Friday, December 26, 2008

eWeekly: Dec 24, 2008

TOS eWeekly Volume 3 Issue 13, December 24th, 2008

Mikeitz, Genesis 41:1−44:17

The Joseph Story—Part II: Fantasy, Jewish Style
David H. Aaron
Surely the most fanciful aspect of the entire Joseph story is the status achieved by Joseph in the administration of the Egyptian monarchy. Upon interpreting a dream as predictive of a national disaster, Pharaoh ascribes to Joseph the “spirit of God” (Genesis 41:38) and straightaway places him in charge of his people’s administration. Pharaoh tells him, “You shall be in charge of my household, and all my people shall obey your word; only I, The Throne, shall I be greater than you” (41:40).

If we relate to this literature as history, we will apply the wrong genre criteria in evaluating its meaning. There is no evidence of there ever having been an Israelite who governed over Egypt. Attempts to link Joseph with historical personages or to sketchy references in ancient annals to short-lived foreign rulers all fail. This is not history. We have here a Cinderella-like fairy tale, where the despised brother not only ends up making good, but of all things, ascends to the most powerful political position in a foreign land, barely a notch below the authority of the monarch himself.

Moreover, what gets him there is the interpretation of dreams, a symbolic activity meant to represent a form of divinely sanctioned wisdom—but here, wisdom put to work in exile and quite distinct from other forms of sign reading that are associated with priests, prophets, and temples. 

I think it fair to say that kings do not regularly promote men who are prisoners on Monday to secretary of state on Tuesday (although recent events in American politics may force us to rethink such things). In real life, we should imagine that a king’s loyal advisors would be less than pleased about being bypassed for this prized position, not to mention subordinated to a former Hebrew slave of unknown origins. One is expected to suspend all calls for plausibility in fairy tales, because the rules of this literary genre demand as much. Were we to seek historical feasibility, we would be ignoring all of those literary signals that instruct us on how to read and understand this story. This is fantasy, pure and simple, but fantasy with deep meanings. 

The Book of Genesis is ostensibly about the creation of a clan that has a privileged status vis-à-vis a patron deity. That status is to be expressed through three rewards: possession of a land, the production of progeny, and the accumulation of wealth. Strangely enough, Genesis never raises the question of governance, either in terms of a monarchy or a priestly oligarchy. How odd that a people, in writing of its origins, fails to mention the ascendancy of its king, or even outline the structure of its governing bodies. Of course, later in Israel’s history there will be chronicles of various kings and stories of clan leaders, but these are written subsequent to or independent of the Book of Genesis. The Books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles are later attempts at more normative annals, bringing Israelite narratives somewhat more in line (thematically and structurally) with those of foreign peoples.
(for the complete text on this weeks portion, go to http://urj.org/torah/ )

STATEMENTS
Statements go out every month if you have a balance. If you have not been getting statements, please contact Elliot at the temple so he can look into the problem.  We will send out calendar tax statements for the capital campaign and temple the second week of January.

SPECIAL BOARD ELECTION
This week, Temple members in “good standing” will receive in the mail a packet with ballots to fill a seat on the Board of Directors for At-Large Director. “Good standing” is determined by fulfillment of financial obligations for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2008, and an effort to meet obligations for fiscal 2009. Any financial questions should be addressed to the Treasurer, Martin Greenberg, or to the President, Ralph Karsh.

The election packet is dated December 24 and the deadline for returning marked ballots by mail is January 7, 2009. Two other seats on the Board were uncontested based on nominations that closed on December 5 and those two nominees as selected by the Board were seated at the December 15 Board meeting. The new Board members are as follows: 

Vice President-Social Action:
-Chip Dougherty: TOS member since 1988. Resides in Shaler.  A partner at the law firm of Reed Smith LLP with an active counseling and litigation practice in the field of Intellectual Property. Has previously served TOS as both member and chair of the Social Action Committee in years past, and was part of the team that initiated the High Holiday food drive in the early 1990s.

Corresponding Secretary:
-Ken Knapp: TOS member since 1993. Resides in Pine. A relationship manager for BNYMellon. Board member since 1998 of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Previously, township supervisor in Pine for six years, involved in many committees. Former board member of the following organizations; Allegheny County Library Board, Greater Pittsburgh Downtown YMCA, Pittsburgh Marathon.
Congratulations to Chip and Ken!

Meditation & Torah Study
On Saturday, January 10th, Tifani Katof will lead a Yoga Meditation Service from 10:00-11, and a Torah Service and Study from 11:00-11:40AM.  Have fun and study in the same service!  No double reverse lotus positions will be required!

INTERFAITH COMMUNITY MEETING
Once again, Temple Ohav Shalom will be hosting this event Sunday, March 22, 2009. More details will beprovided as the date approaches!

MEMBERSHIP
Everyone is invited to TOS Community Night on Saturday, January 24th. So even if you do not have a business to pitch, come and schmooze and learn about all the other congregants’ businesses.  If you have a business, come and tell us about it in 45 seconds or less.  RSVP to Matt Lifson at 724-940-1080 or to me at 724-449-2779.  We have some really cool door prizes.  Come, you’ll have a good time and you will be doing a good thing for the TOS Community.

Thanks,

Laura Flieder

SUPERBOWL FUNDRAISER
The Annual TOS Super Bowl Fundraiser is on!  Tickets are $10 and $20 each.  Half the proceeds of the fundraiser goes to the Temple and the other half is paid out.  Members will receive a phone call about purchasing tickets.  If you are not contacted or have any questions about the Super Bowl Fundraiser, please contact Brian Kline (412) 487-4927.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN HEBREW?
Would you like to learn Modern Hebrew, Prayer Book Hebrew or both?

Come learn to read Hebrew in a convenient, easy, fun way – while your children are learning! Or even if you don’t have children in Sunday school!

Sundays – 8:45 to 9:30
Beginning January 4th, 2009
Cost: $36 for 6 weeks:
Jan. 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th
Feb. 1st & 8th

RSVP to at 412-369-0900 x14

Genocide Awareness Shabbat
As members of the human race and the Jewish community we must stand up and speak when innocent people are being murdered. Within the past century, genocide has occurred for different reasons in different areas, but we have yet to learn from this history, for it continues to repeat itself. Join us on January 30, 2009 at 7:30 PM as we discuss past genocides and pray that the current genocide in Darfur region of the Sudan will be the last.  For more information please contact .  I am launching a postcard drive. All you must do is complete a postcard that will be sent to Washington D.C. in time for the inauguration to urge the Obama administration to take humanitarian action in Darfur. They are located in the education wing. Please fill out a postcard when you find a spare second. Postage will be taken care of. Thanks.

ONEGS
Are you looking for something special to do on Friday January 23rd or 30th?  How about host a TOS Oneg that evening?  Please contact by email or by phone at (724) 933-3923.

Men’s Club Mailing List PROBLEM FIXED!
Please consider signing up!

Several weeks ago in the eWeekly we advertised our new mailing list for the Temple Men’s Club, asking interested members to sign up. Due to an unforeseen technical glitch most of the registrations did not get processed. We’ve fixed the problem, so it’s time to try again. If you are interested in receiving email from the organizers of the Temple Men’s Club, please consider becoming a part of the mailing list.

To sign up, go to the Temple Website at http://www.templeohavshalom.org, and login (you must be logged in for this to work). Click on “Get Involved”, then on “Adult Organizations. Under the Men’s Club you will see a link to join the list.

Be aware that once you register you will receive a confirming email with a link in it. This email may end up in your spam filter, so check there if you don’t see it a minute or two after signing up.

Thanks very much!

GIANT EAGLE GIFT CARDS

One way to help TOS without spending extra money is to buy GIANT EAGLE cards from us. We can mail them at the first of the month to you (we have the numbers recorded so don’t worry about them getting lost in the mail!). We send them out in the first couple of days of the month. All we ask is that you pay for them upon receipt. If you are interested, email Elliot at and we will place you on a monthly schedule. Kathy Kline is coordinating this.  You have to eat and if you shop at Giant Eagle or buy gas at GetGo, it is a simple way to support your temple! You can use your Advantage Cards too.

GIFT SHOP
The Gift Shop is open during Sunday School and by appointment. Contact Elaine Cohen - 412-364-8484 or Andi Turkheimer 412-367-7864. We have many beautiful items for all aspects of Jewish life. There is no need to go to Squirrel Hill - visit us first!

UPCOMING EVENTS
Friday, December 26th 7:30 PM Shabbat Services
Saturday, December 27th 10:00AM Services

2009
Saturday, January 3rd 10:00AM Services
Friday, January 9th First Friday Dinner 4th grade
Saturday, January 10th 10:00-11:00 AM—Yoga & Meditation
11-11:40AM is Torah Service & Study
Thursday, January 15th 7:30PM Temple Youth Committee
Friday, January 16th 7:30PM Shabbat Services with Mishkan T’Fillah, Tifani Katof, Student Cantor
Saturday, January 24th Special Needs Shabbat Celebration 9:00AM-9:45AM
Saturday, January 24th TOS Community Night
Sunday, January 25th 1:00-4:00PM Mah Jongg
Friday, February 20th 7:30PM Shabbat Services with Mishkan T’Fillah, led by Rabbi Donsky & Tifani Katof
Open Discussion about new siddur in Social Hall following Service
Thursday, March 5th 7:30PM Temple Youth Committee
Sunday, March 22nd Interfaith Community Meeting Temple Ohav Shalom-Details Coming!
Saturday, April 18th NIGHT AT THE RACES!  TOS Social Hall
Saturday, April 25th 9:00AM Special Needs Shabbat

Schedule of Worship Services for December

Parashat Miketz
Friday, December 26 --- 29 Kislev, 5769
7:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat
Marshal Auron
Saturday, December 27 --- 30 Kislev, 5769
10:00am Shabbat Morning Service
Bill Lowenberger

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Start a New Tradition at TOS

From Marci Barnes, our Director of Lifelong Learning

This past Friday night, my husband and I “had Shabbat” with our 3- year-old son.  After he was in bed, we put in a VCR tape of an old favorite movie of ours.  From the first notes of the first act, right up until the very end several hours later, Fiddler on the Roof, is still one of our favorite holiday traditions.  It was hearing the opening number again, “Tradition”, that made me realize that watching this movie to get a break from all of the crass commercialization of the December holidays has actually become a tradition in my family. 

One of the most amazing things that I have discovered since coming to work at Temple Ohav Shalom is how dedicated this congregation is to Judaism and its traditions.  A majority of members here come from families with multiple religious backgrounds where parents have intermarried or converted or both.  And whether or not you also celebrate other religions at home, week after week and year after year, you come to Temple Ohav Shalom to pray, to learn and to celebrate Judaism.

This Sunday, I invite all of you to join the teachers and students in our school as we celebrate Chanukah beginning at 11am in the Social Hall. (See information below for details.) We will say the blessings for the 1st night, sing songs, play games, share presents, and, of course, eat.  Continue a family tradition or start a new one this Chanukah!

Reminder:  There will be no school on Tuesday, December 23rd, Sunday, December 28th or Tuesday, December 30th.  School resumes on Sunday, January 4, 2009.  Our next Family Shabbat Dinner, featuring Kitah Daled, the 4th Grade, is on Friday night, January 9th.  This is a different date than was advertised previously this year.

Marci K. Barnes
Director of Lifelong Learning

Thursday, December 11, 2008

eWeekly: Dec 10, 2008

TOS eWeekly Volume 3 Issue 11, December 10, 2008

With winter upon us, please make sure to check the temple website at templeohavshalom.org for news of school closings or delays due to weather. Urgent announcements will always appear at the top right corner of the website, reporting either Sunday school or weekday religious school closings due to inclement weather.

From Rabbi Art
Toward the end of my comments on Parashat Vayeizei, I noted that the collator of the Genesis stories had before him a real challenge. How could he take this cluster of ancestral legends about Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and end up with a people called Yisrael? In Parashat Vayishlach this thematic problem is solved with remarkable literary ingenuity. The core story involves Jacob confronting Esau more than twenty years after absconding with the blessing Esau was to receive from Isaac. We, the readers—and Jacob, the character—expect Esau to kill his twin brother upon meeting him. In preparing for the meeting, Jacob divides his camp into two parts, a strategy he hopes will allow at least one cluster of his progeny to survive a confrontation with Esau’s retinue. On the night before their encounter, Jacob remains alone by the edge of the river where they crossed into Canaan. There he encounters a"man." I’m going to render here a brief passage from Genesis 32, which is drawn from a core motif that we’ll later consider as it appears in a story in the Book of Judges: (1)

Jacob remained alone. A man [ish] struggled with him until dawn. He realized that he could not overpower him, so he struck at his hip-joint, dislocating it during the struggle. [The man] said,"Let me go, for dawn has arrived!” [Jacob replied],"I will not let you go until you bless me.” He asked him,"What then is your name?""Jacob." He said,"You shall no longer be called Jacob, but rather Yisrael, because you have struggled [sariyta] with gods and with men and prevailed.” Jacob said,"Tell me your name.” [The man] replied,"What do you mean by asking for my name?” He then blessed him. (Genesis 32:25–30)

This is the core element of the story, adopted by the redactor from either another piece of literature or a widely known motif within the culture, as I shall demonstrate in a moment. At the very moment in our narrative that Jacob is supposed to confront Esau in battle, he is instead portrayed as fighting with an unnamed man. This is what makes Jacob’s inquiry as to his identity so very compelling. Twenty years have passed since the brothers have seen one another. Would they recognize each other in the dark of night? Should Jacob not assume that his attacker is, indeed, Esau? Whom else would he expect to attack him at this place and at this time?

There are a number of difficult idioms in this passage, and various translations have a variety of takes on the best rendering. For instance, after Jacob says,"Tell me your name,” the Hebrew reads lamah zeh tishal lishmi, which is rendered by the Jewish Publication Society (JPS) translation,"You must not ask my name!” The Revised Standard Version (2) reads,"Why is it that you ask my name?” JPS simply has him make a statement, and RSV makes it a simple question. I have written,"What do you mean by asking for my name?” by which I’m hoping to convey that the character is challenging Jacob, as he finds his question either insolent or indicative of ignorance (that is, he should recognize him—why doesn’t he?). But I cannot be certain my rendering is any better than the other two published translations. In a moment we’ll see how the very same phrase is engaged in Judges, but even with the two instances together, the exact intent remains ambiguous.

In seeking the name of this night adversary, Jacob is mimicking his own father’s question as to who it was who brought him food for a blessing. And just as was the case then, Jacob once again seeks a blessing, for if this is, indeed, Esau, he will finally be the recipient of the blessing with which he absconded by virtue of prevailing in hand-to-hand combat. The writer has taken advantage of every possible ambiguity and tension within the core narrative. The contextual adaptation of this motif is masterful.

(for the complete text on this weeks portion, go to http://urj.org/torah/ )

FAMILY CHANUKAH MENORAH CONTEST
All you need to do:
As a family (all ages and all members of the family may be involved*), design, build and decorate a menorah from any materials you like.  (examples: pasta, clay, wood, cardboard) All menorahs must be delivered to Temple Ohav Shalom by Sunday, December 14th for judging. Prizes will be announced on Sunday, December 21st at 11:00am at the Temple Ohav Shalom Family Chanukah Party!

ONEGS
Are you looking for something special to do on Friday January 23rd or 30th?  How about host a TOS Oneg that evening?  Please contact Joni Ferrara at or by phone at (724) 933-3923.

DUES & PLEDGES
Your dues, pledges, and donations to the temple are considered a charitable contribution. Make a payment on them now, and not only will it be tzedakah and a mitzvah, but they may also be fully tax deductible. You will receive a statement for calendar year 2007 payments in the second week of January for your temple account and capital campaign account. Please remember on your capital campaign accounts that QuickBooks ages every 30 days, so everyone shows up at 90 days past due—even though you are not! 

NORTH HILLS COMMUNITY OUTREACH TZEDAKAH
You have all been very generous with clothing and food for thanksgiving for North Hills Community Outreach. I’d like to ask you once more to open your hearts and wallets for their Sharing Holiday Warmth program provides light, warmth and nourishment for local families in need. Donations are needed so that NHCO can provide utility credits and grocery store gift cards to approximately 500 families in poverty, hardship and crisis this holiday season. Knowing that they are receiving this help, the families are able to budget some funds for the holidays and to purchase presents for their children. There are menorah posters in both entrances and you can select a slip to direct your contribution.  Or for more information, visit http://www.nhco.org or call 412-487-6316.

Clemmy Brodsky

GIANT EAGLE GIFT CARDS
One way to help TOS without spending extra money is to buy GIANT EAGLE cards from us. We can mail them at the first of the month to you (we have the numbers recorded so don’t worry about them getting lost in the mail!). We send them out in the first couple of days of the month. All we ask is you pay for them upon receipt. If you are interested, and we will place you on a monthly schedule. Kathy Kline is coordinating this.  You have to eat and if you shop at Giant Eagle or buy gas at GetGo, it is a simple way to support your temple!

LATKES
Cooks Needed!!!!!!
We are looking for some volunteers to make Latkes for our Family Chanukah Party on December 21, 2008. 
If you are interested please contact Ken Eisner at or Rebecca Mason at

Thank You in Advance!!!!!

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A GREAT HANUKKAH PRESENT?

HOW ‘BOUT A PITTSBURGH PENGUINS GIFT BAG? HELP THE WOMEN OF OHAV SHALOM SUPPORT TEMPLE OHAV SHALOM!

Buy a raffle ticket ($10 each) for a Pittsburgh Penguins Gift bag! The gift bag includes:

2 TICKETS FOR THE 12/23 GAME AGAINST TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
2 PENGUINS SWEATSHIRTS
PENGUINS REUSABLE TOTE BAG
PENGUINS PENNANT
OTHER MISCELLANEOUS PENGUINS SOUVENIRS

Tickets will be sold in the Education Wing during Sunday School and Hebrew School until the drawing at the end of the Hanukkah party on 12/21 in the Social Hall.  Tickets will also be sold at the party.  Tickets can also be purchased by mailing a check ($10/ticket) to Kim Popkin at 8697 West Barkhust Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 by 12/17.  Call Kim at 412-318-4848 with any questions.
NOTE:  Due to the raffle being drawn on Sunday 12/21, if the winner is unable to attend the game on Tuesday 12/23 another game will be substituted.

GIFT SHOP
The Gift Shop is open during Sunday School and by appointment. Contact Elaine Cohen - 412-364-8484 or Andi Turkheimer 412-367-7864. We have many beautiful items for all aspects of Jewish life. There is no need to go to Squirrel Hill - visit us first!

UPCOMING EVENTS
Thursday, December 11th 6-8:30PM WOS Swarovski Crystal Bracelets
Friday, December 12th 7:30PM Kabbalat Shabbat
Saturday December 13th 10:00AM Shabbat Morning Service
Sunday, December 21st 11:00 Family Chanukah Party

2009
Saturday, January 3rd 10:00AM Services with Mishkan T’Fillah, Tifani Katof, Student Cantor
Saturday, January 10th 10:00Am Services with Tifani Katof—Yoga and Meditation
Thursday, January 15th 7:30PM Temple Youth Committee
Friday, January 16th 7:30PM Shabbat Services with Mishkan T’Fillah, Tifani Katof, Student Cantor
Saturday, January 24th Special Needs Shabbat Celebration 9:00AM-9:45AM
Saturday, January 24th TOS Community Night
Friday, February 20th 7:30PM Shabbat Services with Mishkan T’Fillah, led by Rabbi Donsky & Tifani Katof
Open Discussion about new siddur in Social Hall following Service
Thursday, March 5th 7:30PM Temple Youth Committee
Saturday, April 18th NIGHT AT THE RACES!  TOS Social Hall
Saturday, April 25th 9:00AM Special Needs Shabbat

Schedule of Worship Services for November/December

Parashat Vayishlach
Friday, December 12 --- 15 Kislev, 5769
7:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat
Marshall Auron
Saturday, December 13 --- 16 Kislev, 5769
10:00am Shabbat Morning Service
Bobbie Harley

Parashat Vayeshev
Friday, December 19 --- 22 Kislev, 5769
6:15pm Tot Shabbat
7:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat
Bill Lowenberger
Saturday, December 20 --- 23 Kislev, 5769
10:00am Shabbat Morning Service

Parashat Miketz
Friday, December 26 --- 29 Kislev, 5769
7:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat
Marshal Auron
Saturday, December 27 --- 30 Kislev, 5769
10:00am Shabbat Morning Service
Bill Lowenberger

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

eWeekly: Dec 3, 2008

TOS eWeekly Volume 3 Issue 10, December 3, 2008

Vayeitzei, Genesis 28:10 32:3
At the core of this week’s parashah is the creation of a people, Israel, as a confederacy of tribes. One might expect a people’s legend of origins to derive from events valorous or noble. None of this is true of the biblical depiction of Israel’s derivation from a single patriarch, who manifests neither nobility nor valor. We do not really know much about an actual ancient confederacy of tribes called “Israel” that would have coalesced prior to the Book of Exodus’s Egyptian sojourn. While I think it reasonable to assume there was just such a cluster of clans, the name “Israel” itself was probably a late arrival on the historical scene. The Jews who descended from those people occupying the regions later labeled Israel (or Samaria) and Judah would eventually call themselves either Yisrael or Ivrim (Hebrews). But unfortunately, there are no sources outside of the Hebrew Bible that attest to the character of this confederacy either before, during, or after the period of the monarchs (which lasted from the tenth century until 722 b.c.e. in the north, and 586 b.c.e. in the south). No matter how you date the sources of our Hebrew Bible—that is, whether you say they come from the tenth century or the fifth century b.c.e.—nothing on record would date from within five hundred years of the “patriarchal/matriarchal” era. Consequently, we have every reason to read our Genesis story of the tribal origins of ancient Israel as a form of memory construction. By that I mean the writers wanted to create a collective memory for the sake of fostering a sense of ethnic unity. The collecting of the stories that make up Parashat Vayeitzei (as well as their adaptations) likely took place after Israel had experienced the Babylonian exile. Whether they actually stem from more ancient local traditions can be neither proved nor disproved.

(for the complete text on this weeks portion, go to http://urj.org/torah/ )

MENS CLUB TONIGHT-DECEMBER 3rd!
This is a last minute notice for any members of the Men’s Club (or anyone else for that matter). We are going to see a movie tonight, Wednesday December 3rd. The movie is Quantum Of Solace and is playing at 7pm at Cranberry Carmike. We will meet at Primanti’s in Cranberry at 6pm. Sorry for the late notice- it really was a last minute thing. I am hoping that at some point we can get our website mailing lists working again so I can send out invitations in a more timely manner.

MIND-BODY-SPIRIT SERVICES
Are you searching for a different and innovative way to pray? 
Come to services Saturday Dec 6th and Saturday January 10th.  Cantorial Intern, Tifani Katof has designed a special service to link our breathe and body to the Shabbat Liturgy.  We will explore various yoga postures, and experiment with chant and guided meditation.  This service will revitalize your body, mind, and spirit connection. 
Please wear comfortable clothing.
Please RSVP to Tifani Katof .

FIRST FRIDAY DINNER
The next First Friday Dinner is December 5th @ 6:00PM.  This is the 5th Grade dinner. No turkey will be served!  or call to let us know you are coming!  A-M bring desserts this time—N-Z bring the side dish!

FINANCE COMMITTEE
There are still openings on the temple’s finance committee. Meetings will be held during Sunday school with a frequency yet to be determined.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the temple treasurer, Martin Greenberg, l or via telephone at (724) 816-5921.

ONEGS
If you are thinking about hosting an Oneg, please contact Joni Ferrara at (724) 933-3923 or .  We still have almost every Friday in December and January open.  Thanks!

MEMBERSHIP

TOS Community Night Saturday, January 24, 2009 7:00PM

TOS Community Night is a night of social and business networking.  Learn about your fellow congregants’ businesses as they learn about yours. And have some fun, too.  It is important to support your fellow TOS congregants and important for them to support you, especially in these tough economic times.

Each person who chooses to present will give an “Elevator Pitch” 30- 45 seconds.  After the pitches, we will enjoy a cocktail party.  Good food and drink and good company. Door Prizes.  This event is open to TOS members only.  Come socialize.  Come network for your business opportunities.  Learn about your fellow congregants’ business as they learn about yours.

Costs: $36 – gets your business card in the program and one “Elevator Pitch”
$18 – social attendees, couple
$9 - social attendees, single

Silver, Gold and Platinum Business and Family Sponsorships of TOS Community Night are available.
Register early to get your business card in a program given to all attendees.
Questions and Registration: Matt Lifson 724-940-1080 or or Laura Flieder 724-449-2779 , Support your fellow TOS members.  Find out what they do for a living.  Have them find out what you do for a living

The TOS PURIM MUSICAL
Auditions are on Sunday December 7th from 9am-1030am in Rabbi Art’s office
If you are interested in auditioning please Please contact Tifani Katof .
Include all of the following information in your email;
Name, age , phone number, talent/s (singer, dancer, actor, artist, costume), weekend (Fri, Sat, and Sunday) availability beginning in January, and your most frequently checked email address. 
Tifani will email you back with your time slot for Sunday Dec 7th.

To audition please prepare the following:
• 1 minute clip of a song from a musical
• 30 seconds of choreography (bring your own CD)
It is possible to just audition with one of the above...but this year’s musical includes lots of dancing!

Parents and kids please sign up to help with the stage crew, set designs, and costumes.

LATKES
Cooks Needed!!!!!!
We are looking for some volunteers to make Latkes for our Family Chanukah Party on December 21, 2008. 
If you are interested please contact Ken Eisner at or Rebecca Mason at

Thank You in Advance!!!!!

FUNDRAISING
Back By Popular Demand, The Nite at the Races and A Silent Auction on Saturday April 18, 2009

This can’t be done without everyone’s help therefore please attend a fundraising planning meeting this Sunday, December 7 at 11:30am in the Multi-Purpose room!

There are lots of volunteer opportunities available both big and small so please consider joining this very important meeting!!!  If you’d like to participate and can’t attend the meeting contact Amy Covell at 724-772-8117 or . 

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A GREAT HANUKKAH PRESENT?
Help the Women of Ohav Shalom support Temple Ohav Shalom by buying a a raffle ticket for a a Pittsburgh Penguins Gift Bag! Each ticket costs $10.00. The gift bag includes:

2 tickets for the 12/23 game against the Tampa Bay Lightning
2 Penguins Sweatshirts
Penguins Reusable Tote Bag
Penguins Pennant
Other Miscellaneous Penguins Stuff!

Tickets will be sold in the Education Wing during Sunday School and Hebrew School until the drawing at 11:30 on Sunday, December 14th.  Bag will be on display during the Book Fair.

GIFT SHOP
The Gift Shop is open during Sunday School and by appointment. Contact Elaine Cohen - 412-364-8484 or Andi Turkheimer 412-367-7864. We have many beautiful items for all aspects of Jewish life. There is no need to go to Squirrel Hill - visit us first!

UPCOMING EVENTS
Friday, December 5th 6:00PM First Friday Dinner, Tifani Katof
Saturday, December 6th 10:00AM Services with Mishkan T’Fillah, (and Yoga!) Tifani Katof, Student Cantor
Sunday, December 7th 9:00AM-10:30 Rabbi Art’s Office Purim Auditions!
Sunday, December 7th 11:30AM Multi-Purpsoe Room Night at the Races Planning Meeting
Thursday, December 11th 6-8:30PM WOS Swarovski Crystal Bracelets
Sunday, December 21st Family Chanukah Party Details to Follow

2009
Saturday, January 3rd 10:00AM Services with Mishkan T’Fillah, Tifani Katof, Student Cantor
Saturday, January 10th 10:00Am Services with Tifani Katof—Yoga and Meditation
Thursday, January 15th 7:30PM Temple Youth Committee
Friday, January 16th 7:30PM Shabbat Services with Mishkan T’Fillah, Tifani Katof, Student Cantor
Saturday, January 24th Special Needs Shabbat Celebration 9:00AM-9:45AM
Saturday, January 24th TOS Community Night
Friday, February 20th 7:30PM Shabbat Services with Mishkan T’Fillah, led by Rabbi Donsky & Tifani Katof
Open Discussion about new siddur in Social Hall following Service
Thursday, March 5th 7:30PM Temple Youth Committee
Saturday, April 18th NIGHT AT THE RACES!  TOS Social Hall
Saturday, April 25th 9:00AM Special Needs Shabbat

Schedule of Worship Services for November/December
Parashat Vayetzei
Friday, December 5 ---8 Kislev, 5769
6:00pm Dinner for All
7:00pm 1st Friday Family Service
Tifani Katof, Cantorial Intern
Saturday, December 6 --- 9 Kislev, 5769
10:00am Shabbat Morning Service
Tifani Katof, Cantorial Intern

Parashat Vayishlach
Friday, December 12 --- 15 Kislev, 5769
7:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat
Eve Wolf & Linda Greenberg
Saturday, December 13 --- 16 Kislev, 5769
10:00am Shabbat Morning Service
Bobbie Harley

Parashat Vayeshev
Friday, December 19 --- 22 Kislev, 5769
6:15pm Tot Shabbat
7:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat
Marshal Auron
Saturday, December 20 --- 23 Kislev, 5769
10:00am Shabbat Morning Service
Bill Lowenberger

Parashat Miketz
Friday, December 26 --- 29 Kislev, 5769
7:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat
Marshal Auron
Saturday, December 27 --- 30 Kislev, 5769
10:00am Shabbat Morning Service
Bill Lowenberger