TEMPLE CHAI 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix, AZ 85032 602.971.1234 www.templechai.com

ROSH HASHANAH

5778

Beyond Programs… People.

Don’t get us wrong. At Temple Chai, we’re obsessed with creating world-classprograms. You’ll meet world-renowned scholars, davven (pray) with vibrancy andpulse, dive deeply into big Jewish ideas (this might happen with a toddler on your lap,while your family enjoys ice cream sundaes or around a table of adult learners), feedfamilies that are fighting off homelessness, pick tomatoes fresh from our garden andsing your heart out. But we won’t think we’ve achieved our goals until you feel athome here. And connected.

We know that the best of Jewish living happens between people. That’s why we split our time between creatingexciting opportunities to engage and sitting down getting to know our folks.

There is no shortage of events to attend. A few highlights I would suggest adding to your calendar are:

• Scholar-in-Residence Rachel Korazim (one of my all-time favorite teachers from Jerusalem).Friday night October 20th and Sunday morning October 22nd.

• Shabbat AM! Our new monthly Shabbat morning minyan. Soulful, joyful, alive. Join us October 14th. Service at 10:30 am followed by lunch.

• Family Promise! We are very proud of our work opening our spiritual home to families intemporary need of a physical home. Contact Kelly Golner at mom2threeinaz@gmail.com if you would like to volunteer for our next hosting week December 10th-17th.

• Wise Aging – This program begins on September 24th, and is designed for our 55+ groupentering the “third chapter” of their lives. See details in this booklet.

• Save the date for our Cantor’s Concert featuring Cantor Wolman, beloved Temple Chaimusicians and guests on April 15th.

We hope you’ll join us for all of these and more. But what we really want is to deepen our relationships withyou. We would like to share a Shabbat meal with you. Or a cup of coffee. Or a walk in our beautiful desert.Above all, we’re in the people business. And you are our people. If you haven’t heard from us in a while, pleasereach out. We would truly delight in the opportunity to sit and talk.

In order to help you get to know us further, you’ll find in these pages some Divrei Torah (words or Torah) thatRabbi Koppell and I have shared during the past year.

May you and your loved ones be sealed for life and blessing,

Rabbi Mari Chernow

Thank You to Our Wonderful Adult Choir!

WelcomeA Message from Rabbi Mari Chernow

Dan Kurek, Director

Suzi Abramson-JohnsonSheila BerkowitzTeri BermanNancy DallettMarianne FowlerJayden Garza

Sue GodwinJay GuttenbergBarb HonibergDebbie Wohl IsardJeremiah KaplanNicki KaplanGinny KellerJeff Kleiman

Malcolm LoebBobbi MalinJetta MelnickNora PerlmutterBarry ReifmanBrant SapersteinIlene SingerRandy Smith

Diana SuchoffNori SweetJane ThorsonDebbie WaitkusHope Weiss

Bono and BamidbarI had a bit of a personal milestone last week. For thefirst time in 14 years, I found myself deeply proud tosay that I live in the desert.

Let me back up for a minute. Thirty years ago, I wasgoing through one of the more difficult periods ofmy life. Depression, existential angst and more. It’s along story that I won’t go into now.

There were two sound tracks to that time. TheSmith’s mournful and melancholic album, LouderThan Bombs, and because someone I admiredrecommended it to me, U2’s Joshua Tree.

I went to a U2 concert that year and was surprisedat a sensation that I did not recognize. It was deep,soulful, unrecognizable joy. I remember that peoplehad asked me in the dark days, “don’t you want tobe happy?” and I would look at them, truly notunderstanding the question. That concert was aturning point. I’m oversimplifying, but that nightmade an impact. I decided that I quite liked thatfeeling of joy and that I did, in fact, want to behappy again.

So, when I heard that U2 was doing a 30-yearJoshua Tree anniversary tour, there was noquestion. I had to go. And I did. I ended up going bymyself – another long story for another time, butthat too was a spiritual challenge that was, in theend, quite rewarding. It was a monstrous effort to getthere – the concert was in LA - and to park, and at9PM when the opening band was just cleaning up, Iwondered if it had been good idea to go at all.

But then U2 took came on.

They opened with Sunday Bloody Sunday and ittook about three opening drum beats for the tears tostart flowing. And that’s how it was the entire time –a flood of nostalgia, reflection, fullness, joy.

The screen behind the band was filled with imageryof the desert. And Bono talked a lot about hisfeelings about America, our vast landscapes – inparticular the desert. There were, of course, a lot ofJoshua Trees. And open roads surrounded by sagebrush. And long scenes of clouds rolling overhead asthe color of the mountains changed – from beige topink to the lightest, most beautiful purple.

In any case, I’m grateful to the former Christian rockband U2 for reminding me that right here –oppressive heat and all – Bamidbar – the desert,might just be the most spiritual place on earth.

And that’s when I had my milestone - when Iwanted to shout to the Angelenos sitting near me,“I live in the desert! That’s MY landscape!”

Our people, you know, have a lot of history with thedesert. This week’s parsha – and the entire book ofthe Torah that it kicks off – is named Bamidbar –in the desert. It’s where we meet God, it’s where webecome a people.

Maybe because it is quiet and subtle – you have tolook harder to find the beauty. Maybe because it’saway from the hustle and bustle of big cities wherewe can believe that humanity conquers all. Maybebecause it demands humility in its blinding harshness.

D’var Torah from May 26, 2017

WOMEN OF TEMPLE CHAI

Please JOIN US as we learn how theseWONDER WOMEN, from the famous to those hidden in history,

have helped shape our lives.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8TH

9:30 AM - 11:45 AM, TEMPLE CHAI

Let us know if you’ll be joining us!RSVP to Joan Neer at JNeer@TempleChai.com

Wonder Women

Light Brunch

Wisdom and WonderWomen of Temple Chai – 2017-2018

WONDER WOMENOPENING EVENT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8TH

9:30 AM - 11:45 AM, TEMPLE CHAI

SHABBAT MORNINGCELEBRATE SHABBAT

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH - PRIVATE HOME

PERSPECTIVEDAY RETREAT FOR MILLENNIALS TO 45

ONE DAY SHABBAT GET-AWAY

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9TH

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, LUTHERAN RETREAT

CENTER IN CAREFREE

WHITE ELEPHANT AND TIKKUN OLAM PROJECT

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10TH

3:00 -5:00 PM, PRIVATE HOME

WISDOM AND WONDER RETREATFRIDAY, JANUARY 19TH - SUNDAY, JANUARY 21ST

LUTHERAN RETREAT CENTER, CAREFREE

TU BISHVAT HIKESUNDAY, JANUARY 28TH

9:30 AM - 12:00 PM

OPEN TO THE WHOLE CONGREGATION

BOOK REVIEWTUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6TH

7:00 PM, TEMPLE CHAI

HOP ON THE BUS!TOUR JEWISH PHOENIX

SUNDAY, MARCH 18TH

9:30 AM - 2:00 PM

MAIMUNACELEBRATE THE END OF PESACH

SUNDAY, APRIL 8TH

5:30 PM - 8:00 PM, TEMPLE CHAI

For more information, contact Joan Neer at JNeer@TempleChai.com

Men’s Programming at Temple Chai

WHAT’S THE CANTOR UP TO?

HURRICANE RELIEF MISSIONTemple Chai is organizing a hurricane relief mission toHouston from October 7th-9th. If you are interested injoining efforts, please contact Cantor Wolman ASAP.

The trip goal is two-fold: volunteer in relief effortswithin the greater Houston area, as well as connect withand support the Jewish community in Houston.

Who can go: There will be considerable physical workon this trip and we ask that no one with a physicallimitation or any students under 5th grade participate.

As soon as we saw the devastation in Houston fromHurricane Harvey, we knew we had to do somethingand began to plan a relief trip. Many of you have askedabout Hurricane Irma and how it has affected Floridaresidents. We feel deeply for those in Florida and wantto start with a somewhat local trip to Texas.

If you cannot travel with us and would like tocontribute, we are collecting gift cards and cashdonations to be distributed in Houston.

Participants are responsible for air fare and a programfee (approximately $300).

For additional information and to sign up, contactCantor Ross Wolman: cantorwolman@templechai.com.

DRAFT Itinerary: Saturday, October 7th: Arrive in Houston, spend theafternoon on a volunteer project and preparing forShabbat dinner followed by Havdalah with members ofthe Jewish community.

Sunday, October 8th: Start with an intimate weekdayservice followed by a day of disaster relief work.

Monday, October 9th: Morning volunteer projectfollowed by lunch and wrap-up.

Reservations due Thursday, September 28th!

Sunday October 15thChai Steaks Poker & Game Night5:30 - 8:00 pm

Sunday, December 3rd Cardinals Game at Private Residence2:00 pm event start, 2:25 pm game start

Friday to Sunday, February 2nd through 4th Men’s RetreatLed by Cantor Wolman with special virtual teachingby Rabbi BerkSpirit of the Desert Retreat Center, Carefree, AZ

Sunday February 11thSweetheart’s BrunchChai Men host a ladies’ brunch at Temple Chai9:30 am start

Wednesday May 2ndScotch TastingErev Lag B’omer event hosted by Don Schon6:30 pm start

Prayer Labs for 2017-18

November 3rd • March 9th • May 18th

SundayApril 15th, 2017

ANNUAL CANTOR’S CONCERTFeaturing: Cantor Ross Wolman, Cantor

Sharona Feller, Allan Naplan, LucyGreenbaum, and Special Guests!

Temple Chai’s Adult Choir 2017-2018

Come Sing with the Cantor!

Kol Chai: Temple Chai’s Youth Choir (Grades 3-7)

Shabbat ChanukkahFriday, December 3rd

Shabbat ShirahFriday, February 10th

Purimspiel – on Erev PurimWednesday, February 28th

Yom Hashoah Community ChoirSunday, April 8th

Trope Class for AdultsThursdays 1/11, 1/18, 1/25.7:30 pm - 9:00 pmCulminating with TorahReading at Shacharit on Saturday, January 27th

Multigenerational Kabbalat Shabbat ServicesWe will sing on the bimah and help lead the serviceFridays: 10/6, 1/6 (Tot Shabbat), 2/23, 5/4

Thursday, September 21stRosh Hashanah Tashlich Service At Roadrunner Park Choir gather at 4:15 pm to sing at 4:30 pm

Wednesday October 11thErev Simchat Torah Service5:00 pm Start

Sunday, November 6thDesert Gathering Jewish Music FestivalPerforming with Jewish Rock Stars!4:00 pm PerformanceLocation: Jewish Community Center

Chanukkah Extravaganza!We will sing throughout our community and celebrateShabbat Chanukkah at Temple Chai1) Wednesday December 13th, Phoenix Suns

game, singing Chanukkah Songs at Halftime7:00 pm Game time

2) Friday, December 15th, Shabbat ChanukkahService 6:15 pm

3) Saturday, December 16th, Chanukkah -Singing at Sagewood Senior Home1:00 pm Performance

4) Sunday, December 17thSinging at Scottsdale Quarter1:30 pm Performance

Sunday, February 25thPurim Celebration at Temple ChaiPre-Carnival Purim experience. We will be singingPurim songs, being goofy, and having fun.Come in costume! Time TBA

Sunday, February 25thJCC Purim Carnival Singing Purim songsJewish Community CenterCome in costume! Time TBA

Sun March 25th Pre-PesachSinging at Sagewood Senior Home1:00 pm Performance

Sunday April 8th,Yom Hashoah CommemorationBeth El Congregation1118 W Glendale Ave Phoenix, AZ 850213:00 pm Ceremony

Cantor Ross Wolman

The Angel MichaelEvery grandparent thinks that their grandchild is anangel. My new grandson, Michael David, who is 10 daysand 30 minutes old, actually IS an angel. Or, at least, heis named for one! People are sometimes surprised tolearn that there ARE angels in Jewish tradition. TheTorah speaks of “malachim”– messengers – and you canprobably think of a number of stories where they appear.Michael is named for Tim’s beloved father who diedwhen Tim was only 21 – may his memory be for blessing.

Tradition tells us that it was the angel Michael, whoinformed Abraham that his nephew Lot has been takencaptive. It was the angel Michael who protected Sarahwhen she was taken into the harem of Avimelech. It wasthe angel Michael who stayed Abraham’s hand when hewas about to sacrifice Isaac, who prevented Lavan fromharming Jacob, who wrestled with the patriarch[1], and itwas Michael who told Abraham of the impending birthof his longed-for son, Isaac. What an angel!

In Jewish literature, Michael is actually the commander-in-chief of the entire angelic host. He is one of thearchangels! A leader! Michael is one of only twomessengers named in the Tanach, in the Hebrew Bible.The other is the angel Gabriel. Both are mentioned inthe Book of Daniel. Gabriel, as his name implies, gibbor-strong – is associated with the sense of justice, and isoften tasked with administering punishment on God’sbehalf. Michael translates at “Me-cha-el,”– who is likeGod, or, God-like. Okay, I’ll say that my grandson is anangel, but I won’t go so far as to say that he is a demi-god himself ! The angel Michael plays the role as anemissary of God’s kindness and compassion.

Michael is depicted as standing to the right of God’s holythrone. Note that the mezuzah is placed on the right sideof the doorpost, and there is a custom to hold theKiddush cup in our right hands. Various rituals in theTorah call for anointing the right earlobe, thumb, andtoe. Eliezer places his hand on Abraham’s right thighwhen he swears an oath, and traditional Jews will put ontheir right shoe before their left, and light a candle on theright side prior to the left. Standing at the right hand ofGod is a key position.

Rabbi David Cooper suggests that when we think aboutMichael, we might reflect on times when we feltunusually open-hearted, on moments of exceptional

generosity, sharing, caring,and being available toothers.[2] Me-cha-el – whois like God? One whoexpresses these God-likequalities.

Michael is the one whocollects our prayers andbrings them to God. We, asJews, don’t believe inintermediaries in our relationship with the Holy One;Michael is simply the Divine postman! Michael can betough when he needs to be. The Book of Enoch, apseudepigraphal - that is extra-Biblical text - describesMichael as one of those who will participate in bringingpunishment to the angels of corruption and destruction.[3]

Writing in the definitive work, A Gathering of Angels,Rabbi Morris Margolies teaches that rebellious angelsleave God’s Presence and descend to earth to tempt us todo evil. We can counter these negative forces by“harnessing the angelic forces for good that are alwaysthere for those who choose them.”[4] In other words, weare surrounded by angels and opportunities for good,opportunities to engage those qualities of kindness andcompassion which Michael represents.

Kabbalah, Jewish mysticism, goes further, suggesting thatwith every good that we perform, we populate the universewith good angels - a powerful motivation and beautifulimage of the potential impact of our every action.

May Michael be blessed with all of these qualities of hisangelic namesake – first of all, may he emulate all of theGodly qualities of caring, kindness, and compassion, mayhe grow to be a leader in our community and may hemuster the strength to stand for justice when necessary.

Michael’s middle name, David, honors the memory ofSarah’s father and my beloved husband, zecher tzaddiklivracha. I know that the angel David is watching over hisbeautiful grandson with love and pride.

May we all be reminded of the angels we create everymoment. May we be blessed with awareness of theangels who surround us on all sides. May God bless everyone of us with the strength and wisdom to choose thegood, and, indeed, the holy path.

[1] other sources suggest that that was Gabriel[2] Cooper, Rabbi David, “The Archangel Michael,” www.rabbidavidcooper.com/cooper-print-

index/2010/11/8/2193-the-archangel-michael.html[3] Margolies, Morris B., A Gathering of Angels, NY: Ballantine Books, 1994, p. 84[4] ibid., p. 85 D’var Torah from March 17, 2017

Focusing on the years of healthy aging, participants will explore the

potential for learning and growth in the “third chapter” of life.

The Wise Aging program provides new resources to live the

later years with spirit, resilience, and wisdom. Based on the

approaches in the book, Wise Aging by Rabbi Rachel Cowen

and Dr. Linda Thal.

Class meets on the 4th Sunday of the month beginning

September 24th (adjusted to the 3rd week for Nov. and Dec.)

thru May 27th from 10:30 am - 12:15 pm.

There is a suggested donation of $18 per class,

with scholarships available.

To register, please contact Joan Neer

at jneer@templechai.com.

Targeting those 55+, this class will be taught by the dynamic duo ofDr. Janet Shalwitz and Dr. Felix Salomon.

Friday, October 20thKabbalat Shabbat – 6:15 pmAnochi – Israeli Writers Talk to GodTeaching and Discussion

Sunday, October 22nd10:30 amThe Birth of The Silver Platter – Israel, 1947The forgotten and dramatic weeks of the early days of the State of Israel, told through the lens of an iconic text.

One of Rabbi Mari’s favorite teachers! On her return to Temple Chai, do not miss a chance to learn with this fascinating and exceptional scholar.

Wise Aging Classes at Temple Chai

Scholar-in-ResidenceDr. Rachel Korazim

Wise Aging Classes at Temple ChaiWise Aging Classes at Temple ChaiWise Aging Classes at Temple ChaiWise Aging Classes at Temple Chai

Dr. Rachel Korazim

Prophetic Voices

Rabbi Heschel with Dr. King

Rabbi Joachim Prinz

Rabbi Richard Levy

Rabbi Heschel with Dr. King

Rabbi David Einhorn

TEMPLE CHAI 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix, AZ 85032 602.971.1234 www.templechai.com