SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1 9:30 a.m. – Torah Study 10:00 a.m. – Tot Service 10:30 a.m. – Shabbat Service Torah Portion – Bo, Exodus 10:1—13:16 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 7:30 p.m. Shabbat Service Music: Bob Pollack and Marilyn Zelcer Oneg sponsored by Marcia Deitsch and family in memory of James Weiss SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8 9:30 a.m. – Torah Study 10:30 a.m. – Shabbat Service Torah Portion –B’shalach, Exodus 13:17—17:16 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 7:30 p.m. Family Shabbat Service Music: David Snyder Oneg sponsored by Sandy and Aaron Hatfield in memory Jacob R. Hatfield SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 9:30 a.m. – Torah Study 10:30 a.m. – Shabbat Service Naming of Caroline Rose, daughter of Lee and Katie Freedman Torah Portion – Yitro, Exodus 18:1—20:23 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 7:30 p.m. Shabbat Service Music: Dan Nichols, Musician-in-Residence Oneg sponsored by children and grandchildren of Jenny Broh and members of the congregation in honor of her 80th birthday SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 9:30 a.m. – Torah Study 10:30 a.m. – Shabbat Service Music: Dan Nichols, Musician-in-Residence Torah Portion – Mishpatim, Exodus 21:1—24:18 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 7:30 p.m. Shabbat Service Music: Marilyn Zelcer and Steve Mason SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29 9:30 a.m. – Torah Study 10:30 a.m. – Shabbat Service Torah Portion – T’rumah, Exodus 25:1 – 27:19 FEBRUARY 2020 / SH’VAT - ADAR 5780 1 February 2020 Friday, February 21 – Sunday, February 23 Friday, February 21 7:30 p.m. - Shabbat Service Oneg Shabbat in honor of Jenny Broh’s 80th birthday hosted by her children and grandchildren and members of the congregation Saturday, February 22 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Shabbaton Light breakfast and lunch included. 7:30 p.m. – Havdalah & Adult Coffee House. Bring a dessert to share. Sunday, February 23 11:00 a.m. – Family Concert All are welcome! Our thanks to the Sass Family in memory of Robert Sass, a friend of Valley Temple and a grant from the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati whose donations help to make Dan’s visit possible.
Transcript
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19:30 a.m. – Torah Study10:00 a.m. – Tot Service10:30 a.m. – Shabbat ServiceTorah Portion – Bo, Exodus 10:1—13:16
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 7:30 p.m.Shabbat ServiceMusic: Bob Pollack and Marilyn ZelcerOneg sponsored by Marcia Deitsch and family in memory of James Weiss
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 7:30 p.m.Family Shabbat ServiceMusic: David SnyderOneg sponsored by Sandy and Aaron Hatfield in memory Jacob R. Hatfield
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 159:30 a.m. – Torah Study10:30 a.m. – Shabbat ServiceNaming of Caroline Rose, daughter of Lee and Katie FreedmanTorah Portion – Yitro, Exodus 18:1—20:23
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 7:30 p.m.Shabbat ServiceMusic: Dan Nichols, Musician-in-ResidenceOneg sponsored by children and grandchildren of Jenny Broh and members of the congregation in honor of her 80th birthday
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 229:30 a.m. – Torah Study10:30 a.m. – Shabbat ServiceMusic: Dan Nichols, Musician-in-ResidenceTorah Portion – Mishpatim, Exodus 21:1—24:18
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 7:30 p.m.Shabbat ServiceMusic: Marilyn Zelcer and Steve Mason
Oneg Shabbat in honor of Jenny Broh’s 80th birthday hosted by her children and grandchildren
and members of the congregation
Saturday, February 229 a.m. - 1 p.m. Shabbaton
Light breakfast and lunch included.
7:30 p.m. – Havdalah & Adult Coffee House. Bring a dessert to share.
Sunday, February 2311:00 a.m. – Family Concert
All are welcome!
Our thanks to the Sass Family in memory of Robert Sass, a friend of Valley Temple and a grant from
the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati whose donations help to make Dan’s visit possible.
2 February 2020
Recently, I saw a movie about a Harvard educated attorney who felt a calling to get justice for those wrongly accused of a crime. The movie was based on a true story, and showed some of the flaws in the U.S. justice system. Among the issues that the film highlighted was the death penalty—and how there was a time in this country (pretty recently) when capital punishment was a verdict without appropriate evidence.
Jewish tradition clearly embraces the death penalty—the Torah’s phrase, “an eye for an eye....” is well known. However, by the time of the Talmud, we are taught that the death penalty is to be a punishment only infrequently—and that witnesses and evidence be held to a higher standard than any other kind of crime. In fact, one passage teaches us that any community that allows more than one capital case a generation, is guilty of murder.
One of the values I love most about Judaism is the value we place on human life. While self defense is allowed, murder is not. While the death penalty is allowed, it is to be doled out rarely. And given how often in the last number of year that individuals on death row were exonerated, those governors who have commuted capital punishments to life in prison should be applauded.
I personally am in favor of the death penalty being legal and rarely used. I believe many of us can name an infamous criminal from each past generation where the death penalty was an appropriate punishment. Yet, I think that the tradition reminds us that allowing capital punishment too often may compromise our high standard for valuing life.
As I read through the words of this column, it occurs to me that those obsessed with partisan politics may hear their “side’s” point of view supported by the Jewish tradition. Imagine that—a value that is not easily assigned to any party. Imagine that—Judaism and Jewish values first—who would’ve thunk?
Have a great month.
Sandford R. Kopnick, Rabbi
SISTERHOOD USED BOOK SALEMarch 8, 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
There will be a collection point in the lobby. We encourage donations of books for
readers of all ages!
Parents of Religious School students, please stop in and browse when you drop off or
pick up your child that Sunday.
HAMANTASCHEN BAKINGMARCH 1 at 10:00 a.m.
Hamantaschen will be used for the Purim Dinner and Purim Carnival, as well being delivered to
our members in need of cheer.
MLK DAY MARCH
Our Religious School year is already half way through. Our teachers are delving into the second semester with enthusiasm.
In Gan Emek Nancy shares her knowledge and expertise with the youngest members of our community and their parents, creating a community of Jewish learners through song and games, food and fun. Every week parents are given a take-home handout full of ideas for expanding their learning as they play with their children at home.
In the Pre-kindergarten/Kindergarten class Bette Ann is focusing on Mitzvot,and the Mitzvah Tree of the children’s Jewish good deeds continues to grow as they learn about their Jewish identity through the lens of helping others, as well as through the celebration of Jewish holidays. We are looking forward to the Tu Bishvat Family Education Seder coming up on February 9.
In the first/second grade class Elizabeth helps our children expand on their understanding of Mitzvot by learning how the mitzvah concept ties into the Torah stories from the books of Genesis and Exodus. Students learned about the patriarchs and matriarchs during the first semester, and are now expanding their knowledge to include Joseph, Moses and the Exodus stories. They have been experimenting with creating midrashim of their own about these stories, focusing on two key questions:” What do the stories of Torah tell us about our relationship with each other?” and “What do the stories of Torah tell us about our relationship to God?”.
In the third/fourth grade class Sam, a new teacher to our school, has been focusing on the stories of the prophets, expanding our students knowledge of biblical history be-yond the Torah into the books of Prophets and Writings. They have looked at the lives and teachings of Moses, Aaron, Joshua, Jonah, Samuel, Elkanah, Eli, Gad, David, and Solomon, using the visual arts as a creative approach to understanding these prophets. This coming semester, Sam plans to focus on some female prophetic figures including Sarah, Miriam, Deborah, Hannah, and Abigail.
She will also be guiding the students to understand the connections between the teachings of the prophets they have studied and ethical behavior in contemporary life.
In the fifth grade, Kara‘s curriculum is divided between Jewish lifecycle and Israel studies. Last semester students learned about brit milah and brit bat, as well as Bar and Bat Mitzvah. As part of the Israel curriculum, they talked about the central role that Israel and Jerusalem plays in Jewish collective memory. They made Mizrachim, plaques that Ashkenazi Jews traditionally place on the Eastern walls of their houses so that we know where Israel is in relation to us. She plans to delve deeper into Modern Israeli history with her class next semester and will also be hosting a “Jewish wedding” for Family Education.
In the sixth grade, Rob begins each class with the singing of the Havdalah blessings and the sharing of our own “blessings of the week.” His curriculum is age appropriate, and involves sensitive material, as he teaches the children about the Holocaust. They are making use of Yad Vashem’s pedagogical method and materials that use videos of testamonials from Holocaust survivors. This first person approach to Holocaust Education allows for a deep understanding of the historical context that led to the Holocaust. The curriculum is enriched through an intentional mix of primary and secondary source materials. In the coming semester they will learn about Jewish resistance, righteous gentiles, survivors and lib-erators, and the future of Holocaust studies.
We all are looking forward to a busy and inspiring second semester at Valley temple Religious School!
Rabbi Judy Spicehandler, Director of Education
3 February 2020
4 February 2020
Purim Dinner and Schpiel Monday, March 96:00 p.m. DINNER • 7:00 p.m. SERVICE & SCHPIEL
$10.00 / adult | $5.00 / child (ages 3-12) | Under 3 freeBring your friends -- Costumes invited!
Send in your reservation for the dinner to the Temple office.
Name ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Adults @ $10 ______ No. of Children (3-12) @ $5 ______ No. of Children under 3 (free) ______
We wish to order a vegetarian meal ______ (how many) ______
We wish to order a vegan meal ______ (how many) ______
Other food allergies (please specify) ________________________________________ Amount Enclosed _______________Please send payment & reservation to the Temple office,
145 Springfield Pike, 45215 by March 5
MITZVAH CORPS RETREAT TO CHICAGO
5 February 2020
IMPORTANT CALENDAR DATESFebruary 9th - Sisterhood Meeting with Judge RussellFebruary 29th - Men’s Club/Sisterhood Game NightMarch 1st - Hamantaschen makingMarch 8th - Book Sale
A BIG THANK YOU TO:Julie Niemeier for arranging and hosting the holiday party for adults with mental illness.
To everyone who volunteered their time to wrap presents at the book stores and to Julie Niemeier for arranging the gift wrapping fundraiser.
NEWSKroger - Please make sure you sign your Kroger Card up to support Valley Temple Sisterhood. It’s easy, just go to: kroger.com/account/enrollCommunityRewardsNow/
Judaica Shopping and VolunteeringFind your perfect gifts for the holidays or any upcoming simchas. If you are planning a Bar/Bat Mitzvah or Wedding, we can offer wholesale pricing on yarmulkes, tallit and more. The gift shop at Wise is looking for Sisterhood volunteers during the day on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In exchange for our help, Rockdale and Wise are extending 10% off for all Valley Sisterhood Members. Email [email protected] with questions or order requests.
We are collecting soda can pop tops for Shriner’s Hospital. Please bring your pop tops to the next meeting or drop them off in the container in the temple lobby.
Sisterhood BoardIt’s time to plan for next year’s Sisterhood board. We are looking for women to step up. We will need a new co-president and a VP of fundraising. If you would like to be considered or would like to nominate someone please contact either Sandy Hatfield or Allison Schneiderat [email protected]
EVENTSLearn about the CHANGE Court program that Judge Heather Stein Russell created for heroin-addicted prostitutes, and how we can help support her work at our February 9th meeting.
Interfaith Hospitality NetworkWe are partnering with Wise Temple this year with the IHN. They have 4 weeks that they will be housing homeless families and are looking for volunteers to come to Wise Center to help. Your whole family is welcome to come, but anyone under 16 must be with an adult.
The 2020 dates are March 1-8, July 5-12, August 16-23https://www.wisetemple.org/good-deeds/family-shelter/
Help us continue our lovely tradition of providing delicious “goodies” at our Oneg Shabbats (the reception following services). The Oneg is a wonderful way to celebrate the joy of the Sabbath, schmooze with members, meet new people and have a “nosh.” Please help us maintain this tradition by calling Wendy at the Temple office for more information, or to say that you will sponsor an oneg. It can be in honor of a loved one, a special occasion, or just because!
Our thanks to the following families for sponsoring a recent oneg, a wonderful way to celebrate the joy of the Sabbath.
• Peggy Barrett in memory of Betty Lindenberg
• Sandy and Aaron Hatfield in memory of Marcia E. Geltner
• Men’s Club
• Steven and Nicole Deutsch in honor of their son, Joseph, becoming a Bar Mitzvah
• Carol and Julian Magnus in memory of Katherine and John Frank
• Cindi Miller in memory of Jim Miller
• Jenny Broh in memory of Adele Broh, Phyllis Boering and Todd Boering
6 February 2020
We gratefully acknowledge the following contributions:
RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND In memory of Eugene Lazar; from Linda & Jeff LazarIn memory of Sam Darnell; from Helen & Elliot SpielerIn appreciation of Rabbi Kopnick; from Robin & Mark MillerIn memory of Catherine Mary Head; from Dedra & Dan PerlmutterIn memory of Don Warschauer and Leonard Shifres; from Donna LeviIn memory of Ida Tamarkin; from Ivan Tamarkin
CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FUNDIn memory of Leslie Levy; from Barb & Harvey KatzIn memory of Annabel Levy; from Barb & Harvey KatzIn honor of Logan Fritsch; from Dianne & Kerry RabeIn appreciation; from Topher Collier
A Chanukah GiftIn honor of Rabbi Kopnick and the GUCI Team; from Cherie & Jay BrandtIn honor of Rabbi Kopnick; from Donna LeviIn memory of James M. Hoffheimer; from Minette HoffheimerIn memory of loved ones; from Cindi MillerIn memory of James M. Hoffheimer; from Craig & Debra HoffheimerIn memory of Irwin & Dorothy Hodesh; from Stuart & Rica HodeshIn memory of Harry & Roslyn Schear; from Stuart & Rica HodeshIn honor of Felix Morel Hiller; from Bob & Jeannie HillerIn honor of Andrew Amann’s 18th Birthday; from Sally WaxmanIn honor or Rabbi Kopnick; from Laura & Sam LobarIn memory of Dr. Samuel & Mrs. Ida Tamarkin; from Kathie & Ivan Tamarkin
from Phil Sawinfrom Jenny Brohfrom Bill & Rita Clarkfrom Peggy Barrettfrom John & Hank Rosenthalfrom Rabbi Gerry & Carenjean Walterfrom The Katz Familyfrom George Trenkampfrom The Sass Familyfrom Allison & Philip Schneiderfrom Phyllis Bossin & Rob Straussfrom Betsy & William Cusackfrom Jeff & Kathy Schlaegerfrom Jan Goldstein & Chuck Frankfrom Tom Steger
SEINSHEIMER MUSIC FUNDIn honor of Jenny Broh; from Cindi MillerIn memory of Esther Kanofsky; from Judith Kanofsky
ALLEN & SELMA WIENER BERKMAN SOCIAL ACTION FUNDIn memory of John Siegel; from Ellen & Mark Kovacic
LOUISE MARKS RELIGIOUS SCHOOL LIBRARY FUNDIn memory of Richard Solgan; from Linda & Jeff LazarIn memory of Dorothee Cohen; from Rica & Stuart HodeshIn memory of Meyer Silver; from Sue Price
CONGREGATIONAL CARE FUNDIn memory of Nathan Goodman; from Donna GoodmanIn memory of Robert L. Powell; from Sue & Mike Mantel
GENERAL FUNDA Chanukah Giftfrom John & Hank Rosenthalfrom Kent & Jody Finley from The Sass Familyfrom Wendy & Norm Wassermanfrom John & Greer Schneider
BRYNA SCHWARTZ MEMORIAL ONEG & HOSPITALITY FUNDIn honor of Community Thanksgiving Service; from Jon & Susan HoffheimerIn honor of Community Thanksgiving Service; from Elizabeth WoosleyIn honor of Community Thanksgiving Service; from Sue & Andy Spohr
NOW GIVING IS EVEN EASIERGo to ValleyTemple.com and click on “Giving”
DONATIONS NEEDED FOR PURIM CARNIVAL
COMING SOONNew toys and gift certificates are needed for raffle and/or game prizes are needed for this year’s Purim Carnival on Sunday, March 15. Contact Brian Meeron, Youth Group Advisor. Cakes for the cake walk would also be appreci-ated. Proceeds benefit Youth Group programs
Sharlene Stempler on the engagement of her son, Dannie Stempler to Jordan Brown
Jim and Pam Levinson and Robert Levinson on the engagement of their son and grandson,
Jay to Alexis Bishop
Katie and Lee Freedman on the birth of their daughter, Caroline Rose
John and Helen Habbert on the birth of their granddaughter, Mara Helaine Romash
Eveyln EssigBernice BlattNikki SandorJill Amann
Betsy Cusack
Ellen SchaengoldAndy StarkJenny Broh
Hank Rosenthal
We wish a speedy recovery to
Kara Schneider on the death of her aunt, Katherine Head Garceau
Colin Nourie on the death of his brother, Cary Nourie
Micki Springer on the death of her sister, Lydia Christiana Latimer
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1
10:00 a.m.
Join us for puppets, prayers,songs and a story
for children birth to 6.Parents and grandparents welcome!
Sandford R. Kopnick, Rabbi Solomon T. Greenberg, Rabbi Emeritus Wendy Walsh, Temple Administrator Rabbi Judy Spicehandler, Interim Director of Education Laura Lobar, PresidentAllison Schneider and Sandy Hatfield, Co-President, Women of Reform JudaismDan Perlmutter, President, Men’s Club
513-761-3555WEBSITE: www.valleytemple.com E-MAIL: [email protected] or use links at valleytemple.com
NON PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE
PAIDCINCINNATI, OHIOPERMIT NO. 2333
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
$15.00 per adult / $10.00 per child$20.00 per adult at the door. RSVP required for children.
We will provide games, food, babysitting, and funFeel free to bring your own games to shareCity Barbecue for the adults and pizza for the kids(BYOB — beer and buddy)
Game NightThis Leap Day play games with Sisterhood and Men’s club.It only happens every four years.Bring a buddy, bring a pal and we’ll show you how much fun we are!
Remember what Mom said, “It’s always fun and games until Sisterhood and Men’s club get involved.”
Saturday, Feb. 29at the Valley Temple 6:30pm - 9:30pm
RSVP/Pay by Feb. 19 via PayPal @ https://valleytemple.com/sisterhood/
