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Temple Beth Tikvah Newsletter

 

Come be a part of our growing Reform synagogue. All are Welcome!

In This Issue
Progressive Dinner
Jewish Library Book Fair at Barnes and Noble
Rabbi's Greeting
President's Message
Interfaith Network Thanksgiving Service
High Holy Day Sermons Now Online
Weekend In Quest Info
Board Notes
Committee News - Schools Going Strong
Back Door Cafe Needs You
Men's Night
B'nei Mitzvah Group Reunion
Tributes
About TBT
Contact US

 

Temple Beth Tikvah
P.O. Box 7472
Bend, OR  97708

541-388-8826

Join Our Mailing List

 

November Celebrations
Celebrations in November honor the following:

 

Birthdays:
  Abby Quinn      Nov.  5
  Michael Freundlich 
                       Nov. 10
  David Multz      Nov. 12
  George Brant    Nov. 13
  Liz Levinson     Nov. 13
  Jolie Fiore        Nov. 17
  Lauren Olander Nov. 22

 

Anniversaries:
  Pati & Danny Boyd
         November 20th
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TBT Board Members
Board Officers: 

 

 President:
   Mark Schindel

 

 Vice President:
   Jeanne Freeman

 

 
Members At Large:
  
   Victor Chudowsky
 
   Diane Dober

   Suzanne Schlosberg
 
TBT Committee Chairs
   Suzanne Schlosberg
        -and-
   Evie Lerner

 

Communications and
Public Relations:
   Jeanne Freeman

Congregational Development:
   Lauren Olander

 

Education:
   Kathy Schindel

Facilities:
   TBD

Finance:
   Ron Ruby

 

Fundraising:
   TBD

 

Membership:
   Terry Reynolds

Oneg Coordinator:
   Corrie Grudin

 

Religion and Music:
   Lauren Olander

 

Social Action:
   Burt Litman

 

Social Activities:
   Diane Dober

 

Treasurer:
   Evie Lerner
 
Newsletter Sponsors

 

Please mention their ads and remember to thank our sponsors next time you're in one of these shops:

 

 

Dudley's Bookshop Cafe business card
Dudley's Bookshop Cafe

 

Rockin Dave's Ad 

Rockin' Daves   

 

Baked business card - update  

Baked

 

Ida's Cupcakes business card  

Ida's Cupcake Cafe 

Temple Beth Tikvah is pleased to welcome our newest members:

              Stephen and Eileen Katz, and 

                             granddaughter Eliana

                 Abby Quinn, and children 

                              Izabella and Jordana

November Calendar of Events

NOVEMBER EVENTS

   Nov.  4 10:00 a.m. - Sunday School

   Nov.  9  6:30 p.m. - Kabbalat Shabbat Service w/Rabbi

   Nov. 10  9:00 a.m. - Torah Study w/Rabbi

              10:30 a.m. - Torah Service

                6:00 p.m. - Progressive Dinner

   Nov. 11 10:00 a.m. - Sunday School

              10:00 a.m. - Book Fair at Barnes & Noble

               1:30 p.m. - Adult Ed. Discussion w/Rabbi

                               at the Levinsons' 

               7:00 p.m. - Board Meeting

   Nov. 13  5:30 p.m. - B'nei Mitzvah Group Reunion

   Nov. 15  7:00 p.m. - INCO Thanksgiving Service

   Nov. 20  5:30 p.m. - Men's Night

   Nov. 29  5:00 p.m. - Bethlehem Inn Dinner

 

 

Fall Back
 

 

 

ON THE HORIZON - Save the Date

   June 1st - TBT's 5th Anniversary Celebration

Sunday 

November School Activities:

Sunday School (10:00 a.m. Shalom Bayit):  11/4, 11/11

Hebrew School:  

   First Year - Tuesdays w/David, 3:45 p.m. at Dudley's: 

        11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27

   Second Year - Thursdays w/Ronit, 4:30 p.m. at Brants':         11/1, 11/8, 11/15, 11/29

   Fourth Year - Tuesdays w/Sara, 4:40 p.m. at Dudley's:

        11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27

 

For more details about any TBT events, see our complete schedule of Services, School activites and Events online:

http://www.bethtikvahbend.org/calendar.

ProgDinner

Progressive Dinner - Nov. 10th

Reserve Your Seats NOW


progressive dinner graphic

TBT will hold a Progressive Dinner Saturday night, November 10th, at 6:00 p.m.  This year we will be dividing into groups.  Each group will visit 2 homes...the first for appetizers and salad...the second for main course and dessert.

Everyone please make your reservation as soon as possible with Vivian Freeman 541-383-3269 or by email [email protected].  Then Vivian will let you know where you will be going.  Surprise Surprise!  Those bringing children will be going first to Hallie Smith's house for appetizers and then to Suzanne Schlosberg's house for the main course and dessert.


Thank you in advance to our eight hostesses.

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BookFair
Bend Jewish Library Book Fair
Sunday, Nov.11th at
Barnes & Noble
kids with books

Stop by and shop for Chanukah!

Have a latte or a meal at the Cafe which also supports the Bend Jewish Library!

Cheesecakes can be purchased for $40, serves 14, and are available

in a variety of flavors.  Call the B & N Caf� to pre-order your cheesecake at 541-318-7242.

 

If you cannot make it to Barnes & Noble on the 11th, you can order online via bn.com/bookfairs, follow their directions, and enter the ID number for our book fair: 

10888568 when prompted. We get credit online between 11/11 - 11/16.  Please share this info with friends and relatives everywhere!

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Greetings From Rabbi Ettman 

 

Rabbi Ettman PhotoDear Friends,

 

The other day I was walking in my neighborhood, heading to a yoga class, and was just getting lost in my mind and the joys of walking in Los Angeles when my attention was grabbed.  I stopped at a street corner where I was taken by writing in pink chalk on the sidewalk.  It was elaborate and pretty.  Scribbled just below my feet, were words that said, "When life doesn't go right...go left."

 

First, I marveled at the wonderful actual irony to have this scrawled on a street corner.  But then I got to thinking about it a lot more.

 

"When life doesn't go right, go left" reminds us that we have a choice, that we can alter our path, that we do have the ability to live with purpose.  And that is entirely what we need to be reminded of this month.

 

For so many of us, the plan that we had for our lives did not turn out as we thought it might, especially this year.  Think to yourself, how many things did you intend to do?  How many projects did you intend to begin, or how many dreams did you have that are now gone...?

 

Sometimes life gets in the way.  Sometimes we reflect back on what could have been, or even what we deeply feel SHOULD have been, rather than look at life and simply change our direction.

 

When life doesn't go right, go left.  It is our choice.  It is up to us.  And it is our task this month. 

 

I encourage you to reflect on these words and meditate on their meaning.  Some of life's challenges can easily be altered by simply changing our direction.

 

I know it has for me.  And while there is no doubt that it is hard, it is worth it in the long run.

 

With blessings of hope and strength,

Always,
Rabbi's signature jpeg 

 

 

 

 

This message was adapted from a message presented on Rosh Hashanah 2012.

 

Rabbi Ettman is available via email.  If you want to set up an appointment, please email him at: [email protected].  His office hours are Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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Mark Schindel photo

President's Message
From TBT President Mark Schindel

 

Dear TBT Members and Friends,

 

How is it that a small, relatively new, financially-constrained congregation in the middle of Oregon (not generally considered a hot-bed for Jewish activity) has such amazing programs and events?  I imagine that not many of you ask yourselves this question, and maybe we take a lot of what we have at TBT for granted.  But, I feel it is an important question to examine, since it gets to the heart of who we are and how we will grow.

 

Let me give you an example of what makes TBT so special. Back in June, there was concern about our Religious Education program. Efforts to run our own program were not working as we had hoped, and there was uncertainty about our having a viable program for the children.  There were many ideas bandied about, including a suggestion to merge our Religious Education program with Shalom Bayit's.  But, no one seemed anxious to follow through on this issue - except Kathy Schindel. 

 

As a teacher and educator, children's education is her passion.  Neither a Sunday School teacher, nor a parent with school-age children, nonetheless Kathy felt compelled to see what could be done.  She contacted Shalom Bayit and TBT families to explore the possibilities of having a joint Jewish Community Sunday School program.  Working with Judy Shupack of Shalom Bayit, they came up with teachers, classes, schedule, and curriculum for a workable Religious Education program.  Kathy agreed to act as co-Director to see that it got off the ground successfully.

 

As a result of her leadership, and with support and assistance from many others, the new Jewish Community Sunday School program is up and running with remarkable success.  It has attracted not only the children from the existing TBT and Shalom Bayit programs, but other families in Central Oregon, which has led to new members!  In early September, prior to the actual start of Sunday School classes, there was a wonderful Shofar Factory event for the kids, while the parents were able to meet with the teachers and get acquainted with the upcoming program.  In October, Kathy made special arrangements for Sunday School families to attend a performance of "Fiddler on the Roof" put on by Summit High School (with a couple of performers from the respective congregations). 

 

So far, the children seem to be really enjoying the experience and attendance is exceptional.  Yet, none of this could have happened without the passion, perseverance, and dedication of Kathy, who wouldn't give up, and the others who supported Kathy's efforts and persistence.

 

However, as I indicated, this is not an isolated incident.  TBT has been blessed with other individuals with a strong passion willing to defy the odds in bringing us amazing programs and events  --  Lauren Olander's dedication to music in our services, David Uri's efforts to create our initial Religious Education program, Lawrence Schechter's Men's Gatherings, Harriet Richard's creative ideas for Fundraising and her dedicated work to provide a new Jewish cemetery, Jerry & Phyllis Greenbach's Tashlich picnics, Beverly Adler and Pat Givens whose passions for a combined Jewish Library (another joint venture) has come to fruition, Rebecca Gundzik's belief in Social Action, and even though Rebecca and her family have left Bend, her work has continued through efforts by Beverly Adler and Bonnie Ruby.  And there are many other examples.

 

Therefore, to answer the question of why TBT is so amazing, is to understand that TBT has amazing people willing to follow their passions so that the entire congregation and community can benefit.  What is YOUR passion?  Whatever it might be, I hope you too will follow it with dedication and perseverance so we all can benefit.  If you do not have a strong passion yet, then find someone who does and offer your support and assistance, because they really need it.  In the end, we all get to enjoy the results of that success.

 

B'Shalom,

Mark Schindel

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INCO

INCO Thanksgiving flyer

 

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High Holy Day Sermons Online 

 

Torah and shofar

This year's High Holy Days services, beautifully orchestrated by Rabbi Ettman and Cantor Bruner, were meaningful and spiritual.  If you missed any of the services, or would like to review the words of Rabbi Ettman's sermons, they can now be found on our TBT website at  http://www.bethtikvahbend.org/worship/sermons.

 

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Jews, Conversos, and Crypto-Jews in the Iberian World 

Weekend in Quest, March 1-3

Weekend In Quest poster

 

The Institute for Judaic Studies of Portland's "Weekend in Quest" is presenting a weekend with Matthew Warshawsky, a professor at University of Portland.  He has studied and written extensively about "New Christians prosecuted by the Inquisition tribunals of

 colonial Mexico and Peru during the 1600s for the heresy of secretly practicing Judaism. The term 'New Christian' describes Spanish and Portuguese Catholics whose Jewish ancestors were forcibly baptized."

 

Temple Beth Tikvah is one of the sponsors of this unique learning experience, which is offered Friday evening through Sunday noon, March 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, 2013. The event takes place at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites in Astoria, OR.

 

Every year, the Institute for Judaic Studies facilitates programs that link individuals together in learning and understanding our complex and challenging world. They provide a forum where intellectual people can learn from each other and from nationally and intellectually acclaimed scholars, contemporary artists and musicians.

 

Institute for Judaic Studies logo

Shabbat services Friday evening and Saturday morning will be led  by Ilene Safyan who is an integral part of Portland's Jewish music community. She is the Music Coordinator at Congregation Havurah Shalom and serves as Cantorial Soloist at both Neveh Shalom and Havurah Shalom. She has received national acclaim for her award winning compositions and recordings of Jewish music.   

 

The weekend includes the lectures, Shabbat services, a special program Saturday evening, five meals and a river-view room for $265/person based on double occupancy.

 

For more information and to register go to:

 http://www.weekendinquest.org 

 

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Board

TBT Board Notes

Next Board Meeting:  Sun., November 11th, 7:00 p.m

Location:  Wesley Room, FUMC

 

UPDATE:

For personal reasons, Lisa Rosen and Lisa Uri have made the very difficult decision to resign from the TBT Board, effective in October.  While we understand that this was a very hard choice, and will miss the important perspective and experience that they brought to the Board, we wish them well.  For the time being the Board will move forward with the remaining 5 members, which is acceptable under our By-laws.  The Board is still discussing the possibility of filling those vacancies, and if so, determining the process for selecting those candidates.  In the meantime, the duties of Board Secretary will be shared among the remaining Board members, until one is chosen to fill that role.  The Congregation will be kept updated as we work through this issue.  We appreciate their support and consideration. 

 

 

Your TBT Board meets monthly and everyone is invited to attend.  Dates and times of Board meetings are on the TBT calendar at http://bethtikvahbend.org/calendar.

 

If you would like to read the minutes of previous board meetings, you can request a copy from Mark Schindel, [email protected].

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Committee News  

 

 

Community Sunday School Going Strong

Kathy Schindel, Chair- Education

 

Wow!  What an exciting October we have had with our Community Sunday School and our Hebrew school programs.  At our October 7th Sunday school session, some of the learning activities took place in the Sukkah.  Everyone was also given an opportunity to shake the Lulav and smell the Etrog and the students even got to 

Aleph Bet blocks

create their own edible Sukkah.

 

We had another wonderful Sunday school session on October 21st which was followed by a pizza lunch, and then 77 of our students and family members
attended Summit 
High School's performance of Fiddler on the Roof.  The cast did a magnificent job and it was such an enriching event for our families to attend together.

 

We presently have 43 children enrolled in our Sunday school, and our dedicated teachers do a magnificent job creating a warm, inclusive learning environment for the children.  As a reminder, all of our students are encouraged to bring tzedakah to each Sunday school session.  At the end of the school year, the children will decide where to donate their tzedakah monies.  Also, we are suggesting that each student bring a reusable water bottle to class.  This will cut down on the use of paper cups and will also allow the students to have water at their disposal without the need to leave class.  If you have extra water bottles, students may leave the bottles and not have to remember to bring them to each session.  Please clearly mark the bottles with the student's name.

 

Hebrew school is also off to a great start.  We have one Bar Mitzvah student this year and he is busy with his preparations.   Our 4th year Hebrew students have been meeting weekly since school started in September.  They meet on Tuesdays at 4:40 p.m. at Dudley's Bookshop Cafe.  We recently began class for our 2nd year students, and they meet on Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. at the Brants' home.  Finally our beginning Hebrew class is set to get started on Tuesday, November 6th at 3:45 p.m., also at Dudley's.  We are fortunate to have Sara Charney Cohen, Ronit Aliskevich, and David Uri as our Hebrew teachers.  Without their dedication, this Hebrew program would not be possible, and all of their efforts are much appreciated.  If you are interested in enrolling your child in Sunday school or Hebrew school, please contact me at [email protected], or 541-617-7018.

 

Our next Sunday school session is Sunday, November 4th.  Don't forget to turn your clocks back!

 

Back Door Caf� - a Mitzvah Waiting for You

Burt Litman, Chair-Social Action

 

HELP WANTED: The Back Door Caf� needs sous chefs, servers, and cleaning crew on Wednesday mornings between 7:30 - 11:00 am; come for an hour or stay the morning. No experience necessary.  


Hands around the world drawing

The Back Door Caf� at the Methodist Church provides breakfast every Wednesday morning for those in need. The Caf� menu varies weekly - eggs, hash browns, French toast, pancakes; always hot oatmeal, cold cereal, and fruit. The number of guests ranges from 35 to 50; we anticipate that number to grow as the weather gets colder.

 

As part of the TBT Social Action Program, a group of TBT members served breakfast at the Back Door Caf� in September and October.  Our effort was greatly appreciated by the recipients.  We would like to continue to serve breakfast one Wednesday each month and need your help to make this happen. If you would like to participate in this mitzvah, please contact Burt Litman or Jeanne Freeman. 

 

The guests are young and old alike. Some have homes, others are sleeping on friends or relatives' couches, and some are camping outdoors in the cold. There are a few self-described hobos. They are all trying to make their way through these difficult economic times and are very appreciative of what might be their only meal of the day.

 

If you'd like to come by and help out, just call to schedule. With your participation, we can to do a TBT Wednesday once a month. For more information, please email Burt at [email protected], or Jeanne at [email protected]. The next planned TBT breakfast is Wednesday, November 28th. Let us know how you can help.

  

 

December Newsletter Deadline:  November 24th

 

This newsletter is emailed to both members and non-members each month.  If you have something you want to include in the newsletter, please e-mail it to [email protected] by the 24th of each month.  As always, you will continue to receive "e-minders" before important events take place.

 

Shalom,

Sara Charney Cohen

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MensNight

TBT Men's Night - Tue. Nov. 20th


900 Wall logo

The TBT monthly Men's Night is generally held on the third Tuesday of each month.  The next TBT Men's Night will be Tuesday, November 20th, 5:30 p.m. at 900 Wall Restaurant, located at 900 Wall St., downtown Bend, phone # 541-323-6295.  All men of TBT are invited.  For more info, contact Lawrence at [email protected].
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Reunion
B'nei Mitzvah Group Reunion 11/13

Greg's Grill logoThere will be a reunion of the Adult B'nei Mitzvah group on Tuesday, November 13th, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Greg's Grill for happy hour. Greg's Grill is located at 395 SW Powerhouse Drive, Bend, OR, in the Old Mill shops, Phone: 541-382-2200.  Contact Lawrence for further information.  [email protected]
 
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TBT Tributes


You may honor the lives and achievements of friends and relatives via a tribute with a donation to TBT.  You can do this online or by sending a check and the name and address of the person being honored to TBT at P.O. Box 7472, Bend, OR, 97708. 

 

Donations may be designated to a specific fund, including the Youth Education Fund, the High Holy Days Fund, the Music Fund, the Library Fund, or to the General Fund. Donations listed below were made to the Temple's general purpose fund unless otherwise specified.

 

Temple Beth Tikvah gratefully acknowledges the following contributions:
  • From Mark & Kathy Schindel, in memory of Rose Bernstein.
  • From Mark & Kathy Schindel, in memory of Zelda Schindel
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About Temple Beth Tikvah 

 

Temple Beth Tikvah is a growing Jewish congregation based in Bend, Oregon.  We are affilliated with the Union for Reform Judaism and are excited to be the first Reform synagogue in Central Oregon.

 

Our members come from a range of Jewish backgrounds including Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist and Renewal.  Temple Beth Tikvah welcomes interfaith families and Jews by choice.


We are committed to providing a Jewish education for our children as well as stimulating educational activities for adults.  We value social action and strive to provide a Jewish cultural, social and religious experience in Central Oregon.


Temple Beth Tikvah is a warm and enthusiastic community that includes families, singles and "empty nesters."  We are a mix of long-time Bend residents and newcomers from around the country who moved here to enjoy Central Oregon's beauty, active lifestyle and quality of life.

 

Please contact us at 541-388-8826 or [email protected] for more information.  

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