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Shabbat Shalom
שבת שלום
Parshat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim
11 Iyar 5772 - May 3, 2012
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Mazel Tov to those who will be elected as Officers at our Annual Meeting on Tuesday evening:
President - Martin S. Rosenthal
First Vice-President - Nancy Gurwin
Second Vice-President - Susan Seletz
Treasurer - Joel L. Schwartz
Secretary - Karl Rubin
Tifereth Israel Raffle
This is your chance to win the Grand Prize of $1,000 and at the same time help raise funds needed for the day-to-day operation of the synagogue. The drawing will be held on Sunday, May 20 at 12:30 pm at the synagogue. Tickets are available in the synagogue office. Thanks to the Men's Club for their help in selling additional tickets.
New Machzor for High Holy Days
We are excited about the selection of a new High Holy Day Machzor, Lev Shalem, published by the Conservative Movement. Members and friends are invited to dedicate one or more of these new books in honor or in memory of a loved one or in honor of a special event. With your contribution of $36 per Machzor (or 10 for $350), you may select the wording for the dedication plate to be placed in each book. If we have enough books purchased by congregants, we hope to be able to use them this coming High Holidays. Contact Lorelei (253-8523, ext. 107) or visit www.tiferethisrael.org for more information. You may also purchase a Machzor for your personal use for the same price.
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D'var Torah
This Shabbat (for the second one in a row) we read a double portion, Acharei Mot and Kedoshim. They are right in the middle of the Book of Leviticus and in many ways get to the heart of Judaism.
Acharei Mot is familiar to many because of the Atonement Ritual described for Yom Kippur. It is the source of our Torah Reading on that most holy day of the year. It also talks about the centrality of the Tabernacle. The focus is really on ritual.
Kedoshim, on the other hand, emphasizes the ethical. It is all about the way that human beings relate to each other-from the most intimate settings to interactions with total strangers. Even though they are two separate Torah portions, it makes good sense to read them together as we do on occasion. This reminds us of the interplay between ritual and ethic. Normative Judaism has always seen them as going hand-in-hand. One cannot live a life of rituals that have no moral content, or believe that all that is required is to follow the rites prescribed for the Tabernacle or Shabbat or Holidays. They are a means to making us more aware of how to conduct ourselves in a wider context. By the same token, one can live an ethical life without rituals but it is very difficult; we are easily distracted. The structure of the rituals continually reminds us of our moral obligations. They are like a yin and yang of Jewish living.
As Conservative Jews, the juxtaposition of these two Parashiyot has special meaning. Some in the Jewish world focus so much on ethics they leave out the beautiful rituals that create deep and lasting memories. Others stress the rituals and forget about their obligations to the rest of humanity. As Conservative Jews, we constantly work to balance these two important values.
Rabbi Michael Ungar
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Jewish Joke of the Week
Hannah comes home from her afternoon out with her boyfriend Arnold looking very unhappy. "What's the matter, Hannah?" asks her mother.
"Arnold has asked me to marry him," she replies.
"Mazeltov! But why are you looking so sad?" her mother asks.
"Because he also told me that was an atheist. Oh, mom, he doesn't even believe in Hell."
Her mother then says, "That's all right, Hannah, it really isn't a problem. I suggest you marry him and between the two of us, we'll show him how wrong he is."
From Oy! The Ultimate Book of Jewish Jokes by David Minkoff
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Shabbat is Coming
Bat Mitzvah of Avital Spira,
daughter of Scott Spira & Cynthia Weiss-Spira
Light Candles on Friday at 8:11 pm
Shabbat concludes at 9:02 pm
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General
Northeast News
Join the TI Northeast group tomorrow, May 4 for a Kabbalat Shabbat service and oneg at the Gahanna Creekside. We will begin at 5:30pm and will meet at the waterfall in the main plaza. This is open to all families of the congregation. For more information, please contact Gail Master: 933-0073 or Faye Willen: 939-5551
This Summer's Amazing Germany Trip
For a short video showing you some of the sights in Berlin and a sense of why this trip is important, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwctrIM_QH4
For a look at the latest fabulous itinerary of our June 27-July 5, 2012 trip, visit http://www.ayelet.com/CA2012BROCHURES/ChomskyJack.pdf
Please consider joining Cantor Chomsky-and a few hundred others-for a unique experience that will change your life and the lives of those you meet. Let's talk about it!
Minnie Cobey Memorial Library Looking for Volunteers!
The Minnie Cobey Memorial Library is looking for extra volunteers to do tasks such as entering data on new books into the computer. If you have spare time and would like to consider volunteering, please contact Helen Chronister at hchronister@tiferethisarel.org or 253-8523.The library, which is located at the end of the hallway, is open from 11am - 5pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Chevra Kadisha News
The Chevra Kadisha prepares bodies for a proper Jewish burial and is an all-volunteer group made up of members of Tifereth Israel. New members are always needed as others retire, move away, or are otherwise unable to fulfill this mitzvah. There are many ways to help, including reading prayers while the rituals are performed. For more info contact Rabbi Michael Ungar at 614-253-8523 or mungar@tiferethisrael.org. |
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Adult Education | |
Book Review
Today, Rabbi Ungar will review "Why God Won't Go Away: Brain Science and the Biology of Belief" by Andrew Newberg et al. The book is a scientific, yet accessible, look at how we perceive the world and what it means for faith, our connection to the universe, and our relationship to God. 7:30 pm at the home of Joan Marks, 217 S Harding Rd, and it's free!
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Rabbi Ungar will present a class on "Your Jewish Body, Mind, and Soul" at the JCC on Wednesdays May 9 and 16. Dinner will be at 6 pm followed by class at 6:45 pm. Attendees have access to the Diamond Family Fitness Center on the days of the class. Cost is $45 for all classes and dinners. |
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Preschool News
Preschool Shabbat- May 5
Join us for a PRESCHOOL SHABBAT next Saturday morning from 11:00am-Noon at Tifereth Israel. Judy Miller the Head of School at the Columbus Jewish Day School will be joining us to share stories about Shabbat through storytelling and interactive activities. We will also have our own service, special Shabbat craft and a light snack for Kiddush. Families with children under 5 years are welcome to join us.
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YPS / Jr. Congregation News
YPS/ JR. CONGREGATION 1st of the month PIZZA PARTY - MAY 5
We will hold our 1st of the month YPS/ Jr. Congregation party next Shabbat, May 5. We will have our own youth led service and also learn about the Parsha. Afterwards we will have a pizza party and a little GaGa. YPS/ Jr. Congregation is open to all children in Kindergarten-6th grades. We meet every Shabbat morning from 10:30am-Noon in the pit. No need to RSVP, just come and join us and see all the fun we are having on Shabbat.
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Youth News
For more information or to RSVP for upcoming youth programs, please contact Shani Kadis, Youth & Program Director (253-8523, ext. 119) or Skadis@tiferethisrael.org
JR. KADIMA (3-5 Grades) will spend the afternoon at Magic Mountain on Sunday, May 6 from 12:30-4:15pm. Join us for putt-putt, laser tag and video games.
Visit the Youth Website
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Social Action
Have you missed the collection box for the Food Pantry?
It is now located in the alcove near the Katz Chapel. The pantry always needs: (with emphasis on non-perishable items) Canned and boxed foods that contain protein, especially items that can make a meal, e.g. stews, chunky soups, "helper" type items that need one thing added, e.g. tuna helper, baby foods, small containers of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, etc. There is a special need for peanut butter, as the price has increased due to shortages from a recent poor peanut harvest. The pantry cannot distribute food items that have passed their expiration date. We are also collecting personal care items, toiletries, etc. (no prescription medications) to be used at shelters. There is a separate box for those items in the alcove. Please remember that personal hygiene items cannot be purchased with food stamps.
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HAZAK
Keep the following HAZAK dates in mind:
June 5 Dinner and paper bag dramatics for a fun-filled evening
HAZAK 55+ Dinner and Concert
Please join us at Tifereth Israel for dinner and a performance by the winners of the Hackman Young Jewish Artist Competition on Thursday, May 24 at 6 pm. $15/person for Hazak members; $20 for non-HAZAK members. Checks should be made out to: Tifereth Israel/HAZAK and sent to: Lola Steinhart, 6192 Kinver Edge Way, Cols, OH 43213. Questions may be directed to Stu & Lola Steinhart at 866-2122.
HAZAK Presents: Carla DelVillaggio!
Join us for an unbelievable performance of "Simply Streisand...Then and Now" by Carla DelVillaggio, award winning tribute artist on Sunday, May 20 at 7 pm. Advanced tickets: $18; at the door: $25. Send your check to the Synagogue office, attn: HAZAK.
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Men's Club
Men's Club Brunch
Please join us for our next Men's Club Brunch this Sunday, May 6 at 10:30 a.m. for Joyce Garver Keller who has served for 16 years as the Executive Director of Ohio Jewish Communities. Joyce promises to be an enlightening and engaging speaker.
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Ongoing Events
Celebrate with an Aliyah!
Do you have an anniversary, birthday, or other special event coming up? If so, and you would like an aliyah, please contact Rabbi Berman or Rabbi Ungar at 253-8523.
Yad Shel Chai
Calling all Torah readers! The Men's Club wants you to have your own yad! When you have read 10 times we will present you with a yad designed by Israeli Judaica artist Yair Emanuel. The wooden Torah pointer is hand-painted using acrylic colors and three layers of lacquer. You will also receive a certificate suitable for framing! Keep track of your readings by placing a star next to your name in the book by the entrance in the sanctuary. For more information, contact Dale Levy at dlevy82@gmail.com. If you wish to sign up to read Torah, contact Jerry Sigal of the Yad Squad at jerrysigal@columbus.rr.com.
Chesed Committee
Your synagogue community is here when you need us. Home from the hospital? Alone and grieving? Concerned about a loved one in an nursing care facility? We will arrange for someone to help out. Call the synagogue, or contact Ruth Portnoy at 367-0465. You may also email her at ruthestern@gmail.com.
JFS Friendly Visitor Program
If you or a senior you know are feeling a bit isolated from the Jewish community and would enjoy a regular visit from a JFS volunteer, contact Susie Blair at sblair@jfscolumbus.org or 559-0184.
Chevra Kadisha
The TI Chevra Kadisha is in need to additional volunteers. Members participate in the ritual preparation (Taharah) of the body of a deceased member of our congregation. It consists primarily of bathing the body, then placing the burial garments on the body. Prayers are read while the Taharah is being performed. Participation is one of the greatest mitzvot that one can perform, as the departed cannot thank those who participate in this ritual. No medical knowledge is necessary, and one is part of a pool of people from which 5 individuals participate at a time. The time commitment is minimal and no medical knowledge is required. Men only participate in a Taharah for a male, and women only in Taharah for a female.
Electronic Statements are Now Available!
Did you know you now have the ability to receive your billing statement and yahrzeit notices electronically? Help us reduce paper and postage while doing your part for the environment at the same time. Contact Cheryl Laver, Finance Manager, at claver@tiferethisrael.org and we'll make it happen. Of course, if we don't already have your email address, we certainly want that too.
Kroger Program - Help Us Make Some Gelt!
Kroger is giving away up to $5 million to non-profit organization this year. Let's earn our share -- it won't cost you a dime! We have the potential to earn thousands of dollars for the synagogue. We raised a little over $6,000 this past fiscal year, and we could easily TRIPLE that amount. Detailed instructions are online at www.krogercommunityrewards.com or call Danny Bromberg at 237-7270. If you already enrolled, you will need to re-enroll after April 1 of each year.
Evelyn Lieberman Judaica Shop Hours
Open during Religious School hours, Tuesday from 4 pm to 5:30 pm and Sunday from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. To arrange an appointment please call Babs Miller at 861-7655. |
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Community Events
BREAD Nehemiah ACTION Meeting May 7 at the Celeste Center on the Ohio State Fairgrounds.
Registration starts 6:15 PM. Contact Kristen at the synagogue office if you would like transportation or are willing to help with driving at 253-8523 or kgillman@tiferethisrael.org. We will try to arrange carpooling by areas. The issues: Land Bank for abandon properties, Healthcare, Jobs and the Restorative Justice Approach, a diversion program for juvenile offenders. The April BREAD newsletter provides information on these issues. Copies available at Tifereth Israel on the Lobby Literature rack, or www.breadcolumbus.org. Click on "publications" and find the April issue.
Columbus Coalition for the Homeless Mother's Day Brunch
The Columbus Coalition for the Homeless is sponsoring it's 12th Annual Mother's Day Brunch for mothers experiencing homelessness at Capital University's Harry C. Moores Center on Sunday May 13 at 11 am. Volunteers are needed. For more information about volunteering, please contact Dianna Parker at dparker@columbuslegalaid.org.
Hackman Young Artist Competition Performance
Be sure to join us for this amazing concert of talented young people. This year's Justine Hackman Young Artist Concert will take place Thursday, May 24 at 7 pm. The concert is free and open to the public. It will be preceded by a Hazak Dinner - information below or contact Lola Steinhart -- LSteinhart@insight.rr.com. The concert will be followed by a free ice cream reception with the performers. For more information contact Gail Rose or Cantor Chomsky.
CTA Lag B'Omer Program - Open to the Community
Join us on Thursday, May 10 for CTA's Spring Fling '12 from 6 -8 pm at Columbus Torah Academy. Food, bonfire, talent show, rides and more. For more information, contact info@torahacademy.org or 864-0299.
The Columbus Baseball Invitational
Thursday through Sunday, May 17-20. All games held at the JCC fields on College Avenue. Featuring players from Atlanta, Chicago, New Jersey and New York. Hosted by Columbus Torah Academy. Complete schedule of games at 864-0299 or info@torahacademy.org .
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SCHEDULE OF SERVICES FOR THE COMING WEEK
SUNDAY* 9:30 am & 5:30 pm
MONDAY - FRIDAY 7:30 am & 5:30 pm
*SUNDAY MINCHA/MA'ARIV will be held at 5:30 pm at the home of Marc and Erin Fagin, 2788 Brentwood, Bexley, 614-231-6272. |
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Contact Us
Congregation Tifereth Israel
1354 East Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 253-8523 (Telephone)
(614) 253-6323 (Fax)
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