Women of Temple Chai L Shanah Tovah! Yom Tov Book 2017 2018 / 5778 L Shanah Tovah! Wishing All a Happy and Healthy New Year! May we be inscribed in the Book of Life!
On behalf of Women of Temple Chai, the president and board would like to wish you all a wonderful New Year filled with love, joy and good health; overflowing with hope and blessed with peace! L Shanah Tovah, Linda Brubaker Women of Temple Chai President And the Women of Temple Chai Board As we begin a new year, We are blessed to live in a time and place Where we can use our energy and abilities in creative and exciting ways! We look for guidance so that our talents may be used for Tikkun Olam, to repair the world. We are blessed with so many opportunities And yet we find our lives complex and confusing. We are taught that understanding does not take place alone But in communities. Help us to build such a community Within our Temple where we can learn from each other. We are encouraged to study together, to work with each other, To share ideas and concerns, and to support each other. Give us the strength, the wisdom, and the compassion To bring richness and meaning into our lives. By working together, may the year ahead be filled With accomplishments and fulfillment. Adapted from the Covenant of the Soul, Women of Reform Judaism 1
High Holy Days 5778 Dear Friends, It is a joy to be able to greet you through this Annual Yom Tov Book. We are grateful to the Women of Temple Chai for providing our congregation with this vehicle to connect with one another at this High Holy Day Season. This book is just one example of how the Women of Reform Judaism works to support our temple community. Our Women of Temple Chai stands as one of the strongest pillars of our congregation. Their support strengthens our congregation in endurable ways: from gifts to all our B nei Mitzvah students, to holiday boxes to our college students, to funding needed supplies and technology for our religious and Hebrew school students. Their generosity is without measure, and they are indeed a blessing to our entire congregational family. As God s blessings rested upon the mothers and fathers of our people in ages past, so may we be granted a New Year filled with the blessings of wholeness, well being and peace. L Shanah Tovah, Rabbi Stephen Hart Senior Rabbi Rabbi Ilana Baden Senior Associate Rabbi Cantor Scott Simon 2
Rosh Hashanah is about relationships. Whether between individuals and the God in whom they believe, communities and the traditions which define them, or simply between individuals, whether any God or tradition is part of their lives, it s all about sustaining relationships which sustain us and help us do the same for others. Rabbi Brad Hirschfield, president of CLAL, The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership The Tapestry of Jewish Time We Jews are a union of weavers. Interlacing our traditions and languages, our rituals and laws, with fibers gathered from the cultures around us, we each weave a personal shawl of Judaism. Some shawls are open and loose, allowing the currents of other cultures to flow in and out easily. Others are fine and tight, holding much of Jewish culture in and foreign cultures out. The world of Judaism is filled with shawls of different weaves, from loose to fine Each add its flair, its strength, and its warmth to the sacred garment of the Jewish people and every now and then we add a thread or two of a new hue and a new texture that serves to enrich and extend our wardrobe. Leviticus 8:7 Nina Beth Cardin The Torah A Women s Commentary 3
Yad b Yad People holding hands The hands of sisterhood, of brotherhood, of Temple, The hands of Rabbis, of family members, of friends The hands of adults and children of all ages The caring hands of community Together let us envision the many opportunities for Yad b Yad Hand in Hand Of working together to do tikkun olam Of working together to make the world a better place People holding hands Yad b Yad Hand in Hand With our heart With our soul With our spirit Covenant of the Spirit Women of Reform Judaism To be a Jew means always run to God, Even when you want to flee; Means you are ready right now to hear --even if you are a skeptic The blare of messiah s horn. To be a Jew means you never escape from God, However much you may want to; Means you cannot stop your prayer Even when the prayers are done, Even when the even s have been said. On the Doorposts of Your House Let there be love and understanding among us Let peace and friendship be our shelter from life s storms. Adonai, help us to walk with good companions, To live with hope in our hearts and eternity in our thoughts, That we may lie down in peace and rise up waiting to do Your will. Mishkan T Filah 4
High Holy Days Frequently Asked Questions: What are the Days of Awe? Rosh Hashanah is the first of the High Holy Days and begins a ten day period of soul searching that concludes with Yom Kippur. Tradition tells us that on Rosh Hashanah the names of the righteous are inscribed in the Book of Life, guaranteeing another year of life. Synagogue services give us time to reflect and resolve, but prayer and meditation are not sufficient to wipe the slate clean. The only way to expunge sins committed against other people is by sincerely apologizing and asking for forgiveness. What do the words Rosh Hashanah mean? Rosh Hashanah is Hebrew for head or beginning of the year. In the Torah, we read, In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, there shall be a sacred assembly, a cessation from work, a day of commemoration proclaimed by the sound of the Shofar. Therefore, we celebrate Rosh Hashanah on the first day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Jewish calendar. The number assigned to the Jewish year changes on Rosh Hashanah based on ancient rabbinic reckoning of when the world was created. 5
What is done in the home for Rosh Hashanah? The focus of home celebration is the evening meal served at the start of Rosh Hashanah. Rosh Hashanah menus vary among Jewish subcultures and from household to household, but two customs are pervasive: using a round challah (with or without raisins) as a symbol of the cycle of the year and starting Rosh Hashanah with apples dipped in honey as a harbinger of a sweet year. What happens in the synagogue for Rosh Hashanah? Rosh Hashanah is primarily a liturgical or synagogue holiday with a few core elements, the blowing of a shofar (the horn of a ram or other animal) and the distinctive holiday melodies, which are reprised over and over during Rosh Hashanah and again on Yom Kippur. What does Yom Kippur mean? Yom Kippur means Day of Atonement. Yom Kippur, the most somber day of the year, is called Shabbat Shabbaton, the Sabbath of Sabbaths in the Bible. On this day devoted to reflection and repentance, healthy adults fast from all food and drink from sunset to sunset. What happens in the home on Yom Kippur? Although this is probably the least home-based of all holidays, it begins and ends with a family meal. The evening meal is cooked with a mind to the fast ahead, so generally it is neither too heavy nor too spicy. Unlike other festival dinners, candle lighting takes place afterwards, marking the official start of Yom Kippur and the fast. After eating and before lighting the festival candles, it is traditional to light a candle in memory of the family members who have died. 6
What is Kol Nidre? Services begin with the haunting melody of Kol Nidre, the opening prayer and also the name of the evening service. Kol Nidre is an Aramaic declaration that nullifies all the vows and promises that each person will make to God and to him/herself in the coming year, an acknowledgment of the weakness of human resolution. Why is the Book of Jonah read on Yom Kippur? The Book of Jonah was selected for the haftorah reading for the Mincha (afternoon) service on Yom Kippur because God is represented there as the God of all nations. The Book of Jonah also addresses itself to another High Holy Days theme: that a person can abandon one s evil ways, accept responsibility for one s own actions, and return to God. What is Yizkor? Yizkor is a service which recalls loved ones who have died. Yizkor usually takes place on Yom Kippur afternoon, after the Afternoon Service and before Ne liah, or closing service. Why do the Rabbis and Cantor wear white on Yom Kippur? Why do we cover the Torah scrolls with white covers? It is customary to wear white on the holiday, which symbolizes purity and calls to mind the promise that our sins shall be made as white as snow (Isaiah 1:18). Traditionally, Jews are buried in plain white garments. Wearing white on Yom Kippur reminds us of our mortality. Some wear sneakers or other rubber-soled shoes out of deference to the ancient practice of avoiding leather shoes, which were a symbol of luxury. Some people pray barefoot to show humility. 7
From all of us to the whole Temple Chai Congregational Family L Shanah Tovah! A very Happy and Healthy 5777! Rabbi Ilana, Jeff, Ellie and Zach Baden Allan and Jan Bergman, Dina and Mindy - Wishing you and yours L Shana Tovah from our home to your home. Barbara Berman, Rick Elliot and Family - Wish you a Happy and Healthy 5778. Linda and Don Brubaker Martin and Eileen Davidson Cathy and Bill Factor -L Shana Tovah from the Factor Family. Marc and Michele Fenton and Family: Ali, Jordan, Lior and Levi Stettner; Aaron, Jessie and Mason Fenton; Lawrence and Mallory Davis; Paige and Kat Davis Sandi and Mike Firsel and Family Rhoda and Burton Fischman - To all of our friends and family of Temple Chai L Shanah Tovah Wishing everyone a Happy, Healthy and Sweet New Year! Jeffrey and Laura Garb and Family Lynne and Bruce Glickson, Aaron Glickson, Susan Glickson-House and Ian House - Wishing all a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year! Phyllis and Steve Gold Deborah and Rick Greenswag and Family Eugene and Marilyn Gregory and Family: John, Kerry and Patrick Gregory; Sheryl, Joshua and Jennifer Pascoe; Erin and Larry Gard 8
May the world be blessed with peace and your life blessed with joy. Rabbi Stephen and Mendy Hart and Family Barb and Rich Heinrich and Family - We wish all our temple family a wonderful new year! Susan and Daniel Hirschberg and Family Laurel Israel Norma, Nolan, and Stephen Kaplan; Gwen, Michael, Scotty and Ethan Federman Eileen and Chuck Kuenneth Larry and Lynne Leonard - Wishing all my friends and family L Shana Tovah! Kitty Loewy, Terry Steczo and Family Craig, Debbie and Alan Marlowe Phyllis and Edward Merkin and Family - A Healthy and Happy New Year to everyone. Susan and Dick Millstone Leah and Ian Miska Barry Mortge, Carol Teplis, Daniel and Adam Mortge Laura, Avi, Sammy and Eliana Perpinyal David and Debbie Robins and family - Wishing all the temple congregation a wonderful, healthy and happy new year! Sheryl, Rick and Sam Rosen The Ross Family: Mark, Elaine, Sam and Jaime Jonathan and Rachel Roth - G mar Chatimah Tovah-May you be inscribed for a sweet year! 9
May you be sealed for a good year, And may you discover a renewed commitment to your faith in the coming year. Mae, Al and Pam Schwab Julian and Beverly Schreiber and Family Charles and Donna Schwartz Cantor Scott, Gail, Nadav, Haggai and Lily Simon Lori and Larry Slavin and Family Debbie, Marc, Brian and Danny Stookal and Lauren and Marc Cornfield - We wish the families of Temple Chai a happy and sweet year! Lynne Turry Mitch, Marcy, Brad and Lindsay Weinstein Helene and Dave Wengerhoff and Family Please forgive us if we made a mistake on your name. Designates Women of Temple Chai Board Members Designates Women of Temple Chai President Thank you to all who participated in our Yom Tov Book! Money raised is used to purchase necessary items for Temple Chai and/or the Education/Hebrew School. May the world be blessed with peace and your life blessed with joy. 10
High Holy Days: Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. L Shanah Tovah Tikatayvu: May you be inscribed for a good year. This is the Rosh Hashanah greeting which expresses the hope that all friends and loved ones will be written in the Book of Life and granted happiness and fulfillment in the year ahead. Machzor: High Holy Day prayer book. The word machzor literally means cycle. Shofar: The shofar is made from the horn of a ram. It is sounded every morning during the month preceding Rosh Hashanah itself, and again at the conclusion of Yom Kippur. Some say that its piercing sound is a wake-up call that reminds people to engage in the process of repentance. Tallit: A prayer shawl, with fringes attached to each corner to remind us of the 613 commandments. Even though used for morning worship only, the tallit is worn for the Yom Kippur evening service. The reason for this exception is that the tallit helps to create a special atmosphere for worship and accentuates the idea of purity. Teshuvah: Literally means returning, a Hebrew term for repentance. Tzedakah: Righteousness, often mistranslated as charity. Yahrzeit candle: Memorial candle lit on the anniversary of a loved one s death, and also on those days when Yiskor is recited. Yiskor is recited on the afternoon of Yom Kippur. Yom Tov: Literally a good day. The term has come to mean holy day. It is often pronounced Yuntiff (the Yiddish pronunciation) and the standard holiday greeting is Gut Yuntiff. 11
Think of us as YOUR FAMILY A fter all, you have loved this congregation and poured your heart into it. It has made you proud, and stands as a testament to your values. You have nurtured it and helped it become what it is today. This congregation is an enduring part of your Jewish legacy, just like your family. As you plan for the future, think about what that legacy means to you and please consider the congregation in your will or estate plan. To learn more about how to create your Jewish legacy, please contact Deborah Greenswag at 847-537-1771 x 222 or Dgreenswag@templechai.org. 12
WOMEN OF TEMPLE CHAI stronger together Linda Brubaker Women of Temple Chai President 1670 W. Checker Road Long Grove, IL 60047 Phone: 847.537.1771 Fax: 847.537.8075 Email: womenoftemplechai@gmail.com 13