Thank you, Temple Beth Tikvah, for being such a caring and nurturing community during my time of need.

 

As you know, my grandmother died on Yom Kippur.  The day after her funeral, my sister and I discovered my mother had died unexpectedly during the night.  On the third night of observing shivah for my mother, the volunteer from her synagogue who came to lead a brief service suffered cerebral hemorrhaging in our living room and flat-lined in our driveway.

 

I am generally well, but also deeply wounded.  My husband and daughters have been warm, loving, and patient.  My father, sisters, and I are finding comfort in one another and building new relationships. 

 

You, Temple Beth Tikvah, have so sweetly embraced me and my family.  Calls, emails, Facebook messages, and beautiful old-school sympathy cards poured in immediately.  My parents' kitchen was brightened by the lovely flowers the board sent.  Mark, Abi, and I devoured the meals you brought and even shared them with friends and neighbors who stopped in to visit.  Thank you. 

 

I already felt a deep connection between us, rabbi and congregation.  When our family came to Bend, a couple dozen of  you unloaded our moving truck.  Others stocked our kitchen with staple food items.  Our board has always demonstrated concern about protecting me when my part-time hours get out of hand. 

 

I asked you on Rosh Hashanah to take part in facilitating TBT activities that strengthen our character as human beings living in community.  Before Yom Kippur arrived many of you were already busy. 

 

A youth social action program emerged.  Thank you Naomi Chudowsky and Kim Rafilson.  A commitment to Havdallah with a Purpose rekindled.  Thank you Jeanne Freeman and Marilyn and Chuck Shattuck. Many of you have stepped forward, offering to host intimate Shabbat gatherings in your homes throughout the course of this year. Thank you.

 

There are many occasions to say the prayer, Shehecheyanu.  Lately, I find myself saying it daily. 

 

Blessed are You, YHWH our God, Ruler of the Universe, for gifting me with life, sustaining me in life, and bringing me to this moment in my life - I am so happy I have a loving family and live in a thoughtful, nurturing community.

The September 30th Back Door Café breakfast was quieter than anticipated  -- the 5th Wednesday is generally busy as benefits run out -- with only 67 meals served; but those 67 were most grateful. Thanks to Jeff Adler, Jerry & Phyllis Greenbach, Joe Jezukewicz, Neil Pyne, Marilyn & Chuck Shattuck, Ralph Uri, and Burt Litman and Jeanne Freeman for cooking, serving and cleaning. Back Door Café dates are scheduled through year's end on October 28th, November 18th, and December 23rd. While the crews are filled with new and old members, we're always open to those interested in participating.

 

On Friday, November 6th, some of the members of the Social Action committee are cooking and serving dinner at the Family Kitchen. If this 'test flight' is successful, you'll find future opportunities for your participation.

 

And on Saturday, November 7th, our first Havdallah With a Purpose will bring us together to share dessert, wine, knowledge, and friendship.

 

If you'd like to volunteer for one of our social action projects, or if you have an idea to present to the social action committee, please contact Jeanne Freeman at jgfree925@gmail.com. 

The next Men's Group Meeting will be all fun and games! We will meet on Thursday, November 12th, at 5:30 p.m. at the Vector Volcano Arcade located in downtown Bend at 111 Oregon Ave. It costs $10 for unlimited use of the games or $5 for one hour. They have sodas and craft brews. (Website: http://www.vectorvolcanoarcade.com/) 

All men of TBT are invited. You can just show up, or RSVP to markhershenson@me.com.

Mothers Naomi Chudowksy, Rachel Lemas, and Kimberly Rafilson, are creating a Jewish teen social action group. Our goal is to get our kids to build a stronger Jewish identity through tikkun olam. Repairing the world is the responsibility of every Jew and begins at home through modeling and encouraging empathy and action in our children. 

Community service for teens is a requirement for graduation and it's a great way for them to build their resumes and skill sets. Volunteering can be a life-changing experience, one that allows teens to expand their horizons and foster meaningful relationships.

 

Initial ideas we will share with the group include FAN (Family Access Network), Sparrow Club, Camp Courage, Habitat for Humanity and/or adopting a family in need; fundraising ideas also include creating a PPP team.  Our thought is that if kids are helping other kids it may be more meaningful to them.  These are merely suggestions and we hope our kids will bring other ideas and will choose what organization(s) they want to help in the coming year. The goal is to participate in at least 4 community service activities during the year, and Rabbis Hershenson and Shupack will sign off on community service hours for school credit.

Please share the attached flyer with your children and encourage them to join Sophie Chudowsky, Abi Hershenson, Zi Lemas, and Sid Rafilson on the 3rd, and for future community service activities.  Please also forward this to any Jewish families in central Oregon who you think would be interested in participating. 

For more info, contact Kimberly Rafilson:

kimrafilson@icloud.com or 773-230-4805.

 

Bring paper or computer and willingness to write and process.

 

541-389-6474 home, and 541-480-4944 cell.

S.M.A.R.T., Start Making a Reader Today needs Volunteers in the current school year!

For 24 years SMART has brought volunteers and children together to read. In the next few weeks, SMART volunteers will complete a 1 hour training and meet their SMART students. YOUR SUPPORT will make the difference for children who need the undivided attention and care. 

SMART recruits volunteers to read one-to-one with K-3 children in need of literacy support. Most CO schools serve kindergarten only.  It is a one or two hour commitment weekly, October through early May. Substitute readers take your shift when you can't be there. Each SMART student gets to take home two brand new books per month during this program. 

See getsmartoregon.org.