|
 January NEWSLETTER
SHALOM
| |
"Shared Borders, Shared Waters:
Israeli-Palestinian and
Colorado River Basin Regions"
WHEN: Saturday, January 26, 2013, 1:30-4
WHERE: Kirk Bear Canyon Library,
8959 Tanque Verde Rd
Dr. Varady and Dr. Megdal will talk about their experiences internationally, including their recently published edited volume on Israeli-Arizona-Palestinian and Lower Colorado River Basin water challenges. Implications for the planning and use of water resources in Tucson and the Southern Arizona area will be discussed.
Robert Varady is deputy director and director of environmental policy programs at the Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy at The University of Arizona.
Sharon B. Megdal is Director of The University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center (WRRC) and C.W. and Modene Neely Endowed Professor in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Please RSVP by Jan 22:
Irene Sattinger, 229-6166, irene.sattinger@gmail.com or
Becky Schulman, 296-3762, martinschulman30@gmail.com
Participants are asked to bring a snack to share and a donation of non-perishable food for the Community Food Bank. |
|
A FEW WORDS FROM OUR PRESIDENT
A FEW WORDS FROM OUR PRESIDENT
As we enter our second year as an affiliate of our national organization, the Society for Humanistic Judaism, I realize that we have had a very busy and productive 2012, filled with stimulating activities and holiday celebrations. This is due in large part to the hard work of members who have generously volunteered and given of their time. I would like to express special recognition and appreciation to my nine fellow board members who have all consented and been re-elected to serve again. Thank you for agreeing to continue to serve our SHJC community with your exceptional talents. I encourage our total membership to join us at our Annual Meeting on February 10th to install our board, learn about our plans and have fun socializing. As always, there will be many opportunities in 2013 to volunteer your own time. Please feel free to contact me to learn how you might help make our SHJC community grow. My best wishes for a very happy and healthy new year to everyone.
Marshall Rubin |
|
|
Calendar
Board Meeting
Saturday, January 5
Members Only
Oneg/Education/Holiday Planning Committee
Tuesday, January 8th
Contact Becky Schulman
Members Only
Shared Borders, Shared Waters:
Israeli-Palestinian and Colorado River Basin"
Speakers: Robert Varady and Sharon Megdal
Saturday, January 26
Open to the Public
Annual Meeting
Sunday February 10
Members Only
Board meeting to follow
Purim Party
Saturday, February 23
Details to follow
Members Only
Board Meeting
Saturday, March 23
Members Only
Passover Seder
Saturday, March 30
Details to follow
Open to the Public
High Holiday Observance
Saturday, September 7
Details to Follow
Open to the Public
| |
|
|
|
HIGH HOLIDAYS
 On September 22nd the Secular Humanist Jewish Circle celebrated Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur with Rabbi Miriam Jerris leading the service. Rabbi Jerris is the rabbi for the International Society for Humanistic Judaism.
A truly participatory event, various members from our growing community lit the candles, read poems or text, and directed the singing. A lovely rendition of Kol Nidre and a flower ceremony of remembrance touched many. Stu Schwartz outdid himself as he blew the Shofar, reminding us of its history and awakening our slumbering souls.
After the formal service, a delicious catered meal was enjoyed along with lively socializing among new and long-standing friends. Lunch was followed by a discussion,"The Difference Between Jewish Humanism and Humanism" led my Rabbi Jerris.
Open to the community at large, approximately 80 people shared in this special day.
SHJC is now the proud owner of a rousing Shofar!! Thank you to Phil Abromowitz for donating the Shofar used at our High Holiday event. We will look for more opportunities in the future to hear its inspiring call.
|
SUCCOT
What a fun Sukkot celebration at a delightful late afternoon gathering in early October. Paula Schlusberg wrote an informative program relating the agricultural harvest feast of ancient times to a contemporary organization called Mazon - A Jewish Response to Hunger. It turns out that many of our party attendees have gardens for themselves and for sharing. By party's end many were inspired to at least think about starting a garden!! The party was a good introduction to SHJC for several new members. Everyone brought yummy foods to share as we chatted and got to know each other better. Elizabeth and Lon Jackson's sunroom provided the perfect "sukkah" for our Sukkot observance.
 
|
Dr. Gil Shapiro lecture: "Faith, the Greatest Imposter"
 On November 3rd more than 80 people attended a talk by Dr Gil Shapiro, noted columnist and speaker. His presentation, entitled, "Faith, the Greatest Imposter", focused on the impact of religion on culture and progress. In his talk, Dr. Shapiro defined many terms such as Reason, Faith, Belief, Fact, and Reality. According to Shapiro, one of the main problems with Faith is that it "promotes bad ideas as good" and encourages "willful ignorance."
A lively discussion followed his talk, with numerous questions and comments coming from the audience. Animated discussion continued throughout the remainder of the afternoon as attendees enjoyed potluck refreshments and snacks.
With the election looming the following week, the discussion after his talk turned to the influence of religiosity in American politics.
|
LET THERE BE LIGHT-OUR CHANUKAH CELEBRATION
The backdrop for our Chanukah celebration was a park-like setting with a pond and trees. - a special place hidden away in central Tucson.
On the afternoon of December 15th, members and guests gathered for Chanukah festivities - traditional foods and song, fun and laughter and a gift exchange.
Many brought their personal menorahs and we admired their beauty and variety. After the candles were lit, Kent Barrabee officiated over the reading of the Eight Lights of Chanukah. A song fest was highlighted with a solo written and sung by Muriel Morris.
The afternoon slipped by - a wonderful celebration with peaks of sunshine, laughter, humor and stories between old and new friends.
|
To those of you who have been ill or have had accidents, we warmly wish a speedy recovery and a health New Year.
|
SHJC Website
Currently, our website is under development. Susan Rubin has taken the lead with this venture. Several members, including Susan Freud are also involved. We are excited about this project and will and let you know when the site is up and running. |
2013 MEMBERSHIP DUES
SHJC 2013 Membership dues are currently due. We thank all of you who have already sent in their check. A reminder to those of you who have not yet forwarded your dues to the treasurer, Hal Safron, please let us hear from you at this time. Cathy Becskehazy is chairs the Membership Committee. She'd enjoy hearing from you with ideas and suggestions.
We anticipate that 2013 will be an exiting year for our members and look forward to your involvement. |
|
INFO ON THE SECULAR HUMANIST JEWISH CIRCLE |
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
Become a part of a caring, compassionate community reflecting the values of secular humanist Judaism
Help build a new organization that meets your needs and interests.
Minimal financial costs. Members pay reduced fees for those events that have an admission cost.
Opportunity to join a committee
Affiliation with the national organization opens up a wealth of resources to individual members and the chapter as a whole.
|
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
For 2013, dues are $110 for one member for the calendar year. The rate is $160 for a family. This includes the member payment for affiliation with The Society for Humanistic Judaism, the national organization.
For more information about membership, please contact Cathy Becskehazy, 293-3919 or cathbaz@gmail.com. Renewal for everyone will be January 1.
|
SECULAR HUMANIST JEWISH CIRCLE
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
Name or Names _____________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________Zip______________________
Phone ___________________________Email ______________________________________
Types of Programs which interest you _____________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Talents or skills you would be willing to use on behalf of SHJC (e.g. lead a discussion, art or graphic design, music/singing, desktop publishing, etc.)_______________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Comments or suggestions_______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Make your check payable to Secular Humanist Jewish Circle and mail to :
SHJC
c/o 930 S Goldenweed Way
Tucson, AZ 85748
Amount Enclosed $______________________Date_______________
______ |
|
Comittees |
Chairperson(s) | |
Celebration/ Holiday/
Educational Events |
Irene and Becky | |
Publicity/Communications |
Judy | |
Organizational Structure |
Marshall, Hal | |
Membership
|
Cathy |
|
|
The Newsletter was prepared by the Publicity Committee:
Judy Teitler and Kent Barrabee.
Additional content was provided by Becky Schulman, Carolyn Simon,
Cathy Becskehazy, and Irene Sattiinger. |
|
|
