THIS Mont h h aHodesh AT CHIZUK AMUno CONGREGATION AND SCHOOLS March 2016 | Adar I–Adar II 5776 Engaging Jewish Life and Learning
Wishing you a
uperhero PURIM
See Page 3 for details
Rabbi’s Column Being Heroes In most synagogues planning for Purim means choosing a theme. It’s been this RABBI RON SHULMAN way for almost a generation now. An annual theme encourages us to dress in costumes and be silly during Purim celebrations. Every year, everywhere, when selecting the theme someone always asks, “Why can’t the theme be Purim? Let’s encourage children to dress as the characters in the story,” which, of course, is always welcome and appropriate. Nevertheless, choosing a theme for Purim is our custom. At Chizuk Amuno, this year’s Purim theme is Superheroes. At the Megillah reading on March 23rd I imagine we’ll see an exciting collection of our children’s favorites when they appear as Batman, Superman, Supergirl, Spiderman, Iron Man, Wonder Woman, or characters of their own design. Superheroes capture our imaginations. It’s been this way for many generations. Some culture observers think our interest in superheroes reflects our deepest hopes, fears, and desires. I’m not such a big fan. I have to think about that. Robin Rosenberg, a clinical psychologist who has published about the psychology of superheroes, believes that superheroes actually model for us how to be heroes ourselves, “choosing altruism over the pursuit of wealth and power.” ▶ Continued on page 4
The Harold and Sybil Effron Memorial Lecture The Chutzpah Imperative Empowering Today’s Jews for a Life that Matters
Rabbi Ed Feinstein Tuesday, March 22 7:30 p.m. Join Rabbi Ed Feinstein to explore the heart of Judaism and reconnect with what he calls “The Chutzpah Imperative.” Rabbi Feinstein has been addressing our most difficult questions about Judaism and Jewish life for more than twenty years as a congregational rabbi, Jewish educator, and author. Come meet him and hear his challenging message.
Join us as we build community while building our playground! GET EXCITED! We are closer to building our community playground and outdoor classroom/prayer space amphitheater together (May 22nd, 29th, 30th)! Make a difference NOW and be part of this amazing hands-on experience. Here are some options: Volunteer for any of the build days (May 22,29,30). No skills necessary but, if you can handle a circular saw, we define you as “skilled” and you are extra valuable. Slots will fill to capacity. Contact us NOW at: playgroundvolunteers@ksds.edu so we can reserve you a spot. Adopt a playground component! From swings to slides to monkey bars, there is a component waiting for you to sponsor. Pick one at www.tinyurl.com/KSDS-components Sponsor an amphitheater “seat” in our outdoor camp-like prayer space/classroom for $613. It’s a Mitzvah. The seat is yours at www.ksds.edu/giving/ rosenbloom-amphitheater-seats or email: playground@chizukamuno.org PERSONALIZE a playground fence picket with your name or message for $100. Order deadline: 3/20! Complete the form at www.ksds.edu/giving/playground-fence-pickets/ Connect us to in-kind donations and discounts on materials and services. PLEASE contact playground@chizukamuno.org for sources of lumber, hardware, gravel, concrete, food, entertainment, tents, tools, wood fiber, etc. Businesses will receive permanent recognition. Please email us at playground@chizukamuno.org with any questions or ideas.