Temple Beth Tikvah Home
April 2016
Temple Beth Tikvah News
 
Come be a part of our growing Reform synagogue. All are welcome! Top
 
In This Issue
Shabbat@Home 4/8
Making Prayer Real
TBT Passover Seder
Adult B'nei Mitzvah
Rabbi's Column
President's Message
TBT Board Notes
Committee News
Social Action Update
Adult Education Events
Library Books for Passover
Model Matzah Bakery
Holocaust Remberance Program
Tributes
Contact Us

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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April Celebrations
Celebrations in April honor the following:

Birthdays:
 Naomi Chudowsky Apr. 3
 Evie Lerner           Apr. 3
 Audrey Ellen Cook Apr. 4
 Joe Jackman         Apr. 6
 Lynne Connelley    Apr. 8
 Margaret Finestone
                            Apr. 8
 Gary Reynolds      Apr. 8
 Alex Charney Cohen
                           Apr. 15
 Tully Ellsberg       Apr. 15
 Grant Tittsworth  Apr. 15
 Hallie Smith        Apr. 16
 Shelley Grudin     Apr. 17
 Marcia Garon       Apr. 18
 Kayleigh Mahony  Apr. 22
 Stephen Johnson Apr. 25
 Bonnie Ruby        Apr. 27
 Mark Hershenson Apr. 28
 Sid Rafilson         Apr. 30

Anniversaries:
 Justin & Margaret
     Finestone
          April 22nd
 Gail & Stan Fridstein
          April 28th
   (blind spacer)
TBT Board Members
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
   mak11@pitt.edu       
   
TBT Commitee Chairs
 Adult Education
   Burt Litman

 Bikkur Holim
   Suzanne Schlosberg
            -and-
   Evie Lerner
 
 Calendar Master
   Ann Rosenfield
 Cemetery
   Ralph Uri
 
 Communications/PR
   Jeanne Freeman
 
 Facilities
   Mark Schindel
            -and-
   Ralph Uri
 
 Fundraising
         --- TBA---
   Contact Mark if interested 
 
 Music
   Lauren Olander
 
 Membership
   Terry Reynolds
 
 Religious Education
   Kathy Schindel
 Rituals
   Marijane Krohn
            -and-
   Mark Schindel
 
 Social Action
   Jeanne Freeman

Bend Jewish Library
Bend Jewish Library logo

Type in Bend Jewish Library to enter.

An asterisk "*" in the search field will bring up a full list of titles.
Newsletter Sponsors
Tully's Yoga Ad
 


TBT Event Planning
Quick Guide

Step One: 
Check the
TBT Online Calendar
before you choose a date to avoid a schedule conflict.

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.

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 

Quick Links
Temple Beth Tikvah is pleased to welcome our newest member:

Jana Zvibleman
 
April Calendar of Events 

APRIL EVENTS SCHEDULE 
   Apr.   4  12:00 p.m. - Weekly Torah Study @Stonebriar
   Apr.   5    4:15 p.m. - Hebrew School
   Apr.   8    6:00 p.m. - Shabbat@Home
   Apr.   9    9:00 a.m - Shabbat Torah Study
               10:30 a.m. - Shabbat Torah Service
   Apr. 10    4:15 p.m. - Family Passover Program:
                                   Model Matzah Bakery
                 6:30 p.m. - TBT Board Meeting
   Apr. 11  12:00 p.m. - Weekly Torah Study
   Apr. 12    4:15 p.m. - Hebrew School
   Apr. 13    6:30 p.m. - Adult Ed. Making Prayer Real
               11:59 p.m. - Seder Reservations Deadline
   Apr. 17  10:00 a.m. - Sunday School
   Apr. 18  12:00 p.m. - Weekly Torah Study
   Apr. 19    4:15 p.m. - Hebrew School
   Apr. 22           --- Erev Pesach ---
   Apr. 23    5:30 p.m. - TBT Passover Seder
   Apr. 24  11:59 p.m. - May Newsletter Deadline
   Apr. 25  12:00 p.m. - Weekly Torah Study
   Apr. 26    4:15 p.m. - Hebrew School
   Apr. 27    6:30 p.m. - Adult Ed. Making Prayer Real

ON THE HORIZON
   May 4th - Yom HaShoah Holocaust Remembrance Program
   May 7th - Havdallah and a Movie
   May 13th - Shabbat@Home

APRIL School Activities
All activities at Shalom Bayit unless otherwise noted.
Sunday School: - 4/10 4:15 p.m. @Environmental Center
                            4/17 10:00 a.m. @Shalom Bayit
Hebrew School 4:15 p.m: - 4/5, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26

APRIL Torah Study
Weekly-Monday noon: 4/4 @Stonebriar,
                                  4/11, 4/18, 4/25 @Evie's
Monthly-Saturday 9:00 a.m. at FPC Library: 4/9

For more details about any TBT events, see our complete schedule of Services, School activities, and Events online:
www.bethtikvahbend.org/calendar

   HomeShabbat 


TBT Highlights
Shabbat@Home
 
 Come and Celebrate
 
Shabbat@Home
 
 Friday, April 8th, 2016 at 6:00 p.m.
 
with
Temple Beth Tikvah
 
     An Evening to Get to Know Other Members 
 
Each gathering will welcome Shabbat with candles, wine, and challah, and enjoy a delicious meal, and share information about ourselves.
 
If you haven't experienced the warmth and hopitality of Shabbat@Home, please give it a try. For those who know how wonderful an evening it is, make sure to join us again this month. 
 
Please RSVP to your email invitation by Monday, April 4th so we can know to expect you.
 
You will soon after receive an email indicating your Shabbat@Home host and what sort of dish you are requested to bring.
 
We look forward to another meaningful communal Shabbat experience!     AdultEd 
Making Prayer Real
Adult Learning Encounters in Five Modules    

Temple Beth Tikvah
Adult Education Learning Course

Wednesday evenings, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church Library  

"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)
  • April 13 - Blessings #1 Practical blessings
  • April 27 - Blessings #2 Response blessings
  • May 11 - Mindfulness and deep listening

RSVP to Burt Litman at bjlitman@gmail.com. Snacks and beverages welcome; please let Burt know what you'll bring.
   Seder
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TBT Passover Seder - Reservations Needed by Wed. April 13th 


Our TBT Member-Guest Seder will take place on April 23rd, the second night of Passover. Now it's time to make your reservation!



Please join us for Temple Beth Tikvah's  
Passover Seder

Saturday, April 23rd
Doors open at 5:15 p.m.
Seder begins at 5:45 p.m.

Mt Bachelor Village Conference Center
19717 Mt Bachelor Drive
Bend, Oregon

Rabbi Johanna Hershenson leads Temple Beth Tikvah's Annual 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.

The event is open to members and their guests.

Cost for members & guests:
$32 adults
$15 age 6-12
Ages 5 and under-no charge

Ceremonial wine will be provided.  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.

Paid reservations must be made by April 13th.

Please click on link to make reservations:
http://www.bethtikvahbend.com/component/rsform/form/12-seder-reservation-form-2016

For more information about the Seder click on link:
http://www.bethtikvahbend.org/worship/jewish-holidays-passover


The Butcher, the Baker, the Haroset Maker
The 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.


Mickey is also coordinating the haroset makers. Please let her know if you'd like to make a batch: 508-560-5879 or mouse5mm@gmail.com.
  
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Never Had a Bar or Bat Mitzvah?

Torah w/star (color) If you're an adult interested in doing a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, and would like to be part of an Adult B'nei Mitzvah class, email Rabbi Johanna at johannahershenson@gmail.com, and look for more details coming soon!
 
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Divrei Tikvah  RJohannaHeadShot
From Rabbi Johanna Hershenson

April means Passover. The commandment for observing Pesach is to eat matzah on the first night and to remove chametz, all forms of food with leavening from our diet and homes throughout the festival week.

The rabbis are serious about removing chametz from our homes. First we carefully clean every place in our house where food is eaten or prepared. The cleaning is followed up by b'dikat chametz, the search for chametz before Passover begins. This ceremonial investigation is performed by candlelight with a feather. It can be a lot of fun with young children.

The obsessive search and removal of chametz from our homes has spiritual as well as ritual overtones.  

For the ancient rabbis, yeast symbolizes arrogance.
On account of yeast, bread rises above the level of lowly matzah.  

Yeast is not necessary. We can eat matzah and be satisfied. Yet it brings us great pleasure to eat yeasty breads.

The rabbis continue, identifying yeast as a symbol of the restless force of yetzer hara, the inclination within us to excessively serve our own interests.  

Just as yeast causes fermentation in bread and wine, it also turns them sour when not controlled. Similarly, the instinctual forces, desire and ambition, can contribute to progress but also to discontent and corruption.

The medieval Spanish rabbinic scholar, Abravanel, taught that eating matzah during Passover recalibrates our measure of simplicity.  

Our freedom is inextricably linked to a rejection of the "fleshpots of Egypt."

The ritual practice of rejecting the luxury of breads and beers during the week of Passover is an opportunity to exercise discernment about what we really need in life and what we consume without thought.

Have fun cleaning the chametz from the house!  And also, take some time to consider the chametz in life that takes the form of gluttony and narcissism. Let it go as well!  Spring cleaning for the soul...


~~ 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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Mark Schindel photo President's Message
From TBT President Mark Schindel 

Members & Friends ~

It appears that Spring has sprung, although there is still plenty of snow on Mt Bachelor for those that still want to extend their winter activities. Of course, this being Central Oregon, we still might get a major snowstorm in April, or a heat wave, or both.

In March we had a full set of wonderful events. For Shabbat@Home, Leslie Conley & Joe Jezukewicz, Terry & Gary Reynolds, and Marilyn & Chuck Shattuck graciously opened their homes for a warm and welcoming Shabbat evening. Besides the usual great dinner, the theme of Jewish jokes and humor made for a most enjoyable and fun time. Be sure to look for the next invitation to Shabbat@Home which will be held on April 8th, and make it a point to attend.

Our weekly and monthly Torah Study sessions continued as we finished the Book of Exodus in March and started the Book of Leviticus. It is always fascinating to see how much wisdom and insight we can glean from the Torah, even for today's social issues and challenges. Despite the many advances in technology and knowledge, people still seem to make the same mistakes and act in similar ways to what we find in these biblical stories. Hearing the new and different ideas and perspectives from the participants at these Torah Study gatherings reinforces the amazing wisdom imbedded in the Torah and provides thought-provoking understanding into how even today we can learn to deal with various situations much better.

With Purim falling in March, our Havdallah and a Movie adult education session focused on anti-Semitism. The movie, Defamation, by a young award-winning Israeli film-maker, explored the tough question of what exactly is anti-Semitism in today's world? Following the movie we had an interesting discussion on that issue, recognizing that anti-Semitism, like racism and other forms of prejudice, can sometimes be difficult to identify as blatant hate crimes. Unfortunately, we seem to live in times when intolerance and bullying against various minorities and vulnerable targets are all too prevalent.

At the end of March, and continuing into April, we will pick up the next set of modules in the Making Prayer Real course, led by Rabbi Hershenson. These next four sessions will focus on "deep listening" as we examine the Shema and her blessings.

Of course, the focus in April will be on Passover. We have another Community Passover Seder planned for our members and guests on April 23rd. Reservations are now open. So, if you wish to attend, please go to our website to submit your reservation online. This year will be a little different from our past Seders, with special activities planned for children and adults, but still another great dinner.

While our Community Passover Seder is scheduled for the second night, we want to allow the first night's Seder for family and friends to celebrate. For those who might not have a family Seder planned, the Passover and Rituals Committee will be looking to match those desiring a place to go for that first night of Passover with those who are having a home Seder and have room for some extra guests from the congregation. So, if you are planning to have a Seder at home on that first night (Friday, April 22nd), please let me know via e-mail at schindelme@yahoo.com. And those interested in joining a family Seder, also please let me know via e-mail. We will try to play matchmaker. Best wishes on your Passover celebration and enjoy your matzah.

B'Shalom,
 Mark Schindel
   Board
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TBT Board Notes
Next Board Meeting:  April 10th, 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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Committee News
Social Action Updatetikkun olam earth
Jeanne Freeman, Social Action Chair

Thank you to those who help us in providing nutritious meals to those who don't have the means to help themselves.

The March Family Kitchen crew cooked and served dinner for 85 meals. Thanks to Naomi and Vic Chudowsky, Lynne and Ed Connelly, Johanna and Mark Hershenson, Burt Litman, Kim Rafilson, Sid Rafilson, Marilyn and Chuck Shattuck, Kathy & Mark Schindel, Marcia and Ralph Uri.

The March Back Door Café crew served breakfast to more than 70 folks. Thanks to Jeff Adler, Joe Jezukewicz, Burt Litman, Neil Pyne, Bonnie Ruby, Kathy and Mark Schindel, and Chuck Shattuck.

Our next Family Kitchen is Friday evening May 6th and Back Door Café is Wednesday, April 20th. If you would like to participate in either of these 'mitzvah opportunities' contact Jeanne Freeman at jgfree925@gmail.com.

The Social Action team would like to host one more Havdallah with a Purpose this year. If you have an organization that you'd like to present to our members,
contact committee chair, Jeanne Freeman at jgfree925@gmail.com, or speak with any of our team members.
  
Adult Education Events 
Burt Litman, Education Chair

Thanks to Ralph Uri for taking the lead for the first Havdallah and a Movie.  About 30 members attended for a showing of the movie "Gett."  Thanks also to Mary Jane Eisenberg and Mel Siegel for organizing our second Havdallah and a Movie on March 26th.  The second module in the Making Prayer Real Course started on March 30th and has 3 additional dates in April (see info above).  Please join us for these events.  You can contact Burt Litman, bjlitman@gmail.com, for additional information, or with any questions or suggestions for future programs.

Library Happeningsstacked books image
Beverly Adler, Library Curator


Want some Passover books for your family? Here are just a few:

- "Only nine chairs: a Tall Tale for Passover"  F MIL
- "Rebecca and the Movies"  F GRE
- "No Matzoh for Me!"  F KRU

Our TBT library has many great Passover books for your young children....CHECK THEM OUT AT:
http://opac.libraryworld.com/opac/home.php
and type in Bend Jewish Library
(no password needed). Search "Passover" for more titles.

Books are at Evie Lerner's home. Contact Evie for pick-up: evielerner60@gmail.com.
    

MAY Newsletter Deadline:  April 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
   Matzah 
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Community News
Model Matzah Bakery Family Experience - April 10th

   YomHaShoah
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Holocaust Remembrance Program at COCC - Wed. May 4th, Yom HaShoah

On May 4th, at 4:30 p.m., the Central Oregon Community College's World Cultures Club will host a Holocaust Remembrance Day for the college and community. Local artist and writer (and TBT member,) Isaac Peterson, will speak on "the
Paradox of Visual remembrance of the Holocaust." Everyone is invited to attend. 
   
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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 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 Cynthia and Irv Shapiro, in honor of the birthday of Charlene Dimond.
  • From Phyllis and Jerry Greenbach, to the Corrie Grudin Memorial Fund, in honor of the birthday of Charlene Dimond.
  • From Randi and Zac Zlatkus, in memory of Sheri Trachman.
  • From Susan B. Richman, in memory of Beatrice Richman.
  • From Tully Ellsberg, in memory of Lille Mae Winecoff.
  • From Mary Jane Eisenberg, in memory of Richard Eisenberg.
     
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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.

Please contact us at 541-388-8826 or info@bethtikvahbend.org for more information.
 
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