Nahalat Shalom is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization
Office Hours

Tues:
    9:00am - 11:00am 
Thurs:  2:00pm - 5:00pm
Fri:       9:00am - 11:00am  

No office hours on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday. We will make every effort to be in the office at the posted times but please call first, 343.8227 to ensure that we will be in the office.
February 18, 2016
Your Weekly News & Updates
Fundraising:  Make a tax-deductible donation to Nahalat Shalom.  Do you have a friend/relative who "has everything"?  Please consider a gift to Nahalat Shalom in his/her honor.  Those wishing to donate by credit card may visit www.nahalatshalom.org and use the Donate button.  Mailed donations should be sent to 3606 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107.  Questions? Call the office at 343-8227 or send an email to office@nahalatshalom.org.
Changes
Web Calendar: Did you know that you can print our web calendar? Just go to our website, www.NahalatShalom.org, scroll to the month you want, and then click on the print icon at the top right corner of the page. You may want to adjust your printer setting to print it in landscape mode. This is the most accurate calendar, so please use it! To include some Jewish information (holidays, candle lighting times, etc.) click on "All Categories" at the bottom of the page.
At Nahalat Shalom
Please visit our website calendar for more detailed information,  www.nahalatshalom.org.
Wednesday, February 17, 6:30 pm. Make Your Own Paper Cut: Create A Visual Midrash [Torah interpretation]. Bayt B'racha. Taught by Diane Palley, this is a hands-on class using the traditional Jewish art forms of paper cutting. No experience in Hebrew or art required. It will include a brief history of the rich tradition of Jewish paper cutting and a discussion of how to find a meaningful passage as inspiration for your own personal visual midrash. This class is for adults; high school students are welcome. The cost for the 3 classes is $ 36, including materials. REGISTER by January 27th, by calling Diane at 681 8273 or emailing her at dianepalley@hotmail.com. Questions welcome.

Thursday, February 18, 4:30 Pm. Cheder. Cheder Building.

Friday, February 19
  • 10:30am - 11:30am. Learn to Read Hebrew. Rabbi's study. Taught by Rabbi Deborah J. Brin.
  • 11:45 am - 1 pm. Beyond the Torah.  Front entry room. We are delving into the entire Bible, book by book.  Join us as we discern the literal, ethical and spiritual meaning of the great writings of our ancestors.  We are a self-led group and rely on assorted commentary as well as our own sensibilities.  No ongoing commitment is required.  Join us every week or as the spirit moves you.
  • 1:15-2:30 pm.  Torah Study with Rabbi Brin. Rabbi's Study.
  • 6:00 pm. Kabbalat Shabbat Service led by Rabbi Deborah J. Brin. Sanctuary. Kabbalat Family Shabbat pot-luck, vegetarian/pescatarian dinner 6-6:30pm and services led by Rabbi Brin from 6:30-7:30pm.
Thursday, February 18, 4:30 pm. Cheder. Cheder Building.

Friday, February 19
  • 10:30am - 11:30 am. Learn to Read Hebrew. Rabbi's study. Taught by Rabbi Deborah J. Brin.
  • 11:45 am - 1 pm. Beyond the Torah.  Front entry room. We are delving into the entire Bible, book by book.  Join us as we discern the literal, ethical and spiritual meaning of the great writings of our ancestors.  We are a self-led group and rely on assorted commentary as well as our own sensibilities.  No ongoing commitment is required.  Join us every week or as the spirit moves you.
  • 1:15-2:30 pm. Torah Study with Rabbi Brin. Rabbi's Study.
  • 6:00-7:30 pm. Kabbalat Shabbat Service led by Rabbi Deborah J. Brin. Bayt B'racha. Pot-luck Vegetarian/pescatarian Shabbat dinner from 6:00-6:30 pm. Services to follow.
Saturday, February 20, 10 am. This is WHoly Ground! Sanctuary. Connect with your inner Divinity and earth through Shabbat morning prayers, with chanting, healing body movements, and energizing G!d language. Led by SofieShefia Stephanie Cohen.

Sunday, February 21
  • 1:30-3:30 pm. Caring for Ourselves and Our Loved Ones. Bayt B'racha.  Our monthly meeting is a time to share with each other while we care for loved ones who are ill, declining in health, or aging.  The Rabbi helps us listen to and support each other, while gently reminding us of the importance of taking time for ourselves. If you are caring for a loved one - of any age - and would like to have a place to come for supportive ears, please join us. You'll feel better when you leave!
  • 2-4 pm. Klez Band and Rikud Dancers Rehearsal. Sanctuary and Gallery.
  • CANCELLED  4:15-6:15 pm. Planetary Judaism: Bringing Down the Torah of the Future, led by Rabbi Miles Krassen. Rabbi's Study. This ongoing series of talks, updating the teachings of Hasidism and Kabbalah, explores ways in which Torah can support an emerging vision of planetary consciousness. The Torah of the Future is the Torah of the Whole Earth that reveals the inherent holiness and essential interconnectedness of all people and of the Earth itself and all that she contains. "The Whole Earth is full of Your Glory." (Isaiah 6:3). Classes are taught by Rabbi Miles Krassen, former Professor of Contemplative Judaism at Naropa University and author of significant works on Kabbalah and Hasidism.  Your generous donations will pay for these classes. Checks may be made out directly to Rabbi Miles Krassen.
Reb Miles Krassen is temporarily postponing his Sunday classes at Nahalat Shalom.  He is under the weather and expects to teach again soon. Please watch for the return of his classes.  
 
Monday February 22, 5:30-7:30 pm. Va'ad Meeting. Bayt B'racha.

Wednesday, February 24, 6:30 pm. Make Your Own Paper Cut: Create A Visual Midrash [Torah interpretation]. Bayt B'racha. Taught by Diane Palley, this is a hands-on class using the traditional Jewish art forms of paper cutting. No experience in Hebrew or art required. It will include a brief history of the rich tradition of Jewish paper cutting and a discussion of how to find a meaningful passage as inspiration for your own personal visual midrash. This class is for adults; high school students are welcome. The cost for the 3 classes is $ 36, including materials. REGISTER by January 27th, by calling Diane at 681 8273 or emailing her at dianepalley@hotmail.com. Questions welcome.

Thursday, February 25, 4:30 Pm. Cheder. Cheder Building.

Friday, February 26
  • 10:30am - 11:30am. Learn to Read Hebrew. Rabbi's study. Taught by Rabbi Deborah J. Brin.
  • 11:45 am - 1 pm. Beyond the Torah.  Front entry room. We are delving into the entire Bible, book by book.  Join us as we discern the literal, ethical and spiritual meaning of the great writings of our ancestors.  We are a self-led group and rely on assorted commentary as well as our own sensibilities.  No ongoing commitment is required.  Join us every week or as the spirit moves you.
  • 1:15-2:30 pm. Torah Study with Rabbi Brin. Rabbi's Study.
  • 7:30 pm. Chanting Kabbalat Shabbat Service.  Bayt B'racha.  A contemplative way to greet Shabbat through sacred Hebrew chanting and meditation. Celebrate the end of your week, nourish your soul and welcome Shabbat. Join us as we move into holy space/time in a meditative mode: chanting sacred phrases and melodies and then melting into silence. No prior knowledge or special talent is necessary, only the willingness and intention to go inside yourself, to listen deeply and to be in community with others who are engaged in this practice. Co-led by Miryam Levy, Judy Brown and Stephanie Cohen.
Saturday, February 27, 10 am. Torah Study. Sanctuary. Led by Rabbi Paul Citrin.
 
Sunday, February 28
  • 2-4 pm. Klez Band and Rikud Dancers Rehearsal. Sanctuary and Gallery.
  • 2pm.  Being Mortal Book Discussion Group.  Bayt B'racha. The second meeting of the discussion group reading Atul Gawande's Being Mortal will continue our shared reflection on issues of aging and end of life.  We will focus on Chapters 3-5 (Dependence, Assistance, A Better Life).  Our group remains open, so feel welcome to join us if you missed the first meeting.  Being Mortal is available at the public library in several formats (audiobooks, e-book, etc) as well as at Bookworks and other places.  For more information/questions, contact Joan at 341-2306 or 1robins@swcp.com.
Volunteer Opportunities

Front of House Committee

The Front of Committee needs volunteers for various events throughout the year. We need people to help:
  • Setup and bring out food,
  • Cleanup/break down tables and chairs, sweep crumbs, bring trash to bins,
  • Greet and escort guests, and
  • Help guide cars for parking.
If you are interested please contact:  Ellen Light, 505-243-7333 or ellenlight@aol.com.
Want to Help:  If you would like to help with special projects, please email the office (office@nahalatshalom.org) with your name, phone number, and your area of interest. From time to time, we need help with building/property maintenance (like planting, weeding, shoveling, and painting), parking, greeting, BB kitchen cleaning, and other stuff that is fun to do as a group and helps build and nurture our community.  Thank you!
Community Events
Choices: Through the Eyes of Students

The exhibit consists of 21 panels detailing the experience of teenagers and young adults during the Holocaust, and the difficult choices they faced that had everlasting effects on humanity. The content of the panels has been created by a recently deceased Holocaust survivor who faced difficult decisions and experiences during the Holocaust. To celebrate the opening of this touching exhibit, students at La Cueva High School in the UNESCO Club and Safe School Alliance programs have come together to host an opening event on Monday, February 22nd at 6:00 pm. At this opening of the exhibit, we will meet a Holocaust survivor, and hear his story of the tragedy. The award winning La Cueva High School Orchestra program will play following the opening event.  Link to Flyer
Introduction to Judaism Class. Jan. 27 through May 11th

The Rabbinical and Cantorial Association of Albuquerque, Congregations Albert, B'nai Israel and Nahalat Shalom and the Albuquerque JCC are sponsoring an Introduction to Judaism Class for those who are on a Jewish journey or interested in a journey toward Judaism. Meets Wednesday nights, from 7 to 9 p.m., Jan. 27 through May 11th at the JCC.  Classes will be team taught by Cantor Barbara Finn and Rabbis Deborah Brin, Arthur Flicker and Min Kantrowitz, and Harry Rosenfeld.  We will meet at the JCC, 5520 Wyoming NE. The class costs $54, plus the purchase of books. To register, call Congregation Albert 883-1818.
Proposals for papers or sessions related to the topic of the Fall Conference on "Jewish Identities: Lost, Rediscovered, and Reclaimed"

The New Mexico Jewish Historical Society invites proposals for papers or sessions related to the topic of the Fall Conference on "Jewish Identities: Lost, Rediscovered, and Reclaimed", which will be held in conjunction with the exhibit "Fractured Faiths: Spanish Judaism, the Inquisition, and New World Identities" at the New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe on Nov. 12 & 13, 2016. Individual speakers should plan for 30 minutes and panel sessions should be no longer than 2 hours. Proposals are due March 1. For full information on how to submit a proposal, go to http://nmjhs.org/blog/2016/01/08/call-for-2016-fall-conference-papers-and-sessions/. To ask questions about proposals, contact Ron Duncan Hart at hart.gaon@gmail.com or Linda Goff at lagoff@hotmail.com.
Interfaith Spiritual Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. March 29 - April 12, 2016

View the trip itinerary and registration information here: https://aleph.org/interfaith-pilgrimage.
The Biennial ALEPH Kallah in Ft. Collins, CO. July 11-17, 2016

Kallah 2016 Pre-Registration is now officially open. Kallah offers 50 week long classes, new and exciting workshops, outdoor experiences, prayer, song, shabbat celebration, and so much more! For more details, see https://aleph.org/kallah.
September 5-11, 2016. Lessons from the River

Lessons from the River: A Rafting Trip down the San Juan River in wondrous SE Utah with Rabbi Shefa Gold and Rabbi Eli Herb. $1295, for more info and to register: elisha.herb@gmail.com
Member Announcements
Nothing this week.
Member Announcements Guidelines: Nahalat Shalom aims to provide a 'big tent' for members, who hold a wide range of political views and are involved in many activities.   As a courtesy to all members, we offer an opportunity to post brief announcements.  Inclusion in the newsletter is not an endorsement by Nahalat Shalom.  Any member is welcome to submit items to office@nahalatshalom.org.  In the interest of available space, items will run once, and they may be edited.
Tikkun Olam
Emergency Assistance Available

The Jewish Care Program at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque provides limited financial aid to Jewish individuals and families in crisis. If in need, please call (505) 348-4451. The Jewish Care Program receives a large number of calls and is not always able to respond to all requests for emergency assistance. Here's what they offer:
  • General Financial Assistance: The Miriam's Well Fund provides one-time, short-term emergency financial assistance to Jewish Women in crisis.
  • Utility Assistance: The Jewish Women's Endowment Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of New Mexico (JCFNM) provides one-time utility assistance to Jewish women and children in crisis.
  • Rental Assistance: The Ziegler Fund of the JCFNM provides one-time emergency rental assistance to Jewish men and women in crisis.
  • Indigent Burial Assistance: the Carole Beckhoff Indigent Burial Fund of the JCFNM provides assistance with burial costs of Jewish individuals.
About Tikkun Olam Club:  Please email any project ideas or questions about current projects to nstikkunolam@gmail.com. We are looking for projects where we can work together.  It has been suggested that we adopt a trail or median near Nahalat Shalom. This would require meeting monthly to pick up trash.  Interested?  If you wish to be on the Tikkun Olam mailing list, please send an email request to nstikkunolam@gmail.com.
Aleph
Alliance for Jewish Renewal

As a Renewal Congregation we are a member of ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal. Click to read blog.
Ongoing
Membership

Your membership dues, financial contributions, and volunteering keep Nahalat Shalom's doors open and our community thriving. If you have already renewed your membership to Nahalat Shalom and/or signed up to volunteer on a committee, thank you! If you have not, please complete a membership form today (see our website) and make your pledge for the year, 5776. And, let us know if you would like to be part of one of our committees (AKA, fun working groups.)

Here's how to make payments:
  • You may setup automatic or one-time payments by using the Donate button (PayPal) on our website or
  • by using the bill payer service from your financial institution (creating a bank check to be mailed to NS). Of course, we also accept personal checks! Please indicate in the memo field if your payment is for dues or a donation; if a donation, you can specify "For General Operations" or another category/fund. If donating to the Rabbi's Discretionary Fund, please write the check to (or indicate in the online/PayPal memo field) "Rabbi's Discretionary Fund".
Please let us know if you have changes to your contact information or any yahrzeit additions. (Yahrzeits and contact info can be emailed to office@nahalatshalom.org.)
E-News Schedule

The NS E-News is usually a weekly publication.  Changes will be announced.  Look for it in your email box on Thursdays. If you want to include any items, please email office@nahalatshalom.org by 8 am each Tuesday. Special announcement emails (other than the regular e-news) require prior approval of the Va'ad President or Rabbi Brin. If you are not currently receiving the e-news, but would like to do so, you can sign-up on our website.
Sermons

Rabbi Brin's Sermons can be found on our website's Home page (http://www.nahalatshalom.org), lower left corner, under the section called, Rabbi's Reflections.
How Shopping Can Helps Us

Did you know that shopping at Albertson's and using a swipe card (available at NS in the copier room) earns dividends for Nahalat Shalom? Also true for Smith's, and we will soon have a Smith's swipe card, too. It's an easy way to help NS, especially if you already shop there.
Amazon Smile

You can increase our donation potential by spreading the word about AmazonSmile, an alternative for shopping at Amazon.com.

Sign in to http://smile.amazon.com/ch/85-0352779 and your AmazonSmile shopping can support Nahalat Shalom.

Share this link: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/85-0352779 and ask your friends to bookmark this link so all their eligible shopping will benefit Nahalat Shalom. Thank you!
Chemical-Free Space

Please keep our buildings free of perfumes/fragrances in consideration of our members who are chemically sensitive. This is a serious medical issue for some, and completely preventable. Leaders, please announce at all meetings that "this is a fragrance-free zone".
Congregation Nahalat Shalom is a spiritual and cultural center for Jewish Renewal in the Southwest.  We affirm and support the discovery and exploration of our diverse identities and heritages.
 
We are a vibrant community, open and welcoming to individuals, couples, and families of all sizes, shapes and colors.  Nahalat Shalom values, nurtures, and needs the creative, spiritual, and intellectual contributions of each member.  We cultivate and live our Judaism through worship, learning, dialogue, joyful celebrations, community involvement, arts, music, and dance.
 
Children are always welcome in our sanctuary and at our celebrations and events, and they genuinely enjoy themselves in our once a week Cheder (Hebrew school).  We are committed to living, sharing and passing on a vital and heartfelt Judaism to those who come after us.
Congregation Nahalat Shalom  |  3606 Rio Grande Blvd NW  |  505.343.8227  |  Website