Spa Day 2012...

Where do I start?

More than 80 people attended TAO's 4th annual Spa Day last Sunday. It was our biggest, most wonderful of all.

Like all successful events, it takes a committee, and boy did we have a stupendous team. Dottie Zveibil and Pam Kelner Co-Chaired the event with Chairperson Jenae Rubin. The Tremendous Trio... with invaluable help from Irene Yovu (who - with her connections - filled goody bags, sponsored lunch and supplied many items for our raffles and auctions)... quadrupled the first year's results and more than doubled last year's.

Dottie and Robert Zveibil, once again, munificently loaned their beautiful, elegant home... which took days of preparation... and may not be completely finished at this reading! We literally used every inch of their 5-bedroom plus office home including alcove, hallways, laundry room, garage, porch, patio and grass. Of course anything that needed to be done the day of, they were there for as well.

Pam and Dottie oversaw the solicitation of auction items (Pam was unbelievable in obtaining fabulous items for the goody bags), finding superb practitioners and gathering a squad of people to make this event appear effortless in its execution.

Lori Samuels (Touch a Heart Foundation) magnanimously loaned tents which Robert Zveibil and Keith Kander helped set up (no small task).  

Sixteen practitioners

Generously donated pampering services. If you gazed into the eyes of the lucky recipients following their treatments, you knew they did an amazing job! We completely sold out of all services.

• Manicure/Pedicures (Cristine DaSilva of Jacaranda Hair Salon on Broward and Pine Island)
• Facials (Denise Saulter of Jacaranda Hair Salon on Broward and Pine Island)
• Massage & other Energy Work (Carmen Navedo Cordova, Peter Fox, Dave Guzman - of Drew James Salon, Laura Hardman, Valerie Leeds, Michael McConnell, Bob Singer)
• Reiki (Robert Zveibil)
• Reflexology (Carmen Navedo Cordova)
• Foot Detox & Foot Baths (Nelly Munoz-Perez)
• Spiritual Readings (Cynthia Segal)
• Chiropractic Body Scans (Dr. Robert Hanopole)

Thanks to Charles & Rochelle, we had plenty of yoga mats. People sat and stood inside, outside and around the tents for these popular classes:

• Yoga & Meditation with Rabbi Marc
• Aromatherapy with Dottie Zveibil & Nelly Munoz-Perez
• Tantra with Russ Cashin 
• Zumba with Luz

Meals were a huge hit

We grazed on delicious (mostly healthy) delicacies all day. Breakfast was sponsored by Smoothie King (on Nova and Davie) and Brooklyn Water Bagels (off Stirling Road in Hollywood - both set up by Nancy Mendelson).

Whole Foods most generously provided an amazing lunch of Tangerine Glazed Salmon, Sesame Shitake Mushroom Tofu, Green Beans with Caramelized Glaze, Cabbage Crunch, Citrus/Wheat/Berry & Beet salad, California Quinoa Salad, Sprout Mong Bea & Mango salad and so, so much more.

Bamboo Noahs (thanks to Jenae's sister Lisa Simon) provided a delicious lunch platter. Ben & Jerry's sugar free ice cream was an enormous dessert hit!

And to top off the day, Maria Daskal, Elyn Zerfas and Renee Greene sponsored our closing Wine & Cheese Chill...
a delicious way to end the day.

Birthday girls abounded!

Debbie Kugelman came with three of her friends to celebrate. Cathy Bowers attended with her cousins Linda Weissman and Lana. All birthday girls - Doris Sobel (Feb 15), Nancy Mendelson (Big 60-Feb 11), Rochelle Tischler (Big 65-Feb 1), Debbie Kugelman (Feb 12), Cathy Bowers (Feb 22) and Pam Kelner (Feb 10) - were gifted with raffle tickets by attendees. Everyone shared in the joy.

Pam won the small basket (it wasn't really that small!), and Doris won the large one (and it was really large!)

Greeting and bidding adieu

Were Anne Goldberg and Rebecca Negrin. The tireless team shuffled schedules, sold more, processed auction and raffle purchases, helped practitioners settle themselves, answered questions, and gave out many, many terry bathrobes from the best hotels in the country - a lifesaver, thanks to Richard Grove... and the cold weather of the day!

Wrapped in a blanket (it was cold in the morning!), Jaime - one of Anne's son's girlfriends - happily directed parking. There was not one broken sprinkler head!

Once again, the kitchen

Was captained by the Dynamic Duo Charles & Rochelle Tischler. Charles sampled the foods at Whole Foods to make recommendations that were a hit. The kitchen staff cut and chopped, served breakfast, lunch, snacks and wine & cheese from 7:30 in the morning until clean up around 6:40 that night.

We cannot thank Ann Kurtzman, Karen Rosenfeld, Sue Reisman, Angela Gershenwald, Harry Levine and Meyer Weiss enough. Sue and Meyer also ran all over town picking up the meals the day off. Robert, Harry and Meyer were our muscle men throughout the day. They were wherever we needed them.

Hours of Goody Bag stuffing

Was gleefully done by Trudie DiGrazia, Nancy, Meyer, Dottie and Pam (who asked for music so we wouldn't have to hear her sing!) Goody bags were valued in excess of $100, and they included...

Coupons

• 50% off certificate at Drew James Salon
• Free appetizer at Brio Restaurant (any location) - Up to $15 value
• 10% off coupons at Ageless Skin Med Spa
• Quorn - $1 off
• Coupon for 10% Donation to TAO on Spinal Pelvic Stabilizer purchases with Dr. Marti Sinnreich

Health & Beauty

• Evan's Bath Salts
• Prince of Peace - Tiger Balm Ultra, Ginger Honey Crystals, Ginger Green Tea
• Clearly Natural - Soap
• EO - Body Lotion, Shower Gel, Sanitizing Spray
• Topricin - Foot Therapy Cream
• Nature's Gate - Body Wash, Lotion, Shampoo, Conditioner
• Sonoma- Hand & Body Lotion
• Kiss My Face - Sunblock, Toothpaste
• Just Say Yes to Chiropractic by Dr. Robert Hanopole, who is available for Chiropractic Body Scans
• Life Extension Magazine from Dr. Marti Sinnreich

Food & Household Products

• Clean Earth Brands - Earthworm - $5 value
• Mrs. Meyers Clean Day - Candle
• truRoots - Sprouted Grains
• Wholesome Sweetener - Raw Organic Honey
• McDougall's - Soup
• Biscoff - Cookies, Spread
• Loghouse - Toasts
• Genisoy - Chips
• Smucker Natural Foods - Zero Calorie Spritzer
• Mediterranean Snacks - Parmesan Garlic, Sea Salt, Rosemary Herb Crackers
• Peanut Butter and Company - Yummy Peanut Butter
• PepsiCo - Stacey's Pita Chips

More than 40 auction and raffle items

Presented on three huge tables of were solicited by Jacci King, Nancy, Pam, Rebecca and of course Irene Yovu.

Karen Rosenfeld - once again - did a fabulous job selling raffle tickets. Items offered included:

 

Major Sponsors

• Organic fruit and vegetable baskets from Whole Foods
• 5 Baskets of Hair Care & Services from Jacaranda Hair Salon

Practitioners

• Three one hour massages with Laura Hardman, LMT
• Massage with Bob Singer, LMT
• Massage with Peter Fox, LMT
• Massage and energy work with Valerie Leeds
• Vicki Lichtman
• Five "Ask a Question" with world renown Cynthia Segal

Food for the Body

• Dinner for you and a guest with Rabbi Marc
• Shabbos dinner for you and a guest with Jenae
• Restaurant gift certificates to Anthony's Runway 84 and Vienna Café & Wine Bar
• Yummy organic basket donated by Hindy Zeifman-Stegman
• Food coupons for free Wholesome Sweeteners, Quorn and Ezekriel
• Dr. McDougals soup
• Canterbury Naturals coconut macaroons

Health & Beauty

• Cervical pillow from chiropractor Dr. Marti Sinnreich
• Chiropractic consultation with Friends & Family Spinal Care
• Medical facial at Ageless Skin Med Spa
• Yoga basket including 6 classes with Rochelle Tischler
• Caribbean manicure/pedicure at Drew James Salon
• Manicures and hair services at Avalon Hair & Nail Salon
• Hair cut at Karma 7 Salon
• Mani/pedi at Backstreet Hair & Nail Salon
• Haircuts with Cookie Colletti in Coral Springs

Body & Wall Art

• Bracelets from Susan Cohen (Jenae's aunt)
• Men's jewelry box donated by Amichai Heppner
• Portrait beauty makeover or photo restoration with Elyn Zerfas
• Panamanian ink & watercolor paintings donated by Dottie & Robert Zveibil

Home & Household

• Two hours professional organizing with Francine Yafa
• Earthworm Family-Safe Cleaners: Carpet & Upholstery; Mold, Stain & Mildew; Drain

Other Gifts

• Pizzaz Jewelry & Gifts gift basket
• The Crystal Palace
• Homemade organic dog treats from A Sweet Dog Barkery, a new venture between Rhonda Hey and Gail Rogers
• Mohair handmade scarf by Margo Mintzer
• One hour patient advocacy with Cathy Bowers

Behind the scenes

Before the event began, there were major silent contributors. Especially Dee Sacks. If calls didn't come to me, Dee fielded them... and they came! If a reservation wasn't made online, Dee processed it. And to make sure there were no mistakes, Dee double checked the records to make sure all requests were met. As always, we are grateful to Dee for her ever-present, ongoing commitment to you and TAO.

Ethelind Wiener by herself called almost half the people on our list to share the news about how much fun Spa Day is. Bob Heaton, Sandy King, Myrna Wolf, Rochelle, Pam, Dottie and Anne supported the phone tree efforts with huge success.

Dianne Lerner, Marcia Sweedler, Marti Sinnreich, Myrna Wolf, Dottie & Robert Zveibil were so inspired by this day, they sponsored attendees who would have otherwise been unable to attend. May you be blessed for your love and mitzvah.

Many did a lot more than they are credited for here. They would love it if you said thanks to them when you see them next. This was a monumental effort. We were all delighted to bring prosperity to the temple we love and bliss to many people this day.

Me, I organized, contacted everyone a million times, and did a little of almost everything. Each one of us is pleased and privileged to have helped create this beautiful day. Every report has been complimentary and enthusiastic about how this blew the doors off the previous years... which were already amazing!

Until next year...

With, peace, love, harmony and joy,

Jenae Rubin

Spa Day Chairperson

P.S. Here's what a few attendees wrote...

Spa Day was a huge success. Kudos. You all can be very proud. Everything was terrific. Thank you for taking this on and doing it with such skill and joy.   Love, Ethelind Wiener

Dear beautiful volunteers... What a magnificent day. You made us feel safe and cared for. Even when you were exhausted, you smiled and kept going. I was impressed and honored. It takes a lot of love and dedication. We noticed. Thank you! I enjoyed every moment.   With MUCH Love and Gratitude, Vicki Lichtman

 A million thanks and congratulations to Jenae, Dottie and Pam for making Spa Day a huge success.  We heard so much positive feedback and are so grateful to the chairpeople and committee members that made this so great.  I am sure the excitement and positive feelings will continue long after Spa Day and lay the groundwork for excitement for Spa Day 2013.  TAO is so lucky to be blessed with beautiful volunteers who care enough to give your best for the temple and who go beyond 100% to assure that Spa Day is more than just another day at the spa  - but a day surrounding those who attend with love, warmth, harmony and blessings.  Thanks also to Robert and Dottie for "loaning" us your home for a few days and making your home the home for TAO and its growth.  Again - applause to your captain - Jenae -for the hours you put into this project and for putting your heart into it once again. Warmly, Renee Greene

Charlie, Rochelle & Angela, the stir fry and tofu were absolutely FANTASTIC!!!! Delicious & delectable! The best food of the whole day!! Great job. Jenae, Dottie & Pamela, the day was just great; a little chilly but still terrific. Good job everyone!   Can't wait til next year!! Karen Rosenfeld

Your monumental effort resulted in a perfect day of pampering, peace and joy. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. Anne Goldberg

My heart and soul are fulfilled! Unsigned

Spa Day was the best ever. I enjoyed the Tantra session as well as the unusual massage from Laura. Dottie led a delightful Stress-Melter where we breathed away our stress. Please continue this program forever. Sandy King

OVER THE TOP. Loved it!! Jacci King

I was encouraged to attend Spa Day and am so thankful I did. This has been the best day of relaxation. I enjoyed connecting with our community. Laura Truong

Spa Day... so relaxing and refreshing. Thanks to all who made this excursion into a Nirvana. Amichai Heppner

This day was a profound blessing - from the healing hands of many gifted healers to the healing voice of energy of Rabbi Marc. Much gratitude and many blessings. Catherine Wilson

Every morning I thank God for the beautiful day, and this was one of the best. Unsigned

Everything was OUTSTANDING! I am so very blessed to be here and a part of this beautiful spiritual event. Thank you Hashem! Thank you TAO. Eileen Grove

I came here this morning feeling very low. I let this evening feeling relaxed and supported, loved and pampered. Thank you all, my wonderful TAO friends. Carole Constad

1350 East Sunrise Boulevard    

You'll make it a lot easier on the Rabbi and the few people who are helping now. To help with set up, show up at about 6:30pm. Thank you so much!! 

Ethelind Wiener 

Members: $10 donation appreciated

Location

JCC - Pine Island & Stirling Roads

Main Building, Holocaust Learning Center

Map and directions 

Upcoming Retreats:  

Israel:

Our Land, Our People,
Our Zionism

Join the discussion at the Rabbi's home following Saturday Services.  

PLEASE NOTE CHANGE IN DATE:

Israel Meeting changed from Feb 25 to Mar 24

Rick and Debbie Vogel will be attending the AIPAC National Annual Meeting in early March and will debrief the congregation about the conference when they return

• March 24

February 16, 2012

Expelling a lot of energy for a little gain? When you stop, you can economize by finding the one candle that can light all the rest. Then you have extended the light without blowing your own fuse.

People are Talking about TAO's Wisdom Class.

Cartridges for kids

 

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Memorize this motto:

Did you know

Choose products made from sustainable materials for roof, siding and deck  replacement. 

Reduce

Freecycle Network provides an online community tool for giving and receiving free stuff.

• Leaf on Tree of Life

• Rabbi Marc's Ocean and Galia music and meditation CDs

• Rabbi Shoni's prayer book

• Florence's book

• Ocean and Galia fund

• Heart to Heart Message

Transportation As One (TAO)

Ron Gotlin