eWeekly 3/4/2009
TOS eWeekly Volume 3 Issue 23, March 4th, 2009
(For the text on this weeks Torah portion, go to http://urj.org/torah/ )REMINDER: Due to the Purim Festival, Sunday school is 10:00-12:00 this coming weekend. And don’t forget to set your clock forward Saturday night!
Dear Friends,
Purim! Just the mention of this fun Feast of Lots brings joy to my heart and I hope yours, too. We at Temple Ohav Shalom have sought to make Purim a celebration unlike any other. This year plans to be no different:
March 7th, Saturday Night at 7 PM: “Schmaltz: A Greased Purim” featuring dozens of future Oscar winners from our very own congregation. Directed by our Cantorial Intern, Tifani Katof.
March 8th, Sunday, starting at 12 Noon: Our Purim Carnival!!!!
March 9th, Monday night at 7 PM: Purim Megillah Reading – Sharing the Story of Esther. Shake your groggers all night long!
And then Tuesday evening at 5:30 PM (at the beginning of Hebrew school) we will offer another opportunity to fulfill the mitzvah of hearing the Megillah.
And don’t forget that this Friday is our First Friday Shabbat Experience with “Dinner for All” at 6 PM and then our 7 PM “very kid friendly” service led in part by our Kitah Bet (2nd Graders) students.
See you soon……come celebrate….rejoice…..be a part of our wonderful community!
B’shalom
Rabbi Art Donsky
FIRST FRIDAY DINNER—MARCH 6th
Our next First Friday dinner is next week, March 6th. A-M families bring a side dish, N-Z bring dessert. Kitah Bet (2nd Grade) are hosting this dinner. Please RSVP to Elliot
NOTE: Parents, we have had problems with unsupervised children during dinners. The upstairs education wing and the downstairs education wing are off limits to unsupervised children. They should remain within the social hall. Thanks for helping.
Bake Sale items are needed for the Purim Carnival (Sunday March 8th)! Anything that can be served individually (brownies, cookies, and especially hamentaschen) will make the Carnival more fun for everyone and help our fundraising efforts. Bring your donations to the Social Hall that morning. If it would more convenient for you to drop off your donation before Sunday, contact Ginger Solomon at
Thanks!
Ginger
PITTSBURGH RACE FOR THE CURE
Join fellow TOS members and friends on Mother’s Day (May 10th) at the Pittsburgh Race for the Cure! It is a beautiful day of celebration and remembrance for those touched by breast cancer. Your participation in the 2009 Race and the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pledge Program will help provide the necessary funding for education, screening and treatment programs to fight breast cancer in our region. Join us as we strive to end breast cancer forever. RUNNERS and WALKERS are welcome! Bring your CHILDREN… there is a 1 mile fun run/walk that you can do with your kids!
To register, or to get more information, go to http://www.pittsburghraceforthecure.org
Elana Kriess (724-452-7043)
JEWISH MUSIC FESTIVAL
We received a grant from the UJF of Pittsburgh to have a Jewish Music Festival. On April 4th @ 5:00PM Tifani Katof and friends will perform Songs of Freedom & Songs of Joy at Borders. More information will follow!
DO YOUR CHILDREN LIKE TO SING?
The 12th Annual North Hills Interfaith Gathering is having a combined chorus with the youth of Temple Ohav Shalom and other North Hills youth of diverse faiths. There is a one rehearsal immediately prior to the gathering on Sunday March 29th @ 2:00PM at Temple Ohav Shalom.
BOARD ELECTIONS
The Leadership Development/Elections Committee is in the process of preparing a slate of candidates in advance of the open-nominations period April 1-15. The position that still needs to be filled on the slate is Vice President-Fundraising for a two-year term beginning June 1 and ending May 31, 2011. Several congregants have expressed willingness to serve on the Fundraising Committee but it still needs a chairperson who will serve on the temple board of directors as VP-Fundraising. Kindly contact Elections Committee chairman Bill Lowenberger by Tuesday, March 17, at 412-367-2974 or e-mail at
Bar Mitzvah Project: Play It Forward Musical Instrument Donation and Re-use
Coleman Dougherty, one of our Temple Ohav Shalom B’nai Mitzvah students, has started the Play it Forward musical instrument donation and re-use program. In reflecting on what to do for his mitzvah project, Coleman naturally thought about the things that were important to him personally and how they impacted his quality of life. His passion for music and the place that it occupies in his daily routine led him to consider that some kids who might want to learn to play an instrument may not have access to one.
Play It Forward is a program designed to match up gently-used instruments with budding young musicians. Coleman is asking you to search your closets for any instrument that you have that is no longer serving a need in your home. The instruments will be re-furbished and initial donations will be dedicated to Hope Academy of East Liberty and the Afro-American Music Institute of Homewood – 2 deserving local organizations that Coleman has identified. Children who would not otherwise be able to pursue their love of music will be given an opportunity to do so – thanks to your generous tax-deductible donation.
Please join us March 7, 2000 from noon – 4 pm for Play It Forward’s instrument collection at Construction Junction. Even if you don’t have an instrument to donate, we invite you to join us for an afternoon of fun and musical entertainment to help kick of this pilot program.
You can reach Play It Forward by e-mail at
SAVE THE DATE – SAVE THE DATE – SAVE THE DATE – SAVE THE DATE
A Thank You Celebration for Our Cantorial Intern: Tifani Katof
Friday, May 15th at 7:30 PM, we will join together and celebrate our Cantorial Intern, Tifani Katof. Our special guest on evening to help with the celebration will be Rabbi Mark Mahler, from Temple Emanuel of the South Hills. Rabbi Mahler was Tifani’s rabbi growing up in Upper St. Clair. Besides being a talented orator, Rabbi Mahler is an accomplished guitarist. So save this date on your calendar for what will surely be a joyous Kabbalat Shabbat experience.
16th ANNUAL PITTSBURGH JEWISH ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL-North Hills
If anyone would like to attend the film in the North Hills (A Secret) on March 17th at 7:30PM at the Carmike Cranberry 8, and would like to buy tickets at the group rate, please contact Joanne Sosniak at or 412-427-3662. Looking forward to seeing everyone on the 17th and at other films throughout the Greater Pittsburgh area. Thanks,Joanne
AN EVENING AT THE RACES!
Invitations went out and we’ve started selling horses for our fundraiser, “An Evening at the Races” on Tuesday’s and Sunday’s. Don’t be left out horses are only $10.00 each and are first come, first serve! Also sponsor a race for only $75 per race. If anyone would like to donate a product or service for the Silent Auction (ie., golf for 4, weekend getaways, hotel overnights, sports tickets, autographed sports items, restaurant gift certificates, jewelry or any other products or services please contact Amy Covell at
INTRO TO JUDAISM
Introduction to Judaism is a hands-on course that teaches beginners about the basics of Jewish history, thought and practice. The class runs 23 weeks and presents a mix of study, discussion and practical experiences designed for all interested in exploring a Jewish life for themselves--interfaith couples and/or non-Jews considering
conversion.
Taught by several Reform Rabbis form the Greater Pittsburgh area, Introduction to Judaism could be right for you. Completion of the course is only one part of the journey to Judaism for those who are considering conversion. Please speak with your Rabbi about registration. Every participant must be sponsored by a local Rabbi.
Classes are held on Thursdays at 7-9 PM at Rodef Shalom Congregation beginning on May 7, 2009 and continuing through October. Travel plans should not stop you from registering for the class.
TOS BLOOD DRIVE
Did you know that Central Blood Bank must see over 725 donors’ everyday in order to meet the needs of patients in local hospitals? Your donation will help ensure that blood is there when a local patient needs blood to recover from an accident or illness. We will have a blood drive from 9:00Am – 3:00AM during the Purim Carnival on Sunday, March 8th! Please give blood. Please logon to http://www.centralbloodbank.org
SOCIAL ACTION: VOLUNTEER…YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
2009 FAMILY VOLUNTEER MISSIONS IN NEW ORLEANS
Be part of a social action experience that is educational, spiritual and fun. Volunteer Expeditions (http://www.volunteerexpeditions.org) has planned two missions to New Orleans for families (children 12 and up).
Do good while having fun. Enjoy the culture of New Orleans while engaging in mitzvah projects that will benefit those affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Included are all land arrangements:
- Private transportation
- Trip host
- Accommodations
- Tours of Jewish New Orleans
- Volunteer experiences
- Outstanding speakers who explain the city culture and challenges
- Breakfast and lunch and dinner each day (one dinner on your own)
- Mitzvah projects
October 18-22, (5 days/4 nights) $995 per person
November 22- 25, (4 days/3 nights) $795 per person. Well known Jewish Educator Sharon Morton will accompany this trip.
Trips are based on double occupancy. Special pricing is available for families of 4 or more. For information or to plan a group trip, contact Patti Vile, 847-835-1142
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, March 5th 7:30PM Temple Youth Committee
Friday, March 6th 6:00 PM First Friday Family Dinner Kitah Bet
Saturday, March 7th 5:00PM Final Purim Rehearsal
Saturday, March 7th “Schmaltz: A Greased Purim” 7 PM – Our Purim Shpiel!
Sunday, March 8th PURIM CARNIVAL & BLOOD DRIVE
Saturday, March 14th 9:30 AM B’Nai Mitzvah Workshop
Sunday, March 15th 1:00-4:00 PM Mah Jong
Friday, March 20th 6:15 PM Tot Shabbat
Sunday, March 29th 3:00PM-5:00PM 12th Annual Interfaith Gathering - Hosted at TOS-NEW DATE
Tuesday, March 31st 5:30 Pm B’nai Mitzvah Workshop—PARENT’S ONLY!
Saturday, April 4th 9:30 AM B’Nai Mitzvah Workshop
Saturday, April 18th NIGHT AT THE RACES! TOS Social Hall
Friday, May 15th 7:30Pm Shabbat honoring Tifani Katof Guest rabbi: Rabbi Mark Mahler
SCHEDULE OF WORSHIP SERVICES FOR MARCH
Parashat Tetzaveh
Friday, March 6 – 10 Adar, 5769
6:00 pm Dinner-for-All
7:00 pm First Friday Kabbalat Shabbat
Rabbi Donsky & Tifani Katof, Cantorial Intern
Saturday, March 7 – 11 Adar, 5769
10:00 am Shabbat Morning Service
Rabbi Donsky & Tifani Katof
7:00pm Purim Play
Parashat Ki Tissa
Friday, March 13 - 17Adar, 5769
7:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
Rabbi Donsky & Michelle Gray-Schaffer (audition)
Saturday, March 14 – 18 Adar, 5769
10:00 am Shabbat Morning Service
Rabbi Donsky & Bill Lowenberger
Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei
Friday, March 20 – 24 Adar, 5769
6:15 pm Tot Shabbat
7:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
Rabbi Donsky & Tifani Katof, Cantorial Intern
Saturday, March 21 – 25 Adar, 5769
10:00 am Shabbat Morning Service
Bar Mitzvah of Benjamin Gibbs
Rabbi Donsky & Tifani Katof
Parashat Vayikra
Friday, March 27 – 2 Nissan, 5769
7:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
Rabbi Donsky & Bobbie Harley
Saturday, March 28 – 3 Nissan, 5769
10:00 am Shabbat Morning Service
Bar Mitzvah of Brett Rodgers
Rabbi Donsky & Bill Lowenberger
