חדש. What s New at Temple Avodat Shalom. The new Temple Office hours are: Monday - Thursday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Friday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

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1 חדש What s New at Temple Avodat Shalom December, 2017 Bulletin/5778 Volume 66/Issue 3 The new Temple Office hours are: Monday - Thursday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Friday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm We are now keeping the Temple locked at all times. Anyone needing access to the building will have to use the buzzer to request access and the office staff will release the locking mechanism to let you in. If you have a key and a security code, you can gain access as you usually do. Gift Cards Available for More Than Just Food Shopping Your participation in the TAS Gift Card Program does not only buy your groceries and gifts for friends and associates, you can use it to travel for business and pleasure. Gift cards are available for Delta Airlines, Disney, Hotels.com, Budget Rent-a-Car, Choice Hotels, Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines, among others. Check out these and all 700+ vendors available through the program by going to the TAS website, under "Support Us" and "Gift Cards" and clicking the link. Or write us at giftcards@avodatshalom.net. Inside this issue... December calendar on page 25. For up-to-date Temple information: Check the Temple website: Receive weekly announcements by send your updated address to administrator@avodatshalom.net 1

2 Upcoming Events December 1 st Tot Shabbat, 6:00 pm Grade 4 Pot Luck Dinner, 6:30 pm Family Service 7:30 pm December 2 nd Wrestling with the Torah, 9:15 am Sabbath Services, 10:30 am December 3 rd Speaker: Gilad Kariv, 7:00 pm December 4 th Purim Shpiel auditions, 7 pm Brotherhood cards, 8:00 pm December 5 th Kadima Yoga, 7:00 p.m. Choir, 7:30 p.m. December 7 th Torah Noon Feeding the Hungry Sisterhood Pain-In 7:00 p.m. December 8 th Sabbath Services, 8:00 p.m. December 9 th Wrestling with the Torah, 9:15 am Sabbath Services, 10:30 am Latke Throwdown, 7:00 p.m. December 10 th Tzedakah Fair Grade 7 Kehillah December 12 th First Chanukah Candle Yoga 7:00 p.m. Choir, 7:30 p.m. December 14 th Torah Noon December 15 th Family Chanukah Dinner, 6:30 pm Sabbath Services, 7:30 pm with Adult & Youth Choirs December 16 th Wrestling with the Torah, 9:15 am Sabbath Services, 10:30 am Grades 5 & 6 Shabbaton December 17 th Chanukah program December 19 th Eighth Chanukah Candle Yoga, 7:00 p.m. Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Choir, 7:30 p.m. December 20 th Brotherhood Board, 7:00 p.m. December 21 st Torah Noon December 22 nd Sabbath Services, 8:00 p.m. December 23 rd Wrestling with the Torah, 9:15 a.m. Sabbath Services, 10:30 a.m. December 24 th NO SCHOOL December 25 th Office Closed December 27 th NO SCHOOL/NO TASTE December 28 th Torah Noon December 29 th Sabbath Services, 6:00 p.m. December 30 th Wrestling with the Torah, 9:15 a.m. Sabbath Services, 10:30 a.m December 31 st NO SCHOOL FROM RABBI PAUL I was eleven years old when Nintendo released the Miracle Piano Teaching System, a piano keyboard that connected to a desktop computer, and using Nintendo software, taught a person how to play piano. I remember my father's excitement with his purchase. He told me that this was the first time in a while that he had "bought himself a Chanukah gift" and he was greatly looking forward to unwinding and learning a new skill. My Dad worked hard. I remember him waking up at 4:45 in the morning, to be on the road commuting to Manhattan by 5:15, and he was often at his desk by 6:30. And after a long day in the city, he made his way home. And when he arrived at home, bedraggled from a long commute (though never really showing it) my mother (a first-grade teacher), my older brother or I always seemed to need something from Dad. Needless to say, Dad never learned how to play the piano. Between work and family commitments, there just weren't enough hours in the day. The desire, the interest, and the curiosity were all there. But there just wasn't enough time. These days, many people I meet describe themselves as being time-poor. Between fulfilling professional responsibilities, caring for our children, and if we find ourselves in the "sandwich generation" also caring for an aging parent, it's hard to find extra time for, well, anything. I once met a rabbinic colleague who claimed that he worked for his congregation, his family, and woke up at 5 am to pursue his hobby - writing books. He had exactly one hour each day in which he could write in the peace and quiet of the early morning hours. But the best notion of the preciousness of time was expressed by composer Robbi Sherwin who I met through a connection in my student congregation in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in During a visit to that community, she released a piece of music called "Precious Possession" in which she sang, "What's my most precious possession? Is it home, is it love on my mind? No, not my family or a material thing. Those things are not really mine. Is it God in all infinite wisdom, is there anything else I can find? No, not these things, none of them are real. My most precious possession is my time." Sherwin's lyrics hit the nail on the head, so to speak. Our time is our most precious possession - at least a possession that remains unquantifiable in terms of value. There is so much that we want to do, so many projects we'd like to fulfill, so many creative avenues we would love to pursue further...if only we had the time. And that's where congregational life comes into the discussion, much like Dad wanting to learn piano. I know (because sometimes I've even been the one to share it) that sometimes the message from congregations goes something like - come to this program, come to that program, you'll be better off if you do, you'll make friends, you'll feel more closely connected to the life of the congregation, etcetera, etcetera. Rabbi Paul J. Jacobson Cantor Maria Dubinsky Educational Director Barbara Haber President Audrey Rosenblatt Administrator Barbara Herman Hoff Accompanist Kenneth Corneille Sisterhood Barbara Starr and Cheryl Jaffe Brotherhood Marc Herrmann Rabbi Emeritus Neal I. Borovitz Cantor Emerita Ronit Josephson This Bulletin is published monthly by Temple Avodat Shalom 385 Howland Avenue River Edge, NJ Phone: (201) Fax: (201) administrator@avodatshalom.net Website: 2 3

3 And I feel like the response to this message goes - do they know how little time I really have? Do they actually "get it?" Don't they know that in the twenty-two minutes I have at the end of the day before I fall asleep, I'd just like to put my feet up? Maybe, in some cases, twenty-two minutes is even pushing it. Congregational life is at a crossroads and the sense of joining, following or belonging to an organization just isn't what it once was. This is true not only in religious communities, but across the board in other "organized" environments too. While I'm pleased to say that our community is growing in numbers, in learning, in commitment to spiritual activity, and in connection to congregational activity, we have difficulty reaching everybody. And while we will continue recruiting for programs, activities, committees, volunteer and leadership opportunities, the question remains, how can we connect with those members who are time-poor, but who want to be involved? What can we provide as a community that allows people in our congregation to engage with our programs and activities at their leisure? Note that I think the response to this question is both-and, rather than either-or. We need to continue doing what we're doing, and also attempt more, in different ways and using different media. We need to remain a synagogue with a building, with services, lifelong Jewish education, and communal activities, in addition to going beyond our walls. Attending a Torah Study class for retirees at 12 pm on Thursday or an evening Adult Education session, or even a Latke Throwdown on a Saturday night work for some. And no program or idea works for all. Should we look into live-streaming or recording our services, providing five-minute meditations on an iphone app for guided spiritual exercise, record all of our adult education classes and place them on the website for download, create podcasts on special Jewish subjects that can be accessed anywhere and anytime? But the question, in this day and age of being time-poor, and this day and age where we have access to so much in the palm of our hands (through our smart phones), how do we help to bring Temple Avodat Shalom further into the 21st century, and help our Judaism become more accessible and even more portable? I look forward to your thoughtful reflections. Rabbi Paul rabbijacobson@avodatshalom.net FROM THE PRESIDENT I am writing this from beautiful Monterey, California. We came out here to meet our second grandson, and to be of what help we could to our son and daughter-in-law. It turned out that our help was needed more than we originally thought, as a few complications occurred, and there were more than a few trips back and forth to doctors and the hospital. All turned out okay and, after the first few day, we settled in to enjoy our visit. Over the Thanksgiving weekend, we took our older grandson, Nathaniel, to see the movie Coco. One of the main underlying themes of the movie is the connection between generations, and how the dead are remembered by the living. As long as there is someone on earth who still remembers you, you do not truly disappear, even after you die. These themes resonated deeply with me, particularly this week with the new baby, and with the loss of my father earlier this year. As it was, I already had the music from the Lion King going around in my head (a combination of the new baby and the commercials that I hear on TV as I get ready for work every morning!). We all know that theme the circle of life is continuous, and our job is to figure out what our place is in that circle, and to play that role for the time that we are here. I sometimes feel like I am still figuring that out, but I m happy that even a small part of it has been, in addition to being here for my family, to be here for the TAS community, and to contribute as best as I can to keeping our own continuous circle going. I m looking forward to being back in NJ in early December to see our community bask in the glow of the Chanukah candles at our Family Chanukah Dinner and Service on Friday, December 15 th. Before that, I hope you will be joining us for Latkes, Laughter, Music, and More on December 9 th, and then again at Java Nagila on December 10 th. December is a month full of family togetherness, and that includes our own TAS family! And, by the way, speaking of keeping that circle of life going, what is our new grandson s name you ask? I am thrilled that he is named Henry, for my father, his great-grandfather Henry. At this season of lights, I am warmed even further that there is another Henry in the world, and I can t wait to see what his role will be in the circle of life. Shalom, Audrey 3

4 FROM THE EDUCATIONAL DIRECTOR Chanukah, Oh Chanukah! Throughout the years, our religious school has presented various kinds of programs to help our students and their families celebrate the story of Chanukah. We ve brought in story tellers and puppeteers, offered students the opportunity to create various crafts, and have had Tzedakah/Mitzvah Fairs to highlight the importance of giving to others. We thought we d try something we haven t done in a very long time a Chanukah show where all of our students would perform for our parents and siblings! Please plan on joining us on Sunday, December 17 th, at 10:00 am as we present our very own Chanukah show, starring the entire religious school, including the youth choir, students in all grades, teachers, madrichim and clergy! Cantor Maria has been working very hard to prepare our classes for their musical performances, and we have some other fun, interactive activities planned as well. We are hoping to fill our Sanctuary and share in the celebration of this joyous and miraculous festival, remembering a time when spirit alone brought us back to worship, study Torah and live in peace. Let us collectively celebrate memory and miracle, standing up for our beliefs, and bringing light into the darkness. We are looking forward to seeing everyone there! Some really interesting things you may not have known about the festival of Chanukah: The Hebrew word חנכה (Chanukah) means dedication. The name comes from the rededication of the Temple by the Maccabees. This is when they cleaned out the Temple and rekindled the eternal light. The letters on a dreidel stand for the sentence Nes Gadol Hayah Sham, which translates into A Great Miracle Happened There. In Israel, however, the dreidel s message stands for Nes Gadol Hayah Po, which translates into A Great Miracle Happened Here. Instead of a nun, gimmel, hay and shin that we see on dreidels in the diaspora, a dreidel in Israel has a nun, gimmel, hay and pay!while the Maccabees were busy fighting the Greeks, the holiday of Sukkot was missed. Sukkot was extremely important as it was when the Jews prayed for rain. Chanukah actually started as a second Sukkot! We know that our Jewish holidays jump around the secular calendar due to the addition of an extra month Adar Sheni every two to three years (actually we add this month in seven out of every 19 years!). This is so interesting: Chanukah 6791 will begin on December 13, 3030 (no typo), and Chanukah 6792 will begin on January 1, That s correct there will be no Chanukah in the secular year 3031! From our entire religious school family, we wish for you and yours a very happy, healthy and joyous Chanukah! Barbara Haber Educational Director Help Grant Holiday Wishes for Our Needy Neighbors We are happy to bring back the Flames of Giving program for a 3 rd year to the Temple Avodat Shalom community. Flames of Giving provides a personal touch to buying holiday gifts by creating a list of recipients and details about their ages and what they wish for, so you know you are buying a gift that someone truly wants and needs. I have been so thrilled (as has been the organizer of Flames of Giving) by the response we receive each year and how your generosity helps make the holiday season brighter for these children and adults. We have 60 flames on the list this year and ask for your help. I have created a Google spreadsheet with the list of gifts and recipients, which will also be sent out in the temple weekly announcements and posted on Facebook (or you can contact me separately to participate). I ask that you sign up to purchase one (or more) gifts for a needy neighbor. Please note whether it needs to be gift wrapped or not and make sure the flame number is visible on the package. We are asking for the gifts to be dropped off at the temple by Sunday, Dec. 3 at noon. I know that the Temple Avodat Shalom community will again be a great partner to the Flames of Giving organization. Please help by adopting a neighbor to provide One small gift, two happy hearts. Learn more about the program at If you have any questions, please feel free to me at azil411@gmail.com. Thanks again for your support. Here is a link to the Google spreadsheet to sign up. Liza Barth 4

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6 SISTERHOOD NEWS Thanks to Gail Goldfarb for hosting our Sisterhood Book Club where we gathered and had great discussions about the book the Gilded Years. We also held our first Lilith Salon and thanks to Dara Garcia we had incredible conversations with lots of laughs and a few tears as we discussed contemporary and meaningful articles from Lilith Magazine. The Sisterhood Gift Shop will be open this coming Sunday, 12/3 and next Sunday, 12/10! Come see us for all your shopping needs! We are also starting to plan for our annual Sisterhood Service on February 9 th. Please let us know if you would like to participate. Summer will be here before you know it see our camp scholarship form at the back of the bulletin and please note that you must be a Temple member in good standing as well as a paid up Sisterhood member by December 31, 2017 for your child to be eligible for a scholarship. Mark your calendars for some amazing events to come! December 7 th Painting Night In December 9 th Brotherhood and Sisterhood Annual Latka Throwdown and Talent Show January 7 th Screening of the Movie Denial with discussion to follow January 21, January 28 and February 11 Mah Jongg Lessons Wishing everyone a very Happy Hanukkah and a Happy New Year!! Warm Regards, Barbara and Cheryl 6

7 Come Join Sisterhood For A Paint-In Night At TAS Thursday, December 7 th Painting will start at 7:00pm sharp Please come a bit early to snack and schmooze No supplies or experience needed to paint! Please bring your favorite snack Sisterhood will provide non-alcoholic beverages BYOB $30.00 per person Please RSVP to Sisterhood@avodatshalom.net by November 30 th and return the completed form below with your check to TAS Sisterhood Name Phone # # of people X $30. Please make checks payable to TAS Sisterhood 7

8 Join the Sisterhood as we view and discuss the movie DENIAL DENIAL recounts Deborah Lipstadt's legal battle for historical truth against David Irving who accused her of libel when she declared him a Holocaust denier. In the English legal system, the burden of proof is on the accused; therefore it was up to Lipstadt and her legal team to prove the essential truth that the Holocaust occurred. Date and Time: Sunday, January 7 th at 3pm RSVP to Sisterhood@avodatshalom.net by January 3 rd so we know how much popcorn to buy! 8

9 PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU MUST BE A TEMPLE MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING AND A PAID UP MEMBER OF SISTERHOOD BY 12/31/17 IN ORDER FOR YOUR CHILD TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A SCHOLARHISP SISTERHOOD JEWISH CAMP AND EXPERIENCE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION One of the goals of the Sisterhood is to encourage our members children to have fun and enriching Jewish experiences beyond the TAS community Date: Parent Name: Child Name: Address: Phone Number: Jewish Camp (please list name) * Jewish Experience (please specify) OR Total Cost of Program 9

10 Have you previously received a Sisterhood scholarship? If yes, please list date(s) and program(s). Please describe why you would like to attend your program. (Please use the reverse side of this application or attach a separate sheet.) Scholarship Rules: 1) Parent must be a member in good standing of TAS and the TAS Sisterhood. Sisterhood dues MUST have been paid by 12/31 of academic year. 2) All scholarship requests must be received by April 1 st or prior to the start of the Jewish experience. 3) NEW - Students may apply for a camp scholarship multiple years, however preference is given to first time applicants. 4) Scholarships for Jewish experiences other than camp are limited to a one time award per individual experience. 5) Decisions will be made no later than May 1 st with preference given to first time applicants. 6) Students who receive scholarships may be asked to participate in a Temple activity to share their experience. Parent Signature: Student Signature: Jewish experience scholarships are awarded for youth trips to Israel or Jewish youth experiences such as the RAC trip or the NFTY Bi-Annual Convention. If you have any questions or require further clarification please contact us at sisterhood@avodatshalom.net 10

11 . FEEDING THE HUNGRY Our next session of Feeding the Hungry is December 7 th. If you can help with a prepared food donation or wish to volunteer to serve please go to If you would like to help but are unable to provide a food donation there are many other ways to contribute including buying a Shoprite gift card from the Temple and donating it to the program. If you have any questions Brett Norton at TASFeedingTheHungry@gmail.com. Want to Help? The fundraising committee for the Temple is always looking for new ideas and people to help. If you are interested, please contact us at fundraising@avodatshalom.net. KIPPAH FUNDRAISER Order Kippot for your special celebration (Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Wedding) through the Temple and help support our Parents' Association who help fund many of our children's activities. Call Debra Tester at for information. To Audrey and Joel Rosenblatt on the birth of their grandson Henry Miles. Each month, the children in our congregation who are celebrating birthdays are called to the bimah during our First Friday Family Service. November birthdays will be called to the bimah on November 3 rd. We wish all of them a Happy Birthday. Jack Corrigan Lacey Dunkelman Sydney Lazarus Alfredo Lurie Shawn Malovany Jake Helfenbein, Joshua Reiss, Aidan Ladutke, Nikki Remschel and Ava Schechter 11

12 Young Families Here are the December Young Families events (suited to families with children toddler through elementary school): Friday, December 1 First Friday Tot Shabbat at 6:00 pm and Family Service at 7:30 pm Saturday, December 9 Brotherhood/Sisterhood Latke Throwdown and Talent Show (tickets required, adults only; see details elsewhere in the bulletin) Friday, December 15 Chanukah dinner at 6:30 pm and service at 7:30 pm Save these January dates: Friday, January 5 First Friday Tot Shabbat 6:00 pm, Pre-neg (heavy appetizers) at 6:30 pm and Family Service at 7:30 pm Saturday, January 20 Havdalah and Game Night at 6:30 pm Sundays January 21 and 28 and February 11 Sisterhood Mah Jongg lessons from 9:30-11:30 am (fee and RSVP required; see details elsewhere in the bulletin) Adult Education is pleased to announce the following special programs for December 2017: :30 am "Burning Jewish Questions" with Religious School Parents, sporadic Sunday morning learning option :00 pm Rabbi Gilad Kariv, President of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism Human Rights Shabbat.more to follow soon NEW YOGA SESSION STARTS NOVEMBER 7 7 classes on Tuesday nights 7-8:00 PM November 7 - December 19 Temple Avodat Shalom $140 NO YOGA EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. Bring a mat, comfortable clothes, and a desire to Relax! Reserve your spot. Contact Sally Isaacs at yoga@avodatshalom.net Empty Nester s A good time was had by all as we enjoyed a fabulous Israeli brunch at Mish-Mish café in Montclair followed by a trip to the Montclair Art Museum. We hope you will join us for our next event as we attempt to conquer the Escape Room. Stay tuned for more details!! Our programs are open to all!! Feel free to let us know is you have any questions or ideas. 12

13 HELP OUR LIBRARY GROW! TEMPLE AVODAT SHALOM BIRTHDAY BOOK DONATION PROGRAM: Celebrate your child s (or grandchild s) birthday with a book donation to the Temple Avodat Shalom Library! The program is simple. You send in a donation for $18.00, which will be used toward the purchase of a new book. The books will be available in the library for your child to select. On or near their birthday, the librarian will have your child choose a book. A bookplate with your child s name, birthday and the school year will then be placed inside this book. Your child will be the first person to check out this personalized book and bring it home to share. Children with birthdays in June will choose a book in December, July in January, and August birthdays in February on their "Half Birthday". Thank you in advance for participating in this wonderful program to help expand our library! If you have any questions, please school@avodatshalom.net TEMPLE AVODAT SHALOM BIRTHDAY BOOK PROGRAM $18.00 per book Checks payable to "Temple Avodat Shalom"; memo section Birthday Book Donation Name of Child Birthdate 13

14 HANDY PEOPLE NEEDED TO HELP SENIORS and DISABLED PERSONS Want to enjoy a really rewarding experience? The Chore Service, sponsored by the Bergen Volunteer Center, helps keep Bergen County seniors and people with disabilities safe in their own homes. Chore volunteers perform minor household repairs that these vulnerable people can t do themselves nor get anyone else to do, and that can make a huge difference in the quality of their lives. These repairs are performed at no cost to the people, other than the cost of the materials used in the repair. For those on a fixed income, these savings could mean the difference between paying a professional a fee just to evaluate a situation, and whether there is money for food or medicine! A Chore volunteer should be able to perform the kind of minor repairs that any able-bodied homeowner must do: replacing broken locks/doorknobs, installing washers in faucets, replacing electric outlets or switches, installing grab bars and hand railings, putting in/taking out small air conditioners, even changing light bulbs! The Chore Service has three vans that are sent throughout Bergen County 5 days a week. A volunteer would be assigned one day a week to a crew that performs 4-5 service calls per day. Chore offers a great volunteer opportunity for retirees or people who work second and third shift jobs. Call Maureen at (201) to find out how satisfying it can be to use your handyperson skills to lend a hand to those in need. 14

15 The cutoff date for all donations to be listed in the Bulletin is the 25 th of each month; otherwise they will be listed in the following month s bulletin. IN MEMORIAM The congregation extends deepest sympathy to the families of: Debbie Berowitz and Joel Salkowitz, on the passing of their father, Rabbi Selig Salkowitz, z l, Francine Ebersman, on the passing of her brother, William Ebersman. GENERAL FUND Donations to the General Fund support all activities of the Temple ALEXANDER RAPOLSKY, STEVE & ELLEN BERMAN, JOYCE & NEIL MASSOTH, AUDREY & JOEL ROSENBLATT, NILENE & ARNOLD CHASE, JANICE & DAVID SLOVES, NAOMI JACOBY COHN, RITA & STUART GOLDING, BARBARA & JAMES SPECTOR, BARBARA & MARK BOLTON, SAMET & ROSEN FAMILIES, ROBERT OBEITER & RITA BENEZRA OBEITER, BARBARA & MICHAEL STARR, MARVIN GRUBER, ESTHER &PHIL WOLLRUCH, LINDA & PAUL GOULD, RUTH FEIGENBAUM, ROBERT & LISA SAFIER In memory of Rabbi Selig Salkowitz JOYCE & NEIL MASSOTH, VICKI & STEVE MONALOY, JOEL & AUDREY ROSENBLATT, GINEEN & DON WEISS, BARBARA & JERRY MARKOWITZ To Marian Roffman & David Greenfield on the birth of their granddaughter Tessa AUDREY & JOEL ROSENBLATT, GLORIA COHEN In memory of Harry Shaner To the Perkel Family in honor of Leah becoming a Bat Mitzah STEVE & ELLEN BERMAN, LARRY & SUSAN ALTMAN, AUDREY & JOEL ROSENBLATT To Cheryl and Marc Jaffe in honor of their son Josh receiving the Brudnick Award NATTY & BOB LAPIDUS In honor of Herb Diamond s birthday NILENE & ARNOLD CHASE To Steve Monaloy for being an amazing friend To Audrey Rosenblatt in honor of her special birthday AUDREY & JOEL ROSENBLATT, JULIE & BRIAN KEERY, BARBARA & MICHAEL STARR To the Perkel Family in honor of Leah becoming a Bat Mitzah NAOMI COHN MARION ALBAN, To the London Family in memory of Mike London JULIE & BRIAN KEERY To Irv Saslaw in memory of Libbie NEAL & ELLEN LITINGER, JOYCE & NEIL MASSOTH, BARBARA & MICHAEL STARR, NILENE & ARNOLD CHASE, MARNI LANDSBERG, GINEEN AND DON WEISS, PEGGY & STUART SCHNEIDER, BARBARA & MICHAEL KING, LINDA & PHILIP GOULD, JEFF POLLACK & LYNDA MCGOWEN, BARBARA HERMAN HOFF, ANNETTE & ANDY LIEB To Audrey & Joel Rosenblatt on the birth of your grandson Henry Miles AUDREY & JOEL ROSENBLATT, STEPHANIE MANDELBAUM, BARBARA & MICHAEL STARR, JOYCE & NEIL MASSOTH To Jeanne Buesser and family in honor of your B nai Mitzvah To Barbara & Jerry Markowitz on their son s engagement WARREN & NANCY HEAPS Happy birthday to Audrey Rosenblatt Happy Birthday to Steven Kaplan In honor of the marriage of Jason Heaps to Sara Beitman ROSE BROWNING & BERNARD FROST In memory of Nathan Josephson GINEEN & DON WEISS, AUDREY & JOEL ROSENBLATT In memory of Francine Ebersman s brother William YARTZEIT PLAQUE MISHKAN T FILAH FOR YOUTH FUND BARBARA & MICHAEL KING In memory of Harry Shaner SOCIAL ACTION FUND CHARLOTTE MAGID In honor of Dr. Louis Teichholz retirement CHILDREN'S LIBRARY FUND STEPHANIE & PHIL MANDELBAUM In memory of Rabbi Selig Salkowitz To Francine Ebersman in memory of her brother William ADULT EDUCATION FUND GAIL DONNER DEBBIE & SHELDON STONE In memory of Rabbi Selig Salkowitz THE SCHNOLL MUSIC FUND CONNIE SCHNOLL In loving memory of Gloria Cohen s Aunt Sylvia; Happy Birthday to Gloria Cohen; Thinking of you to Nilene Chase; Happy Birthday to Stephen Schnoll Thank you for organizing the Kristallnacht program to Annette Lieb RAYMOND KAPLAN, JUNE & GEORGE CROONQUIST, MARIA PROSCIA To Connie Schnoll in memory of Al Paranay NANCY RAUCH YACHNES To Sidney Schnall in memory of Marion Schnall YARTZEIT FUND IRVING SASLAW In memory of Jennie Rosenberg ROSE KAY BROWNING & BERNARD FAUST In memory of Jacob Faust CAROL BARNESS & JON STRANGE In memory of Lewis Barness ROBERT SALOMON In memory of Leo Salomon HERB DIAMOND In memory of Ann Weiss JEANNE BUESSER In memory of Carl Schlesinger NANCY RAUCH YACHNES In memory of Harry Shaner SUSAN & RICHARD PIKE In memory of Abraham Cohen RITA & STEWART GOLDING In memory of Morris Schulman LAPIDOS TREE OF LIFE To purchase a Leaf on our Tree of Life RABBI'S DISCRETIONARY FUND HARRIET LEVENTHAL, LYNNE COHEN, ALDERSTEIN BARON LIEB LEGACY FUND (ANNETTE & ANDY LIEB), ARTHUR ANTLER, CANTOR ANITA F. HOCHMAN, LORI & JOHN DAUGHERTY, In memory of Rabbi Selig Salkowitz JOE MOSKOWITZ & ROBERTA PALEY Thank you to our Talmud teacher PHYLLIS MEHER, THE PERKEL FAMILY Thank you for preparing Leah for her Bat Mitzvah NILENE & ARNOLD CHASE CANTOR'S DISCRETIONARY FUND THE PERKEL FAMILY Thank you for preparing Leah for her Bat Mitzvah NILENE & ARNOLD CHASE RELIGIOUS SCHOOL DISCRETIONARY FUND SISTERHOOD CANTOR JOSEPHSON CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FUND SISTERHOOD SHAVELSON FUND To subsidize teen and young adult participation in Jewish leadership programming MICHAEL MEALIA SCHOLARSHIP FUND MITZVAH WALK BRICK TORAH RESTORATION FUND For the care and maintenance of our Torah scrolls SISTERHOOD SUNSHINE FUND Mazel Tov to Marian Roffman and David Greenfield on the birth of their granddaughter Tessa. Condolences to the family of Harry Shaner on his recent passing. Many thanks to Ellen Schultz for all her effort and hard work in preparing this year's Cancer Walk for our Sisters in the Hood raising well over $400. Mazel Tov to the family of Leah Perkel on her upcoming Bat Mitzvah. Mazel Tov to the family of Rachael Lepselter on her upcoming Bat Mitzvah. Mazel Tov to the family of Jeanne Buesser and her son Joshua as they celebrate their upcoming B'nai Mitzvah. Our condolences to Sheri Teunisen and family on the recent passing of her step-father Francis Michael Burns. Much gratitude to Pam Edelstein and her committee for presenting a fun and delicious Sisterhood Paid-Up Membership Dinner. Condolences to the large extended family of Rabbi Selig Salkowitz, a man who was always cherished as our dear mentor, friend and teacher and who will be dearly missed. Speedy and complete recovery to Gail Goldschmidt. MAZEL Tov to Ruth Feigenbaum on the recent engagement of her daughter Ellen to John. 15

16 A REMINDER: Donations to Temple Avodat Shalom's Funds may be made, by phone or mail, in honor of someone, in memory of someone, or "just because." A beautiful card of acknowledgment will be mailed to the honoree or to the family of the deceased upon receipt of the donation, minimum $10. However, certain specific Funds require higher minimums, as follows: Library Fund $18 Torah Restoration $180 Gates of Joy 18 Simcha Tree of Life 180 Mishkan T filah Youth 18 Lapidos Tree of Life 250 Torah Commentary 90 Mitzvah Walk Brick

17 What is Zahal Shalom? Zahal Shalom FAQs for Prospective Families Each year Israeli veterans who have been injured during their military service come to Bergen County as part of their rehabilitation. The program provides an opportunity for these veterans to take a break from the difficulties of their daily lives and to be embraced by a community of American Jews. It is a powerful learning and bonding experience for the Israelis and their American hosts. The two weeks of the delegation s visit are truly transformative, for the veterans and families alike. The veterans are welcomed into a caring, open-hearted community of American Jews who feel connected to Israel and who appreciate the sacrifice the veterans have made. Many are deeply moved by that fact that there are Jews outside of Israel who care so sincerely about their country. Many have never opened up about their experiences in war and its aftermath, but find the freedom to do so with their host families. They come away uplifted from these two weeks, some making tangible changes in their lives, others seeing the possibility that their lives can be different. For the American families, it is often the first time meeting an Israeli. We get an insider s look at Israeli culture and appreciate the courage and sacrifice of all Israelis who are called upon to protect their country. Our families come away with a deeper appreciation of Israel and often form a lasting relationship with their new family member. When is this year s delegation? The 2018 delegation will be here from June What happens during the delegation s visit? During the delegation s visit there s a detailed program including trips to various sites in the metropolitan New York area as well as a three day trip to Washington D.C. Our evenings and weekends are packed with social gatherings including dinners, pool parties, and Broadway shows, The delegation visits local schools and synagogues where the vets have an opportunity to discuss their wartime experiences and everyday life in Israel. How can I get involved? Host families play a pivotal role in the program by providing a loving and attentive home, and participating in the daily program. As a host family, you are the veteran s home base, offering lodging, breakfast daily, occasional dinners, as well as transportation to a daily meeting site and from a pick-up point. There are events that require your attendance, and families are encouraged to participate in the daily program as their schedules permit. Hosting is a rewarding experience enhanced by sharing responsibilities with your chosen Buddy Family. Buddy families support the host family. You participate in all aspects of the program without providing housing. Be a supporter of Zahal Shalom! The program depends on donations to cover the costs of the delegation's visit to Bergen County. These expenses come to about $4000 per soldier and include airfare, bus rental for the two weeks, entry fees to museums and venues, as well as hotel and meals for a 3 day trip to Washington, D.C. The remaining costs are absorbed by host and buddy families who house, transport, and provide several family dinners during the veterans' stay. Where can I get more information? Go to Zahalshalom.org. For a moving and informative video, click on the About tab and select the Zahal Shalom Story link. the Host and Buddy Committee Co-chairs: Alice Heffner, heffnera@aol.com, or Mindy Schultz, mindycschultz@gmail.com 17

18 Order Your Purim Gift Bags Now The Sisterhood of Temple Avodat Shalom is pleased to offer you an opportunity to fulfill the mitzvah of Mishloach Manot (the traditional Purim gift of food and candy). Your participation in this fundraiser will contribute to its success and will be greatly appreciated and enjoyed by the people receiving it. Use the order form on the back to send gift bags to TEMPLE MEMBERS, CHILDREN, AND STAFF Gift bags are $10.00 each Only one bag will be given to a family (regardless of how many orders that family receives). This bag will include a gift card listing all those who contributed to this bag. NO ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER FEBRUARY 5, 2018 Questions? Contact: Sisterhood: ORDER FORM FOR MISHLOACH MANOT GIFT BAGS Your Name Address Phone 18

19 PLEASE follow these easy steps for ordering: A. List the FIRST & LAST NAME of Temple members and staff to whom you would like to give Mishloach Manot gift bags. Example: The Sara and David Sutter Family B. If you want to send a bag to a child, as well as listing their name, you must indicate that it is a child otherwise the bag will be to the family name. Gift bags are $10.00 each Please use a separate piece of paper for additional orders. C. Be a PURIM PATRON - For $250, your family s name will be added to every gift bag. D. TOTAL GIFT ORDER Yes, I want to be a Purim Patron. OR I have ordered Purim gift bags at $10.00 each. Total Enclosed E. Don t Forget Anyone! For those who are not Purim Patrons, but are ordering gift bags, we can automatically reciprocate to everyone who sent you a gift bag and then send you a bill for the additional bags. You MUST PURCHASE at least one gift bag in order to reciprocate. Check here if you wish to do this. Yes, please reciprocate and bill me at $10.00 a bag. MAKE ALL CHECKS PAYABLE TO TEMPLE AVODAT SHALOM SISTERHOOD. MAIL CHECK & ORDER FORM TO: Temple Avodat Shalom, 385 Howland Ave., River Edge, NJ Gift bags will be available for pick-up in the Temple Lobby on Sunday, February 25, 2018 at the Religious School Purim Carnival. We will contact all recipients to let them know about pick-up at the Temple. REMEMBER, ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY FEBRUARY 5, 2018!!!. 19

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23 Mah Jongg Lessons are Back! Do you remember your mom or grandmother playing? Do you hear your friends talking about their weekly games? Have you always wanted to learn how to play? Sisterhood will be offering 3 weekly lessons at the temple Sunday, January 21 (9:30am-11:30am) Sunday, January 28 (NEW TIME-11:00am-1:00pm) Sunday, February 11 (9:30am-11:30am) So drop off your kids at Hebrew School, put off the supermarket shopping till the afternoon and spend a few hours with us learning this fun game that just may be a part of our DNA! Cost is $18 which includes your own official 2017 Mah Jongg card and yummy snacks (you can t play Mah Jongg without snacks!) Sisterhood@AvodatShalom.net by Monday, January 9. Pre-registration is a must to be sure we have cards for everyone Let the games begin! And Save the Date Mahj Madness, March 18. Details to follow 23

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25 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday JANUARY S M T W T F S Kislev 3 Speaker: Gilad Kariv, 7:00 pm 22 Kislev 10 Tzedakah Fair Grade 7 Kehillah 29 Kislev 17 Chanukah program DECEMBER 2017/ Kislev 4 CHOIR? Purim Shpiel auditions, 7 pm Brotherhood cards, 8:00 pm 17 Kislev 5 Kadima Yoga, 7 pm Choir, 7:30 pm 23 Kislev Kislev 12 First Chanukah candle Yoga, 7 pm Choir, 7:30 pm 30 Kislev 18 1 Tevet 19 Eighth Chanukah candle Yoga, 7 pm Board meeting, 7:30 pm Choir, 7:30 pm 18 Kislev 6 19 Kislev 7 Torah Noon Feeding the Hungry 25 Kislev Kislev 14 Torah Noon 2 Tevet 20 Brotherhood Board, 7:00 pm 13 Kislev (4:10) 1 Tot Shabbat, 6:00 pm Grade 4 Pot Luck Dinner, 6:30 pm Family Service 7:30 pm 20 Kislev (4:09) 8 14 Kislev 2 Parashat Vayislach Wrestling with the Torah, 9:15 am Sabbath Services, 10:30 am 21 Kislev 9 Parashat Vayeshev Wrestling with the Torah, 9:15 am Sabbath Services, 10:30 am Sisterhood Paint-In 7:00 pm Sabbath Services, 8:00 pm Latke Throwdown, 7 pm 27 Kislev (4:11) 15 3 Tevet 21 Torah Noon kislev - tevet Family Chanukah Dinner, 6:30 pm Sabbath Services, 7:30 pm with Adult & Youth Choirs 4 Tevet (4:14) 22 Sabbath Services, 8:00 pm 28 Kislev 16 Parashat Miketz Wrestling with the Torah, 9:15 am Sabbath Services, 10:30 am Grades 5 & 6 Shabbaton 5 Tevet 23 Parashat Vayigash Wrestling with the Torah, 9:15 am Sabbath Services, 10:30 am 6 Tevet 24 NO SCHOOL 13 Tevet 31 NO SCHOOL 7 Tevet 25 Office closed 8 Tevet 26 9 Tevet 27 NO SCHOOL / NO TASTE 10 Tevet 28 Torah Noon 11 Tevet (4:18) 29 Sabbath Services, 6:00 pm 12 Tevet 30 Parashat Vayechi Wrestling with the Torah, 9:15 am Sabbath Services, 10:30 am 25