eWeekly March 18, 2009
Dear Friends,
With the arrival of spring but a few days away (thank God) we quickly turn our communal attention to the Festival of Pesakh (Passover). In the coming weeks (Wednesday, April 8th is night of the 1st Seder) many of us will engage in our families’ varied rituals of preparation for this much beloved holiday. Of course, the essence of Pesakh is in its message of freedom and justice – that all peoples deserve to live a life filled with dignity and self-respect.
In keeping with this vital message, let me encourage all of our members to participate in the upcoming 12th Annual Interfaith Gathering that is being held this year at our congregation. On Sunday, March 29th from 3 – 5 PM peoples of many faith and religious communities will enter our sanctuary to celebrate and share and learn from one another. Our tradition considers the mitzvah of welcoming guests, “hakh’na’sat or’khim”, as a truly important sacred obligation (this mitzvah is included in a list special mitzvot that we recite each day from the Siddur); one that we should practice often in community.
Truth be told, too many of us haven’t taken advantage of this unique North Hills program when it has been held outside the temple, in churches throughout our community. Shortly after I arrived to serve as the rabbi of our community, 12 years ago, I had the privilege to participate in the very first Gathering that took at St. Paul’s on Ferguson Rd. And I have felt privileged and blessed every year to participate and I have usually offered the Jewish perspective on the theme of the program.
This year’s theme is “Working for Change” thus encouraging all of the presenters to focus upon their particular group’s approach to social and religious change. This is a very exciting topic and I’m sure that you will be engaged by the many presenters and learn something not only about the different religious groups but also something significant about yourself.
Recently, this past Monday night at our monthly Temple Board meeting, VP of Social Action, Chip Dougherty explained the important goals of this committee for the coming months, and he strongly encouraged the members of the Board to attend the Interfaith Gathering and I’m sure that many of them will attend.
So please mark your calendars to attend and if your middle school and teen students are interested in joining the “pick-up chorus” for this program, we will rehearse from 2 PM until 3 PM. Hope to see you on the 29th.
B’shalom,
Rabbi Art
SAVE THE DATES: TOS 201 – What do Jews Believe?
Last fall we offered three sessions of TOS 101 for new members, those interested in becoming Jewish and anyone else interested in learning about the customs and traditions of our congregation. This coming spring, we are offering three sessions about what Jews believe. Classes will be held on Tuesdays, May 12, 19, and 26. Lunch-n-Learn will take place at 12 noon (bring a bag lunch) and evening classes at 7 PM. Classes are free to members and prospective members.
Tuesday, May 12th – What do Jews Believe about God?
Tuesday, May 19th – What do Jews Believe about the After Life?
Tuesday, May 26th – What do Jews Believe about being a ‘Good’ Jew?
Come to one or all three and bring your questions. Handouts will be provided. Please RSVP to .
12th ANNUAL NORTH HILLS INTERFAITH GATHERING
“Celebrating Our Diversity: Working for Change”
This event will be March 29th 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
“How to Lead the ‘Perfect’ Seder? No Joking!”
Wed. April 1st – 12 Noon – bring a Brown Bag Lunch if you want
Or Wed. April 1st – 7 PM
Please bring your favorite Haggadah and questions, of course.
Rabbi Art will facilitate a discussion about the key elements of the Seder and how to lead ‘perfect’ regardless of whether your Matzah Balls are fluffy or cannonballs!!!
JEWISH MUSIC FESTIVAL: “TIFANI KATOF and FRIENDS”
We received a grant from the UJF of Pittsburgh to have a Jewish Music Festival. Come to Borders in the Northway Mall on Saturday, April 4th @ 5:00PM for a celebration of Jewish music with Tifani and friends. Enjoy Passover songs and Jewish musical theatre! And check out a musical preview on our website right here!
BAR MITZVAH PROJECTS
Hi, my name is Jason Weis. Please help our community and support my Mitzvah project by donating foods to the Squirrel Hill Food Pantry. Please drop off any donations in the coat room by the Sanctuary by March 26, 2009. If you have any questions, please call me at 724 443 4696. A flier is attached that describes what they need.
Thank you,
Jason
I am having a Bake Sale next Sunday, March 22nd to raise money for my Bat Mitzvah project “Nothing But Nets”. Please come and buy a treat when you drop your child off for Sunday school.
Thanks
Hannah Fassler
WOS/HADASSAH Afternoon at the Movies!
Join the Woman of Ohav on April 5th at 4:00PM for the movie: Arranged! A flier is attached. RSVP to Kathy @ by April 1st!
RECYCLING CONTAINER
The new recycling container is in! It has the side openings and smaller tops so please continue to recycle your newspapers and paper at the Temple.
PRESCHOOL HAPPENINGS!
It is hard to believe that summer is around the corner, and we are gearing up for Preschool Summer Camp. We are open to children from age 2 thru 5. The first session runs from June 8th -19th. The second session runs from June 22nd- July 3rd. You may sign up for one or both sessions. Each day includes inside and outside play, crafts, stories, snack and “water day”!
If you would like more information, please contact Liz in the preschool office at or 412-369-0621. Registration Form attached to the eWeekly
SPREAD THE WORD; RECEIVE $100 DISCOUNT
Help us spread the word about our wonderful preschool to your friends and neighbors in the North Hills. Our Temple Ohav Shalom Preschool provides a warm and nurturing environment where a love for learning is established. With low teacher to student ratios, enrichment activities such as yoga, music and Hebrew language, and a creative and loving staff, there is no reason to go anywhere else!
All members who recruit a new family to the preschool will receive a $100 discount on next year’s membership dues.* Questions may be directed to Elana Kriess, VP Preschool () or Liz Sender, Preschool Director ().
*Members must be in good standing to receive discount; new family must enroll their child in the preschool.
BUY YOUR CHILDREN’S ARTWORK!
The Temple Ohav Shalom Art Sale for Lifelong Learning is Sunday, April 5th from 9:00AM to 12 Noon. All proceeds go to our school!
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. Click on “Join an existing team” to find the Temple Ohav Shalom team. Elana Kriess (724-452-7043)
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.
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.
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 (i.e., 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 or (724) 772-8117. We are in need of Silent Auction items!
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, 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, April 24th 6:15PM Tot Shabbat (4th Friday this month)
Saturday, April 25th 9:00 AM Special Needs Shabbat Morning Experience (30 minutes)
Friday, May 15th 7:30PM Shabbat honoring Tifani Katof Guest Rabbi: Rabbi Mark Mahler
Friday May 15th 6:15 Tot Shabbat
SCHEDULE OF WORSHIP SERVICES FOR MARCH
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
