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November 18, 2014 / 25 Heshvan 5775   
Candle Lighting at 4:26pm for Friday, November 28, 2014   
 Parashat Toldot
A MESSAGE FROM RABBI SILVER   

 

Dear Friends,

 

As we start the month of Kislev we begin the celebratory countdown to the first night of Hanukkah on December 16. We have a calendar full of wonderful events in store for you. See the line-up below.

 

I've noticed a trend with the way the media has mainstreamed Hanukkah as a new "Americanized" holiday, like Halloween or even the much-diminished Easter which has been desanctified and reduced to a children's event at which toddlers gobble chocolate bunnies.  

 

If you were not aware of this trend to secularize and universalize just take a peek at the way Hanukkah has been given a secular overhaul by animated TV shows such as the Simpsons, Rugrats, and South Park. 

Hanukkah has ironically transformed from a story of the struggle of the Maccabees who resist assimilation into Greek culture to now become part of the larger American inclusive narrative. It joins other minority groups' celebrations such as Cinco de Mayo and St. Patrick's Day which have become mainstream. American Pop culture values a simple, non-religious and commercial message which ultimately spurs us into many visits to the mall.

 

I guess this process isn't all that surprising. We Jews started to immigrate to the USA in the 1880s as a result of the Russian government's official policy of driving out its 6 million Jews. Ultimately, over 2.5 million of us came to North America. After almost six generations in the US we are thoroughly American, and that is a good thing. Anti-Semitism in the US is at an all-time low.

 

But underneath these trends is another fact which does not give me comfort. According to Pew Research Center almost 20% of all Americans under age 30 now consider themselves to be secular, with no religion in their lives. The message of Hanukkah is not secular, though it is universal. It is fiercely and tenaciously Jewish.  It not only demands that the majority culture respect the uniqueness of the minority, it reminds us to remain distinct, proud and identified in our Jewishness.

 

My message is a simple one; it is the core message of the Hanukkah story itself. Peter Yarrow, of Peter Paul and Mary fame, captured the idea with his now classic song whose refrain is , "Don't Let the Light Go Out".

 

Happy Chanukah!

 

 

 

 

 

Steven L. Silver

Rabbi

 

Click here for the Candle Blessings and songs http://www.reformjudaism.org/jewish-holidays/hanukkah

 

HAPPY HANUKKAH HAPPENINGS  at Temple Menorah

 

Tuesday, December 9, 2014 - 4:30pm

Rabbi Silver reading Hanukkah stories at Barnes and Noble 

 

Wednesday, December 10, 2014 - 11:00am

RCC Hanukkah Party featuring entertainment by Bubbleh Klezmer band 

 

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Light first Hanukkah Candle (at home)

 

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

5:20pm - Light Latke Dinner (Latkes & Veggies) $5 per person or 2 double cut slices on RS pizza card

6:00pm - Community Hanukkah Candle Lighting on Bimah with Religious School

 

Friday, December 19, 2014

5:00pm - Community Hanukkah Candle Lighting and Latke Extravaganza

6:30pm - Shir Shabbat Service
 
7:45pm - Community Hanukkah Dinner & Hanukkiyah Awards

 

Click HERE for more information.   

 

HANUKKAH MITZVAH PROJECT: 
 
TEMPLE MENORAH AND THE CHILDREN'S LAW CENTER OF LOS ANGELES ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE 9TH ANNUAL "ADOPT A FAMILY FOR THE HOLIDAYS"

If you would like to "adopt" a child, a few children, or an entire family for the holidays, we could use your help!!  You can make a difference. Brighten the lives of children in foster care who won't otherwise receive holiday gifts.

Shop for a specific child or family, donate items to be distributed to families, or make a monetary 
donation to the project.

Through generous donations, last year we were able to provide over 5000 gifts (toys, books, clothes, blankets and food) to abused and neglected children.

To participate or for more information contact:
  • Princess Ramey, Outreach Coordinator rameyp@clcla.org
  • Pat Salcido, Special Projects salcidop@clcla.org
  • Carmen Ductoc, Operations Assistant ductocc@clcla.org
 
CONTINUING EDUCATION   

WE'VE GOT SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!

 

Whether you are interested in becoming an adult b'nai mitzvah,  

learning more about the week's Torah portion or would like to test your conversational Hebrew skills, Temple Menorah has a class for you!  

 

Many classes begin next week; so, be sure to sign-up today to reserve your spot!

 

Click HERE to learn more about our Continuing Jewish Education series or to SIGN-UP for a class.  

 

MENORAH YOUTH PROGRAMMING
Saturday, November 22, 5:30pm - 10:30pm
KIDS NIGHT OUT
For more information please call Shayna at (310) 316-8444 or e-mail at Youth@TempleMenorah.org
Download the flyer HERE.
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
MITZVAH PROJECTS
THE JAMNER MITZVAH PROJECT

For her bat mitzvah project, Isabella Jamner has decided to sell
Cupcakes for Cancer to raise funds for the American Cancer Society
and awareness of this disease that has touched so many of our lives.  Isabella's family includes many cancer survivors, and one of her close friends is currently undergoing treatment, as well.


ROSENBERG CULTURAL CENTER

Wednesday, November 19  - 11:00am

"Is ISIS Really a Threat?" with Rabbi Steven Silver

Rabbi will give us insight into the politics and drama behind the Headlines.

 

Monday, November 24 and Wednesday, November 26

Thanksgiving Week - No Programs

 

Lunch is served at each event. $12 members / $15 guests

 

For more information on the Rosenberg Cultural Center,
please contact Mickey Seigel at (310) 316-8444, ext. 125,
or email him at mseigel@templemenorah.org.  
 
SISTERHOOD

 

Saturday, November 22 - 9:00am 
Women's Torah Study with Rabbi Deborah Goldmann 

Readings and discussion begin promptly at 9:00am after an 8:45am gathering for coffee and donuts.  All are welcome and no RSVP is required.  For further information, contact Education Chair Lynn Schubert at lynnschubert@verizon.net or (310) 376-3984.

 

Sisterhood in Cyberspace

We're working to be more social media savvy this year!  Be sure to "like" our Facebook page by clicking here.

 

TOSAC 
TIKKUN OLAM SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE 

The Tikkun Olam Social Action Committee is organizing a book drive for one of the Michael Mitzvah Day projects.   We are collecting books, CDs, DVDs and LP records in good condition for Re-Book It.

Re-Book It finds the best possible home for donated books, CDs, DVDs and LPs.  Some go to local charities like Friends of the Library, homeless shelters, hospitals or schools.
A few are sold to readers, collectors or students, raising funds for the continuation of the program and for partner charities. Books that they can't find a home for are recycled, saving trees. No book is ever thrown away.

To learn more click HERE to go to our TOSAC web page. 

CONGREGATIONAL RETREAT & FAMILY CAMP
DON'T MISS IT!
 

The weekend is filled with summer camp activities for both children and for grown ups, separately and together.  Together, we make challah, go on a scavenger hunt, tie dye T-shirts and have a Family Talent Show.  Grownups made mojitos in the garden with Bill last year.  The kids sleep in cabins with counselors, grown ups sleep in motel-like housing (children can also opt to sleep with parents/grandparents).  It's a wonderful opportunity to spend time with your family and get to know the Temple Menorah community. 

 

February 27-March 1, 2015

Camp JCA Shalom in Malibu   

 

* $225 per Adult in private motel-style accommodations (double occupancy)
* $190 per Adult in shared cabins
* $145 per child over age 4 (housed with parents or in cabin groups with same aged children)
* Children 3 and younger are free (housed with parents)

 

Please use the link below to print out the registration form.  Fill it out and bring to the Temple Menorah office with your $100 deposit check, or pay online.  The private Emma Stern Cabins for parents are filling up fast!  So sign up soon.  Click HERE for more details or to download the registration forms.    

 

Any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.  Hoping we see you in February!

Jen Molod

(215) 680-7660

COMMUNITY EVENTS

42nd ANNUAL SOUTH BAY

INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING SERVICE

Tuesday, November 25 - 7:30pm

 

Click HERE for more information.

Download the flyer HERE.

 

Interested in joining the Interfaith Choir?  Click HERE for more information.                                                     

AN EVENING WITH CRAIG TAUBMAN AT NER TAMID
Saturday, November 22

6:00pm Patron Reception
7:00pm Performance

Click HERE to purchase tickets.

AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE AT TEMPLE MENORAH 

Sunday, November 23 - 8:00am - 1:30pm

 

There is no substitute for blood.  It only comes from generous donors like you.  Come save up to three lives at the Temple Menorah Blood Drive on Sunday, November 23rd from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM.  We need you to help us reach our goal by making an appointment to donate blood.   To make an appointment go to www.redcrossblood.org, and enter Sponsor Code TempleMenorah.  You can also email Ben Kae at Benkae12345@gmail.com.  Excuses never save a life.  Blood donations do. 

 

Download the flyer HERE.

 

JEWISH GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY OF LOS ANGELES
Sunday, December 7 - 1:00pm

 

A JewishGen Tutorial & JGSLA's Hanukah Party with Warren Blatt - Latkes & Learning!  

University Synagogue, 11960 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles 90049

 

Click HERE to download the flyer.  More details at: www.JGSLA.org

IN THIS ISSUE
THIS WEEK

Wednesday, November 19
11:00amRosenberg Cultural Center Program
4:30pmReligious School
6:30pmSisterhood Meeting


Thursday, November 20
7:30pmIntroduction to Judaism
7:30pmBoard Meeting


Friday, November 21
6:00pmNosh & Social sponsored by the Jamner family in honor of Isabella's Bat Mitzvah
6:30pmShabbat Service


Saturday, November 22
9:00amParashat Hashuvuah with Rabbi Deborah Goldmann
10:00amShabbat Service
12:30pmKiddush Luncheon sponsored by the Jamner family in honor of Isabella's Bat Mitzvah
5:30pmKids Night Out


Sunday, November 23
9:00amReligious School
12:30pmTOSAC Meeting


NEXT WEEK
Tuesday, November 25
4:00pmTorah/Haftorah with Rick Muller


Wednesday, November 26
Temple Office closes at 12pm
NO Religious School


Thursday, November 27
Temple Office and Tuvia School Closed for Thanksgiving


Friday, November 28
Temple Office and Tuvia School Closed for Thanksgiving
6:00pmNosh & Social
6:30pmShabbat Service with Rabbi Gila Katz


Saturday, November 29
10:00amShabbat Services led by Daniel Sher
Ufruf for Larry Sher and Elaine Zheleznyak
12:30pmKiddush Luncheon sponsored by Larry Sher and Elaine Zheleznyak


Sunday, November 30
NO Religious School



New member dues are "Pay what you can."  This makes it very easy to be part of one of most active and vibrant Jewish communities around.  Please tell your friends and ask them to call me to learn more.  (Click here for a Membership packet)
 
L'Shanah Tova!

 

Mickey Seigel
Membership & RCC Director
MISHEBEIRACH LIST   

  

We pray as a community for the recovery and healing of all those in the bed of illness.

The name of each person listed below is read aloud by Rabbi Silver every Shabbat morning during the Torah Service.

 

Hunter Abal

Dave Baye

Christine Bennett

Tricia Benetti

Marjie Block

Gene Boba

Rita Botwin

Don Buschhoff

Iris Cohan

Rebecca Cohan

Karen Cohen

Robert Cone

Alice Dewey

Joan Ernster

Michael Sean Fowler

Dorothy Fogel

Jeff Gitomer

Audrey Goldman

Robert Goldman

Samuel Herron-Goldman

Kelly Gottleib

Isaura Gonzalez

Sylvana Hems

Chris Joya

Phillip Kaufman

Edith Koslow

Glenn Lawrence

Nacha Lesser

Nataniel Chaim ben Meria Eliza

Elaine Levine

Susan Ley

Tillie Markman

Sharon Maslow

Marian Nicolaides    

Joe Newman

Marla Osband

Mike Pauly

Leigh Robertson

Jeff Sampson                    

Ava Schwartz

Hy Silkes

Joseph Silverman

Patricia Spector

Stan Staples

Gloria Steinberg

Kevin Vaughan

Lily Wallace

Shari Yellin

Diane Yohay

Steven Ziegman

Tuba Zinger

 

 If you have a loved one or friend who is in need of healing prayers, please contact Jordan Nicolaides at  

(310) 316-8444 or jordan@templemenorah.org to have their name(s) placed on the Mishebeirach list.

MENORAH
KIDS CLUB 
After School Program

Contracts are now available!  
Click HERE to download yours today!!

KIDDUSH SPONSORSHIP

 

The custom of sponsoring a Kiddush is a wonderful way to share your joy and at the same time support Temple Menorah. Bringing these special moments to Temple Menorah through Kiddush sponsorship helps to strengthen your connections to our community, while also enhancing our Shabbat celebrations. 

 

Reasons to sponsor a Kiddush: 

* Celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or any special occasion 

* Commemorate the Yahrzheit of a loved one 

* Honor someone special  

* Remember a loved one 

* Celebrate a simcha

 

You may sponsor a Kiddush alone or split the cost with a group of friends or family to commemorate the occasion together.

 

As a community we all delight in each other's simchas, and would be honored to share yours.  

 

Contact Sue-Anne at ssilkes@templemenorah.org to discuss what dates are available, and the details of the kiddish you would like to sponsor. 

  

JUDAICA SHOP
 
Contact Miram Nash at
(310) 543-2341 for an
 appointment.

ATTENTION JOB SEEKERS!

 

Jewish Vocational Services (JVS) Los Angeles offers hope and opportunity to our diverse community through job training, mentoring and education, combined with expert career guidance and employer partnerships, transforming lives and empowering individuals to achieve dignity and independence.

 

Liz Mohler, M.S. is available for career coaching and business/entrepreneurial consultations. 

 

If you have any questions, or would like to set-up a time to meet with Liz, please call her at (323)761-8888, ext. 8997 or email her at lmohler@jvsla.org.   

 

Click HERE for more. 

 

THE EZRA NETWORK  
  

Emily Carroll, an attorney from Bet Tzedek Legal Services, will be at Temple Menorah from 2pm - 5pm one Monday per month.

  

Ms. Carroll offers free assistance with a variety of legal issues, including   employment rights, housing issues, advance planning, debtor's rights / bankruptcy, public benefits, and elder law. 

  

Please contact her at (323)549-5827 or at ecarroll@bettzedek.org to schedule an appointment.  

 

Click HERE for more.   

 

HIGH FIVE BASKETBALL LEAGUE FOR KIDS WITH AUTISM

The Jewish Innovation
We launched High Five Basketball to provide a stimulating and accepting environment for youth with autism. Through our mission "Friendship, Focus, Fitness, Fairness & Fun", we provide a basketball league for children 6-16 years old with autism in order to give them athletic opportunities, social interactions and friendships, an accepting environment to just simply have fun, and that fundamental sense of belonging one gets from being on a team.  

NEW!!

 

 We've got lot's of Hanukkah ideas, recipes, decorations and more!!
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Temple Menorah | 310-316-8444 | info@templemenorah.org | http://www.templemenorah.org
1101 Camino Real
Redondo Beach, CA 90277

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