Contact Us
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Temple Beth Tikvah P.O Box 7472 Bend, OR 97708
541-388-8826
Make a secure online donation or payment to Temple Beth Tikvah
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March Celebrations
| Celebrations in March honor the following:
Birthdays:
Owen Cogen Mar. 2
Rebecca Uri Mar. 2
Maricela Feldman Mar. 8
Allie Fridstein Mar. 8
Paul Levinson Mar. 8
Abigail Hershenson
Mar. 9
Dalia Heyman Mar. 9
Evelyn Chernoff Mar. 13
Kim Rafilson Mar. 13
Alyson Belcher Mar. 14
Micah Slate Mar. 14
Adam Heyman Mar. 15
Michael Hecker Mar. 18
Mike Goldstein Mar. 20
Ari Halpern Mar. 20
Ann Rosenfield Mar. 24
Corinne Smith Mar. 24
Joseph Jezukewicz
Mar. 26
Jeff Olander Mar. 26
Dan Fishkin Mar. 27
Mary Jane Eisenberg
Mar. 28
Vivian Freeman Mar. 31
Anniversaries: Greg & Shannon Pollack March 2nd Lynne & Ed Connelley March 19th
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Board Officers:
President: Mark Schindel schindelme@yahoo.com
Vice President: Fred Rafilson
Secretary:
Naomi Chudowsky
Treasurer:
Lester Dober Members-at-Large:
Marti Fields Johnson martifieldsjohnson@ gmail.com
Joe Jezukewicz
Marijane Krohn |
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Adult Education
Burt Litman
Bikkur Holim
Suzanne Schlosberg
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Evie Lerner
Cemetery
Ralph Uri
Communications/PR
Jeanne Freeman
Facilities
Mark Schindel
-and-
Ralph Uri
Fundraising
Your name here? New lead needed
Music
Lauren Olander
Membership
Terry Reynolds
Social Action
Jeanne Freeman
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Type in Bend Jewish Library to enter.
An asterisk "*" in the search field will bring up a full list of titles.
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TBT Event Planning
Quick Guide
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Step One:
Step Two:
with date, time, location, & details to have event added to the calendar.
Step Three: with date, time, location & details to have event publicized via weekly email, monthly newsletter, and website. Step Four: If there are any changes to your event date, time, or location, email Ann so calendar can be updated ASAP.
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Special Interest Group Contacts
| Book Club Beverly Adler fiberartist@ bendcable.com
Cross Country Skiing Ann Rosenfield ann@rosenfield online.com
Downhill Skiing Larry Barker and Jo Ann Ray joannbray1940 @gmail.com
Families With Young Children Allison Cogen allisoncogen@ gmail.com
Knitting & Yarn Arts Sara Charney Cohen sarrava@gmail.com
Mah Jongg Jill Muinch jmuinch@msn.com
Men's Club Mark Hershenson markhershenson @me.com
Movie Club Sara Charney Cohen sarrava@gmail.com
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Quick Links
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Temple Beth Tikvah is pleased to welcome our newest members:
Michelle and Taylor Mahony, and their children
Kayleigh and Asher
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March Calendar of Events
MARCH EVENTS SCHEDULE Mar. 1 4:15 p.m. - Hebrew School Mar. 4 2:00 p.m. - Family Kitchen Dinner Mar. 6 10:00 a.m. - Sunday School Mar. 7 12:00 p.m. - Weekly Torah Study Mar. 8 4:15 p.m. - Hebrew School Mar. 11 6:00 p.m. - Shabbat@Home Mar. 12 9:00 a.m. - Shabbat Torah Study @FPC 10:30 a.m. - Shabbat Torah Service @FPC Mar. 13 10:00 a.m. - Sunday School Mar. 14 12:00 p.m. - Weekly Torah Study Mar. 15 4:15 p.m. - Hebrew School Mar. 16 6:30 p.m. - TBT Board Meeting Mar. 18 7:00 p.m. - Erev Shabbat Service Mar. 21 12:00 p.m. - Weekly Torah Study Mar. 24 --- PURIM ---
11:59 p.m. - April Newsletter deadline
Mar. 26 7:00 p.m. - Havdallah and a Movie Mar. 28 12:00 p.m. - Weekly Torah Study Mar. 29 4:15 p.m. - Hebrew School Mar. 30 6:30 p.m. - Adult Ed. - Making Prayer Real
ON THE HORIZON April 23rd - TBT Passover Seder May 4th - Holocaust Remembrance Day Program @COCC
MARCH School Activities All activities at Shalom Bayit unless otherwise noted. Sunday School: - 3/6 @10:00 a.m, 3/13 @10:00 a.m. Hebrew School 4:15 p.m: - 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/29
MARCH Torah Study Weekly-Monday noon at Evie's: 3/7, 3/14, 3/21, 3/28 Monthly-Saturday 9:00 a.m. at FPC Library: 3/12
Monthly Torah study, Erev Shabbat, and Shabbat morning Torah services are now being held at the First Presbyterian Church (FPC), 230 NE 9th St. in Bend, unless otherwise noted. (map)
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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March Highlights
You call that a Leap Year? It's Adar II!
Not just a day, but an additional month in our calendar dedicated to joy and frivolity!
 Shabbat@Home - Fri. March 11th, 6:00 p.m. Plan to bring a Jewish joke and a dish or drink to share. Please RSVP when you receive your email invitation! **We still need ONE more host household! If you can host in March, please Contact Rabbi Hershenson or Mark Schindel.** Shabbat Torah Study - Sat. March 12th, 9:00 a.m.
Erev Shabbat Service - Fri. March 18th, 7:00 p.m. We continue to explore the Jewish value of cultivating joy with special musical selections and a teaching comparing and contrasting pleasure and happiness.
Thank you, Linda Brant for hosting our oneg! 
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Making Prayer Real
Adult Learning Encounters in Five Modules
Temple Beth Tikvah
Adult Education Learning Course
Wednesday evenings, 6:30 - 8:30 PM,
Location to be announced
"At its best, religion is myth, jazz, poetry, and play...When we take it too seriously we rob ourselves of joy, lose all hope of discovery, and suck the very life out of faith."
Rabbi Rami Shapiro
"When we free ourselves of rules and expectations and explore Judaism with an open mind, we encounter moments of awe, deepen our relationships with others, and find meaning in the situations of our lives."
Rabbi Johanna Hershenson
Making Prayer Real
Join Temple Beth Tikvah members and friends in a playful and relevant exploration of Jewish prayer and prayers, meditation, and lessons in spiritual practice.
"A time to tear down and a time to build up..."
Ecclesiastes
Spring Module 2016 - Listening Deeply
THE SHEMA AND HER BLESSINGS
Making Prayer Real (P'sukei d'Zimra - Verses of Song)
- March 30 - Mindfulness - Listen before you speak
- April 13 - Tradition! The benefits of liturgical prayer
- April 27 - Shema 1: A Narrative approach to liturgy
- May 11 - Shema 2: Meaning and interpretation
RSVP to Burt Litman at bjlitman@gmail.com. Snacks and beverages welcome; please let Burt know what you'll bring.

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Passover's Coming! Please Save the Date and Sign Up to Help Join Temple Beth Tikvah for this year's Passover Seder. Come for an inter-generational event with learning and discussion for adults, performance by the kids, music and song for all, a taste-tour of the Seder plate and a delicious buffet dinner. And it's all being held at the Mt. Bachelor Village conference center.
Rabbi Hershenson will lead our annual Passover Community Seder on Saturday, April 23rd. The event is open to members and their guests. Doors open at 5:15 p.m., and the Seder begins promptly at 5:45 p.m. Don't miss out; RSVP today. Reservations close on Wednesday, April 14th. The meal includes all the tastes of Passover - hard-boiled eggs, haroset, matzo ball soup, horseradish and a very special treat of the Rabbi's homemade gefilte fish. Dinner buffet includes your choice of salmon, chicken or a vegetarian entree.
The Seder is open to TBT members and their guests at a cost of $32 for adults, $15 for children 6 - 12, and no charge for children age 5 and under.
Wine for the dinner table is available from Mt. Bachelor for $22/bottle, or you're welcome to bring your own bottle for a $15 corkage fee.
Questions? Contact Liz Levinson at 541 318-4640 or plevinson856@aol.com.
For more information and to make your reservations, please click here.
The Butcher, the Baker, the Haroset MakerThe best part of any meal is dessert!! This is especially true when the desserts come from the kitchens of our fabulous bakers. For the most delicious of Passover desserts, we are again asking our members to please bake for us. Please contact Mickey Freundlich at 508-560-5879 or mouse5mm@gmail.com to let her know what you can bring. We need pick-up goodies, such as bars and cookies. Jeanne Freeman is coordinating the haroset makers. Please let her know if you'd like to make a batch: jgfree925@gmail.com. |
Divrei Tikvah From Rabbi Johanna Hershenson You call that a Leap Year? It's Adar II!
Leap years are always fun when you know someone who has a birthday on February 29th. I love stories on the news like 84-year-old celebrates 21st birthday or 100-year-old celebrates 25th birthday.
Fun is mandated in our Jewish leap year. The Hebrew month of Adar is repeated. The month in which we are supposed to engage in frivolity, even inebriation.
Quite frankly, it's exhausting...It's exhausting because pure frivolity and unadulterated fun, all the pleasures in life, are fleeting experiences. Our bodies don't naturally sustain such internal chemical shifts. We call them rushes.
Taking the time to increase the frequency of fun and frivolous moments during these two months of Adar can prove to be an interesting experiment in mindfulness. If we cultivate more moments that make us laugh, over time, will we feel happier?
The aging Vietnamese Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh, teaches:
Carried away by our worries, we're unable to live fully and happily in the present. Deep down, we believe we can't really be happy just yet - that we still have a few more boxes to be checked off before we can really enjoy life. We speculate, dream, strategize, and plan for these conditions of happiness we want to have in the future; and we continually chase after that future...
Our sages teach us to revel in the months of Adar, rather than wait. Our sacred literature, the scroll of Esther, reads as a comedy even though it is about antisemitism and systematic violence.
There is plenty of suffering in the world. But there is also the joy of simple pleasures. It is up to us to fill ourselves with pleasantness and even silliness to generate strength and compassion for uglier moments. Let that be the lesson of one more day during Leap Year...one more month of Adar...Amen.
~~ 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 ~
February was an ideal winter month with plenty of snow in the mountains for ski, snowboard, and snowshoe enthusiasts, while the mild weather in town made it easy to get around and enjoy many other outdoor activities.
Our Shabbat@Home continues to be a hit. We sincerely thank the Rafilsons, Rosenfields, and Ruders for hosting a lovely Shabbat evening of warm hospitality, good conversation, delicious dinner, and an interesting "Taste of Torah" discussion. I strongly encourage ALL members to participate when they can. If you would like to be a host, please contact Rabbi Hershenson or myself, so we can add you to the list. Be sure to respond to the Shabbat@Home invitation for March 11th.
The Rafilsons also generously opened their home to host a Havdallah with a Purpose in support of the Children's Art in Bereavement program. If you couldn't attend, but wish to learn more about this program offered through Partners In Care, you can contact Jeanne Freeman or Burt Litman. Also, in February, we enjoyed two more sessions on Making Prayer Real, led by Rabbi Hershenson. While prayer is a central part of our Jewish worship, we may not give much thought to the subject; yet, we take for granted the immediate connection we have with nature and all the wonder around us. Understanding and bridging that gap is part of the exploration of this course. Even if you did not attend the initial sessions, you are still most welcome and encouraged to attend our future sessions. The next one is scheduled for March 30th.
We now seem to be settled into our routine at the First Presbyterian Church with our monthly Erev Shabbat service and Torah Study and service. The facilities are very comfortable and inviting, and if you haven't yet attended one of our services there, we would love to see you at our next Friday evening Erev Shabbat service on March 18th.
The theme at our February Erev Shabbat service was life-long learning, where we were able to honor a number of our former B'nai Mitzvah students (young and adult) with participation in the service. Constant study and learning is at the heart of Judaism.
So, it is no wonder that many activities for Temple Beth Tikvah have centered around learning and sharing information and ideas. We have been blessed with extraordinary rabbinic knowledge from Rabbis Alan Berg, Glenn Ettman, and Johanna Hershenson, who shared their teachings, wisdom, and life experiences in wonderful educational sessions. But, it is not just from our rabbis that we look for learning opportunities. We eagerly share our own knowledge and information in lay-led Torah Study and educational exchanges. Of course, we especially value Jewish learning for our children, which is why we developed the Jewish Community Religious Education program.
Personally, I think our appetite for learning is one of the strengths of our congregation. It keeps us vibrant and connected to the valuable history of our tradition while encouraging our exploration of new ideas and actions for the future. If you haven't tried one of the Rabbi's monthly Saturday morning Torah Study sessions or our weekly lay-led Torah Study gatherings on Mondays, please come and experience for yourself the active exchange of knowledge, thoughts, ideas, opinions, and wisdom. Attend the next Adult Education offering, sit in on the next Making Prayer Real session, or share an idea for a new learning opportunity. Coming soon, there will be another adult B'nai Mitzvah class. I think you will find these experiences a most rewarding investment of your time.
B'Shalom, Mark Schindel |
TBT Board Notes
Next Board Meeting: Wed. March 16th, 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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Social Action Update Jeanne Freeman, Social Action Chair
Back Door CaféWe are often surprised when we serve breakfast at the Back Door Café by the number of guests. During the stormy days earlier this winter, we thought we'd have an overflowing crowd based on the snow and ice. But those of the homeless who'd made their tents in a sheltered area couldn't get out to the roads to get to the church. The milder winter days we've been experiencing have cleared the roads and those in need of breakfast have been pouring in. In February the crowd was steady all morning, from the opening of doors at 7:30 to the end of breakfast at 9:30. Many thanks to the February crew: Jeff Adler, Joe Jezukewicz, Ann & Michael Rosenfield, Bonnie Ruby, Marilyn & Chuck Shattuck, Burt Litman and Jeanne Freeman. If you'd like to experience the Back Door Café, we are in need of kitchen crew for our Wednesday, April 20th service. Email Jeanne Freeman at jgfree925@gmail.com if you'd like to participate. Quilts for Those Who NeedMembers from First Presbyterian have been making quilts since 1987 to give to Bethlehem Inn, J Bar J Ranch, and Grandma's House. A group of about 10 women meet each Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 or 2:00 p.m. They have room for a couple of extra people, if you're interested in joining them. They have all of the supplies, except sewing machines. We'd need to bring our own, if we want to machine sew. They just ask that if you machine sew, you can sew a straight line! Contact Lorraine Schechter at lorbigsur@gmail.com if you'd like more information or to join the group. 
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Adult Education Events
Burt Litman, Education Chair
In February we finished the first module in the "Making Prayer real" course. It was enjoyed by many. We now look forward to the beginning of Module 2: Listening Deeply: The Shema and Her Blessings (see information above for more details.) This module will start on March 30th.
On March 26th we will have a Havdallah with a Movie night. The featured movie "Defamation" deals with anti-Semitism and will be discussed in the context of Purim.
Please join us for these events. Please contact Burt Litman for additional information or with any questions.
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APRIL Newsletter Deadline: March 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 |
Maccabi USA Seeks Jewish Athletes for 20th World Maccabiah Games

Maccabi USA is seeking Jewish athletes to represent the United States at the 20th World Maccabiah Games in Israel, July 5th - 17th, 2017. The Games consist of over 42 sports, lasting 12 days with 7,500+ athletes from over 70 countries. The World Maccabiah Games are the third largest international sporting competition in the world and the world's largest international Jewish event. To learn more about the sports offered and to access an application, please visit our website.
Jeff Bukantz, General Chairman, USA 20th Maccabiah Organizing Committee, is working with his volunteer committee to appoint qualified athletes to represent the USA in both team and individual sports in the Juniors, Youth, Open, Masters and Paralympic divisions. They will field a USA Team that is 1,200+ strong and will be the largest traveling delegation from the USA to participate in any international sporting event. The Maccabiah Games is more than an international sporting competition; it is a celebration of Jewish culture, unity and pride. ISRAEL CONNECT, Maccabi USA's unique cultural and educational program, takes place for six days prior to the start of the Games. All Juniors, Youth and Open athletes participate in the program where they have the opportunity to tour historical and religious sites, take part in cultural identity seminars, and train with their respective teams, all while bonding with one another. |
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 Tully Ellsberg, in memory of Cana Ivy.
- From Mel Siegal, in memory of Moses Siegel.
- From Alyson Belcher & Mary Jane Eisenberg, in memory of Geralyn Belcher.
- From Vivian Freeman, to the Music Fund, in memory of Helen Cohen Malorius.
- From Vivian Freeman, to the Music Fund, in memory of Obie Malorius.
- From Vivian Freeman, to the Music Fund, in memory of Arthur Freeman.
- From Mark and Kathy Schindel, in memory of Nathan Bernstein.
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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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