february 2015 kol tikvah
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Temple Beth Tikvah - February 2015 NewsletterTRANSCRIPT
February 2015 • Volume 29 • Issue 2 A Reform Congregation Embracing Our Jewish Tradition
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
PURIM March 4, 2015
This is all we’re gonna say!!
!!! ’
Deadline for
ordering your Purim
greetings is 2/24!
Proceeds go to
Temple Beth Tikvah
& local community
charities
2
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HEALING THE WORLD AND HELPING THE WORLD
As I write this, I look forward to taking our
Confirmation class back to the L’taken Seminar
in Washington, DC, sponsored by the Religious
Action Center of Reform Judaism (the RAC).
Our students will be joining teens from over 25
other Reform Jewish congregations in an experience that will
teach about social justice, advocacy and Jewish values. We will
be learning about public policy issues and how do we respond
to these issues as Reform Jews. At the end of the Seminar, we
will be taking these learnings and putting them to use as they
lobby at the offices of Representative Tom Price, Senator
Johnny Isakson and Senator David Perdue.
Martin Buber taught an important lesson for us when he wrote:
“We shall accomplish nothing at all if we divide our world and
our life into two domains: one in which God’s command is
paramount, the other governed by the laws of economics,
politics, and the ‘simple self-assertion’ of the group… Stopping
one’s ear so as not to hear the voice from above is breaking the
connection between existence and the meaning of
existence.” (Buber’s “Address Delivered at a Convention of
Jewish Youth Representatives in Antwerp,” 1932)
Buber helps us to realize that Judaism is more than prayers and
ritual. It weaves ritual with justice. Our positions on public
policy and how we respond to people in crisis are the tests of
our faith. The Jewish experience is more than just about
surviving or doing good deeds. It is compelling because it does
not relegate Torah or God to only spiritual, self-fulfilling
pursuits. When we focus only on our relationships with God,
without considering how we connect to other people or other
parts of God’s creation, then we run the danger of embracing
narcissism rather than spirituality.
This is the essence of our teachings of Tikkun Olam – the
“repair of the world.” The name of the seminar we are going to
is “L’taken” – “to fix / to repair.” And yet, for our own
synagogue’s logo, we interpret Tikkun as “Healing.” I think
there are lots of ways to fix problems. We are very good at
helping those who need help. It might be through our own
charitable acts or volunteering; it is certainly our work with
Family Promise, the Turkey Drive or our ongoing food drives.
Those all help people. But I think that these crucial acts are acts
to help, not heal. We are not confronting societal issues or
addressing the core roots of poverty. Our acts of help and
assistance are acts of gemilut chasidim. To confront poverty,
food insecurity, and homelessness through advocacy – striving
to bring healing through systemic changes, that is an effort to
bring healing and wholeness to our broken world. We need
both: help (acts of chesed) and healing (restoring balance and
wholeness).
I am excited for these students to begin to witness the
difference between the two. And I hope their parents and our
wider community will begin to do its part to be involved and
engaged in both. Here are a few ways you can get involved:
Ask to get involved in the Jewish Community Relations
Council of Atlanta: http://jcrcatlanta.wordpress.com/
Sign up for legislative updates from the Religious Action
Center of Reform Judaism at www.rac.org. Consider
attending the RAC’s Consultation on Conscience – an
incredible Seminar for adults who want to advocacy on
behalf of the concerns in the Reform Jewish community.
Learn more about how the Jewish community is responding
to food insecurity in America and around the world via
MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger (www.mazon.org)
or the American Jewish World Service (www.ajws.org).
Find out how you can help the new Advocacy Committee at
North Fulton Community Charities: www.nfcchelp.org.
Contact Darrin Cohen, our Social Action Committee
Chairperson to explore how you can be a partner in helping
TBT put our values into action.
I am grateful to explore this idea of distinguishing Tikkun and
Chesed from the teachings of Dr. Erica Brown.
Rabbi Fred Greene
The Introduction to the Talmud that You’ve Been Waiting For!
Bring a dairy lunch and join Rabbi Greene for a lively monthly class and discussion which will consist of an introduction to the
Talmud - its stories, its themes, the sages, and see how its teachings build upon the foundation of the Torah.
The class will meet from 11:45 am to 1 pm on Fridays, February 20, March 13 and April 17
All are welcome. Dates are subject to change. Please check the TBT calendar to confirm.
RSVPs are appreciated for each session.
RSVP to [email protected]
3
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
NOTES FROM CANTOR KASSEL
February 8th, 10:45 – 11:55 am
The Music and Religion of Leonard Cohen
Funny how even teenagers know 80 year old Leonard Cohen’s “Halleluyah”. And this past summer, both in New
York City and in Jerusalem, I heard his “Halleluyah” being adapted and used in Shabbat services. What is it about
this poetic, raspy voiced older man whose talent appeals to and resonates with so many generations? And what
role, if any, has Leonard Cohen’s Judaism played in his music? Let’s take a look at the lyrics to “Who By Fire” and
it’s connection to the “Unetane Tokef” prayer (Who shall live and who shall die……).
Who By Fire
And who by fire, who by water,
who in the sunshine, who in the night time,
who by high ordeal, who by common trial,
who in your merry, merry month of may,
who by very slow decay,
and who shall I say is calling?
Then there’s Leonard Cohen’s connection to Israel. In October of 1973, when the Yom Kippur War broke out, Cohen
enlisted in the Israeli Entertainment Corp. In 2009, at the age of 75, Leonard Cohen performed in Israel, a concert
that was sold out immediately and from which all proceeds went to a fund for both bereaved Israeli and Palestinian
families.
So much to discuss – and just an hour or so on a Sunday morning. I hope you’ll join me.
UPCOMING IN MARCH!
Wednesday, March 4 – PURIM!
The scroll, the Shpiel, the music, the Hamentaschen, the fun!
Sundays, March 15 & 22 – Adult Education Class
Sunday morning class on how to lead a more engaging Passover Seder.
Sunday, March 22 – Cantor’s Concert
I’ll be participating in a late afternoon Cantor’s Concert at Temple Emanu-El with colleagues:
Cantors Lauren Adesnick, Barbara Margulis and Deborah Hartman. You’ll be treated to some gems of Yiddish music
along with Broadway music by Jewish composers.
Monday, March 23 – I’ll be participating in a concert at The Temple: Music of Resistance and Survival: A Holocaust
Remembrance Concert. Please check out this link. Concert is free but registration is required
http://ksuweb.kennesaw.edu/~lsherr/2015HolocaustConcert
B’Shalom,
Cantor Nancy Kassel
4
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Recently, as I was signing B’nai Mitzvah certificates for the
next six months, I started thinking about the significance of
what I was actually doing. At work, I sign my name on many
documents, like checks and, of course, tax returns. But it really
dawned on me as I sat there signing those certificates how
important this task truly is and what it really represented. It
isn’t a legal or financial document, but each certificate
represents a Jewish life. I realized that for each certificate
bearing my name, I would have a permanent connection to that
student’s Jewish journey.
Admittedly, years from now when these students are adults,
have graduated from college and started a life of their own, this
certificate will probably not be taken out and reviewed. They
won’t care who the synagogue’s President was at the time they
became a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Yet, all of the signatures on
those certificates have deep meaning. First and foremost, the
B’nai Mitzvah sign their own certificate, which memorializes
each student’s commitment to accept the privileges and
responsibilities of being a Jewish adult. Their parents must also
sign which signifies their commitment to both their child’s
Jewish identity and commitment to Jewish peoplehood. The
Rabbi and the Cantor sign as well, memorializing their sacred
part in helping each student reach their Jewish adulthood.
I think my signature represents our
community as a whole and our community’s
commitment to our children and our children’s
Jewish education. Without each of the parties
represented on these beautiful certificates, the
chain might be broken.
After signing those certificates and thinking about what that
truly represented, I went down into our basement and actually
found my own Bar Mitzvah certificate (it was in the same
drawer as my Ketubah). I could barely read the signatures but
it did prompt a call to my father to ask if he remembered the
synagogue’s president back in 1970. He did, but the important
part of that call is that the conversation morphed into a
discussion of my Bar Mitzvah and how it has shaped my own
life and Jewish journey.
Maybe in my old age I am just getting sentimental or maybe
after all these years I truly realize how special each individual
piece of the puzzle is to our future and to the future of the
Jewish people.
L’Shalom
Ron Swichkow
Sisterhood shouts hello to
all members of TBT!
January proved to be a
busy month welcoming
2015. A big THANK
YOU is in order to Leslie
Swichkow, Erika Eberhardt and Hassia Levin for organizing our
successful Challah Baking/Bake Off/TBT Kitchen Shower
1/13/15. The evening was creative, scrumptious, and a boost to
enhancing our TBT kitchen with needed culinary items. Delight-
ful indeed! A big THANK YOU also to Danielle Rubenstein and
Leslie Swichkow for planning our second Mah Jong Happen-
ing 1/25/15. Great fun and comradeship filled the room as differ-
ent levels of expertise were organized to play at their level of
knowledge. Super planning!
February events are very diverse and will be sure to interest you.
The TBT Sisterhood is planning a docent led tour of the
Anne Frank in the World Exhibit, Sunday, 2/22/15. Please
watch for the evite. In addition, I am proud to announce that
Sisterhood will be making Hamentashen at TBT Thursday,
2/26/15, 10 am -1 pm and 7 pm – 10 pm. All hamentashen will
be donated to the Purim Carnival, Sunday, March 1st. We need
your help as Sisterhood is counting on you to help bake dozens
of our “homemade” goodies. Please watch for the evite and sign
up for one or both shifts. See you soon!
Robin Bledsoe Sisterhood Chair
ATTENTION!
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
SEEKS YOUR INPUT
The Nominating Committee for the 2015-2016 slate for
the Board of Trustees, Officers and Board of Education
has begun their work.
If you have names that you would like to suggest to the
committee for consideration,
please send them to Todd Boehm at
SAVE THE DATE - SPRING FLING
Saturday, March 14, 2015
“Return of Judy Cole and Band”
Special Musical Guest, Cantor Nancy Kassel
7:30 PM - 11:00 PM Havdalah at 8:00 PM - $18/person
followed by music and dancing! “Brought to you by your Membership Committee”
What’s In a Name?
5
Ne
Tu B’Shevat celebrates the new year for the trees. We acknowledge this day by rejoicing in the beauty of nature
and the growth of trees. Every year at Temple Beth Tikvah we celebrate by eating different fruits and nuts.
Tu B’Shevat will be celebrated on Sunday, February 1st. Our 4th grade class has been busy practicing for the
assembly they will be presenting. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy this program.
Our next Shabbat and Family Service is taking place on Friday, February 27th. On this day our 3rd and 4th grade
students will accompany Rabbi Greene and Cantor Kassel. They will be joined by their teachers: Ophira Buch-
man, Esti Blue, Anna Gutkin, Robin Karlin, Carolyn Lippman, Aviva Margolies and Michelle Rodabaugh .
Please join our students for this meaningful service.
4th and 5th grade parents please plan to spend Sunday, February 22Nd at the religious school for your Family Education Day.
January 9th – January 12th our confirmation class had a wonderful time in Washington DC. 14 students made the trip along with
Rabbi Greene and Adam & Bobbee Griff .
Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:
Sunday February 8th, Madrichim Training – 12:15 – 1:30
Sunday, February 22nd, 6th grade Field Trip – location: TBD
Sunday, February 22nd, 7th grade Field Trip to Breman Museum
No school Sunday, February 15th – Tuesday, February 17th
Shalom,
Hassia Levin
Religious School
What an adventure Washington DC was this past weekend! From
Friday talking about minimum wage and poverty all the way to
Monday Lobbying Georgia’s senators about LGBT Rights, Disability
Rights, Stem Cell Research, Israel, and poverty. The confirmation
class and I went to go see the MLK Memorial, The Holocaust Memo-
rial, Smithsonian museums, Capitol Hill, and the Jefferson Memorial.
Not only were those sights fascinating, but we also had intriguing
services on Shabbat. Rabbi Namath and Rabbi Young were telling us
on Friday and Saturday services how we can make impacts to our
country. Well… I agree with Rabbi Greene, Adam, and Bobbee that
we made an impact for the United States of America, and ourselves.
Rabbi Greene did hope we had open eyes to the country and the world after this, and I can say that we all did!
Thank you to the Religious Action Center for having us open up to more leadership, Adam and Bobbee for coming and experiencing
with the class the whole time, and Rabbi Greene (and dad) for making this adventure possible.
Yael Greene
Chavurot at TBT are busy! Within the past few months, groups celebrated Sukkot with sukkah decorating parties in member's back-
yards (like the Family & Fun Chavurah), observed Hanukkah with white elephant gift exchanges and charitable acts (like the Chai
& Mighty Chavurah), and enjoyed Shabbat dinners or Havdalah services. This month, some groups plan to attend Jewish Film Fes-
tival flicks together and have all-ages game nights.
This spring, we'll be planning a multi-Chavurah outdoor gathering, inspired by the
kickball challenge held last year by the Agin, Bessoff, Craig, Elinger, Kaseff and
Wynne Chavurah. More details will come through Chavurot liaisons.
A few new groups have recently kicked off, and more are in the works! Chavurot are an excellent way to create community with
TBT and forge new friendships. If you have interest in becoming part of a Chavurah at TBT, please grab an application here
bethtikvah.com/community/chavurot, at TBT, or contact Dalia Faupel at [email protected] .
C h a v u r a h H a p p e n i n g s
Confirmation Class Trip
6
Youth Group
HOTTY (9-12th Grade)
We had 30 teens head to Jacksonville in January for our Winter Kallah. It was a blast! Can’t wait for NFTY Convention in just a few short weeks. We also hosted our first fund-raiser for Camp Jenny at Top Golf. It was a huge success – thank you to all of the TBT members who supported us by donating for this great cause. We truly appreciate it!
UP NEXT:
Join us on Friday, February 6th for our annual Youth group led Shabbat service. It promis-es to be an inspiring evening and gives us a chance to show you what we can do! The theme this year is “What does it mean to be connected?” Youth groupers and their fami-lies are invited to join us for Shabbat dinner before services. We also have our Chai Soci-ety party on February 22nd. Come dressed up in your tuxes and evening gowns to watch the Oscars and eat some hors d'oeuvres. .
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!
JYG (7-8th Grade) JYG’s In In January JYG’ers had a ton of fun at one of our favorite events – the Chocolate Making Party at Chamberlains Chocolate Factory. We spent the afternoon making chocolate lollipops, personal pizzas, and chocolate covered pretzels. It was a delicious event!
And, save-the-date…March 20-22nd is NFTY-SAR’s Hatikvah Kallah for 7th & 8th Graders (at Temple Sinai in Sandy Springs)!! We’ll send out more info about this awesome week-end as the date gets closer, but you don’t want to miss out. 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!
5th & 6th Grade Join us on February 22nd for our Mad Scientist event at TBT! Right after religious school – we’ll eat lunch and then cook up some crazy experiments led by our very own Mad Scientist. Hope you can come!
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!
Thank you to the following families who donated items for our Youth Lounge: Schwartz Family, Diamond Family, Restler Family, Swichkow Family, and the
Torino Family.
Want more info about the youth groups at TBT? Contact us at: [email protected] or call us:
Bobbee (303) 981-2356 & Adam (404) 971-4687
Upcoming Events: February 6th - HOTTY Congregational Services
February 13th-17th - NFTY Convention February 22nd - Club 56 Mad Scientist February 22nd - HOTTY Oscars Party
HOTTY LATKE-IN
We are SO excited to finally have our very own youth lounge at TBT (classroom 21)! We are looking for some items to help furnish it. Here is our wish list. If you have any of these items that you would be willing to donate to us, please email us at: [email protected]
(they don't have to be brand new, but in reasonably good condition). Thank you!!
Youth Lounge Wish List
♦DVD player ♦Small tables/coffee tables
♦Keurig machine
5TH & 6TH GRADE AT STARS & STRIKES
7
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
B’nai Mitzvah
Logan Mitchell Coe will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on February 7, 2015. He is the son of Robin
and David Coe and the brother to Ellie and Maya. Logan is a 7th grade honor student at Hightower Trail Middle
School. He is a cross-country runner, plays piano and clarinet, and loves playing outside with his friends.
Audra Buffington will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on February, 14, 2015. Audra is the daughter of
Mara and Don Buffington and sister to Nathan. She is the granddaughter of Murray and Glory Nadelle of
Woodstock, Georgia, Janice McNeal of Atlanta, Georgia and Don and Pat Buffington of Atlanta, Georgia. Audra is
blessed to spend time with Great Grandparents Madge McNeal of Sandy Springs, Georgia, Buffa and Don
Buffington of Atlanta, Georgia and MaryAnn Yeargin of Summerfield, Florida. Audra is in the 7 th grade at The
Davis Academy where she was selected as a Student Ambassador, plays on the school volleyball team and is a
finalist in the upcoming school spelling bee. Audra enjoys travelling and hanging out with friends and will be celebrating this
special occasion by visiting Paris this summer!
Morgan Sean Nathan will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on February 21, 2015. Morgan is the son of
Ted and Melanie Nathan, and older brother to Madison Nathan. He is in the 7th grade at Hightower Trail Middle
School. Morgan enjoys all sports, especially basketball, and spending time with his family and friends.
Anna Wynne will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on February 28, 2015. Anna is the daughter of Susan
and Scott Wynne, and the sister to Michael Wynne. She is the granddaughter of Flora and Richard Cohen of Dallas,
Texas, and Margot and David Wynne of Greenville, South Carolina. She is in the 7th grade at Dodgen Middle School
where she is a Principal's Honor Roll student. Anna is a cheerleader for the 7th Grade Pope Junior Greyhounds. In
her free time, Anna enjoys spending time with her friends, and looks forward to every summer when she goes to
Camp Coleman.
Izaac S. Shultz will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on February 21, 2015. Izaac is the son of Robert and
Ruth Shultz, and Suzan Shultz, and grandson of Esther and Walter Shultz and Carol and Fred Abrams. He has three
step-brothers; Ben, Jake and Sam Rockaway. Izaac is in the seventh grade at Crabapple Middle School where he
enjoys science and plays trombone in the seventh grade band. He also enjoys video games, playing soccer and tennis
and going outside with his step-brothers.
The Atlanta JCC sends a delegation annually of 13-16 year old athletes to the JCC Maccabi
Games, an annual multi-sports, cultural and social Jewish experience for well over 1,000
young athletes from all over the U.S. and some international countries including Israel. Sports
include baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, volleyball, swimming and more. This year, the
Atlanta delegation will go to either Dallas or Milwaukee August 2-7. Check the Marcus Atlanta
JCC website for information including fees and tryouts. http://www.atlantajcc.org/interior-pages/sports-maccabi/.
Two Beth Tikvah members are coaching baseball this year, Mark Rudel (15/16 year old) and Howard Janis (13-14
year old). Tryouts will be in late January / early February. Feel free to contact Mark Rudel (404-429-9289) or Howard
Janis (404-729-0397) for more information. TBT has been represented with both athletes and coaches for multiple
years. Let's keep this run going for several more years.
Ilana Mermelstein will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on February 28, 2015. Ilana is the daughter of
Evan Mermelstein and Sharon Mermelstein and sister to Ryan Mermelstein. Ilana is in the seventh grade at
Northwestern Middle School where she enjoys singing in the chorus and performing in school musicals. Ilana is also
in a theater company outside of school. She loves hanging out with her friends everywhere she goes; school, theater,
Religious School, Girl Scouts, and in the neighborhood. Ilana has enjoyed the learning experience and preparation
for this milestone, and cannot wait to become a Bat Mitzvah!
8
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Fundraising News
Jonathan and Allison Agin
Barry and Shari Alhadeff
Pam Alterman
Steven and Teri Astren
Brian and Sheri Baker
Steven and Sheila Barid
Dale and Wendy Bearman
Jonathan and Barbara Berger
Leonard Berger
Harris and Suellen Bergman
Michael and Jeannine Bernstein
Jerry Bilsky and Judy Tolkan
Peter Birnbaum
David and Robin Bledsoe
Todd and Jennifer Boehm
Michael and Heather Braun
Adam and Adrienne Bruckman
Jamie Burak
Paul and Cherie Cervasio
Lois Clymin
David and Roberta Coad
Michael D. and Lisa R. Cohen
Michael and Marlene Cohn
Community Foundation for Palm
Beach and Martin Counties
Mark and Stephanie Craig
Renee Davis
Gordon and Hollis Decker
Craig and Susan Derene
Mitchell and Dyann Diamond
Kristopher and Paige Dobbins
Joseph and Waynah Dunn
Rodney and Erika Eberhardt
Audrey Eisen
Alan and Pam Epstein
Elliot and Donna Feller
Steven and Amy Fine
Rory and Jenifer Friedman
Steve and RoseAnn Gerson
Ed and Cindy Getty
Arthur Gittelman and Marcia Pearl
Cary Goldenthal and Lori Shapiro
Neil and Jennifer Goldstein
Robert and Cindy Goldstein
Harlan & Ivie Graiser
Rabbi Fred and Deborah Greene
Anne Grossman
Burton and Sara Grossman
Andrew and Karen Gutman
Scott and Nancy Harris
Yitzhak and Ronit Hermoni
David and Ellen Herold
Mitchell and Julie Hilsen
Jamie and Katie Jaffe
David and Beth Janes
Peter and Sharon Jedel
Morris and Anna Kagan
Doug and Donna Kallman
Cantor Nancy Kassel
Valerie Kassel Jr
Howard and Linda Katz
Jerry and Marcy Kaufman
Jared and Rachel King
Jeff and Cindy Klein
Marc and Deborah Klein
Peter Klokow and Ellen Frank
Stanley and Bobbie Kopkin
Steven and Helen Kraus
Ned and Lisa Kreiss
Robert and Karen Kremer Kenneth Lawler Jr and Ginger Glazer
Fred and Patricia Landsberg
Melvin and Vivian Lapes
Scott and Sheryl Lasky
Hal and Jill Leitman
Ron and Lindsay Levin
Ronald and Jennifer Levine
Emily Lewit
Gary and Michal Loventhal
William and Rita Loventhal
Hadley and Lisa Lowy
Gilbert and Ellen Ludwig
Murray and Sonia Lynn
Joel and Aviva Margolies
Jonathan and Joan Marks
Jason and Maggie McAuliffe
David McClung
Thomas and Marsha McMurrain
Howard and Helaine Medoff
Gary and Peggy Mendelson
Ric and Barrie Mershon
Martin and Charlene Milstein
Ilene Monat
Mark and Jennifer Mosbacher
Robert Moss
Jay and Anita Myer
Robert and Marcy Nader
Bernie and Gail Natter
North Georgia Pain Clinic, PC
Ryan and Rachel Palazzo
Larry and Jackie Pepper
Gary and Sheyla Peterson
Jason and Melanie Pickett
Shirley Plotkin
Scott and Rhonda Povlot
Marla Ramaglia
Joel and Valerie Rapowitz
Herbert and Bunny Renkin
Betty Rickles
Robert and Ellen Rickles
Barry & Robin Riegelhaupt
Howard & Barbara Rosenberg
Joel and Judy Rosenberg
Harvey and Natine Rosenzweig
Irving and Doris Rosing
Tod and Leslie Rubin
Mark and Gail Rudel
Andrew and Barbara Sacks
Robert and Donna Schacher
Joel and Kathleen Schoenblum
Gary and Debra Schwartz
William and Terry Schwartz
Rhonda Schweber
Sanford and Gail Seidman
Ira and Brenda Share
Stacy and Alicia Sher
Walter and Esther Shultz
Carol Shutzberg
David and Elisa Siegel
Sandy and Nancy Simon
Lawrence and Anne Skal
Kenneth and Helene Skolky
Sharon Snowiss
Stuart and Frances Solomon
Howard and Cynthia Steinberg
Aaron and Sheila Stieglitz
Mathew and Dani Stordy
Barry & Denise Straus
Ronald and Leslie Swichkow
Donald and Marilyn Tam
Rosalind Taranto
Lloyd and Gail Tate
Steven and Abbe Tobin
David & Christine Toltzis Bruce and Mariann Mamberg Turiansky
Mark and Sally Vosk
Bruce and Carol Waldman
Bruce and Bonnie Walkes
June Wallach
Clifford and Loretta Weiss
Mark and Debbie Weiss Douglas Wexler and Jane Greenberger
Bram and Dana Wieskopf Mark Williams and Michelle Easton
Thomas and Susan Williams
Todd and Rachel Wilson
Scott and Susan Wynne
Andrew and Ilana Zalkin
Ruth Zeidman
Seth and Ellen Zimmer
(donations received through December 2014)
OY VEY!! MAZEL TOV!! Congrats to our TBT family for reaching the 1st goal of the
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN! As of December 31st we collected enough pledges and contributions
to surpass $50,000 and earn the Blank Family Foundation 50% matching gift, a total of
$25,000. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the Fundraising Committee, we want to thank
everyone who has contributed this far.
With this in mind, we still have a ways to go to get to our Annual Goal of $100,000. Next on
the agenda to help us get there is a great event coming up on February 21: The TBT/ECEC
Second Chance Prom event! This promises to be a great night of for everyone! We’ll have
great entertainment, food, drinks and of course, great prizes through the auction to win!
In the mean time, please take the time to contribute to the Annual Campaign if you haven’t
done so already. Just visit www.bethtikvah.com and scroll down to ANNUAL CAMPAIGN -
EVERYONE MATTERS to make your contribution today.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I'd like to thank the following members of our TBT family
for their generous pledges and gifts:
BAKERS NEEDED FOR PURIM CARNIVAL “BAKE WALK”!
Please email Beth Janes at [email protected]
9
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
February 2015
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
Family Promise 9:30 am - 12:00 pm Religious School 9:30 am -Religious School Tu B'Shevat Assembly 10:00 am -
Special
Congregational Meeting
10:45 am Purim
Meeting
2
6:45 pm - 8:30 pm
Kesher/Confirmation /Kivunim 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Families Anonymous
3 EREV TU BISHVAT
9:30 am - Tai Chi 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Religious School 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Board of Ed Meeting
4 TU BISHVAT
5 6
6:00 pm
HOTTY Dinner 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Shabbat Service
led by HOTTY
7
9:00 am - 10:00 am Bagels, Learning &
Torah 10:00 am - Shabbat Service - Coe Bar Mitzvah
8 9:30 am ATID 9:30 am - 12:00 pm Religious School 10:45 am - The
Music & Religion of
Leonard Cohen 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm Madrichim Training
9
12:00 pm - Senior
Luncheon 6:45 pm - 8:30 pm
Kesher/Confirmation /Kivunim 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Families Anonymous
10
9:30 am - Tai Chi 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Religious School
11
6:30 pm - HOTTY -
Board Meeting 7:30 pm -
Fundraising Meeting
12 13 NFTY Convention and URJ
Youth Engagement
Conference
12:00 pm - ECEC VIP Shabbat 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Shabbat Service
14
NFTY Convention and URJ
Youth Engagement
Conference
9:00 am - 10:00 am Bagels, Learning &
Torah 10:00 am - Shabbat Service - Buffington Bat Mitzvah
15 NFTY Convention and
URJ Youth Engagement
Conference
No Religious School
16 President's Day NFTY Convention and
URJ Youth Engagement
Conference
No ECEC
No Religious School 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Families Anonymous
17 NFTY Convention and URJ
Youth Engagement
Conference
No ECEC
No Religious School 9:30 am - Tai Chi 7:30 pm - Board of
Trustees Meeting
18 19
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Breast Cancer
Support Group 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Women's Study -
From Sarah to
Savannah: Leader-
ship Lessons from
our Ancestral
Mothers
20
11:45 am - Lunch
& Learn: The Intro-
duction to the
Talmud that You've
Been Waiting For! 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Shabbat Service w/
Choir
21
9:00 am - 10:00 am Bagels, Learning &
Torah 10:00 am - Shabbat Service - Nathan/Shultz B’nai Mitzvah
7:30 pm -
Forever Young:
2nd Chance Prom
Night
22
8:30 am - 12:20 pm - 7th Grade Field Trip to
Breman 9:30 am - ATID 9:30 am - 12:00 pm Religious School 9:35 am - 11:45 am RS Family Ed Day - 4th &
5th grade 10:00 am - Purim
Meeting 12:30 pm Sisterhood - Anne
Frank Museum Tour 12:30 pm - 5th/6th
YG - Mad Scientist 4:00 pm - HOTTY -
Chai Society Oscars
Party
23
6:45 pm - 8:30 pm
Kesher/Confirmation /Kivunim 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Families Anonymous
24
9:30 am - Tai Chi 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Religious School 5:45 pm - College
Connection Mailing
Prep 7:30 pm - Officers
Meeting
25 26
10:00 am - 1:00 pm Sisterhood -
Hamentaschen
Prep 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Sisterhood -
Hamentaschen
Prep
27
6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Oneg 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Family Shabbat
Service - 3rd & 4th
Grade
28
9:00 am - 10:00 am Bagels, Learning &
Torah 10:00 am - Shabbat Service - Wynne/Mermelstein B’not Mitzvah
10
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
TBT Seniors Luncheon
Monday, February 9 at 12 PM
Officer Zac Frommer from the
Roswell Police Department will be our speaker.
The topic is “Watch Out For…”
RSVP to Natine at [email protected]
Joel and Amy Glass
Jim and Renee Berman
Welcome to the TBT Family!!
FOOD OF THE MONTH
The food bins are empty. Please bring hearty soups and
peanut butter for North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC)
and Kosher foods for Jewish Family & Career Services
(JF&CS) The need in our area is great.
Together we “can” make a difference!
Do We Have Your Child’s College Address?
The College Outreach Committee will
be sending our college students a
care package for Purim.
Do we have your child’s address?
If you provided us with this information in the fall,
nothing further is required. However, if you have not
yet given us this information or your student has moved
since October, please send us their college mailing
address as soon as possible.
Also, if your child graduated this past December,
please let us know this as well.
Monetary or item donations would be greatly appreciated.
Send all information to
Lynda Bennett at [email protected].
Taglit-Birthright Israel with
URJ Kesher | Register for
Summer Trips on
February 3, 2015!
www.gokesher.org
This summer we invite you to go on Taglit-
Birthright Israel with URJ Kesher — the only
Birthright Israel trip organized by Reform Judaism.
You only get to go on Birthright Israel once. Make
sure to Go Kesher! It’s your turn to explore
Jerusalem’s Old City, float in the Dead Sea, climb
Masada at sunrise and celebrate modern Tel Aviv.
Registration Day is Tuesday, February 3rd. Sign up
for more information at www.gokesher.org.
HELP US HELP YOU
Your synagogue community wants to be a
Caring Community/Kehillat Chesed
If you have recently experienced a loss, are facing a crisis or are celebrating a simcha, please let our office know as soon as possible.
Our clergy and friends strive to be a source of support as best as they can. If you know of one of our fellow congregants who has experienced a loss or can use a hand, please contact the office at 770.642.0434.
11
CLICK ANYWHERE ON THIS PAGE TO RSVP AND PAY
12
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Annual Campaign
Ronald and Leslie Swichkow in memory of Bernie Bickwit
Sandy and Nancy Simon in memory of Leonard Paul
Irving and Doris Rosing in memory of Bernie Bickwit
Thomas and Susan Williams in memory of Marjorie Williams and Charles Francis Williams
Steven and Amy Fine in honor of Jennifer and Ellen Fine
Sandy and Nancy Simon in memory of Bernie Bickwit and Leonard Paul
Robert and Marcy Nader in honor of Rabbi Greene, Rabbi Tam and Cantor Kassel and in memory of Bernie Bickwit
Alma Klein, Andrea and Steve Leaf & Family in memory of Bernie Bickwit
Jamie and Lauren Burak in memory of Evan Burak
Jamie and Lauren Burak in memory of Barry and Marcia Lurey
Lawrence and Anne Skal in memory of Frances Cunix and Bernie Bickwit
The Wilson, Faupel, Gergans, Hilsen, Loventhal, Salinas and Shields Families in memory of Donald Block
Building Fund
Michelle Jacobowitz in memory of Bernie Bickwit
Dale and Wendy Bearman in memory of Betty Ebstein
Campership/Israel Fund
Mark and Jennifer Mosbacher in memory of Alvin Gross and Lester Mosbacher
Howard and Suzanne Silverman
Cantor Kassel’s Discretionary Fund
Steven, Amy, Jennifer and Ellen Fine in honor of Cantor Kassel and Paige Dobbins
Robert Leventhal in memory of Robert E. Leventhal
David and Beth Janes in memory of Ira Madans and in honor of Phyl-lis Madans' birthday
Judy Levine in memory of Milton Marshall
Shelby Steinhauer in loving memory of Natalie Richman
Rosalind Taranto in memory of Philip Pomerance
Todd and Rachel Wilson in honor of Libby Povlot becoming a Bat Mitzvah
Caring/Kehillat Chesed Fund
Fred and Patricia Landsberg wishing a speedy recovery to Esther Shultz
Rabbi Thomas and Marilyn Liebschutz in honor of Esther Shultz's special birthday
David and Roberta Coad in memory of Dorothy Spielvogel
Shelby Steinhauer in loving memory of Natalie Richman
Lois Clymin in memory of Michael Clymin
Steven & Linda Steinberg in memory of Jay Rosen
Fred and Patricia Landsberg in memory of Lila Surges
Bruce and Bonnie Walkes in memory of Bernie Bickwit
Lawrence and Anne Skal in celebration of Esther Shultz's special birthday
Amy, Evan, Zachary and Ryan Rosen wishing a speedy recovery to Wendy Bearman
General Fund
Howard and Pamela Levitt in memory of Jacob Levitt
Renee Davis in memory of Melvin Haber
Harlan & Ivie Graiser in memory of Bernie Bickwit, Melvin Haber and wishing a speedy recovery to Estelle Graiser
William & Marjory Segal in memory of Bernie Bickwit
Lawrence & Selma Silverman in honor of a speedy recovery for Pearl Bruger Aptekar
Belle Kulkin in memory of Morris Richman
Mitchell and Julie Hilsen and their Chavurah in memory of Donald Block
Michael Zalkin Memorial Library Fund
David & Christine Toltzis in memory of Bernie Bickwit
Sanford and Gail Seidman in memory of Fred Permison, Florence Permison and Robert Permison
Prayerbook Fund
David and Beth Janes in memory of Ira Madans and in honor of Phyllis Madans' birthday
Melvyn and Vivian Lapes in honor of Esther Shultz's special birthday
Preschool Fund
Jenifer & Rory Friedman and Sheri & Brian Baker in memory of Bernie Bickwit
David and Beth Janes in memory of Ira Madans and in honor of Phyllis Madans' birthday
Rabbi Greene’s Discretionary Fund
Melvyn and Vivian Lapes
David and Beth Janes in memory of Ira Madans and in honor of Phyllis Madans' birthday
Shelby Steinhauer in loving memory of Natalie Richman
Donald and June Restler in memory of Bernie Bickwit
John and Dahlia, Emily & Hannah Restler and Kevin and Cherie & Claudia Restler wishing a speedy recovery to Don Restler
Rabbi Tam’s Discretionary Fund
Ruth Zeidman in memory of Bernie Bickwit
Steve and RoseAnn Gerson in memory of Bernie Bickwit
Barry and Dore Kaiser in memory of Bernie Bickwit
Lois Clymin in memory of Bernie Bickwit
Barry & Robin Riegelhaupt in memory of Melvin Haber
Andrew and Barbara Sacks in memory of Hyman Sacks
Religious School Fund
David and Beth Janes in memory of Ira Madans and in honor of Phyllis Madans' birthday
Lynn Friedman in memory of Bernie Bickwit
Burton and Sara Grossman in memory of Evelyn Grossman
Kathleen Levin in memory of Bernard Bickwit
Tikkun Olam Fund
Ken and Lauri Winkler in memory of Louise Singletary and Donald Singletary
Torah Fund
Marvin and Trudy Davis in memory of Bernie Bickwit
Morray and Susan Scheinfeld in memory of Joseph Scheinfeld and
Sophie Scheinfeld
Youth Group Fund
Larry & Jackie Pepper in memory of Irving Yehuda Pepper
Donations
13
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
SHMOOZE NEWS / KUDOS CORNER
In Memorium
Temple Beth Tikvah acknowledges with sorrow the passing of:
Donald E. Block
Father of Scott Block
Eleanor Goldsmith
Sister-in-law of Betty Rickles
May God console you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Thank You to our Amazing Office Volunteers!
Erica Stein
Marla Ramaglia
Richard Staviss
Marsha McMurrain
June Wallach
Rhonda Povlot
Leslie Swichkow
Emily Restler
Maddie Schwartz
Mark Mosbacher
Dani Stordy
Tamah and Glenn Cooper on the
engagement of their daughter, Honey, to
Zach Shair of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
An October wedding is planned.
Hildy Ortiz on her engagement to Jim Chaffer.
Scott and Marci Weiss as their son, Jake, officially signed
a commitment letter to accept a
scholarship and play baseball as a
member of the Eastern Michigan
University Eagles. Scout
Baseball, a leading national
college scouting organization,
ranked Weiss, an all-purpose
outfielder, as a top-20 national Division I prospect in June
2014.
Leslie and Ron Swichkow on the birth of
their granddaughter, Ellie Paige Cooper,
on January 19.
Proud parents are Erin and Seth Cooper.
Honor a person or event
with a leaf on our tree of
life. You can purchase a
leaf as an individual or as
a group.!
Breast Cancer Survivor Group for the Jewish Community
We have had a great start to the Breast Cancer Survivor
Group! The monthly support group meetings are for all
interested people who have had cancer, who are going
through treatment or surgeries, and /or who have been
recently diagnosed, as well as for those who might have
questions pertinent to breast cancer. In addition, this program
is for sharing experiences, meeting others and gathering
information regarding diagnoses, surgeries, and genetic
testing from various professionals.
Our next meeting will be held on
Thursday, February 19 at 7:00 PM
Dr. Stephen Szabo will speak to the group
This survivor support group is sponsored by
The Kehillat Chesed/Caring Committee of
Temple Beth Tikvah.
For further information or questions, please contact Valerie
Rapowitz at [email protected] or call 678-643-9672.
Please RSVP. All are welcome.
14
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 Cindy Getty [email protected] Budget & Finance Karen Korshak [email protected]
Campership Marcia Haber [email protected] Chavurot Dalia Faupel [email protected] College Outreach Lynda Bennett [email protected] Ginger Glazer [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]
Interior Standards & Marketing Susan Estroff [email protected] Israel Gene Carasick [email protected] Kehillat Chesed (Caring) Leslie Swichkow [email protected] Library Ilana Zalkin [email protected]
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 Esther Shultz [email protected]
Security Jay Sausmer [email protected] Seniors Natine Rosenzweig [email protected] Sisterhood Robin Bledsoe [email protected] Social Action Darrin Cohen [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.
15
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
16
Fred Greene
Rabbi
Donald A. Tam
Rabbi Emeritus
Nancy Kassel
Cantor
Hassia Levin
Education Director
Jenifer Friedman
ECEC Director
Ron Swichkow
President
Todd Boehm
Vice President
Harlan Graiser
Vice President
Denise Straus
Vice President
Andy Gutman
Treasurer
Michael Braun
Secretary
Jill Mattos
Chairperson,
Board of Education