continues to purchase Siddurim for B’nai Mitzvot. Nancy Cohen, chair of the Gift Shop, has had another successful year, turning $7,000.00 over to the Sisterhood treasury.

Many members, both near and far, have participated by purchasing 26 dedicatory Divider Tabs in the cookbook. In addition, over 550 recipes were submitted for publication, with the result that the cookbook will be overflowing with new and interesting recipes. .

Well Wisher dedications are still available. For a donation of $36 to the Sisterhood, individuals will have up to 25 words to dedicate or memorialize individuals and events. Jennifer Joels is still accepting these dedications.

Carol Mandlebaum, accepting the position of President, emphasized the positive energy she felt as the Synagogue approaches its Centennial Year. Sisterhood is contributing to that celebration with a new cookbook, Kum Essen V, which already has 26 tabs sold and over 550 recipes submitted to the publication.

The Release Party, under the chair of Randee Charney and Sharon Cash, will be held on Sunday evening, February 28, 2016.

Randee and Sharon promise good food, wonderful entertainment and the opportunity to purchase the cookbook or pick up cookbooks which have been pre-sold.

MIZEL AD

Kum Essen V will be selling for $36 each or 3 cookbooks for $100. Pre-sales are being handled by Jennifer Joels. It is suggested that one can purchase a cookbook as a Chanukah gift and the Sisterhood will provide a Gift Certificate to announce that a cookbook has been reserved for the recipient. (continued on page 9) 6

UPCOMING SUKKOT DINNER ON OCTOBER 2

BABIES + SHABBAT ON OCTOBER 16

We are delighted to invite the entire community to the single largest Sukkot Dinner in Oklahoma. At 6:00 p.m., we will gather in the Sukkah on the south lawn of the Synagogue to celebrate this harvest festival with a delicious feast. As always, the Synagogue Sukkah will be decorated to highlight the joy and levity of the holiday.

Very young children and their parents are invited to join us for another soft and cuddly Shabbat experience. Our program begins at 6:00 p.m. Parachutes, rattles and toys sit at the center of our circle, while parents and kids share in the blessings of peaceful Shabbat. A delicious, kid-friendly Shabbat dinner accompanies this program. Please call our reservations hotline at (918) 9353373 or reservations@bnaiemunah.com by Wednesday, October 14, to reserve your spot on the floor.

Following the optional meal, we move to the Sanctuary at 7:00 p.m. for a roaring, festive celebration. Fire jugglers on the bimah?

There is always a first time. We’ll also be formally welcoming our newest members to the Synagogue family. Call (918) 935-3373 or email reservations@bnaiemunah.com to RSVP for dinner.

The basic price for adults is $12, with scaled-down charges for children and tots. Please note that the charge for a household of limited means is $25. Sukkot Dinner will be supported, as always, by a gift from Jenny Brouse and Brian Brouse. No reservations are needed for the service. Hope to see you there.

DOING JEWISH: MEDITATE LIKE A JEW ON OCTOBER 18 Contemplative practice and mindfulness are the spiritual language of our moment. Rabbis and sages have grappled and struggled with these important practices for generations. Join us on Sunday morning, October 18, at 11:00 a.m. for a workshop in which we explore wisdom from the texts of our Jewish tradition.

We will also experiment with meditation skills rooted within our Jewish spiritual framework. “Doing Jewish” is part of our monthly Basic Judaism course offered on Sunday mornings. For more information on this and other similar learning opportunities, contact Rabbi Kaiman through the Synagogue office.

SIMCHAT TORAH DINNER AND DANCING ON OCTOBER 5 The Synagogue will conclude its celebration of the Fall Holiday Season beginning with Simchat Torah on Monday evening, October 5. The night begins with a beautiful dinner in the Synagogue Sukkah prepared by Alin Avitan and Co. Call us at (918) 935-3373 or write to reservations@bnaiemunah.com to let us know you’re coming. Please note that there s no official charge for this meal, but your contributions would be most welcome.

SALON EMUNAH: TRAVISES AND TELLERS ON OCTOBER 29 Wall Street Journal Editor Michael Ruby ties together two important family stories in the history of Congregation B’nai Emunah. The Travises were a founding family of the Synagogue, and Morris Teller served as our first rabbi. Weaving together both family histories, Michael Ruby tells an important story about the

At 6:45 P.M., Simchat Torah festivities will begin in Kaiser Miller Auditorium. The congregation will celebrate the conclusion of the annual Torah reading cycle with whirling processions around a chuppah (wedding canopy) led by Rokday Emunah, the Synagogue’s dance ensemble. We will consecrate our third-grade students, who are embarking on the next phase of their educational journeys. Look for balloons, confetti, noisemakers, crepe paper, willow branches, sequins, masks and feathers! The evening is filled with joyous song and treats for all.

ZARROW FAMILIES LUNCHEON ON OCTOBER 6 Join us for the traditional finale to B’nai Emunah’s holiday celebrations, as members and friends gather following services for the annual Simchat Torah Luncheon. Lunch is complimentary; reservations are not necessary. Weather permitting; we will eat for the last time in the Sukkah. Simchat Torah services begin at 9:00 a.m. Our thanks to the Zarrow Families for underwriting this final luncheon of the holiday season.

Come dance with us on Simchat Torah!

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(continued on page 8)

UPCOMING (CONCLUDED) bnaiemunah.com by Wednesday, October 28, to guarantee your place at the dinner table.

(continued from page 7) founding generation. As we enter our one-hundredth year, we are all inheritors of this legacy. This is an exciting opportunity to understand our communal history through these examples.

SMART CONVERSATIONS AT THE SYNAGOGUE Smart Conversations, a broadcast series featuring dynamic thinkers, newsmakers, and entertainers, returns to Congregation B’nai Emunah this fall. Each season brings some of the brightest and most interesting people in America from the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan to audiences in Tulsa.

The event will take place on Tuesday, October 29, at 7:00 p.m.

Please join us for this salon style conversation held in the home of Molly and Dr. Sheldon Berger. The talk will be followed by coffee and treats. Please note that there is no cost for this event, but we ask that you call the Synagogue office to let us know that you are coming and to get directions to the Bergers’ home.

The fall series will begin at the Synagogue on Thursday, November 14, with a dialogue on “Catholic-Jewish Relations in the Age of a Latino Pope.” Jewish interest in the Vatican has escalated dramatically since the accession of Pope Francis, and this broadcast will be an opportunity to think about relations between two ancient faith communities since Vatican II. Featured speakers will include Rev. Jean-Pierre Ruiz, Judith Banki, and Rabbi David Sandmel.

SHABBAT FOR EVERYONE | SUPERINTENDENT GIST ON OCT. 30 “Shabbat for Everyone” is the Synagogue’s monthly, kidfriendly Shabbat adventure. This month’s edition will take place on Friday, October 30. Our honored guest for the evening will be Dr. Deborah Gist, Superintendent of the Tulsa Public Schools System. Events get started with an optional communal dinner at 6:15 p.m. We eat. We sing. We enjoy a Shabbat feast with family and friends by our sides. Just make a reservation, and we will take care of the cooking and cleaning. All you have to do is sit back and relax.

On Tuesday, December 15, the series will continue with a conversation between chef and food journalist Anthony Bourdain and Chef Jacques Pepin, who will conclude his public television career this season. More than anyone since Julia Child, Pepin has introduced Americans to European food traditions. This broadcast will take place at Pohlenz Cusine Moderne on Peoria at 34th Street in Brookside, a new destination for food culture in Tulsa. This program will be accompanied by a reception catered

by Antoinette Baking Company.

At 7:00 p.m. a wall-of-sound Shabbat experience fills the Synagogue. Anything is possible when a room full of good energy and positive feelings comes together. This is one good way to experience the joy and beauty of Shabbat. Kids can look forward to story-time and a special Shabbat gift. Let’s grab hands and dance our way into Shabbat. No reservation is needed for the service, but please contact us at (918) 935-3373 or reservations@

Starting time for both broadcasts is 7:00 p.m. Tickets for “Catholic-Jewish Relations” are $10. Students will be admitted free of charge. Coffee, treats, and conversation will precede and follow each performance. Tickets for “Bourdain + Pepin” are $25, with limited seating available. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for each program.

To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Synagogue Office staff at (918) 935-3373. You are also welcome to write us at reservations@bnaiemunah.com or visit www.tulsagogue.com.

Smart Conversations is a project of The Synagogue in cooperation with Booksmart Tulsa and the Ninety-Second Street “Y” in New York City. It is supported by a generous grant from Stuart and Sherri Goodall.

Photos needed for our

CENTENNIAL Check Those Shoe boxes today!

Dr. Deborah Gist, new Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent.

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SISTERHOOD—CONCLUDED

THANK-YOU

(continued from page 6)

TODAH RABAH

For further information on any aspect of the cookbook, please contact Carol Mandlebaum or Janet Dundee.

If you happen to see anyone from the article below, please feel free to add your own expression of gratitude to the words of the column. Many people have willingly shared their time and talents with The Synagogue community. Please let them know how much it is appreciated.

GIFT SHOP NEWS Nancy Cohen, our Gift Shop chair, is seeking volunteers to help out in the Gift Shop, particularly on Sunday mornings. If you are already at the Synagogue on Sunday mornings, this is the perfect opportunity for you to volunteer a few hours every month or so in the Gift Shop. And what better way to gain the satisfaction of knowing that the hours you volunteer help Sisterhood to provide funding each year for the Religious School. If you aren’t normally at the Synagogue on Sunday mornings, but would simply enjoy the retail atmosphere and opportunity to schmooze with other CBE members, the Gift Shop is the perfect place for you as well.

Please give Nancy a call to asd your questions and volunteer.

The High Holiday season here at The Synagogue was a lovely time of celebration, introspection and rejuvenation. We are all grateful to each and every person who contributed time and energy to all of the celebrations throughout the season. Thank you to Brian Brouse, Randee Charney, and Jolene Sanditen-Stephens for coordinating the various ritual participation roles throughout the holidays. Thank you to Richard Borg, Joseph Charney, Dr. Sarah-Anne Henning Schumann, Rebecca Levit, Kip Rabinowitz, Olivia Butkin and Leah Gelfand for chanting haftarah so beautifully on Rosh Ha-Shanah and Yom Kippur. Your voices gave life and spirit to the season. Kudos to Dennis Johnson and Linda Young for adding skilled leadership to the logistics and flow of our services. Mazal tov to all our shofar blowers, who sounded their notes so skillfully. Thank you to Debby Raskin for coordinating our High Holiday Ushers’ program, and thank you to all our ushers for helping to make our synagogue a more welcoming place throughout the holidays.

Our Bikur Cholim committee continues to serve as an important backbone of our community. Thank you to Terry Marcum, Jackie Lasky and Kay Oleinick for preparing our Rosh HaShanah holiday baskets. Thank you to Mary Abrahamson, Sally Donaldson, Carol Mandlebaum and Kay Oleinick for making these deliveries. If you would like to volunteer to be part of the Bikur Cholim committee, contact Rabbi Kaiman through the Synagogue office.

PHOTO

Rebecca Plunkett, Carol Mandlebaum, Sharon Benjamin, and Randee Charney at the Sisterhood Annual Meeting

Salon Emunah: The Founding Generation At the home of Molly and Dr. Sheldon Berger on October 29 at 7:00 p.m. Please call (918) 935-3373 for reservations!

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IN OUR SCHOOLS—MOREH DANNY KRAFT

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

MY THANKS

ART FROM THE HEART

Our youth programming during the High Holidays was robust and rich, thanks largely to the wonderful teachers who helped to lead it: Alin Avitan, Lily Raskin, Cory Horowitz, David Friedland, Richie Bolusky, Sarah Ginsberg, and Esther Stafford. We’re lucky to have such dedicated educators, who are happy to set aside their own practices in order to create meaningful Jewish experiences for our children.

Imagine that you are just getting started again after a period of homelessness or dislocation. You have some tableware and a bed to sleep in, but your walls are bare and your apartment looks temporary. At the same time, you have to husband your resources and concentrate on the basics.

NEW POSSIBILITIES IN LEARNING If you’re looking for a meaningful Jewish experience of your own, I want to share a really great learning opportunity called Project Zug, which aims to connect Jews from around the world for learning that is both high-level and accessible.

The idea is simple: choose the class that interests you most, from a wide variety of topics, and Project Zug will give you a partner who shares your interest. Your partner could be in Israel, in Oklahoma, or anywhere in between. Every week, your class facilitator will send a document with short selections of text and guiding questions; you then set aside 30 or 40 minutes to discuss this document with your partner, via Skype or Google Hangout.

Class topics include the Book of Psalms, the poetry of Leonard Cohen, Mindfulness and Judaism, introduction to the Talmud, and many more. I’ve studied with many of Project Zug’s facilitators, and I can attest that they’re top-notch teachers. The program is a great opportunity to increase your Jewish learning while building connections to communities around the world. The next Project Zug session starts in November, and if you’re interested you can find more information at www.projectzug.org.

Of course, if you prefer your Jewish learning in person and closer to home, I hope you’ll join me at this semester’s Adult Institute of Jewish Studies. Classes will start on October 26 and will take place at the Federation, on Monday evenings. I’ll be teaching two courses: one on the Book of Job, and one on modern Hebrew poetry. I’m excited about both, and I’d love to see you there, for my or any of the other excellent offerings. If you have any questions, please contact me or Mindy Prescott at the Federation.

Synagogue membership information?

Enter “Art from the Heart.” The purpose of this project is to give framed artwork to the residents of community-supported housing in the Tulsa area. The Synagogue has now been the conduit for a significant flow of contributions. All you have to do is drop your gift off at the Synagogue. For information about pickup of your artwork at your home, please call Dr. Melissa Weiss at (918) 260-2294.

MENTAL HEALTH FAMILY AND CHILDREN’S SERVICES Please remember that the Synagogue is part of a comunitywide effort to provide essental mental-health services to those in need. Our agency of choice is Family and Children’s Services.

Please call Rabbis Fitzerman or Kaiman if you need a referrral or help of any kind.

PAPER EPHEMERA needed for our

CENTENNIAL DO YOU HAVE OLD COPIES OF THE MESSENGER UNDER YOUR BED?

Please join us for the Zarrow Families

Please call Rabbi Dan Kaiman at

SIMCHAT TORAH LUNCH

(918) 583-7121. We’d love to help you

On Tuesday, October 6,

find a place in the Synagogue family.

at 11:00 a.m.