Sandra Schulberg to speak on film at February 5 services

February 2011 | Vol. 23, No. 8 | Shevat/Adar 5771
Shabbat Services
in February
Thursday, February 3
Shacharit morning minyan, 7:45 am
Saturday, February 5
Tot Shabbat, 9:30 AM
Led by Rabbi Simon & Shana Eisenberg
Shabbat Services, 10:30 am
Sandra Schulberg to speak
Torah Reader: David Walk
Brit Chayim for Elana Broderius
Thursday, February 10
Shacharit morning minyan, 7:45 am
Friday, February 11
Shabbat Services, 8:00 pm
Led by Rabbi Latz, Billy Perkiss,
Jessica Cohen
Saturday, February 12
Shabbat Services, 10:30 am
Led by Rabbi Latz & David Harris
Bar Mitzvah of Lukas Kelsey-Friedemann
Thursday, February 17
Shacharit morning minyan, 7:45 am
Friday, February 18
Shabbat Services, 6:30 pm
Inclusion Shabbat
Led by Rabbi Simon & Ian Silver
(Dinner and panel discussion follow
service. See article on page 4)
Saturday, February 19
Shabbat Services, 10:30 am
Led by Rabbi Simon & Steve Greenberg
Torah Reader: Carolyn Belle
Thursday, February 24
Shacharit morning minyan, 7:45 am
Friday, February 25
Shabbat Services, 8:00 pm
Led by Rabbi Latz & Cheryl Hornstein
Saturday, February 26
Shabbat Services, 10:30 am
Led by Rabbi Latz
Bat Mitzvah of Emma Taussig
Sandra Schulberg to speak
on film at February 5 services
I
n one of the greatest courtroom
dramas in history, the film
Nuremberg shows how international
prosecutors built their case against top
Nazi war criminals using the Nazis’
own films and records.
The trial established the “Nuremberg
principles” — the foundation for all
subsequent trials for crimes against
the peace, war crimes, and crimes
against humanity. Though shown in
Germany as part of the Allies’ deNazification campaign, U.S. officials
decided not to release Nuremberg in
America for political reasons; nor was
it shown in any other country.
Over the years, the picture negatives
and sound elements were lost or
destroyed. In Nuremberg: Its Lesson
for Today, Sandra Schulberg and Josh
Waletzky restored the film, using
original audio from the trial. This
allows us to hear the defendants’ and
prosecutors’ voices for the first time.
The film ends with Justice Robert H.
Jackson’s words—“Let Nuremberg
Photo by
Walter Sanders/Time
& Life Pictures/
Getty Images
A view of the
courtroom during
the Nuremberg
Trial.
Sandra Schulberg
stand as a warning to all who plan
and wage aggressive war.” (B&W,
35mm, 78 min) To learn more, go to
www.nurembergfilm.org.
The black and white, 35 mm film
will be shown February 4-10 at
the Lagoon
Cinema in
Minneapolis.
Sponsored by
From our Rabbi...
O
“As we plan for Shir Tikvah’s 25th anniversary in 2013,
n Kol Nidre I spoke about
the power of prayer. I
shared:
To pray—to truly pray—means that
we take a leap of mystery into the
unknown. For a brief moment, we
let go of our experience of the world
as it is and imagine the world—and
ourselves—in a different way.
Rabbi Sharon Brous teaches that,
“[Prayer] it is about pouring holy
light into a tragically broken world.
It is about fostering sensitivity to
human suffering and cultivating a
sense of human responsibility. It’s
not about making love to God, it’s
about demonstrating your love of
God by loving humanity. It’s about
living courageously, defying unjust
rulers and rules, breathing life
and hope into a shattered reality”
we seek to build upon our traditions of participatory and
spirited worship.”
[“On Faith,”
Washington Post, August 10, 2010].
We are exploring as a holy
community the nature, texture, and
experience of our communal prayer
life. Prayer—avodah, davvening—is
the heartbeat of the Jewish soul.
As we plan for Shir Tikvah’s 25th
anniversary in 2013, we seek
to build upon our traditions of
participatory and spirited worship.
We seek a prayer experience that
is even more musically engaging,
soulful, holistically and intentionally
integrated into the life of the
congregation; prayer that provides
the possibility for individual
and communal transformation;
prayer that seeks to crack open our
hearts and mobilize us toward our
prophetic vision of justice, equality,
and human dignity.
When you pray, what moves your
heart? What stirs your soul? What
enables you to envision yourself and
our world more whole and just?
I look forward to continuing
to explore these great spiritual
questions as a community.
L’shalom,
From our Board...
A
t the January Board meeting Rabbi Latz shared
a drash from the week’s parsha from Exodus
about the Israelites’ experience under Moses’
leadership.
Molly Hazelton and Ray Anschel spoke on plans for the
Panim Initiative. Panim is an effort to help congregants
get to know each other in deeper, more reflective ways.
Molly outlined the threefold goals of the initiative:
• create/deepen relationships among congregants;
• identify which social justice issues matter most to
congregants; and,
• identify potential leaders among the congregation.
This first phase—focused on posing questions for
congregants—goes from Martin Luther King Day
through Passover, and will introduce discussion at
Shabbat services and other congregational events. Linda
Alter commented that this will shape the agenda for the
Social Justice Committee for the next few years.
The Board also continued discussion of developing a
vision statement, engaging membership, and exploring
various ways to financially support the synagogue.
A joint meeting of the Membership, Development,
and Finance Committees will be meeting consider a
2
revamped finance structure. The Board will discuss
ways of engaging members.
Jane Binder talked about developing a vision
statement—an affirmative and intentional direction
for Shir Tikvah. She is leading efforts with Rabbi Latz
and the Executive Committee to develop a process for
developing a vision statement.
John Humleker reported that our financial situation is
not as strong as anticipated for the end of 2010. With
high building costs due to winter weather we are below
our original dues projections. A few strategies are being
developed to create more systemic increases in dues and
one-time gifts.
Rabbi Latz spoke about his recent trip to Los Angeles
with Tzofim, what he learned, and the ideas he brought
back. He also announced that he has had nearly
100 positive responses from congregants about the
rabbinic decision regarding civil and religious marriage
ceremonies.
He said there were a handful of negative responses and
that he contacted each of those congregants.
Luke Weisberg
“While these
From our Director of Lifelong Learning...
M
aybe it’s not surprising
to some that a rabbi,
particularly one who is the
director of lifelong learning, would
decide to spend part of her vacation
at a museum. And less surprising
that the museum in question was
The Jewish Museum.
But there I was, in New York City for
three days, spending my free time
exploring Jewish history and culture.
I started with one of the special
exhibits, “Shifting the Gaze: Painting
and Feminism.”
The gallery was nearly empty as I
looked at the pieces in the exhibit,
which explores the widespread
influence of feminist practice on
the styles and methods of painting
from the 1960s to the present. I
particularly loved Deborah Kass’s
“Double Red Yentl, Split,” which
features Barbra Streisand as a yeshiva
bocher (student) in the film Yentl.
I was mesmerized by the exhibit
“Houdini: Art and Magic.” It
explored how Houdini’s role as an
American icon transformed three
centuries. The exhibit was full of
images of Houdini, ranging from
historic pictures of the escape
artist to artistic interpretations of
Houdini’s craft.
While these special exhibits were
interesting and opened my mind
to new ideas, my favorite was the
permanent exhibition, “Culture and
Continuity: The Jewish Journey.”
Full of more than 800 artifacts, the
exhibit tried to answer complex
questions such as, “How has
Judaism been able to thrive for
thousands of years across the
globe, often in difficult and even
tragic circumstances?” and “What
constitutes the essence of Jewish
identity?”
The grandfather tells the story of God
filling vessels with light, the vessels
shattering, and the responsibility we
share to gather the sparks and heal
the world.
Grandfather says, “For every good
deed you do, one of those hidden
sparks rises up and a little bit of the
world is repaired.”
Not only are the images by illustrator
Kristina Swarner beautiful, but they
work perfectly with author Howard
Schwartz’s poetic text. The book is
a nice way to introduce tikkun olam
(repair of the world) to children ages
4-8, and a powerful reminder to those
slightly older.
The book Jacob’s Legacy: A Genetic
”
that Jews have been able to keep
their identity, despite Diasporas and
tragic situations, by evolving into an
adaptable culture.
The exhibit was helpful preparation
for my adult education class, “10
Great (and Not So Great) Moments
in Jewish History,” and a powerful
reminder that sometimes what
comes across as new and different
just might be a much-needed way
for Judaism to continue and thrive in
an ever-changing world.
“Culture and Continuity” suggested
Rabbi Simon’s recommendations of Jewish books
For the young (and young at heart), I
recommend Gathering Sparks. It puts
the reader in the position of a child
asking a grandfather about how the
stars came to be.
special exhibits
were interesting
and opened my
mind to new ideas,
my favorite was
the permanent
exhibition, ‘Culture
and Continuity: The
Jewish Journey.’
View of Jewish History by David
Goldstein, (“I am a geneticist. But I
am also a Jew.”) offers a new look at
Jewish community around the world.
How connected are the Cohenim
(decedents of the High Priests that
served at the Temple in Jerusalem)?
Are members of a small African tribe
those of the so-called “lost tribe”
of the Jewish people? How related
are Jews living in vastly different
locations with varying traditions?
This book combines genetic and
historical research in an easily
digestible format. Learn how
Goldstein and his colleagues were
able to identify significant genetic
similarities among Cohenim, which
suggests that the ancestral generation
goes back roughly 3,000 year, or at
about the time of Solomon.
A unique approach to the tale of
Jewish history, Goldstein’s reading
of the historical record and his
Shir Tikvah school dates
Religious School
February 6
13
20
27
Hebrew School
Session #16
Session #17
No school
Presidents’ Day weekend
Session #18
Kesher family-studentteacher connection
(students grades k-6)
February 2 9
16
23 Adult Education
Session #16
Session #17
Session #18
Session #19
February 5
Sandra Schulberg speaks at
Shabbat morning services (see article on p1)
digressions on the larger meaning of
the Jews in history are concise and
place Jacob’s Legacy in the larger
context of global history. A great read
for cold winter nights!
3
Shabbat service, potluck February 18
J
ASL interpretation of the
service will be provided
if requested at least 10
days in advance at
(612) 822-1440 or
office@shirtikvah.net.
oin us on Friday, February 18, for Shabbat services, a
potluck supper, and a presentation and discussion in
honor of Jewish Disbilities Awareness Month,
sponsored by the Yad b’Yad Committee.
The speakers will be Mark and Shanada Schwartz. They
teach that accessibility for people who are deaf means
not only providing services through ASL interpretation,
but also welcoming them into our community.
Mark and Shanada will speak about the parallelism
between Jewish and deaf identities. The discussion will
compare the languages, cultures, history, challenges, and
other features between Jewish people and those who are
deaf.
Mark Schwartz is currently an information technology
specialist at the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf.
He has a bachelor of science degree from Rochester
Institute of Technology, and a master’s degree in
education. He teaches multimedia and technology
courses.
He enjoys triathlon, racquetball, and being a father
of three little kids. He was born and raised in Orange
County, California.
Shanada Schwartz has both a bachelor’s and master’s
degrees in social work, and is knowledgable in wholistic
health. Mark and Shanada have three children.
Beit Midrash
Mazel tov to STiFTY at the Winter Kallah; STiFTY had the largest group from the Northern Region. Please join STiFTY on Saturday,
February 12, from 7:00-8:30 pm, for a youth-led Beit Midrah havdalah program at Shir Tikvah.Youth and adults will be leading a program
about injustices in our community. For further information, contact Amira Cohen at Stifty@shirtikvah.net.
4
B’nai Mitzvah in February
Emma Anastasia
Kahn Taussig
On February 26
Emma Anastasia
Kahn Taussig
will become a bat
mitzvah. Emma’s
parashat is
Vayak’heil, from Exodus, in which the
Jews construct the tabernacle.
Emma was born in Cambridge,
Massachusetts, and moved to
Minnesota with her family when she
was 3 years old. She is a 7th grader at
Lake Country School.
Emma and her family spent the
Lukas Kelsey-Friedemann
Lukas and his family invite you
to join them in celebration on
February 12 at 10:30 am. Lukas'
Torah portion is Tetsaveh, regarding
the commandments around the
Mishkan, supplying of oil, the
garments of the priests.
Lukas is a 7th grader at St Paul
Academy, where he has gone since
he was in third grade; prior to that
he attended Lake Country School.
second half of Emma’s third grade
year in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Walking along the street with her
parents one day toward the end of
their stay, Emma said, “I would like
to learn Hebrew and know more
Jewish history and culture.” Shortly
after returning home Emma told her
parents, “Don’t forget, I want to learn
Hebrew and know more Jewish history
and culture.” This led the family to join
Shir Tikvah.
Emma and her parents thank Judy
Silver and Rebecca Rubenstein for their
welcoming presence at Shir Tikvah
and Judy Silver, Cheryl Hornstein, and
Rabbi Latz for all they have done to
help prepare Emma to become a bat
mitzvah.
Emma was tutored in Hebrew that
summer and joined the 4th grade
class in the fall. Emma enjoys theater,
reading, writing, languages, and
fencing.
Emma and her parents invite the
congregation to celebrate with them
on this special day. Emma will also
participate in Shabbat services on
Friday, February 25, at 8:00 pm.
Lukas loves math and science, plays
on the football and basketball teams,
is an avid snowboarder and dancer,
and loves rap. In addition he is a
tremendous cook and enjoys making
desserts.
Lukas and his mother Greta give
many thanks to Wendy Goldberg,
a fantastic Hebrew tutor, for all of
her help preparing Lukas for his bar
mitzvah.
Lukas is concerned about global
Emma will be giving tzedakah to
Heifer International because it is “an
organization that not only helps people
feed themselves but helps them feed
themselves for the rest of their lives.”
warming and
will be giving
tzedakah to the
Sierra Club,
which works
toward a more
environmentally
sustainable future.
Lukas and his family invite the
congregation to celebrate with them
on this special day. Lukas will also
participate in Shabbat services on
Friday, February 11, at 8:00 pm.
Schlesinger lecture featuring Michaelson set for April
Jay Michaelson will speak on
spirituality in the 21st century at this
year’s Robert N. Schlesinger Memorial
Lecture at Shabbat services on Friday,
April 22, at 8:00 pm. He will also
lead scholar-in-residence sessions on
Saturday, April 23.
Jay is a writer, scholar, and
Jay Michaelson
activist whose work addresses the
intersections of Judaism, sexuality, spirituality, and
law. He holds a J.D. from Yale Law School, an M.A. in
religious studies from Hebrew University, an M.F.A.
in writing from Sarah Lawrence College, and a B.A.
Jay is a writer, scholar, and activist whose work addresses
the intersections of Judaism, sexuality, spirituality, and law.
Stay tuned for more information in the March issue of
Kol Tikvah.
magna cum laude from Columbia University. Jay is the
director of Nehirim (Lights), an organization that builds
community for GLBT Jews, partners, and allies. He
was listed in The Forward as one of the 50 people who
is leading the American Jewish community in the 21st
century.
In February of 2009, Jay returned from five months of
silent meditation retreat in Massachusetts and Nepal.
5
Tzofim and Shir Tikvah
W
hen Rabbi Latz asked me
to be a member of the
Tzofim (scouts), I wasn't
sure what that meant. He said it
was an opportunity to help identify
new and future approaches for Shir
Tikvah’s prayer life.
I gratefully accepted, but was unsure
what needed identification—Shir
Tikvah seemed to be very innovative
in its approach to services.
After participating in a Shabbat
service in Los Angeles in December
at IKAR (a prayer community) I
began to see what Rabbi Latz was
looking for. IKAR's mission is to
“reanimate Jewish life through
soulful and traditional religious
practice that is rooted in a deep
commitment to social justice.”
IKAR It is led by Rabbi Sharon
Brous, who originally came from
B’nai Jeshurun in New York, and
has a degree in human rights. Rabbi
Brous is one of the service leaders, as
the service is jointly led by a broad
group of people, including a second
rabbi, a cantor, two drummers, and
additional singers and lay leaders.
I found IKAR’s service to be a
truly authentic, innovative, and
“As a member of the Tzofim, I’m
looking forward to bringing new
experiences into our synagogue.”
transforming experience. From the
moment I entered the building, I
was welcomed with open arms to
a group of people who had chosen
to come together that morning and
revel in Shabbat.
The music was chant-like, involving
drums and numerous singers. The
environment was comfortable, with
coffee and tea offered outside and
people moving in and out of the
prayer space freely throughout the
morning.
Alex and his daughter, Gabriela.
including this quote from Rabbi
Brous.
As a member of the Tzofim, I'm
looking forward to bringing new
experiences into our synagogue. I'm
excited by the opportunity to build a
transformational prayer service.
We built IKAR to stand at the
intersection of spirituality and
social justice. It is our belief that the
cornerstone of an authentic Jewish
prayer life is serious, unapologetic
engagement with the world—with
loneliness and love, with loss and
life, with desperation and newfound
hope. In this way, the world
inspires us to pray harder, and our
prayer inspires us to work harder to
transform the world.
As I think about t'fillah, I am
Alex Dashe
And praying had periods of joy,
sadness, silence, singing, discussion,
and movement. The three hours,
which included a bat mitzvah that
morning, flew by and I felt refreshed
afterwards.
Kaplans featured on MinnPost
Shir Tikvah member and ambassador
to Morocco Sam Kaplan and his wife,
Sylvia, are featured in a MinnPost
article. Click on the link below, or
copy and paste it into your browser.
http://www.minnpost.com/
stories/2010/12/17/24309/the_
kaplans_in_morocco_distinctive_
duo_realizing_a_dream_as_they_
live_politics_and_protocol_247
MinnPost photo by Sharon Schmickle
6
Tzedakah
Shir Tikvah is appreciative of all tzedakah given to the congregation. We will gladly notify any people or organizations of
contributions made in their honor. Contributions can be sent to the congregation office. Funds include: Shir Tikvah Fund, Rabbi Latz Discretionary
Fund, Rabbi Simon Discretionary Fund, Rabbi Offner Legacy Fund for Youth, Adult Scholarship Fund, Building Fund, Flower Fund, Library Fund, Harris
Music Fund, Prayerbook Fund, Relief Fund, Social Justice Fund, Special Needs Education Fund, Torah Fund.
Rabbi Latz Fund
Marc Roth & Ann Kaner-Roth,
in appreciation
Alan & Gloria Weinblatt, in honor of
the yahrzeit of Ida Weinblatt
Harris Music Fund
Jeffrey Richman & Karen Casanova , in
appreciation of David Harris’s music
for Emma’s bat mitzvah
High Holy Day Fund
Judith and Erica Strohl
Offner Fund
Rabbi Barbara Block, in appreciation of
Rabbi Offner being at her
installation
Relief Fund
Rabbi Barbara Block, in memory of
Bob Pogoff
Shir Tikvah Fund
Rabbi Barbara Block, in honor of Rabbi
Simon’s installation
Jane Levin & Judy Reisman, in honor
of Caryl Barnett ’s leadership of
Yad b’yad and in honor of Elana
Goldman’s bat mitzvah
Ina & Larry Gravitz, in honor of
the yahrzeits of Rose Feuer, Edith
Gravitz, and Sydney Gravitz
Michael Israel & Laura Beth Landy
Jeffrey Richman & Karen Casanova, in
appreciation of the Shir Tikvah Staff
Mazel Tov to…
Deanna Scher & Allen Broderius and
Isaac, on the birth of their daughter
and sister, Elana Mozele Broderius
Ben & Sarah Malakoff, on their
recent marriage
Susan Phipps-Yonas & Al Yonas, on the
birth of their grandson, Rilliam
Alexander Abernathy, son of Rachel
Phipps-Yonas and Robert Abernathy
Dianne & Leighton Siegel on their
40th anniversary
Larry & Bunny Wolf, on their 10th
anniversary
To make a donation to Shir Tikvah, go to
http://www.razoo.com/story/Shir-Tikvah-Congregation
From Yad b’Yad (Caring Community)
From Koleil...
The Yad B’Yad Committee has
home-cooked meals in Shir
Tikvah’s freezer at Shir Tikvah.
If you are in need of meals for
health or any other reason,
please contact John Humleker,
Rabbi Simon, or Rabbi Latz at
(612) 822-1440.
Notes on accessibility
If you need
assistance or
accommodation
in order to
participate in the
life of Shir Tikvah,
call the office at
(612) 822-1440.
If you’re home from the hospital,
ill, or would like to have a visitor
(or if you know someone who would like to have a visitor),
contact Wendy Farrar at (612) 824-9535 or wsfarrar@
earthlink.net.
If you need a ride to services, contact Andrea Kircher at
(612) 922-4033 or amk@andreakircher.com.
If you’re interested in learning more about or joining
a chavurah, contact Linda Alter at (651) 248-6060 or
alterhomes@mindspring.com, or look on the Shir Tikvah
website under community or the home page for sign-up
information.
If you need assistance or accommodation in order to
participate in the life of Shir Tikvah, call the office at
(612) 822-1440 and a member of the Koleil [Inclusion]
Subcommittee will contact you.
• Assistive hearing devices are available during
services. They are located on the bookcase in the
Kiddush Hall. Hearing aids can be tuned into the
speaker system.
• A barrier-free entrance is available on Girard Avenue.
• The handicapped-accessible restroom is located off
the sanctuary under the balcony.
• Large-print prayer books are available from the
usher.
• Armchairs are available at the end of some rows for
those who need them.
Skilled at taking photos?
Your hobby can help Shir Tikvah! We’re
looking for congregants to take photos
at various Shir Tikvah events to use in Kol
Tikvah and other Shir Tikvah publications.
If interested, please contact Lisa Pogoff
at lpogoff@yahoo.com.
7
TORAH PORTIONS
Board Officers
President Jane Newman
President-Elect Jane Binder
Vice President & Communications Secretary Luke Weisberg
Treasurer Andrea Rubenstein
Recording Secretary Wendy Horowitz
Board Members
Linda Alter, Lillie Benowitz, Andy Bindman, Martha Brand,
Jay Erstling, Mary Hartmann, Morrie Hartman, Jennifer Kahn,
Kathryn Klibanoff, Jackie Krammer, Wayne Kuklinski, Ray Levi,
Jennifer Lewin, Jim L. Miller
Committee Chairs
Development Committee Luke Weisberg
Finance & Administration Andrea Rubenstein
Library Ginny Heinrich
Membership Kathryn Klibanoff, Ruth Markowitz
Religious School Wayne Kuklinski
Social Justice Linda Alter Capell, David Snyder
T’filah Ray Levi
Yad b’Yad Caryl Barnett, Verna Lind
Youth Connections Barry Epstein
Senior Rabbi
Michael Adam Latz
rabbilatz@shirtikvah.net
Director of Lifelong Learning
Rabbi Melissa B. Simon
rabbisimon@shirtikvah.net
Executive Director
John Humleker
john@shirtikvah.net
Music Director
Wendy Goldberg
wendy@shirtikvah.net
Rabbi’s Assistant
Holly Fields
holly@shirtikvah.net
Office Manager
Rebecca Rubenstein
rebecca@shirtikvah.net
STiFTY Advisor
Amira Cohen
stifty@shirtikvah.net
Founding Rabbi Emerita
Stacy K. Offner
a progressive Reform congregation serving the Twin Cities
NEXT SUBMISSION DEADLINE
The fifth of the month preceding publication.
Shir Tikvah welcomes and supports children and adults with disabilities. We try to make our programs and
services accessible to all within the limits of our resources. If you need accommodation or assistance in order
to participate in our programs, services or activities, please contact the Shir Tikvah office at (612) 822-1440.
1360 West Minnehaha Parkway
Designer Sarah Malakoff
1360 West Minnehaha Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55419-1199
(612) 822-1440 | offices@shirtikvah.net | www.shirtikvah.net
Minneapolis, MN 55419-1199
Editors Lisa Pogoff and Jeff Zuckerman
a publication of Shir Tikvah,
a progressive Reform congregation
Change Service Requested
February 5
Rosh Chodesh
Trumah
Exod. 25.1-27:19
February 12
T’tzaveh
Exod. 27:20-30:10
February 19
Ki Tisa
Exod. 30:11-34:35
February 26
Vayak’heil
Exod 35:1-38:20