DECEMBER EVENTS

   Dec.  2   4:00 p.m. - Hebrew School

                7:00 p.m. - Adult Education at Levinsons

   Dec.  3   5:30 p.m. - Teens serving at Bethlehem Inn

   Dec.  4   7:00 p.m. - Taizé service at St. Francis

   Dec.  7  10:00 a.m. - Sunday School,

                                 Camp Kalsman Info Session,

                                 Judaica Gift Fair

   Dec.  8  12:00 p.m. - Weekly Torah Study at Evie's

   Dec.  9   4:00 p.m. - Hebrew School

   Dec. 12   6:00 p.m. - Kabbalat Shabbat at Hershensons

   Dec. 14  10:00 a.m. - Sunday School,

                                 Judaica Gift Fair

               11:00 a.m. - Hanukkah Workshop

                7:00 p.m. - TBT Board Meeting

   Dec. 15  12:00 p.m. - Weekly Torah Study at Evie's

   Dec. 16   4:00 p.m. - Hebrew School

                5:00 p.m. - Candle Lighting at Old Mill/First

                                 Night of Hanukkah

   Dec. 18   7:00 p.m. - Hanukkah House Concert 

   Dec. 19   5:30 p.m. - Latkepalooza Family Celebration

   Dec. 20   9:00 a.m. - Munch & Torah Study

               10:45 a.m. - Torah Service 

   Dec. 22  12:00 p.m. - Weekly Torah Study at Evie's 

   Dec. 24   7:30 a.m. - Serving Breakfast at Back Door

                                 Cafe at Methodist Church

               11:59 p.m. - January Newsletter Deadline

   Dec. 29  12:00 p.m. - Weekly Torah Study at Evie's 

   

 

ON THE HORIZON

   March 4th - Purim Spiel

   April 3rd - Passover Community Workshop

   May 16th - Auction & Dinner

 

DECEMBER School Activities:

(All activities at Shalom Bayit unless otherwise listed.)

Sunday School - 10:00 a.m:  12/7, 12/14

Hebrew School - 4:30 p.m:  12/2, 12/9, 12/16

    

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

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

Sunday, Dec. 14th  11:00 a.m. 

at Shalom Bayit -  Hanukkah Workshop in conjunction with the Community Religious School, includes Hanukkah-themed activities for students and parents together.

Tuesday, Dec. 16th 5:00 p.m. at the Old Mill next to Gap 

Chabad's Community Menorah lighting and Family Chanukah Festival. 

Thursday, December 18th  7:00 p.m. at the Hershensons

                                                                               Back to Top

                                                                               Back to Top

 

December means Chanukah.  Maccabees and latkes...

 

We don't often talk about the fact that the Maccabees' record is marred. We idolize their victory over superior and more numerous Hellenist forces. We forget that they counted Jews among their enemies.  Some Jews did well under Hellenist rule and the Maccabees thirsted for their blood, just like the blood of those who defiled the Temple in Jerusalem.

 

In later generations of the dynasty established by the Maccabees, Jews continued assimilating to Hellenist cultural trends. Descendents of the Maccabees adopted Greek names and ideas. 

 

Notice the pattern. In hard times, we demonize our enemies. In fat years, we indulge in luxury and the exotic.

 

Back and forth, and back again. 

 

Chanukkah reminds me to consider what I call the isolation - assimilation continuum. In one generation we try super hard to blend in. In another, we long to be among our own.

 

It is natural to want to fit in and its natural to feel comfortable among one's own.  It is also fun to discover new stories and perspectives from others.

 

We are fortunate to live in a time during which different is a plus, the exotic is sexy. Never before in human history have we had access to so many different cultures, ways of thinking, and ideas at once, from wherever we are.

 

The big picture surrounding the Chanukah story suggests that leaning too far in either direction, towards isolation or assimilation, can be destructive to our continuity.

 

Maimonides is credited with articulating the Jewish expression of middling. Take some. Leave some.

 

We can learn many great lessons from others. From Christians, I have learned to pray extemporaneously. From Muslims, I have learned about humility. From Buddhists, I have learned that life is a practice. From Hindus, I have learned that death and destruction fertilize new growth and vitality.

 

Still, I am a Jew.  A daughter of Jacob, I earn my name by wrestling. Asking questions. Seeking common ground, universal truths.

 

For me there is no December Dilemma...only opportunities to celebrate with neighbors and friends, colleagues and family...opportunities to compare and contrast, weigh and measure, learn who and what I am and am not, and revel in the sacred bonds we cultivate sharing our seasonal rituals and stories.

 

Chanukkah is about freedom. Freedom to be who we are, not just behind closed doors, but also in open spaces and public venues. Freedom to celebrate our victories and freedom to share in the joy of others over theirs.

 

Ken y'hi ratzon - its all a matter of perspective.

                                                                               Back to Top

Members & Friends ~

 

I hope everyone had a very enjoyable and delicious Thanksgiving. For many of us, this was a repeat performance thanks to the gracious hosting and cooking by Fred and Kim Rafilson and the many great dishes that people brought to our lovely Thanksgiving Kabbalat Shabbat gathering. 

 

Also, we are most grateful to the First Presbyterian Church for the use of their beautiful sanctuary for our Erev Shabbat service in November when we had a conflict with the First United Methodist Church.  We are very blessed to have such a supportive community. 

 

The Board has continued to follow-up on the fine work our members provided at the Leadership Development Workshop.  While the full notes will be shared with the congregation shortly, one significant finding is that the key to our success has been our special combination of warm, welcoming openness to a diverse Jewish community, strong commitment and dedication from our members, and all our important social action efforts that benefit our broader community. 

 

In order to best utilize these strengths, the Board is working on a reorganization of our Committee structure to make it more effective and efficient.  The basis for this restructuring, as recommended by the Leadership Development Workshop group, is to organize under three broad areas of focus:

   1)  Membership Engagement

   2)  Programming:  Torah, Avodah, G'milut Chasadim

   3)  Operations & Planning

Over the next few weeks, the Board will be further refining and defining these areas with detailed roles and responsibilities. Of course, these will be shared with the congregation as they are developed.

 

The Board has approved the formation of a new restricted fund - the Corrie Grudin Memorial Fund. At the request of Shelley Grudin, the Fund was established to honor Corrie's memory and in recognition of her dedication to TBT. Shelley made a most generous donation to start the Fund that supports three primary areas of need, near and dear to Corrie:

   1)  Our members' children

   2)  Community Outreach

   3)  Ceremonial items for religious worship

This Fund is now open to anyone wishing to contribute, and can be found on our website Donation page. Every year, only a portion of the Fund will be used for worthy needs that meet the established criteria. We are most appreciative of this gift honoring the memory of Corrie Grudin.

 

Finally, in December, we have a number of events and activities in celebration of Hanukkah. There will be a Hanukkah workshop in conjunction with the Jewish Community Sunday School, the community outdoor Menorah Lighting ceremony sponsored by Chabad, a Hanukkah concert, and Hanukkah family service and latkepalooza. Be on the lookout for further information and details on these fun events in this newsletter, on our website, and in our e-mails. Nes Gadol Hayah Sham (A Great Miracle Happened There) - נֵס גָּדוֺל הָיָה שָׁם.

 

Chag Sameyach,

   Mark Schindel

                                                                               Back to Top

Chabad's Annual Family Chanukah festival and First Night Menorah lighting - with music, food, and more!  Open to the community. Meet at the Old Mill beside Gap.

                                                                               Back to Top

A Shabbaton of study and fun at the beautiful Oregon Coast presented by The Institute for Judaic Studies of the Pacific Northwest

 

Prof. Devin Naar Chair, Sephardic Studies Program at University of Washington, Seattle will give lectures and lead discussions on "The Rise and Fall of Ladino-Speaking Jewry." 

Session topics include:  

• Under the Wings of the Sultan: The Rise of Jewish Communities in the Ottoman Empire.
• A Jewish Language for All Occasions: Ladino Culture and Literature.
• The Sephardic Holocaust: The Destruction of the Jews of Greece.
• A Diaspora within a Diaspora: Sephardic Jews in America.

 

Shabbat services will be led by Cantor Deborah Bletstein of Cong. Neveh Shalom. Weekend in Quest includes hotel, meals, study sessions, Shabbat services, and Saturday night entertainment.

 

For more information and online registration visit our website at www.weekendinquest.org or contact Mimi Epstein mimiepstein42@comcast.net, 503-203-2671.

                                                                           Back to Top

                                                                               Back to Top

There is no doubt that the highlight for November was the Kaballat Shabbat held at the home of Kim and Fred Rafilson.  Even though it was a cold and snowy day, Kim decided to proceed as planned which was the right decision as we had a great turnout for a fabulous early Thanksgiving/Shabbat meal.  We want to thank Fred and Kim for their delicious turkeys, stuffing and gravy and for opening their house to such a large group of members and guests.  Not only was the food amazing, but we also had a wonderful service talking about the things we were thankful for.   Everyone also enjoyed a lot of socialization during the evening.

 

The month of November started with adult education held at the Hershenson home.  It was a very interesting discussion and an enjoyable evening.  The monthly Erev Shabbat service was held at the Presbyterian Church because of a concert at the Methodist church and saw a smaller crowd than usual.  We ended the month with Munch and Torah where we had a lively discussion about the weekly Torah portion and enjoyed a delicious breakfast of lox and bagel.

 

December should be a fun month with our congregation's celebration of Hanukkah.  Don't miss our Latkepalooza Family Celebration on Friday, December 19 starting at 5:30 p.m.  It will include a short service, a latke potluck dinner, a dreidel tournament and a Hanukkah sing-a-long with our special guest, folk singer Marshall Voit.  Watch for more information about all the Hanukkah celebrations including a workshop for families during Sunday school, a Hanukkah house concert and the annual Menorah lighting at the Old Mill.

 

A new addition to our monthly activities will be a Weekly Torah Study led by Rabbi Johanna, on Mondays from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. at the home of Evie Lerner.  Bring your own brown bag lunch.  This is open to members and friends and no reservations are needed.  The first weekly Torah study will be held on Monday, December 8th.

Eighty-five hungry people enjoyed breakfast of scrambled eggs, ham, English muffins and hot oatmeal at the Back Door Cafe on November 19th. We heard from many of the homeless that they had difficulty getting through the snow and icy roads to get to the church in time to eat. 

 

Member Neil Pyne joined the crew for the first time; hopefully for the first of many mornings.  Thanks to Neil, Jeff Adler, Vivian Freeman, Joe Jezukewicz, Ann & Michael Rosenfield, Kathy & Mark Schindel, Jeanne Freeman & Burt Litman for preparing, cooking, serving and cleaning up after breakfast.

 

Our next breakfast is scheduled for December 24th.  If you're available and would like to participate in the mitzvah of cooking and serving breakfast, please email Burt Litman at blitman@bendbroadband.com.

The TBT Library has many wonderful Chanukah & holiday books! To browse our titles, visit our catalog online at http://opac.libraryworld.com and type in "Bend Jewish Library".  

 

All of our books live at Evie Lerner's home. Contact her at 541 388-3840 to make arrangements to pick up books.

 

Here are some titles to enjoy and one music CD:

 

Chanukah in Chelm - JUV 190.3

 

Chanukah Lights Everywhere - JUV F ROS

 

A First Book of Jewish Holidays - JUV JE 236

 

Eight Nights of Joy - JUV 247 CD

 

The Christmas Menorahs: How a Town Fought Hate - JUV 247.5

 

How I Saved Hanukkah - JUV F KOS

 

Light the Lights!: a Story About Hanukkah & Christmas -JUV F MOO

 

The Trees of the Dancing Goats - JUV F POL

 

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

March 18th, 5:30 p.m. - venue tbd.

April 15th, 5:30 p.m. - venue tbd.

May 21st, 5:30 p.m. - (Thursday) Serving BBQ dinner at Bethlehem Inn, followed by Happy Hour at separate venue, venue tbd.

June 17th, 5:30 p.m. - venue tbd.

July 15th, 5:30 p.m. - venue tbd.

August 16th, 12:00 noon - (Sunday) Annual Picnic at Pioneer Park.

September 17th, 5:30 p.m. - Serving BBQ dinner at Bethlehem Inn, followed by Happy Hour at separate venue, venue tbd.

October 21st, 5:30 p.m. - 6th Annual Celebration of Men's Group (date and venue to be confirmed, subject to change.)

November 18th, 5:30 p.m. - venue tbd.

We hope all the men of TBT will join us for as many of these activities as you can.  If there are any questions about the Men's group gatherings, please contact either

Lawrence: susarch@bendbroadband.com, 

Ralph: raduri@bendcable.com, or 

Fred: fredrafilson@gmail.com. 

                                                                             Back to Top

All TBT members are invited to Taizé - an Evensong of Interfaith prayerful meditation, peace, and silence. Taizé services are held the first Thursday of each month, October through May, 7:00 p.m. at St. Claire's Chapel, St. Francis Catholic Church, 2450 NE 27th St. in Bend, OR. Everyone is invited to attend and participate.

                                                                               Back to Top

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. 

                                                                               Back to Top

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.

 

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.  

                                                                               Back to Top