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VOLUME 14 ISSUE 3 NOVEMBER 2015 A MESSAGE FROM THE ARCHIVES OF RABBI AGIN -‐
The Difference A Day Makes Every day is a new challenge. Every day is a time to turn over a new leaf. Every day you can start to learn, begin to live, and commence to love. Days are the opportunities that God gives us to reopen our lives to the possibilities of what we may become. Ralph Waldo Emerson, the great American essayist and poet, wrote, “It is one of the illusions that the present hour is not the critical, decisive hour. Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year. No man has learned anything rightly until he knows that every day is the most important day of his life.” What great words of wisdom, and how wise we would be to follow them. Do you have to wait for a Mothers Day to send flowers? If you see a nice tie, do you have to wait until Fathers Day to present it? Do you have to wait for a holiday to invite your family to dinner? Do you need a birthday as an excuse to go out with friends? Do you have to wait for a wedding anniversary to tell your mate how happy you are? This was all expressed in the words of Vahya Iben Pakudah, the medieval author who wrote in his book The Duties of the Heart: “Days are scrolls; write on them what you want to be remembered”. Or to say it in a contemporary way: Yesterday is a cancelled check. Tomorrow is a promissory note. Today is the only cash you have – spend it wisely.
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BULLETS FROM THE BOARD October 23, 2015
• A meeting will be set up with Ralph Yankwitt regarding estate planning
• Our attorney is still negotiating with the contractor about our renovations to the bathrooms.
• The Board approved up to $3,100 for Rodger Richardson to purchase a new stove for the Temple
• Rodger will also arrange to have our trees trimmed.
• New members – Bryan and Karyl Katz – were approved by the Board.
• Old Bags for Chic Chicks will be on November 19th
• Sisterhood will be having a paid-‐up membership luncheon on November 2nd with the Enharmonics performing.
• Sheldon Harris will take responsibility for the Temple’s Chanukah poster at the Christmas Card Lane.
We roll out the red carpet to welcome our new members, Bryan and Karyl Katz. Welcome to our Temple Shalom family!
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A MESSAGE FROM BOARD TRUSTEE SHELDON HARRIS Temple Shalom. What a gem! I have belonged to many temples/congregations. Some wealthy with cliques and politics and some that did not even have a house of worship. They conducted services in a church or in people’s homes. We are blessed to have members and leaders who have provided us with a wonderful Temple building. What would many of us have done to have such a Temple when meeting in a church? But, that is only a small part of what makes Temple Shalom a gem. The most important ingredient is you -‐-‐ the members! Sitting in the Temple on Yom Kippur with a full house. Celebrating Sukkot outside by the Sukkah with the members actively participating in the service led by our wonderful Rabbi Again. What we lacked in numbers, we made up with enthusiasm. What a hamish feeling. This is what makes Temple Shalom a gem! I strongly feel it is important we ensure Temple Shalom continues to be a Jewish presence in Charlotte County.
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2016 SISTERHOOD CALENDARS THEY’RE HERE!! Many of them will be given out at the Sisterhood Paid-‐Up Luncheon Meeting on November 2nd -‐-‐ the rest will be in a basket on the table at the entrance. For those of you who haven’t paid, even though you listed your names, please leave a check in the envelope provided. If you’re not sure how much you owe, please call Joyce Greenwald at 941-‐575-‐2815, or e-‐mail her at [email protected]. HADASSAH There aren’t any meetings scheduled for the month of November, but please mark your calendars for our “Baby Shower” on Wednesday, December 16th. This will be a “pot luck” dairy/vegetarian luncheon, held at the Temple. In addition to bringing a dish to share, you will have the opportunity to donate money for a baby item for Hadassah Hospital. Also, in November, we will be mailing out raffle tickets for our DOW JONES fundraiser. We are repeating this because it has been a very successful fundraiser. You do not have to be a Hadassah member to purchase a ticket. Just call Joyce Greenwald, 575-‐2815, for further information or email her at [email protected]. THANK YOU Thank you to Alvin Lubiner for leading services on Friday evening October 23rd, during Rabbi Agin’s absence. CUBA ANYONE? Several members of the congregation have shown interest to have a mission to Cuba in early June 2016. If you are interested, please contact Rabbi Agin at the Temple office.
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YAHRZEITS
NOVEMBER 6, 2015 Nancy Constine Gisella Kiken Bessie Carroll Charles Hymson Max H. Pitasky Samuel Cohen Jacob Itzkowitz Yitzhak Rabin Bessie Epstein Donald Ralls Rebecca Cohen Raphael Hasson Phillip Glixon Sheila Cohen Bernard Horowitz Charles Lerner Ida Goldberg Kenneth Migdol Doris F. Olsan Sam Harris Joseph Saffren David Maslansky Isobel Mann
NOVEMBER 13, 2015
Michael Hoffman William Langel Clara Olsan Ida Petrofsky Harold Brown Selma Basoff Mary Portock Olive Guralnick Joseph Horenstein Martin Cohen Betty Helft Sandy Samuels Julius Deutchman Ruth Fineman M. William Siegel Claire Greenberg Joseph Horowitz Leo Wotizky
NOVEMBER 20, 2015
Florence Berkowitz Sampson S. Leff Doris Barnard Albert Guralnick Morris Chait Helen Rebman Harry Krasney Alfred Frankenthal Kenneth Rossip Rachel Reisner Marc Friedman Rose E. Berger Harry Weinstein Herman Goldberg Rynette Kraus Lynne Cook Sandra Wolfe Karlin
NOVEMBER 27, 2015 Eva Binstock Rose Weinstein Anna Moskowitz Lillian Gleaner Maurice Berger Rachel Reisner Gerson Goldberg Lotte Freiman Domke Martha Welkis Annie Cohen Shulman Rietta Gould Samson L. Golden Lillian Aaronson John F. Kennedy Rose Horenstein Passie Marks Kleiner Louis Neiman Benjamin Lubiner Simon H. Levin Jerry Schneider Samuel Rothenberg William R. Stein Freida Cohen Samuel Schecker Harry Sherry Paul M. Hallerman Leon Levy Charles Mosicant Paul Breitholz Samuel Salzinger Mozes Selinger Lester Migdol Sylvia Migdol
DECEMBER 4, 2015 Evelyn Cohen Samuel Smith Delores Bennett Carol Galburt Sarah Widzer Doris Epstein Ida Silverman Charles Bader Bessie Selenkow Gary Druker Rebecca Golden Nadine McMaho Sigmund Schoenfeld
FAMILIES THAT ARE OBSERVING A YAHRTZEIT DURING THE MONTH ARE REQUESTED TO ATTEND THE FRIDAY EVENING SHABBAT
SERVICE DURING WHICH THE NAMES WILL BE READ PRIOR TO KADDISH. A DONATION TO THE TEMPLE IN MEMORY OF YOUR LOVED ONE IS AN HONORED TRADITION
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of
David Greenfield, son of Lee and Rhoda Hammer. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to their entire family.
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DONATIONS
GENERAL FUND
Todd Katz In memory of Ean Katz Karen Siegel In memory of Lucille Porter Jay and Ellen Plavner In memory of Gayle Goldglantz In memory of Paris Kasner Odette Port In memory of Ida Sarfati In honor of Arline Agin’s birthday In honor of Marlene Friedman’s birthday Al and Concetta Weinflash In memory of George Weinflash Marc and Cynthie Ugoretz In honor of Marian Ugoretz Joanne Singerman In memory of Isidore Mallah Miriam Levin In honor of Allen Levin In memory of Judith Levin In memory of Max and Dora Rubinstein Gayle Druker In memory of Isadore Barenbaum In appreciation to Karen Siegel Myron and Judy Post In memory of Jeanette Post Alvin and Elaine Lubiner In memory of Shirley Morrow
RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND Alvin and Elaine Lubiner In memory of Harry Davis William and Gail Schafer In memory of Arnold Geller Elaine Sless In memory of William Hutkin Dr. Douglas and Lesleigh Hershkowitz In memory of Sylvia Hershkowitz Roger and Hedda Cohen In memory of Lucy Lefkowitz In memory of Adam Cohen Rabbi Solomon and Arline Agin Speedy recovery for Ada Alpern Alan and Barbara Solomon In memory of Clifford Batson Michael and Janice Danzig In honor of Rabbi Solomon Agin
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TEMPLE SHALOM HAPPENINGS Simchat Torah was a wonderful celebration at Temple. Rabbi Agin, together with Jane Galler, led the Congregation in a Yizkor Memorial Service. Then there was a specially prepared Simchat Torah Service. Rabbi Agin and Temple Vice President Mike Post (who carried the Torah) led the Congregation around the Sanctuary. Rabbi Agin called everyone to the Torah to recite the blessings for the end reading of the Torah. The Torah was then unrolled around the Sanctuary and rolled to the beginning. After returning to the pulpit, people from the other side of the Sanctuary came to the pulpit to recite the Blessings. There was singing and Rabbi Agin did his Tevya dance. Following Services everyone stayed for a great chicken dinner under the direction of Odette Port. On October 27th, at 7:00pm, was the Temple’s first 92nd Street “Y” Alive Program, sponsored by the Sylvia Hershkowitz Memorial Fund. In a few words, “It was over the Top”. Dennis Ross, Alan Dershowitz with Ethan Bronner were outstanding. This was one of the best programs that the Temple has presented since the series was introduced. Many thanks to Shelly Harris, Odette Port and Max Weisglass who enabled the program to be brought to us with updated technology.
November at Temple Shalom is another month of activity to enhance Temple Life. The Adult Education Class, which meets on Tuesdays, will review the book "Jewish Spirituality" by Lawrence Kushner. Please call the Temple office to register. The Text is $18.00 and the class meets from 7:00 to 8:00pm. On Tuesday, November 24th -‐-‐ Lunch and Learn with the Forward – from 12:30 to 2:00pm, which is limited to 15 participants. Please call the Temple office to register. This is program is funded by Lee and Rhoda Hammer, therefore, there is no charge. On Friday evening, November 20th, during Shabbat Services, the new Ark Doors will be dedicated in memory of Marc Friedman, beloved son of Shelly and Marlene Friedman. Services begin at 7:30pm. Beginners Hebrew with History is informational. The class for these children will meet on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 5:30pm with Gayle Druker. Please call the Temple office to register your child. Please spread the word to your friends. Friday, November 27th -‐-‐ Shabbat Services will be led by Jeffrey Marks. Services will start at 7:30pm with an Oneg Shabbat to follow. Jeffrey Marks is President and General Manager of a well-‐known television station and has a musical background. Jeffrey Marks’ talk will be noted in an email to the Congregation. On Tuesday, December 1st, at 7:00pm, the 92nd Street “Y” Alive Series from New York continues with "Fifty Years After Nostra Aetate: Catholic, Jewish & Latino Relations in the Age of a Latino Pope". Members from St. Vincent de Paul and Sacred Heart Church will be attending. This program is open to the community and is sponsored by the Sylvia Hershkowitz Memorial Fund, therefore, free to the community. Refreshments will be served. Did You Miss the Relaxed Shabbat Service? On Saturday, October 27th, we had a Relaxed Shabbat Service with Jane Galler and Rabbi Agin leading the music. Following the Service, there was lunch and then Ceramic Judaica with Dale. The program was made possible by a grant from Lydia Gattanell. All the Ceramics were for Hanukkah. The next Relaxed Shabbat Services will be in honor of Tu B’Shevat and that date will be announced in the next Shalom. These Services are not to be missed
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NOVEMBER CELEBRATIONS Mara Hershkowitz November 3rd Joanne Singerman November 6th Mathew Richardson November 10th Jared Bagan November 12th Geri Waksler November 12th Mitchell Hershkowitz November 14th Ellen Plavner November 15th Sari Broder November 16th Rita (Junior) Grott November 16th Freya Harris November 16th Jason Melser November 22nd Robbie Zusman November 22nd Jack Bernstein November 24th Sharon Forsch November 24th Jeanette Burke November 25th Lauren Tholemeier November 25th Howard Gilbert November 26th Gary Wein November 28th Lauren Katz November 29th Marc Pomerantz November 30th
Susan and George Radziewicz November 19th Beverly and Ralph Yankwitt November 25th
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Save the Date
Saturday, March 5, 2015 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Dinner and Dancing at
Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club In Honor of
Rabbi Solomon Agin’s Thirteenth year at
Temple Shalom And fiftieth year in the
Rabbinate
Couvert – $50.00 per person
Any Questions, Please all Judi Migdol
941-764-0992
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FUND RAISING NEWS
Are you aware of the many ways you can help benefit temple with little or no cost to you? You get all you pay for, and additional percentages from the sites go to the Temple. Plus, you can spend more time with friends! These are win-‐win situations! GIFT CARDS will now be ordered every month now that we are back in season. Orders can be dropped off at the Temple office on Tuesdays and Thursday mornings, as well as the first Friday of the month at services. They will be available the at the second Friday evening of the month, or will be held for you to be picked up the following Tuesday or Thursday morning -‐-‐ so that gives you a lot of time to order your cards!
GIFT SHOP
Our Judaica Gift Shop is now open before and after Friday evening Shabbat services. Chanukah is coming and we have great items to be purchased. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Elaine Lubiner at 941-‐625-‐0849
AMAZON SMILE
Temple Shalom has registered with Amazon Smile -‐ a charitable component of Amazon Corporation, which provides income to the Temple based on purchases made by Amazon customers who have identified the Temple in their Amazon profile. The following link: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/51-‐0198480 will take you to a site that is associated with the Temple, and which a percentage of your purchases from Amazon are donated to the temple. You may also go to your Amazon account, and change your Smile contribution association. Use the following name to associate your Amazon account: Jewish Community of Port Charlotte. Did you know that you can purchase Amazon Gift Cards from the Temple and use them to pay for your purchases on AMAZON SMILE. It's a win-‐win for the Temple!!!
TEMPLE ART AUCTION IN 2016! Do you frequent a particular establishment? Might you be willing to ask for a gift card or service to be auctioned off during our silent auction next February? Businesses are more apt to give something to their regular customers. Please help our silent auction. And with little out of pocket cost to you!
OLD BAGS FOR CHIC CHICKS This fun fundraiser will be on November 19th. See flyer on next page.
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Temple Shalom and St. Vincent DePaul
OLD BAGS FOR CHIC CHICKS
Thursday, November 19, 2015 Luncheon and Silent Auction 11:00am
Temple Shalom of Charlotte County 23190 Utica Avenue
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Cost: $18.00 For information, and to purchase tickets,
please call either
Ellen Plavner at 941-240-6836 Odette Port at 941-505-1409, or Anita Sabatino at941-639-0608
Please note:
all tickets MUST be purchased in advance Please make checks payable to Temple Shalom
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You are encouraged to bring a non-‐perishable food item as a sign of a “Mitzvah of Concern”. When the bins are filled, we deliver them to St. Vincent de Paul’s food bank. Please remember that we have an obligation to help those who are in need in the community.
If you know of any member of the congregation who is ill or in assisted living/nursing home, please contact Judy Falk at 941-‐627-‐8908 or email her at [email protected]. The Temple has instituted a Sunshine Correspondent and she needs your help in identifying these people, so they will know that we are thinking of them. Thank you. (See form on table in Temple). Please be aware that rides to and from Temple for Shabbat services can be arranged. Please call Judy Falk at 941-‐627-‐8908 if you are in need of a ride, or are willing to provide a ride for a member. Do you play an instrument? Rabbi Agin would like to organize a small musical group to play once a month on a Friday evening for Shabbat. If you have some musical talent, please let Nicole or Rabbi Agin know. It would be wonderful to create something different for a Shabbat service. Do you have any GOOD IDEAS for the Temple – functions, fundraisers, committees? If so, please let us know. Please contact any board member with your thoughts. This is your temple and we want your input!!!! Would you like to sponsor an Oneg Shabbat? It could be for a life cycle event – birth of a child, birthday, anniversary, or just to do it. Please call Naomi Alexander or Marlene Friedman to schedule it. Would you like to advertise in the Shalom (and reach all of our congregants)? Please call Judi Migdol at 941-‐764-‐0992 for information. We have a wonderful library in Temple Shalom. Please let us know what kind of books you would like us to obtain for your reading pleasure. A note from Judy Falk -‐ It's that time again. I will once again be collecting money for Mah Jongg cards for 2015/2016. I would like to have the money ($8 for regular/$9 for large) in by December 10th. Please remember to give me your name and address along with size and number of cards you want. The Sisterhood receives $2.00 for each card ordered. Thank you
Please visit our new web page – www.TempleshalomFL.com.
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2090 Tamiami Trail Port Charlotte Florida 33948 Phone – 941-‐766-‐1873
Hours
Monday through Friday 8:00am to 6:00pm Saturday 8:00am to 5:00pm
Tommy Moylan, Manager
E-‐mail – [email protected]
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TEMPLE SHALOM 23190 Utica Avenue Post Office Box 494675 Port Charlotte, Florida 33949-‐4675 941-‐625-‐2116 http://www.Templeshalomfl.com Affiliated with Union of Reform Judaism
Rabbi Solomon Agin, DD
Carol Roark President Gay Wein President Elect Myron Post Vice-‐President Odette Port Vice President Robert Burke Treasurer Judi Migdol Recording Secretary Laurie Joffe Corresponding Secretary Joyce Gelfand Trustee Marlene Friedman Trustee Shelly Harris Trustee Ellen Plavner Trustee Rodger Richardson Trustee Abe Wolson Past President Naomi Alexander Sisterhood Board Representative Laurie Joffe Publicity Richard Greenwald Endowment Rabbi Solomon Agin Religious School Director Rodger Richardson Facilities and Grounds Joyce Gelfand Fundraising Jeanette Burke Librarian Nicole Thosath Temple Staff – Secretary
Dan Cammuso Custodian Judi Migdol Editor, Shalom