Etz Chayim Programming Guide

Programming
Guide
2015
FALL
5776
Congregation Myyx Je
Etz Chayim
RABBI’S MESSAGE
God hides and many people give up
looking for him. But some do not.
T
H ER E I S A
sad. His father looks to the boy and
led clandestine religious services.
Hassidic story
explains: This is exactly how God
Her undying faith in God is reflected
about a little boy
feels. God hides and many people
in the few words that are preserved
who plays Hide
give up looking for him. But some do
from her life there. “Our Jewish
and Seek with his
not. Regina Jonas was a woman of
person was planted by God into
friend. To make the game the most
great faith. Born in Berlin in 1873,
history as a blessed nation. Blessed
fun he finds an amazing hiding place
she became the first woman to
by God means to offer blessings,
in a shed off the beaten track. Very
become a Rabbi. Her road was not
loving kindness and loyalty, regard-
satisfied with himself, he settles in
easy. She was forced to leave her
less of place and situation. Humility
for a long wait until his friend will
Orthodox roots to pursue a Reform
before God, selfless love for God’s
come to find him. Twenty minutes
ordination. When she got to classes
creatures, sustains the world. It is
pass, then an hour
she found herself to
Israel’s task to build this world; to be
and no friend.
be the only woman.
God’s servants.” On October 12,
Upon graduation she
1944 Regina and her mom were
found that many of
both deported to Auschwitz and
her colleagues were
died the same day. But her strong
being rounded up by
faith in God lives on.
Dejected he makes
his way home.
His father sees
him enter the house
forlorn and asks his
son what happened.
The boy tells him: we
were playing Hide
and Seek and I hid,
but my friend gave
up the search and
went home. After an
hour I came home
We open up the
Siddur and read
the words about
God’s presence
and God’s
dominion. We
want to believe,
but many of us
are not so sure
what to believe.
the Nazis. Many shuls
But our faith in God is not so
had no Rabbis. In
strong. We open up the Siddur and
defiance she worked
read the words about God’s pres-
as a congregational
ence and God’s dominion. We want
Rabbi. On November
to believe, but many of us are not so
6, 1942 she was sent
sure what to believe.
to Teresienstadt.
So my main High Holy Day
There she gave hun-
sermon this year will be about God
dreds of lectures and
and us. Hope to see you there.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
A
S TH E N EW YEAR
retreat in 2013; demographic infor-
approaches it is a
mation and feedback from the CEC
time for us to reflect,
survey; and feedback and questions
look back, and
from a congregational meeting in the
critically review what
fall of 2014, significant data has now
we achieved. It is also a time of
been accumulated. This allows the
opportunity looking forward to the
Board to identify areas where it
challenges and fresh ideas that a New
should focus to begin the process of
Year brings. With this in mind, your
making CEC's story a reality, and
of our those efforts is vital in our
Board has determined that it is time
respond to the suggestions and
ability to implement the required
for the CEC community to take the
questions that have been expressed
programs and initiatives that will
necessary actions and move forward
by congregants.
assure our success as a congregation.
in a direction that succeeds in making
It is the Board's intention at the
our congregation a strong centre for
AGM this fall to report on the
Judaism for generations to come.
initiatives it has undertaken and/or
WHERE ARE WE NOW?
This past year has seen the Board
involved in discussions, including;
1. Amalgamation with CSZ which
will proceed with in the coming year.
A taste of what is being proposed
includes: the re-establishing/reinvigorating of certain standing committees to better serve and involve our
came to an end this spring when
congregants; addressing issues
representatives of both Congre-
related to the location of our Shul;
gations decided that the differ-
establishing a satellite location in the
ences in our objectives were too
south end; and formulating a
significant to bridge, and there-
communications strategy which
fore, a partnership at this time
facilitates having you, our congre-
was not in the best interests of
gants, being fully informed and
each congregation, nor in the
updated as to the what CEC is
best interests of the community.
involved in and undertaking. In-
2. Undertaking the process of
creased exposure will better allow
writing CEC's story while review-
the community at large to be aware
ing and rewriting CEC's mis-
of CEC's events and what initiatives
sion/vision statement. This
it is undertaking to make CEC a
process is still on-going.
centre of activity in our community.
3. Holding “Conversation Cafés”
Lastly, in order to achieve our
with professional guidance and
desire to be that strong centre of
assistance, to create conversa-
Judaism, we will require the appropri-
tion around questions that
ate professional and financial
matter regarding the Etz Chayim
resources. Regarding the latter, in my
“Change Story” and proposed
June message, I referred to the need
vision for the future.
for undertaking a special fundraising
From those discussions and
event so we can achieve our objec-
other initiatives including: a Board
tives. To be successful, your support
OUR CHALLENGE:
With the New Year, our challenge
now is to use all the information we
have gathered, ideas we have shared
at the “Conversation Cafés”, and
feedback we have received from the
congregation, to create initiatives
which will make our desire to be a
strong centre of Judaism into a
reality. This will only happen with
your interest, support, and involvement in the activities and initiatives
undertaken by the Congregation.
Our Congregation is facing an
ever-changing community as well as
challenges which will require CEC to
accept changes to the way we operate
as a congregation in order to succeed
in our mission. Unfortunately, we do
not have the luxury of time and must
be prepared to put words into action
now to make our story a reality.
I ask you, our congregants, to
make this one of your priorities in the
New Year.
L'SHANA TOVA! Wishing you and
your family a wonderful New Year
filled with health and happiness.
- Esther and Marvin Samphir
R O S H H A S H A NA H
GREETINGS
DIANE & RICHARD
BORODITSKY & FAMILY
Wishing our family & friends a
healthy and happy New Year
WENDY & ALAN
DAIEN & FAMILY
DARLENE & JERRY DAVIS
Wishing our family &
Wishing our family & friends a
friends a happy &
healthy and happy New Year
healthy New Year
ANN, MAX,
& ELIE FEIERSTEIN
DINA & MARK FRANKEL
NORMAN
FREEDMAN
Wishing your families a
Wishing all our friends & family a
Wishing family &
year of gezunt, health,
happy & healthy New Year
friends a healthy &
and well being
DINA & BRUCE
GRANOVE
Wishing our family &
friends a healthy and
happy New Year
happy New Year
LIL & BEN HIRT
Wishing our relatives &
PHYLLIS & AUBREY
HIMELSTEIN & FAMILY
friends a healthy &
Wishing our family & friends a
happy New Year
healthy and happy New Year
MARGARET
KASNER & FAMILY
TERRY & JERRY KATZ
Wishing our family &
friends a healthy and
friends a healthy and
happy New Year
MATTHEW, NOLA,
EZRA, YONA, GALYA,
& GILON LAZAR
Shana Tova U’Metukah
Wishing our family &
friends a healthy &
BAYLA & LAURIE
MAINSTER & FAMILY
EVELYN NUMEROW
Shana Tova – A happy &
Wishing family & friends a
healthy New Year to all
healthy and happy New Year
Wishing family &
Wishing family & friends a
healthy and happy New Year
happy New Year
SID & JOYCE
ROSENHEK & FAMILY
Wishing family & friends a
Wishing our family &
healthy & happy New Year
friends a healthy &
happy New Year
friends a healthy &
happy New Year
KIM HIRT,
JERRY RUBIN,
RACHEL & BINA
A sweet & happy
New Year to all our
family & friends
SHAYNA &
MERRILL
SHULMAN & FAMILY
Wishing family &
happy New Year
our Family & Friends
LORRAINE REINER
MARVIN & ESTHER
SAMPHIR & FAMILY
Wishing family &
happy New Year
JANE, RONALD &
TIFFANY REIDER
friends a healthy and
HOWARD
KIDECKEL
WOMEN’S LEAGUE OF
CONGREGATION
ETZ CHAYIM
MIMI & EARL SINGER & FAMILY
Wishing family, friends, & congregation
a healthy & happy New Year
Congregation Myyx Je
Etz Chayim
2015
Programming
PROGRAMMING GUIDE 2015-2016
YOUTH
ADULTS
FAMILY
YOUTH PROGRAMMING
FOR YOUNG FAMILIES,
YOUTH AND CHILDREN
The Etz Chayim Youth Committee
offers many exciting and dynamic
activities for children of all ages and
their families.
We hold services on all Jewish
holidays throughout the year,
featuring Sukkot and Simchat
Torah, Chanukah, Tu B’Shevat,
Purim, Megillah Reading, Chocolate
Seder, Shavuot and much more.
Our programs provide the positive
Jewish experiences that will serve
as the foundation for your child’s
Jewish identity.
GENERAL
BAR/BAT MITZVAH
SOCIAL ACTION
WOMEN’S LEAGUE
CEC LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
SIMCHAT TORAH
Congregation Etz Chayim
Leadership Circle (ECLC) is a new
and exciting program created by
youth for youth in order to develop
leadership skills, generate
community, and foster Jewish
identity by getting involved in a
variety of learning, community
building, and social justice
opportunities. Led by college age
young adults, Etz Chayim leaders
will engage primarily with their
peers at the upper level (grades
10-12) or lower level (grades 7- 9).
Monday, October 5, 2015 @ 6:45 p.m.
Our first scheduled program will
be a Shabbaton for all post-B’nai
Mitzvah teens on November 6-7.
All teens from across the Winnipeg
Jewish community are invited to
join in – come help us kick off the
ECLC in style!
Join us as we celebrate Simchat
Torah, the happiest Jewish holiday
of the year, with singing, dancing &
rejoicing. Hear the sacred words of
the Torah as we start a new cycle.
Services will be lead by Rabbi
Lander & Cantor Tracy.
Ice Cream Sundae Bar and other
refreshments will be served.
Join us again on Tuesday,
October 6, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. for
Simchat Torah services.
JUNIOR CONGREGATION
ANNUAL LOTTERY &
BRUNCH
Sunday, November 22, 2015
This annual fundraiser has assisted
our synagogue throughout the
years with various capital projects.
This year the proceeds of the
lottery will be designated for
upgrades to our security system
and the purchase of a new oven.
• Brunch - 10:30 a.m.
• Cash Draw - 11:30 a.m.
• Cash Prizes Totaling $5,500
• Full Ticket Cost $100
• Tickets may be purchased in
increments of $25
• A tax deductible receipt will
be issued for 50% of the
ticket amount
WINNIPEG HARVEST
Monday, October 19, 2015
Monday, November 9, 2015
Monday, December 14, 2015
Our Junior Congregation program
on Shabbat mornings takes place
every week from October to June
beginning at 10:30 a.m. We engage
children in the spirit of Shabbat
through songs, prayer and discussion in three different groups, each
one tailored to the child’s level of
understanding:
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
1085 Winnipeg Avenue
Shemesh - ages 2-5
Yareiach ages 6-10
Koach - Pre B'nai Mitzvah ages 11-12
Volunteer with the Congregation
Etz Chayim Social Action Committee
at Winnipeg Harvest where we pack
boxes and help those in our city
who are in need. This is a special
mitzvah of Gemilut Chasadim (acts
of loving kindness) and Tikkun
Olam (repairing the world).
Services are followed by stories and
lessons from the weekly Torah
portion or a Jewish holiday that is
approaching. Children join their
parents at the end of the service.
A tasty junior Kiddush & floor
hockey follows the program.
Begins October 10, 2015.
SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE
TALLIT WEAVING
Guest Speaker Avrum Rosensweig
with Instructor Dorothy de Bruijn
October 30 - 31, 2015
Don’t miss the opportunity to
weave a handmade Tallit for your
children or grandchildren for a Bar
or Bat Mitzvah, wedding, anniversary or for spiritual renewal.
Avrum Rosensweig founded
Ve’ahavta (Canada's only Jewish
humanitarian organization) in
1996 after a seven-year stint
raising funds for the UJA/Jewish
Federation of Greater Toronto.
He is also Ve’ahavta’s visionary,
and the team’s source of guidance
and inspiration.
Friday, October 30, 2015
5:30 p.m. – Kabbalat Shabbat Service
6:10 p.m. – Shabbat Dinner
After dinner Avrum Rosensweig
will be speaking about “Ve'ahavta:
The Founding of Canada's First
Jewish Humanitarian Organization”
Activities for children will be
available during the presentation.
Saturday, October 31, 2015
9:00 a.m. – Shabbat Morning Service
Avrum’s topic will be: The State of
Israel: Crisis Response at its Best
Regardless of how a Jew or a
non-Jew feels about the State of
Israel, this tiny place on the planet
is in the forefront of crisis response.
That is the story of Israel and its
creative response to crisis in the
world, one that tells its own story.
After Kiddush lunch Avrum Rosensweig will be discussing – “Should you
give the person in the street a coin?”
What if I'm pretty convinced the
recipient of my tzedakah will buy beer
or wine with it, should I give? Avrum
will address these and other questions having to do with the homeless
person's needs and our responsibility
having to do with Tzedakah.
Question & Answer period will follow.
For reservations contact the
synagogue at 204-589-6305.
The “Tallit” or prayer shawl is a
religious object that has accompanied our people for centuries.
Weaving your own creation is a
powerful spiritual experience and
one that can impact many generations of your family and loved ones.
Registration is for 16 classes
Members - $260
Non members - $280
• This includes the yarn for the warp
and cost of winding the warp.
• Students will supply yarn for
the weft.
• Afternoon and evening classes
are available.
GOLF TOURNAMENT
The 9th Annual Etz Chayim Golf
Tournament will take place in June
of 2016 at Larters Golf Club. The
tournament will include a Texas
Scramble with a banquet to follow
at Congregation Etz Chayim. There
will be team prizes, individual prizes
and door prizes awarded as well as
silent auction items to bid on.
ANNUAL GENERAL
MEETING 2015
Members are invited to attend the
13th Annual General Meeting on
Tuesday, November 3 @ 7:00 p.m.
For more information or to register
call 204-589-6305 or email:
info@etzchayim.ca
Don’t miss your opportunity for
dialogue & discussion with the
representatives of the synagogue
about goals and priorities for 2016
and beyond, and come learn about
the progress over the last year.
SECRET CODES AND OTHER
MODES FOR STUDENTS
SHABBAT MORNING
SPEAKER SERIES
B’nai Mitzvah classes with Cantor Tracy
Students are invited to join this
specialized two-year program in
preparation for their Bar or Bat
Mitzvah at Congregation Etz Chayim.
Students will learn Torah and
Haftarah Trope – the codes for
reading the sacred texts – as well the
special melodies for Shabbat
morning, afternoon and evening.
Location: The Beit HaMidrash at Gray
Academy of Jewish Education.
Approximately once a month
throughout the year we are honoured to have special guest speakers deliver the D’var Torah on
Shabbat morning. Our series begins
in September featuring Nafiya Naso
– a former religious refugee and
current leader in Winnipeg’s Yazidi
community. Her topic will be “Save
the Yazidi”.
More information will follow at
www.congregationetzchayim.ca
SOULSTRETCH
YOGA AT ETZ CHAYIM
With instructor Debbie Lewis
2015 Fall Session Beginning Sunday,
November 1, 2015 (for 7 classes)
Morning Minyan (Optional)
9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Yoga class
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Light refreshments to follow.
Cost: $70 Members; $84 NM
Debbie’s lifetime of health and
fitness coupled with her knowledge
and passion to educate will provide
you with a higher level of body/mind
experience.
To register please call the office at
204-589-6305 or email us at info@etzchayim.ca.
Students will:
• Learn a variety of foundational
postures or asanas
• Develop functional strength,
stability, flexibility, and muscle
tone in their core
• Learn proper breathing techniques
PJ LIBRARY FAMILY SHABBAT
Join us for this popular and dynamic
program for children ages 5 to 9 &
their families led by “Morah Nancy”
Margolis. Nancy is a highly energetic,
nurturing, and creative teacher. She
has taught art at many different levels
and her enthusiasm creates a natural
rapport with all of her students.
TU B’SHEVAT AT THE
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Sunday, January 24, 2016
More information will follow at
www.congregationetzchayim.ca.
with Rabbi Lander
An experiential, interactive class for
conversion to Judaism in a warm,
welcoming environment.
Sundays from September to
June, 2015-2016 at Congregation
Etz Chayim.
Children will explore Jewish traditions
and values in a fun environment.
This is a great opportunity to experience Shabbat with family and friends.
Enjoy storytelling, Shabbat-friendly
crafts and much more. It’s a fun,
educational experience for all of our
young guests. Everyone is welcome!
For more information and registration call to the office at 204-589-6305
Program Schedule:
October 3, 2015
November 21, 2015
December 12, 2015
January 23, 2016
February 20, 2016
April 9, 2016
May 14, 2016
June 11, 2016
ANNUAL PURIM
CELEBRATION
This class is for both males and
females, and for those with and
without yoga experience.
Bring your mat and blanket. A yoga
block and strap are recommended.
INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM
CHOCOLATE SEDER
April 17, 2016 - 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Come join us for our 12th Annual
Chocolate Seder led by Steven
Hyman. This fun-filled afternoon will
help your children experience
Pesach in a creative and meaningful
way. This program combines music
and storytelling and of course –
CHOCOLATE. Drink your four cups
of chocolate milk, eat chocolate-covered matzah and even taste some
chocolate charoset. There will be
many more chocolate surprises!
This is a delicious way to learn and
celebrate the arrival of Pesach.
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Congregation Etz Chayim and the
Jewish National Fund present our
annual Purim Carnival. There will be
games, bouncers, face painting,
balloon animals and much, much
more. Entertainment hosted by
Barry Kay of Cherry Tree Productions. We invite you to come in
costume for a fun-filled afternoon.
The carnival is open to the whole
Jewish Community, so bring a friend
or two!!!
Megillah Reading and
Costume Parade
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Celebrate this joyous holiday with
fun, laughter and noise-makers. Let
the generations rejoice! The Megillah will be read again on Thursday
morning at 9:00 a.m.
Stay tuned for more information.
PROGRAM FOR RUSSIAN
SPEAKING SENIORS
This program is designed to involve
Russian speaking seniors in our
community.
The sessions include discussions of
important current worldwide events
from the Jewish perspective, as well
as the celebration of Jewish holidays
in a very user-friendly environment.
Conducted exclusively in Russian.
ANNUAL CHANUKAH
CELEBRATION
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Bring your family and friends to join
in this very special celebration of
miracles and light with traditional
candle lighting, dinner, special
entertainment, Chanukah songs and
games with the children, including
everyone's favorite game: Dreidel!
Everyone is welcome to bring their
own Chanukiah & candles to light
for the 5th night of Chanukah.
Help our community celebrate the
spirit of giving by teaching your
children to select a special toy or
book to donate to someone in need.
All unwrapped gifts will be donated
to Jewish Child & Family Service.
More information will be available
on our website.
SECRET CODES AND OTHER
MODES FOR ADULTS
Led by Cantor Tracy
As a young person did you miss the
opportunity to celebrate your
Bar/Bat Mitzvah? Here’s your chance!
Congregation Etz Chayim is offering
Adult B’nai Mitzvah Classes!
Basic Hebrew reading is a pre-requisite and you don’t need a singing
voice to experience the musical
codes that have existed for centuries.
The class culminates in a B'nai
Mitzvah ceremony where students
have the opportunity to lead a
Shabbat morning service and be
called to the Torah.
For more information about joining
our class or to register please call the
synagogue office at 204-589-6305 or
email info@etzchayim.ca.
MITZVAH MINDS
Students in Kindergarten- Grade 5
are invited to join master teacher
Cantor Tracy Kasner Greaves and
her exceptional teaching staff for this
exciting ritual learning opportunity.
Students will explore Hebrew
language, Torah, T’fillah (prayer)
and Mitzvot.
Students will also begin the adventure into the special language of
'Torah Trope' - the code for reading
Torah in the ancient melodies.
Mitzvah Minds in now available in
two time slots to choose from:
Sunday morning 10:15 am - 11:15 am
Sunday afternoon 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm
Beginning September 27, 2015.
Classes are located in the Kaufman
Silverberg Resource Centre
Classroom at the Asper Jewish
Community Campus.
Please call Jonathan Buchwald at
204-589-6305 for registration
information & eligibility requirements.
TORAH STUDY ON SHABBAT
WITH RABBI LANDER
Join Rabbi Lander for Text, Study and
Discussion on Shabbat after Kiddush.
Session 1
“Enhancing the God Connection”
November 7, 14, 21, 28
December 5, 12, 19, 26
Session 2
“Jewish Spirituality”
January 9, 16, 23, 30
February 6, 13, 20
Session 3
“Pirkei Avot”- The Last Chapter
March 5, 19, 26
April 2, 9, 16, 30
Everyone is welcome.
BOOK CLUB
Our group meets informally four
to five times per year to discuss
books by a Jewish author or on a
Jewish theme.
Participants are most welcome to
attend any or all of the sessions.
Contact our synagogue office to
find out the next time the group
will be meeting.
JUDAICA GIFT SHOP
TORAH FUND BRUNCH
Need a gift for a simcha? We have
merchandise in all price ranges,
suitable for wedding, engagement
or Bat/Bar Mitzvah gifts.
Sunday, November 15, 2015
@ 11:00 a.m.
FALL 2014
Regular Business Hours:
Wednesdays & Fridays
10:00 a.m. to Noon
Also available by special appointment by calling 204-589-6305. Gift
Registry is available for any occasion.
If you want to donate books please
bring them to the synagogue office.
Used books for sale...novels,
Judaica and children's books $0.50- $2.00.
Women’s League of CEC invites you
to join them at their Annual Torah
Fund Brunch. This year’s theme is
entitled "Torah Fund, Tiaras, and
Toonies...a Fashion Show of
Fine Jewels."
SHABBAT ACROSS WINNIPEG
AT CONGREGATION ETZ
CHAYIM
Friday, March 11, 2016
More information will follow at
www.congregationetzchayim.ca.
LAG BA’OMER CELEBRATION
Thursday, May 26, 2016
TIKKUN LEYL SHAVUOT
Saturday, June 11, 2016
More information will follow at
www.congregationetzchayim.ca.
An outdoor celebration with games,
pony rides and many other fun-filled
activities for the whole family to enjoy.
More information will follow at
www.congregationetzchayim.ca.
WOMEN’S LEAGUE
Women's League of Congregation
Etz Chayim is part of the largest
Jewish women's organization in the
world...Women’s League for
Conservative Judaism. We promote
Jewish learning, values, inclusivity
and tikkun olam.
Membership gives women of all
ages an opportunity to work
towards these goals as well as
making new friends in a warm,
social atmosphere.
SUKKAH CITY
Community Wide Holiday Celebration
SPECIAL SHABBATOT
Sunday, September 27
2:00- 4:00 p.m.
Multi- Purpose Room Rady JCC
$5/Family
• P2G Gray Academy Shabbat
• Grandparents Shabbat
• New Members Shabbat
• Women's League Shabbat
• Gray Academy Graduation Shabbat
Presented by: Congregation Etz
Chayim, Congregation Shaarey
Zedek, Herzlia Synagogue, and the
Rady JCC.
1. Design & build your own
miniature Sukkah
2. Scavenger Hunt
3. Prizes & more
4. Wind up with refreshments
Your Own Miniature Fantasy
Sukkah will be included in our
miniature Sukkah City displayed at
the Rady Centre!
Register by Thursday, September 24
at radyjcc.com or at (204) 477-7510.
Congregation Myyx Je
Etz Chayim
123 Matheson Avenue East
Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2W 0C3
Phone (204) 589-6305
Fax (204) 582-0246
info@etzchayim.ca