1. religion and spirituality
2. judaism

November 2014 • Volume 28 • Issue 10
A Reform Congregation Embracing Our Jewish Tradition
Nov. 14th
8:00 PM
IT’S THE ANNUAL TURKEY DRIVE!
FIND OUT HOW TO HELP THOSE IN NEED THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
SEE PAGE 11
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Veteran’s
Recognition
Shabbat
Service
VOTE FOR REFORM IN ISRAEL
The next World Zionist Congress will be held in
October 2015. More than 500 delegates from Israel and
the Diaspora will gather in Jerusalem to discuss key
issues confronting Israel, Zionism and world Jewry, and
to determine allocations made by the World Zionist
Organization. These decisions are determined by the vote of delegates,
who reflect a wide diversity of ideological and religious perspectives.
The time for elections is again upon us, and your support is vital to our
success.
The first step towards victory will be voter registration. Registration
campaigns will be initiated in every Reform synagogue around the
world, and we are asking for your support throughout this election.
Registration materials will be made available to our entire community.
We hope that you will take the pledge to vote by registering here:
www.reformjews4israel.org. This will give ARZA a way to contact you
directly when it is time to vote later in the winter.
If you care about the Reform Movement in Israel, if you
support egalitarian prayer, if you believe in freedom of
religion, the right of Reform rabbis to conduct marriage,
divorce, burial and conversion, if you believe that women
should have equal status, here is your chance to make a
difference.
If you have any questions, contact Gene Carasick for more information
at gcarasick@gmail.com.
The Zionist Congress is the World Zionist Organization’s (WZO)
Help Beth Tikvah raise a voice of celebration and support for Reform
supreme institution and legislative body, holding elections every five
Judaism!
years. The Congress influences policy throughout Israel and directs
hundreds of millions of dollars towards Jewish life globally. The Reform
Movement’s victories in the past WZO elections have empowered Israeli Rabbi Fred Greene
Reform Jews with increased support and respect. Many of us already
support such efforts as members of ARZA—The Reform Israel Fund,
www.arza.org. ARZA’s presence at the Zionist Congress has
empowered the Movement to fight for Reform Judaism around the
globe:

Support for Progressive Jews across the FSU and Israel

Training Israel’s next generation of Reform Rabbis

Reform Jewish programming on six continents
NFTY Convention is coming to Atlanta!
February 13-17, 2015
NFTY is part of the URJ Youth family of camps and programs.
The network includes summer camps, Israel programs, social justice
and service travel experiences, and NFTY youth group programming.
What is NFTY Convention?
5 days with over 1,000 Jewish high school students from across
North America
A magical Shabbat experience – a chance to experience the
Reform Movement’s ground-breaking song sessions and
worship experiences. Shabbat is an extraordinary moment,
with a community of over a thousand teens and adults who
join in worship together.
Over 200 interactive sessions - gain new skills, hear
fresh perspectives on hot topics, and time for teens to explore the connections between themselves and their communities. These multimedia plenary sessions feature wellknown teen and adult speakers, popular Jewish musicians,
and more.
A chance to gain new skills that will translate into leadership
and job opportunities. Teens can choose a specialized
leadership seminar focused on songleading, social justice
advocacy, and assistant teaching (Madrichim).
We’d love for as many of our HOTTY teens to attend as possible.
Think it’s too expensive? There are scholarships available (both
through TBT and through NFTY). Please ask Bobbee or Rabbi
Greene about applying.
Also, there is a special (and cheaper) Teen Commuter Registration
for local teens to stay at home at night and attend the convention
during the day.
Register at any time and pay only the $75.00 deposit. Hurry – the
early bird deadline ends Nov. 17! Go to: http://
www.nftyconvention.org/
Almost $2 million dollars in annual funding to Israeli Reform Jewish
projects
The Introduction to the
Talmud that You’ve Been
Waiting For!
Bring a dairy lunch and join Rabbi Greene for a lively monthly class and discussion which will consist of an introduction to
the Talmud - its stories, its themes, the sages, and see how its
teachings build upon the foundation of the Torah.
The class will meet from 11:45 am to 1 pm on:
Fridays, November 7, December 19, January 23, February
20, March 13 and April 17
All are welcome. Dates are subject to change. Please check
the TBT calendar to confirm.
RSVPs are appreciated for each session.
RSVP to michelle@bethtikvah.com
2
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
NOTES FROM CANTOR KASSEL
way they are in terms of structure,
content, choreography and what we
do to honor our B’nei Mitzvah.
WHAT’S OUR SHABBAT MORNING BAR/BAT MITZVAH
SERVICE ALL ABOUT?
&
HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM OTHER
SHABBAT MORNING SERVICES?
On another topic……
Great questions. I’m glad you asked!
Now that we have celebrated Sukkot and Simchat
Torah, I am officially making good on my promise
The liturgy and service structure for a Shabbat
to create and maintain an established Friday night
morning service is the same whether or not we are
service musical repertoire. It is my hope that you
celebrating a Bar/Bat/B’nei Mitzvah. The main difwill take advantage of the opportunity to catch on
ference is that our students lead a significant
to the melodies we use, thereby enabling you to
amount of the service and there are a few more adPARTICIPATE in services.
ditions which allow us to honor our students who
have studied for years acquiring service-leading and
Every service has a different dynamic, often deTorah/Haftarah chanting skills.
pendent on the varying abilities of those assembled
- to participate. There are times when Rabbi
That’s the simplest answer to the questions above,
Greene and I exchange glances during services, to
but of course there’s much more to learn about
communicate to each other “How NICE it is to hear
Shabbat morning worship. So, I invite you attend:
so many voices confidently joined together in prayer!” That’s what we want – not only for ourselves
UNDERSTANDING THE SHABBAT MORNING
but for YOU!
SERVICE WITH BAR/BAT/B’NEI MITZVAH
UNDERSTANDING SHABBAT MORNING SERVICES –
Wishing you a joyous Hebrew month of Cheshvan”
IN GENERAL
(Oct. 25 – Nov. 22) – the month without any Jewish
holidays, but a month FULL of opportunities to parSUNDAY MORNINGS: NOV. 2 & NOV. 9,
ticipate in Jewish life, especially at TBT!
11:05 – 11:55
B’Shalom,
Let’s take a closer look at why our services are the
TIME TO APPLY FOR
ALEF FUND TAX CREDIT 2015!
Cantor Nancy Kassel
Cantor Kassel’s Adult Learning
Parent's Guide To The B'nei Mitzvah Service
Sundays: Nov. 2 and Nov. 9 from 11:05-11:55 am
These 2 classes will help parents better understand
the structure, choreography and honors associated
with a Bar/Bat Mitzvah service.
Since 2008, ALEF Fund has provided over $10 Million in scholarships to students at local Jewish pre-k, day schools, and high
schools. Redirecting a portion of your state taxes to ALEF Fund
helps provide children in our community with a Jewish education.
Book Discussion: "Unorthodox: The Scandalous
Rejection of My Hasidic Roots"
by Deborah Feldman
Sunday, Jan. 11 from 10:45-11:55 am
ALEF Fund has made the process of reserving a state tax credit
even simpler this year. At www.aleffund.org , you can reserve
your 2015 tax credit in less than two minutes! Complete your
application and direct your tax dollars to the ALEF Fund Partner
Schools of your choice.
Please act now to ensure your credit will be approved and your
tax dollars will secure a Jewish education for our families!
The Music and Religion of Leonard Cohen
Sunday, Feb. 8 from 10:45-11:55 am
Please visit our website to reserve your tax credit or contact Allison Feldman, ALEF Fund Manager at afeldman@jfga.org or
678.222.3739 for assistance.
Tips for Leading an Engaging Seder
Sunday, Mar. 15 and Sunday, Mar. 22 from
11:00-11:55 am
3
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
New Math We Can Take to the Bank
On Rosh Hashanah morning, I touched on the financial challenges
we face at Beth Tikvah. First, I want to point out a little TBT
history. Many reform synagogues send a messenger, usually a lay
leader, to the Bimah sometime during the High Holy Days with a
mission is to make a “strong and persuasive” fundraising plea to the
captive audience for some large program typically known as the
annual or capital campaign. Bottom line, as I have said before,
almost every synagogue needs to raise between 25-35% of its
operating budget from sources other than congregants’ annual
commitments (formerly known as dues). I have experienced those
pleas in my lifetime at other synagogues and I think you will agree it
is not too comfortable. Sometimes, it is the Rabbi who actually
makes the plea because who can say no to a Rabbi, on Rosh Hashana
or Yom Kippur no less?
Well, I am proud to say that, to the best of my knowledge, never in
Beth Tikvah’s history has that been done. Sure, the President, as I
have done, mentions the campaign and might even say we are
kicking it off after the holidays but we have never actually asked
specifically for pledges on those Holy Days or handed out pledge
cards to take home. So, no awkward moments of asking. No
mumbling under congregants’ breath on the way out.
Certainly, we do our share of asking AFTER the High Holy Days
and this year is no exception. For the past two years we have had
the lofty goal of 100% participation in the campaign. We even have
the catchy tag line, EveryOne Matters. With a lot of effort on the
part of the fundraising committee, we have had participation of only
34% and 38% in the last two years. So for the 2014-2015 campaign,
a more realistic goal of participation might be 50%.
Having said that, I am asking each of you to be
part of the 50% that participates in some
meaningful way that works for you and your
family. (It’s really an accounting trick because if
EACH of you were to choose to be part of the 50%
that participates, then we would actually get to
100% participation). I will tell you that your Board of Trustees, in
support of our 100% participation goal, have ALL made a pledge to
the campaign already. What a powerful statement for your lay
leadership to make!
Our dollar goal this year is $100,000. This will allow us to continue
on our path to making needed facility improvements and upgrades
and to help us fund our normal cost of operations while minimizing
the use of cash reserves. Once again The Arthur M. Blank
Foundation has made a generous matching grant towards our annual
campaign. For every two dollars our congregants pledge to our
campaign, the foundation will match one dollar up to a total match of
$25,000. So your contribution is really worth 50% more. We need
to do this by January 31, 2015 to receive the full matching gift.
I have always respected our tradition and method of how we ask for
funds above and beyond our Nadiv Lev because it feels “right” and
because no matter how and when we ask, our congregants rally and
support our community and our mission with their time and their
money. Please join me in whatever amount is right for you and your
family in giving tzedakah to this year’s Annual Campaign. Let’s
meet our goal together.
L’Shalom
Ron Swichkow
Fundraising
Shalom! By now, the entire congregation has received information concerning the 2014- 2015 Annual Campaign – EveryONE Matters.
Our committee is excited about this year’s campaign and the challenges
ahead. Let me point out some of the key goals ahead:
Raise $100,000 for the 2nd straight year
Increase our community’s participation level to 100%
Part of accomplishing goal #1 is asking everyone to consider, if you are
able to do so, to make a pledge by January 31st, 2015. Our community
has a great incentive to raise $50,000 by January 31st. By accomplishing this milestone, The Blank Foundation will contribute a 50%
matching gift of $25,000 to TBT. Needless to say, this matching contribution will significantly help us achieve our overall goal of $100,000.
As for goal #2, participation by EveryONE Matters because TBT is
our home, our community, our House of Worship. We gather here for
spiritual holiday experiences, heartwarming life cycle events, exciting
community socials and fabulous educational programs. No matter what
your age is or how long you have been a member, TBT provides you
various opportunities to connect with friends and family in a warm comforting setting.
As many of you have seen from your recent attendance during the High
Holidays, the success of last year’s campaign afforded us many upgrades
to our 27 year old building but there is more work to be done. Achieving our 2014-2015 goals will provide:


New programming and staffing resources for the future






Correct the ground water seepage into the school wing classrooms
Phase 2 of the stucco repair needed at the front of the school wing
and the Alterman Chapel
Replace the un-repairable key fob and access system
Continue the audio and video system upgrades started last year
Begin refurbishing the Youth Lounge
Make our final payment on the flooring project
Complete the second phase of the landscape enhancements
As you can see, we still have more work to do and your support for the
annual campaign REALLY DOES MATTER!
Please reach out to the Temple office by calling 770-642-0434 and ask
for Jenny or simply log onto www.bethtikvah.com and click on the
2014- 2015 Annual Campaign – EveryONE Matters link on the home
page and you will be guided to the on-line contribution area for the
campaign.
May the New Year of 5775 bring health, happiness and prosperity to you
and your family!
Shalom,
Jonathan Agin
4
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
B’nai Mitzvah
Jessica and Zachary Shiffman will be called to the Torah as a B’nai Mitzvah on November 1, 2014.
They are the children of Barb and Floyd Shiffman of Milton.
Jessica is in the 8th grade at Hopewell Middle School where she is regularly recognized as a Principal’s Honor
Roll recipient. She is actively involved in school activities, such as Cheerleading, Jr. Beta Club, and a Science
Fair participant. Jessie also acts as a WEB leader; this group is part of a pilot program mentoring rising middle
school students. She received recognition as a recipient of the Greater Atlanta Hadassah Marian F. Perling
Chesed Student Award where she was nominated by her teachers at TBT.
Zachary also attends Hopewell Middle School as a 7 th grader. He is a sports fanatic and excels in Football and Lacrosse. Zach plays
as a starter on the middle school feeder teams for both sports. Zachary also participated this past summer on an elite travel LAX
team, traveling to tournaments in Boca Raton, Atlanta, Boston, and Philadelphia. Our “comedian” also excels in Language Arts and
has been recognized as a Creative Writer by his peers.
Samuel Gropman will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on November 8th, 2014. He is the son of Curtis
Gropman and Claire Gropman, older brother of Leo Gropman. Sam is the grandson of Roberta and Gary Barna of
Anthem, Arizona and Marlene and Jerome Gropman of Palm Beach, Florida. Sam is a 7th Grade honor roll student at
Simpson Middle School. Sam loves baseball and has played at Sandy Plains Baseball for the last five years. In his free
time, Sam loves to play video games, watch movies, and play football and soccer with kids in the neighborhood. Sam
is very excited to have his friends and family from all over the country come share in his special day.
Nathan Braun will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on November 22, 2014. Nathan is the son of
Heather and Michael Braun and the brother to Ashlyn and Sadie Braun. He is in the seventh grade at Dodgen Middle
School. His hobbies include football, baseball, and basketball. Nathan is the grandson of Carol and Gary Moss from
Miami, Florida and Ruth Auzenne from Marietta, Georgia.
Religious School
th
On Sunday, October 19 our Kindergarten students and several 1st and 2nd grade students were
consecrated. Each child received a Torah scroll of their own and a certificate to remember this
meaningful ceremony. The entire school as well as many family members were in attendance to
celebrate with these students as they began their religious education.
The Rabbi and Cantor met with each grade in the Sukkah. The children decorated the sukkah,
recited blessings and sang songs. A wonderful time was had by all. The sukkah was decorated so
beautifully with all the art projects our students made.
Our 3rd – 7th grade students have had 2 mixers this year. The mixers, organized by the youth
group, are a way for the entire grade to get together and get to know each other better. two more
mixers are planned this year as well as grade level field trips.
Our kindergarten – 3rd grade families have an opportunity of participating in the Same Moon project. The “Same Moon” is a project created to establish a connection between young Jewish families in the United States and Israel. The hope is that
through “The Same Moon” the families involved will realize that despite the great distance, their worlds are very similar. The project uses a customizable book and story-telling technique to enable selected individual families in Atlanta to get to know an Israeli family who lives in our Partnership
Region of Yokneam-Megiddo. The families are matched and paired in ways that, we hope, will create and foster lifelong relationships between
Atlantans and Israelis. Families commit to writing and receiving a letter a month for six months. The families will write to each other on a variety
of topics. If you haven’t already done so and would like to participate please contact the religious school office to see if books are still available.
Mark your calendars, here are some important dates for our students:
Our 6th grade students will have their grade level Shabbat service on Friday, November 7th at 6:30 PM.
Our 2nd and 3rd grade students will have their family education day on Sunday, November 9th at 9:35 AM.
We look forward to seeing you on these days.
Hassia Levin
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
5
Youth Group
HOTTY's Downtown Roswell Scavenger Hunt
HOTTY (9-12th Grade)
Check out some pictures from our kickoff event – we had so much fun on our scavenger
hunt in downtown Roswell! Then in October we celebrated Sukkot in TBT’s sukkah by
making candy sushi (yum!) and roasting s’mores over the campfire. Thanks to Drew for
planning a rockin’ Havdallah for us also. This month we are learning about Israel and the
IDF at our IDF night and then headed to Congregation Dor Tamid in Duluth for NFTYSAR’s Fall Kallah!
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!
JYG (7-8th Grade)
JYG’s
Kickoff event in September was a blast! We went to Area 51 to play mini-golf and see a
movie. After golfing we loaded up on popcorn and soda to watch When the Game Stands
Tall. We all loved the movie! Our next event is bowling at Stars and Strikes on November
2. Mark it on your calendars so you can be sure to be there!
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!
5th/6th Grade Youth Group at Scottsdale Farms
5th & 6th Grade
Our first event for our new 5th & 6th grade youth group was so much fun! We had a great
afternoon at Scottsdale Farms going on a hayride, picking pumpkins and eating ice
cream! Mark your calendars for our next 5th & 6th grade event, Paint your Own Pottery, on
December 14th.
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!
Want more info about the youth groups at TBT? Contact us at:
youth@bethtikvah.com or call us:
Bobbee (303) 981-2356 & Adam (404) 971-4687
Upcoming Events:
November 2 - JYG Bowling
November 8 - HOTTY IDF night
December 6-7 - HOTTY Latke-In
December 14 - 5/6th Paint Your Own Pottery
College Connection
Congregants:
 Missy and Terry Stein for donating computer/phone cleaning
cloths, pens and pencils
Businesses:
 Consulate General of Israel to the Southeast for donating Israel/
American flag lapel pins
 Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest for donating the CD
Touch the Sky
CARE PACKAGES SENT TO OUR
COLLEGE STUDENTS
The boxes were filled to the brim with all kinds of goodies! On behalf
of TBT, the College Outreach Committee has just sent care packages to
our college students. They received a letter from the Rabbi with his
words of wisdom, a CD featuring Israeli musicians, school supplies, a
variety of snacks, honey sticks, honey drops, apple cereal bars (to coincide with Rosh Hashana), computer/phone cleaning cloths, and an
Israeli/American flag lapel pin.
If you can provide any donations for our next package, please let us
know. Finding a variety of useful and relevant items for our packages is
our greatest challenge. You can be of great help to us in this area.
We trust that these care packages will be enjoyed and will be a reminder We would also like to thank our volunteers who helped assemble the
that TBT is thinking of them and though they may not be living at home, packages: Jill Kaplan, Beth Kess, Helaine Medoff, Julie Scott, and
they are definitely a part of our community. We hope to keep the lines
Leslie Swichkow. Appreciation also goes out to Rabbi Greene and the
of communication open with them and hope that TBT will continue to
office staff, Michelle Leder, Lisa Singer, and Becky Sullivan for all
be their spiritual home.
their assistance.
The care packages could not have been created and sent without the help If for some reason you forgot to send us your child’s college address,
of many others. We would like to give HUGE THANKS to our donors please send it to Lynda Bennett at lrbennett08@comcast.net so he/she
for their contributions.
can receive our next package that will be sent out in late February or
early March to coincide with Purim.
6
Adult Ed
flourish as women and as leaders - at home and
Simon Dubnov (The great Jewish
in the workplace - in the 21st century.
historian from Vilna in first half of
the twentieth century, who believed
How to have a difficult conversation; when to tell
the Jews to be a “unique nation,” but
a social lie – Sarah (Genesis 18)
Instructor: Rabbi Donald Tam
was not a believer in Zionism. He
How to take charge of a situation – Rebecca
Confronting the challenges of Modernity, many
was shot in the street as an old man
(Genesis 27)
Jewish intellectuals and religious leaders
by the Nazis in 1941): “A Spiritual
How to take charge of a situation – Rachel
attempted to define and explain the nature of
(Genesis 31)
Nation.”
the Jewish people. Are we a religion like any
Dec. 14 Erich Kahler (A Jewish intellectual of How to work for justice & freedom – The
Midwives, Miriam, Pharaoh’s Daughter (Exodus
other? Are we a national entity or ethnicity like
the mid-twentieth century who taught
1-2)
the Italians or Poles? What is it about our
at the New School of Social Research How to protect your family & be an equal partner
history that is unique, if in fact it is unique at
in New York and was a member of
at home – Tziporah (Exodus 4)
all? How can the Jews survive as a distinct
the Institute of Advanced Study at
How to lead in the workplace; conforming to
entity in the modern world? What are the
Princeton): “What Are the Jews?”
gender roles – Miriam (Exodus 15)
conditions our survival demands? On Sunday
How to communicate effectively; when talk is
mornings we will read from and discuss several
not gossip – Miriam (Numbers 12)
Classes will meet from 10:30-11:45 am
excerpts from essays by “modern” Jewish
in the Library
thinkers on the nature and future of the Jewish
$36 for the class series.
People. Do any of these essays guide us toward
Please register by sending your check to the TBT
office, and designate Women’s Study Group on the
a viable Jewish future?
From Sarah to Savannah: Leadership
Essays on the Unique Nature and
Destiny of the Jewish People: Fact or
Fiction?
Nov. 2
Abraham Geiger (“Father of Reform
Judaism): “Revelation.”
Nov. 9 Moses Hess (A Zionist Thinker prior
to Herzl): “Israel Within the
Organism of Humanity.”
Nov. 16 Leon Pinsker (A physician and 19th.
Century Jew whose hope that
assimilation was the natural solution
to the “Jewish Problem” failed him,
causing him to turn to Zionism):
“Auto-Emancipation.”
Dec. 7
lessons from our ancestral mothers for
today’s women
Instructor: Rabbi Pamela Jay Gottfried
Do women have different ways of
communicating, praying, acting and leading?
What lessons can we learn about women’s
leadership today from the biblical and rabbinic
stories of women such as Sarah, Rebecca,
Rachel & Miriam? Together we’ll study the
ancient texts and try to glean wisdom to help us
memo line.
This class meets on the following Thursday evenings
at 7 pm:
2014: November 20th, December 18th
2015: January 15th, February 19th, March 19th, April
23rd
See pages 1 and 2 for classes
led by Rabbi Greene and
Cantor Kassel
Create Community in a Chavurah
Purim Carnival
"The members of our Chavurah are like extended family. I can't imagine holidays without them!"
"We joined a Chavurah when we first got to TBT and it helped us feel
comfortable in the community quickly."
-Comments from TBT members who are part of the Chavurah program.
Sound interesting? Start the new year with a focus on community and
join a Chavurah. New groups are forming now!
What's a Chavurah?
It's a group of people who share common interests and meet regularly
to celebrate Jewish holidays, share simchas, attend TBT events, and
participate in any activities that interest them. Being part of a Chavurah can enhance your experience at TBT by helping you develop a
strong sense of community and deeper connections within the congregation.
How do I join a Chavurah? Just fill out the application and we'll help
you find like-minded families or individuals to form a group. Drop by
the TBT office to pick one up, or visit
http://www.bethtikvah.com/community/chavurot to download.
What does a Chavurah do?
You choose the activities you'll participate in and how often and
where you meet. We can help you design a calendar of programs
based on your group's interests.
Questions? Please contact Dalia Faupel at
d2faupel@comcast.net
2015
Help Wanted!
It’s time to start planning for
Purim Carnival 2015 and as they say,
“Many hands make light work”!
If you would like to be a part of making
this the best year yet for our children
(of all ages!) please email Marsha Mathis
at marmat0915@yahoo.com
7
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Sisterhood News
Sisterhood ~ Social Action Project
It's Sisterhood
Sisterhood
Meals for the Zaban Couples Shelter
Mah Jongg Time!
with a mitzvah project,
November 13, 2014
For the Zaban Couples Shelter.
7:30pm to 9:30pm
This sign up is for November 10, 2014.
Jewelry Making Party!
at Brilliant Atlanta
Jewelry Store
December 1st & 3rd
TBT Social Hall
RSVP is requested.
Check Your Email
For The Evite Invitation
Please check your Email
for the Two Evite Invitations
and for details.
We need YOUR assistance
please visit:
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C0945AAAB23A4F94-shelter
Sisterhood is starting out very strong, with our first Social Events outing. On October 18 th, we had our sweet tooth filled, courtesy of
“Sweet Night Out”, at Schakolad Chocolate Factory. It was a lot of fun getting to know each other and indulging in chocolates
(especially for all the chocolate lovers, indeed!)
Sisterhood has important information to share about November and early December.
Please take a moment to read everything below.
November is quite the busy month!
On November 2nd, please join us for a Sisterhood Board Meeting, in the Oneg Room, starting at 9:45am. We’re looking for a
Secretary and other members, to join our sub committees (Social Action, Adult Education, Social Events, and Baking).
All are invited to attend.
In addition to the fun, we need YOUR assistance, for a Social Action mitzvah project…
November 10th, we are requesting donations of prepared meals, for the Zaban Couples Shelter. It’s easy – just bring your favorite
prepared food and drop it off at Temple Beth Tikvah! For all the details and to sign up, please see:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0945aaab23a4f94-shelter
Our next Social Event is on November 13th, at Temple Beth Tikvah. We are playing Mah Jongg (and other games). RSVP is
requested. Check your Email for the Evite Invitation. For additional information and to RSVP, please use the Evite link sent
to your email.
Moving forward….Let’s get a “jump” on holiday shopping and have fun! Sisterhood is having TWO jewelry making parties at Brilliant
Jewelry Store. Brilliant is donating 10% of sales back to Sisterhood! On December 1st, it’s “Stamping Night” and on December 3rd,
we’re having Beading Night. RSVP is requested. Check your Email for the Evite Invitation. For additional information and to
RSVP, please use the Evite link sent to your email.
If you did not receive any of the Evites mentioned above or have questions, please contact us at SisterhoodTBT@gmail.com
Sisterhood is continually planning educational, social events, baking, and social action activities. If you are interested in assisting with
planning these activities, please contact us directly via SisterhoodTBT@gmail.com. If you haven’t yet joined Sisterhood, today is a
fine day to join! Remember, dues not only support Sisterhood events, but also summer camp scholarships, the Purim Carnival, and
other Temple events, and charitable causes. These very important areas can only happen through involvement and support, through
Sisterhood Membership Dues and Volunteers
See you soon!
Robin Bledsoe and Stacy Chambers
Sisterhood Co-Chairs
8
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
November 2014
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Bagels, Learning & Torah
in Oneg Room
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Shabbat Service B'nai Mitzvah of Jessica
& Zachary Shiffman
2 Daylight Saving Time Ends
3
4
5
9:30 am - 12:00 pm Religious
School
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Senior Luncheon
9:30 am - 10:30 am Tai
Chi in Oneg Room
9:45 am - 10:45 am
6:45 pm - 8:30 pm
Kesher/Confirmation/Kivunim
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Religious
School
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Families Anonymous
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Board
of Ed Meeting
Sisterhood Board Meeting
in Oneg Room
10:30 am - 11:45 am
Essays on the Unique
Nature & Destiny of the
Jewish People: Fact or
Fiction? in Library
6
7
8
9:45 am - 10:15 am ECEC
Family Shabbat in Social Hall
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
HOTTY - Board Meeting
11:45 am - 1:00 pm The
Introduction to the Talmud
that You've Been Waiting
For! in Conference Room
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Family Shabbat Service
- 6th Grade in Sanctuary
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Shabbat Service - Bar
Mitzvah of
Sam Gropman
5:00 pm - 9:30 pm
HOTTY - IDF Night
11:05 am - 11:55 am
Parent's Guide to the B'nei
Mitzvah Service in Meeting
Room
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm Madrichim
Training in Oneg Room
12:45 pm - 2:45 pm JYG
- Bowling at Stars and
Strikes
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Endowment Board
Meeting
9
10
11
Veteran's Day
9:30 am - 11:45 am ATID
in Meeting Room
NO ECEC - Parent/Teacher
Conferences
9:30 am - 10:30 am Tai
Chi in Oneg Room
9:30 am - 12:00 pm Religious
School
6:45 pm - 8:30 pm Kesher &
Confirmation
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Religious
School
10:10 am - 11:45 am RS
Family Ed Day - 2nd & 3rd
grade
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Families Anonymous
12
13
14
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Sisterhood Mah Jongg
in Social Hall
15
NFTY Fall Kallah at
Monarch School
NFTY Fall Kallah at
Monarch School
8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Shabbat Service w/
Choir and Veteran's
Recognition in Sanctuary
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Bagels, Learning & Torah
in Oneg Room
10:30 am - 11:45 am
Essays on the Unique
Nature & Destiny of the
Jewish People: Fact or
Fiction? in Library
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Shabbat Service in
Sanctuary
11:05 am - 11:55 am
Parent's Guide to the B'nei
Mitzvah Service in Oneg
Room
16
17
18
NFTY Fall Kallah at
Monarch School
6:45 pm - 8:30 pm
Kesher/Confirmation/Kivunim
9:30 am - 10:30 am Tai
Chi in Oneg Room
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Sy Davis
Memorial TBT
Blood Drive
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Families Anonymous
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Religious
School
19
20
10:30 am - 11:45 am
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Bagels, Learning & Torah
in Oneg Room
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Shabbat Service - Bar
Mitzvah of Nathan
Braun
7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Officers Meeting
Essays on the Unique
Nature & Destiny of the
Jewish People: Fact or
Fiction? in Library
No Religious School
22
8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Shabbat Service in
Sanctuary
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Women's Study - From
Sarah to Savannah:
Leadership Lessons from
our Ancestral Mothers in
Classroom 1
7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Board of Trustees Meeting
9:30 am - 12:00 pm Religious
School
23
21
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Breast Cancer Support
Group in Oneg Room
24
25
No Religious School
No Religious School
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Families Anonymous
9:30 am - 10:30 am Tai
Chi in Oneg Room
26
27
Thanksgiving Day
TBT Offices Closed
28
29
TBT Offices Closed
8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Shabbat Service
in Sanctuary
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Bagels, Learning & Torah
in Oneg Room
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Shabbat Service in
Sanctuary
30
No Religious School
9
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Light One Candle: Supporting Temple Beth Tikvah
By Dale and Wendy Bearman
Through the years, supporting TBT has become a defining characteristic of our family. When we
relocated to Atlanta in 1988, TBT was a welcoming extended family. Here, our three children saw
that being part of a Jewish community was an important part of their identity. Joining TBT during
its infancy, we felt like pioneers helping to shape the congregation, from facilities and programming to worship experiences and social opportunities. Knowing that our contributions have
helped to create a sacred space and a special community with which to share the many facets of
Jewish life makes us feel that the investment has been very worthwhile.
We have always felt that commitment to our community comes with an obligation to help that
community thrive. We support many local, national and international Jewish institutions, which
all rely on the generosity of donors to fulfill their missions. This provides a link to our heritage and ensures a legacy
for our children and grandchildren.
No cause is more important than supporting our spiritual home at TBT. Having participated in the search to bring Rabbi Greene to TBT, we came to appreciate the stabilizing role the congregation plays in so many of our lives. As TBT
transitions to the next era of rabbinic leadership, a stable financial foundation is even more apparent. Projects like
the Endowment Fund and efforts to eliminate the mortgage on our building allow us to share resources and promote
programmatic goals. We hope you will join us in supporting our House of Hope and helping to ensure that it continues to be a light for every generation that follows.
If you would like to share your story about why you support Temple Beth Tikvah and what TBT means to you, please
feel free to contact Jonathan Agin at jlagin1@gmail.com or call him at 770-309-4908. We’d love to hear your story
and share it with our TBT family!
FOOD OF THE MONTH
The food bins are empty. Please bring
hearty soups and peanut butter for
North Fulton Community Charities
(NFCC) and Kosher foods for Jewish
Family & Career Services (JF&CS)
The need in our area is great.
Together we “can” make a difference!
Thank you to all who
donated for
Operation Isaiah.
The food weighed in at
4,691 pounds - wow!!!
This will create 3,909
meals
for
children,
seniors, and many hungry
families in the community. We truly appreciate all
of your efforts to collect
so much food! Great
work! Happy New Year
to all!
PINCH HITTER PROGRAM
Join us on Thursday, December 25th as a volunteer!
The Pinch Hitter Program, which is organized by
B’nai B’rith and chaired by Harry Lutz and Jerry
Kravitz, provides volunteers to work in non-medical
positions in area hospitals on Christmas Day to give
employees the day off to spend with their families.
We will work in four-hour shifts at eleven hospitals
and assisted living facilities this year. You can sign
up on line at www.pinchhitters.org.
Call Harry at 770.392.1175 or Jerry at 770.640.5091
for more information.
TBT Seniors Luncheon
Monday, November 3rd at 12 PM
“Always a New Chapter"
presented by
Edward Gadrix
RSVP to Natine at
rosen4348@aol.com
10
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
2014
TURKEY
DRIVE
Please help us help
those in need to
have a satisfying holiday season. Send your
checks for $10 or more to TBT marked “Turkey”
and we will purchase grocery store gift cards to
share with North Fulton Community Charities and
Jewish Family and Career Services.
For more than 20 years we have hoped to get
$10 from every family—let’s make this the year!
The need in our community is growing every
year. Our contributions help many families in
our own area to put food on the table.
Questions? Call Marsha Mathis 770-992-4256
Jewish Overnight Camp/Israel Scholarships
Jewish overnight camp is more than just a fun summer
escape — it's a place where Jewish values are learned
and lived. Studies show that children who attend Jewish
overnight camp have higher rates of in-marriage,
synagogue affiliation and a stronger connection to
Israel and Jewish life. And…it’s fun!
To help do our part, we have a Scholarship Committee
that provides modest need-based grants for Jewish
summer camps, service learning and Israel programs.
The monies from the fund are received from individual
contributions, the Mens' Club, Sisterhood, and our
clergy's discretionary funds. If you need financial
assistance to get your child to one of these overnight
programs please submit the camp scholarship form to
Marcia Haber at marciahaber@yahoo.com by December
1st. This letter will be shared with a Scholarship
Committee but will be held in the strictest of
confidence.
Dine out at Brixx
on November 19th
and $3 per full price
pizza will be
donated to
Relay for Life
Ruach Atlanta.
Avenues of East Cobb
4475 Roswell Rd
Marietta GA
Tell them you are there
for Relay!
The 3rd Annual Relay is over but your donations count until the end of the year! If you have not yet
made a donation to this worthy cause, please go to www.relayforlife.org/ruachga look for
Tikvah Troopers or the name of a specific person and make your donation.
Your donation goes to research in hopes to find a cure for Cancer.
11
Donations
Annual Campaign
Sandy and Nancy Simon in memory of Brian Allen,
Rudolph Simon and Marion Simon
Douglas Wexler in memory of Delores Wexler
Robert and Donna Schacher in memory of Lottie Gilbert
Gary and Debra Schwartz in appreciation of Ron
Swichkow's dedication and commitment to our TBT
community
Michael D. and Lisa R. Cohen in memory of Ira Madans
David McClung in memory of Ira Madans
Jamie and Katie Jaffe in memory of Ira Madans
Lawrence and Anne Skal in memory of Rose Skal
Ronald and Leslie Swichkow in appreciation of the
High Holy Day services
Rory and Jenifer Friedman in memory of Ira Madans
Brian and Sheri Baker in memory of Ira Madans
General Fund
Renee Davis in memory of Sy Davis
Brad Kaplan in memory of Jules Kaplan
Tom and Patti Seibold
Omar Chevy
Shirley and Stanley Cohen in memory of Ira Madans
Ability Rehab in memory of Ira Madans
Aaron Stieglitz in appreciation of Yom Kippur Aliyah
Prayerbook Fund
Russ and Suzanne Zukowski in memory of Carlos Zukowski
Rabbi Greene’s Discretionary Fund
Adam and Carly Biegel in honor of Milly's babynaming and
in appreciation of Rabbi Greene and Michelle Leder
Audrey Eisen in memory of Seymour Honig
Joel and Kathleen Schoenblum in memory of Duane S. Rutte
Ruth Zeidman in memory of Celia Mendelson
George and Frances Jordan in memory of Henrietta Jordan
David and Anne Strauss in honor of Rabbi Greene
Nadine Duhaney in honor of Temple Beth Tikvah
Stuart Farber in memory of Myra Farber, Esther Farber and
Arthur Farber
Michelle Putnam in appreciation of Rabbi Greene
Lloyd and Gail Tate in appreciation of Rabbi Greene
Andy and Marci Fried in honor of Rabbi Greene for the
High Holy Day services
David and Ellen Herold in honor of the High Holy Day services
Building Fund
Andy Berke in memory of Gloria Berke
Andy Berke in memory of Stanley Berke
Hadley and Lisa Lowy in memory of Bea Lowy
Dale and Wendy Bearman in memory of Fritzie Shaw
Campership/Israel Fund
Nadine Duhaney in honor of Temple Beth Tikvah
Cantor Kassel’s Discretionary Fund
Cantor Nancy Kassel in appreciation of Dan DeRiemer
Michelle Putnam in appreciation of Cantor Kassel
Lloyd and Gail Tate in appreciation of Cantor Kassel
Jonathan and Joan Marks in memory of Ira Madans
David and Ellen Herold in appreciation of the beautiful
music at the High Holy Day services
Religious School Fund
Ben and Amy Tolchinsky in memory of Carol Tolchinsky
Bruce and Carol Waldman in honor of the engagement of
Jennifer Waldman and Max Gross
Caring/Kehillat Chesed Fund
Walter and Esther Shultz in appreciation of Rob, Ruth and
Izaac for all their help and support for the Bark for Life
Bruce and Bonnie Walkes in memory of Anna Mangen and
Murray Wixman
David & Christine Toltzis in memory of Harris Simons
Fred and Patricia Landsberg in memory of Jeff Baskin
Steven & Janice Liederman in memory of
Joseph Zimmerman
Ronald and Leslie Swichkow in memory of Elizabeth Hodes
Martin & Fern Soniker in memory of Irene Brettler
Torah Fund
Ira and Phyllis Madans in memory of Leonard Madans
Youth Group Fund
Stan Reich in memory of Margaret Danzig
Steve and RoseAnn Gerson with prayers and best wishes
for Aaron Palazzo
Gary and Debra Schwartz in honor of our amazing TBT
youth community
12
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
SHMOOZE NEWS / KUDOS CORNER
In Memorium
Temple Beth Tikvah acknowledges with sorrow the passing of:
Thank You to our
Amazing
Office Volunteers!
Carol Brody
Sister of Peter Birnbaum
Manuel Leff
Brother of Sandy Leff
Ellen Levitz
Erica Stein
Addie Myers
Leslie Swichkow
June Wallach
Natine Rosenzweig
Richard Staviss
Terry Stein
Jackie Pepper
Audrey Gordon
Edna Kwass
Grandmother of Eric Estroff
Lena Levinson
Aunt of Sherwin Levinson
Ira Madans
Husband of Phyllis Madans
Father of Mark Madans & Beth Janes
Uncle of Jill Leitman and Cherie Cervasio
Bruce and Carol Waldman on
the engagement
of their daughter
Jennifer, to Max
Gross. A May
wedding is
planned.
David and Anne Strauss on the
marriage of their son, Matthew,
to Amy Himmelstein, on
October 25th at Temple Israel in
Memphis.
Welcome to the TBT Family!!
May God console you among all the
mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Pasha and Lina Lifshiz
Alisa, Alexandra and Andy
Breast Cancer Survivor Group
for the Jewish Community
David and Sharon Reibel
Jenna and Lauren
We have had a great start to the Breast Cancer Survivor Group!
The monthly support group meetings are for all interested people
who have had cancer, who are going through treatment or
surgeries, and /or who have been recently diagnosed, as well as for
those who might have questions pertinent to breast cancer. In
addition, this program is for sharing experiences, meeting others
and gathering information regarding diagnoses, surgeries, and
genetic testing from various professionals.
Welcome back to Jeff and Amy Fain
Our next meeting will be held on
Thursday, November 20th at 7:00 PM
HELP US HELP YOU
This survivor support group is sponsored by The Kehillat Chesed/
Caring Committee of Temple Beth Tikvah.
Your synagogue community
wants to be a
Caring Community/Kehillat Chesed
For further information or questions, please contact Valerie
Rapowitz at vrapowitzslp@yahoo.com or call 678-643-9672.
Please RSVP. All are welcome.
If you have recently experienced a
loss, are facing a crisis or are celebrating a simcha,
please let our office know as soon as possible.
Our clergy and friends strive to be a source of
support as best as they can. If you know of one of
our fellow congregants who has experienced a
loss or can use a hand, please contact the office
at 770.642.0434.
Honor a person or event with a
leaf on our tree of life. You can
purchase a leaf as an
individual or as a group.!
13
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
Cindy Getty
eeg@comcast.net
Budget & Finance
Karen Korshak
karcpa@comcast.net
Campership
Marcia Haber
marciahaber@yahoo.com
Chavurot
Dalia Faupel
d2faupel@comcast.net
College Outreach
Lynda Bennett
lrbennett08@comcast.net
Ginger Glazer
ggchoc@bellsouth.net
Communications
Marsha Mathis
marmat0915@yahoo.com
Family Promise
Andy Fried
andyf17@gmail.com
Jeff Schultz
asburypark@comcast.net
Fundraising
Jonathan Agin
jlagin1@gmail.com
House
Ted Nathan
tnathan@baldwinscheduling.com
Human Resources
Seth Zimmer
sz4941@att.com
Interior Standards & Marketing
Susan Estroff
sestroff@earthlink.net
Israel
Gene Carasick
gcarasick@gmail.com
Kehillat Chesed (Caring)
Leslie Swichkow
lswichkow@comcast.net
Library
Ilana Zalkin
ilanaz@att.net
Membership Recruitment &
Retention
Mark Rudel
mrudel@ups.com
Jill Leitman
jaarons2@yahoo.com
Marcia Pearl
marciapearl@bellsouth.net
Men’s Club
Mark Greenspan
greenspanfamily@bellsouth.net
Peter Hartog
althazyr@gmail.com
14
Nominating Committee
Sheryl Blechner
ssb1951@gmail.com
Ritual
Esther Shultz
savtaesther5@gmail.com
Security
Jay Sausmer
jsausmer@gmail.com
Seniors
Natine Rosenzweig
rosen4348@aol.com
Sisterhood
Stacy Chambers
sisterhoodtbt@gmail.com
Robin Bledsoe
sisterhoodtbt@gmail.com
Social Action
Darrin Cohen
dcohen@wealthofga.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
15
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Fred Greene
Rabbi
Donald A. Tam
Rabbi Emeritus
Nancy Kassel
Cantor
Hassia Levin
Education Director
Jenifer Friedman
ECEC Director
Ron Swichkow
President
Todd Boehm
Vice President
Harlan Graiser
Vice President
Denise Straus
Vice President
Andy Gutman
Treasurer
Michael Braun
Secretary
Jill Mattos
Chairperson,
Board of Education
16