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December 2015 • Volume 29 • Issue 11 A Reform Congregation Embracing Our Jewish Tradition
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Sunday, Dec. 6 - 1st Night of Chanukah
-Religious School
-Sisterhood Mah Jongg
-JYG Cooking Class
Monday, Dec.7 - 2nd Night of Chanukah
Candle Lighting at 7 pm
Kesher, Confirmation & Kivunim
Tuesday, Dec. 8 - 3rd Night of Chanukah
Candle Lighting at 6:10 pm
Religious School
Wednesday, Dec. 9 - 4th Night of Chanukah
HOTTY Board Meeting
Thursday, Dec. 10 - 5th Night of Chanukah
Friday, Dec. 11 - 6th Night of Chanukah
-ECEC Chanukah Celebration
-Shabbat Service followed by Chanukah Celebration
Saturday, Dec. 12 - 7th Night of Chanukah
-Shabbat Service with Bar Mitzvah
-HOTTY Latke In
Sunday, Dec. 13 - Last Night of Chanukah
Religious School Monday, Dec.14 -
-Senior Luncheon & Latkes
-Religious School with Special Musical
Performance by Beit Tefilah Israeli
2
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Home Guide for Chanukah Celebration
On Sunday evening, December 6th at sundown,
we begin our eight-day celebration of
Chanukah. Traditionally we join with our
family members each night in lighting the
menorah. Based upon a wonderful discussion
in the Talmud between the Houses of Hillel and Shammai, we
understand the customs and procedures for how we treat these
lights of wonder.
It is customary to place the Menorah in a window for the light
to shine out into the world. If however this could be considered
dangerous, the menorah may be placed in a position better
suited in your home.
Facing the Menorah, the candles are added each night from
right to left, & kindled with the Shamash (the helper candle)
from left to right
As the first candle is kindled we recite the first blessing:
Baruch atah Adonai elohenu melech ha’olam, asher kid’sha-nu
b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu le’had’lik ner shel Chanukah.
Praised are You, Adonai our God, Ruling Spirit of the
Universe, by whose Mitzvot we are hallowed, and who
commands us to kindle the Chanukah lights.
Then after the lights are lit, we recite the second blessing:
Baruch atah Atonai elohenu melech ba’olam, she’asah nissim
la-av-otenu bayamin hahem baz-man hazeh.
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the Universe,
who performed wondrous deeds for our ancestors in days of
old, at this season.
ON THE FIRST NIGHT ONLY, we chant the She’hecheyanu
blessing to mark this unique moment in this year’s
commemoration of Chanukah:
Baruch atah Adonai elohenu melech ba’olam, she’hecheyanu
vekiyemanu vehigiyanu laz’man hazeh.
Praised are You, God, Ruler of the Universe, for giving us life,
for sustaining us, and for enabling us to reach this season.
It is always nice to spend a few moments gazing into the
flames, marking the miracles in our lives and in gratitude to do
a bit of learning. Below are some mini-teachings, shared by
rabbis from across the spectrum of Judaism, one for each night
of Chanukah. Enjoy!
FOR THE FIRST NIGHT: We light the first candle to remind
ourselves that in the beginning there was darkness on the face
of the earth. With the words, “Let there be light” the world was
brought into existence from darkness to light. We kindle our
first candle, which we hope, like the earth’s first light, will
grow to enlighten the whole world.
FOR THE SECOND NIGHT: The second light reminds us of
the brightness of our community and the community of our
people in ERETZ YISRAEL, the land of Israel. Through the
darkness of years in exile our people clung to a beacon of hope,
shining forth through our tradition. And now through years of
miles and lands, that beacon burns brightly in our hearts, and in
the world, again. “If I forget You, Oh Jerusalem, let my tongue
cleave to my mouth, left my right hand forget its cunning.”
FOR THE THIRD NIGHT: The third light reminds us that in
every generation we need the faith of the Maccabees of old.
Long ago in Jerusalem, this brave band led by Judah, drove the
Syrian Greeks out of the Temple, and as their first act of faith
rekindles the Ner Tamid, the Eternal Light, which, along with
the Temple, had been desecrated. In this simple, yet meaningful
act of belief, they demonstrated their faith that God, once again
had redeemed God’s people, for “Adonai is my light and my
salvation.”
FOR THE FOURTH NIGHT: The fourth light is the light of
courage. It took strength for Mattathias and his sons to ignore
the bribes and threats of Antiochus. It took courage to make the
decision that not gold and not precious stones, but freedom to
worship was the higher goal of the people.
Every day we are called upon to make decisions. Some of them
are easy and affect only ourselves; others are infinitely more
difficult and involve many others; family, friends, community,
even nations. Just as the Maccabees lived by the words of
Moses to Joshua, may we also, “Be strong and of good
courage.”
FOR THE FIFTH NIGHT: The fifth light is the light of Torah,
the Five Books of Moses, the source of our values. It was to be
faithful to its teachings that Judah and his followers went to
battle. Often we must sacrifice for an ideal. How much we are
willing to lose is a mark of how much we hope to maintain. Yet
we have a guide to help us. “The Mitzvah is a lamp and the
Law is a light.”
Continued on next page...
3
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Notes from Cantor Kassel
BEIT TEFILAH ISRAELI (TEL AVIV)
To Perform at Temple Beth Tikvah
MONDAY, DECEMBER 14th
7:15 – 8:15 pm
Beit Tefilah Israeli's famed musical ensemble to tour over a dozen USA Jewish communities on its annual Chanukah tour
Beit Tefilah Israeli is a creative, innovative and inclusive Jewish-Israeli grassroots community and or-
ganization that offers meaningful Jewish ritual, study, activism and a sense of belonging to the general
Israeli public. We are a young and fast-growing, liberal, musical, independent and egalitarian communi-
ty in urban Tel Aviv, committed to Jewish spirit, culture, and social action and redefining the Jewish-
Israeli identity of the secular Israeli public. We strive to create, develop and sustain a dynamic, indige-
nous Israeli Judaism relevant to modern Israeli life and in line with our core values. Rabbi Esteban Gottfried, Beit Tefilah Israeli's co-founder, director and spiritual leader, is leading the en-
semble during a two-week tour in the United Staes, together with the incredible musicians of Beit Tefi-
lah Israeli's musical ensemble: Atalya Lavi (cantor, soloist singer), Yotam Mahler (pianist, singer, song-
writer), Eitan Gofman (flute/saxophone/clarinet) and Dor Biran (percussion). During the two-week tour,
the ensemble will present its highly creative, innovative, modern Jewish-Israeli musical performances,
original works and workshops in over a dozen communities across North America, to be attended by
thousands.
For more information about Beit Tefilah Israeli, check out: http://www.kbyonline.org/Beit-Tefilah/
DONATIONS TO THE CANTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND ARE APPRECIATED
TO HELP WITH THIS EVENT
… Continued from page 1
FOR THE SIXTH NIGHT: The sixth light is the light of the Synagogue. Some call it Temple; some shul, it is our symbol, that
through worship, through common ideas, and through our devotion to the Jewish people, there can be no force which can ever
destroy us. The Sanctuary is the sign that we, as co-workers with God, can help to bring about freedom in our world, “Blessed are
all who come in the name of God, we bless you from out of the House of Adonai.”
FOR THE SEVENTH NIGHT: The seventh light reminds us that our beginnings are in the home, where we first learned our
Judaism. The home is where we learn the warmth of love; the joys, tastes, aromas, sensations of caring families, of Jewish homes.
On this Festival, as at all times, may the hearts of children be turned to the parents and parents to children, and may we understand
through all their experiences the blessings of love and devotion symbolized by the home. "Let your home be open wide, and let the
lost be members of your household."
FOR THE EIGHTH NIGHT: The final light is the light of our responsibility, to be a “Kingdom of priests and holy people,” to try
to complete the work of creation; bringing love and humanity into the world. The prophet Micah said, “It has been told to you what
is good, and what God requires of you: “Only to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
4
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
B’nai Mitzvah
Hannah Faer will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on December 5, 2015. Hannah is the daughter
of Stefani and Craig Faer and sister to Emily. She is in 7th grade at Simpson Middle School where she
participates in the Junior Sprayberry Jackets Cheer Program. Hannah is the granddaughter of Judy and Alan
Schulman and Andy Faer and Bruce and Donna Faer. Her hobbies include cheer and hanging out with her
friends.
Already missing your camp friends, or looking forward to going to
camp for the first time? But not sure how to pay for it?
The TBT Camp Scholarship Program helps families
with the cost of camp tuition. Camp scholarships are based on financial
need and are awarded by the Camp Scholarship Committee as a part of
an anonymous review and allocation process. All applications and
inquiries are confidential. Please submit your application as well as any
scholarship questions to [email protected] by December 15th.
Daniel Schilstra will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on December 12, 2015. Daniel is the son of
Caryn Schilstra and Mets Schilstra. He has an older brother, Mark, and a younger brother, Jeremy. Daniel is a
7th grader at Elkins Pointe Middle School where he is an honor roll student. He loves playing baseball and
especially 1st base on his travel baseball team, the Exhibition Athletics. Daniel also enjoys playing basketball
and was excited to have the opportunity to participate in an adaptive basketball program where he played with
children with developmental disabilities. Daniel is looking forward to sharing this occasion with his family
Edward Benjamin Kagan will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on December 5, 2015. Edward is
the son of Morris and Anna Kagan of Roswell, and brother to Albert and Diana. The Kagan family immigrated
to the United States from Kiev, Ukraine in the early 1990s. Edward is an 8th grader at Hightower Trail Middle
School where he enjoys playing violin in the school orchestra. As part of his 13 Mitzvot Project, Edward is
sharing his talent of performing magic tricks to entertain families of hospitalized children at the Ronald
McDonald House. Edward’s Bar Mitzvah day marks the 115th birthday of his great-grand-father Benyamin
Gurevich (1900-1977), after whom Edward received his Hebrew name Benyamin.
We are collecting toiletry
samples for gift bags for
the homeless. There is a
basket underneath the
education table in the
lobby. Items to include are: toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, condi-
tioner, feminine hygiene products, soap, brushes/combs and lotion.
Knit and Nosh with Sisterhood; we are knitting and crocheting
scarves for the homeless for distribution in December. Thanks to all
who are participating. A warm scarf will be a wonderful gift for the
upcoming cool temperatures.
FOOD of the month for December will be pet food for dogs and
cats...please start collecting canned and dry food in anticipation.
As you can see, we as a congregation are concerned with all who are
hungry. It brings me to the Turkey Drive. Imagine your holiday
dinner with no turkey...with just some potatoes or canned beans. We
have done a wonderful job with Project Isaiah, now let's put our ef-
forts into the most successful Turkey Drive we have ever had. 100%
participation! All it takes is a $10 donation (you can write a check
with Turkey Drive in the memo)! The money collected will be split
between NFCC and JF&CS. Think about what a meaningful
donation this will be to a family, just like yours, who will be able to
celebrate the holiday and not be hungry.
We can do this for our community.
Thank you.
Terry Apt Carasick
5
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7
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah Click on the coffee cup to RSVP
The ALEF Fund is a registered Georgia 501(c)3 Student Scholarship Nonprofit Organization that supports Jewish education in
Georgia by helping taxpayers get a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit for providing scholarships to students at the school or schools
of their choice! ALEF Fund was established by Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta in 2008. They provide scholarships to pre-k,
kindergarten, primary or secondary public school students who wish to attend participating Jewish schools. It is the only
organization in Georgia that provides student scholarships exclusively to Jewish preschools, day schools and high schools.
Over the past two years, Temple Beth Tikvah’s Early Childhood Center has been fortunate to be a part of the ALEF fund. Several
of our Temple Beth Tikvah students have been able to receive these funds toward their tuition. It allows families the comfort of
continuing a Jewish education, without the worry and stress of tuition costs.
The key to success of the ALEF fund, however is YOU! By redirecting your state tax dollars to the Early Childhood Center at
Temple Beth Tikvah, you can help our school provide a quality Jewish education to the youngest members of our community.
Visit www.aleffund.org to electronically complete your 2015 ALEF Fund forms OR contact Nina Rubin, ALEF Fund manager
[email protected] or 678.222.3739.
The ALEF Fund, 1440 Spring St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
Fax: 678.495.9927 E-mail: [email protected]
If you have any questions, call Nina Rubin at 678-222-3739
If you have any tax questions, please your tax advisor or you may contact Ron Swichkow for more information.
The Early Childhood Education Center thanks you in advance for your support!
Jenifer Friedman ECEC Director www.bethtikvahpreschool.com
ECEC
We are very proud of our achievements in the religious school. We are extremely focused on Hebrew, History, Bible, Prayers, art
and music. Each month I’d like to share some of the things our students are doing in their classes.
Here is a glimpse into our 2nd grade classes: They have covered bible stories from creation to Noah’s Ark, reviewed and discussed
the Jewish holidays. They are able to take the familiar customs and have deeper discussions where the children are able to relate
and share their own family experiences. The children are so excited each Sunday as they are introduced to one or two new Hebrew
letters.
Another class read the Tower of Babel. The students were then tasked to build a tower without using their words to communicate!
Boy was that funny. When they were allowed to speak again, they discussed the meaning of G-ds punishment to the builders when
he gave them all different languages, leaving them unable to communicate. The class decided our greatest gift from G-d was being
able to communicate with one another, and how much easier tasks are when they work together instead of apart.
Our final 2nd grade class does Mitzvah Moments. The Mitzvah Moments cover 18 different Mitzvahs that the student tries to ac-
complish at home during the year. Each week they turn in a brief written paper showing how they did the Mitzvah. They have
done 3: Honoring Mother and Father, Inviting Guests to the home, and Being a Good Listener.
As you can see, our 2nd grade students are very busy and are having a lot of fun!
Our Religious School and Youth Group are again collaborating on making sure our children get to know one another. We have had
2 sets of mixers during the past month. The students spent time learning about their classmates and had fun playing silly mixer
games!
Reminders: Our Hanukkah assembly is December 13th. Please join us as our 6th grade students entertain the school with their
holiday program. Our PreK, kindergarten and 1st grade students will entertain us as well with Hanukkah songs.
There will be no school on the following days:
December 15th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 27th, 28th, 29th
January 3rd, 4th, 5th, 17th and 18th
Shalom,
Hassia Levin
Religious School
8
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
This month, I am deviating from my usual writings to share
something that has been bothersome to me. My thoughts are
shared in hopes that we can all better assess the role we play in
influencing our own children and grandchildren as well as those
in our synagogue community.
In Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech, he referred to
the “content of one’s character.” Growing up, I knew the words
of his speech but not until I became the parent of two young
adults did I realize what those words truly meant. In my mind,
one’s character goes hand in hand with one’s ethical DNA. In
my professional life, I have seen many examples of poor ethical
behavior, both in people’s business and personal lives. What is
even more perplexing to me is that many of these people are
individuals of strong faith, both Jewish and non-Jewish.
So I asked myself, where might that behavior come from?
Shockingly enough, it often comes from our parents.
According to a report published in the Journal of American
Medicine, babies are born with an instinctive capacity and
desire to imitate adult human behavior. I think we all have
experienced this as we make fools of ourselves making weird
faces to try to get babies to imitate us. As a new grandparent, I
am absolutely guilty of that. But here’s the rub - they do not
possess an instinct for gauging whether a behavior ought to be
imitated. Repeated enough times, babies and children will
imitate almost anything, including behaviors that most adults
would regard as destructive or anti-social.
So, here is my point. If we want to raise
ethically behaving children, we need to work
on developing their character. We as parents
are the most powerful role models for our
children, but if we are dishonest even in ways
we consider to be just “white lies”, the odds are that our
children will internalize these behaviors as well. We can spend
thousands of dollars on private schools, either secular or non-
secular, in hopes of getting our kids the best education and
instilling some semblance of ethics. But, we sometimes
undermine that education when our child hears us fudge their
age at the movie theatre or amusement park to get a cheaper
ticket.
The same theme can be applied to our children’s attitudes
toward their Judaism. How can we expect our kids to fully
embrace their Judaism and spirituality when we make passing
comments they might overhear about how Religious School
interferes with another event or when we, ourselves, only enter
the synagogue a few times a year?
Parents may be the strongest role models, but our children also
learn from grandparents, teachers and other adults in their lives.
We can all aspire to be better role models at home, at work and
in the synagogue, an improvement that will undoubtedly pay
dividends well into the future.
L’Shalom
Ron Swichkow
Do as I Say, Not as I Do
The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ)
presented TBT and Rabbi Shuval-Weiner
with the Maurice N. Eisendrath “Bearer
of Light” Award “for participation in the
American Journey for Justice and
outstanding civil rights work”.
The award was given at the November URJ
Biennial convention in Orlando in early
November. The Eisendrath Bearer of Light
Award is conferred every two years in two
categories’: Service to Reform Jewry and
Service to the World Community. As detailed in the October Kol
Tikvah, Rabbi Shuval-Weiner joined 150 other Reform Rabbis from
all over the U.S. in the march organized by the NAACP from Selma,
Alabama to Washington D.C., carrying a 20 pound Torah scroll
enroute. Rabbi Shuval-Weiner marched 16 miles through historic
South Atlanta / the Capital and observed “the experience of walking
side by side sharing the stories of our lives, and learning from one
another was incredibly profound. We made deeply impactful rela-
tionships in a very short amount of time. The carrying of the Torah
was a powerful thing…passing it between Jews and non-Jews, Black
and White; we all talk about its message and purpose”.
The march served to inspire everyone involved in calling attention to
social justice and civil rights. Rabbi Shuval-Weiner noted “we are a
people whose sacred narrative is based on a journey from slavery to
redemption. In Torah the single most repeated line is “remember you
were once slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt” – How is a liberated people
to act? This gives us our ethical charge, just as we were redeemed,
we too acting b’tzelem eloheim (in the image of G-d) are obligated
to work toward bringing redemption to broken places. As members
of our sacred congregation - Beth Tikvah - the House of Hope - each
and every one of us should feel that obligation to better understand
the injustices that exist in our community, in our country, and work
toward repairing the wrongs. Rabbi Maurice Eisendrath was a pow-
erful voice in the American rabbinate. He served as president of the
UAHC (URJ) from 1943-1973, and helped to found the Religious
Action Center in 1961. He was a champion of prophetic Judaism,
and as such he spoke out passionately on the struggle for civil rights
and marched with MLK carrying the Torah, representing God’s de-
mand for tzedek. (This is why we carried the Torah during
America’s Journey for Justice march)”.
May we all be so inspired for social justice causes like this one !
-Mark Rudel, Communications Chair
9
Youth Group
HOTTY (9-12th Grade)
WHAT DID WE DO THIS PAST MONTH?
November was a fun and busy month for HOTTY. On November 7th, we had our
HOTTY Spooky night. We played games at temple and spent some time learn-
ing about what Judaism has to say about the afterlife. Then we headed to the
town square for Roswell’s Haunted Ghost tour and havdallah under the stars.
See some pictures in this month’s newsletter.
We also had our inaugural HOTTY youth lounge night! HOTTYites hung out in
our brand new youth lounge, eating dinner, watching TV, and decorating our
new space. If you missed it, don’t worry, we have another one next month!
WHAT’S UP NEXT FOR HOTTY?
Come hang out with your HOTTY friends at our next Lounge Night, December
2nd. And, the event every HOTTYite waits all year for…our annual Broomball &
Latke-in Lock-in is December 12-13th. We’ll meet at TBT on Saturday night and
then head over to the Cooler to play broomball! Then, it’s back to TBT for a lock-
in at the synagogue. Hope you can make it!
Save-the-date: NFTY-SAR Winter Regional & Elections is
January 15-18th, 2016 at Camp Thunderbird.
Stay tuned for details on how to register!
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!
Join our Remind101 text updates: text @826ef3 to 81010.
JYG (7-8th Grade)
In November we had a great time at The Main Event…we went bowling, com-
peted in laser tag and played arcade games. It was a great way to kickoff the
year! Check out some of the pictures from our event in this month’s newsletter.
December 6th JYG is headed to Young Chef’s Academy for a fun afternoon
cooking up delicious treats! Watch your email and our Facebook page for this
fun event which will start right after Sunday school. See you there!
Save-the-date: March 11-13th is NFTY-SAR’s Hatikvah Kallah for
7th & 8th Graders at Temple Kol Emeth in Marietta!!
We’ll send out more info about this awesome weekend as the date gets
closer.
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!
Club 56 (5th & 6th Grade)
Ever wanted to go to a movie premiere?? Well, we may not be able to get to
L.A., but on Saturday, December 5th, we’re turning TBT into our own
Hollywood!! Come dressed up like a movie star, walk the red carpet, get your
picture taken, and enjoy dinner and a movie with Club56!
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!
UPCOMING YOUTH GROUP EVENTS:
December 2 - HOTTY Lounge Night
December 5 – Bonim & Gesher Chanukah Party
December 5 – Club56 Hollywood Night
December 6 – JYG Cooking Class
December 12-13 - HOTTY Latke-In
January 23 – Family Tu B’Shevat event (grades K-12)
Want more info about the youth groups at TBT? Contact Adam or Bobbee at: [email protected] or (404) 228–2494
The Definition of Success…
The definition of success when it comes to planning NFTY
Kallot is always multi-faceted. Did we establish and keep in
mind the technicalities of the Kallah so that it runs smoothly
and without interference? Did we plan programs, mixers, and
services that genuinely engaged the participants and made them
feel like more than just an observer? Was the Kallah meaning-
ful for the participants? Did they leave with a brightened sense
of what the theme of the Kallah was meant to convey?
HOTTY worked tirelessly for months preparing for NFTY-
SAR’s Fall Kallah – brainstorming and organizing and planning
and writing and buying – and was rewarded with innumerable
positive responses via word of mouth and the Kallah survey
created by one of our own advisors, Adam Griff. Among
these were compliments on services, on the Saturday night pro-
gram at Cagle’s, and especially on the Saturday social action
program, which invited members of several different charitable
organizations such as North Fulton Community Charities and
the Drake House to speak, allowing participants the opportunity
to learn more about the social action movements in our area.
However, the most striking and meaningful for HOTTY were
those commenting on our preparedness for and execution of the
Kallah: “Out of all the Kallot I've been to, HOTTY has always
done a good job on being organized and on-pace, but they also
make sure to include every member of their TYG who wants
to be a part of it. There have always been entirely new program
ideas and themes coming out of those Kallot that seem to ex-
ponentially raise the bar compared to what other TYG's do.” It
is because of such impacts on the participants that HOTTY has
always striven to be a model for our region and our members.
HOTTY has become such a force in NFTY-SAR that the Kallah
co-chairs, Allie Goodman and Ben Goldenthal, and our ad-
visors, Bobbee and Adam Griff, without whom the Kallah
would not have had such immense success, will be interviewed
by the URJ on December 9 on how to run a successful Kallah.
Meanwhile, HOTTY will be back to business as usual for the
month of December. Our December events include a youth
lounge night on December 2nd and our Broomball Latke-in on
December 12th and 13th. The Latke-in is our annual December
event in which participants from other TYG’s are welcome to
come. We will be going to The Cooler to play broomball, a
hockey-like game played with brooms on ice, and returning to
Temple for a “Latke-in” (lock-in), spending the night at TBT.
All HOTTY 9th-12th graders are welcome, and if you are inter-
ested in HOTTY this would be a great event to meet not only
HOTTYites but members of other NFTY-SAR TYGs as well!
SEE YOU THERE!
-Joey Chanin, HOTTY’s Communication Vice-President
HOTTY - Kallah
10
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
THANK YOU to Sisterhood! We are well under way with plan-
ning great events for the winter and spring of 2016! We had so
many great suggestions at our last 2 brainstorming programs that
we are looking ahead to the fall of 2016 for implementation also…
Wow! There will be social, educational, social action, and
hospitality themes to attend. Our committee looks forward to
seeing YOU!
Sisterhood had a great turn out for Mah Jongg and Knit and Nosh last
month. We have been teaching beginners how to play Mah Jongg and
how to knit scarves respectively. Please come to our next sessions
whether you are experienced or a novice. We welcome all!
Oli and Ve is Thursday night, 12/3/15, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Please
come and learn about wonderful oils and vinegars, socialize, and have
some great taste treats. The shop has some wonderful gift ideas so
come prepared with a shopping list.
Mah Jongg is Sunday, 12/6/15, 9:45 a.m.- 11:45 a.m. Please come
and enjoy this intricate game, either as a novice or learned player. We
have some wonderful teachers ready to teach the basics. You are sure
to enjoy the morning and get to know fellow Sisterhood members.
Our scarves made at Knit and Nosh will be delivered this month to a
homeless shelter. Please watch for more Knit and Nosh dates as this
project will be continued into 2016.
A big THANK YOU goes out to all the volunteers that have signed up
to help with onegs this fall. This has also been a special ongoing pro-
ject for Sisterhood. There will be new dates for winter and spring to
shop and/or bake for onegs, so please sign up when you receive the
sign up genius link.
Robin Bledsoe Sisterhood Chair
Sunday, January 24th
at 4:30 pm in
TBT’s Oneg Room
Our Kehillat Chesed and Adult Education
Committees, along with Etz Chaim’s Kehillat
Chesed, will present an informative program on
the Eden Alternative.
Please plan to join us and look
for more information in the
January Kol Tikvah.
TBT Seniors Luncheon
Monday, December 14th at 12 PM
Presentation by
Herb Smith
Former Military Guard for the
"Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” in Washington D.C.
RSVP to Natine at [email protected]
HOTTY GHOST TOUR
JYG MAIN EVENT
11
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Holiday Turkey Drive
Donations in $10 increments will go to purchase
grocery gift cards for JF&CS & NFCC
Help make someone’s holidays “Full”filling!
Please make your checks out to TBT and mark them Food Drive or donate online here.
2015-2016 Jewish Scouting
Religious Emblem Program
for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts
of all ages and ranks
The Jewish Scouting Religious Emblem Program is designed to give
recognition to youth who have demonstrated religious growth. The
program originated in 1945 and is as strong as it has ever been. The
program is a combination of classroom discussion and individual
achievement. The more advanced programs may require service
hours or additional homework and may not be completed within the
selected timeframe. Future scheduling will be available. Recognition
will still be offered at a Scout Shabbat either at your unit or at the
District.
Class Dates: Sunday December 6 - 4:30-5 pm
Orientation (scouts and parents)
Sundays-December 6,13; January 10,17,24,31 5-6:30pm
All classes will be held at Temple Beth Tikvah
To Reserve a Space – Please email Tony Rosenberg
TBT 30th
Anniversary
Volunteers Needed !
Contact
Debbie Malever at [email protected]
or Suzanne Hurwitz at [email protected]
Unless, someone like you cares a whole lot, nothing is
going to get better
It’s not!
Dr. Seuss
Watch for
info
about the
TBT Business
Network
in the
January
Kol Tikvah
12
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
December 2015
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 19th of Kislev 5776
No Religious School Tai Chi 9:30 am Officers Meeting
7:30 pm
2 20th of Kislev 5776 HOTTY - Youth Lounge
Night 6:00 pm
3 21st of Kislev 5776 Sisterhood - Evening at
Oli & Ve 7:00 pm
4 22nd of Kislev 5776 Shabbat Service w/
Choir 8:00 pm
5 23rd of Kislev 5776 Bagels, Learning &
Torah 9:00 am Shabbat Service -
Faer/Kagan Bnai
Mitzvah 10:00 am Bonim & Gesher -
Chanukah Party
5:00 pm
Club 56 - Hollywood
Night 5:00 pm
6 24th of Kislev 5776 First Night of Chanukah Religious School 9:30 am Sisterhood - Mah Jongg
9:45 am
JYG - Cooking Class
12:30 pm
7 25th of Kislev 5776
1st Day CHANUKAH 1st Day Hanukkah
2nd Night of Chanukah Kesher, Confirmation &
Kivunim 6:45 pm Families Anonymous
7:15 pm
8 26th of Kislev 5776
CHANUKAH 3rd Night of Chanukah Tai Chi 9:30 am Religious School 5:00 pm
9 27th of Kislev 5776
CHANUKAH 4th Night of Chanukah HOTTY Board Meeting
6:30 pm
10 28th of Kislev 5776 CHANUKAH
5th Night of Chanukah
11 29th of Kislev 5776 CHANUKAH
6th Night of Chanukah ECEC Chanukah
Celebration 12:00 pm Chanukah Family
Shabbat Service
6:30 pm
Chanukah Festivities
7:30 pm
12 30th of Kislev 5776 CHANUKAH
7th Night of Chanukah Bagels, Learning & Torah - prior to service
Shabbat Service -
Schilstra Bar Mitzvah
10:00 am
HOTTY - Broomball
Latke-In 6:15 pm
13 1st of Tevet 5776
CHANUKAH Last Night of Chanukah Religious School 9:30 am Religious School
Chanukah Assembly
10 am
Sisterhood - Knit & Nosh
9:45 am
Sisterhood - Board
Meeting 11 am
14 2nd of Tevet 5776
Last Day CHANUKAH Senior Luncheon
12:00 pm Kesher, Confirmation &
Kivunim 6:45 pm with
Beit Tefilah Israeli
Performance at 7:15 pm
Families Anonymous
7:15 pm
15 3rd of Tevet 5776
No Religious School Tai Chi 9:30 am Board of Trustees
Meeting 7:30 pm
16 4th of Tevet 5776 17 5th of Tevet 5776 18 6th of Tevet 5776 Shabbat Service
8:00 pm
19 7th of Tevet 5776 Bagels, Learning &
Torah 9:00 am
Shabbat Service
10:00 am
20 8th of Tevet 5776
No Religious School 21 9th of Tevet 5776
Cobb & Fulton County
School Break No ECEC No Religious School Families Anonymous
7:15 pm
30th Anniv. Commitee
Meeting 7:30 pm
22 10th of Tevet 5776 Cobb & Fulton County
School Break No ECEC No Religious School Tai Chi 9:30 am
23 11th of Tevet 5776 Cobb & Fulton County
School Break No ECEC
24 12th of Tevet 5776 Christmas Eve
Becky OOO Cobb & Fulton County
School Break No ECEC
25 13th of Tevet 5776 Christmas Day
Cobb & Fulton County
School Break No ECEC TBT Offices Closed Shabbat Service
8:00 pm
26 14th of Tevet 5776 Cobb & Fulton County
School Break Bagels, Learning &
Torah 9:00 am
Shabbat Service
10:00 am
27 15th of Tevet 5776 Cobb & Fulton County
School Break No Religious School
28 16th of Tevet 5776 Cobb & Fulton County
School Break No ECEC No Religious School Families Anonymous
7:15 pm
29 17th of Tevet 5776 Cobb & Fulton County
School Break No ECEC No Religious School Tai Chi 9:30 am
30 18th of Tevet 5776 Cobb & Fulton County
School Break No ECEC
31 19th of Tevet 5776 New Year's Eve
Cobb & Fulton County
School Break No ECEC TBT Offices Close at
3 pm
13
Shalom! By now, the
entire congregation has
received information
concerning the
2015-2016 Annual
Campaign - Building
Our Future Today!
Our committee is excited about this year’s campaign and the
challenges ahead. Let me point out some of the key goals ahead:
1. Raise $110,000
2. Increase our community’s participation level
3. Reach our January 31st incentives for our matching pro-
grams
Part of accomplishing goal #1 is asking everyone to consider, if
you are able to do so, to make a pledge by January 31st, 2016.
Our community has 2 outstanding matching programs to raise an
additional $30,000 by January 31st.
1. This year The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation is
again prepared to add 50 cents to each dollar you con-
tribute, up to a total of $25,000. The math is simple, but
an example might help drive the point home. If you
commit $100 to the campaign, TBT will receive a total
of $150. Commit $500, and TBT will receive a total of
$750. Where else can you get that kind of return on in-
vestment these days?
2. An anonymous congregant, has made a $10,000 chal-
lenge donation that can be achieved by a combination of
the following:
a. New Annual Campaign Donors. For each gift of $250
or more donated by congregants who have not partici-
pated in the Annual Campaign before, our congregant
will match dollar for dollar up to $250.
b. Past Annual Campaign Donors. For gifts that repre-
sent an increase of $250 or more over last year’s Annual
Campaign donation, the congregant will match dollar
for dollar up to $250.
These commitments must be made by January 31, 2016, to be
eligible for the challenge donation.
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 2015- 2016 Annual Campaign Building Our Fu-
ture Today link on the opening page and you will be guided to
the on-line contribution area for the campaign.
Below is a list of all of the families that have made a pledge
during the first month of this year’s campaign…who is next??
Shalom,
Jonathan Agin Fundraising Chair
Jonathan and Allison Agin
Barry and Shari Alhadeff
Steven and Teri Astren
Dale and Wendy Bearman
Harris and Suellen Bergman
Josh and Andrea Berman
Michael and Jeannine Bernstein
Michael and Heather Braun
Lonnie and Debbie Carter
Michael and Marlene Cohn
Renee Davis
Gordon and Holli Decker
Joseph and Waynah Dunn
Steve and RoseAnn Gerson
Harlan and Ivie Graiser
Michael and Anna Gutkin
Andrew and Karen Gutman
David and Ellen Herold
Jamie and Katie Jaffe
Peter and Sharon Jedel
Daniel and Stephanie Joseph
Morris and Anna Kagan
Jill Kaplan
Valerie Kassel Jr
Lloyd and Diane Katz
Peter Klokow and Ellen Frank
Judy Levine
Sherwin and Judee Levinson
Jeffrey and Ellen Levitz
Emily Lewit
Gary and Michal Loventhal
Gil and Ellen Ludwig
Murray and Sonia Lynn
Sidney and Lois Malkin
Joel and Aviva Margolies
Jonathan and Joan Marks
Howard and Helaine Medoff
Mark and Jennifer Mosbacher
Bernie and Gail Natter
Shirley Plotkin
Herbert and Bunny Renkin
Russell and Gailen Rosenberg
Harvey and Natine Rosenzweig
Kevin and Andrea Rubin
Mark and Gail Rudel
Paula Sandfelder
Joel and Kathleen Schoenblum
William and Marjory Segal
Bart and Kara Segal
Allan and Pessie Shippel
David and Robyn Shippel
Carol Shutzberg
David and Elisa Siegel
Sandy and Nancy Simon
Larry and Anne Skal
Stuart and Frances Solomon
Terry and Missy Stein
Shelby Steinhauer
Aaron and Sheila Stieglitz
Ronald and Leslie Swichkow
Rosalind Taranto
Mark and Sally Vosk
Bruce and Carol Waldman
Bruce and Bonnie Walkes
Doug Wexler and Jane Green-
berger
Todd and Rachel Wilson
Andrew and Ilana Zalkin
Seth and Ellen Zimmer
14
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Annual Campaign
Jamie and Katie Jaffe in memory of Aline McMurrain
Renee Davis in memory of Elias Waxman
Ellen Frank in memory of Barry Feinberg
Gordon and Hollis Decker in memory of Isadore Zierler
Shirley Plotkin in memory of Henry Trucker
Anne Grossman in memory of Conrad P. Grossman
Ellen Frank in memory of Lucille Falkof
Lawrence and Anne Skal in memory of Joseph Cunix
Building Fund
Anne Grossman
Dale and Wendy Bearman in memory of Jacob Dutkiewitz,
Eleanore Bearman, Jeanne Laibow and Jules Stein
Campership/Israel Fund
Bruce and Bonnie Walkes in memory of Nathan Mangen
Cantor Kassel’s Discretionary Fund
Michael and Wanda Cohen in memory of Gladys Cohen
Addie Myers in honor of the marriage of Lois Clymin's
grandson, Joey Abramson to Debbie Kestadt
Pam Alterman in honor of Josh Rubin becoming a
Bar Mitzvah
Mariann Mamberg in memory of Isaac Mamberg
Mariann Mamberg in memory of Etta Mamberg
Pam Alterman in memory of Paul Alterman, Sonia Oxman,
and Edna McMurrain
Sherwin Rubin in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Josh Rubin
and in honor of Paul Rubin
Mark and Joy Goldberg in memory of Bonnie Keller
Harris Bergman in memory of Rabbi Abner Bergman
Caring/Kehillat Chesed Fund
Ruth Zeidman in honor of Rifka Isaac becoming a
Bat Mitzvah
Sherwin Rubin in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Josh Rubin
and in honor of Paul Rubin
Ruth Zeidman in honor of the marriage of Joseph and
Debby Abramson
Douglas Wexler and Jane Greenberger in memory of
George Jordan
General Fund
Marvin and Trudy Davis in memory of Aline McMurrain
Rhea Negrin wishing Lois Clymin a Mazel Tov on the
upcoming marriage of her grandson.
William and Marjory Segal in memory of Muriel Segal
Tod and Leslie Rubin in memory of Gerald Mittler
Lawrence and Anne Skal in memory of Lenore Levy
Nat and Jeanette Tieman in memory of George Jordan
Jane Greenberger in memory of Jacob Stern
Andrew and Barbara Sacks in memory of Dorothy Tveit
Michael Zalkin Memorial Library Fund
Jeffrey and Beth Kess in memory of Iris Naomi Kess and
Ben Goldberg
Mark and Gail Rudel in honor of Matthew Gilbert becoming
a Bar Mitzvah
Prayerbook Fund
Mark and Sally Vosk in memory of Leonard Vosk
Addie Myers in memory of William L. Myers
Preschool Fund
ECEC Staff in honor of Aylin Allen Howard
Rabbi Shuval-Weiner’s Discretionary Fund
George and Frances Jordan in memory of Henrietta Jordan
Cary Goldenthal and Lori Shapiro in memory of
Barry Goldenthal
Steve and RoseAnn Gerson in memory of Aline McMurrain
Donald and June Restler in memory of Sally and
Philip Hinerfeld
Betty Rickles in memory of David Goldsmith
Betty Rickles in memory of Norton Locke
Families Anonymous
Sherwin Rubin in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Josh Rubin
and in honor of Paul Rubin
Harvey and Natine Rosenzweig in memory of Lucille Falkof
Harvey and Natine Rosenzweig in memory of
George Jordan
David and Ellen Herold in memory of Bernard Bickwit
Rabbi Tam’s Discretionary Fund
Max and Carol Wolf in honor of Morris Harry Perling
Bruce and Bonnie Walkes in memory of Sarah Wixman
Robert and Marcy Nader in memory of Aline McMurrain
Lila Stein in memory of Jeanne Laibow, Fritzie Shaw,
Jacob Dutkiewitz and Jules Stein
Barry and Dore Kaiser in memory of Sylvia Kaiser
Bernice Bickwit in memory of Bernard Bickwit
Religious School Fund
David and Ellen Herold
Tikkun Olam Fund
June Wallach in memory of Blanche Hertzberg,
Irving Hertzberg and Howard Wallach
Torah Fund
Morray and Susan Scheinfeld in memory of Leo Snitzer
(donations processed through 11/ 23)
Donations
15
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
SHMOOZE NEWS / KUDOS CORNER
In Memoriam
Temple Beth Tikvah acknowledges with sorrow
the passing of:
Lucille Falkof
Mother of Ellen Frank
Margaret Ann Shulman
Mother of Gail Frank
George Jordan
Husband of Frances Jordan
Bernice “Bonnie” Keller
Sister of Sid Malkin
Sol Winder
Cousin of Renee Berman
May God console you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Thank You to our Amazing Office
Volunteers!
Richard Staviss
June Wallach
Lois Malkin
Leslie Swichkow
Marsha McMurrain
Thanks to Steve Bauman,
Ted Nathan, Bart Segal
& Ron Swichkow for helping to replace the
molding in the lobby and adding
non-skid strips to all our
wood stairs
And a shout out to: Robin Bledsoe
Alisa Bauman
Jill Leitman
Ann Dee Torino
for shopping for and
preparing TBT onegs in
November.
If you would like to
help with an oneg,
please click here to
sign up.
Jeff Willard has been appointed to the
Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism for a two year term as an
at-large member beginning on1/1/16.
New leaves have
been added to
Temple Beth
“Plan Ahead” An in-depth conversation regarding funeral pre-planning
Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care cordially invites you to join Edward Dressler, Licensed Funeral Director
Sunday, January 10th, 2016 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm Whole Foods Market, 1311 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta
complimentary dessert and drinks will be available
Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care provides a variety of services to Atlanta’s Jewish community including funeral and burials in Georgia,
coordination of funerals in other states and Israel, purchase of cemetery plots and grave markers, and non-traditional requests.
Death is not an easy topic to discuss, yet many families find it more manageable to deal with the death of a loved one when a family member or
friend has pre-planned all of the arrangements. Funeral pre-planning alleviates emotional decisions and financial stress at time of death.
Funeral pre-planning is responsible, safe, and easy to complete. Anyone can pre-plan and pre-pay for him- or herself, or for a loved one, in one
lump sum or over time. When pre-paying, funeral home service fees, casket, vault and headstone prices become fixed, and are placed in an escrow
account owned by the purchaser (not owned by the funeral home). Pre-paid funeral costs are released to the funeral home upon death.
Attend our complimentary pre-planning seminars and learn about:
♦Planning a funeral ♦Cemetery options ♦Fixing costs and how pre-payment works
♦Out-of-town funeral planning ♦Traditional and non-traditional options
Helen Scherrer-Diamond is Community Outreach Director for Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care. She helps individuals understand the importance of
funeral and cemetery pre-planning, offers continuing education for LMSWs, LPNs, and Chaplains, and Jewish Funeral Traditions education. Please rsvp to Helen at 770-289-8964 or [email protected]
Edward Dressler, Owner
16
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Synagogue Information
Synagogue Office - 770-642-0434
Fax Number - 770-642-0647
School Office (Perri) - 770-642-4168
Preschool (Jenifer) - 678-350-0076
Assistant to Clergy - Michelle Leder
Financial Secretary - Jenny Korsen
Admin. Assistant - Lisa Singer
Office Manager - Becky Sullivan
Adult Education Ivie Graiser [email protected] Budget & Finance Karen Korshak [email protected]
Camp/Israel Scholarship Marcia Haber [email protected] Chavurot Dalia Faupel [email protected] College Outreach Lynda Bennett [email protected] Beth Kess [email protected] Communications
Mark Rudel [email protected] Family Promise Randy and Amy Siegal [email protected] Brian and Jennifer Steinberg [email protected] Tony Rosenberg [email protected] Fundraising Jonathan Agin [email protected]
House Ted Nathan [email protected] Human Resources Seth Zimmer [email protected]
Israel Gene Carasick [email protected] Kehillat Chesed (Caring) Leslie Swichkow [email protected] Library Ilana Zalkin [email protected] Long Range Planning Harvey Rosenzweig Membership Recruitment &
Retention Jill Leitman [email protected] Marcia Pearl [email protected] Men’s Club Mark Greenspan [email protected] Peter Hartog [email protected]
Nominating Committee Todd Boehm [email protected] Ritual Rick Winer [email protected]
Security Jay Sausmer [email protected] Seniors Natine Rosenzweig [email protected] Sisterhood Robin Bledsoe [email protected] Social Action Terry Apt Carasick [email protected]
Website Development Scott Povlot [email protected] Youth Group Debra Schwartz [email protected] Michal Loventhal [email protected]
Get Involved! TBT Committees and Chairpersons
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.
17
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
18
Alexandria Shuval-Weiner Rabbi
Donald A. Tam
Rabbi Emeritus
Nancy Kassel
Cantor
Hassia Levin
Education Director
Jenifer Friedman
ECEC Director
Ron Swichkow President
Harlan Graiser
Vice President and
President Elect
Todd Boehm
Vice President
Rhonda Povlot Vice President
Joe Dunn
Treasurer
Michael Braun
Secretary
Mary Block
Chairperson, Board of Education