In the aftermath of the massive flooding in Boulder, CO, many ALEPH members have expressed concern for Reb Zalman & Eve and other members of the Renewal community in Boulder. We are grateful to report that Reb Zalman and Eve were in LA during the deluge, and were personally unhurt - though their home suffered major damage and Reb Zalman's Rabbinical Office, Meeting Room and Prayer Room will have to be entirely reconstructed and refurnished quickly so that his and Eve's heath is not compromised by mold.
Join us! It's time to renew your TAO membership or join as a member for the first time.
Sign up for membership today.
$594 for singles or $1122 for families Single membership includes 1 adult HHD ticket Family membership includes 2 adult HHD tickets and up to 2 dependents 18 & under
Please note: Apply the cost of your High Holy Day tickets to your membership.
If you are able to donate at a higher level, please do so to support our scholarship fund.
Do you really want to miss out on this trip? We are still accepting a few more registrations and depositswhich will go on the wait-list until we are able to confirm with our Director in Israel about our maximum capacity.
Call the office ASAP at 954-888-1408 to get the required registration papers and to leave your deposit. Don't miss out on this first community journey to Israel with Rabbi Marc.
Reflections on TAO
& the High Holy Days
Imagine
by Sheryl Reback
Imagine finding something you didn't even know you were looking for.
Imagine a community of people of light, whose smiles, like the flames on the Shabbos candles, illuminate the room with a warm and welcoming glow.
Imagine hearing liturgy set to music for the first time, not recognizing the words or the melodies, instantly hearing them in your mind all day, and all night, humming them at first, until you suddenly realize you are singing them in the shower.
Imagine a temple without the traditional accoutrements of magnificent stained glass, a permanent arc, and a bimah with richly upholstered chairs, but one furnished with the richness of love, kindness and acceptance for each person who passes through the door.
Imagine understanding for the first time that temple is anywhere you experience the presence of God, not bound by four walls.
Imagine a congregation of people from vastly different backgrounds, coming together to pray, where each one is treated like a welcome, invited guest, whose presence will enrich the experience of every other guest there.
Imagine Shabbos services, where people come joyfully to sing and dance, to hug and be hugged, and to take a break from their daily reality to experience a different reality, one of connectivity to community, oneself and to the Divine.
Imagine a temple where it is more important to hold people than prayer books.
Imagine a family, a true family, of spiritual leadership.
Imagine the blessing of three Rabbis, a father and son, together leading the most holy of services, and a mother who, while quiet and unassuming, holds the space for the entire congregation with her gentle spirit and quiet presence, which speak louder than any words.
Imagine a traditional Rabbi, steeped in the rituals of our ancestors, sharing his voice, (which is as strong as his heart is warm), his smile, and always two outstretched arms for a hug.
Imagine next to him, his son, a young Rabbi, whose eyes shine brighter than the brightest light bulb on the darkest night, and whose words are those of a prophet. Imagine knowing that he is fulfilling his passion and his purpose as he shares it with those who come to hear his words, feeling that in every fiber of his being, he would rather be no place other than exactly where he is at that moment, touching hearts, changing lives.
Imagine the High Holidays, a time of joy and celebration, and a time of deep reflection and contemplation. Imagine that through each moment of the carefully planned services, the room is filled with a vibrational energy that emanates joy, love, forgiveness, optimism, and peace.
Imagine that instead of talk about sin and repentance, you are welcomed to the "Day of At Oneness," where you can be at one with yourself, your community and your God.
Imagine that rather than empty words of atonement, your temple is filled with the sound of drums, tambourines, guitars, pianos, flutes, violins, cello, mandolin, saxophone, and voices raised together in song.
Imagine dancing; dancing to celebrate joy, and dancing to take away our sorrow.
Imagine 600 individuals swaying as one, to the music they not only hear with their ears, but feel with their souls.
Imagine being so moved by the Rabbis and the music that you feel tears you were not aware of streaming down your cheeks while singing the Shema, knowing God is listening.
Imagine knowing that you know.
Imagine a Yizkor meditation which brings you closer to your loved ones, reminding you of just how thin the veil is between the two worlds, and that you can connect in the quiet of your mind any time....all the time.
Imagine after 9 hours of Yom Kippur services, a room full of people still laughing, smiling and wanting to dance!
Imagine the beauty of the Havdalah candles, the fragrant scent of the spices, and a community of outstretched arms, branches of intuition, reaching together as one to the stars, knowing that we are limitless, as our prophet has taught us.
Imagine the completion of the circle, as the next generation closes the most holy of services by leading the congregation in the blessing over the bread....a living example of l'dor v'dor.
I no longer have to imagine any of this. I have found it.
I have found TAO, my spiritual home.
With love and a full heart,
Sheryl Reback,2013
Do you have the time and talent to help us? There are several ways you can help:
Be a part of the growth of TAO. If you have an idea for an event or outreach opportunity and are willing to spearhead it, please click here and let us know.
Rabbi Marc-Assistant to help TAO connect with a younger demographic. Contact Rabbi Marc
Do you know the newest version of Photoshop? We need a consultant for just a couple of hours. Contact Anne Goldberg
Public Relations - help us get free publicity for our unique events and outreach. Contact the office at 954-888-1408
Telephone Committee Chairperson - call the office at 954-888-1408
Webcam/Skype - Help us get Wisdom Class on-line and expand the reach of Rabbi Marc. Contact Pam Kelner
... to all of our blessed volunteers who helped to make planning and execution of High Holy Days possible. We couldn't do it without you!
Feel free to log on for current TAO news and articles.
The following people may need help remembering they are whole and healthy. Please, when you are with them and when you think about them... see them as whole and perfect.
Annette Berger, Michael Yaschik (Moshe Abba ben Mottle), Barbara Janis, David Rosenthal, Jeremy & Scott, Paul Avenati (friend of Sheryl Lipsky Reback), Dennis Barry, Gertrude Birchwood (Myrna Wolf's mother-in-law),Neil Blaxberg (Amichai Heppner's son-in-law), Sarah Bloom (Elaine Bloom's daughter), Leslie Brinkman, Chava Lila bat Masha Aviva, Yehudah Cantor, Ronna Cole, Brianna Dalnas, Ralph Dozer, Rick English (Carole McConnell's son-in-law), Murray Evans, Rita Feuerman (Rhonda Hey's mother), Brian Fusco, Kara Fusco, Gila bat Sora, Eliezer Ben Chava Glaser, Ken Gordon, Belle Gotlin (mother of Ron Gotlin), Barbara Gotsopoulos, Jared Gordon (Jenae Rubin's cousin), George & Sylvia Greene (Renee Greene's parents), Bernard Greenberg (Judi Greenberg's Dad), Jerry Greenberg (Judi Greenberg's brother), Jerry Grove, Leon Heller, Amichai Heppner, Ron Himelblau (brother of Shirley Shelpman), Renee Hock, Andy Iannaco, Esther Jungreis, Jo di Kalick, Enid Kamin (Maxine Kamin's mother), Sharon Kay, Paul Kay, Phyllis King, Pamela Klein, Ava Kugelman, Andy Leeds, Kathy Leonard,Judy & Louis Levy (Sue Reisman's parents), Alan Lipsky (Brother of Sheryl Lipsky), Billy Mauer (Velvul ben Leah), Meira bas Shandel Chana (Shana Heppner's daughter), Audrey Nevins (Ann Kurtzman's sister), Robert Perlmutter, Susan Quasha (sister-in-law of Phyllis Tess), Rachel bat Nechama (Rick Vogel's sister), Edith Rogers (Wayne Rogers' mother), Wayne Rogers, Sara Rosenbaum, Joan Rosenwasser, Jean Sokol Rosner, Jake Rutsky, Royce Sagenkahn (Jenae Rubin's friend), Erin Saporta, Lynn Schlitt, Rebecca Schwartz (Rifka Maiden's cousin), Shauel Randell, Stefanie Sacks, Simcha ben Sarah-Iris, Israel Silberman (Father of Diana SIlberman), Frayda Sinnreich, Debi Sweeney (Alan Kurtzman's daughter), Toba Basha bas Chana, Shirley Ullman, Caren Vivado, Shaul ben Ida & Chana Rifka bat Hinda (Hindy Stegman's parents), Janice Weintraub, Diane Zeller.
Please contact the office with requests for additions to this list. We respect your desire for privacy and only list with permission. Also, please notify the office to remove names from this list.
It has been too long since I have been in the Broward area and years since I have been to services. I am being discharged from rehab and plan to return ASAP. I would love to be there in time for the High Holy Day services. If anyone knows of a handicapped accessible place I could move to ASAP, please let me know. I love and miss TAO and its beautiful, joyful community that feels like a family. Love and miss Wisdom Class and my sisters from WSG, especially. See you soon. Barbara Gotsopoulos
Thank you Barbara. We have missed you too. We're thrilled you're back.
Please Note: Barbara is looking to rent a studio or 1-bedroom apartment that is handicapped accessible. Call Barbara at 954-297-3404
Rhonda Hey, co-owner of A Sweet Dog Barkery, needs help every Sunday from Oct 13 to the end of June from 9:00am to 3:30pm setting up and taking down a 10'x10' tent and 8' table, banners and helping with setting out of their delectable doggie treats, cakes & cupcakes. This is a paid job. For more information, call Rhonda at 954-205-3441
Place Your Ad Here
TAO members looking for employers and employees are welcome to place an announcement in this newsletter at no charge. Employers wishing to give Tzedakah are invited to do so. Email your announcement to [email protected]
Job Opportunities
Members post job opportunities for FREE!
Call the office: 954-888-1408
.
Do a Mitzvah...
"Professional" Clothing needed...
Jacci King is putting together a "closet" for her adult students that need interview clothing. Please donate your old suits, shirts, ties, handbags, accessories, shoes and help these worthy students to get great jobs. To donate contact Jacci by clicking here.
Donate Children's Clothes & School Supplies.
It's a new school year and Sue Reisman teaches in an extremely impoverished area. The kids (through 8th grade) need everything. It's a great reason to clean your closets and offices. Pens, pencils, paper, glue sticks and on. All sizes of clothing accepted!Let her know you'll help.
An important part of living a Jewish life is to offer tzedaka and chesed - charity and loving kindness. With this in mind, TAO has adopted a family through the Touch A Heart Foundation.
How can you help? You can make a call and say hello, or maybe stop by for a visit. If possible, you could bring some groceries or cleaning supplies; maybe think of them when you see the 'Buy One Get One' deals at the local market. There is no gesture too small or too large for this needy family.
If you are interested in helping this family in any way, please call Renee at 954-888-1408 or by email at [email protected]
Do you love the sweet Shabbos reminder calls from Rabbi Marc?
Please Sponsor the calls for the next 12 months. What a mitzvah it is to support this lovely practice.
Call the office with your donation, or click here to donate online. Please indicate "Reminder Calls" in the message box if donating online. Thanks... LOTS! Your sponsorship will bring much joy to our community.
Shabbat Services
Be a part of joyous, meaningful, spiritual prayer with Jewish Renewal.
Next Service:
Friday, September 27th, 2013
Simchat Torah
Cantorial chants begin at 7:20 PM
Simchas Torah - "Rejoicing in the Torah" marks the completion of the weekly Torah readings, when we read the last Torah portion Deuteronomy 34 and proceed immediately to Genesis 1:1. This reminds us the Torah, and life, is a circle, a cycle, and never ends. Join us for this special Shabbos, as we unfurl the Torah and discover its significance to us individually.
Friday, October 4, 2013
Meditative Shabbos
Wear comfortable clothing and bring your meditation pillows and/or mats for this very special Shabbos featuring sound pioneers Dean & Dudley Evenson who share their musical meditations with flute and harp. Their mission is peace through music and they also engage the voice with chanting, toning and affirmations as a path to meditation. Click here for more on Soundings of the Planet, Dean & Dudley Evenson.
You are always invited to join us for our warm Oneg Shabbat after services.
This is Jewish Renewal.
This is TAO.
Welcome home.
Members and non-members are always welcome to our services. Share the joy and connection of our holy, sweet community.
Members, please help us welcome guests (red name badges) by offering them a warm greeting and TAO hug.
Please remember to bring non-perishable food for those less fortunate.
Location: Artserve 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd (in the public library) Enter on 14th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954-462-8190
Today's Parsha*
September 25, 2013 21 Tishrei 5774 The eighth day from the First of Sukkot is a solemn gathering, Shemini Atzeret, invoking prayers for rain in the new season, and Yizkor prayers for remembering the dead.
Even within the deepest darkness there is a ray of light waiting to be lit; within the greatest challenge, there is a miracle waiting to be found; and within the greatest sorrow, there are memories of joy waiting to be grasped.
* Parshas reprinted from from Miraculous Living Calendar
by Dr. Lisa Sirota-Weiner adapted from Miraculous Living by Rabbi Shoni Labowitz
Susan Altman Roxanne & Michael Raphael & sons Dante & Donovan
Gina Estrada & Adam Balsamo
Michele Korin
Stephanie & Jacqueline Ripstein Judith & Ralph Schwab Cheryl Sheinman Liz Sterling Helena Voss Rhoda Warren
Welcome Home!
Welcome to TAO
We are a warm expression of joyful Judaism, with meaningful ritual and universal Truths rooted in Torah, Kabbalah and other traditional & mystic Jewish sources. We draw deeply from communal wisdom and spiritual traditions in accordance with the ongoing process of the living Torah.
TAO stands for Temple Adath Or. Our founding rabbi, Rabbi Shoni Labowitz, used great intention in choosing this name, as in Hebrew it means People (or community) of Light. And whether the members were drawn to the name, or simply just lived up to it, TAO is, indeed, a community of light.
Embark on a journey to your Jewish soul through music, dance, chanting and meditation. This is not your parents' schul! Come and experience the warmth of Jewish Renewal - and community - TAO style.
Last year, more than 125 people had a fabulous time being entertained by the talents of our members. We hope you will join in the fun this year.
Partner Happenings
Check back please!
Galia, Ocean and Kole Kerev Funds
In the spirit of Tzedakah, Paulina and Rabbi Marc set up three funds at TAO - a Galia fund, an Ocean fund and Kole Fund. When you share your sweetness to celebrate Galia's birthday (December 6), Ocean's birthday (June 28) or Kole's birthday (June 24) and other occasions, please donate to one of these funds rather than buying gifts for the children. These funds are used to send toys and other needed items to Jewish and non-Jewish organizations that serve children, including Jafco.
Paulina and Rabbi Marc will be informed that you gifted their children and performed an act of Tzedakah in their honor.
Women's Spirituality Group is a sacred circle of spiritual women who want to grow and share their souls. Participation requires no prior experience, just an open heart and willingness to be in the company of loving, accepting friends. We neither solve problems nor give advice; we listen and learn, love and accept. It is a beautiful way to make friends and deepen relationships, both with other women and with yourself. Join us North or South or both and feel the love.
WSG is a Member Privilege. Non-members may attend twice before joining TAO.
Myrna Wolf's home (Please note: If you need to call Myrna directly, the correct number is: 305-519-8600)
To be included in the email list for WSG SOUTH, please email Rhonda Hey - [email protected]
~~~~~
To be included in the email list for WSG NORTH please email or call Susan Kivowitz at[email protected]~ 561-509-9188.
Men's Spirituality Group
Tuesday, Oct 1
7:00 pm
Non-members are welcome and encouraged to attend two times.
Come home to the brotherhood of men. All TAO men are invited to this unique, strictly-male opportunity. Each session is for eight weeks and discussions cover topics such as: procrastination, the power of money, creating happiness, and past lives. This is a safe and sacred space where you can be yourself.
Once a new eight-week session begins, the group is closed to new members until the next session.
Facilitator: Lowell Gannon Contact Lowell if you have any questions. 954-240-1944 or [email protected]
Location Second Floor Conference Room at Office: 10200 West SR 84, Davie 33324.
Directions From Nob Hill Road, just south of SR 84, turn as if you are going into Burger King and follow the road as it curves to the right. We are just west of Imperial Lighting. There is ample parking.
Please arrive a few minutes early as the front door to the building locks at 7pm.
In the Jewish tradition, we externalize our beloved departed by honoring their blessed memory. Our Yarhzeit Plaque is a permanent memorial of family members and loved ones who passed on (parents, siblings, aunts/uncles, children, friends.)
Express the unique spiritual grace and energy that reflects the loving Oneness that is our Tree of Life. The gift that honors your loved one(s) is a perfect way to celebrate the simchas you want to commemorate. From weddings to bar mitzvahs, births, graduations or anniversaries, a leaf on TAO's Tree of Life is a beautiful way to say "I love you."
Call the office for details. 954-888-1408
Sponsor An Oneg Shabbat
Let's face it. We love our oneg. We love it not only because we're Jews and we love to eat, we love it because it brings us together and creates a space for us to catch up with, and hug one another.
When you celebrate your birthday, anniversary, promotion; or say thank you to, or honor someone special by sponsoring a Friday night or Saturday Service Oneg Shabbat, your message of love is heard by all who are there and we all share in your joy. (And the food is so much better!) So celebrate your simchas with your community!
(By the way, sponsoring an oneg is a great way to promote your business. Rabbi Marc will personally acknowledge and thank you for your contribution at services and, it's advertised in this newsletter.)
Full and partial sponsorships are possible.
To sponsor an upcoming Oneg,
call the office: 954-888-1408
Tikkun Olam
(Heal the World)
TAO cares about your health and that of the earth. Check here weekly for useful tips that save money, conserve resources and protect both you and our precious planet.
GMO Alert - Corn & Weeds Twenty years ago Monsanto genetically modified corn seeds to include the pesticide, Round-Up with the misguided intention of preventing weeds from growing. The weed continue to plague farmers AND, Glysophate, the main ingredient of Round-Up has now been linked to birth defects, DNA damage, hormone disruption, cancer and neurological disorders.
If you have weeds, don't use Round-Up! Get rid of weeds naturally, using boiling water, vinegar, salts or pulling the out by hand.
If you eat corn... look for Non-GMO Project Certified corn only.
* with thanks to NaturalNews.com
Join a Committee
Do It Anyway!
Participating on a committee enriches your life, builds meaningful relationships and strengthens our community. Call a Committee Chairperson or the office 954-888-1408
Board of Directors
Rabbis
Rabbi Marc Labowitz Rabbi Phillip Labowitz
Founder
Rabbi Shoni Labowitz
Honorary President
Dr. Florence Ross*
President
Sanford King
Membership
Bob Heaton
Board Members
Pam Kelner Robert Zveibil Sheryl Reback Jon Kushner
Board Members Emeritus
Anne Goldberg Bob Heaton
Immediate Past President
Anne Goldberg
Committee Chairs
Chessed/Social Action Janice Weintraub
High Holy Days
Dee Sacks
Special Member Projects
Shirley Shelpman
Spirituality Groups
Men - Lowell Gannon
Women - Myrna Wolf, WSG South & Marcia
Sweedler, WSG North
Nichum (Bereavement)
Kate GeMeiner
Oneg Shabbat Committee
Nancy Mendelson Eileen Grove Richard Grove Fleur Heaton Marcia Peschitz
Telephone
Available
Zionism: Our Voice
Rick Vogel
Choir & Musicians Maria Daszkal Bob Heaton Rebbetzin Paulina Michelle Alva Laura Launer
Esther Levy
Rick Wolfe
Security
Ron Gotlin
Staff Administrative Director Renee J. Greene
Office Manager Dee Sacks
* of Blessed Memory
TAO wants to celebrate YOU!
We'd love to know the day and date (we don't need the year) of your birthday.
Perhaps you would consider sponsoring an Oneg Shabbat and celebrate with your community and... help to support us as well!
After all,YOU are what makes US special. Thank you for being a part of TAO.
TAO - Temple Adath Or - The South Florida Center for Jewish Renewal
10200 W. State Road 84, Suite 218 ~ Davie, FL 33325
your meditation pillows and/or mats for this very special Shabbos featuring sound pioneers 
YOU!