Divrei Tikvah
From Rabbi Johanna Hershenson
The Talmud teaches that had the Torah not been given to Israel, we might have learned modesty from the cat, respecting others' property from the ant, chastity from the dove, and proper courtship from the rooster. (B. Eruvin 100b)
The New York Times published an article on June 25th entitled "Want to Understand Mortality? Look to the Chimps." In it we meet a chimp called Pansy who died the way many of us would envy - peacefully, with her adult daughter, Rosie, and her best friend, Blossom by her side. As Pansy struggled to breathe, Blossom held her hand and stroked it. During her last hours Rosie and Blossom's son, Chippy, groomed her and comforted her. After she passed the other chimps examined her body. Blossom sat with her body through that night.
In another illustration, this time among bonobos, a newcomer to a reserve dies unexpectedly of pneumonia. When handlers try to remove the corpse of the dead bonobo, the other bonobos protect it fiercely even though they barely know the one who died.
Even when we try hard not to anthropomorphize the scene of these chimps and bonobos, their love for one another is simply undeniable. To stroke a hand, to groom and comfort, to sit with the body, to defend the body - all of these are acts of love.
I can't help but conclude that deeply buried in our biological composition is a drive to bond with others. Family and ultimately community are manifestations of that drive.
Rabbi Hillel taught: Do not separate yourself from the community. (Avot 2:4) Why does he have to tell people not to separate themselves from the community? Seemingly in addition to our drive to be close to others, we have competing thoughts. We don't want to share our resources - what's ours is ours after all. We don't want to be bothered with the annoying habits or personalities of others. We'd rather use our time to do things we like to do than go to meetings that seem to go nowhere and religious ceremonies that we barely find relevant. So on and so forth.
Reform Judaism Magazine acknowledges that synagogue membership in the United States is not simply down, but completely irrelevant to Jewish adults my age and younger.
This is not so in Bend. Temple Beth Tikvah is one of very few communities that is growing. Now that I am here in Bend I can see why. When my family and I arrived, more than a dozen people came and unloaded our 24 foot truck. There was beer and wine and pizza. Not to mention flowers from a member's garden and chocolate from another's kitchen. More than 40 people contributed to making sure we felt like we were welcomed into the community.
Thank you.
I once attended a retreat with the Vietnamese Buddhist monk, Tich Nhat Hanh. At the beginning of the retreat he explained to the community that there were jobs to be done for the community to function well. People would need to work in the kitchen or garden or cleaning toilets. Then he said, "Should I approach you while you are working in the kitchen peeling carrots and ask you, What are you doing? And you say to me, I am peeling carrots. This is the wrong answer. What is the right answer? I am loving my community.
Community is what synagogue life is all about. The rites, rituals, and jobs are tools that build community. How we approach them affects what kind of community we have, a loving and supportive community or an institution that provides services for fees.
I look forward to exploring the potential for nurturing a kind, compassionate, intelligent, and spiritual community with the members and leaders of Temple Beth Tikvah. Together I am confident we will continue to grow and take shape as a community of people who aren't afraid to demonstrate our love for each other and for humanity. Whether or not it's God's will, let's make it ours.
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*** Rabbi Hershenson's office hours are by appointment. If you would like to set up an appointment, please contact her by email at: johannahershenson@me.com, or by phone at 858-859-7330. |
 President's Message
From TBT President Mark Schindel
TBT Members,
As we start our new fiscal year, I want to introduce your new Board: I will still be President, Michael Rosenfield is Vice-President, Diane Dober is Secretary, Jeff Adler is Treasurer, and Justin Finestone, Suzanne Schlosberg, and Cathy Wynschenk are members at large. We are very grateful for the fine Board service that Jeanne Freeman and Vic Chudowsky provided these past two years. The Board looks forward to providing the leadership you expect, but we also want to hear the helpful thoughts and ideas from the Congregation as we work to grow and improve.
Of course, the Board is not the only one starting fresh this month. We are so fortunate to have our new Rabbi, Johanna Hershenson, ready to start with us as well. She and her family just recently rolled into Bend and moved into their new home. Thanks to some quick organizing efforts by Lynne Connellely and Kathy Schindel, who were able to gather a group to help unload their moving truck in record time, the Hershensons were able to relax in their new house. Already, Rabbi Hershenson has been working with the Religious Committee, under the direction of Ann Rosenfield and Jill Muinch, to plan events for this month, so stay tuned for a wonderful month of new services and educational opportunities.
One event that you definitely do not want to miss will be the dedication of the new Ark, scheduled for our Friday night service on July 26th. The construction is in the final stages and reports are that the actual Ark is even more amazing and beautiful than the magnificent design drawings that Lawrence Schechter had made. Also, the Ner Tamid (eternal light), that was created by Ceci Capen is quite spectacular. You will definitely want to be there for this dedication ceremony.
Last year at this time, I felt that 2012-2013 would be our "Year of Opportunity". With a new approach of a combined Jewish Community Sunday School, our new Mission and Vision Statements, musically inspired services, wonderful social events culminating in our 5th Anniversary dinner, and our search process that led to our first resident, part-time Rabbi, I think we certainly took advantage of our opportunities. Now, this coming year should be our "Year of Fulfillment". Our dedication and hard work led to these great opportunities, but we must continue our dedication and efforts to fulfill the promise these opportunities have afforded us. How can we grow and get even better?
When we first published our Vision Statement, the goals seemed years away. But, now, having achieved a major milestone of a resident, part-time Rabbi, some of those visions do not seem so far away. Our challenge is to stay on course and continue our commitment to constantly improve and advance towards our dreams. I look forward to working with all of you to make this an especially fulfilling year for Temple Beth Tikvah.
B'Shalom,
Mark Schindel
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TBT's Team Heal the World Gets Ready for 2013 Relay for Life!
August 10th-11th
TBT's Team Heal the World will again participate in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life fundraiser on Saturday, August 10th through Sunday, August 11th. We'll be walking the track at Relay for Life at High Desert Middle School. To participate in the Relay with TBT, log onto the Bend/Redmond/Sisters Relay for Life website, www.relayforlife.org, click on Join an existing team, and type in Team Heal the World. Then sign up to join our team, or make a donation to help us reach our goal. Register by July 11th and get this year's Relay for Life t-shirt.
Relay for Life Fundraising Kickoff Party
Thursday, July 25th, 6:30 - close, at Bend d'Vine
Join us for the kickoff of this year's Team Heal the World fundraising with an evening of fun, raffles, prizes, food  and wine at Bend d'Vine. We'll be raffling prizes and selling luminarias to raise money for the team.
Save the date and watch for more information coming soon!
Raffle Prizes Needed
We're gathering prizes for the Relay for Life fundraising kickoff. Can you please help us by getting a raffle prize donated? We want this evening to be a huge success. You don't need to go out of your way for this - just ask your hairdresser, nail tech, masseuse, tennis coach, yoga teacher or other place you frequent to please donate a gift certificate or item to raffle for Relay for Life. Call Jeanne Freeman at 505-459-7019, or email Jeanne at jfreeman@bendbroadband.com if you can help.
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TBT Board Notes
Next Board Meeting: Sunday, July 14th, 7:00 p.m.
Location: Wesley Room, FUMC
If you would like to read the minutes of previous board meetings, you can request a copy from Board Secretary Diane Dober: dobersbend@gmail.com. |
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Religious Committee Update
Ann Rosenfield and Jill Muinch, Committee co-chairs
We are looking forward to working with Rabbi Hershenson to create a wonderful year of services, holiday celebrations, adult education, and other activities. We will begin working on the calendar for the year in July. In the meantime, Johanna, Mark, Zoe and Abi have moved to Bend and are getting settled into their new home and community. We hope that all of you will have an opportunity this summer to get to know this wonderful family and welcome them into our TBT community. We are very excited to have our first resident rabbi.
Since we are beginning a new year with our first resident rabbi, we have the opportunity to change things from the previous years. Ann, Jill, and Rabbi Hershenson have lots of ideas, but we would also love to hear from any of you about things you would like to see the Religious Committee accomplish this year. Also, we would love to have help from the community in planning our services and especially our holiday celebrations. If you have any interest in helping us plan something different and fun for Chanukah, Purim, Simchat Torah, or any holiday or service, please let us know. We would appreciate any suggestions, ideas or help.
Rabbi Hershenson officially begins her position as our TBT rabbi on July 1st. Her first Shabbat service will be on Saturday, July 13th. We will have Torah study, bagels, fruit, and coffee at 9:00 a.m. followed by the Torah Service at 10:30 a.m. Please join us for an enjoyable morning of learning with food, prayer and music.
Rabbi Hershenson's first Friday evening Kabbalat Shabbat service will be held on July 26th at 6:30 p.m. That will be a special evening, not only because it will be the first Friday Shabbat service for our new rabbi, but also because it will be a special service to dedicate our new ark. Please mark your calendar for Friday, July 26th so you can be with us to welcome our new rabbi and new ark.
Adult Education will be held on Tuesday, July 16th, at 7:00 p.m. That date coincides with Tisha B'Av which commemorates the destruction of the Temple. The rabbi is asking each person who attends to bring an heirloom object that is meaningful to them in some way. This object does not need to have any Jewish significance, just a meaningful significance to the person bringing it. The location of the first Adult Education session lead by Rabbi Hershenson will be at the home of Leslie Conley and Joe Jezukewicz.
Rabbi Hershenson will be available for appointments in July. To set up an appointment, please contact her directly - by email at johannahershenson@me.com, or by phone at 858-859-7330.
July marks the beginning of a new year for the religious co-chairs of Temple Beth Tikvah and a new beginning with our resident rabbi and family. We hope that we will have a great turnout for the July events so you will all have an opportunity to get to know Rabbi Hershenson. We also hope that you will let Jill and Ann know your thoughts about any suggestions of things we can do to make this a really outstanding year for the TBT community.
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Social Action Projects Ongoing
Burt Litman, Committee Chair
Back Door Café
The kitchen was crowded at the Back Door Café on Wednesday, June 26th. Jeff Adler, Vivian Freeman, Gerry Greenbach, Joe Jezukewicz, Ann & Michael Rosenfield, Kathy Schindel and Ralph Uri served more than 60 people breakfast and kindness. Rabbi Johanna Hershenson and her family - husband, Mark and daughters Zoe and Abi - joined our group for this mitzvah.
TBT will next serve breakfast on Wednesday, July 17th, at the Back Door Café, located in the social hall of the First United Methodist Church. It's a wonderful opportunity to provide hands-on help to those in need. We begin prepping and setting up at 7:30 am, with breakfast service from 8:00 - 10:00. And we leave knowing that we have made a difference in someone's world.
Contact Burt Litman to sign up or for more information: blitman@bendbroadband.com or 541-504-5368.
Bethlehem Inn
On Thursday, July 18th, the TBT men's group is planning a barbecue for the residents of the Bethlehem Inn. Contact Lawrence Schechter at susarch@bendbroadband.com or 541-408-3638 to get involved.
The Inn provides shelter, meals, case management, access to transportation, and work experience for their residents - single men and women as well as families.
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August Newsletter Deadline: July 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 sarrava@gmail.com 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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TBT Men's Night - Thur. July 18th
 The TBT monthly Men's Night is generally held on the third Tuesday of each month, but it will be on the third Thursday in July. The next TBT Men's Night will be Thursday, July 18th, 5:30 p.m. The Men's Club will be serving BBQ dinner at the Bethlehem Inn, located at 3705 N. Hwy 97, Bend, OR, 541-389-2820. Afterward, we'll meet at a local pub, with venue to be decided at site. All men of TBT are invited. For more info, contact Lawrence at susarch@bend |
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 including Adopt-a-Musician, the Library Fund, the Rabbi's Caring 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 Jerry & Phyllis Greenbach, in honor of Ceil Hermanns 95th birthday.
- From Lynne Connelley, to Adopt-a-Musician, with deep gratitude to the Multzes for the sale of their home.
- From Vivian Freeman, to Adopt-a-Musician.
- From Jerry & Phyllis Greenbach, to Adopt-a-Musician.
- From JoAnn Ray and Larry Barker, to Adopt-a-Musician.
- From Dan & Laurel Fishkin, in honor of Jesse's Bar Mitzvah.
- From Lynne Connelley, in deep appreciation for business referrals through TBT.
- From Cheryl & Neil Schlackman, for the speedy recovery of Corrie Grudin.
- From Gary & Terry Reynolds, welcoming Rabbi Hershenson and her family to Bend.
- From Gary & Terry Reynolds, thanking the Social Activities Committee for a wonderful 5th year celebration.
- From Gary & Terry Reynolds, with best wishes to Corrie & Shelley Grudin.
- From Justin & Margaret Finestone, to Adopt-a-Musician.
- From Mark & Kathy Schindel, to celebrate the safe arrival of Rabbi Hershenson and her family in Bend.
- From Mark & Kathy Schindel, in memory of Nathan Bernstein.
- From Ruth Baser, with best wishes to Corrie Grudin.
- From Ruth Baser, in honor of good friends of TBT for their kindness & love to me.
- From Ruth Baser, to the Music Fund, with best wishes to Rabbi Hershenson & family in their new home.
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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
info@bethtikvahbend.org for more information.
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