eWeekly: Feb 25, 2009
SING, SING, SING!!! 1st Musical Service/Song Leader Audition
Dear Friends,
We are a congregation that loves to sing! Every Sunday morning and Tuesday afternoon our school services are filled with song. This is such a blessing; as many of the congregations that I visited during my sabbatical were not singing congregations.
This coming Erev Shabbat at 7:30 PM, the first of our local candidates for our Service/Song leader position, Ms. Nikki Avershal will join me on the Bima. And, you are very much invited to join us and hear for yourself and then meet Nikki at the Oneg Shabbat. On March, 13th also at 7:30 PM, we will welcome, Ms. Michele Gray-Schaffer, a second local candidate, to our Bima, so please mark this date on your calendar, as well.
Last Friday evening we once again tried-out the new reform siddur, Mishkan T’filah, (Sanctuary/Tabernacle of Prayer). Using our 30 copies plus another 20 we borrowed from Rodef Shalom in Oakland, we enjoyed a spirit, kavvanah (intention)-filled service. During the Oneg Shabbat, Maury Locke and I led what turned out to be an overwhelmingly positive discussion of the new siddur, the contents of which was recently reported to the Board. Stay tuned for more opportunities to experience the siddur in the weeks and months ahead as we continue to try it out before any final decision is made.
B’shalom,
Rabbi Art Donsky<
OUR MUSICAL FUTURE: TWO IMPORTANT FRIDAY EVENING SERVICES
During the past several months, under the leadership of Maury Locke, the Spiritual Enrichment Committee has been quite busy considering a variety of options for cantorial/service leading after our student cantor’s tenure, Tifani Katof), concludes in June. In addition to considering another student cantors (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 Song leader/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 acappella group that sings throughout the city. Besides 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.
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- 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.
DRIVEWAY COURTESY
Drivers, please drive slowly in the parking lot and especially the driveway, at the top where it curves! There have been some near misses—it is a sharp turn!
THINK SPRING! THINK FLOWERS! THINK PASSOVER!
LAST WEEK! ORDERS MUST BE IN BY FRIDAY!
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.
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 or call.
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.
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 with lots of help from our parents and teens. 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! The Purim Carnival, sponsored by the Women of Ohav Shalom, is Sunday, March 8, 2009. At the carnival, we will be having a basket raffle to raise money for our school. You have until Tuesday, March 3rd, to bring in your baskets. Suggested basket themes are as follows:
Kindergarten – Webkinz
1st Grade – Cartoons / Disney
2nd Grade – Pittsburgh
3rd Grade – Arts and Crafts
4th Grade – Sports
TOS CHIDON TEAM
The TOS Chidon Team did a terrific job & placed fourth in the Israel Competition this past Sunday at Rodef Shalom. The team consisted of two sixth grade students : Fabiana Chamis & Rachael Harrison and three fifth grade students: Rebecca Auron, Jessica Hertzberg & Leah Popkin. Fifth grade Religious School teacher, Max Nurnberger was the team’s coach. Also attending were Matthew Weis, Jamie Eisner, Jackie Bradshaw, Ariel & Benjamin Chamis along with Jason and Jeffrey Hertzberg who came to cheer on the team, compete for audience prizes and participate in a sing-a-long. Mazel Tov to the team!
Thanks so much,
Kristi
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 or by phone at 412-487-8191. We will also accept instruments and sheet music at an alternate time if you are unavailable on this date.
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.
TEMPLE DONATIONS
Did you know there are many different ways to donate to the temple? Over 12 different funds are established for donations in honor or in memory of a loved one or for any special occasion. Donation form is attached to this eWeekly.
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
AN EVENING AT THE RACES!
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 if anyone would like to donate a product or service for the Silent Auction please contact Amy Covell at or (724) 772-8117. We are in need of Silent Auction items!
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.
TASTE OF 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 and enter sponsor code G0020019 or call Peggy Jopling at 724-935-4902 to schedule your lifesaving appointment. You an also sign up outside the Sanctuary.
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, February 27th 5:30PM-8:30PM Hillel Friday Night Lights
Saturday, February 28th 2:00PM Purim Play Rehearsal
Sunday, March 1st TOS Camp Day 9:00-11:30AM
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 (Dinner provided for Cast!) TIME CHANGE!
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 FEBRUARY
Parashat Mishpatim
Parashat Terumah
Friday, February 27 – 3 Adar, 5769
7:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
Rabbi Donsky
Nicki Avershal (audition)
Saturday, February 28 – 4 Adar, 5769
10:00 am Shabbat Morning Service
Rabbi Donsky
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
Happy March Birthdays
1 Ella Adelman
2 Ian Cohen
5 Andre Ennis
6 Joshua Siegal
7 Lauren Michael
8 David Fassler
9 Brandon Bergstrom
Lauren Smith
Max Leavitt
13 Brooke Singer
19 Aaron Borrebach
Daniel Borrebach
Naomi Borrebach
26 Joseph Feldman
28 Ross Marinstein
Happy March Anniversaries
9 Lisa and Michael Schneider
20 Nicole and Tom Kramer
21 Jill and David Roskin
28 Naomi and Paul Herman
29 Martin Greenberg & Susan Gottfried
MARCH YAHRZEITS May Their Memories Be For A Blessing
March 1 / Adar 5
Arnold Siegal
Father of Mark Siegal
Mildred Swernofsky
Mother of Beth Mongilio
March 3 / Adar 7
Geraldine Hyatt
Mother of Arlene Pauley
Juniata Jennings
Mother of Mark Jopling
March 5 / Adar 9
Ben Samuels
Father of Martin Samuels
March 6 / Adar 10
David Student
Father of Susan Loether
March 8 / Adar 12
Minna Dawidowicz
Mother of Sara DeVos
March 9 / Adar 13
Elaine Shriber
Mother of Ken Shriber
March 10 / Adar 14
Morris Sedaka
Father of Ricki Harbaugh
March 11 / Adar 15
Judy Rubin
Mother of Margee Denver
March 12 / Adar 16
Kurt Julich
Father of Donna Buchbinder
Ruth Schwartz
Mother of Pearl Schwartz
March 13 / Adar 17
Mark Wolf
Husband of Eve Wolf
March 15 / Adar 19
Harold Schorr
Father of Neal Schorr
Franklin Sheek
Father of Kimberly Popkin
Joseph Stone
Father of David Stone
March 16 / Adar 20
Abraham Broido
Father of Michelle Broido
March 16 / Adar 20
Eva Moschinsky
Mother of Gerri Greenberg
March 17 / Adar 21
Elaine Yellin Burgess
Daughter of Audrey Baker
Max Zonn
Father of Sidney Zonn
March 19 / Adar 23
Les Karlton
Father of Rhonda Rosen
March 20 / Adar 24
Samuel Eli Tisherman
Father of Samuel Tisherman
March 21 / Adar 25
Brad Barankin
Husband of Janet Barankin
Allen Exter
Husband of Toby Exter
Father of Rachel Berlin
March 22 / Adar 26
Gertrude Savitz
Mother of Sanford Savitz
March 23 / Adar 27
Samuel Ruffman
Father of Barbara LeWinter
March 26 / Nissan 1
Margaret Goddy Fritz
Daughter of Frances Goddy
Sister of Joanne Pampena
Ruth Mongilio
Mother of Bernie Mongilio
March 27 / Nissan 2
Alma Poller
Mother of William Poller
March 28 / Nissan 3
Nancy Lockwich
Sister of Mary Kaufman
March 29 / Nissan 4
Hilda Zonn
Mother of Sidney Zonn
March 30 / Nissan 5
Michael O’Connor
Father of Arlene Pauley
March 31 / Nissan 6
Dorothy Borrebach
Mother of Donald Borrebach
Bernard Schwartz
Father of Donald Schwartz
