February 2015 Newsletter

February, 2015/Shevat, Adar 5775
RELIGIOUS SERVICES
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 7:30 pm
Shabbat Service
Music: Bob Pollack and Marilyn Zelcer
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7
9:30 am – Torah Study
10:30 am – Shabbat Service
Torah Portion: Yitro, Exod. 18:1-20:23
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 7:30 PM
Family Shabbat Service
Music: David Snyder
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14
9:30 am – Torah Study
10:30 am – Shabbat Service
Torah Portion: Mishpatim, Exod. 21:1-24:18
FRIDAY, february 20, 7:30 PM (Dinner at DiStasi’s Precedes Service)
Shabbat Service
Music: Friday Night Live
Oneg Shabbat hosted by Jeff and Kathy Schlaeger in
honor of Alanna becoming a Bat Mitzvah
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21
9:30 am – Torah Study
10:30 am – Shabbat Service
Alanna Schlaeger, daughter of Jeff and Kathy Schlaeger,
will become a Bat Mitzvah
Torah Portion: T’rumah, Exod. 25:1-27:19
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 7:30 PM
Shabbat Service
Music: Bob Pollack and Marilyn Zelcer
Oneg Shabbat hosted by Sam and Laura Lobar and
Family in memory of Miriam Lobar and Ruth Levenson
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28
9:30 am – Torah Study
10:30 am – Shabbat Service
Torah Portion: T’tzaveh, Exod. 27:20-30:10
SISTERHOOD’S
USED BOOKS & MEDIA SALE
Sunday, February 8
During Religious School
NEW ADULT ED SERIES
ARGUING WITH GOD
Ancient and Contemporary
Thursdays,
February 5, 19 --7:00 pm
and Febraury 26 - 8:00 pm
Rabbi Rachel Sabath Beit-Halachmi, Ph.D.
Rabbi Sabath serves the Hebrew Union College as the
National Director of Recruitment and Admissions, President’s Scholar and Director of Community Engagement.
Rabbi Sabath was ordained at HUC-JIR in New York
and earned a Ph.D. in Jewish Philosophy from the Jewish
Theological Seminary.
SHABBAT DINNER
FRIDAY, FEB. 20 - 6:00 PM
DiStasi’s on Wyoming Avenue
Come for dinner and then
join us for Friday Night Live
Shabbat Service at the Temple
Dinner is $15-$20 per meal (paid at the restaurant)
One complimentray glass of wine will
come with your dinner
RSVP to the Temple office by Feb. 18
PURIM CELEBRATION
Wednesday, March 4
6:00 pm - Dinner
(See page 4 for reservations)
7:00 pm - Purim Service & Schpiel
(Musical tribute to story of Esther)
Youth Group Carnival set up
Saturday evening, March 7
Sunday, March 8 NOON
Annual Purim Carnival
Following Religious School
to benefit the Youth Group
FROM THE RABBI ...
Sandford R. Kopnick
In 1984, The Rev. Jesse Jackson was running
for president and referred to New York with an antiJewish nickname. He referred to Jews in a similar
way, and many thought him to have a problem
with Jews. Sadly, Louis Farrakhan, who was not
running for president and was a blatant anti-Semite
(and still is), made the controversy surrounding
the comments worse. Furthermore, Jackson did
nothing to retract or further contextualize his
comments, making his denial more about how he
didn’t remember making the comments rather than
whether he actually did.
This moment, back 30-plus years ago, seems
to be a turning point in Black-Jewish relations.
Jewish people generally took pride in the Jewish role
in the Civil Rights Movement. Jews were involved
in the establishment of both the NAACP and the
Urban League, and certainly marched alongside
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King understood
the value of courting the religious leaders of all
religions, and developed close relationships with
many rabbis. Yet, since that 1984 moment, it seems
that the organized Jewish community has not
figured out how to actively engage with the
African American Community.
In many communities, many Jews and
African Americans work hand-in-hand on many
causes. We partner on community causes, we
support each other’s candidates, and we work together
on community-building projects. Yet, we’ve not seen
real coalitions at a national level for a while.
Recently, a very fine film called Selma was
released. The movie tells the story of Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. and the events surrounding the
march from Selma to Montgomery. Rather than
romanticizing Dr. King, the movie shows this Civil
Rights icon as an all-too-human character. The
week I saw the movie, the Torah portion reminded
us that Moses had trouble convincing the Israelites to follow him, because they were weary from
slavery. A few weeks prior to that, the weekly
newspaper, The Forward, published Jewish complaints about the film because it neglected to show
Dr. Abraham Joshua Heschel and his remarkable
friendship with Dr. King.
I am sorry, but this is embarrassing to our
People. First, a rabbi (kippah-clad older man), was
depicted in the front row of the march in which
Dr. Heschel participated. Secondly, who cares!!
Why did this movie need to be about us. Ferguson
happened months ago. Those who are feeling
downtrodden and oppressed have a remarkable
film to help reset a discussion, and we’re worried
about the actor not looking enough like Dr. Heschel?
Really?
We Jews have an historical kinship with
any group emerging from slavery. There is a
natural link that we should make with the
African American community—even when
we feel snubbed. It is one thing to have Reverend Jackson and Mr. Farrakhan espouse
hate. It is quite another that a well-made movie
chronicling civil rights remain uniquely focused on
Dr. King and not worry as much about the “others”
of the story.
Our Bible reminds us that those weary
from an experience may have a harder time
than others—and we can offer a little latitude
without being so easily insulted. This was not
anti-Jewish; it was an artistic choice. We have to
recover from being marginalized by the 1980s’
leadership of Reverend Jackson and Mr. Farrakhan, in favor of some new steps forward. I
believe it starts with all of us—simply being good
and genuine neighbors. And remembering that
we don’t define who feels like a stranger—but
we are compelled to react with a kinship that
remembers we were slaves in the land of Egypt.
B’shalom,
Sandford R. Kopnick, Rabbi
WEEKLY TORAH STUDY WITH
RABBI KOPNICK AND BRIAN NELSON
EVERY SATURDAY AT 9:30 AM
book!
Each week’s Torah portion is studied
with an eye toward modern relevance
and traditional understanding. No prior
experience is expected.There’s a
reason why we are the people of the
NO LUNCH & LEARN IN FEBRUARY
What’s happening in
MAZAL TOV
Kathy and Jeff Schlaeger on their daughter,
Alanna becoming a Bat Mitzvah
Buzz and Barb Stewart on the engagement of
their son, Daniel to Maddy Homper
Religious School?
Come Learn With Your Children!
MISHEBERACH
Throughout the Religious School year,
you have an opportunity to learn alongside your
children. Your children really look forward to this
time together and you will have the chance to learn
about Jewish holidays, values, mitzvot, Torah,
and life cycle events. You will leave with ideas to
help you incorporate Jewish stories, holidays, and
practices into your home life.
OUR SYMPATHY
Diane Powers on the death of her Mother, Helen
Globe Kesselman
BOXES OF MATZAH NEEDED
Attending Family Education sessions:
• helps your children see that you value
Jewish Education
• is a fun way to get to know the parents of other
children in your child’s RS class
• is an opportunity for you to learn something
new
• gives you an opportunity to see your child in
a learning setting very different from that of
their everyday school experience
• is an opportunity to create wonderful
Jewish memories
Come learn with us on the following dates:
February 8- 9:45-11:15 AM- 6th grade
February 22- 11:00 AM- 12 Noon- 1st grade
March 1- 10:00-11:15 AM- 3rd grade
March 15- 11:00 AM- 12 Noon- 4th grade
March 15- 11:20 AM- 12 Noon- PreK
March 22- 10:00-11:00 AM- 5th grade
March 22- 11:20 AM- 12 Noon- Kindergarten
April 12- 11:00 AM- 12 Noon- 2nd grade
May 3- 10-11:30 AM at Weil Funeral Home- 5th
grade
May 3- 10-11:30 AM at Mapping Our Tears- 6th
grade
See you at Family Ed!
B’shalom;
Sarah Singer-Nourie
Alison
Alison Weikel
Director of Education
Donate boxes of matzah to help families in need
celebrate Passover. Bring your boxes to the Jewish Family
Service barrel in the front hall by Sunday, March 15. This
matzah will be added with other Passover items needed
to make a Seder.
Help is also needed to deliver Passover boxes
on Sunday, March 29 -- pickup times are 10:30, 11:00 or
11:30 am from the Jewish Family Service Barbash Family
Vital Support Center at HUC-JIR.
For more info call Sandee -- 766-3353
SAVE THE DATE —
DENIM & DIAMONDS
An Evening of
Great Food
Trivia Contest and prizes
Auction Items
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Donations of gifts and gift cards
for the auction are welcome
Volunteers Needed
To Volunteer or for more info,
contact KathySchlaeger
wednesday, march 4
6:00 pm DINNER
7:00 PM SERVICE AND SCHPIEL
$10.00 / adult
$5.00/ child (ages 3-12)
Bring your friends -- Costumes invited! Send in your reservation for the dinner to the Temple office.
Name(s) .............................................................................................................................................
# of Adults @ $10.00 ......................... (Children under 3 free) ........................
# of Children (ages 3-12) @ $5.00 ...............
AMT ENCLOSED ..............
Please let us know if you need a vegetarian meal
PLEASE SEND YOUR RESERVATION FORM & PAYMENT TO THE TEMPLE OFFICE, 145 SPRINGFIELD PIKE,
45215 BY MARCH 2
SUNDAY, MARCH 8
NOON (FOLLOWING RELIGIOUS SCHOOL)
To Benefit the Temple Youth Group
GAMES
PRIZES
LUNCH
HAMANTASCHEN
FUN
Youth Group set up will be Saturday, March 7
Donations of new toys, gift cards and other items that can be used for prizes are needed
Cakes for the cake walk should be brought to Religious School
Please contact Brian Meeron, Youth Group Advisor
at the Temple for more information or to make a donation.
MAD POTTER EVENT
Wednesday, February 18 - 6-9 pm
Hope everyone is staying warm!
Thank you to all that participated in our gift
wrapping fundraiser! It was successful, and everyone that
participated had a great time!
February 8 will be our annual Book Sale during
Religious School. We are taking donations of any type of
media (books, videos, DVDs, etc.) and games at the Temple
to sell at the Book Sale.
Mad Potter
7754 Camargo Road, Madeira
Wine/Cheese/Goodies
Great Conversation and Pottery Painting
$8 per person plus cost of object you paint
March 1 is the much anticipated Hamantaschen
baking - come to the kitchen during Religious School and
then after school for Chai Life baking with your children.
- Contact Amanda Stein to sign up!
HELP US CREATE
A WARM MOMENT AFTER SERVICES
Keep the date: May 16 will be Denim & Diamonds,
contact Kathy Schlaeger if you would like to help!
A reminder - you can choose Valley Temple
Sisterhood for the Kroger Rewards program. Just register
at krogercommunityrewards.com and help Sisterhood
support Valley Temple programming just by doing your
shopping! You will see at the bottom of your receipt that
you are supporting Sisterhood...this may take a few weeks
to show up after registering. Please contact Chrissy Knarr
with any questions.
Some upcoming meeting dates are February 22,
March 22, April 19 and May 17 (last day of Religious School
& picnic!). Hope to see you there!
Susan
Susan Elgowsky
Recording Secretary
Help us continue our lovely tradition of
providing delicious “goodies” at our Oneg Shabbats
(the reception following services). These “onegs” are
wonderful ways to celebrate the joy of the Sabbath,
schmooze with members, meet new people and have
a “nosh.” Please help us maintain this tradition by
calling Wendy at the Temple office for more
information, or to say that you will sponsor an oneg.
It can be in honor of a loved one, a special occasion or
just because!
Our thanks for sponsoring a recent oneg:
Barbara and Harvey Katz
in honor of their anniversary
Dr. Scott and Gail Silverstein
in memory of Beverly Shussett
Families of our Consecrants
Julian and Carol Magnus
David and Sharon Feldstein
in memory of Gil Fields and Bessie Feldstein
Sandy Hatfield
in memory of Marcia E. Geltner
hamantaschen baking
Sunday, MARCH 1 at 10 am
Hamantaschen will be used
for the Purim dinner and Purim Carnival as well as our
members in need of cheer
No Experience Necessary
------------------------------------
Noon-2 PM
Chai Life Hamantaschen Baking
Stay for lunch immediately following RS and bake
with your kids -- $5/child $10 max per family
VALLEY NIGHT AT
CYCLONES HOCKEY
Saturday night, March 14
The
Valley Temple Men’s Club invites all to
the Cincinnati Cyclones at US Bank Arena. Puck
drops at 7:30 PM.
This is a family event - all are welcome. RSVP to
Elliot Spieler at 513-351-9749 or valestrania@
aol.com.
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
Marc Deitsch
Devon Brandt
Harold Blatt
Jon Hoffheimer
Alanna Schlaeger
Stephen Kovacic
Richard Gaynor
Alice Weitzenkorn
Joanne Steinberg
Jenny Broh
Lois Benjamin
Rica Hodesh
Joel Davis
Rick Michelman
Karen Blatt
Gil Kaufman
Gerald Springer
Donald Kaplan
Benjamin Zellhuber
John Amber
Emma Weitzenkorn
Betsy Cusack
Clare Deutsch
Barbara DelMauro
Sydney Zwick
Jonathan Sass
Almog Gal
John Rosenthal
Isabelle Clark
Rebecca Clark
Katherine O’Neill
Betsy Ach
Kean Mervis
Donna Goodman
Aubrey Yeazell
Alicia Stoughton
Megan Zellhuber
Shayna Codd
Sidney Cohen
Nancy Magnus Kopnick
Jan Rosenbaum
Evan Powers
We gratefully acknowledge the following contributions:
02/01
02/01
02/02
02/02
02/02
02/03
02/04
02/06
02/06
02/07
02/08
02/10
02/11
02/11
02/12
02/13
02/13
02/14
02/14
02/15
02/17
02/18
02/18
02/19
02/19
02/22
02/22
02/23
02/23
02/23
02/23
02/23
02/24
02/25
02/25
02/26
02/26
02/27
02/28
02/29
02/29
02/29
RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
In memory of Helen Kramberg; from Carol Kramberg-Walker
& Bruce Walker
In memory of Edward Doseck; from Sue & Arn Bortz
In memory of Fannie Kuhr; from Dick & Marsha Kuhr
In memory of Fan Colish; from Lynn & Neil Kravitz
In memory of Betty DuCovna; from Herb & Sue DuCovna
IRVIN AND JANET MAKRAUER MEMORIAL
RITUAL FUND
In memory of Gerd Buchheim; from Zola Makrauer
ALLEN AND SELMA WIENER BERKMAN
SOCIAL ACTION FUND
In memory of Dr. Michael Gladsen; from Gail Lewin
In memory of Jerry Goldstein; from Gail Lewin
In memory of Ida Tamarkin; from Ivan & Kathie Tamarkin
CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In memory of Meyer Silver; from Sue & Jay Price
In memory of Irvin Schwartz; from Gene Smiley & Beth
Schwartz
The Valley Temple Sisterhood
BRYNA SCHWARTZ MEMORIAL ONEG &
HOSPITALITY FUND
In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Rubin’s brother; from
Judy & Martin Young
In honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Marion and Glenn Derringer’s
grandson; from Judy & Martin Young
In memory of Robert Shore; from John & Ronnie Shore
A gift from Dr. Paula Braverman
FRANCIE BROWN MEMORIAL OFFICE FUND
In memory of Phyllis and Todd Boering; from Jenny Broh
L’CHAIM FUND
In memory of John Siegel; from Mark & Ellen Kovacic
FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES
Bill & Betsy
Richard & Marsha
Carl & Judy
Rick & Karen
Aubrey & Arlene
Michael & Nancy
Norman & Wendy
Chuck & Ricklie
Brian & Mindy
Aron & Kara
Cusack
Kuhr
Gehr, Jr.
Michelman
Herman
Shayeson
Wasserman
Vordenberge
Sefferino
Schneider
Sustaining the Generations ...
02/06/1988
02/14/1982
02/17/1963
02/18/1996
02/20/1972
02/20/1971
02/24/1963
02/25/1984
02/29/1999
02/26/2000
MAZAL TOV
OUR GRATEFUL THANKS
Honor a special occasion by donating to one of our funds
which will suit the donor or honoree. These contributions support special programs and projects not covered by our operating budget. For more info, call the Temple office.
145 Springfield Pike Cincinnati, OH 45215
Sandford R. Kopnick, Rabbi
Solomon T. Greenberg, Rabbi Emeritus
Brian Nelson, Rabbinic Intern
Jessica Wainer, Rabbinic Fellow
Wendy Walsh, Temple Administrator
Alison Weikel, Director of Education
Michael Shayeson, President
Laura Lobar, President, Women of Reform Judaism
Scott Steinberg, President, Men’s Club
513-761-3555
WEB SITE: www.valleytemple.com
E-MAIL: wendy@valleytemple.com
or use links at valleytemple.com
VALLEY TEMPLE CONSECRATION 2014/5775