New USCJ prayer book uses egalitarian language. 'Lev Shalem: A Full Heart' services to begin this month

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1 COM bulletin CONGREGATION OF MOSES Kalamazoo, Michigan Volume 6, Issue 1 January 1, 2014 Tevet - Shevat 5774 INSIDE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE page 2 RABBI'S MESSAGE page 8 LIBRARY page 15 GETTING TO KNOW YOU page 12 SISTERHOOD page 17 MEN'S CLUB page 14 RELIGIOUS SCHOOL page 11 YAHRZEITS page 19 SPECIAL EVENTS ESSENTIAL JEWISH IDEAS January 12 JEWISH MYSTICISM January 26 PRAYER BOOK MEETING January 28 COMMUNITY DINNER January 31 New USCJ prayer book uses egalitarian language 'Lev Shalem: A Full Heart' services to begin this month This past fall, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism published a new Friday night prayer book called Lev Shalem ("A Full Heart") that uses egalitarian language, including both men and women, both patriarchs and matriarchs. This gender-fair language recognizes the contributions of all Jews to our history, our culture and our religion. The second Friday evening of every month, we will have worship services at the Congregation of Moses based on this new Lev Shalem prayer book. Rabbi Spivak, the Religious Activities Committee and the executive officers of the synagogue have approved these services. We want many people to participate in leading prayers, readings and discussions. If you have questions, please Janet Heller at janetheller@charter.net. We encourage you to come the following Friday nights for "Lev Shalem: A Full Heart" services: JANUARY 10 / FEBRUARY 14 / MARCH 14 Services begin at 7:30 p.m. Anne Fischell, Rachel Haus, Janet Heller, Emily Hoffman and Karen Libman Celebrate Tu B'Shevat plant a tree in Israel Tu B Shevat, the day that marks the beginning of a new year for trees, is Thursday, Jan. 16 (the 15th day of Shevat). This is the season in which the earliest-blooming trees in the Land of Israel emerge from their winter sleep and begin a new fruit-bearing cycle. It's a celebration of nature's rebirth and renewal, and an appreciation of the interconnectedness of man and nature a good time to think about our responsibility toward each living thing. Many people like to celebrate Tu B'Shevat by planting trees at home and in Israel. If you're interested in helping the environment in Israel, go to jnf.org for information about participating in the Jewish National Fund's Tu BiShvat Across America. VISIT US!

2 CONGREGATION OF MOSES THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS always welcomes comments from COM congregants and invites you to attend its regular board meetings, typically held the first Tuesday of each month. Minutes of board meetings are available upon request from the synagogue office. Executive Committee President Tema Lando st Vice President Beth Grode nd Vice President Mike Koffron Treasurer Ed Goldenthal Secretary Connie Bowman Immediate Past President Tamara Norman Past President Shirley Wise Synagogue Staff Rabbi Harvey Spivak Religious School Principal Susan Katz-Scheinker Office Manager Shirley Mengel Building Manager Rod Anderson Dear COM members, What a beautiful winter landscape. Coming to our shul from the back road, I see our building, surrounded by a white carpet of snow, ready to greet us with a warm welcome. Our Kehilla is very special. Inside is a place where members become friends and we feel connected to God. Beginning in January, we will have an egalitarian Shabbat service on the second Friday night of each month. Furthermore, we are contemplating purchasing the new Lev Shalem Mahzor for the High Holidays. Rabbi Spivak described the new Mahzor in his column in last month s bulletin and invites all congregants to voice their preferences at a meeting on January 28. Thank you to past COM member Hy Tuchman, who made a very nice contribution for purchases of Mahzorim in memory of his parents. Also in January, the 2014 budget will be presented to the board for voting. Every COM member is welcome to attend all board meetings. Kudos to Diane Fogel, members of Sisterhood and Men s Club and all other volunteers who helped with the December Rummage Sale. Your time, effort and dedication are greatly appreciated, as the proceeds from the Rummage Sale benefit our Religious School. Kudos also to Gerry Tregerman and the Social Committee for a wonderful Jewish Christmas Eve gathering at Mangia and games at COM. Robert, Raffi, Fabio and I wish you and your family a happy New Year. May the new year bring us inspiration and commitment to enrich our Kehilla with greatness. B' Shalom, Tema Lando President President s Message The COM bulletin is published monthly by the Congregation of Moses for the benefit of its members. The deadline for submitting articles, photos and ads is the third Monday of each month for publication the following month. Please send submissions to Cindy Beer, editor, at cinbeer@aol.com. PAGE 2

3 Shabbat service schedule FRIDAY January 3 SATURDAY January 4 FRIDAY January 10 SATURDAY January 11 FRIDAY January 17 SATURDAY January 18 FRIDAY January 24 SATURDAY January 25 FRIDAY January 31 SATURDAY February 1 7:30 p.m. Announcements: Connie Bowman 9:30 a.m. Torah: Exodus 10:1-11:3 Al Rosenthal Haftarah: Jeremiah 46:13-28 Judah Ari-Gur Announcements: Shirley Wise 7:30 p.m. Announcements: Rae Lee Howard 9:30 a.m. Torah: Exodus 13:17-15:26 Ken Eisenberg Haftarah: Judges 4:4-5:31 Dave Rosenberg Announcements: Joe Hirschfield 7:30 p.m. Announcements: Ed Goldenthal 9:30 a.m. Torah: Exodus 18:1-20:23 Dave Rosenberg Haftarah: Isaiah 6:1-7:6; 9:5-6 Rabbi Spivak Announcements: Valerie Eisenberg 7:30 p.m. Announcements: Beth Morrison 9:30 a.m. Torah: Exodus 21:1-22:3 Judah Ari-Gur Haftarah: Jeremiah 34:8-22; 33:26-26 Dave Rosenberg Announcements: Art Feinberg 7 p.m. Community Shabbat Dinner begins at 6 p.m. Announcements: Cathy Cheron 9:30 a.m. Torah: Exodus 25:1-25:40 Al Rosenthal Haftarah: Isaiah 66:1-24 Judah Ari-Gur Announcements: Michael Koffron Shabbat candle lighting times Barucha for candle lighting JANUARY 3 JANUARY 10 JANUARY 17 JANUARY 24 JANUARY 31 5:04 p.m. 5:11 p.m. 5:19 p.m. 5:27 p.m. 5:36 p.m. Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu melech haolam asher kideshanu bemitsvotav vetzivanu l hadlik ner shel Shabbat. PAGE 3

4 January calendar SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT 1 Synagogue office closed Board Meeting 7:30 pm 8 Religious School resumes 9 Hadassah Board Meeting Yoga 5-6 pm 12 Essential Jewish Ideas 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Yoga 5-6 pm Post-Shabbat Kitchen Clean Bulletin and monitor deadline 5 pm Hadassah Book Club 7:30 pm Yoga 5-6 pm 23 Executive Committee Meeting 7:30 pm Men s Club Meeting 9:30 am Jewish Mysticism 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Meeting for High Holiday Prayer Book 7:30 pm 29 Yoga 5-6 pm Community Shabbat Dinner 6 pm Services 7 pm PAGE 4

5 February calendar SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT Board Meeting 7:30 pm 5 Yoga 5-6 pm Learners Shabbat/Tot Shabbat/Jr. Congregation 9 Essential Jewish Ideas 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Yoga 5-6 pm Bulletin and monitor deadline 5 pm Hadassah Book Club 7:30 pm Yoga 5-6 pm 20 Executive Committee Meeting 7:30 pm Men s Club Meeting 9:30 am Jewish Mysticism 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Yoga 5-6 pm PAGE 5

6 Mishpacha MAZEL TOV TO... Rebecca Strauss on her special birthday Karen Libman and Mitch Kochun on their 25th wedding anniversary GENERAL FUND Donations have been made to the following tzedaka funds Special happy birthday wishes to Rebecca Strauss. Mazel Tov to Karen Libman and Mitch Kochun on their 25th wedding anniversary. Men s Club, Shirley Wise & Frank Szopo, Phil Horwich, Pnina & Judah Ari-Gur, Joanne & Mike Simon In loving memory of Zipora Feder. Pnina & Judah Ari-Gur BUILDING FUND Special happy birthday wishes to Rebecca Strauss. Mazel Tov to Karen Libman and Mitch Kochun on their 25th wedding anniversary. Sallie & Ken Goodman, Tamara & Earl Norman Mazel Tov to Judy and Lowell Seyburn on Judy s retirement and their 44th wedding anniversary. A big thank you to Diane Fogel for chairing the Sisterhood Rummage Sale. Thinking of Michael Liepman and wishing him well. In loving memory of my father, Sam I. Stein. Gloria Besbris Maxine Berke Werner Sichel Bruce Stein MARVIN AND ROSALIE OKUN RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND Special happy birthday wishes to Rebecca Strauss. Mazel Tov to Karen Libman and Mitch Kochun on their 25th wedding anniversary. Judy & Lowell Seyburn, The Fischell Family In loving memory of my father, Jack Rubin. Arlen Rubin PAGE 6

7 HERMAN AND ROSE FISHER LIBRARY FUND Special happy birthday wishes to Rebecca Strauss. Mazel Tov to Karen Libman and Mitch Kochun on their 25th wedding anniversary. Marilyn & Art Feinberg RABBI S DISCRETIONARY FUND In loving memory of Charlette Schupan, Seth Schupan, Susan Levene and Marcia Kalb. HONOR AND MEMORIAL FUND Thinking of Michael Liepman and wishing him well. Get well wishes to Rosalie and Marvin Okun. In loving memory of Eta Kercman, Irving, Ruth, Lianne and David Lando. In loving memory of Reuven Aglanov. Marc & Jeanne Schupan Tema, Rob Lando & Family Pnina & Judah Ari-Gur My sincere thanks to everyone for their cards and donations in memory of my sister, Sue. Candi Levene We love you and miss you, Sue, you left us way too early. Your very sad aunt and uncle, Harriet and Mel Belson 269 PAGE 7

8 Rabbi s message The search for a new Mahzor continues. You will recall from last month s bulletin that we are thinking about getting new Mahzorim (prayer books) for the High Holidays. There are three choices now: (1) stay with the Harlow Mahzor that we have used for years; (2) Lev Shalem, the Mazhor recently published by the Conservative movement; or (3) Mahzor Hadash/The New Mahzor, which we used for one High Holiday season two years ago. If we decide on Mahzor Hadash, we will get the newest edition, which contains updated language, as the publisher says. Copies of all three Mahzorim are in the synagogue lobby for members to look through and compare. We are interested in your opinion. To give members an opportunity to express their preferences and talk about the pros and cons of each choice, we have a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 28, at 7:30 pm. Please join us at the meeting and be part of the process of making this important decision. Rabbi Harvey Spivak Congratulations to the people who read Torah on Learners Shabbat! Blue Koffron, Beth Grode, Tamar Grode, Shoshana Grode, Gillian Thommes, Matt Ruterbusch and Pat Kirschner all read Torah from the bima on December 14. All the readings were well-prepared and sounded excellent. Yashar Koach to all for participating in the mitzvah of reading Torah. Thanks also to Religious School principal Susan Katz-Scheinker for reading the Haftarah that morning. THE RABBI S RECOGNITION CERTIFICATE GOES TO... Joe and Betty Hirschfield Judah and Pnina Ari-Gur We thank them for being the major donors for the menorah that was prominently displayed in Bronson Park. The menorah s proud position in the heart of Kalamazoo has added a new and stronger element of community to our Hanukkah celebration. TODAH RABBAH! PAGE 8

9 THE TALMUD This year's subject for "The Essential Jewish Ideas" is the Talmud, with the focus on the early section of the Talmud called the Mishnah. No other work has had a comparable influence on the theory and practice of Jewish life, shaping spiritual content and serving as a guide to conduct, writes Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz. We will read parts of the Mishnah in translation and become acquainted with the personalities and ideas that shaped Judaism into the religion we know today. It s an easy and enjoyable way to add to your basic Jewish knowledge. The Essential Jewish Ideas SUNDAY, JANUARY 12 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Easy on the spice! community announcements The next time you're planning to prepare a meal in the COM kitchen, please look before you shop. In an effort to reduce waste and unnecessary expenditures, the COM Kitchen Committee has decided to no longer approve reimbursement for spices that are already on the shelf. So please be sure to see what items are already stocked in the kitchen before grocery shopping for your synagogue event. 'The Milliner' playing this month at Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids The Milliner is a touching, fragile portrait of a group rarely seen in traditional Holocaust literature those unwilling to give up Germany as their home despite the Nazi threats. Wolfgang, a hat maker, is forced by others to flee Germany for England, leaving his mother behind, who refuses to go. His wife accepts their situation and adjusts to life in England, but Wolfgang cannot adapt. Filled with love for his homeland, he is unable to accept that his mother has probably been interned in a death camp, and he staunchly refuses to give up his German identity in front of his new British neighbors. Wolfgang's struggle of adamant denial sheds light on the agony of losing the only home ones knows and loves. Love, art, music, complicated emotions, patriotism and death abound in this insightfully dramatic, yet painful story of destruction of the most ruthless kind. JEWISH THEATRE GRAND RAPIDS January 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, 15, 18 and 19 For more information, visit jtgr.org or call (616) PAGE 9

10 Congregation of Moses Community Shabbat Dinner Friday, January 31, at 6 p.m. Services begin at 7 p.m. and will be led by Marvin and Rosalie Okun Religious School students in grades 2, 4 and 5. PRICES PAID ADVANCE RESERVATIONS: (must be paid by 5 p.m. the Tuesday before the dinner) $10 per adult, $5 per child (or $25 per family) Children 4 and under are free! AT THE DOOR: (please drop your check into the box prior to candle lighting) $12 per adult, $6 per child (or $35 per family) Children 4 and under are free! Please contact Shirley in the synagogue office to make your dinner reservation. Call or comofficemgr@yahoo.com. You may leave your completed reservation form and check in the special box by the synagogue office. COMMUNITY SHABBAT DINNER RESERVATION FORM Date Name(s) Number of adults Number of children over age 4 Amount paid $ PAGE 10

11 Marvin and Rosalie Okun Religious School JANUARY important dates to remember January 5 No school (Sunday) January 8 School resumes (Wednesday) January 12 Tu B'Shvat observed at school January 15 School and Erev Tu B'Shvat January 18 Learners' Shabbat, Tot Shabbat & Junior Congregation January 31 Community Dinner 6 p.m.; Grades 2, 4 and 5 lead prayers Our Religious School quickly organized a field trip to the menorah lighting at Bronson Park in downtown Kalamazoo on the last night of Hanukkah. Thank you so much to Gillian Thommes, Anne Fischell, Darlene Wolf, Tema Lando, Rachel Haus, Joyce Camhi and Rabbi Harvey Spivak for agreeing to drive our students to this very special event and heartwarming experience. A hearty todah rabah to the many volunteers from Sisterhood, Men s Club and families from our Religious School who helped with the December Rummage Sale. Diane Fogel did a wonderful job orchestrating a very successful event, which greatly benefits our school! We are so grateful for your support and the generous contribution of your time and energy. What a great Learners Shabbat on Saturday, December 14! Thank you to the many families who brought their children/ our students. Thank you to Cathy Cheron and Rachel Haus for leading Junior Congregation and Tot Shabbat. Todah rabah to our special Torah readers: Shoshana Grode, Sydney Angel, Tamar Grode and Matt Ruterbusch. Your preparation and commitment lead to beautiful reading! Thank you to Joanne Krell for purchasing the special treats and kiddish for the morning, too. Everyone enjoyed. We are looking forward to another fun and energetic Learners Shabbat and Community Dinner this month. Thank you in advance to all who prepare for our special time together. Wishing everyone a Wonderful and Healthy New Calendar Year. B'Ahava, Susan Katz-Scheinker Religious School Principal YOGA classes Wednesday evenings from 5 to 6 - $10 per class This is a drop-in class at the synagogue. You do not have to commit to every class. For more information, contact Rae Lee Howard at rhoward@ihsdist.com or (269) PAGE 11

12 FEATURING The Rocklin Family Written by The Rocklins Mike and Stacey Rocklin came to Portage 17 years ago when Ethan, their older child, was one year old. Stacey s youth was split primarily between Schoolcraft, Mich., and Moorcroft, Wyo. Mike grew up in Detroit. The couple met at Michigan State University, and after graduation lived in Seattle and Lorain, Ohio. Mike and Stacey got married 20 years ago, on campus at MSU. The past 17 years in Portage has been the longest Stacey has ever lived in one place. Mike s parents and sister still live in the metro Detroit area. Mike and Stacey are very proud of their two boys, Ethan and Adam. Michigan State University s Viticulture program, housed in Benton Harbor. Ethan will be starting his Spartan career in January. It would be fair to say that Mike and Stacey are Spartans. Say hi, when you see the Spartans, will be among their parting words to Ethan when he leaves for college. Ethan celebrated his Bar Mitzvah at Congregation of Moses in 2008 with many friends and family in attendance. Adam will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah in 2015 and is working hard now to get ready. While Stacey has family connections in southwest Michigan, Mike did not when they first moved here. When arriving at Congregation of Moses, Mike realized he did in fact have family here. Great-aunt Jean Grossman was Mike s grandfather s sister. Since then, Kalamazoo/ Portage has been home. Mike has worked most of his career in child welfare, with a brief stint in auto sales. He is also an Adjunct Instructor for Siena Heights University and has taught for WMU. In addition, he teaches on Sundays at the synagogue Religious School. Stacey has a background in horticulture. After the obligatory greenhouse jobs, she worked as the Manager of Horticulture for the Leila Arboretum Society. Stacey now works in academia, as the Outreach Coordinator for PAUL F. DAVIDOFF ATTORNEY AT LAW PAUL F. DAVIDOFF, P.C. The Cornerstone Building 405 W. MICHIGAN AVE., SUITE 130 P.O. BOX KALAMAZOO, MI Telephone: (269) Fax: (269) pdavidoff@ameritech.net PAGE 12

13 January celebrations The Congregation of Moses wishes mazel tov and yom haledet sameach to our members who are celebrating anniversaries and birthdays this month. If you would like to be included in our monthly recognition of birthdays and anniversaries, please contact Joanne Simon at (269) or BIRTHDAYS 1/3 Miriam Mim Brot 1/3 Rod Anderson 1/4 Gloria Besbris 1/5 Madeline Strauss celebrates her 10th birthday today! 1/6 Emily Hoffman 1/7 Sandra (Sandy) Rose 1/11 Richard Kirschner 1/15 Beth Morrison 1/16 Fran Raffle 1/18 Stuart Berke 1/22 Avery Howard 1/22 Nan Goldenthal 1/23 Elana Spivak 1/24 Danielle Beer 1/30 RaeLee Howard 1/30 Susan Welbourne January birthdays will be celebrated on January 11 with an oneg sponsored by Emily Hoffman and Susan Welbourne. ANNIVERSARIES 1/9 Diane & Bruce Minsley Weddings, births, anniversaries, b nai mitzvah, graduations, friendship, gratitude, milestones and more... "Etz chayim hi lamachazikim ba, Vetomecheha me-ushar." Please consider marking a special occasion with the purchase of an engraved leaf ($200) or rock ($750). This is a beautiful way to count your blessings or make a meaningful group gift while supporting the Congregation of Moses. Please contact Shirley Mengel, our Office Manager, for more details by calling (269) It is a tree of life to those who hold fast to it and all of its supporters are HAPPY! PAGE 13

14 MEN S CLUB INFO Men s Club put on another successful Chanukah lunch for the Religious School and friends. The chefs and set-up artists were Ken Goodman, Jon Isley, Paul Nimz, Earl Norman, Phil Horwich, Lee Klingman, Charles Ofstein, Steve Richman, Ken Eisenberg and Neal Berke. Due to the several positive comments on the sweet potato latkes, we will plan to make them an annual treat. The winter driving season is well upon us. Men s Club will have a special breakfast meeting on Sunday, Jan. 26, at 9:30 a.m. with our own Marv Berkowitz. The title of the presentation will be Defensive Driving: Drive To Survive. All members are encouraged to attend and to bring the drivers in their families. There will be a light breakfast free to members and students. The suggested donation is $5 for non-members. Please R.S.V.P. to the synagogue office by January 23 so we will have enough food. After the meeting, Rabbi Spivak will present his course on Jewish Mysticism at 11:30 a.m. We will be comfortably around the tables with coffee. We hope everyone can make both events and spend an informative and fun morning at COM. Neal Berke, President rhoward@ihsdist.com nealsberke@gmail.com DEFENSIVE DRIVING: DRIVE TO SURVIVE MEN S CLUB MEETING JANUARY 26 9:30-11:15 a.m. PRESENTED BY MARV BERKOWITZ Marv is an expert at teaching drivers how to become safer, more aware drivers by improving their defensive driving skills. His credentials include: TRAINING COMPETITIONS AFFILIATIONS TEACHING/WRITING MEDIA Defensive driving courses at MBCA* events Autoweek Teen Driver s summit at Oakland University Richard Petty Safe Driving Program Autocross and Track Events MBCA National Teen Driver Task Force Instructor at Tire Rack/BMW Street Survival Teen Driving Program Orchestrated local defensive driving programs at high schools and WMU Author of Take Back Our Roads-How to Survive on our Streets and Highways Appeared on cover of MBCA National Magazine, The Star * Mercendes-Benz Club of America LIGHT BREAKFAST SERVED Members and students free Guests - $5 donation suggested Make your reservation by calling COM at by January 23. PAGE 14

15 Herman and Rose Fisher Library As always, the Used Jewish Book Sale this past November was a smashing success, which is all due to your support. Of course, every penny goes toward new books, DVDs and CDs for the Library. I ve already been working on acquisitions for late winter/early spring and thought I d share a few titles with you. ADULT TITLES "Yankles," starring Don Most, Bart Johnson, Brian Wimmer (DVD) Finally, it s here! That hysterically irreverent Orthodox Baseball Movie shown at the Jewish Film Festival a few years ago is available for purchase. Pre-teen and above. "Fill the Void," starring Hadas Yaron, Yiftach Klein, Irit Sheleg (DVD) Yes, another movie, but this one might be Israel s submission for Best Foreign Film at the Oscars. A wonderfully understated, unique portrait of Tel Aviv s Ultra-Orthodox community. Wonder of Wonders: A Cultural History of Fiddler on the Roof by Alisa Solomon (hardcover) This is a book about the movie about the musical and it s fascinating reading. Margot: A Novel by Jillian Cantor What if Margot Frank, Anne Frank s sister, had never perished in the Holocaust, but somehow had made it to the U.S to live out her life as quietly as possible until the 1959 publication of Anne Frank s Diary. That is the premise of this daring new novel. The Rise of Abraham Cahan by Seth Lipsky The first general-interest biography of the legendary editor of the Jewish Daily Forward, the newspaper of Yiddish-speaking immigrants that inspired, educated, and entertained millions of readers; helped redefine journalism during its golden age; and transformed American culture. Roth Unbound: A Writer and His Books by Claudia Roth Pierpont Roth Unbound is not a biography in the strictest sense though it contains a wealth of previously undisclosed biographical details and unpublished material but something ultimately more rewarding: the exploration of a great writer through his art. Like Dreamers: The Story of the Israeli Paratroopers Who Reunited Jerusalem and Divided a Nation by Yossi Klein Halevi Acclaimed journalist Yossi Klein Halevi interweaves the stories of a group of 1967 paratroopers who reunited Jerusalem, tracing the history of Israel and the divergent ideologies shaping it from the Six-Day War to the present. A Guide for the Perplexed: A Novel by Dara Horn An engrossing adventure that intertwines stories from Genesis, medieval philosophy and the digital frontier, A Guide for the Perplexed is a novel of profound inner meaning and astonishing imagination. My Promised Land: The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel by Ari Shavit An authoritative and deeply personal narrative history of the State of Israel, by one of the most influential journalists writing about the Middle East today. KIDS' TITLES (just to mention a few) The Watcher in the Shadows (Inquisitor's Apprentice) by Ms. Chris Moriarty, Mark Edward Geyer Matzah & Miracles, A Passover Musical and Chapter Book (Winner of a Parents' Choice Approval Award, Mom's Choice Award, Benjamin Franklin GOLD Award) by January M. Akselrad, Jennifer Jo Young, Peter Palagonia The Blessing Cup (Paula Wiseman Books) by Patricia Polacco Rachel Haus, Library Director PAGE 15

16 THRONE-CHARIOT MYSTICISM SUNDAY, JAN :30 AM - 12:30 PM Classical Judaism, in the time of the early Rabbis, seemed to be focused on an intellectual approach to spirituality. Yet in the heart of the rabbinic circles of that time there was a powerful form of mysticism centered on the spiritual ascent to the heavenly throne-chariot. This system, called Merkavah mysticism, is the earliest school of Jewish mysticism that we have much knowledge of, and it continued to exert an influence on Jewish mystics in the generations to follow. On Sunday, January 26, from 11:30 am to 12:30 p.m., we will watch a lecture by Dr. Luke Johnson, professor at the Emory University School of Theology. There will also be time for question and discussion of this ever-interesting topic. We offer caring and comprehensive counseling services for adults, teens and children of all ages individual, family, couples and group counseling psychological testing substance abuse evaluations more than 40 therapists in two locations most insurances accepted Kalamazoo Office (269) Director: Larry Beer, Ed.D. Portage Office (269) Director: Tim Howard, Ed.D. Treating people right for 24 years PAGE 16

17 SISTERHOOD NEWS We had a very successful Hanukah bazaar, and many of us attended and enjoyed the Religious School students' Hanukkah performances and the Men's Club latke lunch. Thanks to the following people for volunteering at the Hanukkah bazaar: Kim Rubin, Susan Welbourne, Laurel Ofstein, Emily Hoffman, Sallie Goodman, Julie Northrop, Candi Levene, Gerry Tregerman, Judy Davis and Tamara Norman. Emily Hoffman, Sisterhood President Emily.hoffman@wmich.edu (269) Sisterhood Rummage Sale Thank You Thank you to all who helped to make this rummage sale a smashing success! First I d like to thank Rod Anderson for moving all the rummage to the social hall and setting up all the tables and racks. A gargantuan task! A big thank you to Carolyn Kennedy and Lucky Dog Media for printing our new price sheets for the social hall and the outdoor Rummage Sale sign. All those who helped with the set up during the week of December 8 or at the sale on Dec 15 and 16 were Joyce Camhi, Tamara Norman and her mom, Rose Schanwald, Jill Ruterbusch, Emily Hoffman, RaeLee Howard, Tema Lando, Valerie Eisenberg, Maxine Berke, Jane Curtain, Dona Satir, Joanne Simon, Gerry Tregerman, Betty Hirschfield, Pat Kirschner, Kim Rubin, Shannon Dion, Judy Davis-Rosenthal, Susan Welbourne, Darlene Wolf, Raffi Lando, Susan Katz-Scheinker and Beth Morrison. Men s Club members who moved the furniture from the Youth Lounge and old library to the lobby, directed traffic in the parking lot and served as the greeters and door monitors were Ken Eisenberg, Ken Goodman, Harvey Fogel, Lee Klingman, Phil Horwich, Neal Berke, Brad Hershbein, Charlie Ofstein and Bruce Patrick. To all the members of the Congregation of Moses who so generously made donations for our sale, a hearty thank you! Our artistic directors were wonderful in setting up our Art Gallery and Boutique area in the old library. It was wonderful to see all the donated art and better clothing displayed so professionally. It was an inspirational idea. It truly takes a village to make this major fundraiser successful. Thank you to one and all. Diane Fogel Rummage Sale Chairperson PAGE 17

18 HADASSAH UPDATE Hadassah s fiscal and programming year now runs January to December. Our Board members and positions are listed below. We d be happy to welcome anyone else who wants to join the board! President: Shannon Dion Treasurer: Raye Ziring Secretary/Newsletter: Diane Fogel Membership: Micki Verne Associates: Joanne Simon Education: Charlotte Marvin Communications/PR: Nan Goldenthal Mahj Group: Judy Seyburn Joint Mahj Day with Sisterhood/Redboxes: Emily Hoffman Book Club: Rachel Galperin Big Gifts: Sallie Goodman Hadassah Day/Donor: (open) Keepers of the Gate/Photographer: Shirley Weiss Walkathon Committee: Jill Ruterbusch, Joyce Camhi, Sharon Wittenberg Cards, Certificates & JNF Trees: Liz Thall (COM) and Marlene Denenfeld (TBI) EXCITING RESEARCH NEWS FROM HADASSAH HOSPITAL New test predicts presence of harmful BRCA mutation Israeli researchers, led by Dr. Asher Salmon, developed a blood test that reveals it is possible to predict the presence of harmful BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in otherwise healthy women using a novel technology called gene expression profiling. Women with a mutation in their BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene have a significantly increased risk for developing breast or ovarian cancer. For many of those at risk, the disease may develop at an early age. The only other test available to detect these mutations is full gene sequencing; however, as Dr. Salmon points out, it is "expensive, time-consuming and, in many cases, lacks clear and decisive information for making a clinical decision." Many times, it cannot be determined if the mutation is neutral or harmful. Conquering brain tumors at the molecular level Regina Golan-Gerstl, a postdoctoral fellow at the Hadassah-Hebrew University School of Medicine, has identified a genetic protein that is directly implicated in the development of the most prevalent brain cancer, glioblastoma. There is a mechanism called "splicing," she says, where elements of RNA (ribonucleic acid) are cut and recombined like sections of movie film. When a person is sick, Dr. Golan-Gerstl explains, the splicing mechanism doesn't work in the same way. An alternative splicing occurs, thanks to a genetic protein that becomes an activist in the development of cancer. She and her team have found that when the action of this gene is turned off, tumors in mice decrease in size. Dr. Golan- Gerstl adds that their first success has been with brain cancer. Hadassah has regained its 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America's leading independent charity evaluator. This is a significant affirmation of the financial and organizational viability of HWZOA and an important statement about our other charities in the United States. The ratings are (out of a possible 70): 67.7 overall and 70 for accountability and transparency. PAGE 18

19 Yahrzeits January 3, 4, (3 Shevat 9 Shevat) Gordon Bennison* Barry Berke Sophie Blasky* Arvin Davis* Frances M. Fisher Bella Kaiser* Sydney Konigsberg Michael Kurlandsky* David Leder* Alan Libman Hans Liepman Ethel Lookholder Macel Munsch Renee Munsch Sylvia Nierman* Nathan Oshinsky Zachary Price* Nathan J. Rosenbaum* Julius Schensul* Marilyn Silverman* Samuel Slosberg* Louis W. Wachtel* Myer Winick January 10, 11, (10 Shevat 16 Shevat) Louis Brown* Viola Doggett Rebecca Gubin* Evelyn Hyman Abraham Kaiser* Johanna Kroon* Arny Lamm Betty Levene* Caryn Levene* Anna Levinson* Dorothy Miller Martin Morrison* Birdie C. Sanders* Emanuel Schupan Leo Simon Julius Weil January 17, 18, (17 Shevat 23 Shevat) Sidney Eisenberg Eugene Field* Ann Fine Waller J. Finn* Ralph D. Golden* Minnie Graff* Brina Hadesman* Evelyn Krasnick* Robert Levy* Tito Marzan Eli Mindel* Manuel Newlander* Charlotte Stulberg* Esther Stulberg* Michael Stulberg* Donna Taylor Hyman Tregerman Mary Zuravel* January 24, 25, (24 Shevat 30 Shevat) Frieda Friedman* Max Friedman* Morris Friedman* Hyman Kirschner William Leder* Miriam Epstein Lieberman* Dorothy Masursky Moyer* Lou Sanders* Rebecca Stulberg* Terry Wienir William Zheutlin* January 31, February 1, (1 Adar-I 7 Adar-I) Adela Blum-Auerbach* Aaron Columpus* Sallie L. Cushner* Jean Rosenblatt Davis Archie Feinberg Lilas Felix Sarah Forman* Theodore Forman* James H. Goldman* Rachel Goldstein* Adele Gudovitz Marianne Mimi Katz* Canuto Ruiz Michele Arkush Schaff* Isidore Schanwald Harriet Swartz* Dora Zheutlin * Denotes a memorial plaque in the synagogue PAGE 19

20 CONGREGATION OF MOSES 2501 Stadium Drive Kalamazoo, MI (269) PAGE 20