Friday, February 06, 2009

eWeekly: Feb 4, 2009

MEN’S CLUB UPDATE
Due to bad weather, we have had to postpone Larry Goldberg’s coronation. So let’s try again. We are going to meet at Gracies in the Oxford Club at 7:30 PM tonight, February 4th to crown our new president. Please attend if you can. Dues are $25 for the year to support TOS.

FIRST FRIDAY DINNER & SHABBAT SHIRAH (SABBATH OF SONG)! 
Come celebrate First Friday Shabbat Celebration with Tifani Katof and Rabbi Art, Friday, Feb. 6th, at 7:00 PM.  It’s Shabbat Shirah, the Sabbath of Song and Moshe the Mitzvah Moose has been warming up his pipes so watch out! 
Kitah Gimel (3rd Grade) Dinner and Dinner for All is at 6 PM. Kitah Gimel students will participate in the Friday evening service.

On Shabbat Morning, Feb. 7th at 10 AM come celebrate with our community as we call Coleman Dougherty, the son of Kathy and Chip Dougherty, to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.  Mazal Tov to Coleman on joining his older sister, Rachel, on becoming a young adult member of our congregation.

RSVP for the First Friday dinner by emailing or returning the attached flier.
Note-A-M bring dessert this time. N-Z bring the side dishes. You can also call 412-360-0900 x14 and leave a message!

MITZVAH DAY
Mitzvah Day for all of our Religious school families will take place this Sunday, February 8th from 9-11:30am

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.

TASTE OF JUDAISM RETURNS
“A Taste of Judaism” – is returning to our congregation for 3 evenings on Feb. 11th, 18th and 25th at 7 PM.  These three classes cover Jewish Spirituality, Jewish Learning and Jewish Community.  These classes are geared to individuals interested in learning about Judaism who are not currently Jewish.  Members of Temple Ohav Shalom are welcome. This program is offered in conjunction with the AJL.  There is no cost for these classes. Please contact Laura Flieder for more information

Join us for our very own:  Rabbi Loren Filson Lapidus
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.

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 200 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.  We will keep you up-to-date when the exhibit is open.

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.

Preschool Happenings
Thank you to Dr. Jennifer Brauser who visited the preschool and spoke with the children about dental health.  The children learned how to properly care for their teeth so they can maintain those beautiful smiles!

The staff from the University of Pittsburgh will be in on Feb. 11th for speech and hearing screening. 

The children are busy practicing their songs for the 10th annual Preschool Shabbat Dinner.  The dinner is being held on Feb. 20th.  We hope to see everyone there.

Preschool registration for the 2009-2010 school year is now open to the public.  We offer programs from 15 months to Kindergarten Enrichment.  We have a caring, experienced staff and an ideal teacher/student ratio.  If you are interested, please contact me in the preschool office or at .  I will be happy to give you a tour of our wonderful preschool.

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. Order by February 13th!

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 Tikkun 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 Tzedakah 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

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.  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.

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)

12th ANNUAL NORTH HILLS INTERFAITH GATHERING
This event will be March 29th (NEW DATE) at TOS 3:00-5:00PM. We invite representatives from may 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!

LOST BRACELET HELP!
On Tuesday, January 17, during Hebrew School, a little light blue paper bag with handles was given to Sam Knapp.  Inside was a very expensive Sabika Bracelet.  The bracelet has crystals throughout in the colors of white pearls, clear crystals, and opals.  Sam was sitting in the art room and Eve was teaching that night.  Has anyone seen it? Please let Elliot know.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Friday, February 6th Purim Play Rehearsal - 4:00PM
Friday, February 6th First Friday Dinner, Grade 3, and Dinner for All! 6:00 PM
Friday, February 6th 1st Friday Shabbat Celebration 7 PM
Saturday, February 7th Shabbat Morning Services 10 AM – Coleman Dougherty Bar Mitzvah
Saturday, February 7th Purim Play Rehearsal - 3:00PM
Sunday, February 8th 8:45am-9:30am – Adult Ed Hebrew
Sunday, February 8th Mitzvah Day 9:00AM-11:30AM
Wednesday, February 11th Taste of Judaism - 7 PM
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
Wednesday, February 18th Taste of Judaism - 7 PM
Friday, February 20th Purim Play Rehearsal 4:00PM
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
Wednesday, February 25th Taste of Judaism - 7 PM
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 29th 3:00PM-5:00PM 12th Annual Interfaith Gathering - Hosted at TOS
Saturday, April 18th NIGHT AT THE RACES!  TOS Social Hall

SCHEDULE OF WORSHIP SERVICES FOR FEBRUARY
Parashat Beshalach
Friday, February 6 – 12 Shevat, 5769
6:00 pm Dinner-for-All (Grade 3)
7:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
Rabbi Donsky & Tifani Katof, Cantorial Intern
Saturday, February 7 – 13 Shevat, 5769
10:00 am Shabbat Morning Service
Bar Mitzvah of Coleman Dougherty
Rabbi Donsky & Tifani Katof

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