Congregational Board

Temple Israel of Highlands County 1305 Temple Israel Drive Sebring, Florida 33870 863-382-7744 JUNE 2017 / 5777 Temple Israel s Web Page www.templeisraelofhcfl.org Temple Israel is a Reform Temple that promotes the enduring and fundamental principles of Judaism. Through prayer, study and friendship we strive to enrich our lives and insure Jewish continuity in Highlands County. Congregational Board Officers: President: Julia Ruden jruden@embarqmail.com Vice President: Howard Salles chocknuts@aol.com Secretary: Bernice Snoll bsnoll@gmail.com Treasurer: Cathy Blumenthal cbdolly@htn.net Past President: Herman Pintzow pintzow@aol.com Trustees: Phyllis Behrens behrensphyllis@gmail.com Pamela Jay Paralikis paralipa1@yahoo.com Narola Rosenberg narola@aol.com Sara Rosenbaum Sara.e.rosenbaum@gmail.com Dora Tarabori datstara@yahoo.com Alan Wildstein alan.wildstein@alanjay.com Officiating Cantor: Cantor Riselle Bain voiceofgladness@aol.com Rabbi Emerita Lorraine Rudenberg rabbilr@gmail.com Newsletter Staff: Julia Ruden jruden@embarqmail.com Bulletin Board: Howard Salles chocknuts@aol.com

JUNE 2017 / 5777 Z man Matan Torateinu The Season of the Giving of Torah As God revealed God s essence to Moses in the burning bush at the foot of Mount Sinai, God said, When you take this people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain. Each year, we retrace this journey to Mount Sinai with our Counting of the Omer. It took seven weeks to reach the mountain. The people of Israel departed Egypt on the 15th of Nissan (the first day of Passover); on the 6th of Sivan, celebrated ever since as the festival of Shavuot, they assembled at the foot of Mount Sinai and received the Torah from God. The Kabbalists explain that the 49 days that connect Passover with Shavuot correspond to the 49 drives and traits of the human heart. Each day saw the refinement of one of these sefirot, bringing the people of Israel one step closer to their election as God s chosen people and their receiving of Adonai s communication to humanity. Each year, we retrace this journey with our Counting of the Omer. Beginning on the second night of Passover, we count the days and weeks: Today is one day to the Omer ; Today is two days to the Omer ; Today is seven days, which are one week to the Omer ; and so on. As I write this newsletter to our Congregation, today, May 30 th, the 49 th day of the counting of the Omer, which are seven weeks to the Omer. Shavuot, the Festival of Weeks, is the product of this count, driven by the miracles and revelations of the Exodus but achieved by a methodical, 49-step process of self-refinement within the human soul. The giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai offers us the spiritual significance of the holiday of Shavuot. It is a seminal event of Jewish religious memory, namely the entering into a covenant between God and Israel Israel s acceptance of the covenant with God to live according to Divine law. This is a joyous time, since it is at this moment at which God and Israel entered into a figurative marriage with each other, the hopeful springtime of their relationship. Our congregation has the opportunity to experience the wonder and spiritual fulfillment of connecting to our history, at important sites in Israel October 16-23, 2017. I hope you all have looked at the wonderful itinerary which has been planned for us. If you have never been to Israel, you cannot imagine the tremendous spiritual energy that emanates from her core. I am so looking forward to sharing this wonderful trip with our congregation the experience of a lifetime! Instead of Next Year in Jerusalem Let us say, This Year in Jerusalem! B shalom Cantor Riselle Bain

JUNE 2017/5777 Julia Ruden Dear Friends and Family; I am thankful for so many things: Cantor Riselle, our Board, and EVERYONE. Thank you to the Board Members that remain year after year. All of you amaze me with your continued efforts in the successful running of our Temple. May we continue to go from strength to strength! Temple Israel is OPEN!! And getting better all the time. We have a trip to Israel scheduled for this year October 16 th through the 23 rd. This is a once in a lifetime trip - I encourage you to invite your families and friends and to embrace this opportunity. We have extended invitations to other smaller congregations also. There is a copy of the Itinerary and the end of this newsletter. *****PLEASE CHECK YOUR PASSPORTS NOW TODAY ****** Make sure they are valid through October and make your reservation. For questions contact Cantor Riselle Bain voiceofgladness@aol.com or 813-600-8013. Am Yisraeil Chai! I hope everyone is safe and enjoys their families and friends over this summer. Be thankful for everything, everyone, everyday I am! Thank you ALL for ALL you Dooooooo!! Love Julie

Announcements JUNE 2017/ 5777 NEXT BOARD MEETING Thursday, AUGUST 17 th at 11A.M. JUNE Onegs are sponsored by: 6/09 Julie Ruden 6/23 The Board Challah, wine, decaf coffee & fruit are the basics for our onegs. If you would like to sponsor an Oneg contact Elsa Kahn 863-385-7322 LUNCH BUNCH The next Ladies Lunch Bunch Group is Monday, JUNE 26 th, at 12:30 PM at Don Jose, 4731 Lakeview Drive, Sebring. Contact Renee Tepper 863-414-8811 or reneetepper@gmail.com and let her know you ll be there. - Thank You Alan Wildstein תודה רבה for your continued and generous support for Alan Jay Automotive for our transportation to and from Services! And for ALL YOU Dooo! Please Contact Cantor Riselle Bain 813-600-8013 if you need assistance to get to services. Happy Anniversary Lou & Beverly Wills Bruce Sherwood & Sara Rosenbaum Cantor Riselle Bain & Michael Duncan Nancy & Joe Rockhill

June Yahrzeits ** Memorial Plaque in our Shul Bonnie Ann Goergen Seymour Fields-Elias George Albin** Sadie Bellin Patricia G. Berzark** Helen C. Dallas Rose Frankel Louis A. Frank Joseph Sewelson Sydney Kaphan Walter Kessler Abe Kirtz** Judith Abrams Martin Elias Leon Novich** Theodore Romer** Elizabeth A. Rosen** Fannie Rosen** Betty Rosenbaum Sarah Roth Fanny Erskine Robert Siegel Dorothy Silverman Lora Starr Matthew L. Steward** William Mazen Arnold Neumann Mildred Wasoff Bernie Wolkove** Edward Laveen Selma R. Neumann Dora Wolkove** YAHRZEIT DONATIONS Given by Judy Albin Julie Ruden Mary Ann Romer Howard Salles Anne Sewelson In Memory Of Louis A. Frank, George Albin Arnold Neumann, Selma R. Newmann Judith Abrams, Theodore Romer Solomon Salles, Rhoda Salles Joseph Sewelson, Fanny Erskine

JUNE 2017 DONATION CARDS To send a birthday, anniversary, get well, sympathy or mazel tov card contact Dora Tarabori at 863-699-0419 to leave a message, or email datstara@yahoo.com while Mary Ann Romer is away for the Sumer. Write Temple card in the email subject box. Send your minimum $5.00 donation to temple. Newsletter: June, 2017 Donations Anniversary donations for June: By: Congregation, Catherine Blumenthal, Julie Ruden, Herman & Becky Pintzow, Howard Salles To: Lou & Beverly Wills, Bruce Sherwood & Sara Rosenbaum, Cantor Riselle Bain & Michael Duncan By: Congregation To: Millie & Bill Anderson, Joe & Nancy Rockhill, Dr. Lee & Denise Weisberger Condolences donations sent to Kathy Carlson for the loss of her Husband Richard By: Congregation, Catherine Blumenthal, Julie Ruden, Herman & Becky Pintzow, Howard Salles Get Well donations to Joe Snoll By: Congregation, Catherine Blumenthal, Julie Ruden, Herman & Becky Pintzow, Howard Salles

Announcements JUNE 2017 Howard Salles classes will resume in October every Thursday: Hebrew Class at 12:00 PM noon and a Torah Study Class at 2:00 PM in the Social Hall. For more info contact Howard. Howard can be reached at chocknuts@aol.com or 863-385-6075. "Do righteous deeds, act kindly, and walk humbly with God. Celebrate any occasion while benefitting Israel and our temple. For only $18.00, plant a tree in Eretz Yisrael. Simply e-mail the donor and recipient information to: jruden@embarqmail.com Mail your check to the temple, payable to Temple Israel. Marc and Stephanie Hauser planted a tree as a tribute to Ruth Kahn Davis her life was a blessing! Marc and Stephanie Hauser also planted a tree in honor of Julie Ruden s recovery. Justine Devlin planted a tree in Memory of Ruth Kahn Davis.

Cantor Bain s Schedule: Future Erev Shabbat Services: (subject to change) 7:30 PM June 9 Torah B haalot cha June 23 Torah Korach July 28 Torah D varim Shabbat Chazon August 25 Torah Shoftim September 8 Torah Ki Tavo September 20 Erev Rosh Hashanah September 21 Rosh Hashanah September 29 Kol Nidre September 30 Yom Kippur October 13 Sukkot/Simchat Torah Torah B reishit October 27 Torah Lech L cha November 10 Torah Chayei Sarah November 24 Torah Vayeitzei December 8 Torah Vayeishev/Chanukah December 22 Torah Vayigash

PAGE 1 of 7 This has been approved by the Temple Israel Board REF: DH/CM 03 May 21, 2017 Dear Friends, I am pleased to present a quote and program proposal for your Israel tour. NAME: Temple Israel of Highland Country PARTICIPANTS: 10 25 guests ARRIVAL: Monday, October 16, 2017 (pending flight information) DEPARTURE: Monday, October 23, 2017 (pending flight information) SUGGESTED DETAILED PROGRAM: The following is a suggested program that can be edited over time and adapted to your specific needs. Monday, October 16 Welcome to Israel After you have collected your luggage, passed through customs control you will be in the Arrivals Hall. Make you way to the Steimatzky book store to the right. Your guide will be waiting to welcome you there. He will have a sign with your name written on it and will escort you to your awaiting driver and vehicle. Travel south to the coast to Caesarea and its Roman and Crusader antiquities to see the excavated Roman Theater echoing theatrical performances of long ago. Today, this theatre still serves as a spectacular venue for concerts and music festivals. Visit the hippodrome and port, as well as the Crusader City. While here see the Caesarea Harbor project cinematic exhibition and audiovisual experience that will take you on a majestic virtual tour of the site. Drive via Haifa s Panoramic Road from where you will be able to see the golden dome of the Bahai Shrine that is set amid beautiful gardens, and serves as a significant landmark of the city. Continue into the Galilee to Safed, the city of the mystics to visit the synagogues of Rabbi Isaac Luria and Rabbi Joseph Karo. There will also be time to wander about the alleys, lanes and art galleries of the Old City of Safed. Travel on to your hotel and check in. Dinner is included for you tonight at your hotel. Overnight Kfar Giladi Hotel, Galilee.

This has been approved by the Temple Israel Board Page 2 of 7 Tuesday, October 17 The Golan Heights After breakfast meet your guide, driver and touring vehicle. Start the day by boarding awaiting jeeps to ascend the Golan Heights. During the course of the expedition, you will pass former Syrian army headquarters and positions overlooking the Galilee. Then head to one of the sources of the Jordan River for a nature walk at the Dan Nature Reserve. Proceed to the Assaf Boutique Winery to view the state-ofthe-art on-site laboratory and sample their exquisite wines. Enjoy lunch on the premises of the winery (own account). After lunch ascend Mount Bental, a volcano, from where there is a superb view of the Israeli Syrian lines. Hear of the battles and the history that have taken place between Israel and Syria from 1948 to date. Return to your hotel where dinner is included for you tonight. Overnight Kfar Giladi Hotel, Galilee. Wednesday, October 18 Along the Jordan Valley Check out of your hotel this morning. Drive to the shores of Lake Kinneret, stopping to pay your respects to famous Israeli artists and poets buried at the Kinneret Cemetery on the waters edge. Travel southward to Sde Eliyahu situated in the fertile Beit Shean valley. Meet an expert who will take you on a tour of this unique Kibbutz that boasts clean air and a chemical free environment, view organic farming at its best. Learn about the biological pesticides that are mass produced as natural enemies for biological pest control. Also see how Barn Owls are used. Hear how bumble bees help form natural pollination in green houses and open fields, all this is used to protect the environment. Round off the visit with lunch on the Kibbutz. Arrive at Kasser El Yahud "the Jews Passage." This is a beautiful monastery and an important place for the Jewish people. According to the Jewish tradition at this place the Israelites crossed the Jordan river on their way to the Holy land. Ascend to Jerusalem. Upon your first view of the eternal Holy City stop for a moment's reflection and prayer on Mount Scopus. Participate in an age-old tradition by saying the "Shehecheyanu" and "Borei Pri Hagefen" blessing as pilgrims did when approaching Jerusalem throughout history. Arrive at your hotel and check in. Overnight Arthur Hotel, Jerusalem. Thursday, October 19 The Old City of Jerusalem Drive over to the Old City. Just beyond the Western Wall on Mount Moriah, where it is said the Patriarch Abraham was ready to sacrifice his son, stands the Dome of the Rock with its marble and multi-colored mosaics, quotations from the Koran and the Golden Cupola. Tradition has it that this rock marks the center of the earth for the Jewish religion. In Moslem religion tradition says this is the point where Mohammed ascended to heaven on his horse and is the third holiest place on earth for Islam. In the same courtyard is the El Aksa Mosque. (pending police confirmation) Note: entrance to the Mosque is for Moslems only. On to the Western Wall and Western Wall Tunnels for a tour and to see the archaeological discoveries excavated in a vast concealed tunnel along the Western Wall. Stroll through the winding narrow, busy streets, and colorful Bazaars filled with small shops. Round off the day with an in-depth tour of the Jewish Quarter including the Cardo. Overnight Arthur Hotel, Jerusalem. Friday, October 20 The New City of Jerusalem Start the day with a visit to Yad Vashem, where, accompanied by a local curator tour the central memorial and museum dedicated to the Holocaust. Continue to the Mahane Yehuda open air market of Jerusalem to see how the locals do their shopping in preparation for the Shabbat. Take in the sites, smells and noises of the market. And don't forget to pick up some chocolate rugelach! See some of the neighborhoods of Jerusalem such as the Nachlaot area where there are quaint small synagogues pressed up against newly restored residences and colorful alleyways. Return to your hotel to freshen up. This evening feel free to make your way to the Old City to welcome the Shabbat at the Kotel (Western Wall) and notice how people from all corners of the world gather together with one purpose in mind, to welcome the Shabbat Bride at the holiest place on earth for Judaism.

This has been approved by the Temple Israel Board Page 3 of 7 Overnight Arthur Hotel, Jerusalem. Saturday, October 21 Kings and Rebels in the Desert of Judah Depart Jerusalem and drive east through the Judean Desert, arriving at the mountain-top fortress of Masada for an in-depth tour of the site. Ascend the cliff top fortress by cable car. From the top of Masada, the outlines of the Roman encampments are still visible below. Continue southward and stop at a hotel on the shore of the Dead Sea for a buffet lunch (included) in the hotel's dining room. Here you will also have use of the hotel's private Dead Sea beach and private outdoor pool. You might reserve treatments at the hotel's spa (not included, should be reserved in advance). In the afternoon travel to the oasis of Ein Gedi for a hike through the cascading waterfalls, where you may even get to see wild animals roaming freely in the desert. Return to Jerusalem. Overnight Arthur Hotel, Jerusalem. Sunday, October 22 Around the Old City of Jerusalem Check out of your hotel this morning. Drive to the City of David, a small hill just outside of the Ottoman Walls of the Old City that was the site of Biblical Jerusalem and the capital of King David. Tour this fascinating location and also visit the Canaanite dry tunnel which is 3,400 years old. This tunnel was replaced by the Hezekiah Tunnel 2,800 years ago, but since the Hezekiah Tunnel is filled with very cold water you will stay in the dry tunnel. When you come out of the dry tunnel, you will have a special opportunity to visit the new discoveries recently excavated. Explore an underground tunnel once used as a drainage tunnel ending at the Southern Wall Excavations. Proceed to Rehovot to visit the Ayalon Institute ("the bullet factory"), a clandestine operation that manufactured armaments right under the noses of the British! Drive to Tel Aviv to your hotel and check in. Overnight Shalom Hotel, Tel Aviv. Monday, October 23 Touring in Tel Aviv Check out of your hotel this morning. Start the day with a visit to the Independence Hall where Ben Gurion declared the establishment of Israel on May 14, 1948. Sit in the very same room where our founding fathers sat on that historic day! Proceed along the well-known Rothschild Boulevard, where you can see excellent examples of Bauhaus Architecture from the 1930's, some of which have been recently beautifully restored. Stroll through Neve Zedek, one of the first neighborhoods of Tel Aviv, for a short tour to see the meticulously restored historic homes. Visit Jaffa, one of the oldest biblical cities in the world and an important seaport since antiquity. Visit the restored Old City including the artists' colony and the quaint harbor. Jaffa has much to offer in the way of art galleries, gift-shops and restaurants found tucked away amongst the winding, cobblestone streets. Arrive at the spectacular Palmach Museum. Through a modern multimedia presentation on the history of the Palmach from 1941 to the War of Independence learn about the establishment of the State of Israel. The story tells of the struggle against the British, the illegal immigration, reflecting the motivation and dedication of the youth in their fight for independence. Your guide, driver and touring vehicle will take you to the Yemenite Quarter of Tel Aviv to reminisce over the trips highlights as you enjoy an authentic Middle Eastern farewell dinner at the Maganda Restaurant. flight. Next Year in Jerusalem After dinner transfer to Ben Gurion airport for your departure

This has been approved by the Temple Israel Board Page 4 of 7 L E T T E R O F Q U O T A T I O N HOTELS: Accommodation at hotels includes full Israeli breakfast daily and hotel service charge. The price has been based on the following hotels: October 16 18 (2 nights) Kfar Giladi Hotel, Galilee. (standard rooms) October 18 22 (4 nights) Arthur Hotel, Jerusalem (standard rooms) October 22 23 (1 nights) Shalom Hotel, Tel Aviv (standard rooms) MEALS: In addition to the complete Israeli breakfast served daily, we have included the following meals: Monday, October 16: Dinner at Kfar Giladi Hotel, Galilee Tuesday, October 17: Dinner at Kfar Giladi Hotel, Galilee Wednesday, October 18: Lunch at Sde Eilyahu. Saturday, October 21: "Lunch and Swim" at a Dead Sea Hotel, Spa. Monday, October 23: Farewell Dinner at Maganda Restaurant, Tel Aviv. ENTRANCE FEES IN ISRAEL: Entrance fees to the various parks and sites have been included, as per the itinerary. TOURING SERVICES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: Eight days of touring with a professional English speaking tour guide Eight days services of a driver, driving a vehicle licensed/ insured for tourism. Overnight stays away from home base and expenses for the tour guide and driver All mileage per the above program. All tour coordination services. Bio tour at Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu, Jordan Valley. Jeep excursion on the Golan Heights. Curator at Yad Vashem One group departure transfer from Tel Aviv to Ben Gurion Airport. The following is cost per person sharing a double room. Price includes one free occupancy in a single room and round trip flight ticket 10 14 guests: $2,972 including one free on a minimum 10 full paying guests 15-19 guests: $2,461 including one free on a minimum 15 full paying guests 20-24 guests: $2,149 including one free on a minimum 20 full paying guests HOTEL POLICY: The hotel rates above are the "Best Available Rate" as of today and not reserved. Once rooms are reserved and confirmed the rates may fluctuate slightly, based on the correct price on the day of booking. We will always do our best to minimize cost increases. PLEASE NOTE: The above-suggested program includes many elements that have not yet been booked. They are pending final booking and confirmation. As such, there may be slight changes in the final program. The above cost is subject to change at any time as per notice from hotels and other suppliers of services. If number of participants and/or rooming arrangements and/or flights schedules are changed, the price will have to be revised.

This has been approved by the Temple Israel Board Page 5 of 7 THE ABOVE TOUR IN ISRAEL DOES NOT INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: Cost of round trip airfare from country of origin to Israel. Any expenses of a personal nature. Meals other than those indicated. Any gratuities at all. Spa treatments. Beverages at meals. Early check in. Night outings. Overtime or over mileage beyond what has been allotted. Any guests at meals other than the participants of the party. Personal health insurance, insurance for baggage, personal items, trip cancellation or interruption. HOTELS IN ISRAEL: Please note that check - in at Israeli hotels is 2:00 PM 3:00 PM and check-out time is 11:00 AM - 12:00 noon. Should you want guaranteed early check -in or guaranteed late check-out, this may well involve a supplemental charge. Note also that check-in at many Israeli hotels on Saturdays is often two hours after sundown. Some Israeli hotels charge for wireless internet services. THE TOUR DAY: The above proposal has been priced out based on the itinerary, mileage and hours to be traveled, and the other touring elements noted above. Should you veer from the printed program this may result in over mileage and/or overtime charges above and beyond what has been budgeted. The base tour day is based on up to ten hours per day. Such charges will be billed to you at the end of the trip. GRATUITIES IN ISRAEL: It is customary to tip your Israeli guide some $18 per person, per day split between your guide and driver (2/3 guide, 1/3 driver). It is customary also to tip your airport drivers, bellboys and hotel staff. This is of course left up to your discretion. This is of course left up to your discretion. PASSPORT / VISA INFORMATION: All passports need to be valid for at least six months from the date of departure from the USA. Note that upon entering Israel, your passports are no longer stamped. Instead you will receive a formal stamped form with a visa valid for 3 months. Please keep this form as you will need it for hotel check in, car rental, bank affairs, entry to the Knesset, etc.

This has been approved by the Temple Israel Board Page 6 of 7 TERMS OF PAYMENT: 1.A deposit of $500 per person is required to assure reservations. 2.60 days before arrival 50% of the total amount is required. 3.Final and full payment is required 30 days prior to arrival. 4.Payment may be made via bank transfer. 5.For payment via credit card please add 3% to the cost. 6.Funds may be wired to: Bank HaPoalim, 12, Rehovot Branch #615 Credit to Mabat Platinum Ltd., Touring Services. Account: #615 515 Bank Address: Herzl Street, 179, Rehovot, Israel Swift: poalilit IBAN #: IL870126150000000615515 7.All above prices and all payments must be made in U S dollars. CANCELLATION POLICY: If cancellation is received in our office: From date of payment of deposit until 60 days before arrival date $500 per person will be charged. Between 60 30 days prior to arrival an additional $500 per person will be charged. Within 30 days of arrival - full payment will be charged. Cancellation of various elements in the program less than 48 hours prior to the event may well result in a full cancellation charge. NEW VAT TAX REGULATIONS: Please be aware that according to the new Israeli tax laws, being strictly enforced by all hotels, all guests holding Israel citizenship, even those with dual citizenship/passports both for individual travelers and guests part of a group, or invited local guests, will be charged VAT tax. Therefore, we need to receive this information in advance in order to finalize the bill. Should we not get this information in advance, and hotels charge us VAT tax, be aware that we will charge you with this extra amount retroactively. INSURANCE: Insurance for baggage, personal items, health coverage and trip cancellation and interruption is not included, but is highly recommended. We suggest obtaining coverage through your local provider.

This has been approved by the Temple Israel Board Page 4 of 7 RESPONSIBILITY: Mabat Platinum Ltd., (hereinafter called the Tour Operator), acts only as an agent for the various companies, owners or contractors providing the means of transportation, accommodation and other services. All exchange orders, coupons and tickets are offered subject to the Terms and Conditions under which such services are offered or provided. The issuance and acceptance of such tickets shall be deemed to be consent to the further conditions that the Tour Operator shall not be in any way liable for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity in any vehicle, or through the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger/s or of any hotel proprietor, personnel or servant otherwise in connection therewith. The airline and transportation companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any act; omission or event during the time passengers are not on board their planes or conveyances. The right is reserved to withdraw any tour announced in this program and to make such alterations to the itineraries as may be found desirable for the proper carrying out of the tours. In the event that it becomes necessary or advisable in the Tour Operator's discretion to alter the arrangements or itineraries for the passenger/s comfort or welfare or for any reason whatsoever, such alterations may be made without penalty to the Operator. The Tour Operator reserves the right to change any hotel/s listed with one of a similar category if circumstances necessitate. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the passenger/s. The right is reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of any group at any time. I trust that the above is satisfactory. Feel free to forward any comments or questions by e-mail. Sincerely yours, Doron Harel