The Gin Mill Joint Volume 39 Number 6 January 2016 • Tevet / Shevat 5776 C O N G R E G A T I O N K O L A M I Congregation Kol Ami of Tampa, Florida, is affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Chai Lites The end of December marks the Yahrzeit of Rabbi Dr. Abraham Joshua Heschel, one of the great Conser- vative rabbis of the 20th century. Rabbi Heschel was a scholar, a teacher, and an activist. He spoke out against the war in Vietnam. He protested against nuclear arms. He walked side-by-side with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the struggle for civil rights. Rabbi Heschel was professor of Jewish mysticism at the Jewish Theological Sem- inary in New York for many years. Yet, Rabbi Heschel was not an academic who sat in his office and wrote (largely) inac- cessible books of theology. In many ways, he was the total opposite. He engaged his students in the classroom. He wrote books that helped an entire generation of Jews and non-Jews to discover spirituality. However, Rabbi Heschel’s legacy, more than his books and more than his teach- ing, was the actions he took to help make the world a better place. Even though he came under fire from the JTS adminis- tration for some of his political stances, Torah, Midrash, and Musings By Rabbi Robert D. Judd (continued on next page) Notes from the Cantor ..................... 4 Byachad / President’s Message ..... p. 5 Sisterhood .................................... p. 6 Facility Focus................................ p. 8 Tree of Life Long Learning........... p. 10 The Academy .......................... p. 11 Special Shabbat Programs .......... p. 11 B’nai Mitzvah Beat ..................... p. 12 Kid’s Konnection ...................... p.13 Youth Groups...................pp. 14-17 Events Calendar ................. pp. 18-19 Yahrzeits & Birthdays................. p. 20 Anniversaries ............................. p. 21 Donations ............................pp. 21-22 Contents Congregation Kol Ami Presents: The Gin Mill Joint Join us for an evening of Magic, Munchies, Music & More! February 13, 2016 There will be a magic show at 7:00 pm. Following the show you’ll be transported back in time as we transform the social hall into an old fashioned Prohibition style Speakeasy! Sponsorships Available! $72 - Magic Student $180 - Magician’s Apprentice $360 - Junior Magician $500 - Magician Master Ticket Information: Show only: $25 per person The Whole Shebang: $54 per person Call or email the front office for reservations: 813-962-6338 or email frontoffi[email protected]Don’t miss it! The joint will be jumpin’!
Transcript
The Gin Mill Joint
Volume 39 Number 6 January 2016 • Tevet / Shevat 5776
C O N G R E G A T I O N K O L A M I
Congregation Kol Ami of Tampa, Florida, is affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
ChaiLitesThe end of December
marks the Yahrzeit
of Rabbi Dr. Abraham
Joshua Heschel, one
of the great Conser-
vative rabbis of the
20th century. Rabbi
Heschel was a scholar, a teacher, and an
activist. He spoke out against the war in
Vietnam. He protested against nuclear arms.
He walked side-by-side with Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. in the struggle for civil rights.
Rabbi Heschel was professor of Jewish
mysticism at the Jewish Theological Sem-inary in New York for many years. Yet,
Rabbi Heschel was not an academic who
sat in his office and wrote (largely) inac-
cessible books of theology. In many ways,
he was the total opposite. He engaged
his students in the classroom. He wrote
books that helped an entire generation of
Jews and non-Jews to discover spirituality.
However, Rabbi Heschel’s legacy, more
than his books and more than his teach-
ing, was the actions he took to help make
the world a better place. Even though he
came under fire from the JTS adminis-
tration for some of his political stances,
Torah, Midrash, and MusingsBy Rabbi Robert D. Judd
Facility Focus ................................ p. 8
Tree of Life Long Learning...........p. 10
The Academy ..........................p. 11
Special Shabbat Programs ..........p. 11
B’nai Mitzvah Beat .....................p. 12
Kid’s Konnection ......................p.13
Youth Groups ...................pp. 14-17
Events Calendar ................. pp. 18-19
Yahrzeits & Birthdays.................p. 20
Anniversaries .............................p. 21
Donations ............................pp. 21-22
Contents
Congregation Kol Ami Presents:
The Gin Mill JointJoin us for an evening of Magic, Munchies, Music & More!
February 13, 2016There will be a magic show at 7:00 pm. Following the show you’ll be transported back in time as we transform the social hall into an old fashioned Prohibition style Speakeasy!
Show only: $25 per person The Whole Shebang: $54 per person
Call or email the front office for reservations: 813-962-6338 or email [email protected]
Don’t miss it! The joint will be jumpin’!
Request from Rabbi BobPlease keep me informed of significant events in your family life. It is my desire to be of help and service to you in times of special need. It is especially important that I know of those in the hospital, and assisted living or nursing homes, so that they may be included in a prayer for recovery at Shabbat Services.
Congregation Kol Ami • January 2016 • Tevet / Shevat 57762
Rabbi Heschel was undeterred. He took seriously the call for
tikkun olam, for repairing the world. For Rabbi Heschel, prayer
and piety were simply not enough. In order to change the world,
one has to act, do something. One of Rabbi Heschel’s most
memorable quotes expresses this sentiment beautifully. When
asked how he felt while walking with Dr. King, Rabbi Heschel
replied, “I felt as if my legs were praying.”
Jews have always been at the forefront of tikkun olam. We have
always taken the idea of making the world a better place very
seriously. Moreover, the cause we support doesn’t necessarily
have to be Jewish. If there is suffering and injustice, you can bet
that we will be there trying to alleviate it.
We are living in a time when the world seems to be falling
apart. Violence and bloodshed fill our schools and streets.
People are being persecuted throughout the world for who they
are and for what they believe. Now more than any other time in
recent history we need to step up and work to repair the world.
One thing is for certain: we cannot be complacent. We have to
do something or else things will get worse. There are so many
opportunities for us to do something. For example, the news
has been filled with stories about Christians being persecuted
throughout the Middle East. While there are some who would
say this is not our problem, I would disagree. Wherever and
whenever there is persecution of others, we need to do some-
thing. A colleague of mine taught me the following: “When we
say ‘Never again,’ do we really mean it? Are we saying ‘Never
again will we allow this to happen to anyone’ or are we saying
‘Never again to us’? It needs to be the former.”
As we observe the Yahrzeit of one of our great rabbis, let us reflect
on what we can do to make the world a better and safer place for
everyone. Take time to find a way to help repair the world. Support
efforts of those who are trying to end persecution. Support efforts
of those who are trying to end violence. Support efforts of those
who are trying to make the world a better place.
At the very least, we need to leave the world a little better for
Chai Lites StaffGraphic Design: Black Marker Creative
www.blackmarker.net
Staff: Jamie Krischer, Proofreader
Office Hours: Monday through Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
January 2016, Vol. 39 Issue 6
Congregation Kol Ami Chai Lites3919 Moran Road, Tampa, FL 33618 Ph. 813-962-6338 Fax: [email protected]
The Kol Ami Chai Lites is published on the first of every month by Congregation Kol Ami, Conservative Congre-gation affiliated with The United Synagogue of Conser-vative Judaism.
All articles and announcements are due two weeks prior to the month being published. We reserve the right to edit for length and consistent editorial tone.
The Chai Lites is published 11 times a year.
AdvertisingPlease contact the office at 813-962-6338.
Congregation Kol Ami • January 2016 • Tevet / Shevat 5776
We would like to recognize all those who participate regularly in our Kol Ami minyan. By attending minyan those present help to ensure that those members who are
needing to recite Kaddish for Yahrzeit, or during their period of mourning, are able to do so.
We would like to give “Honorable Menschen” to our congregants who have attended five or more minyanim over the course of the month:
November 17 – December 16, 2015
Congratulations to Our Kol Ami Minyanaires!
Nat Doliner
Bev Fink
Ephraim Graff
Nancy Graff
Rabbi Robert Judd
Cindy Korenvaes
Jay Maisler
Amanda Moonitz
Ron Pross
Brian Sanders
Walter Sanders
Cantor Beth Schlossberg
Tampa Jewish Family Services (TJFS) food distribution is offered once a month at the agency’s Citrus Park and Brandon locations.
Distribution dates for January are: Citrus Park: January 7 Brandon: January 14
Both locations offer emergency food bank distribution week-days by appointment only. Pick-up for both services must be arranged in advance by calling 813-960-1848. Please help spread the word in your community that this service is available in Citrus Park and Brandon. If you would like to make a contri-bution, please drop off canned goods or a monetary donation to the agency’s Citrus Park location at 13009 Community Campus Drive, Tampa, FL 33625. Brandon location is Congregation Beth Shalom, 706 Bryan Rd, Brandon, FL 33511.
TJFS will never turn away an individual or family in need.
Tampa Jewish Family Services Community Food Bank
3
If you wish to have a life cycle event included in
Congregation Kol Ami • January 2016 • Tevet / Shevat 57764
One of the cornerstones in creating and maintaining a welcoming and inclusive community is made up of one the simplest, but often times also one of the hardest of tasks: The ability to say hello. In my nearly 10 years as a Cantor I have noticed that saying hello is not as easy as people would
think. By nature we tend to be wary of what and with who we are unfamiliar. We even tend to shy away from what we find unfamiliar in ourselves, so approaching others can seem to be a daunting task. However, deciding to greet not only ourselves but those around us can truly be transformative.
The journey to create harmony and inclusivity starts with a look inward. We often find it easy to criticize and complain about that which we find unpleasant in others. Perhaps though, the reason we recognize some of that behavior is because it exists in ourselves as well. Being able to greet ourselves is about recognizing both what we like and dislike in our own hearts. It is about taking the positive and using it to help balance out the negative. No one is perfect, nor is it feasible to expect anyone to become so, but through all of our faults and mistakes we have an amazing opportunity to learn, grow, and truly affect change in the world around us.
When we greet ourselves and become comfortable with the person we meet, it becomes much easier to step out of our comfort zones and welcome the stranger into our fold. Now the stranger becomes our friend and part of our community. It begins introspectively, creating a sense of peace in our own hearts. And, when we create peace in ourselves we are able to offer the same to those around us.
While making an introduction and welcoming the stranger can seem a difficult task, being the stranger is even more so. A simple hello encompasses a much deeper meaning. By saying hello we are welcoming them into our house, and letting them know we are grateful for their presence. In hello we can offer them a sense of peace and security in an unfamiliar atmosphere. Helping someone to become comfortable and confident in their presence is truly a great mitzvah in which we can engage.
These are the simple yet admittedly sometimes scary tasks which allow us to not only maintain a healthy community, but grow our community through kindness and love. With the turn of the secular year our thoughts turn to resolutions, and things about ourselves and our lives we would like to change. How wonderful would it be for us to not only change how we greet and welcome ourselves, but others as well? The changes we allow in ourselves will help how we are able to change the
Notes From the CantorBy Cantor Beth Schlossberg
world around us, and the process can begin with a simple hello. In the song “Let There be Peace on Earth,” by Jill Jackson Miller and Sy Miller, and written in 1955, this idea is expressed beauti-fully in the opening lyrics; “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”
L’shalom, Cantor Beth Schlossberg
We thank you for your efforts and dedication to Torah study. Todah Rabbah!
“Who Nu?”The December 13th guest speaker at the Tree of Life Long Learning “Who Nu?” event was Bonnie Amsterdam Miele. Bonnie is a “transplant” to Florida, growing up in the cold north. With the support of her husband, Ben Miele, she has overcome many health challenges and learned to deal with them on a daily basis. Wanting to insure their daughter, Briana, received a strong Jewish education, they enrolled her in the Hillel Academy where she is now an 8th grader. Bonnie is very involved at Hillel Academy and has been the chair of their “Gift of Gold” event for several years. Bonnie is also active at Kol Ami, currently serving on the Board of Trustees as the Youth chair.
Congregation Kol Ami • January 2016 • Tevet / Shevat 57766
Kol Ami Sisterhood
The wait is over – the Sisterhood Cookbooks have arrived! If you pre- ordered your cookbook, you can pick it up now at the gift shop. There are also extra copies available for $20.
Please join us for our next Howard Kanter Kiddush Fund Luncheon on Saturday, January 9th.
The complimentary Luncheon will be catered by Edibles by Ethel and will also be open to non-members in the greater Jewish Community.
Although members are not required to RSVP to attend, we do ask that any non-members who plan to attend contact the Kol Ami office at (813) 962-6338 to make reservations so we can prepare appropriately.
The Kiddush Fund, created by Kol Ami member, Howard Kanter (z”l), is now providing one Kiddush Luncheon per month on a Shabbat that does not have a Kiddush Luncheon sponsored by members or another committee of the synagogue.
Your extra donations (in addition to your usual contributions to Kol Ami) will help insure this effort for the years to come. Donors will be recognized in the Weekly Watch and Shabbat Shalom the week of the sponsored luncheon.
We hope to see you on January 9th. Also, please be sure to mingle and introduce yourself to someone you don’t know at this wonderful opportunity to make new friends and enjoy fellowship with your Kol Ami family.
Congregation Kol Ami • January 2016 • Tevet / Shevat 5776 9
Almost 200 people came together on Wednesday, December 9, 2015, as Con- gregation Kol Ami hosted their annual synagogue Hanukkah party. Attendees, from toddlers to those in their 70’s, enjoyed the festivities beginning with a short program led by Rabbi Bob Judd and Cantor Beth Schlossberg followed by the lighting of the giant outdoor menorah. A dinner, sponsored by Sister-hood and Men’s Club, which featured a pasta buffet, lots of latkes and sufganiyot was then open for feasting! Under the direction of Education Director, Karen Kosowski, and her Kol Yeladim teachers, children enjoyed dreidel games complete with chocolate “gelt”, cookie decorating, a giant twister game, and a rousing game of “ga-ga”. People left with full stomachs and big smiles on their faces, looking forward to next year’s Hanukkah celebration. Just another example of why being part of the Kol Ami family is so special! If you weren’t
Hanukkah at Kol Ami!able to attend this year’s Hanukkah celebration, make plans now not to miss next year’s Hanukkah event!
Of course this night could not have happened without all the wonderful Kol Ami volunteers who generously gave their time and efforts to make this such a great night: Amy Feder-Binder, Sheila Bush, Stanley Bush, Staci Cross, Marv Halem, Lisa Kagen, Cindy Korenvaes,
Mike Korenvaes, Jamie Krischer, Bonnie Miele, Brianna Miele (our Sisterhood “member in training”), Gwen Niehoff, Dan Ochman, Gary Padawer, Fred Perez, Yoav Rappaport, Sari Solondz and daughter Abby (another “member in training”), Anna Visher, Mitch Weiss, and Jon Zimmer. If there is anyone left off, please forgive the oversight and know your help was greatly appreciated as well.
To register for Tree of Life Long Learning events, call Kol Ami at 813-962-6338 or email [email protected] unless otherwise noted.
Shabbat in January
Shabbat Torah Study – Saturday, January 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 at 8:30 a.m. Presented by Rabbi Bob
Shabbat is for Study – Saturday, January 23, 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. (Topic TBD)
Sundays in January
“Who Nu?” – Sunday, January 17 at 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
• Enjoy learning about the fascinating lives of fellow congregants as they talk about their experiences, and the events that have made them what they are today. This month our speaker will be Bill Peter-son who has had a fascinating military career and life.
“ The Jewish Baker” – Sunday, January 24 at 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
• Come learn how to decorate cakes. Orli Shull will demonstrate how to do fancy decorations for your cakes. There will be lim-ited space for this class so register early.
Mondays in January
The Judith Sobel Hebrew Literacy Program Hebrew Lessons: beginners through intermediate.
• ”Alef isn’t Tough” – starting at the very beginning. Instructor: Ephraim Graff. Monday, January 11, 18 & 25 at 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Tuesdays in January
L’Chaim – Tuesdays, January 5, 12, 19 & 26 at 11:00 a.m.
• Discussion topics vary with a different leader each week. Friendly group sharing our life’s lessons. Everyone is welcome. Facilitators: Debby Greenberg, Sue Dvorchik, Sylvia Richman
Alternative/Integrative Choices in Medicine – Tuesday, January 12 at 7:30 p.m.
• Alternative/Integrative medical approaches for preventing and reversing chronic disease and promoting optimal health and wellness.
(Tuesdays events continue in next column)
• The first speaker in this series will be David Berger, MD, who is a Board Certified Pediatrician and member of Kol Ami. Dr. David graduated from the Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1994 and did his Pediatric Residency at USF, where he started integrating wholistic therapies into his medical practice at Tampa General Hospital. He has been in practice since 1997 and in 2005 opened his Wholistic Pediatric and Family care practice. In 2010, Dr. Berger was appointed Assistant Professor at USF College of Nursing. Since 1999, Dr. David has been an advanced practitioner in biomedical therapies, advocating the Autism Research Institute’s philosophy. His focus is on identifying and treating all the factors that influence health: Physical, mental, environmental and biochemical. His mis-sion is to find the cause of health problems, rather than to simply manage them.
Wednesdays in January
Torah Talk - Wednesday, January 6, 20 & 27 at 11 a.m.
• Open discussion of current Torah parasha, with rabbinic sources introduced by Rabbi Bob.
Rosh Chodesh Women’s Group Wednesday, January 13 at 2:00 p.m.
• We invite you to join our Rosh Chodesh (women’s) group. In Janu-ary, we will discuss about a beloved person in your life. Please bring pictures to share. Spiritual growth, friendship and joy are our goals. Hope to see YOU.
For location / RSVP – text or call Arlene Capeluto at 813-507-7335 or Sheila Shaw at 813-951-1315.
Introduction to the Siddur and Jewish Prayer with Rabbi Bob Wednesday, January 6, 20 & 27 at 7:30 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
• Join us for a class in which we engage Jewish prayer (the how’s, when’s and why’s). We will also explore the Siddur, its develop-ment and its role in Jewish life. We will be examining the prayers in Hebrew and in translation. Please bring your favorite Siddur.
Thursdays in January
Talmud Berachot – Thursday, January 21 & 28 at 10:30 a.m.
• Talmud shiur (lesson) that focuses on the first tractate of the Babylonian Talmud. Presenter: Rabbi Bob
Save the Dates!
Rabbi Joel Wasser Memorial Scholar-in-Residence Weekend – March 25-26, 2016 Rabbi David Hoffman of the Jewish Theological Seminary Faculty will be our Guest Scholar! and
The Annual Mackler Lecture on Israel, Monday, May 9, 2016 at 7:45 p.m. This year’s guest is Matti Friedman, author of the fascinating book The Aleppo Codex.
Congregation Kol Ami • January 2016 • Tevet / Shevat 577610
Congregation Kol Ami • January 2016 • Tevet / Shevat 5776 11
The Academy at Kol AmiThank you to all of you who signed up for and are participating in the Academy this year! We’ve had some wonderful classes so far, and we look forward to a great second semester!
Our eighth graders have been enjoying learning with Cantor Beth, while our ninth graders have begun exploring the Jewish Lens curriculum with Judy Balber and Karen. And our Confirmation class has been enjoying meaningful discussions with Rabbi Bob.
In the next few months, the Confirmation class will begin working on their
class social action program and their class gift to Kol Ami – they already
have some awesome ideas!
The Academy Calendar 8th & 9th Grades Confirmation - 10th Grade (10:00 - 11:30 a.m.) (11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)
Jan. 24 Jan. 24 Feb. 21 Feb. 7 & 21 Mar. 6 Mar. 6 & 27 Apr. 17 Apr. 3 May 15 Apr. 17 (11:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m.) May 1 (10:45 -11:30 a.m.) Saturday, May 14 (Shabbat service)
Special Shabbat ProgramsJoin us this Year as Kol Ami Students Lead Shabbat Services This year’s student-led services got off to a great start! We all enjoyed
watching and joining in as kindergarten and first grade students led a
ruach-filled family service in the fall. And that was just the beginning!
We have a full year ahead of exciting and meaningful Friday night and
Saturday services led by the congregation’s young members. Students from
both Kol Yeladim and Hillel Academy have already begun learning and
practicing. We hope you will join us for some of these special events!
Friday, January 22...........Second grade
Friday, February 12 .........Third grade
Saturday, February 27 .....Fifth grade*
Friday, April 1 .................Fourth grade
Saturday, April 16 ..........Sixth grade
Friday, May 13 ...............Kindergarten / First grade spring service
Saturday, May 21 ........... Seventh grade (B’nai Mitzvah class graduation)
*Please note this important date change. Our fifth grade service will be on Saturday morning, February 27.
Friday night special event for the whole community!Join us on Friday, January 8, 2016, at 6:30 p.m. for a very special evening! Choose between a Pizza and
PJ Shabbat for our younger families and a musical
Shabbat service outdoors under the stars for everyone
else, 8 years old and up. At 7:30, we’ll all get together
in Kol Ami’s outside amphitheater for service wrap up,
singing, and Kiddush, followed by a delicious oneg.
Hope you can make it – casual dress welcome!
For our Pizza & PJ program, we’ll start out in the
Kol Ami boardroom and chapel with our delicious
pizza dinner and our usual age-appropriate service,
filled with singing and dancing. Cost is $5 per person,
with a $25 family maximum. Children 3 & under are free.
together for his simcha. Family members will be coming
from Massachusetts and Florida.
While at school, Joey is involved in Model United Nations,
National Junior Honor Society, Algebra Math League, and the
school band, playing the trombone. He also enjoys reading
and relaxing with some background music. He hopes to be
studying at a prominent university in the future.
When asked if he could meet one person in the world, past
or present, Joey responded with “Albert Einstein. He was an
amazing Jewish scientist that has done amazing things and
is known around the world for that.”
Joey has been fortunate enough to get a good Jewish education
and exposure to religious holiday celebrations. His favorite
holiday is Hanukkah, for he enjoys lighting the menorah and
eating seasonal foods with his family.
For his mitzvah project, Joey is helping to feed families in less
fortunate situations, by volunteering at the Jewish food bank.
He believes his fun and caring personality can inspire others
to make the world a better place.
Congregation Kol Ami • January 2016 • Tevet / Shevat 577612
By Maura Astra
B’nai Mitzvah Beat
London BillingtonJanuary 1, 2016 / 6 Shevat 5776
London is a student at Carrollwood Day
School and at our Kol Yeladim religious
school. Family and friends from New York
will be flying in to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah
weekend. For his Mitzvah project, London
plans to donate to an animal rescue called
“Hoodratz.” His party will be held at the
Carrollwood Country Club. London was very excited to pick
the decorations for his party. London loves to play football and
hangout with his friends. While doing so, he also managed
an excellent academic GPA. London sees himself becoming a
dentist or football player, and feels very inspired by his par-
ents. They have always encouraged him to try his best, and do
“special things” in life. London’s favorite Jewish holiday is Rosh
Hashanah because it’s “a time to have fun and celebrate the
new year!” London would like to thank Rabbi Bob and Cantor
Beth for their incredible support and guidance while preparing
for this occasion.
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Dear Parents of College Students:
We want to stay in touch with our college students.
A few times a year we will send them special packages
to help celebrate some of the holidays. Please send their
Join us one Sunday morning a month at Kol Ami (in the classrooms near the main office) for singing, story-telling, and crafts. Learn a little about Jewish holidays while getting to know other young families!
This program is for students in pre-K and younger.
If your child is one year old or younger, they may not be able to do every activity, but they’re still welcome to come and enjoy the music, stories, laughter, and socializing!
Sunday, May 1, .......9:30 - 10:30 a.m. ............Israel
Congregation Kol Ami • January 2016 • Tevet / Shevat 5776 13
Kids’ Konnections
Now that we’ve come to the end of fall semester, we have the opportunity to look back at all we’ve accomplished. Yes, we’ve enjoyed many special programs, both as a part of Kol Yeladim, and a part of the greater community: holiday programs, a concert, field trips, visits with the Rabbi,
special classroom activities, weekly chuggim, and so on. But with everything going on, are we still learning?
I’m sure you realize that I only ask the question because I know that I can say yes, absolutely! Everything we do is part of creat-ing an experiential learning environment. We want our children to not only enjoy being at Kol Yeladim, but also to enjoy learn-ing and to be excited about continuing to learn. And it makes me so proud to see that happening here at Kol Ami. I walk into classes and see enthusiastic and engaged students, and because of that, I see students learning quickly.
I had the oppor-tunity to spend some time with our third grad-ers in December, as they prepared for their annual mock-Havdallah family program. They practiced diligently and confidently, and in the end, led a beautiful ceremo-
ny. It was a special moment when, at the end of the ceremony, their teacher, Laura Dile, and I presented each student with their own siddur, explaining to them that this was a beginning. Just like Havdallah usually marks the beginning of a new week, our ceremony marked the beginning of their two-day per week religious school education. They are now in the process of leav-ing behind the primary grade activities, like learning Hebrew letters, and beginning the challenge of using Hebrew reading, liturgy, and group tefillot as learning tools. As they go forward, they can and should continue to enjoy learning, but in a new and exciting way. I look forward to see how they move forward in this new stage.
I hope you have had a wonderful winter break – whether it was exciting, restful, interesting, or maybe even productive. I look forward to seeing you when we return to school and programming on Wednesday, January 6.
B’Shalom, Karen
By Karen Kosowski
How You Can Help! When it comes to Religious School, Youth Groups, or Family Programming, many of you have asked if we need anything. You know that we can accomplish a lot with a few small donations.
Please take a moment and review the wish list column below. If you’re interested in donating something, please contact Karen at [email protected]. Karen can help you locate and purchase any of these items.
Please note that some requests are for more than one item. On these requests, we will happily accept single item donations. Thank you for your support!
Our current wish list:• Four computer tablets with cameras (We have found the
tablets – we are looking for someone to help finance them)
• Letter-size laminating machine
• Simple Havdallah set, including spice box, candle holder, and Kiddush cup
• Six plush Torahs for our Early Childhood program
SimchatTotOur new program for families with young children!
Mazal Tov to our Kol Yeladim third graders, Dylan Ehrenpreis, Adam Ron, Emily Solondz, Ellie Halls, and Jake Balber, and to their teacher Laura Dile and their madrichim Charlie Halls and Jacob Nair (not pictured)
A few notes: On 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. days, we will suggest a group activity (such as going to a park) for those who want to continue social-izing. On 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. days, we will provide a light break-fast for anyone who wants to get to the classroom 30 minutes early.
is not required to participate in Chaverim. If you have friends that
would like to be included on the Chaverim email list, please let
us know!
Chaverim Calendar January - April 2016
Jan. 24 ..... Pizza & Bowling at Pin Chasers
Feb. 21 ..... Bounce Party at Gator Freds
Mar. 20 ..... Join us at the Kol Ami Purim Carnival!
Apr. 3 ....... Sunday Afternoon at The Florida Aquarium
Apr. 17 ..... PJ Library Passover Puppet Show at the JCC
CHAVERIMCHAVERIM Join Kol Ami Boneem this year!
All Jewish third-fifth graders are invited to join our thriving group for a year of new and exciting events. Remember to invite your friends! Come out and play
with us once a month as we go to new places and maybe revisit some of our favorite old places.
January 10 ....... Rock Climbing at Vertical Ventures
February 7 ........“The Lion King” Special Event
March 6 ...........Sunday afternoon Mosi trip
April 10 ........... Chocolate Seder with USY and Kadima
May 22 ............Sunday afternoon movie & ice cream Event
Calling all 3rd-5th graders!!!Join us on Sunday afternoon, January 10,
1:30-3:30 p.m. for an afternoon at
Vertical Ventures 5402 Pioneer Park Blvd, Suite E
Please eat before the event (snacks will be available). And please remember to wear sneakers!
Also, please note that all students must have the proper paperwork:
• Kol Ami Permission Form (for non-Boneem members)
• Vertical Ventures Waiver (waivers can be completed online at http://verticalventures.com or can be filled out by hand; hard copies will be available at Kol Ami)
• Copy of a parent’s photo ID
• Cost: $15 (or $10 for Boneem member)
Not a member? Join today to get your $5 discount!
Parents: we’re looking for a few volunteers to help out that day – let us know if you’re available!
Congregation Kol Ami • January 2016 • Tevet / Shevat 5776 15
Youth Groups (cont’d)
We hope you will check out Kol Ami Kadima, our youth group for sixth -
eighth graders. We have activities for everyone, including annual programs, like our lock-in, and original innovative programs. In addition, we enjoy Regional and Sub-Regional activities, including conventions and Yom Disney!
We had a great time at Topgolf Tampa in December – another new place for us! We invited our friends from Rodeph Sholom, and enjoyed an ex-citing afternoon together. And as we begin our second semester, it’s time for one of our favorite annual events – the Lock-In, hosted by USY! Join us for a night of fun, food, games, and good times! Plan on spending the night at Kol Ami – hope to see you there! Also, mark your calendars for January 30, for an 8th grade only Saturday night! We’ve got a great night planned – watch your emails for details!
But that’s not all! January is time to sign up for Yom Islands of Adventure. As many of you know, every year on President’s Day weekend (mid-Febru-ary), USYers and Kadimaniks from all over Florida and the rest of the South-east gather for an Orlando theme park day. Some years we go to Universal Studios, and some years we go to the Magic Kingdom. And this year, we’re off to Islands of Adventure. We hope you’ll come with us and hundreds of 6th-12th graders spend the day together. Info will be available soon.
For questions about our group or any of our programs, please contact Karen
Congregation Kol Ami • January 2016 • Tevet / Shevat 577616
KAUSY continues to enjoy an amazing year! We did so many great things first semester – from leading our own High Holiday service to hosting the Fall Sub-Regional
convention, to hosting our awesome lock-in in November and a great Hanukkah party in December.
As the year goes on, we have so many more exciting things ahead of us! We’ll continue to enjoy our own monthly events, but we’ll also be doing all kinds of events with Kol Ami. In the coming months, we’ll be hosting the annual Kadima lock-in, as well as the Boneem/Kadima Chocolate Seder before Passover. Not only that, we’ll also do a childcare fundraiser during a Kol Ami special event, and we’ll help out at the Purim carnival. And, of course, in addition to all of that, we’re very excitied about upcoming Regional events, including Yom Islands of Adventure, Spring Sub-Regional convention, and Hanegev Regional Convention – right here in Tampa!
If you haven’t given KAUSY a chance yet, this is the year to do it. Come out and join us. For any questions, contact Karen at [email protected] or Jenn at [email protected].
Help us continue to make KAUSY an amazing USY chapter!
Youth Groups (cont’d)
KAUSY Kalendar January - May 2016
January 31 .................Sunday Afternoon Lakeland Event
February 13 ...............Childcare Fundraiser at Kol Ami
February 14 ...............Yom Islands of Adventure
March 5 .....................Saturday Night Event
March 18-20 .............Spring Sub-Regional Convention
March 20 ...................Help Out with Purim Carnival
March 25-27 .............Give Kids the World
April 9 .......................Saturday Night Event
April 10 .................... Annual Chocolate Seder for Boneem & Kadima
April 15-17 ...............Regional Convention
May 14 ......................Saturday Night Year-End Event
May 20 ......................USY Shabbat
USY Hanukkah PartySee next page for more USY Hanukkah Party photos!
Wednesday 06 Torah Talk with Rabbi Bob ........................................................................................................11:00 a.m.
Kol Yeladim Religious School ......................................................................................................5:00 p.m.
Introduction to the Siddur and Jewish Prayer with Rabbi Bob ......................................................7:30 p.m.
Friday 08 Pizza and PJ Shabbat ..................................................................................................................6:30 p.m.
Shabbat Services Under the Stars (Birthday Shabbat) ..................................................................6:30 p.m.
Saturday 09 Shabbat Torah Study with Rabbi Bob ..........................................................................................8:30 a.m.
Wednesday 20 Torah Talk with Rabbi Bob ........................................................................................................11:00 a.m
Kol Yeladim Religious School ......................................................................................................5:00 p.m.
Introduction to the Siddur and Jewish Prayer with Rabbi Bob ......................................................7:30 p.m.
Thursday 21 Talmud Berachot with Rabbi Bob ..............................................................................................10:30 a.m.
Friday 22 Shabbat Services (Family and Anniversary Shabbats) – 2nd Grade-led Shabbat Service .................6:30 p.m.
Saturday 23 Shabbat Torah Study with Rabbi Bob ..........................................................................................8:30 a.m.
Wednesday 27 Torah Talk with Rabbi Bob ........................................................................................................11:00 a.m
. Kol Yeladim Religious School ......................................................................................................5:00 p.m.
4th Grade Tu Bi’Shvat Seder .......................................................................................................5:30 p.m.
Introduction to the Siddur and Jewish Prayer with Rabbi Bob ......................................................7:30 p.m.
Thursday 28 Talmud Berachot with Rabbi Bob ..............................................................................................10:30 a.m.
Congregation Kol Ami Rabbi Robert D. Judd • Cantor Beth Schlossberg • Mitchell Weiss, Executive DirectorKaren Kosowski, Education & Youth Director • Beverly Fink, President
Big Thanks to our Chai Guys! See page 8
Left to right: David Vanden, Fred Perez, Scott Gaffney, Kevin Cross, Mike Korenvaes, Jon Zimmer, Al Lenok, Ben Miele Front row: Ari Horowitz Photographer: Yoav Rappaport (not pictured)
