Wednesday, April 29, 2009
eWeekly April 29,2009
TOS eWeekly Volume 3 Issue 31, April 29th 2009
This week we welcome the month of May with a double Torah portion, Aharei Mot – Kedoshim. These portions contain some of our Torah’s key texts, the Yom Kippur scapegoat ritual and the Holiness Code, respectively.
In the latter portion we are taught, “v’ahavta l’rey’a’ha k’mokha, ani Adonai,” “you shall love [be loyal] your neighbor as yourself, I am the Eternal.” Historical, of course, this ancient Torah command meant showing loyalty to your fellow Israelite kinsperson. Our sages and teachers over time came to interpret the Torah’s words more broadly. Now, these sacred words remind us year in and year out how we must relate to our neighbors, our fellow humans beings, whether they live next door to us or half a world away, whether Jew or Gentile, Protestant or Catholic, Buddhist or Muslim, Hindu or Sikh.
Yes, of course, there are times when it is awfully difficult to fulfill this mitzvah, this sacred obligation, when relating to those outside of our familiar circle of family and friends, however, this is when I believe it is all the more important.
Two weeks ago I had the privilege of meeting and sharing a meal with Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, a Palestinian physician, and a Nobel Peace prize nominee, from Gaza who spoke at the Jewish Community Center. Dr. Abuelaish, you may remember, in the early hours of January 16th, after speaking to a variety of individuals at the JCC on January 15th via cell phone Gaza, lost three of his daughters to an Israeli rocket attack on his home. (This horrific tragedy was determined to be an accident and the Israeli government will compensate his family).
You may listen to Dr. Abuelaish’s presentation from the JCC by clicking on this link.
While I cannot do justice to his remarks in this small space, let me say that in spite of his terrible loss, Dr. Abuelaish’s intense personal Muslim faith and his over arching love for humanity have allowed him to overcome the desire for revenge or the creation of a life of hatred. Instead, he is an example someone fulfilling God’s demand to be “loyal to your neighbor” even in the midst of the most awful moments in his life.
May Dr. Abuelaish’s example of “kedushat haShem”, sanctifying God’s name, be an inspiration for us even in the darkest moments of our own lives and even at times when true justice and peace between Israelis and Palestinians may seem difficult to achieve with the new Israeli government.
B’shalom,
Rabbi Art Donsky
ADDITIONAL SHIVA INFORMATION FOR PAUL HYMAN
This is follow-up information to the announcement you received yesterday. Bobbi Harley says she will have an additional night of Shivah this Sunday, @ 8:00PM at her home in Franklin Park. Andi Turkheimer is coordinating the arrangements. 412-367-7864
TEACHER APPRECIATION DINNER & FIRST FRIDAY
This Friday, May 1st, is First Friday & Teacher Appreciation Shabbat Dinner! Your teachers and volunteers will be among the staff members being honored at Shabbat Services. Please come and bring your family to help us say “THANK YOU!” to your teachers for a job well done!! A-M please bring a side dish for 10. N-Z bring a dessert for 10. People have been forgetting the dishes.
PLEASE BE SURE TO EMAIL YOUR RSVP to or call so we have an accurate count, even if you have paid for the year. Thank you
CEMETERY MARKETING
( I am repeating this because after running it a few weeks ago, Danielle was in a car accident and could not work. Then Pesach came, so this marketing will begin next week again—Elliot)
Many members may not know this, but there is a section of Allegheny County Memorial Park that is designated the Jewish Section for Temple Ohav Shalom. This was done in the late 1980’s. The cemetery has changed management a few times since then and we recently met with the current management to discuss landscaping etc. Though a relatively young congregation, we have now had families which have had all the life cycle events at our temple (births, naming, b’nai mitzvah’s, marriage and burials). The Temple Ohav Shalom Cemetery Gardens has approximately 432 sites available for us. Part of our agreement was to allow solicitation for grave sales by providing membership information to the cemetery sales person. Our representative is Danielle Matascik (412.366.8296). She will begin a marketing effort shortly. Please contact Elliot if you have any questions or concerns.
MEMBERSHIP LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
The Rabbi is offering a series of classes called TOS 201 – What do 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 Laura Flieder at or 724-449-2779.
PITTSBURGH RACE FOR THE CURE
We now have a team of 10 people who, together, have raised over $1300 for this cause!!
Join fellow TOS members 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 will help provide the necessary funding 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)
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, May 1st 6:00PM First Friday Dinner
Friday, May 1st 7:00PM First Friday Services –Teacher Appreciation Shabbat & Oneg
Friday, May 1st Talent Show right after services
Friday, May 8th 11:30Am Pre-School Mother’s Tea
Tuesday, May 12th 7:00PM What Do Jews Believe (about God?) TOS 201
Friday, May 15th 7:30PM Shabbat honoring Tifani Katof Guest Rabbi: Rabbi Mark Mahler
Tuesday, May 19th 7:00PM What Do Jews Believe (about the After Life?) TOS 201
Friday May 15th 6:15 Tot Shabbat
Thursday, May 21st Last Day of Pre-School!
Tuesday, May 26th 7:00PM What Do Jews Believe (about being a ‘Good’ Jew?) TOS 201
Friday, July 3rd All American Pre-Shabbat Barbeque
Friday, August 28th Shabbat In The Park
SCHEDULE OF WORSHIP SERVICES FOR MAY
Parashat Achrei Mot-Kedoshim
Friday, May 1 7 lyar, 5769
6:00 pm Dinner for All
7:00 pm First Friday Kabbalat Shabbat
Rabbi Donsky & Nikki Avershal
Saturday, May 2 8 lyar, 5769
10:00 am Shabbat Morning Service
Bat Mitzvah of Hannah Fassler
Rabbi Donsky & Nikki Avershal
Parashat Emor
Friday, May 8 14 lyar, 5769
7:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
Rabbi Donsky & Tifani Katof
Saturday, May 9 15 lyar, 5769
10:00 am Shabbat Morning Service
Bar Mitzvah of Jason Weis
Rabbi Donsky & Tifani Katof
Parashat Behar – Behukotai
Friday, May 15 21 lyar, 5769
6:15 pm Tot Shabbat
7:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
Rabbi Mark Mahler – Honoring Tifani
Rabbi Donsky & Tifani Katof
Saturday, May 16 – 22 lyar, 5769
10:00 am Shabbat Morning Service
Bat Mitzvah of Rena Ferrara
Rabbi Donsky & Tifani Katof
Parashat Bamidbar
Friday, May 22 – 28 lyar, 5769
7:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
Rabbi Donsky & Bobbie Harley
Saturday, May 23 – 29 lyar, 5769
10:00 am Shabbat Morning Service
Bat Mitzvah of Becky Lebovitz
Rabbi Donsky & Shara Taylor
Shavuot
Friday, May 29 – 6 Sivan, 5769
7:30 pm Kabbalat Torah
10th Grade Graduation
Rabbi Donsky & Shara Taylor
Saturday, May 30 – 7 Sivan, 5769
10:00 am Shabbat Morning Service
Bar Mitzvah of Andres Hoberman
Rabbi Donsky & Bill Lowenberger
Happy May Birthdays
1 Jacob Vries
2 Michael Feldman
3 Alex Levine
4 Noah Frank
Jeremy West
5 Rena Ferrara
8 Alexander Auron
Jared Orons
10 Lauren Berlin
Benjamin Maenza
Casey Mann
11 Jenna Marinstein
12 Elana Fishbaine
15 Leah Popkin
16 Brian Boehmke
19 Rachael Harrison
20 Matthew Kramer
21 Steven Schorr
24 Charney Burg
MAY YAHZEITS
May Their Memories Be For A Blessing
May 1 / lyar 7
Adolph Markowitz
Father of Daryl Jean Marks
May 3 / lyar 9
David Newman
Stepfather of Maury Locke
May 7 / lyar 13
Irving Hurwitz
Father of Cathy Filson
May 8 / lyar 14
S. William Locke
Father of Maury Locke
May 12 / lyar 18
Katherine Barash
Mother of Mark Barash
Bernard Zvirman
Father of Charles Zvirman
May 13 / lyar 19
Lawrence Ginsburg
Father of Michael Ginsburg
May 15 / lyar 21
Shirley Strahl
Mother of Shelley Piechowicz
May 16 / lyar 22
Sandra Belloff
Sister of Barbara Laine
May 17 / lyar 23
Ida Burns
Mother of Audrey Baker
May 20 / lyar 26
Beth Hyatt-Golling
Sister of Arlene Pauley
William Levenson
Father of Susan Goldman
May 23 / lyar 29
Meyer Goddy
Spouse of Frances Goddy
Father of Joanne Pampena
May 25 / Sivan 2
Ralph Brodsky
Father of Allan Brodsky
Mildred Pankey
Mother of Eileen Burke
May 27 / Sivan 4
Maurice Rosenthal
Husband of Ann Rosenthal
Father of Elaine Cohen
Norman Zakowitz
Father of Hilary Daninhirsch
May 28 / Sivan 5
Josef Lifson
Father of Melvyn Lifson
May 29 /Sivan 6
Marian Weiner
Mother of Nancy Garber
