eWeekly: Jan 14, 2008
TOS eWeekly Volume 3 Issue 16, January 14th, 2008Please note that the temple offices are closed January 19th for the Martin Luther King holiday.
A SPECIAL KAVOD
On Friday, February 13th, 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. Please be sure to come and celebrate this special event.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Dear Temple Family:
I hope all of you had a wonderful Holiday and are looking forward to the New Year. This is my first message to the congregation since becoming president a little over two months ago and I am in the process of learning what the duties and responsibilities of this office entail. I am very pleased that since November every position on the Board of Directors of our Temple has been filled. The congregation has answered the Board’s call for help. For the first time since I have been a member of this Temple (over a decade) an election was held with ballots sent out to the membership. This election was for an At-Large Director and over 140 votes were cast. I want to congratulate Rob Sapinkopf on becoming a Director of our board. I also want to welcome Chip Dougherty as VP of social action, Jeff Flieder as Executive VP of Membership and Larry Goldberg, our new Men’s Club President. I also want to thank Bill Lowenberger for agreeing to chair the Leadership Development/Election Committee and Cheryl Bradshaw and Mark Pizov for serving with him. It surprised me to learn how much time and effort was necessary to make this election possible. I also want to thank Martin Greenberg for his hard work as much of the oversight of this process under our By-Laws falls on the Treasurer.
The Board is in the process of reacting and responding to many of the suggestions made at the November Q&A session and I will report on our progress soon. We are planning what I believe are exciting events and programs for our membership which require your support and participation in order to be successful and to continue. I look forward to spending time with all of you in the New Year.
Ralph
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. More detailed information on the exact pick-up date will follow. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 sellers!
Please help the Women of Ohav Shalom make this fundraiser a success for our community.
PRIVATE TOUR & CONCERT at HEINZ HALL for TOS CONGREGANTS
Saturday January 31st, 8:00PM (corrected date)
Join the Women of Ohav Shalom for a private tour of Heinz Hall from our very own symphony and Temple member Tatjana Chamis followed by a concert featuring Tatjana and 3 of her fellow graduates of the Curtis Institute of Music
Call for tickets under Temple Ohav Shalom. Tickets range from $18-$45. Children’s tickets are $12. Call Erin at 412.392.4819
Change the World
As we turn the calendar that governs our secular lives at work and school from 2008 to 2009, it seems an appropriate time to re-evaluate our contributions to our community. One area that seems to cry out for our attention is Tikkum Olam – repairing the world through acts of loving kindness. While the challenges the world faces are great, (just pick up a newspaper or turn on evening news) the small steps we take as individuals and as a temple community can literally Change the World for the better.
One of the small steps we are initiating is a communal Tzedaka drive – but not just any Tzedaka drive. Because we live in Pittsburgh we are naturally a competitive bunch – so our Tzedaka drive incorporates a contest between two teams – Team Blue – made up all persons born on or after January 1, 1990, and Team White – which includes those folks born before January 1, 1990. Despite unfounded rumors, and the fact that Team White has selected Clemmy Brodsky as our honorary captain, the team colors are not related to the hair color of any particular team members.
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
GOOD & WELFARE
We have a member in Glenshaw who cannot drive and would like to attend services. Is there anyone who can help? Please contact Laura Flieder at 724-449-2779 if you can be of service.
FISCAL YEAR STATEMENTS
This week the calendar year statements for tax purposes for your temple account and capital campaign account were mailed! If you do NOT receive them by Saturday, please let Elliot know!
RECYCLING BIN
Many of you have raised the issue of the difficulty of opening our ABITI recycling bin. Like other companies, they are in a cash crunch and had to cancel an order for 490 new bins. However, they will be re-deploying bins they have in the community. When they find one for us, they will get it here, but it may be awhile. In the meantime, if you need help with the bins, ask me or someone else at the temple when you come by to make a drop—Elliot
MEMBERSHIP
Please come to TOS Community Night. It is an opportunity to socialize with your friends and to learn what your fellow congregants do for a living. You do not need to pitch your business to come. Come for socializing. Come for the opportunity to win some Penguin tickets. Come to advertise your business. Come have fun and support your fellow congregants in these tough economic times. Saturday, January 24th at 7:00p.m. For businesses that pre-register, your information will be placed into a program given to all attendees. Call Laura Flieder at 724-449-2779 or Matt Lifson at 724-940-1080 to RSVP
12th ANNUAL INTERFAITH GATHERING
This event will be March 12th at TOS. 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. More details to follow. Clemmy, Captain, Team White
SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEENS
The AJL is seeking Teen Leaders to participate in the Teen Leadership Study Tour to Israel this Summer. If you are a current 9-11th grade student and are a leader in your community this is the trip for you. You will spend three weeks in Israel, working on your leadership skills, seeing Israel and spending one full week in an Israeli host family’s home. When you return, teens from Pittsburgh will host the Israeli teens here. If you are interested in more information or to receive an application please email or . The next open house will be January 11, 2009 at 4:30pm. This program is sponsored by AJL and the UJF’s Partnership 2000 program.
Are you interested in spending an amazing summer in Boston? Brandeis University offers two tracks of studying and growing together with other teens from around the country. Check out http://www.brandeis.edu/genesis/ for more information about the genesis program or http://www.brandeis.edu/bima/ to learn more about the Jewish arts program at Brandeis.
Has this past year given your teen the political bug? If so, Panim is a great way to continue that interest over the summer. In addition to the Jewish Civics/Panim program offered during the year at J-SITE, Panim offers two summer opportunities:
PanimWorks: DC JAM, on the campus of The George Washington University, is a leadership training program for teens passionate about politics, community service, activism, and Judaism. Become a leader in the political world and the Jewish community today! Learn about key issues impacting the U.S. and the world through interactions with leading U.S. policymakers and experts, while exploring the connection between Judaism and advocacy. Participate in meaningful hands-on service projects, while earning community service-learning hours. Develop the skills to pioneer change and impact the issues you care about. Two 2-week sessions or a four week session (including a bonus opportunity of a placement in DC agency) will be offered for students currently in grades 10-12. http://www.dcjam.org
Contact: Reisa Shanaman 301-770-5070, x 217 or
PanimWorks: Southwest is a cultural exchange and community service program on a Native American Reservation in the American Southwest. Make a difference as you live in rustic accommodations on a Native American reservation, interacting with members of the Zuni and Hopi Nations while working together to promote positive change. This trip in the majestic Southwest includes hands-on service projects as well as outdoor recreational activities. Make lifelong friends and learn about the ethical values that define Jewish life while earning up to 45 community service-learning hours. Three sessions will be offered for students currently in grades 9-12. http://www.panimworks.org
Contact: Hershel Cohen 301-770-5070, x209 or
Contact Temple members through our website!
If you are registered on http://www.Templeohavshalom.org, you can easily contact another registered member via email without knowing his or her email address. Simply login to the site, and click the link for “Members” at the very top of the screen. Once there, you will see the membership list with a button labeled “EMAIL” that will open a new message dialogue.
While you’re there, why not update your profile? Click “Your Control Panel” at the top, and update your information, and even add a photo of yourself or your family!
And of course, if you aren’t registered on the site yet…why not?
SNOW TUBING DAY
Sunday, February 8th, from 1:00-3:00OPM Wildwood Highlands, 2330 Wildwood Rd., Wildwood, PA 15091
An event sponsored by Adat Shalom, Shalom Pittsburgh, Temple Ohav Shalom and Chabad of Fox Chapel. Contact Ann Cloutier at 412.992.5255 or acloutier@UJF Pittsburgh.org with questions or to RSVP. Adults $15.95, children $14.95 (additional children $10.00) Children need to be at least 42” tall to participate, and those under 50” have to ride with an adult.
URJ Summer Camp in The Middle of The Winter
Join members of our Pittsburgh Area Reform Congregations for a Shabbat afternoon
of URJ Summer Camp in The Middle of The Winter
A URJ sleep-away camp experience is a unique, fun way to help your son or daughter cultivate an independent sense of self, along with a proud Jewish identity. The Reform Movement Camps offer your child an invaluable opportunity to discover the joys of living Judaism as part of a warm, spirited, and diverse community. In a safe, scenic, natural environment, surrounded by nurturing and empowering role models, he or she will master a variety of new skills, and grow in confidence and maturity.
Saturday, January 24, 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Temple Sinai, 5505 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh
We will be joined by URJ Camp Harlam Staff as we share in team building activities, camp Torah activities, a song session, and camp comfort food.
We will watch camp videos, ask questions about camp, talk about scholarships and consider how your child can join thousands of Reform Jewish children at URJ Camps. This is a perfect family activity for families with children in 1st-6th Grades.
Whether you are considering camp for this summer, next summer or beyond, we want you to taste camp now… in the middle of the winter.
RSVP to by January 19.
MEMBERSHIP
Please come to TOS Community Night. It is an opportunity to socialize with your friends and to learn what your fellow congregants do for a living. You do not need to pitch your business to come. Come for socializing. Come for the opportunity to win some Penguin tickets. Come to advertise your business. Come have fun and support your fellow congregants in these tough economic times. Saturday, January 24th at 7:00p.m. For businesses that pre-register, your information will be placed into a program given to all attendees. Call Laura Flieder at 724-449-2779 or Matt Lifson at 724-940-1080 to RSVP
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 have not been contacted or have any questions about the Super Bowl Fundraiser, please contact Brian Kline (412) 487-4927.
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
Wednesday, January 14th 7:30PM Men’s Club—Gracies-Oxford Club
Thursday, January 15th 7:30 PM Temple Youth Committee
Friday, January 16th TOT SHABBAT Dinner 6:15 Services 6:45PM
7:30PM Shabbat Services with Mishkan T’filah Tifani Katof, Student Cantor
Saturday, January 17th 9:30 B’nai Mitzvah Workshop, Services at 10:00AM
Sunday, January 18th 8:45am-9:30am – Adult Ed Hebrew
Sunday, January 18th TOS Mitzvah Day
Tuesday, January 20th 5:45pm – LL Committee Meeting – Social Hall
Saturday, January 24th Special Needs Shabbat Celebration 9:00AM-9:45AM
Saturday, January 24th 7:00 PM TOS Community Night
Sunday, January 25th 8:45am-9:30am – Adult Ed Hebrew
Sunday, January 25th 11:30am – Ozrim Meeting
Sunday, January 25th 1:00-4:00PM Mahj Jong
Friday, January 30th 7:30 PM – Genocide Awareness Shabbat
Sunday, February 1st 8:45am-9:30am – Adult Ed Hebrew
Friday, February 6th First Friday Dinner, Grade 3
Sunday, February 8th 8:45am-9:30am – Adult Ed Hebrew
Friday, February 13th 7:30 PM Rabbi Lauren Filson Lapidus will give the sermon
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
Thursday, March 5th 7:30PM Temple Youth Committee
Sunday, March 22nd 12th Annual Interfaith Gathering - Hosted at TOS
Saturday, April 18th NIGHT AT THE RACES! TOS Social Hall
Saturday, April 25th 9:00AM Special Needs Shabbat
Schedule of Worship
Services for January
Parashat Shemot
Friday, January 16 --- 20 Tevet, 5769
6:15pm Tot Shabbat
7:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat
Tifani Katof, Cantorial Intern
Using Mishkan T’Filah
Saturday, January 17 --- 21 Tevet, 5769
10:00am Shabbat Morning Service
Tifani Katof, Cantorial Intern
Parashat Vaera
Friday, January 23--- 27 Tevet, 5769
7:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat
Rabbi Donsky & Shara Taylor
Saturday, January 24 --- 28 Tevet, 5769
9:00AM-9:45AM Special Needs Shabbat with Rabbi Donsky
10:00am Shabbat Morning Service
Rabbi Donsky
Parashat Bo
Friday, January 30 ---5 Shevat, 5769
7:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat
Rabbi Donsky & Marshal Auron
Genocide Awareness Discussion
Saturday, January 31 --- 6 Shevat, 5769
10:00am Shabbat Moring Service
Adelman Baby Naming
Rabbi Donsky & Bill Lowenberger
