Dec 2015 Kol Tikvah

December 2015 • Volume 29 • Issue 11
A Reform Congregation Embracing Our Jewish Tradition
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News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Home Guide for Chanukah Celebration
On Sunday evening, December 6th at sundown,
we begin our eight-day celebration of
Chanukah. Traditionally we join with our
family members each night in lighting the
menorah. Based upon a wonderful discussion
in the Talmud between the Houses of Hillel and Shammai, we
understand the customs and procedures for how we treat these
lights of wonder.
It is always nice to spend a few moments gazing into the
flames, marking the miracles in our lives and in gratitude to do
a bit of learning. Below are some mini-teachings, shared by
rabbis from across the spectrum of Judaism, one for each night
of Chanukah. Enjoy!
FOR THE FIRST NIGHT: We light the first candle to remind
ourselves that in the beginning there was darkness on the face
of the earth. With the words, “Let there be light” the world was
brought into existence from darkness to light. We kindle our
first candle, which we hope, like the earth’s first light, will
grow to enlighten the whole world.
It is customary to place the Menorah in a window for the light
to shine out into the world. If however this could be considered
dangerous, the menorah may be placed in a position better
suited in your home.
FOR THE SECOND NIGHT: The second light reminds us of
the brightness of our community and the community of our
people in ERETZ YISRAEL, the land of Israel. Through the
darkness of years in exile our people clung to a beacon of hope,
shining forth through our tradition. And now through years of
miles and lands, that beacon burns brightly in our hearts, and in
the world, again. “If I forget You, Oh Jerusalem, let my tongue
cleave to my mouth, left my right hand forget its cunning.”
Facing the Menorah, the candles are added each night from
right to left, & kindled with the Shamash (the helper candle)
from left to right
As the first candle is kindled we recite the first blessing:
Baruch atah Adonai elohenu melech ha’olam, asher kid’sha-nu
b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu le’had’lik ner shel Chanukah.
FOR THE THIRD NIGHT: The third light reminds us that in
every generation we need the faith of the Maccabees of old.
Long ago in Jerusalem, this brave band led by Judah, drove the
Syrian Greeks out of the Temple, and as their first act of faith
rekindles the Ner Tamid, the Eternal Light, which, along with
the Temple, had been desecrated. In this simple, yet meaningful
act of belief, they demonstrated their faith that God, once again
had redeemed God’s people, for “Adonai is my light and my
salvation.”
Praised are You, Adonai our God, Ruling Spirit of the
Universe, by whose Mitzvot we are hallowed, and who
commands us to kindle the Chanukah lights.
Then after the lights are lit, we recite the second blessing:
FOR THE FOURTH NIGHT: The fourth light is the light of
courage. It took strength for Mattathias and his sons to ignore
the bribes and threats of Antiochus. It took courage to make the
decision that not gold and not precious stones, but freedom to
worship was the higher goal of the people.
Every day we are called upon to make decisions. Some of them
are easy and affect only ourselves; others are infinitely more
difficult and involve many others; family, friends, community,
even nations. Just as the Maccabees lived by the words of
Moses to Joshua, may we also, “Be strong and of good
courage.”
Baruch atah Atonai elohenu melech ba’olam, she’asah nissim
la-av-otenu bayamin hahem baz-man hazeh.
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the Universe,
who performed wondrous deeds for our ancestors in days of
old, at this season.
FOR THE FIFTH NIGHT: The fifth light is the light of Torah,
the Five Books of Moses, the source of our values. It was to be
faithful to its teachings that Judah and his followers went to
battle. Often we must sacrifice for an ideal. How much we are
willing to lose is a mark of how much we hope to maintain. Yet
we have a guide to help us. “The Mitzvah is a lamp and the
Law is a light.”
ON THE FIRST NIGHT ONLY, we chant the She’hecheyanu
blessing to mark this unique moment in this year’s
commemoration of Chanukah:
Baruch atah Adonai elohenu melech ba’olam, she’hecheyanu
vekiyemanu vehigiyanu laz’man hazeh.
Continued on next page...
Praised are You, God, Ruler of the Universe, for giving us life,
for sustaining us, and for enabling us to reach this season.
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News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Notes from Cantor Kassel
BEIT TEFILAH ISRAELI (TEL AVIV)
To Perform at Temple Beth Tikvah
MONDAY, DECEMBER 14th
7:15 – 8:15 pm
Beit Tefilah Israeli's famed musical ensemble to tour over a dozen
USA Jewish communities on its annual Chanukah tour
Beit Tefilah Israeli is a creative, innovative and inclusive Jewish-Israeli grassroots community and organization that offers meaningful Jewish ritual, study, activism and a sense of belonging to the general
Israeli public. We are a young and fast-growing, liberal, musical, independent and egalitarian community in urban Tel Aviv, committed to Jewish spirit, culture, and social action and redefining the JewishIsraeli identity of the secular Israeli public. We strive to create, develop and sustain a dynamic, indigenous Israeli Judaism relevant to modern Israeli life and in line with our core values.
Rabbi Esteban Gottfried, Beit Tefilah Israeli's co-founder, director and spiritual leader, is leading the ensemble during a two-week tour in the United Staes, together with the incredible musicians of Beit Tefilah Israeli's musical ensemble: Atalya Lavi (cantor, soloist singer), Yotam Mahler (pianist, singer, songwriter), Eitan Gofman (flute/saxophone/clarinet) and Dor Biran (percussion). During the two-week tour,
the ensemble will present its highly creative, innovative, modern Jewish-Israeli musical performances,
original works and workshops in over a dozen communities across North America, to be attended by
thousands.
For more information about Beit Tefilah Israeli, check out:
http://www.kbyonline.org/Beit-Tefilah/
DONATIONS TO THE CANTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND ARE APPRECIATED
TO HELP WITH THIS EVENT
… Continued from page 1
FOR THE SIXTH NIGHT: The sixth light is the light of the Synagogue. Some call it Temple; some shul, it is our symbol, that
through worship, through common ideas, and through our devotion to the Jewish people, there can be no force which can ever
destroy us. The Sanctuary is the sign that we, as co-workers with God, can help to bring about freedom in our world, “Blessed are
all who come in the name of God, we bless you from out of the House of Adonai.”
FOR THE SEVENTH NIGHT: The seventh light reminds us that our beginnings are in the home, where we first learned our
Judaism. The home is where we learn the warmth of love; the joys, tastes, aromas, sensations of caring families, of Jewish homes.
On this Festival, as at all times, may the hearts of children be turned to the parents and parents to children, and may we understand
through all their experiences the blessings of love and devotion symbolized by the home. "Let your home be open wide, and let the
lost be members of your household."
FOR THE EIGHTH NIGHT: The final light is the light of our responsibility, to be a “Kingdom of priests and holy people,” to try
to complete the work of creation; bringing love and humanity into the world. The prophet Micah said, “It has been told to you what
is good, and what God requires of you: “Only to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
B’nai Mitzvah
Hannah Faer will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on December 5, 2015. Hannah is the daughter
of Stefani and Craig Faer and sister to Emily. She is in 7th grade at Simpson Middle School where she
participates in the Junior Sprayberry Jackets Cheer Program. Hannah is the granddaughter of Judy and Alan
Schulman and Andy Faer and Bruce and Donna Faer. Her hobbies include cheer and hanging out with her
friends.
Edward Benjamin Kagan will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on December 5, 2015. Edward is
the son of Morris and Anna Kagan of Roswell, and brother to Albert and Diana. The Kagan family immigrated
to the United States from Kiev, Ukraine in the early 1990s. Edward is an 8 th grader at Hightower Trail Middle
School where he enjoys playing violin in the school orchestra. As part of his 13 Mitzvot Project, Edward is
sharing his talent of performing magic tricks to entertain families of hospitalized children at the Ronald
McDonald House. Edward’s Bar Mitzvah day marks the 115 th birthday of his great-grand-father Benyamin
Gurevich (1900-1977), after whom Edward received his Hebrew name Benyamin.
Daniel Schilstra will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on December 12, 2015. Daniel is the son of
Caryn Schilstra and Mets Schilstra. He has an older brother, Mark, and a younger brother, Jeremy. Daniel is a
7th grader at Elkins Pointe Middle School where he is an honor roll student. He loves playing baseball and
especially 1st base on his travel baseball team, the Exhibition Athletics. Daniel also enjoys playing basketball
and was excited to have the opportunity to participate in an adaptive basketball program where he played with
children with developmental disabilities. Daniel is looking forward to sharing this occasion with his family
Already missing your camp friends, or looking forward to going to
camp for the first time? But not sure how to pay for it?
The TBT Camp Scholarship Program helps families
with the cost of camp tuition. Camp scholarships are based on financial
need and are awarded by the Camp Scholarship Committee as a part of
an anonymous review and allocation process. All applications and
inquiries are confidential. Please submit your application as well as any
scholarship questions to MarciaHaber@yahoo.com by December 15th.
We are collecting toiletry
samples for gift bags for
the homeless. There is a
basket underneath the
education table in the
lobby. Items to include are: toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, feminine hygiene products, soap, brushes/combs and lotion.
As you can see, we as a congregation are concerned with all who are
hungry. It brings me to the Turkey Drive. Imagine your holiday
dinner with no turkey...with just some potatoes or canned beans. We
have done a wonderful job with Project Isaiah, now let's put our efforts into the most successful Turkey Drive we have ever had. 100%
participation! All it takes is a $10 donation (you can write a check
with Turkey Drive in the memo)! The money collected will be split
between NFCC and JF&CS. Think about what a meaningful
donation this will be to a family, just like yours, who will be able to
celebrate the holiday and not be hungry.
We can do this for our community.
Knit and Nosh with Sisterhood; we are knitting and crocheting
scarves for the homeless for distribution in December. Thanks to all
who are participating. A warm scarf will be a wonderful gift for the
upcoming cool temperatures.
Thank you.
Terry Apt Carasick
www.terryshealthyliving@gmail.com
FOOD of the month for December will be pet food for dogs and
cats...please start collecting canned and dry food in anticipation.
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
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ECEC
The ALEF Fund is a registered Georgia 501(c)3 Student Scholarship Nonprofit Organization that supports Jewish education in
Georgia by helping taxpayers get a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit for providing scholarships to students at the school or schools
of their choice! ALEF Fund was established by Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta in 2008. They provide scholarships to pre-k,
kindergarten, primary or secondary public school students who wish to attend participating Jewish schools. It is the only
organization in Georgia that provides student scholarships exclusively to Jewish preschools, day schools and high schools.
Over the past two years, Temple Beth Tikvah’s Early Childhood Center has been fortunate to be a part of the ALEF fund. Several
of our Temple Beth Tikvah students have been able to receive these funds toward their tuition. It allows families the comfort of
continuing a Jewish education, without the worry and stress of tuition costs.
The key to success of the ALEF fund, however is YOU! By redirecting your state tax dollars to the Early Childhood Center at
Temple Beth Tikvah, you can help our school provide a quality Jewish education to the youngest members of our community.
Visit www.aleffund.org to electronically complete your 2015 ALEF Fund forms OR contact Nina Rubin, ALEF Fund manager
nrubin@jewishatlanta.org or 678.222.3739.
The ALEF Fund, 1440 Spring St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
Fax: 678.495.9927
E-mail: nrubin@jewishatlanta.org
If you have any questions, call Nina Rubin at 678-222-3739
If you have any tax questions, please your tax advisor or you may contact Ron Swichkow for more information.
The Early Childhood Education Center thanks you in advance for your support!
Jenifer Friedman
ECEC Director
www.bethtikvahpreschool.com
Religious School
We are very proud of our achievements in the religious school. We are extremely focused on Hebrew, History, Bible, Prayers, art
and music. Each month I’d like to share some of the things our students are doing in their classes.
Here is a glimpse into our 2nd grade classes: They have covered bible stories from creation to Noah’s Ark, reviewed and discussed
the Jewish holidays. They are able to take the familiar customs and have deeper discussions where the children are able to relate
and share their own family experiences. The children are so excited each Sunday as they are introduced to one or two new Hebrew
letters.
Another class read the Tower of Babel. The students were then tasked to build a tower without using their words to communicate!
Boy was that funny. When they were allowed to speak again, they discussed the meaning of G-ds punishment to the builders when
he gave them all different languages, leaving them unable to communicate. The class decided our greatest gift from G-d was being
able to communicate with one another, and how much easier tasks are when they work together instead of apart.
Our final 2nd grade class does Mitzvah Moments. The Mitzvah Moments cover 18 different Mitzvahs that the student tries to accomplish at home during the year. Each week they turn in a brief written paper showing how they did the Mitzvah. They have
done 3: Honoring Mother and Father, Inviting Guests to the home, and Being a Good Listener.
As you can see, our 2nd grade students are very busy and are having a lot of fun!
Our Religious School and Youth Group are again collaborating on making sure our children get to know one another. We have had
2 sets of mixers during the past month. The students spent time learning about their classmates and had fun playing silly mixer
games!
Reminders:
Our Hanukkah assembly is December 13th. Please join us as our 6th grade students entertain the school with their
holiday program. Our PreK, kindergarten and 1 st grade students will entertain us as well with Hanukkah songs.
There will be no school on the following days:
December 15th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 27th, 28th, 29th
January 3rd, 4th, 5th, 17th and 18th
Shalom,
Hassia Levin
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
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Do as I Say, Not as I Do
This month, I am deviating from my usual writings to share
something that has been bothersome to me. My thoughts are
shared in hopes that we can all better assess the role we play in
influencing our own children and grandchildren as well as those
in our synagogue community.
So, here is my point. If we want to raise
ethically behaving children, we need to work
on developing their character. We as parents
are the most powerful role models for our
children, but if we are dishonest even in ways
we consider to be just “white lies”, the odds are that our
children will internalize these behaviors as well. We can spend
thousands of dollars on private schools, either secular or nonsecular, in hopes of getting our kids the best education and
instilling some semblance of ethics. But, we sometimes
undermine that education when our child hears us fudge their
age at the movie theatre or amusement park to get a cheaper
ticket.
In Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech, he referred to
the “content of one’s character.” Growing up, I knew the words
of his speech but not until I became the parent of two young
adults did I realize what those words truly meant. In my mind,
one’s character goes hand in hand with one’s ethical DNA. In
my professional life, I have seen many examples of poor ethical
behavior, both in people’s business and personal lives. What is
even more perplexing to me is that many of these people are
individuals of strong faith, both Jewish and non-Jewish.
The same theme can be applied to our children’s attitudes
toward their Judaism. How can we expect our kids to fully
embrace their Judaism and spirituality when we make passing
comments they might overhear about how Religious School
interferes with another event or when we, ourselves, only enter
the synagogue a few times a year?
So I asked myself, where might that behavior come from?
Shockingly enough, it often comes from our parents.
According to a report published in the Journal of American
Medicine, babies are born with an instinctive capacity and
desire to imitate adult human behavior. I think we all have
experienced this as we make fools of ourselves making weird
faces to try to get babies to imitate us. As a new grandparent, I
am absolutely guilty of that. But here’s the rub - they do not
possess an instinct for gauging whether a behavior ought to be
imitated. Repeated enough times, babies and children will
imitate almost anything, including behaviors that most adults
would regard as destructive or anti-social.
Parents may be the strongest role models, but our children also
learn from grandparents, teachers and other adults in their lives.
We can all aspire to be better role models at home, at work and
in the synagogue, an improvement that will undoubtedly pay
dividends well into the future.
L’Shalom
Ron Swichkow
The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ)
presented TBT and Rabbi Shuval-Weiner
with the Maurice N. Eisendrath “Bearer
of Light” Award “for participation in the
American Journey for Justice and
outstanding civil rights work”.
The march served to inspire everyone involved in calling attention to
social justice and civil rights. Rabbi Shuval-Weiner noted “we are a
people whose sacred narrative is based on a journey from slavery to
redemption. In Torah the single most repeated line is “remember you
were once slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt” – How is a liberated people
to act? This gives us our ethical charge, just as we were redeemed,
The award was given at the November URJ we too acting b’tzelem eloheim (in the image of G-d) are obligated
to work toward bringing redemption to broken places. As members
Biennial convention in Orlando in early
November. The Eisendrath Bearer of Light of our sacred congregation - Beth Tikvah - the House of Hope - each
and every one of us should feel that obligation to better understand
Award is conferred every two years in two
the injustices that exist in our community, in our country, and work
categories’: Service to Reform Jewry and
toward repairing the wrongs. Rabbi Maurice Eisendrath was a powService to the World Community. As detailed in the October Kol
Tikvah, Rabbi Shuval-Weiner joined 150 other Reform Rabbis from erful voice in the American rabbinate. He served as president of the
all over the U.S. in the march organized by the NAACP from Selma, UAHC (URJ) from 1943-1973, and helped to found the Religious
Action Center in 1961. He was a champion of prophetic Judaism,
Alabama to Washington D.C., carrying a 20 pound Torah scroll
and as such he spoke out passionately on the struggle for civil rights
enroute. Rabbi Shuval-Weiner marched 16 miles through historic
South Atlanta / the Capital and observed “the experience of walking and marched with MLK carrying the Torah, representing God’s demand for tzedek. (This is why we carried the Torah during
side by side sharing the stories of our lives, and learning from one
America’s Journey for Justice march)”.
another was incredibly profound. We made deeply impactful relationships in a very short amount of time. The carrying of the Torah May we all be so inspired for social justice causes like this one !
was a powerful thing…passing it between Jews and non-Jews, Black
and White; we all talk about its message and purpose”.
-Mark Rudel, Communications Chair
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Youth Group
Want more info about the youth groups at TBT?
Contact Adam or Bobbee at: youth@bethtikvah.com or
(404) 228–2494
HOTTY (9-12th Grade)
WHAT DID WE DO THIS PAST MONTH?
November was a fun and busy month for HOTTY. On November 7th, we had our
HOTTY Spooky night. We played games at temple and spent some time learning about what Judaism has to say about the afterlife. Then we headed to the
town square for Roswell’s Haunted Ghost tour and havdallah under the stars.
See some pictures in this month’s newsletter.
We also had our inaugural HOTTY youth lounge night! HOTTYites hung out in
our brand new youth lounge, eating dinner, watching TV, and decorating our
new space. If you missed it, don’t worry, we have another one next month!
HOTTY - Kallah
The Definition of Success…
WHAT’S UP NEXT FOR HOTTY?
Come hang out with your HOTTY friends at our next Lounge Night, December
2nd. And, the event every HOTTYite waits all year for…our annual Broomball &
Latke-in Lock-in is December 12-13th. We’ll meet at TBT on Saturday night and
then head over to the Cooler to play broomball! Then, it’s back to TBT for a lockin at the synagogue. Hope you can make it!
Save-the-date: NFTY-SAR Winter Regional & Elections is
January 15-18th, 2016 at Camp Thunderbird.
Stay tuned for details on how to register!
Join the HOTTY Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/TBT.HOTTY/) to
stay up-to-date on what's happening and to RSVP for HOTTY events!
Join our Remind101 text updates: text @826ef3 to 81010.
JYG (7-8th Grade)
In November we had a great time at The Main Event…we went bowling, competed in laser tag and played arcade games. It was a great way to kickoff the
year! Check out some of the pictures from our event in this month’s newsletter.
December 6th JYG is headed to Young Chef’s Academy for a fun afternoon
cooking up delicious treats! Watch your email and our Facebook page for this
fun event which will start right after Sunday school. See you there!
Save-the-date: March 11-13th is NFTY-SAR’s Hatikvah Kallah for
7th & 8th Graders at Temple Kol Emeth in Marietta!!
We’ll send out more info about this awesome weekend as the date gets
closer.
Join the JYG Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/TBT.JYG/) to stay
up-to-date on what's happening with JYG, RSVP and arrange carpools for events!
Club 56 (5th & 6th Grade)
Ever wanted to go to a movie premiere?? Well, we may not be able to get to
The definition of success when it comes to planning NFTY
Kallot is always multi-faceted. Did we establish and keep in
mind the technicalities of the Kallah so that it runs smoothly
and without interference? Did we plan programs, mixers, and
services that genuinely engaged the participants and made them
feel like more than just an observer? Was the Kallah meaningful for the participants? Did they leave with a brightened sense
of what the theme of the Kallah was meant to convey?
HOTTY worked tirelessly for months preparing for NFTYSAR’s Fall Kallah – brainstorming and organizing and planning
and writing and buying – and was rewarded with innumerable
positive responses via word of mouth and the Kallah survey
created by one of our own advisors, Adam Griff. Among
these were compliments on services, on the Saturday night program at Cagle’s, and especially on the Saturday social action
program, which invited members of several different charitable
organizations such as North Fulton Community Charities and
the Drake House to speak, allowing participants the opportunity
to learn more about the social action movements in our area.
However, the most striking and meaningful for HOTTY were
those commenting on our preparedness for and execution of the
Kallah: “Out of all the Kallot I've been to, HOTTY has always
done a good job on being organized and on-pace, but they also
make sure to include every member of their TYG who wants
to be a part of it. There have always been entirely new program
ideas and themes coming out of those Kallot that seem to exponentially raise the bar compared to what other TYG's do.” It
is because of such impacts on the participants that HOTTY has
always striven to be a model for our region and our members.
HOTTY has become such a force in NFTY-SAR that the Kallah
co-chairs, Allie Goodman and Ben Goldenthal, and our
advisors, Bobbee and Adam Griff, without whom the Kallah
would not have had such immense success, will be interviewed
by the URJ on December 9 on how to run a successful Kallah.
Meanwhile, HOTTY will be back to business as usual for the
month of December. Our December events include a youth
lounge night on December 2nd and our Broomball Latke-in on
December 12th and 13th. The Latke-in is our annual December
event in which participants from other TYG’s are welcome to
come. We will be going to The Cooler to play broomball, a
hockey-like game played with brooms on ice, and returning to
Temple for a “Latke-in” (lock-in), spending the night at TBT.
All HOTTY 9th-12th graders are welcome, and if you are interested in HOTTY this would be a great event to meet not only
HOTTYites but members of other NFTY-SAR TYGs as well!
SEE YOU THERE!
L.A., but on Saturday, December 5th, we’re turning TBT into our own
Hollywood!! Come dressed up like a movie star, walk the red carpet, get your
picture taken, and enjoy dinner and a movie with Club56!
Join the 5th & 6th Grade Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/TBT.56/)
to stay up-to-date on what's happening, RSVP and arrange carpools for events!
UPCOMING YOUTH GROUP EVENTS:
December 2 - HOTTY Lounge Night
December 5 – Bonim & Gesher Chanukah Party
December 5 – Club56 Hollywood Night
December 6 – JYG Cooking Class
December 12-13 - HOTTY Latke-In
January 23 – Family Tu B’Shevat event (grades K-12)
-Joey Chanin, HOTTY’s Communication Vice-President
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HOTTY GHOST TOUR
TBT Seniors Luncheon
Monday, December 14th at 12 PM
Presentation by
Herb Smith
Former Military Guard for the
"Tomb of the Unknown Soldier”
in Washington D.C.
JYG MAIN EVENT
RSVP to Natine at rosen4348@aol.com
THANK YOU to Sisterhood! We are well under way with planning great events for the winter and spring of 2016! We had so
many great suggestions at our last 2 brainstorming programs that
we are looking ahead to the fall of 2016 for implementation also…
Wow! There will be social, educational, social action, and
hospitality themes to attend. Our committee looks forward to
seeing YOU!
Sisterhood had a great turn out for Mah Jongg and Knit and Nosh last
month. We have been teaching beginners how to play Mah Jongg and
how to knit scarves respectively. Please come to our next sessions
whether you are experienced or a novice. We welcome all!
Oli and Ve is Thursday night, 12/3/15, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Please
come and learn about wonderful oils and vinegars, socialize, and have
some great taste treats. The shop has some wonderful gift ideas so
come prepared with a shopping list.
Mah Jongg is Sunday, 12/6/15, 9:45 a.m.- 11:45 a.m. Please come
and enjoy this intricate game, either as a novice or learned player. We
have some wonderful teachers ready to teach the basics. You are sure
to enjoy the morning and get to know fellow Sisterhood members.
Our scarves made at Knit and Nosh will be delivered this month to a
homeless shelter. Please watch for more Knit and Nosh dates as this
project will be continued into 2016.
A big THANK YOU goes out to all the volunteers that have signed up
to help with onegs this fall. This has also been a special ongoing project for Sisterhood. There will be new dates for winter and spring to
shop and/or bake for onegs, so please sign up when you receive the
sign up genius link.
Sunday, January 24th
at 4:30 pm in
TBT’s Oneg Room
Our Kehillat Chesed and Adult Education
Committees, along with Etz Chaim’s Kehillat
Chesed, will present an informative program on
the Eden Alternative.
Please plan to join us and look
for more information in the
January Kol Tikvah.
Robin Bledsoe
Sisterhood Chair
10
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
TBT 30th
Anniversary
Volunteers Needed !
Contact
Debbie Malever at
dmalever@gmail.com
or
Suzanne Hurwitz at
suzanne@hurwitz.us
Watch for
info
about the
TBT Business
Network
in the
January
Kol Tikvah
Holiday Turkey Drive
2015-2016 Jewish Scouting
Religious Emblem Program
for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts
of all ages and ranks
Unless, someone like you
cares a whole lot, nothing is
going to get better
It’s not!
Dr. Seuss
Donations in $10 increments will go to purchase
grocery gift cards for JF&CS & NFCC
Help make someone’s holidays “Full”filling!
The Jewish Scouting Religious Emblem Program is designed to give
recognition to youth who have demonstrated religious growth. The
program originated in 1945 and is as strong as it has ever been. The
program is a combination of classroom discussion and individual
achievement. The more advanced programs may require service
hours or additional homework and may not be completed within the
selected timeframe. Future scheduling will be available. Recognition
will still be offered at a Scout Shabbat either at your unit or at the
District.
Class Dates: Sunday December 6 - 4:30-5 pm
Orientation (scouts and parents)
Sundays-December 6,13; January 10,17,24,31 5-6:30pm
All classes will be held at Temple Beth Tikvah
Please make your checks out to TBT
and mark them Food Drive or donate online here.
To Reserve a Space – Please email Tony Rosenberg
11
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
December 2015
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
1
19th of Kislev 5776
Wednesday
Thursday
2 20th of Kislev 5776
No Religious School
3
HOTTY - Youth Lounge
Night 6:00 pm
Tai Chi 9:30 am
21st of Kislev 5776
Sisterhood - Evening at
Oli & Ve 7:00 pm
Friday
4 22nd of Kislev 5776
Shabbat Service w/
Choir 8:00 pm
Saturday
5 23rd of Kislev 5776
Bagels, Learning &
Torah 9:00 am
Shabbat Service Faer/Kagan Bnai
Mitzvah 10:00 am
Officers Meeting
7:30 pm
Bonim & Gesher Chanukah Party
5:00 pm
Club 56 - Hollywood
Night 5:00 pm
6
24th of Kislev 5776
7
25th of Kislev 5776
1st Day CHANUKAH
1st Day Hanukkah
First Night of Chanukah
Religious School 9:30 am
2nd Night of Chanukah
Sisterhood - Mah Jongg
9:45 am
Kesher, Confirmation &
Kivunim 6:45 pm
JYG - Cooking Class
12:30 pm
Families Anonymous
7:15 pm
8
26th of Kislev 5776
CHANUKAH
9
27th of Kislev 5776
CHANUKAH
10
5th Night of Chanukah
3rd Night of Chanukah
4th Night of Chanukah
Tai Chi 9:30 am
HOTTY Board Meeting
6:30 pm
Religious School 5:00 pm
28th of Kislev 5776
CHANUKAH
11
29th of Kislev 5776
CHANUKAH
ECEC Chanukah
Celebration 12:00 pm
Chanukah Family
Shabbat Service
6:30 pm
1st of Tevet 5776
CHANUKAH
14
2nd of Tevet 5776
Last Day CHANUKAH
15
3rd of Tevet 5776
Last Night of Chanukah
Senior Luncheon
Religious School 9:30 am
12:00 pm
Tai Chi 9:30 am
Religious School
Chanukah Assembly
10 am
Kesher, Confirmation &
Kivunim 6:45 pm with
Beit Tefilah Israeli
Performance at 7:15 pm
Board of Trustees
Meeting 7:30 pm
Sisterhood - Knit & Nosh
9:45 am
Sisterhood - Board
Meeting 11 am
20
8th of Tevet 5776
No Religious School
16
17
4th of Tevet 5776
5th of Tevet 5776
15th of Tevet 5776
6th of Tevet 5776
Bagels, Learning &
Torah - prior to service
Shabbat Service Schilstra Bar Mitzvah
10:00 am
HOTTY - Broomball
Latke-In 6:15 pm
19
7th of Tevet 5776
Bagels, Learning &
Torah 9:00 am
Shabbat Service
10:00 am
Families Anonymous
7:15 pm
21
9th of Tevet 5776
22
10th of Tevet 5776
23
11th of Tevet 5776
Cobb & Fulton County
School Break
Cobb & Fulton County
School Break
Cobb & Fulton County
School Break
No ECEC
No ECEC
No ECEC
No Religious School
No Religious School
Families Anonymous
7:15 pm
Tai Chi 9:30 am
24
12th of Tevet 5776
Christmas Eve
Becky OOO
Cobb & Fulton County
School Break
No ECEC
28
16th of Tevet 5776
29
17th of Tevet 5776
25
13th of Tevet 5776
Christmas Day
Cobb & Fulton County
School Break
No ECEC
TBT Offices Closed
Shabbat Service
8:00 pm
30th Anniv. Commitee
Meeting 7:30 pm
27
18
Shabbat Service
8:00 pm
No Religious School
30th of Kislev 5776
CHANUKAH
7th Night of Chanukah
6th Night of Chanukah
Chanukah Festivities
7:30 pm
13
12
30
18th of Tevet 5776
Cobb & Fulton County
School Break
Cobb & Fulton County
School Break
Cobb & Fulton County
School Break
Cobb & Fulton County
School Break
No Religious School
No ECEC
No ECEC
No ECEC
No Religious School
No Religious School
Families Anonymous
7:15 pm
Tai Chi 9:30 am
31
26
Bagels, Learning &
Torah 9:00 am
Shabbat Service
10:00 am
19th of Tevet 5776
New Year's Eve
Cobb & Fulton County
School Break
No ECEC
TBT Offices Close at
3 pm
12
14th of Tevet 5776
Cobb & Fulton County
School Break
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
a.
New Annual Campaign Donors. For each gift of $250
or more donated by congregants who have not participated in the Annual Campaign before, our congregant
will match dollar for dollar up to $250.
b. Past Annual Campaign Donors. For gifts that repre2015-2016 Annual
sent an increase of $250 or more over last year’s Annual
Campaign - Building
Campaign donation, the congregant will match dollar
Our Future Today!
for dollar up to $250.
Our committee is excited about this year’s campaign and the
These commitments must be made by January 31, 2016, to be
challenges ahead. Let me point out some of the key goals ahead: eligible for the challenge donation.
1. Raise $110,000
Please reach out to the Temple office by calling 770-642-0434
2. Increase our community’s participation level
and ask for Jenny, or simply log onto www.bethtikvah.com and
st
3. Reach our January 31 incentives for our matching proclick on the 2015- 2016 Annual Campaign Building Our Fugrams
ture Today link on the opening page and you will be guided to
Part of accomplishing goal #1 is asking everyone to consider, if
the on-line contribution area for the campaign.
you are able to do so, to make a pledge by January 31st, 2016.
Our community has 2 outstanding matching programs to raise an Below is a list of all of the families that have made a pledge
additional $30,000 by January 31st.
during the first month of this year’s campaign…who is next??
1. This year The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation is
Shalom,
again prepared to add 50 cents to each dollar you contribute, up to a total of $25,000. The math is simple, but
Jonathan Agin
an example might help drive the point home. If you
commit $100 to the campaign, TBT will receive a total Fundraising Chair
of $150. Commit $500, and TBT will receive a total of Jlagin1@gmail.com
$750. Where else can you get that kind of return on investment these days?
2. An anonymous congregant, has made a $10,000 challenge donation that can be achieved by a combination of
the following:
Shalom! By now, the
entire congregation has
received information
concerning the
Jonathan and Allison Agin
Barry and Shari Alhadeff
Steven and Teri Astren
Dale and Wendy Bearman
Harris and Suellen Bergman
Josh and Andrea Berman
Michael and Jeannine Bernstein
Michael and Heather Braun
Lonnie and Debbie Carter
Michael and Marlene Cohn
Renee Davis
Gordon and Holli Decker
Joseph and Waynah Dunn
Steve and RoseAnn Gerson
Harlan and Ivie Graiser
Michael and Anna Gutkin
Andrew and Karen Gutman
David and Ellen Herold
Jamie and Katie Jaffe
Peter and Sharon Jedel
Daniel and Stephanie Joseph
Morris and Anna Kagan
Jill Kaplan
Valerie Kassel Jr
Lloyd and Diane Katz
Peter Klokow and Ellen Frank
Judy Levine
Sherwin and Judee Levinson
Jeffrey and Ellen Levitz
Emily Lewit
Gary and Michal Loventhal
Gil and Ellen Ludwig
Murray and Sonia Lynn
Sidney and Lois Malkin
Joel and Aviva Margolies
Jonathan and Joan Marks
Howard and Helaine Medoff
Mark and Jennifer Mosbacher
Bernie and Gail Natter
Shirley Plotkin
Herbert and Bunny Renkin
Russell and Gailen Rosenberg
Harvey and Natine Rosenzweig
Kevin and Andrea Rubin
Mark and Gail Rudel
Paula Sandfelder
Joel and Kathleen Schoenblum
William and Marjory Segal
Bart and Kara Segal
Allan and Pessie Shippel
David and Robyn Shippel
Carol Shutzberg
David and Elisa Siegel
Sandy and Nancy Simon
13
Larry and Anne Skal
Stuart and Frances Solomon
Terry and Missy Stein
Shelby Steinhauer
Aaron and Sheila Stieglitz
Ronald and Leslie Swichkow
Rosalind Taranto
Mark and Sally Vosk
Bruce and Carol Waldman
Bruce and Bonnie Walkes
Doug Wexler and Jane Greenberger
Todd and Rachel Wilson
Andrew and Ilana Zalkin
Seth and Ellen Zimmer
Donations
Annual Campaign
Jamie and Katie Jaffe in memory of Aline McMurrain
Renee Davis in memory of Elias Waxman
Ellen Frank in memory of Barry Feinberg
Gordon and Hollis Decker in memory of Isadore Zierler
Shirley Plotkin in memory of Henry Trucker
Anne Grossman in memory of Conrad P. Grossman
Ellen Frank in memory of Lucille Falkof
Lawrence and Anne Skal in memory of Joseph Cunix
Michael Zalkin Memorial Library Fund
Jeffrey and Beth Kess in memory of Iris Naomi Kess and
Ben Goldberg
Mark and Gail Rudel in honor of Matthew Gilbert becoming
a Bar Mitzvah
Building Fund
Anne Grossman
Dale and Wendy Bearman in memory of Jacob Dutkiewitz,
Eleanore Bearman, Jeanne Laibow and Jules Stein
Preschool Fund
ECEC Staff in honor of Aylin Allen Howard
Campership/Israel Fund
Bruce and Bonnie Walkes in memory of Nathan Mangen
Cantor Kassel’s Discretionary Fund
Michael and Wanda Cohen in memory of Gladys Cohen
Addie Myers in honor of the marriage of Lois Clymin's
grandson, Joey Abramson to Debbie Kestadt
Pam Alterman in honor of Josh Rubin becoming a
Bar Mitzvah
Mariann Mamberg in memory of Isaac Mamberg
Mariann Mamberg in memory of Etta Mamberg
Pam Alterman in memory of Paul Alterman, Sonia Oxman,
and Edna McMurrain
Sherwin Rubin in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Josh Rubin
and in honor of Paul Rubin
Mark and Joy Goldberg in memory of Bonnie Keller
Harris Bergman in memory of Rabbi Abner Bergman
Caring/Kehillat Chesed Fund
Ruth Zeidman in honor of Rifka Isaac becoming a
Bat Mitzvah
Sherwin Rubin in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Josh Rubin
and in honor of Paul Rubin
Ruth Zeidman in honor of the marriage of Joseph and
Debby Abramson
Douglas Wexler and Jane Greenberger in memory of
George Jordan
General Fund
Marvin and Trudy Davis in memory of Aline McMurrain
Rhea Negrin wishing Lois Clymin a Mazel Tov on the
upcoming marriage of her grandson.
William and Marjory Segal in memory of Muriel Segal
Tod and Leslie Rubin in memory of Gerald Mittler
Lawrence and Anne Skal in memory of Lenore Levy
Nat and Jeanette Tieman in memory of George Jordan
Jane Greenberger in memory of Jacob Stern
Andrew and Barbara Sacks in memory of Dorothy Tveit
Prayerbook Fund
Mark and Sally Vosk in memory of Leonard Vosk
Addie Myers in memory of William L. Myers
Rabbi Shuval-Weiner’s Discretionary Fund
George and Frances Jordan in memory of Henrietta Jordan
Cary Goldenthal and Lori Shapiro in memory of
Barry Goldenthal
Steve and RoseAnn Gerson in memory of Aline McMurrain
Donald and June Restler in memory of Sally and
Philip Hinerfeld
Betty Rickles in memory of David Goldsmith
Betty Rickles in memory of Norton Locke
Families Anonymous
Sherwin Rubin in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Josh Rubin
and in honor of Paul Rubin
Harvey and Natine Rosenzweig in memory of Lucille Falkof
Harvey and Natine Rosenzweig in memory of
George Jordan
David and Ellen Herold in memory of Bernard Bickwit
Rabbi Tam’s Discretionary Fund
Max and Carol Wolf in honor of Morris Harry Perling
Bruce and Bonnie Walkes in memory of Sarah Wixman
Robert and Marcy Nader in memory of Aline McMurrain
Lila Stein in memory of Jeanne Laibow, Fritzie Shaw,
Jacob Dutkiewitz and Jules Stein
Barry and Dore Kaiser in memory of Sylvia Kaiser
Bernice Bickwit in memory of Bernard Bickwit
Religious School Fund
David and Ellen Herold
Tikkun Olam Fund
June Wallach in memory of Blanche Hertzberg,
Irving Hertzberg and Howard Wallach
Torah Fund
Morray and Susan Scheinfeld in memory of Leo Snitzer
(donations processed through 11/ 23)
14
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
SHMOOZE NEWS / KUDOS CORNER
In Memoriam
Temple Beth Tikvah acknowledges with sorrow
the passing of:
Thank You to our
Amazing Office
Volunteers!
Lucille Falkof
Mother of Ellen Frank
Margaret Ann Shulman
Mother of Gail Frank
George Jordan
Husband of Frances Jordan
Richard Staviss
June Wallach
Lois Malkin
Leslie Swichkow
Marsha McMurrain
Bernice “Bonnie” Keller
Sister of Sid Malkin
Sol Winder
Cousin of Renee Berman
And a shout out to:
Robin Bledsoe
Alisa Bauman
Jill Leitman
Ann Dee Torino
for shopping for and
preparing TBT onegs in
November.
If you would like to
help with an oneg,
please click here to
sign up.
Thanks to
Steve Bauman,
Ted Nathan, Bart Segal
& Ron Swichkow
Jeff Willard has been
appointed to the
Commission on Social
for helping to replace the
Action of Reform Judaism
molding in the lobby and adding for a two year term as an
non-skid strips to all our
at-large member
wood stairs
beginning on1/1/16.
May God console you among all the
mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
“Plan Ahead”
An in-depth conversation regarding funeral pre-planning
Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care cordially invites you to join
Edward Dressler, Licensed Funeral Director
Sunday, January 10th, 2016 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Whole Foods Market, 1311 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta
complimentary dessert and drinks will be available
Edward Dressler, Owner
Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care provides a variety of services to Atlanta’s Jewish community including funeral and burials in Georgia,
coordination of funerals in other states and Israel, purchase of cemetery plots and grave markers, and non-traditional requests.
Death is not an easy topic to discuss, yet many families find it more manageable to deal with the death of a loved one when a family member or
friend has pre-planned all of the arrangements. Funeral pre-planning alleviates emotional decisions and financial stress at time of death.
Funeral pre-planning is responsible, safe, and easy to complete. Anyone can pre-plan and pre-pay for him- or herself, or for a loved one, in one
lump sum or over time. When pre-paying, funeral home service fees, casket, vault and headstone prices become fixed, and are placed in an escrow
account owned by the purchaser (not owned by the funeral home). Pre-paid funeral costs are released to the funeral home upon death.
Attend our complimentary pre-planning seminars and learn about:
♦Planning a funeral
♦Cemetery options
♦Fixing costs and how pre-payment works
♦Out-of-town funeral planning
♦Traditional and non-traditional options
Helen Scherrer-Diamond is Community Outreach Director for Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care. She helps individuals understand the importance of
funeral and cemetery pre-planning, offers continuing education for LMSWs, LPNs, and Chaplains, and Jewish Funeral Traditions education.
Please rsvp to Helen at 770-289-8964 or helen@jewishfuneralcare.com
15
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Synagogue Information
Synagogue Office
Fax Number
School Office (Perri)
Preschool (Jenifer)
Assistant to Clergy
Financial Secretary
Admin. Assistant
Office Manager
- 770-642-0434
- 770-642-0647
- 770-642-4168
- 678-350-0076
- Michelle Leder
- Jenny Korsen
- Lisa Singer
- Becky Sullivan
Planning a simcha or group gathering?
The Tam-Blank Social Hall is the Place to Be.
For more information on renting our Social Hall,
contact the synagogue office at 770-642-0434.
Get Involved! TBT Committees and Chairpersons
Adult Education
Ivie Graiser
iviegraiser@yahoo.com
Budget & Finance
Karen Korshak
karcpa@comcast.net
Camp/Israel Scholarship
Marcia Haber
marciahaber@yahoo.com
Chavurot
Dalia Faupel
d2faupel@comcast.net
College Outreach
Lynda Bennett
lrbennett08@comcast.net
Beth Kess
bmkess@yahoo.com
Communications
Mark Rudel
mrudel@ups.com
Family Promise
Randy and Amy Siegal
amysiegal@gmail.com
Brian and Jennifer Steinberg
zokadesigns@gmail.com
Tony Rosenberg
trosenberg860@gmail.com
Fundraising
Jonathan Agin
jlagin1@gmail.com
House
Ted Nathan
tnathan@baldwinscheduling.com
Human Resources
Seth Zimmer
sz4941@att.com
Israel
Gene Carasick
gcarasick@gmail.com
Kehillat Chesed (Caring)
Leslie Swichkow
lswichkow@comcast.net
Library
Ilana Zalkin
ilanaz@att.net
Long Range Planning
Harvey Rosenzweig
Membership Recruitment &
Retention
Jill Leitman
jaarons2@yahoo.com
Marcia Pearl
marciapearl@bellsouth.net
Men’s Club
Mark Greenspan
greenspanfamily@bellsouth.net
Peter Hartog
althazyr@gmail.com
16
Nominating Committee
Todd Boehm
tboehm30@bellsouth.net
Ritual
Rick Winer
rsw@drrickwiner.com
Security
Jay Sausmer
jsausmer@gmail.com
Seniors
Natine Rosenzweig
rosen4348@aol.com
Sisterhood
Robin Bledsoe
sisterhoodtbt@gmail.com
Social Action
Terry Apt Carasick
terryshealthyliving@gmail.com
Website Development
Scott Povlot
spovlot@yahoo.com
Youth Group
Debra Schwartz
dls63@bellsouth.net
Michal Loventhal
loventhalmichal@gmail.com
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
17
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Alexandria Shuval-Weiner
Rabbi
Donald A. Tam
Rabbi Emeritus
Nancy Kassel
Cantor
Hassia Levin
Education Director
Jenifer Friedman
ECEC Director
Ron Swichkow
President
Harlan Graiser
Vice President and
President Elect
Todd Boehm
Vice President
Rhonda Povlot
Vice President
Joe Dunn
Treasurer
Michael Braun
Secretary
Mary Block
Chairperson,
Board of Education
18