Temple Beth Tikvah Home
 September 2016
Temple Beth Tikvah News
 
Come be a part of our growing Reform synagogue. All are welcome! Top
 
In This Issue
Adult Education Event
Teen Group Kickoff Weekend
Hebrew School and Sunday School Registration
Adult B'nai Mitzvah Course
Rabbi's Column
President's Message
High Holy Day Service and Event Schedule
Meet Your URJ
Board and Committee News
TBT Board Notes
Social Action Update
Walk to Defeat ALS
Interfaith Network Exhibit
Meet Author Phyllis Greenbach
Tributes
Contact Us

Temple Beth Tikvah
P.O Box 7472
Bend, OR 97708

541-388-8826



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September Celebrations
Celebrations in September honor the following:

Birthdays:
 Judy Liberson        Sept. 2
 Randi Zlatkus        Sept. 3
 Gail Fridstein        Sept. 4
 Eileen Katz           Sept. 5
 Jessica Radzik       Sept. 5
 Anne Arathoon       Sept. 7
 Jeffrey Adler         Sept. 8
 Levi Friedman       Sept. 8
 Izaak Cook          Sept. 14
 Diane Dober        Sept. 14
 Marcia Uri           Sept. 14
 Katie Jackman     Sept. 15
 Elijah Cook          Sept. 16
 Michelle Maor      Sept. 16
 Jake Olander       Sept. 16
 Lisa Cena            Sept. 21
 Phillip Ruder        Sept. 21
 Ed Chernoff         Sept. 23
 Stephen Katz       Sept. 23
 Marilyn Shattuck  Sept. 23
 Jeanne Freeman   Sept. 25
 Brianna Bauer      Sept. 28
 Amanda Uri         Sept. 28
 Carol Jimenez      Sept. 29


Anniversaries:
 Jeff & Lauren Olander
       September 2nd
 Sidney & Marcia Garon
       September 8th
 Suzanne Schlosberg &
 Paul Spencer
       September 19th
 Zac & Randi Zlatkus
       September 19th
   (blind spacer)
TBT Board Members
Board Officers:

 President:
   Jeanne Freeman
   jgfree925@gmail.com

 Vice President:
   Naomi Chudowsky
 Secretary:
   Marijane Krohn
   mak11@pitt.edu 
 
 Treasurer:
   Lester Dober
   tbttreasurer@gmail.com

 Past President:    
   Mark Schindel
   schindelme@yahoo.com 

 Members-at-Large:
    
   Marilynn Jacobs
   mkjsend2bend@
   bendbroadband.com

   Chuck Shattuck
   ckshat@aol.com 
   
TBT Commitee Chairs
 Adult Education
   Mary Jane Eisenberg 

 Bikkur Holim
   Suzanne Schlosberg
            -and-
   Evie Lerner
 
 Calendar Master
   Ann Rosenfield
 Chevra Kadisha 
   Ralph Uri
 
 Communications/PR
   Ann Rosenfield 
 
 Facilities
   Mark Schindel

 Finance
   Mark Schindel
   schindelme@yahoo.com                   
 Fundraising 
   Kim Rafilson    
   kimrafilson@icloud.com

 Library
   Beverly Adler
   fiber12@gmail.com

 Member Engagement
   Marilynn Jacobs
   mkjsend2bend@
   bendbroadband.com

 Membership
   Terry Reynolds
   tlrsboard@yahoo.com

 Men's Group
   Joe Jezukewicz
   joe38jez@gmail.com

 Music
   Lauren Olander
 
 Onegs
   Tully Ellsberg
   tullyell@gmail.com
            -and-
   Jan Freeman Bauer
   janetlynnfreeman
   bauer@gmail.com
            -and-
   MJ Krohn
   mak11@pitt.edu 
 
 Religious Education
   Kathy Schindel
 Rituals
   Ralph Uri 
             
 Social Action
   Burt Litman 

 Website Development
   Sheila Ross Luber

 Youth Group 
   Jerry Greenbach

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 

 Movie Club
   Sara Charney Cohen
     sarrava@gmail.com 

Quick Links
September Calendar of Events 

SEPTEMBER EVENTS SCHEDULE 
   Sept.  2   2:00 p.m. - Family Kitchen Dinner
   Sept.  7   2:00 p.m. - TBT Board Meeting
   Sept.  9  12:30 p.m. - Book Group
   Sept. 10  10:00 a.m. - Shabbat Morning Service
   Sept. 11  10:00 a.m. - Sunday School @Shalom Bayit
   Sept. 12  12:00 p.m. - Weekly Torah Study
                  5:00 p.m. - Adult Hebrew Class
                  5:30 p.m. - Men's Group at Bethlehem Inn
   Sept. 13    4:00 p.m. - Hebrew School
                  6:30 p.m. - Adult Education Event
   Sept. 17   9:00 a.m. - Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class
                10:30 a.m. - Shabbat Torah Service
   Sept. 19  12:00 p.m. - Weekly Torah Study
                  5:00 p.m. - Adult Hebrew Class
   Sept. 20    4:00 p.m. - Hebrew School
   Sept. 21   7:30 a.m. - Back Door Cafe
   Sept. 23   6:00 p.m. - Family Shabbat Service
   Sept. 24  11:59 p.m. - October Newsletter Deadline
   Sept. 25  10:00 a.m. - Sunday School
   Sept. 26  12:00 p.m. - Weekly Torah Study
                  5:00 p.m. - Adult Hebrew Class
   Sept. 27    4:00 p.m. - Hebrew School
   

ON THE HORIZON
   Oct. 2nd-3rd - Rosh Hashanah
   Oct. 11th-12th - Kol Nidre/Yom Kippur
   Oct. 16th - Sukkot Begins
   Oct. 24th - Simchat Torah Celebration

September Torah Study
Weekly-Monday noon: 9/12, 9/19, 9/26

September School Activities - at Shalom Bayit unless noted otherwise
Sunday School - 10:00 a.m: 9/11, 9/25
Hebrew School - Tues. 4:00 p.m: 9/13, 9/20, 9/27

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

Please join Rabbi Hershenson and fellow Temple Beth Tikvah members for our first Adult Learning class of the year. Each adult learning session is a stand-alone special topic class. On September 13th we will begin to turn towards the upcoming High Holy Days. Please join us for a dynamic learning session!

Adult Education Class

Preparing for the High Holy Days: Negotiations with our SELVES

September 13th, 2016
Location: Lynne and Ed Connelley's home
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm

RSVP to Mary Jane Eisenberg, Adult Education Chair, at maryjanee112@yahoo.com or 415-572- 1741.

Snacks and drinks are welcome!

Jewish Teen Group Kickoff Weekend!
September 23rd-25th

There will be a kickoff weekend for the Central Oregon Chapter of BBYO on
September 23rd - 25th.
Save the Dates!


This weekend will include a teen-led service on Friday night, followed by a presentation and oneg for parents and teens. (Pre-teens will be able to participate with the group.) The presentation will cover BBYO at the chapter, regional, and international levels, and BBYO's extensive and internationally recognized leadership development program for teens. There will be an opportunity to sign up for our Central Oregon BBYO chapter. 

BBYO is the largest international Jewish teen organization in the world. BBYO is teen-led, so there are many options - community service/social action, religious, social, athletic, and educational. 

Saturday will include social and other activites planned by our own Jewish teen leaders, and a chance to get to meet Jewish teens from other Northern Oregon chapters. The full weekend of activities will wrap up on Sunday with a goodbye brunch.

Put it on your calendars now, and watch for more information in your email inbox. TEENS - you can be a charter member of the Central Oregon BBYO chapter.

QUESTIONS? Call Jerry Greenbach, 760-861-7373, OR g.greenbach@gmail.com.

BBYO's Mission:  MORE JEWISH TEENS, MORE MEANINGFUL JEWISH EXPERIENCES!

See you there!

New School Year Begins Soon!
Aleph Bet blocks Registration for Hebrew School and Sunday School Now Open

As the last days of summer vacation are drawing to a close, it is again time to register for Sunday School and Hebrew School.

Sunday school will begin on Sunday, September 11th, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Shalom Bayit. Returning families should have already received the schedule for this school year.

Hebrew school this year will be on Tuesdays from 4:00 to 5:00 pm. and we will meet at Shalom Bayit. We encourage students to enroll in Hebrew at about eight years old or entering third grade. This will allow enough time to become proficient in Hebrew so as to easily transition to Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation at the appropriate time.

Please fill out the registration forms for religious school so that they are received prior to the start of school on September 11th. The forms are available on the TBT website. Please go to
http://www.bethtikvahbend.org/images/
Religious_School_Reg._Form_2016-2017.pdf.

We look forward to seeing you all on September 11th.
 
Adult B'nai Mitzvah Course Begins September 12th

Torah w/star (color) The new Adult B'nai Mitzvah study program will begin on September 12th with a dozen members signed up so far! If you are interested in joining, there is still time.

Weekly Hebrew lessons will take place on Monday evenings, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. beginning with reading skills and advancing through grammar and vocabulary related to the prayers and Torah portions. Hebrew classes will be taught by Kathy Schindel, Sara Charney Cohen, and Rabbi Johanna Hershenson. Jewish learning classes will be held monthly on Saturday mornings before the Shabbat Morning services at 9:00 a.m, led by Rabbi Johanna Hershenson.

If you're an adult interested in doing a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, or are interested in learning Hebrew, Please contact Rabbi Johanna Hershenson at johannahershenson@gmail.com, to indicate your interest.
 
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Divrei Tikvah  RJohannaHeadShot
From Rabbi Johanna Hershenson

Labor Day weekend is upon us, and with it, a new moon for the Hebrew calendar month of Elul. Elul leads us into the High Holy Day Season: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot...

It is a month of reflection and preparation for the season of revisiting our values and aspirations, and realigning our conduct accordingly.

Looking back at the Jewish year 5776 is not a particularly pleasant exercise for me. Grandma died just as Yom Kippur last faded into night. Mom died the night after Grandma's funeral. Now as 5776 takes its leave, our family dog Mooshu dies and I am diagnosed with breast cancer. As far as I am concerned 5776 can go...and go far, far away.

While I prefer to look forward, this month of Elul calls us to look back. It's hard to start something new without taking account of what we've truly left behind. No matter what big, defining events occur, the truth is that we could have done better with what we had.

Each and every one of us has missed opportunities to love, to be kind, and to be generous. We've missed cues and caused hurt. Even if we are pretty good at acknowledging and apologizing, we are not 100% on it all the time.

Part of preparing for the pomp and circumstance of the High Holy Day season, aside from new clothes and recipes, is quieting all the judgements and thoughts, desires and disappointments and checking in with what simply is.

My grandmother and mother and dog died last year and I have cancer. Still I am seeing my life as good. My daughters are healthy and smart, driven and true to themselves. My husband is attentive and generous, fun and naughty in all the right ways. The congregation I serve is an outrageously loving collection of people who care about me personally as well as professionally. My neighbors are kind and thoughtful. This church and our former home Bend Methodist church have included me in their public prayers. Friends all over the world are including me in their personal prayers - Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, and still others send plain old good vibes. I am otherwise healthy and strong. Science is amazing and because of it I will live.

Sure, I am frightened. I am not looking forward to pain or exhaustion. And also - life is good. It's all about perspective, really.

As this month of Elul calls us to turn...turn to our loved ones and our neighbors, ourselves and therein, to that which is greater and more powerful than us...I pray we chose to heed the call. Another new year is just below the horizon, soon to rise, cleaning the slate for us, for renewed love and better choices.

May we, this year, choose to be more deeply engaged with our loved ones and friends and colleagues and neighbors. May we value our relationships above our possessions. May we take a look at what we have and choose gratitude. May we navigate the challenges that arise, inevitably and shockingly out of nowhere, with grace and courage and one another. 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 Jeanne Freeman  


When asked to accept the role of president for TBT, I turned to our membership for help. Your response has been tremendous, and I thank you so much. Many of you stepped up to take leadership roles, invite other members to join committees and plan the 2016 - 2017 Temple Beth Tikvah year.

On behalf of all TBT members, the beneficiaries of your work, I extend my thanks to the new committee team leaders:

   Ralph Uri, chair of the Ritual Committee
   Mary Jane Eisenberg, chair of Adult Ed
   Marilynn Jacobs, chair of Member Engagement
   Ann Rosenfield, Communications Coordinator
   Sheila Ross Luber, chair of the Website Development
      Group
   Jerry Greenbach, chair of the Youth Group Committee
   Burt Litman, chair of Social Action
   Tully Ellsburg, chair of Onegs Shabbat
   Kim Rafilson, chair Fundraising Committee
   Mark Schindel, chair Finance Committee and Facilities
       Committee
   Joe Jezukewicz, Men's Group leadership

We also thank those of you who continue to serve in leadership capacities from the previous year: Beverly Adler, Library; Ralph Uri, Chevra Kadisha; Suzanne Schlosberg, Bikkur Cholim; Lauren Olander, Music; Kathy Schindel, Religious School; and Liz Levinson and Marilyn Shattuck, the Passover Seder.

With the help of our leadership team and committee members, much of this year's programming is set. We have Shabbat services scheduled including musical Shabbats, family services, Shabbat@Home dinners and Kabbalat Shabbat programs. Stimulating Adult Ed programs are in place for each month with standalone topics, movie nights and Havdallah with a Maven. We have begun to develop and design a new marketing and member website. We are bringing BBYO to our high school teens and BBYO-Connect to our 6th thru 8th graders with a kick-off weekend this month. And we will continue to feed the hungry in Central Oregon with Back Door Café, Family Kitchen and Bethlehem Inn.

For all that we have done, there is yet one more task to accomplish and that is to rally around our beloved Rabbi Johanna Hershenson. She needs our love and encouragement in her battle with cancer and as we enter the period of the High Holy Days.

Many have asked me what we will do for services. Will our Rabbi be able to lead us? Who will speak from the Bima? What is our plan? I can only say that we will become the answer. We will come together to live up to Rabbi Johanna's spirit and our name - Temple Beth Tikvah, the House of Hope.

We will strengthen relationships with our Rabbi and each other as we help plan and participate in this year's High Holy Days. We will rise to go beyond what we think we can do. It is a beautiful choice that embodies our connection to each other and to prayer during the Days of Awe. If our dear Rabbi is able to stand up to lead us, we will support her and if she needs to sit more, then she will. Some of our knowledgeable lay leaders will assist her, assuming some of the rabbinic parts if needed. I will keep you apprised as details unfold.

This month's Shabbat celebration is a melodic departure from our customary erev service. The Saturday morning Torah service on September 10th features the sweet sounds of Lauren and our musicians plus a reading from the Torah. Please come and enjoy.

Shalom,
   Jeanne
HHD                                                                             Back to Top
Please join Temple Beth Tikvah for 
High Holy Day Services 2016/5777

Unless otherwise noted, all events are at 
First Presbyterian Church
230 NE Ninth Street
Bend. OR 97701

Sun. Oct. 2nd   7:00 p.m.   Erev Rosh Hashanah Service

Mon. Oct. 3rd   10:00 a.m.   Rosh Hashanah Service

Mon. Oct. 3rd   4:00 p.m.   Tashlich, Family Fun, and picnic at Pioneer Park

Sun. Oct. 9th   2:00 p.m.   Kever Avot @Pilot Butte Cemetery

Sun. Oct. 9th   3:00 p.m.   Kever Avot @Deschutes Memorial Gardens

Tues. Oct. 11th   7:00 p.m.   Kol Nidre Service

Wed. Oct. 12th   10:00 a.m.   Yom Kippur Morning Service

Wed. Oct. 12th   3:00 p.m.   Yom Kippur Afternoon Service

Wed. Oct. 12th   4:30 p.m.   Yizkor Memorial Service

Wed. Oct. 12th   5:15 p.m.   Neilah Concluding Service

Wed. Oct. 12th   6:00 p.m.   Break-the- Fast Dinner (reservations required)

Sat.Oct. 22nd   2:00 p.m.   Sukkot at the home of Marlis Beier and Dean Sharpe.  Please contact Marlis for information: mbeiermd@hotmail.com.

Mon. Oct. 24th   7:00 p.m.   Simchat Torah
   
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URJ Spotlight
Meet Your URJ URJ logo


Birthright Israel with URJ Kesher |Pre- Registration is Now Open!
www.gokesher.org

Your 18 - 26 year old children and grandchildren are invited to go on Birthright Israel with URJ Kesher - the only Birthright Israel trip organized by Reform Judaism. You only get to go on Birthright Israel once. Make sure to Go Kesher! Explore Jerusalem's Old City, float in the Dead Sea, climb Masada at sunrise and celebrate modern Tel Aviv. Pre-register NOW at www.gokesher.org.

Welcome to what very well may be the most generous, no-strings- attached gift in history!
Taglit-Birthright Israel is an innovative partnership between the Government of Israel, private philanthropists, and thousands of donors and Jewish communities around the world, including North American Jewish Federations through the Jewish Federations of North America, the Jewish Agency for Israel, and Keren Hayesod. Since 1999, more than 400,000 young adults from 66 countries have taken advantage of a Birthright Israel sponsored trip opportunity.

Why it's Free
The founding philanthropists of the program wished for every young Jewish adult to have the chance to visit their ancestral homeland, regardless of financial means, at least once in their lifetime. Their vision was for a program without any political or religious overtones - but rather an opportunity for participants to explore their identity through a journey in Israel. Donors from around the world continue to subsidize this generous gift.

Who is Eligible
According to Birthright Israel rules, eligible participants are Jewish young adults, ages 18-26 who have never before visited Israel on a peer-group trip in the past.

What's Included
The 10-day trip includes round-trip airfare plus ten days of touring in Israel, all site entrance fees, transportation, local health insurance, accommodations, and two meals a day. Learn More: FAQs

Why URJ Kesher
URJ Kesher is an official provider of Taglit-Birthright Israel experiences. The trips offer an exceptional opportunity to experience Israel's land, culture, and people on a more intimate and meaningful level. URJ Kesher is a project of Reform Judaism, and the trips are open to anyone seeking an inclusive, open-minded experience in Israel. Read the Vision Statement to find out more about the philosophy and why so many people choose URJ Kesher as their trip provider: Kesher's Advantage
 
Board                                                                             Back to Top
Board and Committee News
TBT Board Notes 
 
Next Board Meeting:  Wed. Sept. 7th, 2:00 p.m. 
Location:  Home of Jeanne Freeman in Eagle Crest

Your TBT Board meets on the first Tuesday of each month (please note that this is a change from previous) and everyone is invited to attend. Dates and times of Board meetings are on the TBT calendar at: bethtikvahbend.org/calendar. This month's meeting follows the Annual Board Retreat; future meetings will be held at Stonebriar Apartments Clubhouse.

If you would like to read minutes of previous board meetings, you can request a copy from Board Secretary Marijane Krohn: mak11@pitt.edu.
 MensBBQ
Social Action Update    tikkun olam earth
Burt Litman, Social Action Chair


Our program to assist the homeless and those in need continued with The Men's group preparing a BBQ dinner for the residents at Bethlehem Inn. I want to thank Danny Boyd, Vic Chadowsky, Jerry Greenbach, Joe Jezukewicz, Paul Levinson, Burt Litman, and Michael Rosenfield for cooking and serving dinner. The residents appreciated our efforts and enjoyed their dinner

Our second event was Back Door Cafe at the First United Methodist Church. Our group prepared breakfast for ~80 guests. Thanks go to Jeff Adler, Phyllis and Jerry Greenbach, Joe Jezukewicz, Ann and Michael Rosenfield, Marilyn and Chuck Shattuck, Lorraine Schecter, Kathy Schindel, and Ralph Uri for participating in preparing and serving the breakfast. All TBT participants felt they had performed a wonderful mitzvah in feeding and visiting with those served at both BDC and BI.

An email is sent out to enlist a crew to cook and serve at these events. If you would like to be on the mailing list and participate, then please contact Burt Litman at bjlitman@gmail.com.

Upcoming events are: September 2nd - TBT is cooking and serving dinner at Family Kitchen, and September 12th - the TBT Men's Group is serving a BBQ dinner at BI.

 

OCTOBER Newsletter Deadline:  September 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
    
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Community News
Join Jana for Walk to Defeat ALS

From Jana:

I am sorry that my husband Bruce did not get to know many of you, nor you him. He passed away in February, and Rabbi Johanna and several members of the congregation gave invaluable support and comfort.  

I am renewing TeamBruce for the Walk to Defeat ALS, Sept 10th in Bend. Please consider joining us and/or donating at http://webor.alsa.org/goto/JanaZvibleman.

I know that some of you have already generously made contributions to this organization in Bruce's name, and some to the musical park dedication being planned that will be accessible for all, including children and people with disabilities. 

The Walk is a fun, family event - it includes an easy walk around Riverbend Park, and music, plus free lunch, ice cream, and kombucha. Children are welcome. Volunteers are needed for check-in and such, even if you don't want to walk. 

Even a small donation to the ALS Association will help people. Bruce and I received much support and many services that enhanced our quality of life for his last 10 years, first in Corvallis and then in Bend.

I'm not comfortable with the "Ask," yet Bruce was really good at fundraising for good causes, calling it "liberating funds"!

Thank you again!!

If you want to "get to know" Bruce, and learn about the Corvallis outdoor musical installation, and about the ALS walk, see http://bruce.marbin.muchloved.com/.

-Jana-
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Interfaith Network of Central Oregon Presents:

The
F Word: 
Stories of Forgiveness


In a world where retaliation and revenge grab the headlines, The F-Word: Stories of Forgiveness exhibit shares stories of people whose lives have been shattered by violence, tragedy and injustice and who are learning to forgive, reconcile or move on.

In recognition of the 15-year anniversary of September 11, 2001, six banners from The F-Word: Stories of Forgiveness will be on view from September 4th - 11th. The exhibit includes two stories from 9/11. It can be viewed in the lobby of the Downtown Bend Library during regular library hours. 

The Forgiveness Project believes that listening to the voices of people who have experienced reconciliation and renewal after suffering help us see alternatives to endless cycles of conflict, violence and injustice.

This showing is a teaser or prelude to a larger event co-sponsored by Central Oregon Community College (COCC) and INCO to be held early 2017 featuring speakers, panel discussion, 18 forgiveness banners and other opportunities to engage. Details available very soon.

Brought to you by the Interfaith Network of Central Oregon (INCO).

More information about this special exhibit can be found on the INCO website.   

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Meet the Author: Phyllis Greenbach

Please join us on October 23rd for an interesting discussion of The Blessing and the Curse, by local author, Phyllis Greenbach.

Phyllis, who lives part of the year in Bend and is a member of Temple Beth Tikvah, will be in attendance and speak about this very personal story of her family's life.

Who among your circle of friends or family has not been caught up in one or more of these dilemmas: family problems, a difficult choice between an abortion or adoption, an unjust legal system or loss of career, drugs or alcohol dependency, a religious identity crisis or thoughts of suicide? Perhaps someone you know is a Holocaust victim or their descendant, or been touched by assimilation problems. It is all here, in a compelling saga, based on the lives of two Jewish families that converge over an adopted child. A sealed adoption agreement is breached, and the birth-mother and adoptive-mother are forced to confront each other's complicated histories. Spanning seventy years and two continents, the tragedies and triumphs of both families are woven together, ultimately leading to redemption. In recent years there have been a number of books written by a birth-mother forced to give up her child or by the adopted child reuniting with her biological parents. This book is unique. The Blessing and the Curse is written from my point of view, as the adoptive-mother, with the cooperation of the birth-mother and her family. It cracks open the facade of family life, digging deeper into who we are and why. Nothing happens in a vacuum. This saga poignantly reveals the ups and downs, the real life dramas, that funnel our choices and define who we are.

The discussion and presentation will take place on October 23rd at 2:00 p.m. at the home of Vivian Freeman. Refreshments will be served.

Phyllis will bring copies of her book to sell and also be happy to sign your personal copies of The Blessing and the Curse. You can find the book through Amazon, book stores and at our local library.

RSVP for location information and to reserve  your seat by October 16th: Ellyce at 541-815-2590 or ellyce2009@hotmail.com.

Seating is limited and reservations are encouraged.

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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 Jo Ann Ray, in memory of Maurice Brosloff.
  • From Ralph and Marcia Uri, in memory of Max and Fritzi Uri.
  • From Marijane Krohn, in memory of Dr. James M Wideman.
  • From Vivian Freeman, in memory of Lil Freeman Rothstein.
     
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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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