December Calendar of Events
DECEMBER EVENTS SCHEDULE
Dec. 1 4:00 p.m. - Hebrew School
Dec. 6 4:30 p.m. - First Night Chanukah @Old Mill
Dec. 7 12:00 p.m. - Weekly Torah Study
Dec. 8 4:00 p.m. - Hebrew School
Dec. 11 5:30 p.m. - Shabbat Latkepalooza!
Dec. 13 10:00 a.m. - Sunday School & Parent Meeting
6:30 p.m. - TBT Board Meeting
Dec. 14 12:00 p.m. - Weekly Torah Study
Dec. 15 4:00 p.m. - Hebrew School
Dec. 19 9:00 a.m. - Shabbat Torah Study
10:45 a.m. - Shabbat Torah Service
Dec. 21 12:00 p.m. - Weekly Torah Study
Dec. 23 7:30 a.m. - Back Door Cafe Breakfast
Dec. 24 11:59 p.m. - Deadline for January Newsletter
Dec. 28 12:00 p.m. - Weekly Torah Study
ON THE HORIZON
January 24th - Family Tu B'Shevat Program
March 24th - Purim
April 22nd - Community Passover Seder
DECEMBER School Activities
All activities at Shalom Bayit unless otherwise noted.
Sunday School 10:00 a.m: - 12/13
Hebrew School 4:00 p.m: - 12/1, 12/8, 12/15
DECEMBER Torah Study
Weekly-Monday noon at Evie's:
12/7, 12/14, 12/21, 12/28
Monthly-Saturday 9:00 a.m. at Wesley Room: 12/19
For more details about any TBT events, see our complete schedule of Services, School activities, and Events online:
www.bethtikvahbend.org/calendar |
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Hanukkah Latkepalooza 2015!
December 11th
Join TBT for our Latkepalooza Hanukkah Celebration on Friday, December 11th, 5:30 p.m., at the First Presbyterian Church*, 230 NE 9th St. in Bend. The Men's Club will be frying up latkes. There will be crafts, games, a potluck dinner, and jelly donuts! Please check your email and respond to your Punchbowl invitation. *Please note new location
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Let Your Fingers Do the Shopping and Earn Money for TBT!
Start Now for the Holiday Season and Beyond!
Program 1: eScrip
Here's a great opportunity to make money for Temple Beth Tikvah with no cost to you. TBT can earn up to 16% on your everyday purchases when you shop at your favorite online stores, including Amazon, Nordstrom, J-Jill, Disney, Walmart, Home Depot, Best Buy, Car Rentals, Target, Staples, Talbots and hundreds more!
It's Easy! Just click on the link below and sign-up to access the eScrip Online Mall and shop as you normally would. That's it! No card registration, coupons or special downloads required.
**Handy tip: bookmark the link so you can easily find it when you need it.
Program 2: Fred Meyer Community Rewards
YOU CAN HELP TEMPLE BETH TIKVAH EARN DONATIONS JUST BY SHOPPING WITH YOUR FRED MEYER REWARDS CARD!
Fred Meyer is donating $2.5 million per year to non-profits in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington, based on where their customers tell them to give. Here's how the program works:
- Sign up for the Community Rewards program by linking your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to Temple Beth Tikvah at www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards.
- You can search for us by our name or by our non-profit number: 82505.
- Then, every time you shop and use your Rewards Card, you are helping TBT earn a donation!
- You still earn your Rewards Points, Fuel Points, and Rebates, just as you do today.
- If you do not have a Rewards Card, they are available at the Customer Service desk of any Fred Meyer store.
- For more information, please visit www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards.
Thank you. We appreciate your support!
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Special Interest Groups Starting
At the annual meeting, Rabbi Hershenson had people sign up for groups they were interested in. Naomi has been working on identifying a lead person/contact for each group and some of the groups are ready to get started.
 We're NOT going to list the dates that each group is meeting in the newsletter calendar. Rather, the idea is that anyone who is interested in joining a group can simply email the contact person to get on the email/notification list for that group.
Here are the groups that have been organized so far. Please contact the group leader if you're interested. By January, we're hoping to have a few more groups to add to the list.
Downhill skiing (advanced and beginner groups), to meet every Thurs morning at Mt Bachelor starting in January. If you're interested, please contact Larry Barker and Jo Ann Ray at joannbray1940@gmail.com.
Families with young children, to start around January, if interested please contact Allison Cogen at allisoncogen@gmail.com.
Knitting, (incl. crochet, needle & fiber arts,) if interested please contact Sara Charney Cohen at sarrava@gmail.com.
If you have a special interest idea and would like to get a group together, please let us know and we'll add your group to the next newsletter! Email the info to Sara sarrava@gmail.com.
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Divrei Tikvah 
From Rabbi Johanna Hershenson
The seasons shifted last week. Skiers and boarders have taken to the mountain. Trees don delicate snow crowns all over town. Bend wears its winter wonderland days well. But roads are slick and some of us find our mobility limited this time of year. December has arrived in all its glory and its shorter, darker days.
Just like every year, the waning of light invites Chanukah back into our midst. Our Festival of Lights.
This year I am thinking a lot about Chanukah's theme of rededication. The Maccabees rededicate the Great Temple in Jerusalem. They clean the filth left by war. And they restore light.
Just as the Exodus story during Passover stirs us to take responsibility for our own personal moments of redemption, so too, the Maccabees' story during Chanukah ought to move us to rededicate our sanctuaries - our gathering places and our homes, our sense of self and way of being in the world.
Chanukah comes early this year. Chabad invites us all to attend the lighting of a chanukiah in the Old Mill, December 6th, the first night of Chanukah. Our Jewish Community School students will sing Chanukah songs. Everyone will be treated to a wonderful acrobatic light show and hot latkes!
On Erev Shabbat, December 11th, Temple Beth Tikvah invites all members and friends to our annual Latkepalooza Chanukah Party, 5:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church. Evie Lerner and Suzanne Schlosberg are organizing the party. The Men's Club is frying latkes. Lauren Olander and Julie Geveshausen will lead a Chanukah sing-along. Bring a salad or dessert, the kids, even a friend!
Once the celebrating and play are underway, let's explore the theme of rededication together.
On Sunday morning, December 13th, 10:00 a.m., our Jewish Community School invites parents and prospective parents to discuss whether or not our school meets our families' needs and if not, what to do about it.
As for adult learning, we are missing our Shabbat Morning Torah Study regulars! This month we meet on Saturday, December 19th, 9:00 a.m. It is Parashat
Vayigash, the moment Joseph reveals himself to his brothers who think they are responsible for his death. Nice breakfast. Nourishing food for thought. Camaraderie through the sharing of ideas and stories.
Finally, because rededication is a process that takes time, in January, l am introducing a multi-unit course for adults called Making Prayer Real.
We will begin with an honest discussion about our experiences with prayer and services. Then we will explore the prayers we think we know from our liturgy and discover myriad opportunities for deeper personal connection to them and Jewish practice. Finally, we will unearth simple yet profound templates for mindfulness practice from our own treasure trove of Jewish literature and wisdom.
Best wishes to everyone in our TBT family for a healthy and safe season of winter holidays and vacations. Play. Eat well. And, think every so often about this theme of rededication. Your feedback and ideas are always welcome! johannahershenson@gmail.com.
~~ 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.
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 President's Message
From TBT President Mark Schindel
Members & Friends ~
I hope everyone had a wonderful and delicious Thanksgiving. In November, we had a couple of new and different events. Our first Shabbat@Home dinner event went very well. Three homes, Schindel, Lerner, and Hammerman/Peterson, hosted members for a pot-luck Shabbat dinner and gathering. While some members were unable to attend, we had a good turnout. Those who did attend these Shabbat dinner gatherings have indicated that they greatly appreciated the opportunity to meet and get to know fellow members. Be on the lookout for information on our next Shabbat@Home event in January.
Also, just after Thanksgiving, we had a special B'nai Mitzvah service and celebration for Kyle and Kahlan Snyder, grandchildren of Lynne and Ed Connelley. Besides having a combined Bar and Bat Mitzvah, which is a first for us, this was a very special event with the parents having active roles in the service. Mom, Miriam, was the Cantorial soloist and dad, Chris, was the piano accompanist. Their intimate involvement with their children's B'nai Mitzvah service was beautiful and moving to experience.
Staying on the theme of Thanksgiving, I think it is important to recognize the many wonderful gifts we have with Temple Beth Tikvah. It is easy to get caught up focusing on things that are not going well or need improvement. While changes for the better are needed to create a brighter and more promising future, we cannot overlook the great accomplishments and wonderful blessings we have already achieved.
Less than eight years ago, a courageous and dedicated group founded Temple Beth Tikvah, working hard to get it established and functioning. Since that time, we have steadily grown and prospered. We have adhered to our mission of being a warm, welcoming, and accepting Reform congregation honoring and respecting the values and traditions of Judaism and being a beacon for the diverse Jewish community in Central Oregon.
Like the Israelites after leaving Egypt, we do not have our own "home" and have had to wander somewhat in search of locations for our events and celebrations. But, we can be thankful for the various locales that have rented their facilities for our use - beginning with our first High Holy Days at Touchmark, services at Wisteria Village, meetings at the Environmental Center, our strong relationship with the First United Methodist Church, more recently the use of the sanctuary at the First Presbyterian Church, and various other places when we needed them.
At our first High Holy Days services, we had impressive guest Rabbis - Rabbi Emeritus Emanuel Rose from Congregation Beth Israel in Portland and Rabbi Alan Berg. Then, for the next five years we were most fortunate to secure part-time clergy services from Rabbi David Kominsky, Rabbi Alan Berg, and Rabbi Glenn Ettman, who were willing to travel here on a monthly basis to provide spiritual and educational opportunities. Now, we are so pleased and thankful to have our wonderful resident Rabbi Johanna Hershenson providing even more services on a part-time basis.
Our early services, led by our part-time Rabbis, were focused primarily on the prayers and liturgy. However, soon some music was added to our Erev Shabbat services. We can be very thankful for the music leadership that Lauren Olander has provided these past years that has so greatly enhanced our spiritual worship.
For our first year, we did not have a religious school for our children. But, in our second year we started one, and we can be very thankful for the success of the current combined Jewish Community Religious Education program. We now offer a strong Sunday School curriculum and a robust Hebrew School education, as well as our own B'nai Mitzvah training and preparation program.
In the beginning, our attention was naturally focused inward on establishing the necessary programs for services, education, social gatherings, and holiday celebrations. However, as we have matured, we are most thankful that we have the resources and capabilities for Social Action projects that allow our members opportunities to give back to the community and beyond, practicing the values of Tikkun Olam - repairing the world.
We are especially thankful for all our members over the years who have contributed both financially and with their time and efforts so that we could enjoy the many wonderful activities, celebrations, holidays, and worship experiences. Some have taken on the added responsibilities of leadership as Board members or committee chairs. We should be most thankful for simply having each other to create this special TBT community. While our future has yet to be determined, it is good to take pause and give thanks for the blessings we already have.
As we look forward in December, there are two important Chanukah celebrations coming up soon. On the first night of Chanukah, December 6th, there will be a Community Menorah Lighting ceremony sponsored by Chabad in the Old Mill center. Then, on Friday evening, December 11th, we will have our own Family Chanukah Celebration - our Latkepalooza - in Heritage Hall at the First Presbyterian Church. Stay tuned for further details on these fun holiday events.
B'Shalom, Mark Schindel |
TBT Board Notes
Next Board Meeting: December 13th, 6:30 p.m.
Location: Stonebriar Apartments Clubhouse
Your TBT Board meets monthly and everyone is invited to attend. Dates and times of Board meetings are on the TBT calendar at: bethtikvahbend.org/calendar
If you would like to read minutes of previous board meetings, you can request a copy from Board Secretary Naomi Chudowsky: naomic@bendbroadband.com.
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 Religious Notes
The full text of Rabbi Hershenson's High Holy Day sermons are now available on our website at: |
Social Action Update
Jeanne Freeman, Social Action Chair
The Family Kitchen
In November, ten temple members participated in a "trial run," setting up, cooking, serving, and cleaning up after dinner at the Family Kitchen located at St Helen's Hall of Trinity Episcopal Church. The trial was a great success for us and for our dinner guests! TBT's social action committee is excited to announce our newest project and invite you to join us in serving those in need. Beginning January 1st, we will cook and serve at Family Kitchen on the first Friday of alternating months.
Family Kitchen begins its 30th year of service to the community in 2016. Every week the Kitchen serves four lunches and three dinners, which are served restaurant style, averaging 5,000 meals each month. Dog and cat food is also provided for the guest's furry friends and there is a rack of gently used clothing available. More than 300 volunteers from religious, civic and business groups staff the Kitchen.
The menu was planned prior to our volunteering, so we cooked and served pork roast-much to the embarrassment of the Kitchen staff and board, though we assured them it wasn't a problem-mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, salad and garlic bread filled out the meal.
We got rave reviews from the diners who said the meal was delicious; our wait-staff is young (!); and we are welcome to come back and cook for them again. We counted 135 plates - about 100 people with many of them having 2nds and some 3rds.
The guests included a number of seniors who have apartments but find it difficult living on Social Security alone and families with limited income. They come to Family Kitchen to eat well and stretch their limited dollars. There are homeless as well, some of the same people that we see at Back Door Café breakfasts.
Many thanks to the test crew: Kim Rafilson, who organized the dinner; Beverly and Jeff Adler; Alyson Belcher; Sid Rafilson, Ann and Michael Rosenfield; Marilyn and Chuck Shattuck; Burt Litman and Jeanne Freeman.
The next dinner is Friday, January 1st; cooking begins at 2:00 pm and cleaning is done at 6:45 pm, but not everyone is needed for the entire shift. If you would like to participate in January, or in the future, please email Jeanne Freeman at jgfree925@gmail.com.
New crewmembers have joined to cook and serve at Back Door Café. In October Lawrence Schechter served on the front line and in November Gail Fridstein and Lorraine Schechter both got their first-timers training.
Many thanks to Jeff Adler, Joe Jezukewicz, Kathy Schindel, Neil Pyne, Marilyn & Chuck Shattuck, Lawrence Schechter, and Burt Litman and Jeanne Freeman for serving in October.
We are next serving on Wednesday, December 23rd. The winter crew schedule hasn't yet been assigned; if you'd like to help contact Jeanne Freeman at jgfree925@gmail.com.
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Education Report 
Kathy Schindel, Education Chair
Sunday School Parent Meeting On Sunday morning, December 13th, 10:00 a.m., our Jewish Community School invites parents and prospective parents to discuss current status and future for the Sunday School. Watch for a separate email with additional information. |
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 Sara: sarrava@gmail.com by the 24th of each month for the following month's publication. As always, you will continue to receive "e-minders" before important events take place.
Shalom, Sara Charney Cohen |
First Night Grand Menorah Lighting
Sunday, December 6th, 4:30 p.m.
Community Family Chanukah celebration and Menorah lighting at the Old Mill. There will be an aerial show by Bend Circus, children's choir leading Chanukah songs, Menorah lighting and, of course, latkes. Sponsored by Chabad in conjunction with Central Oregon Jewish Community School. All are invited!
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Teen Group Serves Dinner at BI
 On the afternoon of November 3rd, a group of Jewish teens committed to tikkun olam gathered at the Methodist Church to cook dinner for the Bethlehem Inn. Thanks to Sid Rafilson, Abi Hershenson, Sophie Chudowsky, Rebecca Uri, and three students from New Leaf school for spending their afternoon cooking, cleaning, and serving dinner to those in need. Kim Rafilson and Naomi Chudowsky provided the groceries and recipes; Jeanne Freeman offered her kitchen expertise and washed lots of pots and pans. The menu included homemade chili con carne, macaroni, and salad. Marcia Garon baked the dessert--delicious pumpkin bread with chocolate chips and nuts.
While the chili was simmering, the group had some time to talk about the types of community service projects that they might like to do in the future, in collaboration with TBT's adult social action committee. Then four of the teens headed over to the Bethlehem Inn to serve about 75 residents, who really appreciated the warm, hearty meal.
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Weekend In Quest 2016
Is There a Future for Jewish Peoplehood?
The tenth annual Weekend in Quest, a Shabbaton or study weekend, will be held on the weekend of March 4th - 6th, 2016, in Astoria, Oregon. Weekend in Quest is sponsored by The Institute for Judaic Studies of the Pacific Northwest, in Portland.
The 2016 scholar-in-residence will be Dr. Noam Pianko, the Samuel N. Stroum Chair of Jewish Studies and Associate Professor in the Jackson School of International Studies at the University of Washington. Professor Pianko also directs the Samuel and Althea Stroum Center for Jewish Studies and serves as the Herbert and Lucy Pruzan Professor of Jewish Studies.
Professor Pianko is an expert in the area of Jewish "peoplehood." He will present four lectures, addressing the evolution of that term through the past century, and its future, including a proposed model for Jewish peoplehood that would offer a relevant definition of Jewish collectivity for a rapidly changing Jewish community in the United States and Israel.
Also included in the shabbaton will be Shabbat services led by David Fuks, Chief Executive Officer of Cedar Sinai Park, plus catered kosher-style meals including a festive Erev Shabbat dinner, kiddush lunch and Saturday evening dinner with entertainment by David Fuks and social time.
 The weekend promises to be a dynamic,
For more information, visit:
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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 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 Terry and Gary Renoylds, in memory of Dina Lewinter, beloved Aunt of Terry.
- From Jo Ann B. Ray, in memory of Sarah Waldman.
- From Gary & Terry Reynolds, in loving memory of Herb Reynolds.
- From Gary & Terry Reynolds in loving memory of Helen Reynolds.
- From Gary & Terry Reynolds, Congratulations to Kahlan Snyder on becoming a Bat Mitzvah.
- From Gary & Terry Reynolds, Congratulations to Kyle Snyder on becoming a Bar Mitzvah.
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About Temple Beth Tikvah
Temple Beth Tikvah is a growing Jewish congregation based in Bend, Oregon. We are affiliated 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.
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