CONGREGATION OF MOSES BULLETIN

Transcription

1 CONGREGATION OF MOSES BULLETIN December 1, Kislev 5769 Published monthly Volume 14 Issue 3 Phone (269) Fax (269) On the web at Rabbi: Harvey Spivak President: Dr. Ken Goodman Editor: Diane A. Fogel December Dates to Remember December 2 Synagogue Board Mtg. 7:30 pm December 3 Rabbi s Hebrew Learning Group 7:30 pm December 6 Tot Shabbat 10:30 am December 7 Sisterhood Hanukkah Bazaar 10-2 pm Fisher Library Book Sale pm December 9 Photo Session 3-9:30 pm December 10 The Essential Jewish Ideas 1 pm & 7:30 pm December 12 Shabbat Service 6:00 pm Shir Shabbat Service 7:00 pm December 14 R.S.& Sisterhood Hanukkah Craft Prog. 9:30 am Men s Club Mtg. & Hanukkah lunch 9:30 am December 15 Hadassah Book Club 7:30 pm December 16 Exec. Comm. Mtg. 7:30 pm December 17 Bulletin deadline 5:00 pm Rabbi s Hebrew Learning Group 7:30 pm December 19 Community Shabbat Dinner 6:00 pm Joint Service w/ TBI & TBE 7:00 pm December 20 Simchat Shabbat Service 9:30 am December 21 Erev Hanukkah December 24, 25, & 31 Office Closed December 26 Services 6:00 pm December 28 Hadassah Mitzvah Day & Chanukah Party 2-4 pm 1

2 Shabbat Services Friday December 5 6:00 p.m. Announcements Bruce Stein Saturday December 6 9:30 a.m. Tot Shabbat Torah: Genesis 30:14-31:16 Haftarah: Hosea 12:13-14:10 Announcements 10:30 a.m. Rabbi Spivak Judah Ari-Gur Scott Levene Friday December 12 6:00 p.m. Shir Shabbat Service 7:00 p.m. Announcements Jon Rubin Saturday December 13 9:30 a.m. Torah: Genesis 34:1-35:15 Al Rosenthal Haftarah: Obadiah 1:1-21 Ken Eisenberg Announcements Michelle Angel Friday December 19 7:00 p.m. Joint Service with Temple B Nai Israel & Temple Beth El Community Shabbat Dinner Announcements 6:00 p.m. Jen Rubin Saturday December 20 9:30 a.m. Simchat Shabbat Services Torah: Genesis 38:1-38:30 Haftarah: Amos 2:6-3:8 Announcements Rabbi Spivak Stephen Koss Larry Beer Friday December 26 6:00 p.m. Announcements Diane Fogel Saturday December 27 9:30 a. m. Torah: Genesis 41:53-43:15 Dave Rosenberg Haftarah: Zehariah 2:14-4:7 Judah Ari-Gur Announcements Joanne Simon 2

3 Yahrzeit s December 5, 6, (2 Kislev 8 Kislev) Arthur Cohen* Ferdie Davis Max Fisher* Dorothy Fratus Isadore Goldstein* Seymour D. Greenwald Lilly Greiner* Sam Harris* Arthur Levi* Alfred Nadelman* Lottie Rapp Beatrice Lee Rocklin* Sherman Rose Maurice Rosenthal* Abigail Verne December 12, 13, (16 Kislev 22 Kislev) Evelyn Auslander Fanny Axilrod Carl Brot* David Davidoff* Harold Goldsmith* David Graff* Herbert Kaiser* Max Konigsberg Naomi Kuperberg* Herman Pollack* Joy Rappaport* Seth Nelson Schupan* Rae Sklansky* Victor Paul Tuchman* December 19, 20, (23 Kislev 29 Kislev) Sam Becker* Gertrude Boris* Zipora Feder Doris Field* Blanche G. Friedman* Raquel Israelson* Rose Kleiman* Irving Lieberman* Zalmon Roodin* Jack Rubin Jackie Strauss Joseph Strauss* Rosalie Zimmerman* December 26, 27, (30 Kislev 6 Tevet) Reuven Aglanou Marcia Brody Edward Finman* Lillian Hyman Irving Kuklin* Samuel Rosenbaum* Sheine Schensul* Lena Spivak* Alfred Stenesh George Tenenbaum Molly Zimmerman* CANDLE LIGHTING December 5 December 12 December 19 December 26 4:52 p.m. 4:52 p.m. 4:54 p.m. 4:58 p.m. 3

4 Bulletin Deadline: December 17, send to Please submit articles in Times New Roman at 12 point type. PLEASE SUBMIT ARTICLES IN WORD. Thank You! Mishpacha MAZEL TOV TO Tema Lando on her special birthday Ruth Lando on the marriage of her granddaughter, Marah to Kris Bayona Marilyn and Art Feinberg on the birth of their granddaughter, Natalya Grace SPEEDY RECOVERY WISHES TO Vivian Pollack and Mac Howard CONDOLENCES TO OUR FRIENDS Leslie Davis and family on the passing of her mother. GENERAL FUND Mazel Tov to Tema Lando on her special birthday. Joanne & Mike Simon, Marian & Ken Fisher, Marilyn & Art Feinberg Judy & Lowell Seyburn, Pnina & Judah Ari-Gur, Judy Davis & Al Rosenthal Mazel Tov to Ruth Lando on the marriage of her granddaughter, Marah to Kris Bayona. Wishing Vivian Pollack a speedy recovery. Joanne & Mike Simon, Marian & Ken Fisher, Marilyn & Art Feinberg Judy & Lowell Seyburn, Pnina & Judah Ari-Gur Thank you to Marilyn Feinberg, Board Chair, for a wonderful Michigan Festival of Sacred Music. Judy & Lowell Seyburn Mazel Tov to Marilyn and Art Feinberg on the birth of their granddaughter, Natalya Grace. Joanne & Mike Simon, Marian & Ken Fisher, Judy & Lowell Seyburn Pnina & Judah Ari-Gur, Judy Davis & Al Rosenthal 4

5 Mishpacha Mishpacha continued BUILDING FUND Mazel Tov to Tema Lando on her special birthday. Sallie & Ken Goodman, Tamara & Earl Norman Mazel Tov to Ruth Lando on the marriage of her granddaughter, Marah to Kris Bayona. Mazel Tov to Marilyn and Art Feinberg on the birth of their granddaughter, Natalya Grace. Wishing Vivian Pollack a speedy recovery. Sallie & Ken Goodman In honor of Rabbi Spivak for his kind assistance with our father s funeral. Jim, Marc and Bob Dion In loving memory of my daughter, Eva Stein. Bruce Stein RABBI S DISCRETIONARY FUND In loving memory of my father, Benjamin Marshall. Norman & Naomi Marshall MARVIN AND ROSALIE OKUN RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND Mazel Tov to Tema Lando on her special birthday. Anne, Tim, Evan, Jonathan & Emma Fischell, Lillian, Ronn Sofen, Selma Price Sallie & Ken Goodman, RosaLynn & Lou Pollens, Liz, Mike & Sam Siegel Gloria & Stan Besbris, Sandy & Larry Rose, Natalie & Mark Rose, Karen & Brad Rose Michelle & Alan Angel, Gerry & Lee Tregerman, Helen Levy, Miriam Brot, Gail Brot Mazel Tov to Ruth Lando on the marriage of her granddaughter, Marah to Kris Bayona. Wishing Vivian Pollack a speedy recovery. Anne, Tim, Evan, Jonathan & Emma Fischell In honor of Michelle Angel, Ken Eisenberg, Lowell Seyburn, Jill Ruterbusch, Fran Raffel, and all of the congregants who expressed their condolences and assisted us after the death of Larry Dion. The Dions Mazel Tov to Marilyn and Art Feinberg on the birth of their granddaughter, Natalya Grace. Anne, Tim, Evan, Jonathan & Emma Fischell, Michelle & Alan Angel HARRY B. SOFEN LEARNING CENTER In loving memory of my mother, Ruth LaVene. Lillian Sofen 5

6 President s Message The season of giving is upon us, as if there needs to be a season or even a reason to give of yourself to others in need. I don t need to tell you it s pretty tough sledding out there for a lot of people without jobs or resources. The United Way campaign, which supports so many non-profit agencies in our area that do so much good for so many, has struggled to meet their goal this year. So, too have many other worthy charities. We are very fortunate and blessed to live in this wonderful community in this great country. You don t need to write a check (although that s a good thing to do) to volunteer your time and efforts to help others. I want to take time to recognize and sincerely thank those of you who volunteer literally thousands of hours every year at the Congregation of Moses. You know who you are. There is no way we do what we do without you. You make our Jewish Community warm and vibrant. Your efforts are truly appreciated. Have a safe and Happy Hanukkah. Ken Goodman President 6

7 Sisterhood Gift Shop HANUKKAH BAZAAR at the Congregation of Moses SUNDAY, December 7th 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Gifts, Games, Jewelry, Judaica, Gelt, Candles, and much more Fabulous Rummage Sale Table with great bargains. Free Gift Wrapping & Refreshments 7

8 Hadassah Hadassah members, guests, and Friendship Village Jewish residents Dorothy Slavin Chapter of Hadassah hosts A Chanukah Party at Friendship Village Sunday, December 28, 2008 ~ 2:00 to 4:00 pm 1400 N. Drake Gather at the Woodside Residence Storytelling, Candle Lighting, Singing, Latkes, and Dreidls! There ll be prizes for all! Please contact Joanne to offer your help and enthusiasm to make this program event extra special for our Hadassah members who live at Friendship Village and their friends. This is also Hadassah s Mitzvah Project: Bring non-perishable food items and/or checks for Loaves and Fishes. There is NO CHARGE for this event. Please RSVP by Wednesday, December 23. Call Joanne at or jhsimon@charter.net. 8

9 Israel Affairs: Americans Support Israel Haaretz on November 17th reports that despite the efforts of the anti Israel crowd, 66 percent of those polled in a recent survey said that the US should support Israel in the peace process : 6 percent supported the Arabs. 80% of Republicans and 59% of Democrats backed Israel. Public Opinion Strategies and Greenberg Quinlan Roster Research conducted the poll. The so called peace process was also considered: only 19 percent think making peace between Israel and the Palestinians should be among Americas top foreign policy priorities. Lawfare Against Israel The Wall Street Journal reported on November 5 th on the effort of various NGOs to Indict Israeli military and political leaders for war crimes. The lawfare strategy is used to harass Israel officials traveling abroad. It is based on what is called universal jurisdiction statues which allow courts to rule even though all parties are foreign. NGOs are funded by the EU as well as organizations such as Oxfam, The World Council of Churches, Mennonite and Quaker organizations, The Ford Foundation and George Soros Open Society Institute. These suits are brought in countries which are actually funding the NGO s. These actions have great propaganda impact and are used to deligitimze Israel. A common thread is that all these NGOs (non governmental organizations) all parade behind slogans such as Peace, Human Rights. NGO Monitor an Israel based organization keeps watch on these group s activities. Looted Synagogue Reopens in Old City Ohel Yitzak (Isaac s Tent) synagogue reopened in October of this year. The synagogue was built in 1867 on land purchase from Arabs, and has title from an Islamic court. The synagogue was looted and burned by Arab rioters during British rule in the 1930 s and was abandoned when Jewish families were evacuated by the British for their own protection. 9

10 Sisterhood News Looking for gifts, decorations, a special menorah, Israeli jewelry and glassware, and Chanukah gelt for Chanukah. Check out the 4 th annual Chanukah Bazaar on Sunday, December 7 th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The Shop is stocked with menorahs, jewelry, CDs, toys, craft kits, fancy kippot, Chanukah decorations galore, and, much more. Do all your shopping at the Chanukah Bazaar!! Nibble while you shop. We will provide light refreshments. Lastly, we are in need of volunteers to help with sales and gift wrapping. Please consider helping for one to two hours. Thank You. Call or Valerie if you can help. Sisterhood Shabbat was a great success and we want to thank the many individuals and families who attended and helped support this wonderful event. In particular, we want to thank the women who participated in the services and those that prepared the wonderful food for the Friday Oneg and Saturday luncheon. Special thanks to Rabbi Spivak for his assistance with the service, Rod Anderson for the set-up, Shirley Mengel for entering the program in the computer and making copies, Tema Lando for her help with assigning the parts of the services, and Joyce Camhi for taking charge of the baking and the meals. In exchange for the generous babysitting help received from the Agape Church during the High Holidays we are obligated to return the favor and provide 6 babysitters on Wednesday, December 24th from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Please call or Valerie if you can help. Thank you Pnina Ari-Gur, Diane Fogel, Joyce Camhi, Valerie Eisenberg, and Dona Icabone for contributing to the Women s League for Conservative Judaism s Tikkun Olam knitting project - Keep Detroit Warm. Thinking Ahead? Mark your calendars for two Sisterhood programs coming up in January and February. On January 24 th & 25 th there will be a Cheesecake Workshop with Lee Tregerman. On February 15 th Shirley Wise and Shannon Dion will lead us in a silk painting workshop where you will be able to make your own personal talit or challah cover. Reservations will be required for both of these events. More information later. Valerie Eisenberg, President, , veisenberg@charter.net Emily Hoffman, Vice-President, , emily.hoffman@wmich.edu 10

11 Men s Club News Bruce Patrick President Phil Horwich Vice President Jon Isley Secretary Paul Nimz Treasurer A very successful Israel Bonds Breakfast was held on Sunday, November 9th. Our thanks to Jon Isley, Paul Nimz, Bruce Stein, Ken Goodman, Gail Brot and Bruce Patrick for their help with the preparation and serving of the breakfast. On Sunday, October 26th we provided a light breakfast for the Adult Education program. Our thanks to Paul Nimz, Steve Koss, Jon Isley, Ken Goodman and Bruce Patrick for helping with this event. Please join us at our next meeting on December 14th at 9:30 AM. Following our meeting, we will be preparing lunch to be served after the Religious School Hanukkah Program. MEMBERSHIP REMINDER: Please mail us your check for $25 payable to the CoM Men s Club. DATE EVENT TIME 12/14 Men s Club meeting 9:30 AM and Hanukkah lunch /11 Men s Club meeting 9:30 AM 2/8 Men s Club meeting 9:30 AM 3/8 Men s Club meeting 9:30 AM and Purim Lunch 11

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13 Library News COM Library Hours Tuesday, Thursday, 9:30am 11:30am 4:00pm 6:00pm Sunday 9:30am 12:00 pm Announcing our annual, gigantic, fantastic, amazing USED BOOK SALE!!!! The sale will take place during the Sisterhood Chanukah Bazaar on Sunday, December 7 10 am 12pm Hundreds of adult and children s titles in excellent condition! Great Chanukah gifts! Outrageously low prices some as low as $1.00! All proceeds go to buying NEW books and NEW supplies for YOUR Library. See you there! Rachel Haus Library Director 13

14 Rosalie and Marvin Okun Religious School Shalom everyone! Important Dates to remember: Our school Hanukah Party and Lunch will be Sunday, December 14 th. The program will begin at 11:00 a.m. with lunch following at noon. A flyer will be sent out regarding the cost of the lunch closer to that date. I hope to see everyone there. Our next Community Dinner is a dinner and joint service with Temple B nai Israel. Services will be lead by our 7 th grade and dinner will be prepared by families of students in grades 1 thru 4 as well as other community members. Dinner is at 6 p.m. and services at 7 p.m. If you are able to help with dinner, please contact Jenna Verne. Winter break begins Saturday, December 20 th with classes resuming on Tuesday, January 6 th. If you get the chance to check out our hallway, we have several art projects from our 6 th /7 th grade. We have the seven days of Creation (B rasheet), and a wonderful collection of cartoons about different stories of the Torah. We have some very talented artists. I want to invite all parents and community members to take an active part in the education of our most precious resource, our children. Whether it is helping with our community dinners, being a Bubbie/Zayde in our school, or just saying hello to our students, every little bit makes a difference. Anyone who would be willing to be a Bubbie/Zayde in our school please let me know. We also need individuals who are willing and able to be substitute teachers and tutors for our students. If you are interested, please give me a call. We are collecting Box Tops for Education to help raise funds for the school. This is a very easy way to help that anyone can do. Collect the Box Tops for Education logo from packages that you purchase (Betty Crocker and others that carry it) and bring them to synagogue with you and put them in the box marked for them by the office door. The more you bring in, the more money the school makes. If you have any questions, please call Tamara Norman or me. Thanks for all of your help. The religious school appreciates all donations. There are two funds that accept donations to support the school: the Okun Fund (the school s general fund) and the Bryna Graff Fund (helps fund professional development for religious school staff). I want to thank everyone who has made donations so far this year. Your help and generosity is truly appreciated! 14

15 For those kind souls that wish to donate supplies, here are some items that we will need throughout the school year: Hand sanitizer and tissues are a real need, so if anyone is so inclined, we could really use these! 1. Kosher Snacks and juice 2. Tissues (Kleenex) 3. Hand sanitizer and cleaning wipes 4. Used laser printer cartridges (we can redeem at Office Depot and receive credit towards copier paper and other supplies) 5. Non Hanukah Jewish decorations I would like to raise some extra funds to purchase decorations for our school. We can not buy Jewish decorations locally, but must order them from a catalog. These costs usually fall outside of our budget. Because we are a small community, seeing Jewish decorations as opposed to generic seasonal decorations can go a long way in helping to strengthen our student s Jewish identity and to provide them with a place that is truly theirs. If you are interested in helping with this purchase, Please let me know. I will have a wish list of decorations by the end of October and a ball park cost. If the school needs other specific items, we will post them on a wish list outside of the Religious School Office or make a plea in the bulletin. Thank you for your support!! If you have any questions for me, please me at MorahRakefet@gmail.com or leave a message at the COM Religious School Office and I will return your call as soon as possible. Thank you in advance for all of your help and support for the coming year! I wish everyone a very Happy Hanukah and a healthy, happy (secular) New Year. Morah Rakefet 15

16 Community News If you will be attending an event at CoM on Sunday and need access to the back door near the Sofen room opened in order to accomodate a special need please call the religious school office ext. 11.to arrange for this service. Thank you to all of you for your get well wishes. Vivian Pollack Todah Rabah To everyone who helped to make my special birthday such a wonderful event through your donations, cards and flowers Tema Lando Look for new format of Bulletin in January 16

17 JEWISH THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) held its first class of ten rabbinical students in 1887 at New York's oldest synagogue, the Spanish-Portuguese Congregation Shearith Israel. Today, JTS is a comprehensive institution of Jewish education, encompassing five schools and offering undergraduate and graduate programs in many fields of Judaic studies. JTS is one of North America's most prestigious centers of Jewish learning and the academic and spiritual center of Conservative Judaism worldwide. For over a century, JTS has inspired and trained religious leaders who have a command of our sacred texts, are sensitive to the changing needs of the Jewish community, and are able to impart spiritual meaning to generations of Jews. Please support the Jewish Theological Seminary with your purchase of cards. Special offer --purchases--20 cards for $36.00 Cards may be purchased by contacting Tema Lando Thank you. 17

18 The Rabbi s Recognition Certificate goes to GAIL BROT in recognition of her 10 years as chair of the Religious Activities Committee. The Congregation of Moses and Board of Directors thank her for her countless hours of work on our behalf. Her efforts to organize High Holiday services in particular have made services all the better for every member of our synagogue. Todah rabbah! The Essential Jewish Ideas: Reading Psalms as a Spiritual Exercise This month we will read and react to Psalm 42, the prayer of a person who is going through difficult times and is hurting and lonely. What can we learn about our spiritual journey by reading and discussing Psalm 42? Find out by joining us for a stimulating hour at the Congregation of Moses on Wednesday, December 10, at 1:00 or 7:30 pm. New participants are welcome! 18

19 Make-up Date Photo Membership Directory Please schedule your appointment now via the internet. Go to We are putting together a new pictorial Congregation of Moses Membership Directory. We d like to add a photo of you and your family to our directory. All we ask is that you have your picture taken by the professional Olan Mills photographer and meet with a Portrait Consultant. Olan Mills has scheduled this make-up date at the Congregation of Moses. Please save this date for your portrait session: Photography sessions are at The Congregation of Moses Tuesday, December 9 th 3pm-9:30pm Use the Olan Mills web site to make your appointment Or call Shirley in the office at *Make-up appointments can be made at area churches. Each participating family receives a free Membership Directory and an 8x10 photo. You will have the opportunity to order additional portraits during your scheduled appointment time. Additional portraits are individually priced. If you wish to purchase extras, the portraits come with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. There is no obligation to purchase photos. Seniors ages 60 and older will receive an additional 10% discount on all portraiture. Can t make it either on of this date but still want to be in the Directory? You can contact Jill Ruterbusch at or The4Rudys@att.net or Liz Siegel at or eliza.siegel@sbcglobal.net for information about alternative photo session dates at area churches or how to submit your own professional photograph. 19

20 New Opportunity for our CoM Community The Bulletin will now be accepting Business Sponsorships for publication in the Bulletin each month. What a great opportunity to advertise your business or service! For a very reasonable charge of $ for 6 months $ for 1 year Please send your business card to Diane Fogel Yorkshire Dr. Richland, Michigan Send your check to Shirley Mengel At the synagogue office. Be sure to mark the check for sponsorship/bulletin At this point we are only accepting actual business cards. ( 2 x 3 1/2 ) or a pdf file for a 1/6 page sponsorship. If this opportunity is successful we will be expanding our service. 20

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22 December 2008 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 Synagogue Board Mtg. 7:30 pm 3 Rabbi s Hebrew Learning Group 7:30 pm 4 5 Services 6 pm C.L. 4:52 pm 6 Tot Shabbat 10:30 am 7 Sisterhood Hanukkah Bazaar 10-2 pm Fisher Library Book Sale noon 8 9 Member DirectorPhoto Session 3 9 :30 pm 10 The Essential Jewish Ideas 1 pm & 7:30 pm Shabbat Services 6 pm/shir Shabbat Service 7 pm R.S. & Sisterhood Hanukkah Craft Program & Cookie Decorating 9:30 am/men s Club Mtg. (9:30 am) & Hanukkah Lunch 12 noon 15 Hadassah Book Club 7:30 pm 16 Executive Committee Mtg. 7:30 pm 17 Bulletin deadline 5 pm/rabbi s Hebrew Learning Group 7:30 pm Community Shabbat Dinner 6 pm/joint Services w/tbi & TBE 7 pm C.L. 4:54 pm 20 Simchat Shabbat Services 9:30 am 21 Erev Hanukkah Office closed 25 Office closed 26 Services 6 pm 27 C.L. 4:58 pm 28 Hadassah Mitzvah Day & Chanukah Party 2-4 pm Office closed 22

23 January 2009 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Office closed 2 3 C.L. 5:04 pm Synagogue Board Mtg. 7:30 pm 7 Calendar Update Mtg. 7 pm/rabbi s Hebrew Learning Group 7:30 pm C.L. 5:10 pm 11 Men s Club Mtg. 9:30 am Hadassah Board Mtg 12:30 pm The Essential Jewish Ideas 1 pm & 7:30 pm Tot Shabbat 10:30 am C.L. 5:18 pm Hadassah Book Club 7:30 pm 20 Executive Committee Mtg. 7:30 pm 21 Bulletin deadline 5 pm/rabbi s Hebrew Learning Group 7:30 pm Community Dinner 6 pm/services 7 pm 24 Sisterhood: How To Make Fabulous Cheesecakes w/lee Tregerman 7 pm 25 Sisterhood: How To Make Fabulous Cheesecakes w/ Lee Tregerman 9: C.L. 5:36 pm 31 Simchat Shabbat Service 9:30 am Social Committee Event 23

24 Congregation of Moses 2501 Stadium Drive Kalamazoo MI (269)