Messenger - September 2024

VOLUME

109 THE SYNAGOGUE | CONGREGATION B’NAI EMUNAH | PUBLISHED MONTHLY | SEPTEMBER 2024

Masthead Daniel S. Kaiman................................ Principal Rabbi Marc Boone Fitzerman..................Rabbi (of Counsel) Mark Goldman............................................President Aaron Miller .......................... Executive Vice President Ross Heyman....................................... Vice President Brae Riley............................................. Vice President Noah Bleicher.............................................Treasurer Jennifer Airey.............................................Secretary Sara Levitt...............Director of Jewish Life and Learning Cassidy Petrazzi.........................Director of Operations Richie Bolusky.......................Director of Programming Shelli Wright.................................. Preschool Director Genevieve Jaber.........Director of Refugee Resettlement

ON THE COVER

Shawna Fain..................................Executive Assistant

Though the custom of sending Rosh Ha-Shanah cards dates to the Middle Ages, deltiologists refer to the years 1898 to 1918 as “The Postal Card Craze” as almost a billion cards were sent in America alone during that 20-year time. This period also propelled the Jewish New Year’s card boom with many of the Rosh Ha-Shanah cards, called shone-toyves in Yiddish, being produced in Germany, where Jews were leaders in the printing industry. The mass immigration in the first decades of the 20th century of Jews from Eastern Europe to the United States generated more demand to produce these cards and sheds some light into the female experience of Judaism and immigration at the time, with women being the main buyers and senders of shone-toyves. The card pictured here, titled, Le-shone-toyve shifskarte (A Good Year Ship Ticket), resembles a ticket for passage on a steamship bound for American shores. Pictured on the postcard are Jewish and Zionist iconography of the time including the Golden Book, the Magen David, and the shofar in addition to life preservers, anchors, and Lady Liberty. The banner in the center of the card, where the name of the ship would normally appear, reads “Le-shone-toyve shifskarte,” drawing upon the well-known Jewish blessing “may you live until 120.” Under the banner in smaller print are the Yiddish words: “Valid for 120 roundtrips in the waves of life.”

Cheryl Myers .............................Operations Associate Kate Basch............................. Sisterhood Co-President Rebecca Fine Stallings.......... Sisterhood Co-President Nancy Cohen.......................Sisterhood Gift Shop Chair

SEPTEMBER 2024, PUBLISHED MONTHLY CONGREGATION B’NAI EMUNAH

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

September Program Highlights

FAITH: CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM’S 9 BAD UNHOLY WAR ON DEMOCRACY

AFTERNOON/EVENING SERVICES

Join us on Wednesdays and Fridays at 5:30 p.m. in the Davis-Goodall Chapel for traditional prayer and community Mourner’s Kaddish. Both in-person and Zoom participation are available. Please register for in-person attendance on our website.

6:30 p.m.

In partnership with Americans United for Separation of Church and State (AU), the Synagogue is proud to host a free screening and conversation of the documentary Bad Faith, a searing new film that highlights the history behind the rise of Christian Nationalism in the U.S. and the threat it poses to our democracy. Anne Nelson, author of the book the documentary is based on, Rev. Shannon Fleck of the Oklahoma Faith Network, and Rabbi Kaiman will take part in a public conversation about the film and an opportunity to learn about the work of Americans United in Oklahoma.

Register in advance on the Synagogue website.

SHABBAT MORNING SERVICES

Every Saturday at 9:30 a.m., we celebrate Shabbat through song, Torah study, and fellowship. These services, available both in-person and via Zoom, offer a chance to mark anniversaries, celebrate milestones, and engage in our congregation’s ritual life.

6 BIBI DIBI

15 FAMILY JEWISH COOKING CLUB

5:30 p.m.

Join us for a Shabbat gathering crafted for babies and their families. Revel in the joy of singing songs, playing games, and savoring a delightful Shabbat dinner. It’s an excellent opportunity to establish and embrace your own family traditions. While no reservation is required for the celebration, we ask you to secure your spot for the meal by calling or visiting www.tulsagogue.com/events.

Noon Join the club and embark on a flavorful, family adventure in our four-part cooking series, the Family Jewish Cooking Club.

Participants will meet after ShulSchool for lunch, schmoozing, and a hands-on kitchen session. Throughout the experience, we’ll learn about the history and meaning of a dish and get to work making it ourselves. Each family will leave with their dish in hand, along with a recipe and instructions to recreate the experience at home.

7 ENTERING THE HIGH HOLIDAYS: SELICHOT SERVICE & DINNER

19 BLATT + BLUE

6:00 p.m. dinner | 7:00 p.m. service A traditional prelude to the Jewish New Year, we gather this night to sing a service that highlights the themes and ideas of the holiday season. Following the Sephardic calendaring tradition, we inaugurate this service at the beginning of the month of Elul. The evening begins with a dinner where we’ll introduce and honor new members of the B’nai Emunah family.

Dinner begins at 6:00 p.m., prior to a musical Selichot service starting at 7:00 p.m. The evening culminates with blasts from the shofar as we begin our preparations for Rosh Ha-Shanah and Yom Kippur.

7:00 p.m.

Join us on Thursday, September 12 at 7:00 p.m. for a discussion of the gripping historical drama Farewell Mr. Haffmann. The film, starring Daniel Auteuil, is available to stream on Amazon Prime. Our Blatt + Blue series, now in its fifth year, begins with a summary of the film, followed by audience questions and comments via Zoom (Meeting ID: 918 583 7121).

20 SHABBAT EVENING AT THE SYNAGOGUE

5:30 p.m.

Experience a musical Shabbat evening with songs and stories, starting at 5:30 p.m. This event is an ideal introduction to Shabbat traditions, welcoming participants of all ages and backgrounds.

8 INTRO TO JUDAISM BEGINS

10:00 a.m.

Looking into Judaism? Born Jewish and want to know more?

Sharing your life with a Jew and want to crack the code? INTRO explores Jewish culture, history, and wisdom in a setting where questions are more important than answers. Classes are joined with beautiful Shabbat celebrations, supportive discussion groups, and many opportunities for interactive, experiential learning. This is an 18-session Introduction to Judaism Course, which is affiliated with the Miller Intro Program at American Jewish University and taught by Rabbi Kaiman. Sessions this year will meet in-person on Sunday mornings. Visit tulsagogue. com/intro for a complete schedule and to register.

21 SHEMA

10:30 a.m.

Music Class for Babies – Our next Jewish music class for babies and their caregivers focuses on the sounds and themes of Rosh Ha-Shanah. Suitable for children 2 and under, this interactive session will be held during Shabbat morning services.

24 HOLIDAY MAKERS WORKSHOP

7:00 p.m.

Join us for this quarterly workshop to create your own ritual object related to the High Holidays. Secure your spot today by registering at www.tulsagogue.com/events and let the magic of our holiday traditions come to life in your own hands!

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news.

(Isaiah 52:7) 2

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Milestones

From Sara Levitt

CRAFTING RITUALS: SAVORING THE SENSORY EXPERIENCE OF THE HIGH HOLIDAYS

Memoriam Robert Golden Gottlieb, son of the late Harry Golden and Florence Moskowitz Gottlieb.

Births Jack Stanley Cooper, born to Rachel and Jonathan Cooper.

Grandson of Harris and Mindy Prescott. Great-grandson of Isrella Taxon.

With the start of ShulSchool in the rearview mirror, we’re heading straight towards the High Holiday season. Each year around this time, our Synagogue comes alive with annual reminders that this season is approaching. The waxed floors, the scent of honey cake in the halls, the cartons of apples stacked in the kitchen, and the magnificent floral arrangements sprinkled throughout the building signal that something extraordinary is about to happen.

I’m struck each year by the intensely sensory experience of the High Holidays. I feel deep joy when I smell my grandmother’s apple cake baking in my oven and feel a familiar and powerful chill when I hear the Shofar for the first time.

The smells, sounds, textures, and visual cues evoke powerful memories and feelings that take me by surprise each year. Our approach to these memory-making moments, of course, is by design. As an educator, I’m inspired by our traditions and ideas about how one can experience this time of year.

In our school programs, we think about this a lot, imagining

Ari Mikael Radke, born to Annabel and Heath Radke. Grandson of Eric Torianyk, Alin Avitan, and Ron and Judy Radke.

Weddings Mazal tov to Hal and Shelly Narotzky on the recent marriage of their son Max Narotzky to Alexa O’Neil in a ceremony in Brooklyn. Max is the nephew of Steve Aberson and Brent Ortolani.

Mazal tov to Jim Jakubovitz and Mimi Tarrasch on their recent marriage celebrated amongst family and friends in Tulsa.

Mazal tov To Joe Roberts, incoming Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Tulsa. Joe arrives in Tulsa with significant experience in Federation leadership, politics, and non-profit management. We’re glad to welcome Joe, along with his wife Marielle and kids Michael and Reuben to the Tulsa Jewish community. Welcome, Joe! Unveilings On Friday, September 6, the family of Ruth Lebow will gather at Rose Hill Cemetery for an unveiling in her memory. This gathering will take place the morning after the Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art opens a new exhibition, Shrine to the Feminine, featuring the art of Ruth Lebow alongside works by her son, Dave Lebow. The family extends an invitation to the unveiling to the entire community.

how kids with different interests, strengths, and needs can find meaning in our tradition. Each year, crafting moments that become rituals deepen our children’s love of Judaism and the Jewish community. We dream about them continuing to recall these rituals each year and see them as a source of joy and connection.

This High Holiday season, I challenge all of us to craft our ritual moments that we can thread from one year to the next.

Perhaps it’s a go-to dish for Sukkot or a table decoration that comes out every Rosh Ha-Shanah. I look forward to those familiar smells, sounds, feels, and visuals this year and to sharing them with each of you. A happy, healthy, and meaningful new year to us all.

Shabbat Evening at the Synagogue September 20 5:30 p.m. Shabbat Shalom Musical Circle 4

From Rabbi Kaiman

KNISHES & CONNECTIONS: WELCOMING THE UNSEEN

A few years ago, I got a phone call about the Seventeenth Street Deli on our deli phone number. The accent was identifiably New Jersey. (And no, not that hyperbolic nasal tone people imagine is New Jersey.) I felt the familiarity ringing through the receiver. “Do you have any knishes?” the voice asked, and I was proud to be able to answer that we certainly did. “Some of the very best knishes,” I replied.

The man continued, “I’m Jewish and from New Jersey, but now I live in Sand Springs with my son and grandkids. I just want some good Jewish food.” I invited him to come by, and a few weeks later, he had his first meal at the deli.

He loved it. While he ate his pickles, he shared more of his story with me. He had grown up with a solid Jewish identity.

It was something he felt “everywhere” in his life back East.

As life unfolded, he married someone who happened not to have been Jewish. He didn’t push the religion question with his own kids, and by circumstance and context, they never knew the inside of Jewish life. Unintentionally, his own kids grew up outside of Jewish life. Eventually, one of his children fell in love with someone from Oklahoma in college, they married and began to build a life in Sand Springs.

Our new deli customer shared that he was no longer partnered and that his career had hit some turbulence. He relocated to Oklahoma to be closer to family, and his outreach to the deli came after a Google search six months into his new life.

“Rabbi,” he said, “at best, I’ll only be a High Holiday Jew. I just want you to know.” I replied that he was welcome to engage however he pleased and that I was grateful knishes had brought him into closer contact with the Tulsa Jewish community.

That conversation took place nearly six years ago. And he was right, he never even became an official member of the congregation. But he read our emails and occasionally showed up for a knish. I’m pretty sure he came to at least one High Holiday service. Other than that, our contact was incidental. He once even delivered groceries to the Synagogue during what must have been a turn at working inside the gig economy. Every time we saw each other, a warm and easy conversation flowed. It wasn’t Talmud or theology but the linguistic rhythms of familiar conversation. He’d forward me (and others) emails on issues important to his life, and while I disagreed with almost every political point, I appreciated that he took the time to send them along. In the essential ways, he felt “inside” the Jewish community, even though I’m sure none of you knew him.

I share all of this for two reasons. First, I recently learned the individual I am writing about passed away about six weeks ago.

The news came to me in a reply to one of his last forwarded emails. A chorus of tangential relationships echoed sentiments of sympathy and loss. I never knew the names of any of his

family members, and it all unfolded outside the habits and rituals of our community. But his passing was a loss for us all, even those who never knew him.

Second, I share this story in anticipation of the busiest time of year in Synagogue life. In small-population Jewish communities like our own, it can be easy to get a sense that we have somehow mastered the contours of our community.

You might think to yourself, “I already know every Jewish person in my workplace.” Or “I’ve already met every Jewish Tulsan in my neighborhood.”

While that may be true for some, my experience tells me that there are plenty of people who have yet to connect with organized Jewish life in Tulsa. Sometimes, they’re transplants who have yet to reach out. Sometimes, they are people just discovering their connection to Judaism. Whatever door a newcomer walks through, the job of us inside a Synagogue is to offer warmth and welcome.

I am certain that the weeks ahead will bring people who have never yet connected with the things we do into our building.

They may come for knishes or music or even a High Holiday service. Our communal task is to offer a welcome and extend ourselves to each other. That’s the way we’ll build an even stronger community.

Family Jewish Cooking Club September 15, Noon

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Blatt + Blue: Farewell Mr. Haffmann THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

The legendary Daniel Auteuil gives one of his most superlative screen performances in the gripping new historical drama from writer/director Fred Cavayé.

Occupied Paris, 1941: all members of the Jewish community are instructed to come forward and identify themselves to authorities. Dedicated jeweler Joseph Haffmann (Auteuil), fearing the worst, arranges for his family to flee the city and offers his employee François Mercier (Gilles Lellouche) the chance to take over his store until the conflict subsides.

But his own attempts to escape are thwarted, and Haffmann is forced to seek his assistant’s protection. It’s a risky proposition for both men. As the Merciers move into the Haffmann home, the agreement turns into a bargain that will forever change the fate of all.

Our conversation about Farewell Mr. Haffmann will take place on Thursday, September 19 at 7:00 p.m. The film can be seen on Amazon Prime for a modest fee on your home screen. Please let us know if you have any difficulty locating the program.

Bad Faith Film Screening & Americans United for the Separation of Church & State

Contributions to The Synagogue Altamont Bakery

Refugee Resettlement Fund

Dennis and Terri Johnson

Barry and Barbara Eisen Racham McNeir Bethanie and Bhadri Verduzco

Bikur Cholim

Racham McNeir

Religious School

Brouse Family Shabbat and Holiday Fund

Matt and Janelle Katz

Barry Debbie Lederman Dennis and Terri Johnson

Security Fund

Sheryl and Harold Springer

Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund

Synagogue General Fund

Paul and Randi Brodsky

Janet Dundee and Jeff Darby Racham McNeir Sheryl and Harold Springer

Brian Burnett Dennis and Terri Johnson Rita Levit Gail and Kip Richards Darryl Sartwell

Eva Unterman Environmental Education Fund

In Memory of

Chevra Kadisha

Stephen and Ellen Adelson

The recently released documentary Bad Faith is set to screen in a special event at the Synagogue on Monday, September 9 at 6:30 p.m. Hosted in partnership with Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, this thought-provoking film delves into the complex and often controversial intersection of religion and politics in America. By exploring real-life cases and expert analyses, Bad Faith shines a light on the profound implications of blurring the lines between church and state.

Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of maintaining this foundational principle to protect both religious freedom and democratic governance.

Bad Faith provides a compelling narrative that underscores the significance of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State’s mission. Founded in 1947, Americans United has been at the forefront of advocating for the separation of church and state, ensuring that government actions remain neutral toward religion and that individuals retain the right to practice their faith freely. The documentary aligns with these values, offering a critical examination of instances where these boundaries have been tested and the subsequent impact on communities and individual rights.

The screening event promises to be more than just a viewing experience. It will serve as a platform for dialogue and engagement, featuring a discussion with legal experts and representatives from Americans United. This interactive session will allow attendees to ask questions, share their perspectives, and explore actionable steps to support the cause of church-state separation. For more information, visit tulsagogue.com or www.au.org.

Janis Bolusky Memorial Outreach Fund Racham McNeir

Joe and Dorothy Katz Senior Adult Fund Barry and Debbie Lederman

Joe Kantor Hebrew School Fund Pat Henderson

Lenny Seigel Playground Fund Julie Frank Blatt + Blue is the longest-running project at the Synagogue dating from the height of the pandemic. Now in its fifth year, the series expresses the Synagogue’s commitments to an inclusive and pluralistic vision. Difficult films deserve thoughtful conversation. Film and television enthusiasts David Blatt and Alice Blue begin each session with a summary of the featured material, which means that you’ll be able to follow the conversation even if you have to delay your viewing of the material itself. After that, it’s questions and comments from the Zoom Room audience.

Join the moderated discussion in the Synagogue Zoom Room. The Zoom meeting ID is 918 583 7121, and the session will conclude at 8:00 p.m. If there is a film or broadcast you would like to screen, please call Richie Bolusky, Synagogue Program Director, at (918) 583-7121 with your suggestions.

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Rabbi Daniel S. Kaiman Discretionary Fund Dennis and Terri Johnson Sherwin and Marsha Marks Racham McNeir Phyllis Raskin Rebeca Shalom and Rabbi David Kaiman Mark Wolf

Rabbi Marc Fitzerman Discretionary Fund Vellie Bloch Dennis and Terri Johnson Jill and Howard Mizel Cheryl Wallace

Louis Adelson Kenneth Axelrod George Bloch Arnold A Brodsky Eugene Cohen Basja Dundee Gertrude Hart Sarah Kanfous Tyburczy Yetta Kassel Manfred Katz Max Klein Sydney Lazarus Steven Lederman Betty Mizel Sam Mizel Howard Raskin Michael Schumann Andy Seigel Bertha Serlin Dora Shalom Ezzie Springer Lee Tolchin Walter Joseph Tyburczy

In Honor of

Steve Aberson, on the occasion of his birthday

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High Holiday Roadmap LANGUAGE

ROSH HA-SHANAH MUSICAL CIRCLE

Many people struggle with the symbolic language of Jewish prayer on the High Holidays, particularly the motifs of reward and punishment and a God who treasures human praise. It may help to see the first as a metaphor urging self-knowledge, self-evaluation, and consciousness of our thoughts and deeds.

The second is part of Judaism’s aversion to seeing ourselves and our fellow human beings as the center and crown of creation.

Humility is a moral bridge to the gentle, respectful treatment of other human beings who have the same claims on God’s love that we do.

In the spirit of our monthly “Shabbat Shalom” gatherings, the opening service of our Rosh Ha-Shanah observance follows a familiar model. Musical worship and reflection frame out the experience which begins at 5:30 p.m. at the close of the school and work day. Stories, reflection and the sound of the shofar comprise this short, family friendly experience which is an excellent first taste of the holidays. For families and individuals eager to dine together, we offer an optional holiday brisket meal which follows at 6:30 p.m. With familiar smells and tastes, we hope to make it easy for families and individuals to plug into an authentic holiday experience. This year, Rosh Ha-Shanah Musical Circle will take place on Wednesday, October 2.

ACCESS

Services at the Synagogue are open to everyone, including our neighbors in the general community who may wish to sample Jewish traditions in a setting of warmth and authenticity. Our members reach out to newcomers with great affection and sincerity, and it is our hope that no one will arrive or depart without a sense of having been greeted as a friend. Unlike most congregations in the country, there are no admission tickets to services or charges of any kind.

Visitors should be aware that we are mindful of security in order to keep every participant safe. Simple precautions are always in effect to protect us all. Please introduce yourself to our front desk staff if you are visiting the Synagogue for the very first time. Nearly every service and program at the Synagogue is now a hybrid experience making it possible for even more people than ever before to participate. Visit tulsagogue.com/watch for information on how to connect to Zoom and our online programming.

ROSH HA-SHANAH DAY I

It’s the Jewish New Year! A formal worship experience serves as the backbone to this day. Beginning at 9:30 a.m., we work our way through a special Holiday prayerbook called the Mahzor. The core text of our service is based on the material we have developed over the past two years of digital services. Those slides are available in many formats. In addition to projected images, we will call pages from our traditional prayerbook and have printed copies available for a self-guided experience. We hope all this material helps make sure we’re all “on the same page.” The morning starts with a series of sung prayers with the chanting of the service being led by our cantor, Rafi Dworsky, who will be assisted by Rabbi Kaiman and Sara Levitt. A musical ensemble supports the experience, adding depth, flourish and meaning to the various parts of the prayerful morning.

By 10:00 a.m., we begin the formal chanting of the Torah service. This participatory event involves a public reading of a section of the Torah. The Torah is read aloud in Hebrew, with translations available in your prayer books. Congregation members are called up throughout this part of the service with honors and blessings. A special honor is that of the person who chants the selections of the Prophets. During this part of the service, the rabbi will offer an opportunity for prayers of healing. Should you or someone you love be in need of prayers for healing, please come forward as instructed and share either the English or Hebrew name of the person that you would like to include. Alternatively, if you would like to submit a name before the Holiday, please email info@bnaiemunah.com to be included at each of these opportunities throughout the Holiday season.

After the Torah returns to the ark, the morning drama continues. The shofar is sounded for the first time. The cantor offers a public prayer of supplication, and then the congregation is given space for silent reflection. Traditionally, the sacred words of the Mahzor are recited at this time, but this is also a space for private prayer and personal introspection.

At the close of this silent portion of the service, Rabbi Kaiman will offer a sermon. Following this moment of teaching and

DRESS

We always say that people should come as they are, but most members of the congregation dress up for the High Holidays.

It’s much like the clothing people wear to the symphony or a play. Some wear a shirt and tie, along with a jacket or (less often) a sweater or vest. Others wear dresses, skirts and tops, or pants with a jacket. No one dresses to impress, and the prevailing style is quiet modesty. Regardless of what you wear, do not hesitate to come because you fear that you may not have the right clothing. There is plenty of room at the Synagogue for non-conformists.

SEATING

Seating in our Sanctuary is open, with no reserved seats for members or guests. People occasionally save seats for others, so please be alert to normal social cues. There are always available seats at the front of the Sanctuary, where people rarely sit for the reasons that people always avoid the front rows of auditoriums. This is the bane of Rabbis and clergypeople of every community, but what can you do?

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by our cantor, rabbi, and musical ensemble, moves through the prescribed structure of the service with familiar musical highlights and points of emphasis. Around 7:15 p.m., a sermon is delivered, and services conclude around 8:15 p.m.

learning, our musical ensemble and cantor resume leadership of the service and we sing a public version of the prayers found in the Mahzor. This final part of the service generally concludes by 12:30 p.m. and culminates with blasts of the shofar.

After the first day morning service, the entire community is invited to partake in a sweet and savory Kiddush lunch.

Later in the afternoon, at 5:30 p.m., a short afternoon and evening service will take place as we round out the day of prayer and reflection.

YOM KIPPUR DAY

At 9:30 a.m. the next morning, we begin chanting Yom Kippur service. As on Rosh Ha-Shanah, around 10:10 a.m., we participate in a public reading of a section of the Torah followed by a chanting of the Haftorah (a selection from the Prophets). During this part of the service, the rabbi will offer an opportunity for prayers of healing. Should you or someone you love be in need of prayers for healing, please come forward as instructed and share either the English or Hebrew name of the person that you would like to include. Alternatively, if you would like to submit a name before the Holiday, please email info@bnaiemunah.com to be included at each of these opportunities throughout the Holiday season.

After the Torah is returned to the ark, the drama of the morning continues. The cantor offers a public prayer of supplication, and then the congregation is given space for silent reflection. Traditionally, the sacred words of the Mahzor are recited at this time, but this is also a space for private prayer and personal introspection. At the close of this silent portion of the service, Rabbi Kaiman will offer a sermon. Following the sermon, the congregation will hold a Yizkor (Memorial) service for loved ones who are no longer with us. Names added to the Book of Remembrance are read aloud, and individuals are given time to offer silent supplication. If you have lost a loved one in the past year, please email info@bnaiemunah. com with the name and date of death so that we can be sure to include your loved one in our act of remembrance.

Following this moment of reflection, our musical ensemble and cantor resume leadership of the service, and we sing a public version of the prayers found in the Mahzor. This is the final part of the service and generally concludes by 1:30 p.m.

ROSH HA-SHANAH DAY II

It’s so nice we do it twice. The second day of Rosh HaShanah follows roughly the same format as Day 1. The public readings are different, and different individuals are honored with participation throughout the service. The morning begins at 9:30 a.m. and by 10:00 a.m. we are chanting Torah. Again, a sermon is delivered at 10:45 a.m., and we’ve nearly completed our service by noon. On this second day, our congregation follows a special custom where we offer Baby Blessings to each new child who has joined our community in the past year.

Grandparents, parents, siblings, and relatives receive these blessings on behalf of the new arrivals, who bring so much joy to our lives. If you are the parent or grandparent of a newborn and would like to partake, please email info@bnaiemunah. com so that we can prepare to include you. Again, this service concludes by 12:15 p.m. and is followed by a cookie Kiddush sponsored by the Kaiman-Gold family.

Noting that the holiday experience is not complete without a meandering afternoon meal, Emily and Richie Bolusky generously extend hospitality in their home, hosting a holiday meal open to all. We ask those wishing to participate to make reservations by visiting tulsagogue.com so we can plan for and accommodate everyone. A special invitation for this meal is extended to newcomers to Tulsa and those without family or friend networks with whom to celebrate the holiday.

THE DAYS IN BETWEEN

PRIVATE PRAYERS BEFORE THE ARK

The period that lasts from Rosh Ha-Shanah through Yom Kippur is called the Ten Days of Repentance. Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, stands in contrast and complement to the days that mark the Jewish New Year. Lasting 25 hours, Yom Kippur is a time to ask for forgiveness and spend time in intensive prayer and reflection. From sundown on Friday, October 11, to sundown on Saturday, October 12, adults refrain from eating and drinking, bathing, wearing leather, anointing oneself with perfume or lotion and marital relations. These activities are all very human and corporeal, but by setting these limits we focus inward on the spiritual tasks of the day.

Following the close of service, many choose to go home or leave the Synagogue for a period. However, those who wish to remain are welcome to remain in our building throughout the day. Beginning at 1:30 p.m. the ark will be opened, and individuals are welcome to take a moment to offer private prayers before its open doors. Should you wish to participate in this manner, we simply ask that you wait until those before you have completed their time and then silently approach one at a time.

THE AFTERNOON OF YOM KIPPUR DAY

At 4:00 p.m., the formal afternoon service begins. A short public Torah reading is followed by the ritual chanting of the entire book of Jonah. We then chant the liturgical hallmarks of the afternoon service before taking another break.

KOL NIDRAY

Yom Kippur is inaugurated at 6:30 p.m. with the Kol Nidray prayer. As on Rosh Ha-Shanah, during this service we use a Mahzor, a special prayer book, which outlines the liturgical frame for the day. With our digital materials serving as the backbone of our service, you can follow along through screen, printout, or traditional text. This evening service, led again

OPEN FORUM WITH THE RABBI

At 5:00 p.m. in the Chapel, Rabbi Kaiman will hold an open forum for reflection and discussion. You bring the 9

From Rabbi Fitzerman

questions; they bring their thoughts and perspectives. This is a meaningful way to engage in learning and explore new ideas as a community. All are welcome.

NE’ILAH: THE LOCKING OF THE GATES

CLICK BAIT

A liturgical highlight of the year, the Ne’ilah (Concluding) Service offers a thrilling end to a day of solemnity and introspection. Beginning at 6:25 p.m., the service is chanted by our cantor, rabbi and musical ensemble. Weather-permitting, we set up for this service on the steps of our building and close out the holiday as the sun hangs low in the sky. The ark doors remain open throughout the main section of this service.

Thus, many people stand throughout this liminal period. The doors of the ark serve as an important symbol in the themes of the day, as we imagine the locking of the gates and make our best efforts to seek repentance and forgiveness in these waning hours. As the sun sets, we mark the conclusion of the holiday with a Havdallah (Separation) Service. Finally, the day culminates with blasts from the shofar.

On a Sunday in August, I happened on a broadcast that kept me in the driveway long after my arrival. It was probably a segment on NPR, but when I looked for details, nothing came up on the website.

The broadcast was about mah jongg, a subject that has always held my interest. I’ve never played the game in my life, but the click of the tiles reminds me of a typewriter and the satisfying tap of the keys against the platen. The broadcast focused on Crazy Rich Asians, and that scene where the patrician mother is bested by Constance Wu, the professor girlfriend.

Understanding that contest requires near-Talmudic intelligence.

It is widely considered a mah jongg master class.

But it was the Jewish segment that really caught my ear. The interviewee was an enthusiastic New Yorker who had adoring things to say about the game, and especially the generation of players who preceded her. She was enchanted by the scenes she remembered from her childhood, the ladies at the table in her mother’s kitchen, running the traps on their friends and relations. Nothing escaped their scrutiny or comment.

She was, perhaps, a little too enthusiastic, painting a picture of mah jongg as a central sacrament. It was, for her, a definitional endeavor, a key to the history of Jewish People in America.

Without mah jongg, her Jewish life would have been flavorless.

You could be forgiven for ranking mah jongg differently. It’s a complicated game which makes real intellectual demands, but I’m not sure it rates as a sacred ritual.

Then again, that judgement now strikes me as condescending.

In case it needs to be mentioned at this late date, Judaism is many things, including what is “merely” delightful. As Mordechai Kaplan, the philosopher once argued, Judaism includes all the components that make up a civilization: its literature, its history, its cuisine, its pastimes. He actually called Judaism a religious “civilization,” but I think that we should make room for a stretchier definition. If the Jews adopt a diversion with the zeal of new believers, then it qualifies as part of our self-definition. It gives us many of the benefits of more “important” components, binding us together, and sharpening our definition of self. At the end of the day, mah jongg is a little bit like dreidel: one of the things we do as the accompaniment our sociability.

All of this implies a different set of questions. Why did a game associated with the Chinese come to be a beloved pastime of the Jews? And given the continuing resurgence of mah jongg, what need does it fulfill, what itch does it scratch?

Why does it continue to enchant? For those of you who hear that tell-tale clicking in your ears, I’d be very interested in knowing what you think.

BREAK-THE-FAST

Immediately following the conclusion of our ritual services for Yom Kippur, the entire community is invited to participate in a Break-the-Fast meal. Generously sponsored by The Sharna and Irvin Frank Family Foundation, this is a celebratory communal moment of achievement, relief, opportunity, and possibility. While there will always be enough food for everyone, we do ask that those who are planning to be with us call or visit our website so we can plan for your participation.

Sisterhood provides initial juice and snacks immediately following the conclusion of the holiday.

High Holiday Calendar At-A-Glance Erev (Eve of) Rosh Ha-Shanah

Wednesday Evening, October 2 (29 Elul)

Rosh Ha-Shanah: Day One Thursday, October 3 (1 Tishri)

Rosh Ha-Shanah: Day Two Friday, October 4 (2 Tishri)

Kol Nidray/Erev Yom Kippur

Friday Evening, October 11 (9-10 Tishri)

Yom Kippur

Saturday, October 12 (10 Tishri)

10

SEPTEMBER | AV–ELUL 1

Sunday

Monday

2

3

Tuesday

4

Wednesday

5

Thursday

4:00 PM Hebrew Language Lab

9:30 AM Unveiling for Ruth Lebow

5:30 PM Mincha/Ma’ariv

Preschool & Offices Closed

8

9

9:00 AM ShulSchool

6:30 PM Bad Faith! Americans United for Separation of Church and State

10:00 AM Intro to Judaism Begins

Rosh Chodesh Elul

10

12

16

9:30 AM Shabbat Morning Services 6:00 PM Entering the High Holidays

5:30 PM Bibi-Dibi

8:24 PM Havdalah Torah: Parashat Shoftim Shabbat Chazon

13

14

4:00 PM Hebrew Language Lab

5:30 PM Mincha/Ma’ariv

9:30 AM Shabbat Morning Services

5:30 PM Mincha/Ma’ariv

7:15 PM Candle lighting

8:14 PM Havdalah Torah: Parashat Ki Teitzei Shabbat Chazon

Rosh Chodesh Av

15

7

Saturday

5:30 PM Mincha/Ma’ariv

7:25 PM Candle lighting

Rosh Chodesh Elul

11

6

Friday

18

19

20

21

9:00 AM ShulSchool

17

4:00 PM Hebrew Language Lab 5:30 PM Mincha/Ma’ariv

5:30 PM Shabbat Shalom Musical Circle

9:30 AM Shabbat Morning Services

10:00 AM Intro to Judaism

7 PM Blatt + Blue: Farewell Mr. Haffmann

5:30 PM Mincha/Ma’ariv

Noon Family Jewish Cooking Club

7:04 PM Candle lighting

10:30 AM Shema Shabbat 8:03 PM Havdalah Torah: Parashat Ki Tavo

22

23

9:00 AM ShulSchool 10:00 AM Intro to Judaism

24

25

27

28

7:00 PM Holiday Makers Workshop

4:00 PM Hebrew Language Lab

26

5:30 PM Mincha/Ma’ariv

9:30 AM Shabbat Morning Services

5:30 PM Mincha/Ma’ariv

6:54 PM Candle lighting

7:53 PM Havdalah Torah: Parashat Nitzavim-Vayeilech

29

30

9:00 AM ShulSchool 10:00 AM Intro to Judaism 11:15 AM High Holiday Honors Rehearsal

11

Congregation B’nai Emunah 1719 South Owasso Avenue Tulsa, Oklahoma 74120 tulsagogue.com

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YAHRTZEIT CALENDAR­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ — 28 AV THROUGH 27 ELUL September 1–28 Av Lucille Berman Joseph Foreman Avram Natan Nacht Sophia Taubman September 2–29 Av Leah Friedman Regina Mary West September 3–30 Av Edrea Ann Appleton Abraham Greenberg Carolyn Kriegsman September 4–1 Elul Leon Brody Annie Geffen Sanofsky September 5–2 Elul Andy Dickinson Carl Fischbein Jennifer Reinstein Stern Barbara Schreier September 6–3 Elul Theresa Andelman David Isaac Contente William Tilkin

September 9–6 Elul Jake Glenn Norman R. Wilcove Brock Zeff-Bakke

September 17–14 Elul Jack I. Brown Catherine B. Campbell Aaron Rabinovitz

September 24–21 Elul Shirley Alcouloumre Celia Annette Albert Bluma (Lovie) Jacobson

September 10–7 Elul Jeanette Fedman

September 18–15 Elul Abe Charney Larry Levy Sarah Magoon Mike Robinowitz Evelyn Wolf

September 25–22 Elul Robert James Darby Herman Paul Taubman Nathan Tugenberg

September 11–8 Elul Betsy Rosenthal-Davis September 12–9 Elul Rose Fleischman Harriet L. (Gerber) Harkavy Leonard Krasne September 13–10 Elul Ethel Golman Fell Joseph Mandlebaum Louis F. Schnur September 14–11 Elul Abe Alexander Aaron Goff Samuel Guzik Lawrence Siegel

September 7–4 Elul Fanny Neuwald

September 15–12 Elul Dudley Gottehrer Jerome Guzik Marjorie Haffner Harry J. Weiner

September 8–5 Elul Maurice Binstock Joseph E. Borg Abraham Isralsky Myron Silver

September 16–13 Elul Avrom Brodsky Dorothy Kaset Lillian Rubin Barry Saveth

September 19–16 Elul Norman Dunitz Fannie A. Mizel Stockfish Louis Weiss Samuel Zolt September 20–17 Elul Martin R. Abrams September 21–18 Elul Harold Guller Franklin Moskowitz Herman Sternfield September 22–19 Elul Samuel M. Kantor Abraham Krasne September 23–20 Elul Harold Charney Max Samuel Morton Solomon Eva Spector Wittels Mary Louise (White) Young

September 26–23 Elul Mary Fedman Dorothy Teichman September 27–24 Elul Myra Gock Charles Israel Lebow Celia Kirsh Adler Janice Taubman Gertrude Weisman September 28–25 Elul Herbert Berger Pauline Dublin Harold Ingle Josey Elsie Sternfield Maurice Arthur Weinstein September 29–26 Elul Michael Carson Israel Prescott September 30–27 Elul Jacqueline Devries Huddle Ferd Falk

May their souls be bound up in the bond of life everlasting. Please note that each yahrtzeit begins at sunset on the day before the date listed.