Temple Beth Tikvah Monthly Newsletter

Join TBT on Friday, July 13 for a family Shabbat and picnic in the park. Come to Sawyer Uplands Park on 700 NW Yosemite Drive off Mt Washington for a
short 6:00 pm Shabbat service. Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on and a picnic supper for your family, and gather together after services for a picnic in the park.

The park is located adjacent to the Awbrey Park neighborhood and has a playground for the kids as well as a drinking fountain. We hope you can join us!

URJ Small Congregations Specialist Visits TBT July 17th-19th

Rabbi David Fine will help kick off our "Year of Opportunity" with workshops focused on Congregational Development

Rabbi David Fine of the URJ will be joining us in Bend from July 17th-19th, 2012 to work with us in putting our best forward and helping us make Temple Beth Tikvah become the sacred community we want it to be. He will be working with the entire congregation -the Board, Committee chairs and members, as well as anyone who is interested in getting more involved, but isn't sure how to take those first steps.

On Tuesday, July 17th, 2012, in the afternoon hours and evening, Rabbi Fine will be working with the Board specifically on topics including the Board's role in a synagogue, as well as individual board members roles and responsibilities.

On Wednesday, July 18th, 2012, from late morning until early afternoon, Rabbi Fine will be holding a workshop and education session for our current Committee chairs and members, as well as for those interested in becoming more involved in committee work. During this session at the Olander's home, he will be discussing how to strengthen our existing committees as well as creative ideas on how to fill the holes where committees do not yet exist. Later that afternoon, Rabbi Fine will be available to meet with individual committee chairs or members who would like some one on one support and enrichment from Rabbi Fine.

On Wednesday evening, we will have a wonderful social event with Rabbi Fine and the ENTIRE congregation. This will be an opportunity to meet Rabbi Fine and to hear about the resources available - through the URJ and other sources - to help educate and enrich our congregational experiences, and to enhance our involvement and our building of a strong, sustainable, beautiful Jewish community here in Bend. Paul and Liz Levinson have graciously opened their home for this very special event. We encourage everyone to attend.

On Thursday morning, before Rabbi Fine's departure, there will be a coffee talk time with the Board to wrap up his visit and plant future seeds for our continued growth through depth and understanding.

Specific details regarding times and locations are still pending. A separate email will follow and the website calendar will be updated once they are all worked out.

TBT Now On Facebook

Temple Beth Tikvah has joined Facebook.

Our Organization Page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/TempleBethTikvahBendOr. This page will serve as a public face for TBT, and similar to our other media listings, it will carry information to the general public as a way of promoting our congregation and our events, and hopefully make it easier for newcomers to learn about us. Please visit our Organization Page and "Like" it to include TBT in your Facebook news feed.

We also have a TBT Members Group on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/groups/257367607705698/.
This is a closed discussion group, which means that although others may see the Group's content, only group members may post on the board. (Membership to this group is limited to TBT members only.) This is a place where our members can share and discuss with each other things that are not necessarily relevant to the public. If you are already on Facebook, you should have received an invite from Evie to join this group. If we somehow missed you, please visit and join.

With both an Organization Page and a members Group, we hope the expanded online presence will help make it easier for newcomers to find us, and provide a place where our members who are on Facebook can connect with each other online.

Greetings From Rabbi Ettman

Dear Friends,

What a long strange trip it has been, famously said the modern prophet Jerry Garcia. And certainly, my friends, it has been up until now.

I want to take a moment for each of us to reflect, personally, on this wonderful trip we have taken with Temple Beth Tikvah.

To do this, you have to think. I want you to ask yourself: "What was it that attracted you to Temple Beth Tikvah?" It could have been community, looking for Judaism for your children, the social programs, because my wife drags me - whatever it is, be honest. Now, ask yourself: "What do I love about Temple Beth Tikvah?" It could be the oneg Shabbat, or the wine nights with the Rabbi, or Torah study, or whatever. Now, finally, ask yourself: "What am I going to do in the future to help our community continue to grow?"

We have come a long way since many of us met in the Rosenfield's living room and began to lay the foundation of this wonderful community. It is now our chance to continue. This month we are beginning a new chapter in the book of Temple Beth Tikvah. The past has set us up both with the foundation and with some infrastructure. It is now our time to turn the page, move forward and continue.

What I love about the Jerry Garcia quote that I began with is not that the sentiment is so profound, because it is. But rather it is couched in a song called "Keep on Truckin". And that is our goal. That is our need. And that is truly what we all have to do in order to continue to move forward.

Our community is now four years old; we are no longer infants or toddlers. And we need to remember that with all relationships there is growth, challenges and finally understanding. Think of your children as they transitioned in various phases of their lives (and probably still do!). Part of growing is changing, learning, and living; not being mired in the past.

What has happened in the past has happened. What will occur in the future is a mystery. In Judaism, there is no room for regret. There is only room for Teshuvah - for change, for reflection and for a pledge to act differently when confronted with a similar situation. Teshuvah gives us the permission to look at ourselves, change and move forward. What a long strange trip it has been, for sure. And what a long and winding road we have ahead of us.

This coming year will look different than it has in the past. Lisa and her leadership for the past three years has set a foundation for us to continue forward. The challenges we weathered have strengthened us to bring us to this point right now. And now it is time to act. Lisa and I pledge to continue to work on the ideals that we have set. And I, along with the new President, Mark Schindel, pledge to work on the ideals that we will continue to create to make our community even stronger.

A third century Rabbi once taught, "Where you find greatness is where you find humility." My friends, let this be both our challenge and our prayer as we begin this new programmatic year. To truly be great we need to find that humility in ourselves. And humility is not just letting someone walk over your ideas. Rather, humility is ego-strength. When we strive for greatness we need to be humble, to stand up and say I am ready to work, but I know that I am not perfect. Where there is greatness there is humility...and that will serve us well.

What a long strange trip it has been for sure...and more so, what a longer, more glorious and exciting trip do we have planned. So let's Keep on Truckin'...I for one am excited, ready and happy to be back with each and every one of you.

B'shalom u'vracha - With Blessings of Peace

Always,

Rabbi Ettman is available via email. If you want to set up an appointment, please email him at: glennettman@gmail.com. His office hours are Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

President's Message
From TBT President Mark Schindel

Dear TBT Members,

First, I want to thank those of you at the Annual Meeting on June 5th, who had faith in me to elect me as one of the 3 new Board members. I also want to congratulate Diane Dober and Suzanne Schlosberg for their election to the Board as well. Although, with only three slots to fill, Lawrence Schechter missed out on this year's selection, his willingness to run and serve this Congregation is to be applauded; as well as the many fine contributions he has made in coordinating the Men's gatherings and in participating on a number of Committees. The new Board, consisting of myself, Vic Chudowsky, Diane Dober, Jeanne Freeman, Lisa Rosen, Suzanne Schlosberg, and Lisa Uri, is looking forward to a very productive year. As we move ahead, we are grateful for Lisa Uri's past three years as Board President and are fortunate to have her valuable guidance and counsel on the Board as Past President.

At the joint meeting of the old and new Board on June 12th, I was honored that the new Board decided to choose me as the President for this coming year; having the confidence in me to lead this Board and Congregation through our challenges and opportunities. I want to assure all the members that you have my commitment to do the sacred work of this Congregation to the best of my abilities.

This year will be very special for Temple Beth Tikvah. It will be our fifth year as a Reform congregation here in Central Oregon. We have come a long way from the initial planning meeting at the Rosenfield's house four years ago. So this year for our 5th Anniversary, we need to celebrate the wonderful accomplishments and events with which we have been blessed. At the same time, this year is also our "Year of Opportunity". We can do even better. Our challenge is to figure out HOW to reach an even higher level of success. Ultimately, our successes or failures will rest with ALL of us. To the extent we are willing to dedicate ourselves to our Jewish principles of supporting each other, our congregation, and our community; we can accomplish amazing results. Yet, if we become complacent and lose focus on our Jewish principles of helping others, then all we have worked for can easily slip away.

I strongly believe we can meet this challenge, and I will be utilizing all available resources - including the URJ - to find ways to address our issues and make needed improvements. In fact, we have a very special event coming up July 17th - 19th, when Rabbi David Fine, Congregational Specialist from the URJ, will be visiting to provide his valuable expertise and guidance. He will be working with the Board, the Committees, and the entire Congregation to help us reach our full potential. Please be on the lookout for the announcement of the various events, and do not miss this opportunity to hear from a distinguished, experienced URJ specialist. I look forward to working with all of you to make this a special year of celebration and opportunity for Temple Beth Tikvah.

B'Shalom,

Mark Schindel

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

Jewish Central Oregon at Bend Elks - August 8th

RSVP by July 29th

Jews and Baseball...let's face it, it's kind of an American Love Story.

To celebrate our shared connection to being in Central Oregon, the great Athletes of American Baseball and to just enjoy a wonderful evening together, you are cordially invited to join us for a group event at the Bend Elks game on August 8th.

We will have reserved seating - yes, that's the section with back supports and arm rests - and spend an evening enjoying the beauty of Bend and Baseball.

RSVPs are requested by July 29th to guarantee reserved seats. Reserved seating isn't guaranteed after that date, but you can always come along on the 8th and sit in the general admission bleachers if reserved seating isn't available.

The cost is $5 per person. Children 2 and under are free if sitting on an adult's lap.

You are also invited to a pre-game BBQ 4:45 p.m. at Larkspur Park, 1700 SE Reed Market Road, before the game. This will give us plenty of time to eat and schmooze before the game. This is open to all and has been graciously sponsored, but donations are always welcome. All you need to do is let us know if you plan to attend so we can plan accordingly.

RSVP to the Evite and indicate how many for the game and how many for the BBQ. Call 541-241-6511 if you need more information.

TBT's Team Heal the World Gears Up for 2012 Relay for Life Event, Aug. 11th-12th at High Desert M.S.

Register by July 10th for Participant's T-shirt

Please take a moment to log onto the Bend/Redmond/Sisters Relay for Life website, www.bendrelay.com, to become part of our Heal the World Team for Relay for Life. Relay for Life is being held at High Desert Middle School on August 11-12, 2012. Many of you were the reason why our team was so successful our first two years participating. For both years, we were the team that raised the most funds, bringing in about $10,000-$15,000 each year. Our even prouder accomplishment, is that our team had the largest number of cancer survivors participating. After taking a year off, it is time for team Heal the World to start getting itself back together for another successful Relay season.

Relay for Life is unlike any other walk or run in Central Oregon. If you or a loved one have been affected by cancer, Relay for Life will be one of the most touching and powerful events you will ever experience. Relay for Life is a 24-hour community event designed to honor and remember loved ones who have been touched by cancer.
It is a family-friendly, overnight event that brings communities together to celebrate cancer survivors and honor those who have passed on. Relay for Life represents every single person in Central Oregon who has been touched by cancer regardless of age or the type of cancer they've faced.

During the 24-hour Relay, participants enjoy a festive, heart-warming atmosphere as they take turns walking around the track at High Desert Middle School. Live music, great food and other activities add to the fun as families and friends walk together to make a difference for local cancer patients and their families.

Please visit the www.bendrelay.com website and register now to be part of the fight against cancer. (T-shirts not guaranteed for those registering after July 10th.) After registration, Lauren will contact team members to sign up for walking times. The Relay for Life website also has information about different and creative ways to participate in the fundraising effort. Since we will not be hosting our fundraiser at Jackson's Corner this year, we hope that each team member will be able to participate in the fundraising effort individually. Our team name is Heal the World and we hope each and every one of you will take part in doing just that!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Lauren Olander at mlolander18@gmail.com or 541-728-4378.

Munich11.org Petitions for Minute of Silence at London Olympics

The International Olympic Committee has never honored the memory of the eleven members of the Israeli team who were murdered at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. For forty years their families have asked the International
Olympic Committee to observe a minute of silence, in their memory. The families are asking for help. You can read their plea and sign their petition, if you choose, at:

https://www.change.org/petitions/international-olympic-committee-minute-of-silence-at-the-2012-london-olympics

TBT Board Notes

Next Board Meeting: Tuesday, July 10th, 7:00 p.m

Your TBT Board meets monthly and everyone is invited to attend. Dates and times of Board meetings are on the TBT calendar at http://bethtikvahbend.org/calendar.

If you would like to read the minutes of previous board meetings, you can request a copy from Board Secretary Lisa Rosen: lisallr@gmail.com.

Committee News

Celebrating? Host an Oneg!

Corrie Grudin

shabbat items image Are you celebrating a special event such as a birthday, anniversary?

Hosting an Oneg Shabbat is an easy and lovely way to do a mitzvah.

I co-ordinate the Rabbi weekend Onegs. I'm waiting to hear from you!

Contact Corrie Grudin at 541-389-8772 or corriegrudin@bendbroadband.com.

August Newsletter Deadline: July 24th

This newsletter is emailed to both members and non-members each month. If you have something you want to include in the newsletter, please e-mail it to sarrava@gmail.com by the 24th of each month. As always, you will continue to receive "e-minders" before important events take place.

Shalom,

Sara Charney Cohen

TBT Men's Night - July 17th

The next TBT men's night will be celebrated at Bethlehem Inn at 5:30 July 17th. We will provide and prepare our annual barbecue for the 60 residents. Following, we will have our own happy hour at a local pub. All men of TBT are invited. For more info, contact Lawrence at susarch@bendbroadband.com.

TBT Tributes

You may honor the lives and achievements of friends and relatives via a tribute with a donation to TBT. You can do this online or by sending a check and the name and address of the person being honored to TBT at P.O. Box 7472, Bend, OR, 97708.

Donations may be designated to a specific fund, including the Youth Education Fund, the High Holy Days Fund, the Music Fund, the Library Fund, or to the General Fund. Donations listed below were made to the Temple's general purpose fund unless otherwise specified.

Temple Beth Tikvah gratefully acknowledges the following contributions:

From Corrie & Shelley Grudin, in honor of Grant Tittsworth's conversion.
From Corrie & Shelley Grudin, thanking Lauren Olander for a great musical weekend.
From Tully Ellsworth, in memory of Thomas Ellsworth.
From Phyllis & Gerald Greenbach, in memory of Eva Greenbach.
From Jeff & Beverly Adler, in memory of Jeff Olander's mother.
From Jeff & Beverly Adler, in honor of the birth of our new granddaughter, Alyssa Rebecca.
From Jeff & Beverly Adler, in memory of Alvin Shultz.
From Lester & Diane Dober, in memory of Max Dober.
From Lester & Diane Dober, thanks to Lauren Olander for a great musical weekend.
From Terry & Gary Reynolds, thanks to Lauren Olander, Cantor Bruner and the musicians for the music event.
From Terry & Gary Reynolds, sympathy to Jeff Olander on the loss of his mother.
From Cheryl & Neil Schlackman, in memory of Marshal Isaacson.
From Cheryl & Neil Schlackman, wishing a speedy recovery to Barbara Fruitman.
From Jeanne Freeman and Burt Litman, thanking Lisa Uri for 3 years of exceptional service to TBT.
From Gary & Terry Reynolds, Happy Birthday to Kathy Schindel.
From Gary & Terry Reynolds, wishing a speedy recovery to Margaret Finestone.
From Gary & Terry Reynolds, congratulations to our new TBT Board members - Mark Schindel, Suzanne Schlosberg, and Diane Dober.
From Corrie & Shelley Grudin, in memory of Jeff Adler's mother.
From Lester & Diane Dober, in honor of Ceil Hermann's 94th birthday.
From Tully Ellsberg, to the Youth Education Fund, in memory of Jeff Olander's mother.
From Harriet Richard & David Dietz, in memory of Jeff Adler's mother.

About Temple Beth Tikvah

Temple Beth Tikvah is a growing Jewish congregation based in Bend, Oregon. We are affilliated with the Union for Reform Judaism and are excited to be the first Reform synagogue in Central Oregon.

Our members come from a range of Jewish backgrounds including Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist and Renewal. Temple Beth Tikvah welcomes interfaith families and Jews by choice.

We are committed to providing a Jewish education for our children as well as stimulating educational activities for adults. We value social action and strive to provide a Jewish cultural, social and religious experience in Central Oregon.

Temple Beth Tikvah is a warm and enthusiastic community that includes families, singles and "empty nesters." We are a mix of long-time Bend residents and newcomers from around the country who moved here to enjoy Central Oregon's beauty, active lifestyle and quality of life.

Please contact us at 541-388-8826 or info@bethtikvahbend.org for more information.