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Monthly e-newsletter - October 2015
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This month's Voice features several articles about how our TBE community has made a difference in the lives of others and how we continue to live out our social justice and action mission. Rabbi Judy's Kol Nidrei sermon is about finding strength within ourselves and from each other as we move through life changes. By being active in social justice, our congregation is strengthening our Shalom Park and Charlotte community. If you are interested in a particular social justice and action project, please email Annie Lord, chair of the Tzedek Council.
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Join TBE in Fighting Hunger: CROP WALK
TBE is ending hunger "one step at a time" by participating in the 2015 Charlotte CROP Walk. Grab your families and friends and share a special afternoon with congregants and people from all over Charlotte working together to raise money and awareness about the problem of hunger. This year's 3.6 mile walk is on Sunday, Oct. 18, at 2:30 pm, at Independence Park. To join the team or to make a donation, click here. For questions email Jill Blumenthal. |
TBE Goes Shalom Green
What do Kermit the Frog, The Hulk, Shrek, Tinkerbell and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have in common? They, together with the TBE clergy and religious school staff, introduced the Shalom Green initiative at the TBE Religious School Assembly Sunday, Sept. 27. Stay tuned to learn more about our efforts to be an environmentally-friendly congregation. And thanks to our madrachim (teen teachers) for being such good sports.
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Get Involved with Shalom Park Freedom School
This summer the Shalom Park Freedom School hosted 80 scholars at its six-week literacy-based camp. This could not have been possible without the numerous volunteers and organizations that support SPFS. Thank you to all of the individuals and companies for supporting SPFS and ensuring our scholars had a summer experience they won't forget! Be on the lookout in coming months for ways to get involved with Shalom Park Freedom School 2016.
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Teach the Children: Augustine Literacy Tutors
The Augustine Literacy Project®-Charlotte is a nonprofit organization that recruits, trains and supports volunteer literacy tutors who work with low-income children, typically first- and second-graders, who are a year or more behind grade level.
 Tutors go through an intensive, seven-day training program to learn a research-based, systematic method of instruction. After completing training, each tutor is matched with a student for one-on-one sessions, twice a week for an hour each session. Click here to learn more or email Program Director Alison S. Houser.
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Support students and teachers:
Sterling Elementary School Partnership
This school year marks the eighth year of TBE's partnership with Sterling Elementary School as part of CMS's Faith Community Partnership program. Sterling Elementary, with over 750 students; 92% of whom qualify for free or reduced lunch, is located in Pineville, off of South Boulevard.  Volunteers are needed for activities both inside and outside of the classroom. You can work with gifted learners in small groups, or work with struggling learners or ESL students. You can assist teachers by making copies and laminating or shelving books. If you'd prefer to work from home, the school always needs items cut, pasted and stapled. To learn more about ways to help, click here or email Kim Wilkoff or Erin Ashendorf.
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Annie Lord's Legacy Story
I was living in Raleigh, NC the first time I heard about Shalom Park. I was intrigued. All of those Jewish entities sharing one space? We all know that if you put two Jews in a room you have three opinions. How could this possibly work? My enchantment with Shalom Park was a major factor in our move to Charlotte. And in just seven years of involvement with this community, I have witnessed just how much vision and work goes into that balance.
Being beneficiaries of all that Shalom Park has to offer, we want to do all that we can to keep the Park and all of its Jewish entities thriving. We want this special place to be around for every Jew who enters Charlotte to find their niche. We can't imagine a Charlotte without Temple Beth El in it. The Legacy program gave us the perfect opportunity to give beyond our current means, and even beyond the time when we are physically able. And we love that the final example we are setting for our children is the act of giving Tzedakah.
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L to R: Hadley Lord, Annie Lord, Harrison Lord, Andrew Lord
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Get Involved!
Click on the links below to view more information from the many groups that make up the TBE Community.
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Global Day of Jewish Learning
Sunday, Nov. 15
8:30 am - 2:30 pm
Shalom Park
Eat! Pray! Study! Enjoy music! Participate in Tikkun Olam projects!
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Contact our Executive Director to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
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Life events:
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All our clergy's sermons are available via PDF download on the Sermons section of our website.
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Sukkah-building in process:
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Thank you, Peter Hindel, for your time and generosity in designing and building our fabulous Sukkah! And, thank you to our 2015 Brotherhood volunteers!
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Shofar Lessons with Rabbi Jonathan:
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Our First-ever Rosh Hashanah Family Service (attended by more than 300 people):
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Youth Choir Practicing for High Holiday Services:
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Shape the future of the Reform movement, and be transformed in the process!
Don't miss this year's Biennial November 4 - 8 at the Marriott World Center in Orlando. Register here and be sure to let the Temple Office know that you are going so we can include you in on the Friday evening TBE dinner and so that everyone gets a discount.
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Mysteries and More by Rabbi Jonathan Freirich
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 The intensity of our Autumn season - Days of Awe leading into Days of Celebration like Sukkot and Simchat Torah - provides us high points and low points, the soaring music and lofty thoughts of our holiest days and the descents into memories and reflection. As we move into this next phase of the Jewish calendar, allowing us some more relaxed time introspection, here are a number of opportunities to help us in on our myriad of inner journeys. For those of us inclined to see exploring the unknown, both within the world and within ourselves, as a worthwhile pursuit, Entering Kabbalah returns in October and November, on four Tuesday evenings. This renewed approach to Jewish spirituality requires no prior experience with Jewish texts of any source and focuses on accessible thought and practice. Check out all the details and register here: www.enteringkabbalah.org. |
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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
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 Myth: Jews don't abuse; Fact: Surveys estimate one in four Jewish homes and one in three teen relationships are at risk.
TBE stands united with our sister Jewish agencies in the fight against domestic abuse. You can help by wearing a purple pin (available for free at the TBE reception desk). Protect yourself and your loved ones by learning about healthy relationships and red flags for abuse. Click here for more information and TBE's "Resolution on Domestic Abuse." Silence and misinformation perpetrate abuse. Let's all do our part! |
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 on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 9 to 10:00am 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 during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. For more information on this program, click here.
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NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS: Shalom Park & Beyond
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Shalom Green Challenge
Take the challenge to live more sustainably in your home. Learn about Jewish values related to protecting the environment; take action to implement them at home; and connect with families across Shalom Park who share an interest in sustainable living. For more information or to sign up, click here or email Julie Rizzo.
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 Shalom Park Community Garden Workday
Sunday, Oct. 4 from 9:00am to 1:00pm
Help build and plant the new Shalom Park Community Garden! Volunteers of all ages welcome (middle school and younger must be accompanied by an adult). To register, click here or email Yonatan Thull.
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Publication of this newsletter is made possible through the generosity of the Donald and Barbara Bernstein Endowment Fund.
Copyright © 2015. All Rights Reserved.
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