Wednesday, January 07, 2009

eWeekly: Jan 7, 2009

TOS eWeekly Volume 3 Issue 15, January 7th, 2008

Parashat Vayechi

(for the complete text on this weeks portion, go to http://urj.org/torah/ )

FIRST FRIDAY DINNER THIS FRIDAY!
This Friday is our First Friday Dinner, led by the Kitah Daled 4th Grade.  Some clarifications:  A-M should bring a side dish for 10, N-Z a dessert. Cost is $18 (not $16—what kind of Jewish number is $16?) Please be sure to let us know if you are attending. Email or call Elliot at 412-369-0900 ext. 10.

Meditation & Torah Study
On Saturday, January 10th, Tifani Katof will lead a Yoga Meditation Service from 10:00-11, and a Torah Service and Study from 11:00-11:40AM.  Have fun and study in the same service!  No double reverse lotus positions will be required!

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)

Men’s Club Update
As many of you are probably aware, a few months ago I took over the position of Executive Vice President of Member Services on the temple board. At that time I decided that I needed to find a new President for the Men’s club and I am very happy to announce the Larry Goldberg has agreed to take over this position and lead the Men’s club to fame and glory. In the interest of starting off Larry’s term as President on a high note, the Men’s Club will be have a coronation ceremony next Wednesday (January 14th) night at Gracies at the Oxford Club in Wexford at 7:30 PM In addition to bringing your smiling faces, I would also greatly appreciate it if you could bring your $25 dues for the year. Hope to see lots of you there.
Jeff Flieder

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?

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.
Download the flyer here.

The Caring that is Beyond Curing: A Torah Perspective on Quality of Life and Patient Autonomy
with Rabbi Dr. Moshe Tendler
Sponsored by the Jewish Healthcare Foundation Tuesday January 27th at 7:00PM in the Squirrel Hill Jewish Community Center-Katz Auditorium. Open to the public.

NITE AT THE RACES!
Please attend a Nite at the Races Fundraising meeting this Sunday January 11th at 9:30am in the Multi-Purpose Room.  In order for this fundraiser to be a huge success we need everyone’s help therefore we are looking for lots of volunteers to help out!!!  If you have any questions please contact Amy Covell at or at 724-772-8117!

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 are not contacted or have any questions about the Super Bowl Fundraiser, please contact Brian Kline (412) 487-4927.

Culture Alert!
Temple member Tatjana Mead Chamis invites the TOS community to a chamber music concert she is participating in at Chatham University on Sunday January 11th. She and 3 fellow alumni of the Curtis Institute of Music will perform. Call 412-365-1679. Tatjana is an associate principal violist with the Pittsburgh Symphony.

Genocide Awareness Shabbat
As members of the human race and the Jewish community we must stand up and speak when innocent people are being murdered. Within the past century, genocide has occurred for different reasons in different areas, but we have yet to learn from this history, for it continues to repeat itself. Join us on January 30, 2009 at 7:30 PM as we discuss past genocides and pray that the current genocide in Darfur region of the Sudan will be the last.  For more information please contact Rachel Dougherty I am launching a postcard drive. All you must do is complete a postcard that will be sent to Washington D.C. in time for the inauguration to urge the Obama administration to take humanitarian action in Darfur. They are located in the education wing. Please fill out a postcard when you find a spare second. Postage will be taken care of. Thanks.

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, January 9th First Friday Dinner 4th grade – 6pm dinner; 7pm services
Saturday, January 10th 9:30AM Bar Mitzvah Workshop followed by Yoga/Meditation Services
11-11:40AM is Torah Service & Study
Sunday, January 11th 8:45am-9:30am – Adult Ed Hebrew
Sunday, January 11, 2009 9:30AM Social Hall– Fundraising Committee meeting for Nite at the Races
Wednesday, January 14th 7:30PM Men’s Club—Gracies-Oxford Club
Thursday, January 15th 7:30 PM Temple Youth Committee
Friday, January 16th 7:30PM Shabbat Services with Mishkan T’filah Tifani Katof, Student Cantor –
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
Friday, January 23rd Tot Shabbat – 6:15pm service; 7pm dinner
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
Sunday, February 8th 8:45am-9:30am – Adult Ed Hebrew
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 Interfaith Community Meeting Temple Ohav Shalom-Details Coming!
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 Vayechi
Friday, January 9 --- 13 Tevet, 5769
6:00pm FIRST FRIDAY DINNER—4th Grade
7:00pm Friday Family Service
Tifani Katof, Cantorial Intern
Saturday, January 10 --- 14 Tevet, 5769
10:00-11:00 AM—Yoga & Meditation
11-11:40AM is Torah Service & Study
Tifani Katof, Cantorial Intern
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 Morning Service
Adelman Baby Naming
Rabbi Donsky & Bill Lowenberger