Shabbat Shalom

שבת שלום

     Parshat Chukat        

5 Tammuz 5773 - June 13, 2013

  
Kroger Community Awards  

April is here and you will need to re-enroll to continue earning Kroger Community Rewards for Tifereth Israel.  All participants must sign up and/or re-enroll after April 1, 2013 (no sooner) to continue earning rewards during the coming year, 05/01/2013 to 04/30/2014. Visit www.krogercommunityrewards.com, click "Columbus, OH" and click "Enroll" to register for the first time. To re-enroll, go to the website or Kroger.com and sign in. Call 1-800-Krogers for questions.        

 

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.

 

HAZAK News

HAZAK is hosting a fun filled evening open to the entire congregation on Thursday, June 28 at 6:30 pm. Enjoy our indoor picnic with delightful food including hot dogs (Cleveland's best) and then enjoy a talent show by our own members! Price: $6 per person.  Please join us for lots of fun and laughter.  Mail your check, payable to Hazak/Tifereth Israel, no later than June 23 to Tifereth Israel/Hazak 1354 E. Broad St.  Direct any questions to John Koenigsberg (855-5477) or Stan Horowitz (876-0802).

 


  ACH Debit Has Arrived!

In order to assist our congregants in paying their synagogue obligations, we now have the ability to automatically withdraw money from your checking account each month or less frequently if desired. This is in addition to accepting credit cards, which, as you may know, cost the synagogue approximately 2.3%.  We can withdraw any amount you decide on a monthly basis, which will be around the 15th of the month.  If you are interested in more information on this brand new service we offer, please contact Cheryl Laver, our Finance Manager, at the synagogue or by email at claver@tiferethisrael.org.   

Table of Contents
General
Religious School
Social Action
Service Times

D'var Torah 

 

     Parashat Chukat begins with the well known (and very strange) ritual of the Red Heifer.  Torah law was very concerned with matters of ritual purity and impurity.  There are many factors that determine this but one of the main reasons for impurity was coming into contact with the body of a deceased person.  Once that impurity had been contracted, a ritual was needed to "undo" it; that ritual is the one described at the beginning of the Torah portion.

    A pure red heifer was to be slaughtered.  The remains were burned to ashes and mixed with a few other materials then added to water.  That water was sprinkled on the impure person who later became pure.  It is a procedure that defies all logical explanation, which is why commentators over the centuries have spilled much ink over it.

   Although we may never fully understand the ritual of the Red Heifer, we can relate to the idea that there are times when we are in a state that is not as it should be (in the Torah's case, impurity).  In our own lives, we know that there are times when things seem off, relationships are strained, or systems are off kilter.  We seek ways to make the situation better.  This idea is at the very heart of the observances of Yom Kippur; we know that we cannot remain in a state of sin perpetually, so the holiday helps us to wipe the slate clean and start anew.  It is, of course, never the ritual alone that changes the status; more often than not, we must also change our actions or attitudes at the same time.  Nevertheless, these rituals played (and still play) an important role in helping us to shed the impurities, mistakes, sins and regrets of the past in order to move forward to greater holiness.

 

Rabbi Michael Ungar  

Jewish Joke of the Week 
 
The new rabbi was in the middle of a sermon when he suddenly beckoned to the shammes to come over. The rabbi said to him, "That man in the third row is asleep. Wake him up."
The shammes replied, "You put him to sleep. You wake him up."


From Oy! The Ultimate Book of Jewish Jokes
by David Minkoff

Shabbat is Coming

 

 

Anniversary Shabbat
Bar Mitzvah of Cyrus Benis, son of Yass and Stuart Benis 
Light Candles on Friday at 8:44 pm
 Shabbat ends on Saturday at 9:34 pm

 

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General  

 

                 
Religious School
                                              

Happy Summer Vacation! 

 

 

Please consult our school calendar for dates when school is in session!

http://tiferethisrael.org/Education/RSchoolCalendar.pdf

 

Youth Events

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.  You can also receive the latest news and updates of all our youth events on our Facebook Page

www.facebook.com/pages/Congregation-Tifereth-Israel-Youth/     

 

 

Preschool News

Our preschool programs are open to all families with children under the age of 5 in the community. For more information about our programming, please contact Shani Kadis, Youth & Program Director.

 

Minnie Cobey Memorial Library

   

Donation Information

The Minnie Cobey Memorial Library gratefully accepts donations of gently used books, children's books, videos & DVDs, audio books, and CDs. Donated items are either added to the collection or sold to raise library funds. Due to the lack of storage space and the difficulty of resale of some materials, not all donations are acceptable. We cannot accept: damaged items, reference books more than 5 years old, travel books or atlases more than 3 years old, vinyl records, or magazines.

 

Minnie Cobey Memorial Library Offering Computer Use

A new computer has been purchased and is located in the library for the exclusive use of congregants for browsing the Internet or viewing the Encyclopedia Judaica CD-ROM (1997). Congregants wishing to learn more about how computers work may schedule a time with Helen for an informal lesson.

 

Library Hours 

The library is open from 11:30am - 5 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

 

For more information, call Helen Chronister at 253-8523, ext. 112 or email hchronister@tiferethisrael.org

Social Action 

 

Donate To The Food Pantry

Tifereth Israel delivers the non-perishable food items donated by our members on an ongoing basis to the Lutheran Social Services Food Pantry. Canned tuna, chunky soups, helper meals and baby foods are always needed, as are personal care products that cannot be purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly food stamp, assistance. Please place these items in the designated box in the atrium.  Please remember those in our community, both families and older adults.

 

Want to be more involved with bringing positive change to our community?

The Crime and Violence committee advises that through the efforts of Judge Gill a diversion coordinator has been hired to work with low risk juvenile offenders.  Juveniles will be given the opportunity to participate in a Restorative Justice Circle that will not only divert them from the traditional criminal justice system, but will hold them be accountable in a life-changing way . 

Volunteers are crucially needed for three initial Circles on the South side, the North Linden area, and the West side. If interested in learning more, please contact 614-525-3130 or email  RJ_Circles@fccourts.org. or Amy Byler at the BREAD office at 220-9363.  

    

Columbus Faith Coalition Against Violence - Gun Violence in Schools

The Columbus Faith Coalition Against Violence has been formed by a group of religious leaders in Columbus to pray for an end to violence in our city and to those who have been affected by it.  People from all faiths are invited to our monthly Prayer Service on Sunday, June 2 from 6-7 pm at St. Thomas More Newman Center, 64 West Lane Avenue.  Parking in the lot behind the Center.

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 the synagogue office.

 

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 News
The TI Chevra Kadisha is in need of additional volunteers.  Members prepare the deceased 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 important mitzvah.  There are many ways to help, including reading prayers while the rituals are performed. Participation is one of the greatest mitzvot that one can perform.  For more info contact Rabbi Michael Ungar at the synagogue or mungar@tiferethisrael.org .  

 

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.  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.

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 Sternberg at 746-4587.  You may also email her at ruthestern@gmail.com.

 

Community Events
  

Caregiver Education Series

The JCC, JFS and COAAA will be holding monthly Caregiver Education Series the first Thursday of each month from 5:45 - 7 pm at the JCC, 1125 College Avenue. The first session, Getting Started, is designed to provide information on long term care, financial realities, and legal tools for planning. These sessions are designed for family members and friends caring for their elderly loved one. For more information, contact Keila Naparstak (knaparstek@jfscolumbus.org or 614-231-1890) or Debbie (dvinocur@columbusjcc.org or 559-6214.) Reservations can be made on line at  

http://toolsforcaregivers.eventbrite.com       

 

13  months for the price of 12

Join the JCC in May or June for an annual membership and get 13 months for the price of 12. Coming this June: New equipment. More space. Different ways to stay in shape.  3-month membership options also available. Call 559-6227 or 559-6229 for more information.

 

Grief Support Group

Grief and loss are part of the human experience. The professionals at Zusman Hospice understand the importance of having a support system during such a trying time. Free and open to the public every Monday in June from 6:30 to 8 pm at Wexner Heritage Village, 1151 College Avenue.  Come once or come every week. Led by qualified, experienced counselors, our grief support group is open to all who seek companionship on the path to healing.  For more information, call 614-559-3050

 

Lecture to Focus on End-of-Life Care

Understanding the resources available for dealing with end-of-life issues can help individuals and families reduce stress and improve a dying loved one's quality of life.  The bereavement support staff of Wexner Heritage Village's Zusman Hospice is offering a free lecture, "Go Talk to the Social Worker: Information for End-of-Life Care." Topics to be discussed include community resources and Medicare and Medicaid hospice benefits. This is free and open to the public on Wednesday, June 19 from 7 to 8 pm at Wexner Heritage Village, 1151 College Avenue.  For more information, call 614-559-3050

 


Service Times

  

Shabbat Schedule

  9:00 am     Shabbat Morning Services  ~  Main Sanctuary

10:00 am     Babysitting (Ages 2-6)  ~  Nursery

10:30 am     YPS and Jr. Congregation  ~ Pit 

 

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES FOR THE COMING WEEK

 

SUNDAY                                                                                        9:30 am

MONDAY - FRIDAY                                                                    7:30 am/5:30 pm

 

SUNDAY MINCHA/MA'ARIV
Minyan will be at 5:30 pm at the Fellowship Room (#230) of the apartment complex of Gail and Bob Clark, 1001 Parkview Blvd, Columbus; 861-8141

 

                 
Contact Us

Congregation Tifereth Israel

1354 East Broad Street

Columbus, Ohio 43205

 

(614) 253-8523 (Telephone)
(614) 253-6323 (Fax)