eWeekly: Feb 11, 2009
TOS eWeekly Volume 3 Issue 20, February 11th, 2008No School Sunday, February 15th, due to President’s Day weekend.
No Purim Rehearsal Friday February 20th
(For the text on this weeks Torah portion, go here.
Join us for our very own: Rabbi Loren Filson Lapidus
“I, Thou, and We”
On Friday, February 13th, at 7:30 PM we at Temple Ohav Shalom will celebrate a great honor. Rabbi Loren Filson Lapidus will give the sermon “I, Thou, and We.”. Rabbi Lapidus is the very first person from our congregation to become a rabbi!!! From TOS to the Pulpit! She is the daughter of Jim and Cathy Filson. Bill Lowenberger, a longtime family friend will join Rabbi Donsky leading the Kabbalat Shabbat service. Please be sure to come and celebrate this special event.
NATA CONFERENCE
As you may know, I was at a training program from the National Association of Temple Administrator’s last week. It was in California but they did take a break for the Super Bowl! Add to that our lecture and test on Reform Judaism including the two major platforms were held in Pittsburgh, and it was a special time to represent Pittsburgh!
It was a fascinating and informational experience. I sat bemusedly while some of the temples discussed getting “a great deal” on the hotel they rent for their large high Holy Day service overflow (only $95,000!) and how one temple had to deal with an increase in their insurance to $800,000 after 9/11 but it has come down to a reasonable $600,000…. When we discussed operational issues, I found we were doing things quite well. Many temple executive directors expressed frustration with their women’s auxiliaries. When I told them what WOS does for us, they were amazed how smoothly it works. After my experience of working with Karen and her crew at WOS, I thought it was the norm and was surprised the difficulties the others had. And Laura Flieder is doing everything they said a membership person should do. When I took that test, I just thought of what Laura did and I am sure I passed! I learned more about the liturgy in our 2 hour lecture, then I did in 9 years of Hebrew school, but I suspect that has something to do with my “student skills” during those years—Marci, the stories that school director could tell!
The lectures on Reform Judaism were the most informative. As the lecturer summed it up, Reform Judaism has run a gauntlet of individuality to shared community, where Judaism started. I mentioned Rabbi Art (and I see next Friday Rabbi Lapidus is doing the same) had discussed this every topic at the High Holy Days. He thought that was very insightful. And when I listen to the problems so many other executives have with their clergy, I was proud to say we didn’t have any of those problems and they were jealous. It was clear we are very lucky to have Rabbi Art and I thank him for being who he is.
Most importantly, I was able to take this course as your executive director, in part because some of the cost ($400) was the money allocated to this position in the budget so I want to say thank you to all of you too for being who you are! Elliot
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT MUSIC UPDATE: Life after Tifani!
During the past several months, under the leadership of Maury Locke, the Spiritual Enrichment Committee has quite busy considering a variety of options for cantorial/service leading after our student cantor, Tifani Katof, tenure concludes in June. In addition to considering another student cantor (interviews take place in New York on March 22nd) we have two current candidates who are available to “audition” for us on two separate Friday evenings. It is critically important that as many members of the congregation as possible join us for these two auditions.
Nikki Avershal, is soon to be graduated from the University of Pittsburgh. For the past three years while at Pitt she has served as the Songleader/Service Leader for the college students reform services including High Holy Day services. During the past two years Nikki has been the President of the Vocols, a Hillel-sponsored a cappella group that sings throughout the city. Beside playing guitar, she is also a keyboardist and singer with Vindel, a local musical ensemble. She currently teaches music on Sundays at Beth Shalom in the city. She is a fluent Hebrew speaker (one Israeli parent). Ms. Avershal will lead services on Friday, February 27th at 7:30 PM with Rabbi Donsky.
Michelle Gray-Schaffer, is a local candidate who is just a few months away from being accredited as a Cantor by the American Conference of Cantors (the professional association for reform cantors). Michelle is currently one of our Hebrew and Religious teachers and filled in for the rabbi with guitar while he was on sabbatical helping on Sundays and Tuesdays to facilitate services for our school program. She served as a Cantorial Soloist at Tree of Life in the city (Conservative) and at Rodef Shalom. Ms. Gray-Schaffer will audition on Friday, March 13th at 7:30 PM leading services alongside Rabbi Donsky.
For more information about these candidates and the cantorial student auditions in New York feel free to contact Maury Locke or Rabbi Donsky
VIRTUAL EVOLUTION AND RABBI ART!
Our own Rabbi Art will be featured in “Darwin 2009: A Pittsburgh Partnership: the Darwin Synthetic Interview”. Early this year, Rabbi Donsky participated in a joint project between Carnegie Mellon University and Duquesne University celebrating Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday and the 150th anniversary of “The Origin of Species.” http://www.sepa.duq.edu/darwin/synthetic_interview.html
The website will take you a premier of an upcoming exhibit that will be offered at the Carnegie Science Center in February. Rabbi Donsky is one of the local clergy who were “virtualized” and will appear “alongside” Charles Darwin explaining the Jewish view of evolution and Judaism’s interaction with science.
Evolution Shabbat, a weekend of celebration of Darwin’s scientific accomplishments, will be observed this Shabbat throughout the United States in churches, synagogues and mosques.
PURIM CELEBRATIONS
Purim, Purim and more Purim!!!! That’s right Purim is on the horizon so save these important dates: Saturday evening March 7th at 7PM we will offer: “Schmaltz: a Greased Purim” directly our student cantor Tifani Katof and our own Aliyah Donsky. The entire congregation is invited to this Purim Shpiel; this will be our big celebration. Of course, what would Purim be without a Carnival? Our annual Carnival will take place on Sunday, March 8th at 12 noon. Finally, on Monday, March 9th at 7:00 PM in our sanctuary we will offer the entire Megillah Reading and a fun, light-hearted Purim Service. There you have it – 3 chances to celebrate this very unique Jewish celebration, so get your costumes ready!
TOS BLOOD DRIVE
We will have a blood drive from 9:00Am – 3:00AM during the Purim Carnival on Sunday, March 8th! Please give blood and help ensure that it is there when members of our community need it. You can log on to http://www.centralbloodbank.org and enter sponsor code G0020019 or call Peggy Jopling at 724-935-4902 to schedule your lifesaving appointment.
WOS NEWSLETTER
The Women of Ohav Shalom will begin publishing a separate, monthly newsletter, beginning tomorrow. We will send that to you from the eWeekly distribution list. Please let Elliot know if you do not wish to receive this newsletter please .
CAMPING INFO!
Camp Day at TOS! Representatives and information from three area summer camps will be on hand in the Education Wing on Sunday, March 1st! Be sure to stop by to learn more about Goldman Union Camp in Indiana (URJ overnight camp), Temple Ohav Shalom Preschool camp and JCC J&R Camp in Monroeville. The tables will be set up from 9am – 11:30am for your convenience.
Reform Jewish Camping
NFTY (North America Federation of Temple Youth) our reform movement’s teen program has a special place of its own every summer, Kutz Camp in Warwick, NY. This camp offers highly motivated reform 10th -12th graders an intense summer leadership program in a pristine college campus-style environment. Participants select one of 12 majors, choose electives and outdoor recreational activities, and pick from other leadership opportunities in camp to design a custom-made summer program that is meaningful, challenging and FUN!!! For more information, visit online at: http://www.kutz.urjcamps.org or call 212.650.4039
2009 Mitzvah Corps
Mitzvah Corps allows reform Jewish teens to experience social action at its best. Tikkun Olam, friends, expanded horizons, and fun are all part of the Mitzvah Corps experience. For more information about this special summer program: http://www.mitzvahcorps.org or call 212.650.4071
2009 Special Needs Camping
For teens diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, the Union for Reform Judaism offers two sessions in the summer of 2009. The Mitzvah Corps, Tzofim (Scouts) Program is a “Camp within a Camp” in which high school students serve as mentors so campers on the autism spectrum can participate fully in the Jewish camp experience. Sessions will be June 26 – July 3 and July 9 – July 16. Activities include adventure, art, drama, dance, swimming, song sessions and more. This is a safe and nurturing environment fosters positive self-esteem and social skill development. The program is supervised in partnership with specialists from NOVA Southeastern University’s special needs education program, and a well-trained staff team. Medical staff will be onsite. For more information and to set up an intake interview, email . Please include all contact information.
NORTH HILLS COMMUNITY OUTREACH CITRUS SALE
It is time for the North Hills Community Outreach Fresh Citrus Sale. NHCO provides services to families in Northern Allegheny County who are experiencing crisis, hardship or poverty. Help a neighbor in need and treat yourself by purchasing fresh, high quality citrus fruit. Large and small boxes of Florida temple oranges and ruby red Indian River grapefruit are being sold, along with honey tangerines and two specialty boxes. The Citrus Sampler contains navel oranges and grapefruit, while the Fresh Trio also contains Anjou pears. Place your order in the envelopes by the sanctuary and education wing bulletin board. Order forms are also at the Temple.
Orders due by this Friday, February 13th!
Change the World
Remember to bring your change for our Tikkum Olam Tzedaka contest!.
The rules of the contest are pretty simple – pennies add points to a team’s score and nickels, dimes quarters and dollars subtract points from a team’s score. At the end of the contest (which will be on Lag B’Omer – May 12th) the team with the most points will be declared the winner and be permitted to choose the recipients of the combined collection efforts.
Blue and White collection jugs will be strategically placed throughout the temple building during the contest. Based on the rules for scoring points, the winning strategy is as follows:
1. Collect all the change that you can find (pockets, car consoles, couches and piggy banks are prime places to look);
2. Put the pennies in your team’s jug and the nickels dime quarters and dollars into the other team’s jug; and
3. Repeat.
We will provide periodic updates and running team scores via the e-weekly to let everyone know how their team is doing and to feed the competitive nature of the contest. Together we can have some fun, help others through our efforts and – in some small way – Change the World.—Chip Dougherty-VP Social Action
HADASSAH YOUNG WOMEN’S EVENT
February 22 at 4:00-7:00PM. This event is sponsored by the North Hills Group of Hadassah Greater Pittsburgh Chapter. Learn about Hadassah and enjoy games, cash bar, and nosh on Mediterranean fare. Please feel free to invite friends and relatives-the more the merrier! Cost is $10 per person. Please RSVP by February 19th to
Joanne Sosniak 724.935.0683 or Michelle Leavitt 412-548-3737
THINK SPRING! THINK FLOWERS! THINK PASSOVER!
The Women of Ohav Shalom is now selling BARTONS PASSOVER CANDY and MACAROONS! This sale is a fundraiser for Temple Ohav Shalom and we need YOUR help to make it a success!
Brochures and order forms will be put in all students and teachers mailboxes as well the Boards’ mailboxes. If you don’t receive a brochure and would like one, just contact Debbie Joslin at 724-449-2183 or e-mail her at with your requests or any questions. Orders must be placed no later than March 1, 2009. There will be an envelope upstairs in the Education wing to place your order forms. Pick-up will be at Temple Ohav Shalom in mid-March. Candy can be paid for when it is picked up and checks should be made out to Women of Ohav Shalom.
Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 sellers!
Please help the Women of Ohav Shalom make this fundraiser a success for our community.
JOIN THE FUN ON VALENTINE’S DAY
The Women of Ohav Shalom invite you and yours to a Night of Dancing, Food, Wine and Fun!
Learn the Fox Trot,Jitter-Bug,Samba,Rumba and Line Dancing
It is free dance instruction!!!
Just bring an appetizer and Bring your Favorite Drink soda,wine,Beer
Be at Arthur Murray Dance Studio
In Wexford on RT.19
At 8:30 p.m.- On February 14,2009
You must be registered in advance. Please call Elaine Bergstrom and RSVP (412-358-8789)
Anyone taking pictures of this event will be richly rewarded by Elliot!
12th ANNUAL NORTH HILLS INTERFAITH GATHERING
This event will be March 29th (NEW DATE) at TOS 3:00-5:00PM. We invite representatives from many faiths to give presentations on their traditions including: Baha’is, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jews (us!) Mormons, Muslims, Quakers, Unitarian Universalists, and Zoroastrians. It is a wonderful learning experience bringing together people of all ages who may choose to attend any three of the breakout sessions of 10-12 different religions. This is the second time it has been held at our Temple and is made possible by the addition of the newly created separate spaces for the number of religions involved. Clemmy Brodsky
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
Please note: “A Taste of Judaism” has been canceled for the North Hills
Friday, February 13th 7:30 PM, Rabbi Loren Filson Lapidus will give the sermon
Saturday, February 14th 8:30PM WOS Learn to Dance at Arthur Murray in Wexford
Sunday, February 15th No Religious School – Presidents’ Day
Monday, February 16th Office Closed
Friday, February 20th Purim Play Rehearsal 4:00PM--CANCELED
Friday, February 20th Tot Shabbat/Preschool Dinner
Friday, February 20th 7:30PM Shabbat Services with Mishkan T’filah, led by Rabbi Donsky & Tifani Katof
Open Discussion about new siddur in Social Hall following Service
Saturday, February 21st Purim Play Rehearsal 3:00PM
Sunday, February 22nd 4:00-7:00 Hadassah Young Women’s Event Multi Purpose Room
Sunday, March 1st TOS Camp Day 9:00-11:30AM
Thursday, March 5th 7:30PM Temple Youth Committee
Saturday, March 7th Final Purim Rehearsal 5:30PM – (Dinner provided for Cast!)
Saturday, March 7th “Schmaltz: A Greased Purim” 7 PM – Our Purim Shpiel!
Sunday, March 8th PURIM CARNIVAL & BLOOD DRIVE
Sunday, March 15th 1:00-4:00 PM Mah Jong
Sunday, March 29th 3:00PM-5:00PM 12th Annual Interfaith Gathering - Hosted at TOS-NEW DATE
Saturday, April 18th NIGHT AT THE RACES! TOS Social Hall
SCHEDULE OF WORSHIP
SERVICES FOR FEBRUARY
Parashat Yitro
Friday, February 13 – 19 Shevat, 5769
7:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
Rabbi Donsky & Rabbi Loren Filson Lapidus
Bill Lowenberger
Saturday, February 14 – 20 Shevat, 5769
10:00 am Shabbat Morning Service
Bobbie Harley
Parashat Mishpatim
Friday, February 20 – 26 Shevat, 5769
6:15 pm Tot Shabbat
7:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
Rabbi Donsky & Tifani Katof, Cantorial Intern
Saturday, February 21 – 27 Shevat, 5769
10:00 am Shabbat Morning Service
Rabbi Donsky & Tifani Katof
Parashat Terumah
Friday, February 27 – 3 Adar, 5769
7:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
Rabbi Donsky
Saturday, February 28 – 4 Adar, 5769
10:00 am Shabbat Morning Service
Rabbi Donsky
