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Avast, me hardies, it`s Adar!
The Newsletter of Cleveland’s Jewish Reconstructionist Community february 2013 “Persions in Pirate Dray for Purim,” by Capt. “Inkyfingers” Hanftt Avast, me hardies, it’s Adar! Pirate Purim Party Megillah Reading, Oneg & Caberet Sat. Feb. 23 / 15 Adar 6:30 p.m. Ahoy there! It’s time to dust off yer peg leg, oil yer eyepatch, wake up the parrot and join in KHL’s Purim Shpiel. Once again, we’ll be atelling the tale of that delightful wench, Esther, and the handsome way she sent Hamen, that scurvy hornswoggler, off to dance the hempen jig. At the oneg, grub like cackle fruit, hardtack or salmagundi (as long is it is parve and nut-free) will abound, along with hogsheads of grog, arrack, rumfustian or bumboon (or, more likely, juice and water). After, a fine caberet will entertain the saltier dogs (rated PG13) -- provided you buckos bring your fine jests and jolly chanties to the stage (to volunteer, contact continued on page 5 February 2013 Page 1 In This Issue: Rabbinic Corner Hagiga Happenings, Kvells Pirate Purim Party Shalach Manot Hesed, Contributions, Yahrzeits Board Report, Adult Education From Our President Hug HaSefer, Women’s Shabbat Connections Shabbaton Info, RCC News Photo Gallery Calendar 3 4 5 7 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 Kol HaLev Happenings DIRECTORY Services & Programs: Office Address: Kol HaLev 2245 Warrensville Center Rd. Suite 215 University Heights, OH 44118 (216) 320-1498 The Lillian and Betty Ratner School 27575 Shaker Boulevard Pepper Pike, OH 44124 http://www.kolhalev.net Rabbi: Steve Segar rabbisteve@kolhalev.net Education Director: Robyn Novick robyn@kolhalev.net Office Manager: Judy Herdering judy@kolhalev.net OFFICERS: EX OFFICIO MEMBERS: VALUE TEAM LEADERS: President Barb Truitt First Vice Presidents Halle Barnett David Conn Secretary Molly Berger Treasurer Pete Robertson Past President Greg Selker Rabbi Steve Segar Founding Rabbi Jeffrey Schein Education Director Robyn Novick Democratic & Fiscally Responsible Barry Epstein Informed & Involved Karly Whitaker Learning Teams Sue Kisch Participation & Volunteerism Leah Kamionkowski Spiritual Bill Scher-Marcus Welcoming & Caring David Conn AT-LARGE MEMBERS: Elise Hagesfeld Margaret Cohen Bruce Goodman Alan Weinstein COMMITTEE CHAIRS AND COORDINATORS: Adult Education Coordinator Sue Kisch Art Lieberman Book Group Kevin Weidenbaum Cemetery Mike Armin Child Care Coordinator Traci Elgart Fundraising Barry Epstein Mimi Plevin-Foust Finance Dick Epstein Hesed Jane Arnoff-Logsdon High Holy Days Claudia Weissman Marcia Goldberg Holidays Amy Hogg Interfaith Dick and Donna Weinberg Israel Mike Armin Kiddush Coordinator Robin Shell Lunch and Learn Adina Davidson Marketing/PR Halle Barnett Deena Epstein Meditation Nancy Rubel Karly Whitaker Membership Jean Miller Maureen Dinner Mock Trial Judy Harris Music Sue Pelleg Bruce Jennings Newsletter Editor Lila Hanft Newsletter Proofreaders Marcia Goldberg Deena Epstein Nominating Commitee Allen Binstock Rabbi Liaison Selma Gwatkin Ratner Liaison Mike Caputo Religious Practices Bill Scher-Marcus Strategic Planning Greg Selker Tech Support Brian Miller Tikkun Olam Greg Millas Torah Study Ralph and Selma Gwatkin Ushers/Greeters/Sadrans Anita Cohn David Conn Website Benjamin Barnett Brian Miller Weekly Update Robin Holzman Youth and Family Education Lynn Liebling Young Families/Tot Shabat Rachel Williams march NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: fri. feb. 15 February 2013 Page 2 Kol HaLev Happenings rabbinic corner rabbi steve segar Greater Cleveland congregations and our own growth This month, I would like to return to a theme that I began writing about last summer: the categories of congregational growth described by Episcopal priest Loren Mead in his book, More than Numbers. Last July and August, we took a look at what Mead calls “maturational growth” and “organic growth.” The first category deals with the extent to which members of a religious community have a vibrant and meaningful relationship with their religious tradition. The second one deals with the extent to which there has been development of structures and practices that bring coherence to the collective life of a congregation on an institutional level and also interpersonal level. This month, I would like to focus on Mead’s third category of non-numerical growth, “incarnational growth.” While that term “incarnation” carries within itself implicit Christological echoes and would therefore require a change in nomenclature for use in a Jewish context, the function that it measures is very familiar and important within Jewish tradition: the extent to which a religious community generates and supports opportunities for its members to engage with the broader community for the purpose of helping to bringing positive change beyond the boundaries of the congregation. In this arena, I feel that we as a community have made great strides over the past couple of years. A fortunate combination of factors brought the Industrial Areas Foundation to northeast Ohio and has led to the creation of Greater Cleveland Congregations (GCC) and the opportunity for a number of our members to choose to invest themselves quite deeply into this new organization. As a result, we within Kol HaLev have had a wide range of opportunities to participate in meaningful conversations and activities that are demonstrably making a tangible and positive impact on the quality of life for all residents of our region. I don’t want to neglect to acknowledge some of our more traditional activities in this category, such as participating in the Interfaith Hospitality Network or collecting donations for Mazon at Passover and the High Holy Day period. These actions have been important staples of our collective Tikkun Olam work for a very long time and a wide range of our members have participated in them. It’s clearly the case that the vision and the philosophy of change embedded within GCC has galvanized us at an entirely new level. There is room here for those who are passionate about and committed to particular types of social change to truly find themselves at the table with others who are in positions to profoundly affect many people’s lives, and to have a chance of influencing what those people in authority choose to do. I look forward to the further growth and development of the impact that membership in GCC has on us as individuals and as a community. Rabbi Steve Rabbi Steve is available to meet with Kol HaLev members on a range of issues by appointment on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings.Contact him by phone at the office (216-3201498) or at rabbisteve@kolhalev.net to schedule a meeting time. February 2013 Page 3 Kol HaLev Happenings robyn novick HAGIGA HAPPENINGS There has been a lot of talk about camp this year, much more than usual, and I wanted to share why. Among the many grants we received this year was the One Happy Camper Promotional Grant. As you may know, the Cleveland Jewish community has been supporting Jewish Summer Camping for a very long time through various grants. Presently, all first-time campers receive $1000 from One Happy Camper through financial support from the Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland, which hopefully makes it possible for more children to attend Jewish summer camp. I was so excited to have a push in promoting Jewish camping. There are several studies that have been done on Jewish identity. The experiences that have the greatest impact and long-term positive effect on Jewish identity are informal education: youth group, peer Israel trips and summer camp. This is one reason why Hagiga is fashioned as an informal/experiential educational learning program. We have so much to learn from camping, especially its role as a complementary learning environment. I know that I am biased, as I am a product of Jewish camping. I grew up in Habonim Dror, which is a Labor Zionist youth movement. My camp was fashioned to represent Kibbutz life and I learned a great deal about Zionist history and Hebrew, as well as modern issues facing Israel. There were arts and crafts, sports, and bug juice, everything camp, as well as a sincere learning component which was easily approachable. Camp is the reason I learned to speak Hebrew, lived in Israel and eventually became a Jewish educator. I realize that not all children who attend Jewish summer camp become Jewish educators, but most who attend are excited and connected to their Judaism. That is what we wish to celebrate and enhance. With the cold temperatures and snow, it is hard to imagine the warm days of summer ahead. To celebrate those days of summer, there will be a Camp Pizza Party for all children who attend a Jewish sleep away camp or those who are interested in learning more about camp on Sunday, Feb. 10 from 5-7 p.m., where we will sing songs, have a bite and of course have s’mores! Please let me know if you would like to attend (see flyer on page 17). Kol Tuv, Robyn kvell corner Congratulations to Roberta and Mario Tonti on the birth of their new grandson, Uri Shir Chaim Tonti, born December 22, 2012. His parents are Rabbi Mathew and Julie Tonti, sisters Mayira and Hami, of Fairfax, VA. Mayira (5 1/2), Uri Shir Chaim (8 days) and Hami (3 1/2) February 2013 Page 4 Kol HaLev Happenings Pirate Purim Party, continued from page 1 Amy Hogg at duffiemoon@gmail.com). And of course, there will be groggers! And hamentashen! (For the oneg, those with names beginning A-H will bring Hamentashen; I-P -- drinks; and Q-Z -- Treats). Other KHL Purim Activities: What: When: Where: What: When: Details What When How Details A Torah Study session on Megillat Esther. The story is not historical, nor mentioned in the Sefer Torah, but is an intricate comical tale appropriate for the carnival. It was probably written between 400 and 300 BCE. Selma and Ralph Gwatkin will lead the discussion.. Saturday, Feb. 2 , 3:30-5:00 p.m. At the home of Maureen Hack, 17 Dorset Court, Beachwood Lunch & Learn session on Purim, the Feast of Lots, led by Rabbi Steve. This year’s series explores various ways of connecting to God through the annual cycle of holidays and festivals, with deeper exploration of the Reconstructionist perspective. Saturday, Feb. 16 at 1 p.m., following Shabbat morning services and kiddush Please bring a dish to share for the potluck lunch (no nuts or dairy, please) If you need childcare or have questions, contact Karal Stern at karals@roadrunner.com or 440-7813318. KHL’s Annual Mishloach Manot Fundraiser. The Purim custom of bringing a basket of sweets (Shalach Manot) to friends, family & neighbors contributes to the joy and festivity of the holiday Orders will be accepted until Friday, February 15, 2013. Follow directions on the order form on pages 7, 8 and 9 You will receive 1 basket regardless of how many are ordered for you, plus a card listing all of the people who ordered a basket for you! Pirate Inspiration Jewish Pirate Humor Talk Like a Pirate video (funny): http://loadingreadyrun.com/videos/view/49/how-to-talklike-a-pirate Q: What does a Jewish pirate do on Yom Kippur? A: Blows the shof-aarrr. English-to-Pirate Translator: http://www.talklikeapirate.com/translator.html Purim App Q: What do Jewish pirates say after hearing tekiah? A: “Thar she blows.” Q: Why can’t you go maurauding after the captain walks the plank? A: You have to sit shiva me timbers. Read Megillat Esther in Hebrew -- on your iPhone! With a variety of built-in grogger sounds! http://www.rustybrick.com/iphone-megillas-esther.php February 2013 Q: What happens when a Jewish pirate turns 13? A: He has a barrrr mitzvah. Page 5 Q: What is a pirate’s favorite newspaper? A: Ha’ARRRRRetz Kol HaLev Happenings Ahoy there matey! ’Tis I, Captain Mordechai, inviting you to get your share of the treasure and Purim laughs! Come celebrate with all your Kol HaLev friends at the Saturday, February 23, 2013/14 Adar 5773 6:30 pm on the SS Ratner Cabaret Following the Megillah Reading! Join us for an oneg following the megillah reading! A-H Hamentashen; I-P Drinks; Q-Z Treats Looking for 3 to 5 minute performances. Anything goes! Music, dance, comedy, improv… Sign up with Amy duffiemoon@gmail.com Please note there may be PG 13 material Pick up your mishloach manot before the megillah reading. Don’t forget to bring Matanot L’Evyonim gifts for the poor! Canned goods will be collected for the Heights Emergency Food Center. Questions? Contact Robyn, robyn@kolhalev.net or 216-320-1498 February 2013 Page 6 Kol HaLev Happenings Kol HaLev’s Annual Purim Fundraiser ORDER SHALACH MANOT for your Kol HaLev friends & family! Fulfill the Mitzvah! During Purim it is customary to bring a basket of sweets (Shalach Manot) to friends, family & neighbors. The sweets contribute to the joy and festivity of the holiday. Each festive bag contains Hamantashen, Pretzalicious pretzels, candy, juice AND MORE! The exchange of Mishloach Manot has become a vital component of Kol HaLev’s Purim celebration and annual fundraising efforts and we are striving for 100% participation. • Orders will be accepted until Friday, Feb. 15, 2013. • Baskets will be delivered between Feb. 23 – Mar. 1 OR you may pick them up at KHL’s Annual Megillah Reading, Feb. 23 You will receive 1 basket regardless of how many are ordered for you, plus a card listing all of the people who ordered a basket for you! To order, choose one: 1. Print and complete this 2-page form & return it with a check to: Kol HaLev, 2245 Warrensville Center Rd., Suite 215; University Hts., OH 44118 OR 2. Email your form (or your name and your list of recipients) to duffiemoon@gmail.com or fax it to 216-464-4489, then pay online with Pay Simple. Instructions: A. Go to http://www.kolHaLev.net/pay_simple; B. Click on the link “Click Here to go to Kol HaLev PaySimple Secure Payment site” C. If you’re already registered on the PaySimple site, enter your user ID and password. D. If you are not yet registered, simply click the “Click Here to Pay Now” link on the left side of the page. E. Type “SHALACH MANOT” in the Payment Description box. Orders cannot be processed until payment is received. Please contact Robin Shell with any questions at rshell@bernsockner.com or 216-482-6100 ALL ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY KOL HALEV AND PAID IN FULL BY February 15 February 2013 Page 7 Kol HaLev Happenings Shalach Manot Order Sheet, page 1 Name: Phone number: I wish to order ____ baskets @ $3.00 each $________ I also wish to reciprocate to all those who have sent me a basket for $18.00 total. $18.00 TOTAL $________ OR I wish to send a basket to EVERY KOL HALEV MEMBER (146 Households) $225.00 I would like to order ____ baskets for people outside of the Kol HaLev community. $________ (There are a very limited number of these available at a cost of $5.00 per basket on a first come, first served basis. Those ordering are responsible for delivery to the recipients). To perform the Purim mitzvah of Matanot la’evyonim (Gifts to the Poor), please consider making a tax-free donation to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund. We will then forward all such contributions to one or more of the charitable organizations that provide meals and other financial services to local individuals and families in need. YES!! I am fulfilling the mitzvah of Matanot la’evyonim. Here’s my donation of $________ GRAND TOTAL (Purim baskets, reciprocals and Matanot La’Evyonim) $_______ METHOD OF PAYMENT: check (payable to “Kol HaLev”) OR Pay Simple (www.kolHaLev.net) YES!! I would love to help deliver baskets (you get a great rush from it – it’s like delivering flowers. YOU make people SMILE!) The city I’d like to deliver to is ________________________ I will pick up my personal basket at Kol HaLev on Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Megillah reading. I prefer to have my personal basket delivered sometime between Feb. 23 and Mar. 1. Thank you and have a joyous and sweet Purim! (Don’t forget the second page of this form!) February 2013 Page 8 Kol HaLev Happenings Shalach ManoT Order Sheet, page 2 **Please check off the names of the families that you would like to send Shalach Manot baskets to. If you would prefer, we can send them by random selection. □ Please send my baskets randomly □ Adamson, Anne □ Agopian, Sharon □ Arian, Dan & Nan □ Armin, Mike □ Barnett, Benjamin & Halle □ Baxter, Daniel& Hannah □ Berger, Molly □ Berns, Jordan & Amy □ Biagianti, Arthur & Sue □ Binstock, Allen □ Borden, Michael & Mir&a □ Bortz, Carol □ Bortz, David □ Brodsky, Jack & Amy □ Caputo, Michael & Kareen □ Chasin, Abraham& Muriel □ Chefitz, Josh& Tyler Katz □ Chenin, Fred & Marsha □ Cohn, Anita □ Collin, E. Maxine □ Conn, David& Elizabeth □ Dash, Judi □ Davidson, Mark & Adina □ Dinner, Maureen □ Dudwick, Nancy □ Elgart, Scott & Traci □ Epstein, Barry& Barbara □ Epstein, Dick& Deena □ Epstein, Michael & Ann □ Fallick, Bruce& Catherine □ Feil, Mimi & Ed □ Fish, Juanita □ Foust, Bill & Mimi Plevin-Foust □ Friedman-Romell, Frederick & Beth □ Gellman, Paul □ Gilbert, Ron & Leah □ Glueckselig, Nina □ Goldberg, Gil & Marcia □ Golden, Susan □ Goldstein, Joyce □ Goodman, Bruce & Brenda □ Gordon, Jonathan & Paula Klausner □ Gross, Linda □ Gwatkin, David □ Gwatkin, Ralph& Selma □ Hack, Maureen □ Hagerling, Carl& Gwen Glazer □ Hagesfeld, Mike& Elise □ Handler, Louis & Julie February 2013 □ Hecht, Nancy □ Herdering, Judy □ Hersch, Chuck & Shahin Afnan □ Herzenstein, Jonathan & Amy □ Hogg, Amy □ Holzman, Robin □ Immerman, Michael & Irene □ Imrey, Peter □ Jennings, Bruce & Celia □ Jones, Dick & Jayne □ Kamionkowski, Leah □ Kanner, Steven & Karly Whitaker □ Karabin, Carol □ Kay, Rachel □ Kelman, Sam & Anna □ Kisch, Eric & Sue □ Kittila, Peggy & Miriam Geronimus □ Klein, Dan & Nancy Rubel □ Kohn, Ron □ Kopstein, Ami & Glenda Kupersmith □ Korman, Neil & Diane □ Kornspan, Alan & Lisa □ Lazar, Lee & Karen □ Lesser, Ray & Susan Wolpert □ Lewis, Ben & Bellamy Printz □ Lieberman, Arthur □ Liebling, David & Lynn □ Lipson, Alan & Judy Harris □ Litvene, Marilyn □ Litwin, Richard & Kirby Date □ Logsdon, Ernie & Jane ArnoffLogsdon □ Malemud, Franklin & Maggie □ Maris, Frank & Phyllis □ May, Chip & Audrey Warner □ May, Harold □ Meacham, Mattuck & Elizabeth □ Mendes, Joe & Cynthia Larsen □ Messinger-Rapport, Ken & Barbara □ Millas, Greg & Pam □ Miller, Brian & Jean □ Nadler, Ginny □ Ness, Ruth □ Olsen, Eric & Jennifer Finkel □ Oster, Andy & Robyn Novick □ Pelleg, Mordechai & Sue □ Pelsmajer, Julia & Aurelia □ Petrack, Emory& Sammy Greenspan □ Plevin, Gloria □ Pliskin, Rob Page 9 □ Politzer, Rita □ Raddock, Mike& Christina Antenucci □ Rahilly, Kevin & Margaret Cohen □ Raymond, Pauline □Roberts, David & Lila Hanft □ Robertson, Pete & Heidi GorovitzRobertson □ Rosenblatt, Charles & Deborah Gross □ Rosenfield, Allan & Sandy □ Rosenstiel, CJ & Jennie □ Sandman, Barrie □ Schein, Jeffrey & Debby □ Scher-Marcus, Bill & Michal □ Schubert, Dave & Martha □ Schultz, Stuart & Sharon □ Segar, Steve & &y Getz □ Selker, Gregory & Lois □ Shafran, Robert & Susan Knell □ Sheehe, Chuck & Marianne Lax □ Shell, Robin □ Shutkin, David & Connie Friedman □ Siegel, Renee □ Sklarin, Chris & Alexis Abramson □ Sobel, Howard & Joanne Federman □ Sobel, Sarah □ Solomon, Larry & Jodi □ Steinweg, David & Erica □ Stern, Karal □ Sugerman, David & Peggy □ Sunshine, Jeffrey & Helen Salz □ Sussman, Vicki □ Tatar, Steven & Terre Maher □ Tetelman, Aaron & Jessie Vigorito □ Tonti, Mario & Roberta □ Truitt, Barb □ Unger, Pnina □ Wallach, Happy □ Weidenbaum, Kevin & Sue □ Weinberger, Irwin & Meg Manny □ Weinberger, Richard & Donna □ Weinstein, Alan □ Weinstock, Brent & Kate □ Weiss, Eda □ Weissman, Jeffrey & Claudia □ Wilhelm, Jonathan □ Williams, David & Rachel □ Wolpert, Joyce □ Zevit, Shawn & Simcha □ Zipper, Helen Kol HaLev Happenings hesed We send condolences to Kol HaLev members Greg, Pam, Elaine and Esther Millas on the loss of Greg’s aunt, Judith Lee Miller, may her memory be for a blessing. May Greg and Pam and their entire family be comforted at this difficult time along with all others who are in mourning among the Jewish people and the world as a whole. We send condolences to Kol HaLev member Nancy Hecht on the loss of her mother, Edith Hecht, may her memory be for a blessing. May Nancy and her family be comforted at this difficult time along with all others who are in mourning among the Jewish people and the world as a whole. We send wishes for a refuah shleymah / a complete and speedy healing to Kol HaLev member Louis Handler, who is recovering from pneumonia. contributions Kol HaLev gratefully acknowledges contributions from: • • • Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in honor of Leah Kamionkowski Judy Harris and Alan Lipson in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Judy’s father, Sol Fink Anita Cohn in honor of the B’Nai Mitzvah class and in commemoration of the yahrzeits of Anita’s parents, Lisa and Harry Goldstein • Bill Foust and Mimi Plevin-Foust to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund • Abe and Muriel Chasin in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Muriel’s father, Abe Ritz • Roselyn Chapnick in honor of Leah Kamionkowski, Gloria Plevin and Mimi Plevin-Foust • Anna and Sam Kelman in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Anna’s father, Jacob Festinger YAHRZEITS They are now a part of us, as we remember them Members of Kol HaLev will mark the following yahrzeits during February: Sarah Altenberg Festinger – mother of Anna Kelman David Jack Herzig – uncle of Barry Epstein Freda Shleser Imrey – mother of Peter Imrey Lisa Goldstein – mother of Anita Cohn George Smith – father of Barbara Truitt Esther Scher – grandmother of Michal Scher-Marcus Lee Brooker – friend of Ernie Logsdon and Jane Arnoff-Logsdon Della London Gorovitz – paternal grandmother of Heidi Gorovitz Robertson Donald J. Goodman – father of Bruce Goodman Kol HaLev members may include the yahrzeit of family in KHL Happenings by submitting the name of the deceased, the relationship to the member and the date of death, including the year, in either the secular or Jewish calendar to Judy@kolhalev.net. February 2013 Page 10 Kol HaLev Happenings molly berger, secretary board report The board met on Jan.14 at Leah Kamionkowski’s home. After a d’var Torah and approval of the prior month’s minutes, the board discussed treasurer Pete Robertson’s budget report, which had been circulated in advance of the meeting. The good news is that we are on target for dues collection and commitments and we have met our fundraising goal. Rabbi Steve asked the board to co-sponsor an upcoming program with the Laura and Alvin Siegal Lifelong Learning Program at CWRU. On Thursday, Feb. 28, at noon, Jeffrey Gurock, Libby M. Klaperman Professor of Jewish History at Yeshiva University, will speak on “Working with the Kaplan Journals to Answer a Historian’s Question.” The board approved the sponsorship. KHL members can register online at http://www.case.edu/lifelonglearning. (More info, see the calendar entries for Feb. 27 and 28) The board agreed to send Purim baskets to prospective members and members in nursing homes. Halle Barnett is leading an effort to develop a communication plan so that communications and processes are consistent and reflect our community values. She is hopeful it will help internal committee work be more effective and efficient and will result in a handbook of policies and practices. She is working with Jean Miller and Maureen Dinner on membership committee work. The website update is in process. Our Torah is in need of repair. Rabbi Steve has been in touch with Rabbi Kevin Hale of Congregation Beth El of Springfield, Mass., about our options for assessing and repairing our Torah. Rabbi Kevin, who helped KHL dedicate its Torah scroll, is the only Reconstructionist sofer in the world. The board unanimously passed a motion to bring Rabbi Kevin here to assess the Torah and to make his visit and the repair the centerpiece of next year’s education programming. Once we know what the repair entails, the board will make decisions as to the degree of restoration that is appropriate. Barb updated the board on recent office changes that include a new telephone sytem and moving the bookcase and books. Everyone is urged to mark their calendars for this year’s Shabbaton April 26-28, 2013. The next Board meeting will be held Monday, February 11, 2013 at Molly Berger’s house, 19744 Chagrin Boulevard, Shaker Heights. Contact info: 216-752-5434. All Kol HaLev members are welcome to attend. Respectfully submitted, Molly Berger adult education The Adult Education Committee is sponsoring a series of three programs entitled Running a Jewish Home, led by Rabbi Steve and a panel of members. The focus is on practical aspects, such as what we do and why, and is intended for adults, especially those with children still at home. The series will meet on Sunday afternoons from 3- 5 p.m. (Locations to be announced in the weekly update and later newsletters.) Sunday Feb. 17: Running a Jewish Home: Shabbat Sunday Mar. 17: Running a Jewish Home: Passover Sunday May 5: Running a Jewish Home: Daily Life February 2013 Page 11 Kol HaLev Happenings FROM OUR PRESIDENT Evolution Shabbat In the summer of 2004, the Grantsburg, Wisconsin, school board held prolonged policy discussions about the teaching of evolution in the public schools. Michael Zimmerman, then a professor at UW Oshkosh, asked scientists and religious studies professors to write to the school board in support of the teaching of evolution, and I was among those who wrote. On Nov.8, 2004, the Grantsburg, Wisc., school board revised its science curriculum to include the teaching of creationism in their science classes. During the same year, Michael Zimmerman organized a Clergy Letter, asking Christian clergy in Wisconsin to sign a letter in support of the teaching of evolution in public schools. Two hundred Wisconsin clergy did so that year and the number has now grown to over 11,000. A Rabbi Letter has over 500 signatures, including Rabbi Steve’s and Rabbi Jeff’s. Michael then organized Evolution Sunday in 2006 to be held on the weekend closest to Charles Darwin’s birthday, Feb. 12. The first Evolution Shabbat was held that February in Mequon, Wisc., at Congregation Shir Hadash, co-led by Rabbi David Brusin and myself. I also led a service the following year with CSH. In July, 2007, I moved to Cleveland and skipped a year of leading an Evolution Shabbat, while 64 other Jewish congregations held an February 2013 Page 12 barb truitt Evolution Shabbat. I have been happy to bring Evolution Shabbat to KHL. Project Steve, organized by the National Center for Science Education, is a tribute to Stephen Jay Gould and a tongue-in-cheek response to Creationists who claim that many scientists do not believe in evolution. One percent of the U.S. population is named Steve, or variations thereof, so getting scientists named Steve to sign a statement supporting the teaching of evolution has been used by NCSE to demonstrate the widespread support for the teaching of evolution. As of Jan. 11, 2013, the list is at 1237, representative of well over a million scientists. As a molecular biologist, I cannot imagine conducting my research without utilizing the concept of evolution. My belief in evolution and the utility of science does not cause a conflict for me in my belief in God and in belonging to a spiritual community. Science and religion both ask many questions with the goal of understanding the world that we live in and the lives that we lead. For me, they go hand in hand, complementing each other. The wonder of a newborn child, born with ten fingers with fingernails and eyes wide open to observe a world is enhanced for me by the knowledge that scientists have been able to learn about how a fetus develops. There are many more questions to be asked by both scientists and those of us on a spiritual journey. Join me in that joint journey for Evolution Shabbat on Feb. 16. ~Barb Kol HaLev Happenings hug hasefer: book discussion group The February book group meeting will be Thursday, Feb. 28, at 7:30 at the home of Ruth Ness. We will discuss Exit Ghost by Philip Roth (304 pages. A Kindle Edition is available). A description from Amazon: Like Rip Van Winkle returning to his hometown to find that all has changed, Nathan Zuckerman comes back to New York, the city he left eleven years before. Previously alone on his New England mountain, Zuckerman has been nothing but a writer: no voices, no media, no terrorist threats, no women, no news, no tasks other than his work and the enduring of old age. Now walking the streets like a revenant (a person who has returned, esp. supposedly from the dead), he quickly makes three connections that explode his carefully protected solitude. One is with a young couple with whom, in a rash moment, he has offered to swap homes… The second connection is with a figure from Zuckerman’s youth, Amy Bellette, companion and muse to Zuckerman’s first literary hero, E. I. Lonoff… The third connection is with Lonoff’s would-be biographer, a young literary hound who will do and say nearly anything to get to Lonoff’s “great secret.” Suddenly involved, as he never wanted or intended to be involved again, with love, mourning, desire, and animosity, Zuckerman plays out an interior drama of vivid and poignant possibilities. The book for March is The Misunderstood Jew: The Church and the Scandal of the Jewish Jesus (selected chapters to be announced) by Amy-Jill Levine. The calendar of books for 2013 is listed at the web page shown below. All KHL members are welcome to attend. For more information about the group, look at our web page (http://www.kolhalev.net/book_group) and contact Kevin Weidenbaum (KJW@oberlin.net) to be added to the group’s email list. Women’s Shabbat Potluck All women in KHL are cordially invited to a Shabbat Potluck Dinner at the home of Happy Wallach on Friday, Feb. 8, at 6:30 p.m. Happy’s address is 23538 Duffield Road, Shaker Heights; please RSVP to her at HappyHKW@aol.com or 216-283-4058. Food contributions should be dairy or parve, and “allergy-aware.” Food categories are unassigned, but if you know what you will be bringing, please let Happy know. This will be helpful if others inquire about what they might bring to “fill in the gaps.” We hope that you will join us! February 2013 Page 13 Kol HaLev Happenings David conn Connections at your service As Kol HaLev members, the one place we all have in common is our synagogue, shul, temple . . whatever name you prefer! While KHL hosts and sponsors a variety of programs and events, I would like to focus on our prayer services. There are multiple ways to experience our prayer service. Communal prayer can be very powerful, with elements both ancient and modern and much of it in Hebrew, the holy language that has united Jews throughout history. Some members say they connect very strongly with the singing and the music, whether or not they themselves participate. It is a very special experience indeed when, for example, during the Amidah (standing prayer midway through the service) everyone “dials in” simultaneously, slows down the singing and gets very loud. Our service also leaves some time for individual prayer and reflection. The Kol HaNeshamah siddur (prayer book) we use includes very rich “below the line commentary” on the majority of pages throughout the service. Some members connect deeply with these commentaries when they don’t connect with the prayers, whether individual or communal. Our movement once comprised the liberal wing of the Conservative movement and therefore our liturgy (language of the prayer service) is closely related to the Conservative Service. KHL retains most “required elements” of the standard service but creates room for more songs and readings. We generally have one to three aliyot (Torah readings) rather than the full complement of seven. We rarely do the prophetic Haftarah reading. The Musaf service (basically a second Amidah with some language changes) is dropped entirely. Reflecting Reconstructionist ideas, our liturgy also changes traditional language in a few places, for example to modify references to the chosenness of the Jewish people, providing for an nonexclusive reading. Other changes--not unique to the Reconstructionist movement--avoid depicting an uncomfortably supernatural G-d, for example via references to the resurrection of the dead. Kol HaNeshamah substitutes “m’chayeh kol chai” (translated as “nurturing all living things”) for the traditional “m’chayeh ha metim” (gives life to the dead...). Still, some members prefer the traditional formulations for a variety of reasons and recite them during the service. Members sometimes also avoid reciting liturgical language they personally find uncomfortable, for example “tivneh homot Yerushalayim” (rebuild the walls of Jerusalem); some members perceive it as exclusionary: by building walls we are keeping some people out...we need to tear down walls between people in order to bring about the vision of a messianic era embodied in the Aleynu prayer near the end of the service. While the KHL prayer service may not “work” for everyone, many members find in it a strong connection with our community, traditions and the Divine. February 2013 Page 14 Kol HaLev Happenings save the date The Kol Halev biannual shabbaton April 26-28, 2013 at Punderson State Park topic: Exploring the Omer: Integrating Freedom and Responsibility Registration material coming soon Interested in contributing to the programming? Contact Rabbi Steve 216-320-1498 | rabbisteve@kolhalev.net News from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College (RRC) Wrestling With Rest Can we capture the magic of a b’nai mitzvah in pictures? Welcome Shabbat with musical instruments? March for social justice on Saturday? When Kehillah Synagogue in Chapel Hill, N.C., needed to resolve thorny questions about Shabbat observance, a Reconstructionist approach brought congregants closer to each other and to their Judaism. Visit www.rrc.edu/wrestling to learn more. RRC@Work Debuts! In a new blog, our faculty, students and graduates will pull back the curtain on the many ways that rabbis and rabbis-in-training make a difference in the world. With the debut post, Dean of Academic Administration Barbara Hirsh considers the timely issue of how a campus rabbi can help manage controversy over Israel. Read it now at http://www.rrc.edu/at-work. Life of Pi: Can a Movie Make You Believe in God? The film Life of Pi was required viewing this holiday season for Rabbi Nancy Fuchs Kreimer, Ph.D., who directs RRC’s program in multifaith studies. “As an interfaith educator, how could I not see a film whose protagonist, a boy named Pi, is born a Hindu, loves Jesus and practices Islam?” she writes. “While Pi’s co-star is a 450-pound carnivorous Bengal tiger and I am not a fan of animal movies, the theme of interspirituality intrigued me.” Further, she couldn’t pass up a story that claims it will “make you believe in God.” Read more at http://www.rrc.edu/multifaithworld/life-pi-can-movie-make-you-believe-god. February 2013 Page 15 Kol HaLev Happenings photo gallery Tu B’Shvat Seder and Friday Singing Shabbat service Bonim students volunteer at The Cleveland Food Bank February 2013 Page 16 Kol HaLev Happenings Grab a little summer sunshine in February at the Camp Pizza Party! When? Sunday, Feb. 10, from 5-7 p.m. Where? The Shell Home (4111 Linnell Rd. S. Euclid) What? Fun reminiscing and sharing about camp! Who? All overnight campers and interested campers We will have a song session, have some pizza, talk about how fun camp is and make s’mores! It will be a very fun and delicious time! Please RSVP to Robyn at robyn@kolhalev.net or 216-320-1498 by February 6th - so we know how much pizza to order! February 2013 Page 17 Kol HaLev Happenings CALENDAR Sat. Feb. 2 9:15-10:15 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 10:45 a.m. 3:30-5:00 p.m Tues., Feb. 5 4:00-9:00 p.m. 8:30-9:30 a.m. Fri., Feb. 8 6:30 p.m. 8:00-10:00 p.m. Sat., Feb. 9 10:30 a.m. Sun., Feb. 10 1:00 p.m. Mon., Feb. 11 7:30 p.m Fri., Feb. 15 Sat., Feb. 16 February 2013 Philosophical Inquiry with the Parasha for 5th and 6th grade Hagiga students in the Art Room. 10:30 a.m. – Hagigat Limud and New Member Shabbat Service preceded by Torah Discussion at 9:30 a.m. at Ratner Chapel; Yitro; Service leader: Rabbi Steve; Discussion leader: Rabbi Steve; kiddush co-hosted by Hagigat Limud and New Member Shabbat Membership Committee Hagiga Tot-Parent Shabbat Program for families with children in preschool and under in Rooms 113 & 114. The program is about a half an hour. Babysitting is available before and after Tot Shabbat, also in Rooms 113 & 114. Torah Study at the home of Maureen Hack, 17 Dorset Court, Beachwood; Topic: Megillat Esther. More info on page 5. Count Me in Retreat at B’nai Jeshurun Schmooze with the Rabbi at the Stone Oven on Chagrin Blvd. Women’s Group Shabbat Dinner at the home of Happy Wallach, 23538 Duffield Rd, Shaker Heights, 216-283-4058. More information on page 13. February No’ar Hadash (Teens) Dessert Potluck at the Weinstock home, 3663 Bainbridge Rd. Cleveland Hts., For info, contact Ma’ayan (youthdirector@kolhalev.net) Member-Led Shabbat Service at Ratner Chapel; Mishpatim; Service leader: Kol HaLev member; kiddush co-hosted by Jack and Amy Brodsky and by Alan and Lisa Kornspan Movie and discussion: Front of the Class, the 5th annual program of Special Needs Awareness in the Jewish Community at Frankel Auditorium – Siegal Facility, 26500 Shaker Boulevard, Beachwood; free and open to the public Board Meeting at the home of Molly Berger, 19744 Chagrin Blvd., Shaker Heights, 216-752-5434; all Kol HaLev members are welcome. Deadline for ordering SHALACH MANOT. Order form on page 8. Deadline for the March issue of Kol HaLev Happenings 10:30 a.m. Evolution Shabbat Service preceded by Torah Discussion at 9:30 a.m at Ratner Chapel; Teruma; Service leader: Rabbi Steve and Barb Truitt; Discussion leader: Kol HaLev member; kiddush co-hosted by Bruce and Brenda Goodman in honor of Kayla’s 12th birthday and by Bill and Michal Scher-Marcus. (More about Evolution Shabbat on page 12.) Page 18 Kol HaLev Happenings CALENDAR Sat., Feb. 16 10:00-10:30 a.m Intergenerational Learners Service in the Chapel; Rabbi Steve will lead a 30-minute service open to anyone in the community who would like to learn a little more about the Shabbat morning service. 10:30 a.m. Hagiga 10:45 a.m. Tot-Parent Shabbat Program for families with children in preschool and under in Rooms 113 & 114. The program is about a half an hour. Babysitting is available before and after. 1:00 p.m. Lunch & Learn at Ratner School; Rabbi Steve Segar will lead a discussion about Purim, the Feast of Lots. More info on page 5. 3:00-5:00 p.m. Adult Ed Program - Running a Jewish Home: Shabbat; location TBA. More info on page 11. 5:00 p.m. Camp Pizza Party. More information on page 17. Fri., Feb. 22 6:00 p.m. Sat., Feb. 23 10:30 a.m. Kabbalat Shabbat and Potluck at Ratner Chapel; kiddush cohosted by Steve Kanner and Karly Whitaker in honor of Mira’s 8th birthday and by Irwin Weinberger and Meg Manny Musical Shabbat at Ratner Chapel; Tetzave (Zachor); Service leader: Rabbi Steve; kiddush co-hosted by Peter Robertson and Heidi Gorovitz Robertson and by Fred and Marsha Chenin Purim Intergenerational Program at Ratner School; kiddush co-hosted by Barb Truitt, by Anita Cohn and by Robin Shell. More information on page 1 and page 5. Mindful Jewish Practice -- at Nancy Rubel’s office, 24755 Chagrin Rd. #305. The meditation will be brief to allow those who are interested to attend the lecture on Kaplan (below). “DLS: A Modern Heretic and a Traditional Community: Rabbi Mordecai M. Kaplan and Orthodoxy and American Judaism,” a lecture by Jeffrey Gurock, Libby M. Klaperman Professor of Jewish History at Yeshiva University. At Green Road Synagogue. (Register at http:// www.memberize.com/ClubPortal/EventDisplayNew. cfm?clubID=3475&eventID=172829) 6:30 p.m Wed., Feb. 27 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Thu., Feb. 28 12:00-2:00 p.m. “Working with the Kaplan Journals to Answer a Historian’s Question,” a lecture by Jeffrey Gurock, Yeshiva University. (Register online at http://www.memberize.com/ClubPortal/ EventDetailPublic2.cfm?clubID=3475&eventID=179116) 7:30 p.m. Book Group at the home of Ruth Ness, 2328 Miramar, University Heights, 216-932-5579. More information on page 13. The newsletter calendar is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. However, dates and venues for KHL events do sometimes change. To keep abreast of any changes, read the Weekly Update which is emailed to all members on Thursdays, or check Kol HaLev’s website calendar. February 2013 Page 19 Kol HaLev Happenings Kol HaLev, Cleveland’s Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation, is an egalitarian, participatory spiritual community Page 20 February 2013 Visit our website at http://www.kolhalev.net Kol HaLev Happenings 2245 Warrensville Center Rd., #215 University Heights, OH 44118 216-320-1498 The Newsletter of Cleveland’s Jewish Reconstructionist Community Place stamp here ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER Kol HaLev Happenings is the newsletter of Kol HaLev, Cleveland’s Jewish Reconstructionist Community. This digital newsletter can be read onscreen in Adobe Reader or printed out on paper. Please email newsletter@kolhalev.net with comments, complaints, corrections, suggestions, or notices for upcoming issues. Back issues of Kol HaLev Happenings can be downloaded from the Kol HaLev website.
