2nd `Shabbat at the Movies`

December 2010 | Vol. 23, No. 6 | Kislev/Tevet 5771
Shabbat Services
in December
Friday, December 10
Shabbat Services, 8:00 pm
Led by Rabbi Melissa Simon
Music: Steve Greenberg
Healing service: Jane Newman
Thursday, December 16
Shacharit Morning Minyan, 7:45 am
Friday, December 17
Shabbat Live! Services, 6:30 pm
Led by Rabbi Latz
Music: Ian Silver & Shabbat Live!
Ensemble
Saturday, December 18
Shabbat Services, 10:30 am
Led by Rabbi Latz
Bat Mitzvah of Emma Richman
Music: David Harris
Thursday, December 23
Shacharit Morning Minyan, 7:45 am
2nd ‘Shabbat at the Movies’
J
oin us for that time-honored
Jewish tradition of Chinese food
and movies on December 24.
There will be a short Shabbat service
beginning at 6:00 pm, followed by a
buffet dinner from Fresh Wok at 6:45.
Cost for the dinner is $10 per person;
children under age 5 eat free.
Nobody will be turned away; if you
would like to attend but the cost is
prohibitive, please let us know when
you RSVP.
Buffet will include vegetarian and
chicken dishes and appetizers. Tea
and water will also be provided.
Movies: “Keeping the Faith” for adults
and “Prince of Egypt” for youth.
A popcorn machine will complete
the theater experience. Bring your
big pillows and blankets for a true
at-home movie experience.
An e-vite will be going out in
early December, and we ask that
you RSVP to Rebecca at office@
shirtikvah.net or (612) 822-1440, no
later than December 20, so we can
get an accurate count for food. You
will be able to indicate your food
preferences.
Help with setup and clean-up would
be appreciated. Contact me at bonnie.
westlin@comcast.net.
See you at Shabbat at the Movies,
Bonnie Westlin
Walk through Israel at Shir Tikvah
Friday, December 24
Shabbat Services, 6:00 pm
Led by Rabbi Latz
Music: Cheryl Hornstein
followed by movie & Chinese food
See article at right.
Thursday, December 30
Shacharit Morning Minyan, 7:45 am
We will have Shabbat services
on secular NewYear’s Eve,
Friday, December 31, at
6:00 pm (please note earlier time), led
by Rabbi Simon and Andy Elfenbein.
We will not have Shabbat
services on Saturday, January 1.
Over the next few months you will have another chance to view Mike Rosen’s
photographs of Israel, taken during Shir Tikvah’s trip in the summer of 2007.
As Rabbi Latz prepares for next summer’s trip, this is an opportunity to take
in the beauty of Israel. Space is still available; see www.shirtikvah.net.
From our Rabbi...
“Our Jewish
One day, we were studying the famous
verse in which God and Moses spoke
panim el panim, “face to face.”
Why, asked Rabbi Kushner, did God
speak to Moses face to face?
The students offered a variety of
reasons—some of them stirring,
others more sublime—but all of
them the good rabbi pooh-poohed.
Rabbi Kushner stated that when
one is a rabbi in a congregation, one
must speak to people directly, with
dignity, and expect the same back in
return. If someone has a complaint
with another person, go tell him/her
face to face.
And if a person has a complaint with
you, expect them to come speak
directly with you face to face. Those
who offer criticism and begin by
stating that “people are saying,”
or “I’ve been hearing” aren’t being
helpful to you, to themselves, or to
the community.
I appreciated the lesson but didn’t
think much of it at the time. Yet,
in the years since, I’ve come to
appreciate its depth, value, and
simplicity. Why?
Our value must be to emulate holy
conversation “panim el panim”—
face-to-face communication.
This isn’t always easy. But the
consequences of not speaking to
one another directly are far more
destructive.
tradition calls
us to engage
with each other
in healthy,
productive, and
holy ways.”
S
everal years ago, while a
student at Hebrew Union
College, I enrolled in a class on
the spirituality in Torah with Rabbi
Lawrence Kushner. Little did I know
it would be a class in “practical
rabbinics.”
must never be our objective.
Anonymous and third-party
feedback should be reserved only
for those moments when we believe
we or our loved ones will be in
legitimate danger for exposing the
truth. However, for almost every
situation in Jewish communal life
this is not the case. Anonymous and
third-party feedback can be very
destructive, yielding an unhealthy
culture, a lack of mutual respect, and
mistrust.
How come?
When someone comes to me
and says, “I’ve heard from an
anonymous source that…” my
response to the person isn’t helpful.
This person needs to return to their
“source” and report back. We have
all played the game of “telephone”
as children and know that even
with the best of intentions, simple
words can get distorted—let alone
serious matters of faith or human
interaction.
Anonymous and third-party
feedback disables the listener
from responding and potentially
addressing an issue in a productive
and healthy way. It often leaves
them feeling demoralized, which
My commitment as your rabbi is
thus: If I’ve done something to
offend or upset you, please come
and speak to me directly. I’m a
nice guy and I will do my utmost
to not respond defensively, to hear
your story, and listen deeply. When
appropriate, I will apologize or think
through how to best remedy the
situation.
This is how we will operate as a
staff and leadership team because
our Jewish tradition calls us to
engage with each other in healthy,
productive, and holy ways.
Let me be perfectly clear: Feedback,
support, criticism, and commentary
are all vital to a healthy organization
and synagogue community. As a
leadership team, we are discussing
how to create healthy mechanisms to
receive feedback in concert with our
Jewish values of being direct, honest,
and compassionate. I look forward
to our conversations and speaking
with one another panim el panim,
face to face.
L’shalom,
Help with Sunday morning bagels and coffee
Shir Tikvah has a table each Sunday that sells breakfast items to raise money for STiFTY’s scholarship fund.
We need the following items donated to help:
• Bread knife
• New sponges • Paper plates, napkins, coffee cups
• Coffee creamers not needing refrigeration
2
Bring donations on
Sunday mornings,
or drop off earlier
in the Shir Tikvah
office.
(how are you?)
(how are
you?)
(how
are(how
you?)
are you?)
From our Director of Lifelong Learning...
(how are you?)
(how are you?)
(how
Going through old curricular materials recently, I discovered an old sheet of stickers
from aare
unit you?)
on “The Synagogue.” The eight key “synagogue people” depicted are:
“Our work,
Principal
Rabbi
Shamash
hethe , the , the , the, the, the , the
the , the
, the , ,the
the
the
Hazan
Teacher
, the
President
, the
, the, the
, the
, the
, the
,
, the
Executive
Director
as a learning
community,
is to expand
the images of a
the
learned Jew, an
theengaged
, theJew,the
a
Jewish leader.”
the , the
the,
Caterer
, and the
.
the
.
the
, the , and
the
thethe, and the
the
,
the
,, the
and the
., and the . .
, ,the
, and
the After laughing to myself about ,thethe run and grow? Where is the office ,isand
the
to expand the images of a learned
dated clothing on the characters, I
thought to myself how incomplete
the list was and how it doesn’t
reflect the diversity of our Shir
Tikvah community.
Where are the adult learners who
study together on Monday nights?
Where are the Social Justice activists
who are working to change the world?
Where are the students in the
Religious and Hebrew Schools?
Where are the music leaders who
each bring something to our t’fillah
(prayer)?
Where are the board and committee
members who help our synagogue
manager and assistant to the senior
rabbi who keep it all together?
Where are people of diverse Jewish
backgrounds and paths to Judaism?
Where are people of various ages
and physical abilities? Where are
those who fill our sanctuary seats
each Shabbat?
While the “synagogue people”
stickers may have at one point
reflected the realities of synagogue
life, I am honored to be a part of
Shir Tikvah, a congregation far more
diverse and complex than the eight
characters.
Jew, an engaged Jew, a Jewish leader.
It is to help us see a self-portrait
when we think of a member of the
Jewish community. It is to help
our congregation’s children see in
themselves future rabbis, cantors,
synagogue presidents, teachers,
choir members, and adult education
students.
As we work together to vision and
re-vision lifelong learning, may we
be blessed with the ability to reenvision life so that each of us has a
place in our synagogue.
Our work, as a learning community,
Shir Tikvah school dates
Religious School
Hebrew School
December 5
December 12
December 19
December 26 December 1 December 8
December 15
December 22
December 29
No classes
Adult Education
Chanukah celebration
Chanukah celebration
No classes
No classes
December 6
Classes 6:30 pm and 7:50 pm, with candle-lighting
at 7:40 pm
December 12
Talking to Your Children About God/Other
Tough Questions Kids Ask, 10:00-11:00 am
December 13
Last session
3
From our Board...
T
he Board meeting in November
began with Rabbi Simon’s D’var
Torah on various ways to keep
Torah alive. A key component, she
said, is recognizing that there are many
ways of teaching and learning—and
that our challenge is to recognize and
value each of them.
She spoke about the success of the
Religious School kick-off and the
new adult education program, which
includes three courses and a retreat.
Religious School this year began with
185 students and 16 faculty; Hebrew
School with 79 students. Rabbi Simon
noted that she works with several
committees: Youth Connections, Social
Justice, Religious Education and an
emerging Adult Education Committee.
In addition, she is regularly leading
and supporting Hebrew School T’filah.
The Religious Education Committee
has begun to consider what Shir Tikvah
wants our students and graduates
to know, feel, and do. Rabbi Simon
named a number of technical and
adaptive challenges and questions for
future consideration by committees,
Board leaders, and congregants.
The primary challenges include
financial stewardship of tuition fees
and faculty salaries, our vision for
Hebrew language learning at Shir
Tikvah, and how we further develop a
culture of lifelong learning.
We will be celebrating our successes,
supporting ongoing learning,
collaborating with lay leaders on
a vision for learning, and working
together to develop a holistic,
integrated approach to congregational
learning.
The Board discussed communications
goals and strategies. We will continue
to work through these issues and bring
plans to the congregation as they are
developed.
Luke Weisberg gave an update on
Development Committee activities.
Beth Fox, a member of the committee,
shared her own positive experiences
on the Development Committee and in
working one-on-one with Rabbi Latz to
solicit matching gifts. We hope to meet
our budget needs without a spring
fundraising event this year.
John Humleker reported that our
financial reviewer Don Carpenter
presented the review for the last fiscal
year to the Finance Committee, and the
Committee has forwarded its review
to the full Board. John stated that gifts
from the High Holy Days did not meet
budget expectations.
The Board approved a motion to
support a Jewish anti-bullying
campaign led by Keshet, a
nonprofit organization. See www.
jewishcommunitypledge.org. Rabbi
Latz stated that his plate is full with a
variety of Shir Tikvah activities.
The Membership Committee reported
three resignations and four new
memberships this month.
Luke Weisberg
From our Music Director...
How do you mark time? With an
alarm clock, a daily walk, a weekly
date with a friend, a yearly medical
exam?
How often do we mark time Jewishly?
After a death we have Jewish rituals to
mark the passing of a week, a month,
and each year.
Each year we mark seasons with a
Passover seder, a tashlich ritual at
Rosh Hashanah, and by building a
sukkah. We have a bar or bat mitzvah
ceremony for marking the entrance
into Jewish adulthood, a ceremony
to welcome Jewish babies into the
community, and a mikveh ritual
to mark entrance into the Jewish
community for those casting their lots
with the Jewish people.
However, there are so many more
events that still don’t get marked in a
specifically Jewish way. For example,
4
the end of medical treatment, the
changes in our body during puberty
and menopause, retirement, jobs lost
and found, the ending of personal
relationships, and so on.
Mayyim Hayyim (Living Waters) is a
mikveh (ritual bath) in Boston that has
re-invigorated the use of the mikveh
for marking transitions in our lives
in Jewish tradition. Mikvah use has
traditionally been a nighttime ritual for
women after a menstrual cycle, as she
reclaims intimacy with her husband.
This has been long-rejected by
multitudes of Jews devoted to
feminism and equal rights. Hoping to
reclaim this ancient ritual in a modern
way, Mayyim Hayyim has opened
its doors to men and women for
immersions to mark other transitions.
At Mayyim Hayyim, mikvah guides
greet people during day; they share
a cup of tea as
they talk about
the reasons for
immersion and
what it will signify.
When ready, a
person immerses
herself or himself
in the warm, pure water of a springfed bath. Some bring their own
personal prayers and some use one of
the prayers that Mayyim Hayyim has
compiled.
Water is a powerful force of nature that
can have healing powers. There are a
variety of ways we can create our own
Jewish rituals, as we want and need
them.
To learn more about the rituals of
Mayyim Hayyim, you can go to their
website at www.mayyimhayyim.org.
And I am available to talk with you.
Wendy Goldberg
A Note from Koleil...
The Koleil Committee works to make Shir Tikvah a welcoming place, where everyone is part of the community.
We include and give access to all. We have provided ASL (American Sign Language) interpreters at the High Holy
Days and for family Shabbat services.
As members of the congregation we can all be part of the inclusion process. One way is to know some signs in
order to communicate more directly with those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Here are a few:
(happy to
happy
meet
(happy toto
meet
you)you
(welcome)
(welcome)
welcome
how
are
you?
(how are
you?)
Other ways in which the Koleil (Inclusion) Committee
assists all members in participating fully is by providing
access to the following items:
the building;
• A handicap-accessible restroom, located off the
sanctuary through the blue double doors;
• Assistive hearing devices are available during services, • Large-print prayer books are available, as well; just
(how are you?)
located on the bookcase in the Kiddush Hall (you can
ask the usher.
ask an usher). Hearing aids can also be tuned into the
the
, the
, the
, the
• Armchairs are available at the end of some rows for
speaker system;
people who need help with mobility.
• A barrier-free entrance on the Girard Avenue side of
A Jewish
Heritage
of
the
, the
, the Inclusion
, the
the
C
enturies ago, the Jewish
people followed a powerful
leader from Egypt into the
wilderness and a new future. Little
the
, the
did they know
that without
God's
inclusion Moses might never have
been chosen.
In Shemot (Exodus 4:11) God speaks
to Moses and tells him that he
will lead the People out of Egypt.
Moses replied that he cannot accept
this role, for he is slow of speech
and heavy of tongue. Moses' selfassessment causes God to be angry.
God says, "Who made man's mouth?
Or who makes one mute, or deaf, or
seeing or blind. Isn't it I, God?" God
, the
the
As we at Shir Tikvah work to
ensure that all congregants
can participate ... we can look
to many
in Torah.
, andpassages
the
that show us the path.
made it possible for Moses to fulfill
his destiny by providing Aaron to
speak for Moses. This is God’s way
of “leveling the playing field” or
providing accommodation. Moses
can now do the work that God had
commanded him to do.
He survives many more tests of faith
and strength to lead God’s People.
God chooses Moses because of the
personal vision and strength he
, , and the
the
.
possessed. His speech disability was
insignificant in God's plan.
(Reprinted from Jewish Community
Guide to Inclusion of People with
Disabilities, Chapter 1)
As we at Shir Tikvah work to ensure
that all congregants can participate
in study, prayer, social activities, and
leadership—regardless of cognitive,
emotional, physical or other
disabilities—we can look to many
passages in Torah that show us the
path.
If you have ideas we should
consider, or you’d like to join Koleil,
please contact Caryl Barnett at (651)
698-5572 or cgbarnett@usfamily.net.
5
Emma Richman to
become a Bat Mitzvah
On her 13th birthday, December
18, Emma Richman will become
a Bat Mitzvah. Emma will chant
Torah and Haftorah from parshat
Veyechi, each of which will involve
the bestowing of blessings and the
passing of tradition—one generation
to the next.
Emma is a seventh-grader at Clara Barton Open School
in South Minneapolis. She has a wonderful group of
friends and has flourished as a part of Barton’s inclusive
and supportive community.
Emma has attended Religious and Hebrew School
at Shir Tikvah since she was a preschooler. She is
grateful for the guidance of her teachers and study
partners. Emma is a diligent student. She enjoys math
and language arts and has recently discovered theater.
Emma declared herself a violinist at the age of 5 and
has studied since with master teacher Susan Crawford
at the Northern Lights School for Strings, a program
of the JCC of Greater St. Paul Area. Emma is in her
fourth year playing with Minnesota Youth Symphonies,
performs in a string quartet as part of the Artaria
Chamber Music School, and performs as a soloist. She
has also played with the Minnesota Sinfonia as part of
their Youth Outreach Program, and has soloed with the
JCC of Greater St. Paul’s Symphony.
Emma and her family invite you to join them in
celebrating Emma’s Bat Mitzvah as part of Shabbat
services on Friday, December 17, at 6:30 pm and
Saturday, December, 18 at 10:30 am.
Year-end donations
Every year I am amazed at the generosity of this
congregation. As the calendar year comes to a
close, we hope that Shir Tikvah is on your year-end
donation list.
Some people like to donate for a specific purpose or
designate their donation to a particular fund, which is
greatly appreciated. I am happy to talk to you about
your gifts and how you can designate them.
If you are going to make a gift of stock, please contact
me first. We have new stock-acceptance procedures in
place, which I will be happy to go over with you. All
the best in 2011!
John Humleker, Executive Director
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's
Jay Erstling & Pixie Martin, in
Discretionary Fund
honor of the yahrzeit of
Sam Erstling
Pat Karasov, in appreciation
Kathryn Klibanoff & Jeremy
Benji Latz & Brian Ferry, in
Pierotti, in honor of Jane
appreciation
Newman’s 50th birthday,
Ellen Kennedy, in celebration
and in memory of Melvin
of Jane Newman’s birthday
Harris
and in appreciation of Jim
Ariel
Horowitz
D. Miller’s music on the High
Holy Days
Social Justice Fund
Caryl Barnett, Jeff Zuckerman
Lisa Pogoff & Jeff Zuckerman,
and Lisa Pogoff, in
in honor of the staff of Shir
appreciation and in memory
Tikvah
of Robert Pogoff
Give to the Max Shir
Wendy & Fred Morris, in
Tikvah Fund Donations
memory of Jerry Doy, Mark
Rabbi Michael Adam Latz &
Feshbach, and Melvin Harris
Michael Simon
Rabbi Melissa B. Simon &
Rabbi Simon's
Molly Hazelton
Discretionary Fund
Rachel Breen
Douglas Hubred & Susan
Walto
Will Durfee & Devorah
Goldstein
Drs. Jack & Diane Zeller, in
honor of the Chris & Susan
David & Kristy Snyder
Geller Family
Lisa Schmid & Beth TanzerSchmid, in honor of Rabbi
Susan & Chris Geller, in
Melissa B. Simon’s Installation
appreciation of the “Talking
with Children about God”
Linda Brooks, in honor of
conversations
Jim D. Miller’s High Holy
Day musical contributions
Harris Music Fund
Beth
& Larry Fox
Wendy Goldberg & Dan
Emmy
Matzner, in honor of
Halpern
Bubbie
and Poppi
Marlene & Sandy Goldberg, in
Shayna
Berkowitz
&
honor of Wendy Goldberg’s
Phyllis
Wiener
new position as music
Carol Woodward, for a happy
director
birthday and happy
Ronna Rochell & Steve Share
Chanukah to Frank Matteo
Jim & Robin Miller
Ostfield
High Holiday/Yizkor
Caryl Barnett, in honor of the
Miriam Weinstein & Amy
B’nai Mitzvahs of Noah
Ollendorf
Betz-Richman & Emma
Richman
Billie Wahlstrom & Mary
Hartmann
Linda & Lisa Alter Capell, In
honor of Rabbi Latz’s 40th
Rabbi Offner Legacy Fund
birthday and Jane
for Youth
Newman’s 50 birthday
Gwyneth Olson
Rabbi Barbara Block, in
Shir Tikvah Fund
memory of Mark Feshbach
Shir Harmony, in appreciation
Jane Newman & Amy Lange
Susan Rosenthal Krauss
Bill & Sherry Cooper
Jane Thieman, in memory of
Alena Goldfarb
Bob Pogoff
Kristin & Peter Kowler
Janet Weivoda
Becca Luger-Guillaume
Jessica Cohen &
Bruce Campbell
Marla Eisenberg
Tim Sandry & Ellen Wersan
Marjorie Sigel &
Dick VanDeusen
Carol Keyes-Ferrer
Mike & Sharon Miller
Cheryl & David Dvorak
Bonnie Westlin
Miriam Weinstein &
Amy Ollendorf
Andrew & Vicki Silberman
Eric Newman &
Janice Gepner
Charles & Marilyn Dashe
Freddie Weisberg
Jeff Danovsky
Mindy Kurzer &
Moon Zlotnick
Robert & Pam Goldman
M.J. Gilbert
Amy Lange, in honor of her
beloved spouse and
president of Shir Tikvah,
Jane Newman
Susan Heineman
Jennifer Martin, in honor of
Rabbi Latz
Jackie Krammer &
Daniel Shaw
Cookie & Peter Montgomery,
in memory of Helen & Ed
Greenblat, Irene Dremmer,
and Dr. Roberta Stock
Zoe Norris, in honor of her
upcoming Birthright trip to
Israel
Lisa Yost, in honor of the
yahrzeits of Robert Yost &
Richard Dubrow
John & Ellen Walthour
Jennifer Kahn, in honor of
Jane Newman’s birthday
and in memory of Mildred
Zuckerman & Bob Pogoff
Andrea Breen & Billy Perkiss
Laura Silver & Jeff Hertzberg
Janet Bush & Rene Tripeny
Kim & Noah Swiler
Steven Levy
Freddie Weisberg
Rachel & Mindy
Joan Calof
DuAnne & Stewart Mednick
Barbara & Dan Schultz
Dan & Lara Friedman-Shedlov
Ron Giteck
Tom Cytron-Hysom
Debbie Klein & Diana Ensign
Suzanne Chalom
Jeff & Jennifer Lewin
Becky Saltzman
Sven Sundgaard
Rick Appelsies, in memory of
Larry Appelsies
David & Lauren Damman
Judy Krauss
Dan Gilchrist &
Suzanne McCurdy
Chris Bargeron, in
appreciation of Adult
Education programming,
and in appreciation of
Wendy Goldberg
Alex Rothman & Nina Sayer
Sharon Armus
Lesley & Nick Cafarelli, in
honor of the yahrzeits of
Jacob Kisner, Sarah Kisner &
Louis Kisner
Morrie Hartman, in honor of
Rabbi Latz’s birthday
Marcia & Jack Bethke
Marcie Stein
Linda Crawford & Jo Devlin
Rich Kessler & Marian Eisner
Al & Kathy Krug
Eric Brook
Audrey & Harry Friedman
Margaret Rog & Ben Weisner
Alex & Cici Dashe
Rachel Raz
Karen & Gerry Cohen
Gayle Zoffer & David
MacNaughton, in honor
of Jane Newman’s special
birthday and ongoing
leadership
Laura Dettloff, in appreciation
of Rabbi Latz and in honor
of his special birthday
Verna Lind, in honor of Rabbi
Latz’s birthday and in honor
of the yahrzeits of Eddie &
Leona Holtzman
Larry Silber & Jane Binder
Barbra Wiener
Kathryn Klibanoff &
Jeremy Pierotti
Ray & Ginny Levi
Carole Evenchik & Val Wolff
Andrea & Jim Rubenstein
Susan Watchman, in memory
of Jerry Doy
Phil Cohen & Mary Youle
Andrea Feshbach, in honor
of the yahrzeit of Carolyn
Feshbach
Andrew Calkins & Holly Rodin
Candace Margulies &
Zoe Nicholie
Lisa Schlesinger
Daniella Fisher, in honor of the
naming ceremony of Malin
& Hadley Wolfson
Tasya & Robert Kelen
Michelle Easton &
Mark Williams, in honor of
Rabbi Latz’s special birthday
Jim & Susan Nordin
Wendy & Fred Morris, in
memory of Jerry Doy, Mark
Feshbach, and Melvin Harris
Pat Karasov, in memory of
Richard Kerr
Ann Kaner-Roth & Marc
Roth, in honor of Rabbi
Latz’s special birthday
Brad & Andrea Ferstan
Jay Erstling & Pixie Martin
Tammy Cohen
Wendy Horowitz &
Julian Bowers
Mary Small, in appreciation of
Shir Tikvah’s leaders and
staff
Paula Forman
Joyce & Sumner Richman
John Humleker &
Cordelia Anderson
Micki & Burt Danovsky
Jeff & Sally Shlosberg
Ron Salzberger & Mary Turck
Janet & Luke Weisberg
Jane Newman & Amy Lange,
in appreciation of John
Humleker
Elaine Frankowski
Penny & Steve Schumacher,
in memory of Richard Kerr,
in honor of the birth of Kira
Mae Cooper, and in honor
of Jane Newman’s 50th
birthday
Ruth Markowitz, in honor of
Jane Newman’s 50th
birthday
Gerry & Toni Gilchrist, in
honor of Zev Adair Gilchrist
Barry Epstein & Joanna Furth
Ron & Phyllis Ettinger, speedy
recovery to Darcy Schnitzer
Martha & Stuart Schmitz,
in memory of Mildred
Zuckerman and Bob Pogoff
Condolences to...
Lisa Pogoff and David Pogoff,
on the death of
their father, Bob Pogoff
Jeff Zuckerman, on the
death of his mother, Mildred
Zuckerman
Mazel Tov to…
Ben Malakoff & Sarah Slavick
on their recent marriage
Elaine & Krys Frankowski, on
their 45th anniversary
Kören Beck-Tomlinson &
Marc Tomlinson, on their
20th anniversary
Wendy & Stu Henry on their
15th anniversary
Kathy Kosnoff & Lyonel
Norris, on their 20th
anniversary
Karen-Sue Taussig & Jon Kahn,
on their 15th anniversary
Pat Karasov, on the births of
her grandchildren, Kira Mae
Cooper and Charles Steven
Knutson
Mazel Tov on your new
home to…
Fred & Wendy L. Morris
100 3rd Ave. S. #1906
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Rabbi Barbara Block
2428 Cascade Ave.
Billings, MT 59102
Refuah Shleymah to...
Ina Gravitz
Tom Segal
Welcome new members…
Li Kane (Kieran Froiland)
Michael Israel &
Laura Beth Landy, Stephanie
and Ellen
Dan Fendler
Todah Rabah to...
Amy Ollendorf, for devoting a
Sunday morning to
trimming trees on the Shir
Tikvah grounds
7
TORAH PORTIONS
December 10, 2010
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
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 Slavick
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 serving the Twin Cities
Change Service Requested
December 11
Vayigash
Gen. 44:18-47:27
December 18
Va-y’chi
Gen. 47:28-50:26
December 25
Sh’mot
Exod. 1:1-6:1
Adult B’nei Mitzvah
Lifelong Learning at Shir Tikvah
“Wisdom lights up the face.”
-Ecclesiastes 8:1
Program Overview
The Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah program at
Shir Tikvah is a two year learning
odyssey designed to give students a
chance to deeply engage with Jewish text
and tradition.
A Bar/Bat Mitzvah (plural B’nei Mitzvah),
literally “Son/Daughter of the
Commandment,” traditionally marked
the transition of a 13 year old from being
a child to being a Jewish adult.
For adults becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah,
this is a chance to embrace Jewish
learning and to make new meaning of
what it is to be a Jew. From many
different backgrounds and paths,
students join together as a group,
studying weekly over the course of two
years, culminating in the communal
celebration of a group B’nei Mitzvah.
Advanced knowledge of in Hebrew is
not a requirement for enrolling in the
adult B’nei Mitzvah program and together
students will study Hebrew, learn basic
blessings, prayers and how to chant
Torah. Students will be expected to
enroll in two Monday evening classes and
to regularly attend services. Classes will
focus on prayer, history, and theology.
The Adult B’nei Mitzvah class will
celebrate their B’nei Mitzvah on Saturday,
June 2, 2012.
It may still possible to join the 2012
Adult B’nei Mitzvah cohort. If you are
interested in becoming an Adult B’nei
Mitzvah please contact Rabbi Simon for
more information.
At Shir Tikvah, wisdom is a lifelong pursuit. We
learn through deep engagement in sacred texts,
through learning in community, and through
working to find meaning in tradition. Together
we are guided by a lifelong pursuit of Jewish
knowledge, literacy and intellectual growth. We
seek new ideas and new people to learn with and
learn from. Our goal is to connect the insights of
generations of Jewish teachings with the
knowledge of our own age. Here at Shir Tikvah,
we come together as a holy community, a kehillah
kedosha, to study, learn and grow together.
Lifelong Learning at Shir Tikvah gives students
the opportunity to grow as literate students of
Jewish life and to join a growing community of
adult learners. We welcome you, wherever you
are in your life’s journey, to join us in our pursuit
of wisdom.
“When two people sit and the words of
Torah pass between them, the
Presence of God fills the space
between them.”
- Pirkei Avot 3:3
1360 West Minnehaha Parkway
(5000 Girard Avenue South)
Minneapolis MN 55419
(612)822-1440
ShirTikvah.net
Lifelong
Learning at
Shir Tikvah
Adult
Education
Winter 2011
What are people saying
about Lifelong Learning
at Shir Tikvah?
Shir Tikvah Adult Education Retreat
Adult Education Retreat
“I know that for all of my Shabbats
to come there will be welcome,
repeated and surprise memories of
so much learned, prayer-filled
moments, joy-filled and humorous
singing, sharing who we are as
individuals and as the community of
Shir Tikvah adults.”
-
Verna Lind
Monday Evening Classes
“A Jewish education for busy adults I found what I was looking for, right
here at Shir Tikvah. The whole
experience has been a real blessing.”
-
Mary Small
Lifelong Learning
“No matter your background or your
experience, Shir Tikvah has a place
for you to continue your Jewish
learning.”
-
Chris Bargeron
Learning Opportunities at a Glance: Winter 2011
Learning During the Week
On One Foot:
An exploration of Jewish
life and tradition taught by
Rabbi Latz. An irreverent,
spiritual, and thoughtful
conversation about Jews
and Judaism.
Sunday, January 16 –
March 20,
9:45-11:00am
Cost:
Before 12/20: $100
After 12/20: $120
Textbooks: Contact office
Book Club
Group meets year round
approximately every six
weeks. Call the office for
future dates and times.
Year-round:
Next Session:
Wednesday, January 26
6:45-8pm
Talking to Children
about God and Other
Important Jewish
Conversations
Explore parenting topics
with Rabbi Simon.
Second Sunday morning
of the month
February-May,
9:45-10:45am
in the Sanctuary
Cost: Free
Shacharit (Morning)
Minyan
Start your Thursdays with a
brief weekday service and
Torah study.
Torah Study Group
Weave your way through
the Torah, word by word.
Join us in Genesis.
Thursdays 7:45-8:45am
in the Sanctuary
Second Friday of the
month, 12:15-1:30pm in
the Shir Tikvah Library
Monday Night Learning
Ten Great (and
Not So Great)
Moments in
Jewish History: An
exploration of ten
significant historical
events and time
periods in Jewish
history.
Alef Isn’t Enough:
Advanced
Beginning
Hebrew
A prayer Hebrew
class for those who
have completed
“Alef Isn’t Tough”
or who know the
Hebrew alphabet.
Mondays,
January 10March 14,
6:30-7:45pm
Cost:
Before 12/20: $60
After 12/20: $75
Mondays,
January 10March 14,
7:50-9:00pm
Cost:
Before 12/20: $60
After 12/20: $75
Textbook: $20
Both Monday evening classes are
taught by Rabbi Simon.
Monday evening classes are open to
all students and a part of the Adult
B’nei Mitzvah program.
Enroll in both Monday night classes
for $100.
Pre-registration and pre-payment for classes are essential to ensure that a class runs.
Visit www.ShirTikvah.net to register for classes
For more information contact Rabbi Melissa B. Simon, Director of Lifelong Learning
rabbisimon@shirtikvah.net or at Shir Tikvah at (612) 822-1440
No student will be turned away due to inability to pay. Scholarships available