Monthly e-newsletter - September 2015

 

L'shanah Tovah!  This month's VOICE has several articles related to High Holy Days and our Caring Community. Looking for program and event information?  Select one of the buttons under the "Get Involved!" header in the right column or visit our new website.

Celebrate High Holidays with Temple Beth El!
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Mikvahs and
Martinis
Chopped Liver? Enough said.Shake Your Lulav...
Raise your glass Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 6 to 9pm.
That's what we call fuel for Elul! Sign up to join us by Thursday, Sept. 3.
Enjoy Jered Mond's famous chopped liver by the pound and enjoy at your dinner table. Order online here by Monday, Sept. 7.
Save time and order your Lulav & Etrog sets through TBE online. Just click here to order before Monday, Sept. 7.
Visit the TBE website for High Holiday schedules, tickets and more. 
Interested in Sukkot activities? Click here.
Building Community
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Support in times of need: Caring Community

As a caring and supportive faith family, we constantly review the ways in which we can support TBE members during difficult times. The following initiatives are a few of the many ways we seek to help when times are tough:
  • SECOND FAMILY - Companionship, respite care and limited non-medical assistance by a Care Team
  • MITZVAH MEALS - Meals for those recovering from illness, surgery or other challenges
  • BEREAVEMENT OUTREACH checks in with congregants in the weeks following a death.
  • CHEVRA KADDISHA "holy society" prepares the deceased for burial according to Jewish tradition.
  • HOMEBOUND CONNECTIONS fills the gap between hospital visitation and those who are able to get to Shalom Park to take advantage of programs. 
If you need support or want to volunteer please email Cantor Andrew Bernard or Candace Naliboff. 
Making a Difference: Dee Kridel
We are so pleased to welcome Dee Kridel as the new manager of our Discovered Traditions Gift Shop. A long-time TBE member and Gift Shop Committee member, Dee has lived in Charlotte most of her life. 

Dee brings with her an accomplished career in retail management and customer service, in both large and small retail organizations. Most recently she worked at the Vera Bradley Outlet Store and served as a store manager at both the Yankee Candle Company and Barnes & Noble Booksellers. Please introduce yourself to Dee and welcome her in the coming weeks.

As we welcome Dee, we offer heartfelt thanks to Sue Klein for her past leadership of Discovered Traditions. You can still see Sue at the TBE front desk as we expand our receptionist hours.
Gratitude for Gifts
Giving in Their Own Words: 
Roz Greenspon and Marty Birnbaum
It was the end of November, 2013. While talking with Sara Schreibman, we learned Cantor Mary Thomas was going to Chicago to attend a national synagogue symposium. The symposium agenda would focus on cutting-edge concepts that were being initiated by Temples around the country. These concepts would inspire members toward increased involvement in activities of Temple Beth El.

After Sara's presentation about the goals and outcomes, we felt it all sounded good. So, we 
offered a financial gift that would cover expenses for the trip as well as cover the budget to initiate a project upon Cantor Mary's return. 

In January, 2014, Sara invited us to a follow-up meeting with Cantor Mary. When we walked into the meeting, Cantor Mary threw a "bear hug" embrace around Marty's neck, saying, "Thank you, thank you for funding the trip. It was inspiring and helpful!" She added," I've already begun implementing the ideas.  I want this to quickly become reality."  She glowed with energy.  Her enthusiasm was contagious.

In twenty minutes of non-stop descriptions, Cantor Mary explained, "These ideas are cutting edge. TBE young adults and families with young children will find it fun -and easy - to connect with other members, many of whom will become leaders of the Temple." She paused, took a deep breath, and clearly stated: "Time is of the essence." She patted her baby bulge. "We plan to deliver this boy in about 6 weeks." Understood! Time was of the essence. 
 
The first funded project, The Porch, has already been proven to be successful. The Porch has become a critical entryway into life at Temple Beth El.

In December 2014. Sara, Rabbi Judy, and Cantor Mary asked us to consider funding an additional "good idea" aptly named, Jewish Living Groups. This activity engages intergenerational members who have a particular interest in the focus of a group, such as Bourbon & Banter and Tiles and Tribulations.  We, the Greenspon-Birnbaums, have lived in Charlotte's Jewish community a long time - Roz 52 years and Marty 26 years. That's long enough for us to recognize how much our lives have benefited from the Jewish-based culture and lifestyle we have experienced throughout these years. Now, as we "age up", we feel fortunate to be able to help ensure these kinds of valuable experiences will continue to be available for many people for many years to come.

Interested in learning more about TBE's Adult & Family Engagement Fund and Young Families and Young Adults Fund?  Please contact Sara Schreibman.

Sacred Giving: It's in our hearts. It's in our hands. 

Don't forget to make your annual Sacred Gift commitment! For your convenience, an online form is now available.

If you have questions about your annual commitment, contact Candace Naliboff, Director of Congregational Engagement. 
In This Issue
Visit TBE Inside News to see news from our Rabbi Search Committee.
Get Involved!
We Need Your Help!

Contact our Executive Director to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

Change the World: Social Action
STERLING ELEMENTARY PARTNERSHIP GOING STRONG!
CROP WALK
Join the TBE team for the 37th Annual Charlotte CROP Hunger Walk.

Sunday, Oct.18
2:30 pm  Independence Park

Questions? Email 
Jill Blumenthal.
Featured Events:
Community Memorial Service

Sunday, Sept. 20
10:30 am
Hebrew Cemetery 
1801 Statesville Ave. Charlotte, NC 28206 
Upcoming Events:
Save the Date:
Global Day of Jewish Learning
Sunday, Nov. 15
8:30 am - 2:30 pm
Shalom Park
Celebrate our shared Jewish texts through community-based learning and cultural experiences!
Life events:

Have you registered for school yet?

Online registration is open for Religious School and Hebrew High. Use the links below to register online NOW.

      

Thank You!
We appreciate your financial support of our many programs and projects.  See our full list of funds and recent contributions.
Praying With Windows in Our Sanctuary By Rabbi Judy Schindler
The Talmud teaches that "A person should not pray except in a room which has windows."

RabbiJudySept09In the book of Daniel, at the risk of losing his life for bowing down and praying to any god or any man but the King, Daniel went up to his room, opened his windows towards Jerusalem and prayed to God three times a day. It is based on this teaching that we have windows in our sanctuaries that face towards Jerusalem...

Our sanctuary has windows so that we can see the beauty of God's world and be inspired to offer gratitude for the gifts that fill our lives. May we commit in the coming year to be good stewards of earth by doing what we can to protect our most precious natural resources.    Read more

Shalom Bayit: Peace at home
Upcoming workshop: Top Ten Tips for a Healthy Relationship

Despite the challenge of divorce and the difficulties of dating, everyone wants to have healthy relationships. As part of our Congregational Shabbat, we will offer a 
workshop the morning of Saturday, Oct. 10 called "Top Ten Tips for a Healthy Relationship."  Whether you are married, dating, divorced or widowed and dating again, this workshop is for you.

Led by Rabbi Judy Schindler and Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Collaborative Divorce Coach Ann Kreindler-Siegel, "Top Ten Tips for a Healthy Relationship" is being offered as an educational program during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Registration not required.


Melton Adult Education Core Class:

Our own Cantor Mary Rebecca Thomas will be teaching a Thursday morning Melton Adult Education Core class. For more information on what is covered in the class or to register, click here. 

Summer Services: Shabbat Your Way!

Our motto for summer services is "Come as you are. Come when you can. Leave early or stay. Shabbat your way!" Stuck in traffic? Bookmark our streaming services you can listen to the start of worship in your car - and when you arrive, join us for food, drink, and prayer. Learn more about Summer Services. 


Discovered Traditions Gift Shop:

Featuring a large selection of Jewish gifts for every occasion, Discovered Traditions is open weekdays 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and on Fridays prior to worship services.  Please stop in and see our new merchandise.

NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS: Shalom Park & Beyond


GoPlaySave and Benefit Jewish Family Services!

Pre-Order your GoPlaySave Coupon Book and Start Saving in August! To get your copy, stop by JFS Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm or order online at www.jfscharlotte.org.




 Publication of this newsletter is made possible through the generosity of the Donald and Barbara Bernstein Endowment Fund.

 

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