|
December Calendar of Events
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.
|
 Hanukkah Events 2014
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 Hanukkah house concert with folk singer Marshall Voit.
Friday, December 19th 5:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church - Latkepalooza Family Celebration! A special Friday night service with latkes, dreidel tournament, and music with guest musician Marshall Voit.
|
Winter Clothing Needed - URGENT
 The sudden early onset of winter has created an urgent need for warm clothing in the community.
As you are digging out your winter gear, *please* if you have any excess or outgrown - coats, hats, gloves, socks, scarves, boots, sweaters, sweatshirts - bring them to the office of the Methodist Church.
|
Annual Judaica Gift Shop at Shalom Bayit - December 7th & 14th
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
 Annual Judaica Gift Shop at Shalom Bayit. Everything is imported from Israel. Chanukah and Shabbat candles, menorahs, jewelry, tallit, and more. Proceeds to benefit the Central Oregon Community Religious School.
|
Divrei Tikvah
From Rabbi Johanna Hershenson
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.
|
~~ Rabbi Hershenson's office hours are by appointment. If you would like to set up an appointment, please contact her by email at: johannahershenson@gmail.com, or by phone at 541-213-9880. |
 President's Message
From TBT President Mark Schindel
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
|
Camp Kalsman Presentation and Info Session - December 7th
10:00 a.m. at Shalom Bayit
 Winter has only just started, but it's not too early to be thinking about summer camp for your kids or grandchildren.
On Sunday, December 7th, a representative from Camp Kalsman will be at Sunday School to do a presentation for students and parents during assembly. This is a great opportunity to learn about our local Pacific Northwest URJ camp and get your camp questions answered - even if your kids...or grandkids...do not attend the community religious school.
URJ Camp Kalsman is a Reform Jewish summer camp in Arlington, WA serving children in the Pacific Northwest entering grades 2 to 11. URJ Camp Kalsman is accredited by the American Camp Association. Campers at Kalsman experience Jewish culture and tradition in a safe, challenging, supportive and fun environment. For more information about the camp, dates, and programs, come to the info session on December 7th, or visit the Camp Kalsman web site: http://kalsman.urjcamps.org/,. |
Chanukah Menorah Lighting at The Old Mill District 
Tuesday, December 16th, 5:00 p.m.
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.
|
Ninth Annual Weekend In Quest March 6th - 8th
Judaic Study Weekend in Astoria, OR
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.
|
|
TBT Board Notes
Next Board Meeting: Sunday, Dec. 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 Justin Finestone: finest14@yahoo.com. |
|
Religious Committee News
Ann Rosenfield and Jill Muinch, Committee C0-Chairs
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.
|
|
Social Action Update
Burt Litman, Committee Chair
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.
|
|
Holiday Books at the Bend Jewish Library
Beverly Adler, Library Chair
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
|
JANUARY Newsletter Deadline: December 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
|
|
TBT Men's Group: Schedule for 2015
Save these dates now!
With holidays and many members traveling, there are no Men's group events scheduled for December. Please join us at the Jackson's Corner new east side location when we resume activities in January, and please save the following dates in your calendar now:
Please note: in 2015, gatherings will generally take place on the third Wednesday of each month unless otherwise noted. Venues (beyond February) will be selected by the committee and will be posted on the TBT website calendar and in the monthly newsletter. Email notices will also be sent.
January 21st, 5:30 p.m., Jackson's Corner new great Eastside location at corner of Neff and Medical Center Drive. February 18th, 5:30 p.m., Culinary Arts Institute on COCC campus - Happy Hour appetizer buffet special.
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.
No scheduled events in month of December.
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 |
Taizé Service 
Next Taizé: December 4th
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.
Sponsored by the Sacred Art of Living Center and the Interfaith Community of Central Oregon.
|
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 Fund, the Rabbi's Caring Fund, the Social Action Fund, the Corrie Grudin Memorial 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 Jo-Ann Ray and Larry Barker, in memory of Sarah Waldman.
- From Kathryn Hallowell, in memory of Corrie Grudin.
- From Rudy Gold, in memory of Minnie Gold.
- From Gary and Terry Reynolds, in memory of Herbert Hochstetter.
- From Gary and Terry Reynolds. in memory of Helen Reynolds.
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
