TSSB April/May Bulletin - 1 From Board Member JESSICA HINKLE Beginning this month, we will be sharing the front page amongst our Temple Shalom Board Members. Relevant topics, thoughts and ideas are some items you may see featured. Enjoy this first message, about the results of the recent TSSB Survey, from Jessica Hinkle. Shalom and a big thank you to the 61 members who responded to our survey this past winter. That’s over 90% of our households! The survey helped us learn more about our members, as well as your needs and preferences. A few fun facts: • Our TSSB Community is evenly split between Jewish and Interfaith families. • Our families affiliate across Reform, Progressive, Reconstructionist and Conservative movements. • 36% of our families have been members for more than 5 years, and 16% for less than one year. • 76% of you attended services or TSSB special events at least once a month in the past year. • 75% of you are satisfied with the current TSSB location. You also shared some really insightful comments about how your connection to your Jewish identity has evolved since becoming a member of TSSB. Let me pass on a few: • “My children feel more connected to Jewish faith and heritage” • “Membership in the synagogue has not only strengthened my Jewish identity, but also provided a platform for raising Jewish kids in an Interfaith family” • “Through education and relationships I have found a community that works for my family” • “I am not Jewish but it has been a very welcoming experience and I enjoy sharing it • with our children who we are raising in the Jewish faith” • “I have made friends with other Jewish families in the South Bay that I wouldn't have known” We asked you how you think we could grow our membership and you gave us some great ideas: • “members to bring friends to events” • “a space where we had a sign” • “creating awareness for what TSSB represents” • “more community outreach programs” We appreciate your candid responses and are using this information to help shape TSSB’s Vision 2020. Join us May 18 th at our Annual Meeting and BBQ at the Harrison’s house for more on our vision planning and how you can get involved. I look forward to seeing you all at services! APRIL/MAY 2014 BULLETIN 1818 Monterey Blvd Hermosa Beach TempleShalomSB.com (310) 613-3855 Enjoying sno-cones at TSSB’s Religious School Purim Celebration In this edition: Ritual of the Month 2 For the Adults: Theatre 2 2014 TSSB Calendar 3 Bar Mitzvah of Brian Kaiserman 4 Tour de Pier 5 Annual Meeting and BBQ 5 Religious School Update 6 Meet a Teacher 6
Transcript
TSSB April/May Bulletin - 1
From Board Member JESSICA HINKLEBeginning this month, we will be sharing the front page amongst our Temple Shalom Board Members. Relevant topics, thoughts and ideas are some items you may see featured. Enjoy this first message, about the results of the recent TSSB Survey, from Jessica Hinkle.
Shalom and a big thank you to the 61 members who responded to our survey this past winter. That’s over 90% of our households! The survey helped us learn more about our members, as well as your needs and preferences. A few fun facts:
• Our TSSB Community is evenly split between Jewish and Interfaith families.• Our families affiliate across Reform, Progressive, Reconstructionist and Conservative movements.• 36% of our families have been members for more than 5 years, and 16% for less than one year. • 76% of you attended services or TSSB special events at least once a month in the past year. • 75% of you are satisfied with the current TSSB location.
You also shared some really insightful comments about how your connection to your Jewish identity has evolved since becoming a member of TSSB. Let me pass on a few:
• “My children feel more connected to Jewish faith and heritage”• “Membership in the synagogue has not only strengthened my Jewish identity, but also provided a platform for raising Jewish
kids in an Interfaith family”• “Through education and relationships I have found a community that works for my
family”• “I am not Jewish but it has been a very welcoming experience and I enjoy sharing it• with our children who we are raising in the Jewish faith”• “I have made friends with other Jewish families in the South Bay that I wouldn't have
known”We asked you how you think we could grow our membership and you gave us some great ideas:
• “members to bring friends to events”• “a space where we had a sign”• “creating awareness for what TSSB represents”• “more community outreach programs”
We appreciate your candid responses and are using this information to help shape TSSB’s Vision 2020. Join us May 18th at our Annual Meeting and BBQ at the Harrison’s house for more on our vision planning and how you can get involved. I look forward to seeing you all at services!
APR
IL/M
AY
201
4 B
ULL
ETIN
1818 Monterey BlvdHermosa Beach
TempleShalomSB.com(310) 613-3855
Enjoying sno-cones at TSSB’s Religious School Purim Celebration
In this edition:Ritual of the Month 2For the Adults: Theatre 22014 TSSB Calendar 3Bar Mitzvah of Brian Kaiserman 4Tour de Pier 5Annual Meeting and BBQ 5Religious School Update 6Meet a Teacher 6
TSSB April/May Bulletin - 2
WHAT IS IT WITH THE NUMBER
FOUR ON PASSOVER?
Thoughts from Rabbi August
Did you know that "four" is the only number in the English language for which the number of letters in its name is equal to the number itself?
There are four seasons, four suits in a deck of cards and four directions. In biology, four is the number of nuc leobase types in DNA . A mammal's heart has four chambers, and there are four human blood groups. In chemistry there are four basic states of matter, and in physics, there are four fundamental forces. What is it about the number four?
Have you wondered why the number four appears so often in the Passover Seder? What are the meanings of the four children, four cups of wine, and the four questions? Let me share some ideas.
The encyclopedia explains that from prehistoric times, the number four has been used to signify what was solid, what could be touched and felt. The earth in ancient times was divided into four parts and kings were called
"lord of the four quarters of earth." This myst ical number reflected perfection as well as complete authority and control.
When the Jews were exiled from Israel, we say in our liturgy that we were scattered to the "four" corners of the earth. We bring together the four Tzitzit (tassels) of our Tallit and pray to be brought back to our Holy land, to a place where we can be one people with one heart.
Now, with this information, why the number four? God made four promises during the Exodus story and states in the Torah: "I will take you out of the forced labor in Egypt, and free you from slavery; I will liberate you and I will take you to be My own nation." (Exodus 6:6-8)
The number four represented "exile" but after the Exodus, when we are free, the number four represents "redemption" and the promise of a future - living as the Jewish nation in the land of Israel. We are no longer alone, but have reached the ultimate spiritual destination, a meaningful relationship with our one God.
May we all enjoy our Passover holiday with gratitude and joy, knowing we are grateful for our freedom, our families and our Jewish community. Chag Sameach! A healthy and meaningful Passover to us all!
DIFFERENT WORDS FOR THE
SAME THING
Wednesday, May 14th6:00pm Pre-Show Dinner8:00pm Show
“Thirteen years and 1,800 miles separate Alice from her
childhood home. But after one phone call, the small-town streets and characters that once shaped
her come rushing back and threaten to never let her go.”
Next in the series of events “For the Adults Only” is a night at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City for a showing of “Different Words for the Same Thing.” A live production presented by the Center Theatre Group. One of the largest casts in the Theatre’s history bring three generations of a multi-ethnic middle-America family to unforgettable life. This funny and moving drama, written by Kimber Lee and directed by Neel Keller, debuts this season a n d h a s b e e n w i d e l y anticipated.
Discounted tickets are $37 each and all attendees are welcome to share in a casual dinner before the show.
Tickets are limited, please RSVP to Barbara at (310) 613-3855 or [email protected]
RITUAL OF THE MONTHIn ancient times, after Abraham had his circumcision and was healing in the entrance to his tent, he saw strangers on the road and invited them in for a delicious meal. This is the basis for welcoming strangers into our homes and providing food, shelter, and comfort. The strangers Abraham welcomed were angels who told Abraham’s wife, Sarah, that she would be having a baby boy the next year. Sarah, an old woman, laughed, but the next year her son, Issac, was born. Who knows? Your strangers could be your angels too!
Did you know that "four" is the only number in the English language for which the number of letters in its name is equal to the number itself?
There are four seasons, four suits in a deck of cards and four directions. In biology, four is the number of nuc leobase types in DNA . A mammal's heart has four chambers, and there are four human blood groups. In chemistry there are four basic states of matter, and in physics, there are four fundamental forces. What is it about the number four?
Have you wondered why the number four appears so often in the Passover Seder? What are the meanings of the four children, four cups of wine, and the four questions? Let me share some ideas.
The encyclopedia explains that from prehistoric times, the number four has been used to signify what was solid, what could be touched and felt. The earth in ancient times was divided into four parts and kings were called
"lord of the four quarters of earth." This myst ical number reflected perfection as well as complete authority and control.
When the Jews were exiled from Israel, we say in our liturgy that we were scattered to the "four" corners of the earth. We bring together the four Tzitzit (tassels) of our Tallit and pray to be brought back to our Holy land, to a place where we can be one people with one heart.
Now, with this information, why the number four? God made four promises during the Exodus story and states in the Torah: "I will take you out of the forced labor in Egypt, and free you from slavery; I will liberate you and I will take you to be My own nation." (Exodus 6:6-8)
The number four represented "exile" but after the Exodus, when we are free, the number four represents "redemption" and the promise of a future - living as the Jewish nation in the land of Israel. We are no longer alone, but have reached the ultimate spiritual destination, a meaningful relationship with our one God.
May we all enjoy our Passover holiday with gratitude and joy, knowing we are grateful for our freedom, our families and our Jewish community. Chag Sameach! A heal thy and meaningfu l Passover to us all!
DIFFERENT WORDS FOR THE
SAME THING
Wednesday, May 14th6:00pm Pre-Show Dinner8:00pm Show
“Thirteen years and 1,800 miles separate Alice from her
childhood home. But after one phone call, the small-town streets and characters that once shaped
her come rushing back and threaten to never let her go.”
Next in the series of events “For the Adults Only” is a night at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City for a showing of “Different Words for the Same Thing.” A live production presented by the Center Theatre Group. One of the largest casts in the Theatre’s history bring three generations of a multi-ethnic middle-America family to unforgettable life. This funny and moving drama, written by Kimber Lee and directed by Neel Keller, debuts this season a n d h a s b e e n w i d e l y anticipated.
Discounted tickets are $37 each and all attendees are welcome to share in a casual dinner before the show.
Tickets are limited, please RSVP to Barbara at (310) 613-3855 or [email protected]
RITUAL OF THE MONTHIn ancient times, after Abraham had his circumcision and was healing in the entrance to his tent, he saw strangers on the road and invited them in for a delicious meal. This is the basis for welcoming strangers into our homes and providing food, shelter, and comfort. The strangers Abraham welcomed were angels who told Abraham’s wife, Sarah, that she would be having a baby boy the next year. Sarah, an old woman, laughed, but the next year her son, Issac, was born. Who knows? Your strangers could be your angels too!
4 B’nai Mitzvah Families Event5 Bar Mitzvah of Brian Kaiserman
7-11 No Religious School
11 Tot Shabbat: Rock Shabbat
11 Community Shabbat: Rock Shabbat
15 Interfaith Passover Seder
21 Exodus to the Beach at Religious School
JOIN FOR THE moments, ...STAY FOR A lifetime
2 Adult Ed with Rabbi August2 Drama Specialist visits Religious School2 Board Meeting6 Shabbat Dinner with Rabbi at the Hershowitz home9 Drama Specialist visits Religious School13 All School Community Shabbat and Potluck13 Tot Shabbat16 Last day of Religious School21 Bar Mitzvah of Slater Gable
KEYShabbat ActivitiesWith Rabbi AugustReligious School (RS)/Youth RelatedSocial Events
2 Tot Shabbat Dinner with Rabbi at Hinkle home
5 Board Meeting
5 Israel Independence Day Celebration at RS9 Community Shabbat with 5th & 6th Grade, including a pre-Shabbat pot luck. 9 Tot Shabbat: Honoring our Parents
10 Bat Mitzvah of Daniela Arensdorf
12 Adult Ed with Rabbi August14 Night at the Kirk Douglas Theatre
18 Tour de Pier/Volunteer Social Action Project
18 Spring BBQ & Annual Meeting at Harrisons
19 Parents’ and Grandparents’ Night
26 No Religious School, Happy Memorial Day!
31 Bar Mitzvah of Adam Young
TSSB April/May Bulletin - 3
JULY No TSSB Events
AU
GU
ST 1 Religious School Enrollment Forms Available Online16 Bat Mitzvah of Rachel Kalan23 Bar Mitzvah of Troy HamptonTBD Shabbat and Open House in the CourtyardTBD Tot Shabbat
NEW MEMBERSCasey, Brooke, and their beautiful baby Samantha Wallace!
SOUTH BAY YOUTH COALITION EVENTSWednesday, April 30th – Noar Yom HaShoah ProgramCTJ – 6:30-9:00 p.m.CTJ will be opening its successful teen program, Noar, to all South Bay Jewish teens from 8th through 12th grades. This month we will be observing Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, with a meaningful and informational program. This event is free of charge. Email Rebeccah at [email protected] for more information
BIRTHDAYS Happy Birthday! Meet the Bar Mitzvah...
BRIAN KAISERMANBrian Kaiserman was called to the Torah as a bar mitzvah on Saturday, April 5th. Brian and his family are long-standing members of Temple Shalom and his older sister, Brooke, became bat mitzvah in 2012. Brian’s bar mitzvah
Torah portion is called Acharei Mot. The section he read is about the ritual performed by the priests to cleanse the people of sin at Yom Kippur---they took a goat and “placed” their sins upon it, then cast it out into the wilderness. This ritual is the origin of the term “scapegoat.” In his dvar Torah, Brian compared this ritual to the plot of the book The Giver, and came to the conclusion that it does not make sense for someone to run away from her or his problems or blame them on someone else, much less a defenseless animal.
Brian is a seventh-grader at Manhattan Beach Middle School. His hobbies include tennis, soccer, flag football, and reading -- his current favorite is “The Ranger’s Apprentice” series. His favorite subject in school is math and when he grows up, Brian wants to be an entrepreneur or a stockbroker. During his time at Temple Shalom, Brian has enjoyed the religious school holiday celebrations like Purim and Yom Yisrael (Israel Day).
For his mitzvah project, Brian has been volunteering with Koreh L.A., an organization that sends volunteers into grade schools to read to children and help them come to love reading. Brian also collected books to donate to the schools served by Koreh L.A. Congratulations to the entire Kaiserman family!
TOUR DE PIER!Each year, Temple Shalom selects a community organization to partner with for a social action project. This Spring, we have decided to lend a hand to one of our board member’s community events, the Tour de Pier. The 2nd Annual Tour de
Pier, on Manhattan Beach Pier May 18th, is a fundraising event for three charities: Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Livestrong, and Cancer Suppor t Community Redondo Beach. Teams of community members take turns on stationary cycling bikes to raise money and awareness. Through the generosity of a TSSB member, we have two bikes open for TSSB volunteers to sign up and ride during the event.
Interested in riding but don’t know how to spin? We’ll teach you! Not interested in riding but still want to participate? Great! We are also a team of volunteers in addition to spinners. Events like this need tons of people to help out and we can fill some of those spots. It's a two step process:
1. Email me at [email protected] to let me know you want to join us.2. Go to tourdepier.com to sign up as a rider or as a volunteer. You can email friends and family to support your efforts and the efforts of these three cancer-fighting organizations. Maybe we can be one of the top fundraising teams!
We invite adults and kids 13+ to participate. Grab your smart phone and email me your commitment now!
Don’t miss...
BBQ AND ANNUAL MEETINGMay 18th, 20141:00pm - 4:00pm
After the Tour de Pier, the TSSB community is invited to the home of Ron and Stacy Harrison for the 2nd Annual Spring Family Picnic. Join us for good food, community, and make sure your voice is heard. Help us to shape the future of Temple Shalom of the South Bay. Watch your e-mail for event details!
GRADUATING SENIORS?Have a graduating senior? E-mail their name and plans for next year to [email protected] so we can join in celebrating their accomplishments!
With Many Thanks To...•Judge and Mrs. Charles Gordon for their
donation in honor of Hoyle Graham, Grandfather of Elsie Gordon and Great Grandfather of Max and Jake Gordon.
•Andrew Sloves and Ron Harrison for co-sponsoring our incredible Whiskey Tasting Event.
•Debra Kalan for leading “How-To” make a fabulous brisket!
Enjoying snacks, March Madness, and drinks at our Whiskey Tasting at the Century Club.
Zach Golden is new to Temple Shalom this year and is the assistant teacher of Hebrew level Aleph and 5th grade. He is from Long Beach, but grew up in Canada. He recently graduated from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. Zach also assists in the 5th grade classroom and teaches the Newspaper elective
at Congregation Tikvat Jacob in Manhattan Beach. Zach is in the process of applying to American Jewish University's Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies and he is also a substitute teacher for Long Beach School District.
He feels that, “it's only natural for me to teach at Temple Shalom, a place that is both so open for engagement with the world and takes a serious approach to passing on our heritage and tradition.” He has especially loved seeing our students so excited to learn Hebrew and Judaica despite their long days at secular school. One moment that stands out to Zach as significant occurred during a game of Hebrew flash cards in which the kids got pretty competitive. They went "around the world," challenging each student one-by-one to identify the Hebrew letter or vowel. Everyone was so into the game that some of the kids stayed after to play additional rounds! He says, “it's such a joy to see a desire to learn something that seemed so intimidating when they started class at the beginning of the year.”
Religious School Update From...
REBECCAH BIRKEN YUSSMAN, Directdcation
It’s spring, and that means that Passover is upon us. Passover is one of my favorite holidays because my out-of-state family all comes in for the seder, which means our kids can all play together. Passover as a family holiday goes all the way back to Temple times, when a family would dine together on the Paschal lamb. It is also a
wonderful holiday to share with your non-Jewish friends and family – see www.interfaithfamily.com for ideas.
We have been gearing up for Passover for a few weeks here at Temple Shalom Religious School. All of our students have been diligently practicing the Four Questions (Mah Nishtanah) with the hope of winning our first annual Mah Nishtanah-a-thon. The sixth grade engaged i n an exp lo ra t i on o f a “pe r sona l Mitzryayim” (Mitzrayim, the Hebrew name for Egypt, translates to “narrow place”). The fifth grade recreated the Ten Plagues in class with cups of “blood” and marshmallow “boils” on their faces, then went on to create a set of Ten Plague puppets for use in our upcoming Interfaith Seder. The K-1 class made amazing seder plates to use at home. Each class also visited our music specialist, Rick Lupert, to learn new Passover songs and practice old favorites.
Our celebration will continue on Monday, April 21st with our annual Exodus Experience. The Exodus Experience has our students recreate the slaves’ escape from Egypt and the Pharaoh by crossing the “Red Sea” (otherwise known as Manhattan Blvd) and ending up at the Promised Land (the beach at 19th Street), where we play all sorts of Passover games. And who knows – there might even be some surprise “manna” at the end!
Lastly, Temple Shalom Religious School wishes Mazel Tov to Brian Kaiserman, who became bar mitzvah on April 5th. Congratulations to Brian, his parents Kevin and Linda, and his sister Brooke!
TSSB April/May Bulletin - 6
Temple Shalom is a vibrant, inclusive congregation located in the South Bay. We represent the face of modern Judaism: Jewish couples, Jewish men and women and their non-Jewish spouses and partners. Blended families, singles, seniors, teens and toddlers. We encourage you to visit us for a Shabbat service to discover what we’re about.
We offer religious education from kindergarten through adult with a variety of enrichment opportunities as well as programs for very young families through seniors.
Ew, frogs! 3rd and 4th graders’ dramatic interpretation of the 10 plagues
