CONGREGATION P’NAI TIKVAH
Kol Kiruv December 2014
Cheshvan-Kislev
Happenings
1
Rabbi's Message
2-3
Cantor’s Notes
4-6
Latkepalooza
7
President’s Message
8-9,11-13
Ms. Holland’s Opus
10
CPT Book Club
14
Reconstructionist News
15, 20
Brunch with Brilliants
16
NEW CLASS– Biblical Hebrew
17
Intro to Talmud-Next Steps
18
Dreidel
19
Kidz Korner
21
Oneg Calendar
22
Anniversaries and Birthdays
23
Women’s Rosh Chodesh Hosting
24
Yahrzeits
25
Community Happenings
26, 27
Community Rewards Programs
28
Nid’vei Leiv—From the Heart
29-30
Contribution Form
31
Calendar at a Glance
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Vol. 21—No. 6
Clergy and Staff Rabbi: Yocheved Mintz Cantor: Marla Goldberg Accompanist: Timothy Cooper Newsletter: Nancey Eason Educator: Rabbi Mintz Bookkeeper: Lynn Pisetzner Office Administrator: Nancey Eason info@pnaitikvahlv.org www.pnaitikvahlv.org www.facebook.com/pnaitikvahlv www.twitter.com/pnaitikvahlv
Congregation P’nai Tikvah will worship on Shabbat, December 5th at Kraft-Sussman Chapel, in the Bank of Nevada Business Park at 3975 S. Durango, Suite 104, in Las Vegas. Tot Shabbat will be held on December 5th at 6:30 PM. Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv services will begin at 7:30 PM. Torah Study will take place at 10:00 AM on December 6th and 20th at Rabbi Mintz’s home. A bagels and lox brunch is served. Please RSVP by emailing gkmintz@aol.com.
Message from the Rabbi “Friends and Family” Chevreh: The month of Kislev began just before Thanksgiving and takes us through most of Chanukah….a period of two very family oriented celebrations. Celebrating with family can be the epitome of happiness, but sometimes our greatest stresses come from family interactions. What causes familial dysfunction is a question that has been tackled by psychologists, anthropologist, educators, and, well, families since Adam and Eve (remember their kids, Cain and Able?) The debate comes down to whether ones behavior is a result of nature or nurture. So let’s take a look at the genesis of dysfunctional families: Genesis/ Breishit. Examining a few stories, perhaps we can get a hint as to whether the Torah and Judaism favor nature or nurture to explain poor behavior. In Par’shat Chayei Sarah, after Sarah’s death, we know that Abraham sends his right-hand man, Eliezer, out to find a wife for his son Isaac. Eliezer is instructed not to choose a Canaanite woman and, in fact, to go to Abraham’s hometown of Aram Naharayim to find a wife. One might ask why Abraham was being so picky. Perhaps if we recall his earlier behavior when he banished his son Ishmael. Ishmael didn’t turn out so well; he certainly didn’t display the traits that had made Abraham so revered. In fact, he seemed to reject Abrahams’s value system entirely. It might now make sense that Abraham would be cautious about Isaac, concerned that if he married a Canaanite woman he might become an idolater, or pick up the immorality of their neighbors, the Sodomites. So Eliezer did as he was instructed and travels to Aram Naharayim and stops at a well. We know the story: Rebecca, the daughter of Bethuel, the son of Abraham’s brother Nachor, and the sister of Laban, shows great kindness and hospitality. Interesting. According to Rashi, Rebecca’s father was not a good person, and continued on page 3 2
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we know that her brother, Laban, turned out to be a no-goodnik, as well. So here we have an extra-ordinarily kind and gracious person who rose above her family’s evil behavior to become the wife of Isaac. Eliezer saw her good traits, and realized that she was the right one for Isaac. Without thought of reward, without prodding, without having been raised in a “good Jewish home,” she ran to do the mitzvah of hachnassat orchim, welcoming the stranger (and even caring for his camel). What do we make of the two stories? Ishmael fell from his environment. Rebecca rose above hers. It’s not so simple, of course, but can we blame Abraham or credit Bethuel? What we learn is that there are simply no guarantees in life as to how our children will come out. The Torah doesn’t side on either nature or nurture; it merely tells us that our children may not turn out exactly as we envision. And, furthermore, the Torah teaches us that “Kol Yisrael areivm zeh la-zeh.” We are all responsible for one-another. We need to look after our own actions and look out for our neighbor’s , as well. Ultimately, then, we cannot blame our parents for our faults. Like Rebecca, we must rise above them. And, regardless of what others around us, including our siblings, parents, or, yes, children do, we must make a concerted effort to live up to the divine spark within each of us. May we all enjoy a joyous month of Kislev, and may all our family interactions be for a blessing. L’Shalom u-l’Shalom Bayit, Rabbi Yocheved Mintz
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Cantor’s Notes
A Note From the Cantor This time of year, those who spend time in any store will be bombarded by the music of the season. Christmas music is prevalent everywhere, and growing up I sang many carols in music classes and choirs. Of course, we always had one song for the “other Holiday” of the season. It was usually one of two songs, I Have a Little Dreidel or Feast of Lights (anyone in a choir during the 1970’s-80’s probably sang this song. It seemed to me that those were the only two songs my choir teachers knew. Now, truthfully, there is not an abundance of Chanukah songs out there as compared to Christmas songs, but they are there. There are wonderful traditional Chanukah songs, and some great modern songs. Over the last few years as the Cantor of Congregation P’nai Tikvah, I have written about I Have a Little Dreidel and Maoz Tzur. There are other fun, and beautiful songs for Chanukah out there. There is S’vivon, (the Hebrew word for dreidel). It is a fun song to sing, clap and dance to. There are two sets of lyrics to sing, depending on if you are in Israel or the Diaspora.
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ֵסבִׂיבֹון סב סב סב חנּכה הוא חג טוב חנּכה הוא חג טוב ֵסבִׂיבֹון סב סב סב (In Israel) סב נא סב כה וכה נס גדול היה פה נס גדול היה פה סב נא סב כה וכה (Abroad) ש ְמחָה הּוא ַלעָם ִׂ חַג נֵס גָדֹול ָהי ָה שָם נֵס גָדֹול ָהי ָה שָם ש ְמחָה הּוא ַלעָם ִׂ חַג
Sevivon, sov, sov, sov ḥanukah, hu ḥag tov ḥanukah, hu ḥag tov Sevivon, sov, sov, sov!
Dreidel, spin, spin, spin. Chanukah is a great holiday. Chanukah is a great holiday. Dreidel, spin, spin, spin.
(In Israel) Sov na sov ko va'cho Nes gadol hayah poh Nes gadol hayah poh Sov na sov ko va'cho!
(In Israel) Spin, please, spin like this and that. A great miracle happened here. A great miracle happened here. Spin, please, spin like this and that.
(Abroad) Cḥag simcḥa hu la-am Nes gadol hayah sham Nes gadol hayah sham Cḥag simcḥa hu la-am.
(Abroad) A joyous holiday for the nation. A great miracle happened there. A great miracle happened there. A joyous holiday for the nation.
And if you didn’t know, the dreidels in Israel have the letter Pey instead of the Shin. I guess instead of using “Shin-put one in” (which is how I learned it) you could say, “Pey-pay up”. Another traditional song I love is the Mi Yimalel. The tune for it also feels danceable, and honors our heroes the Maccabees, and says there will always be someone like them in every generation. I also always loved the ‘chorus’ of this song, as it can be done in a round. It is also has an interesting style as the verse takes on a minor mode, and becomes less of a dance.
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מי ימלל גבורות ישראל אותן מי ימנה הן בכל דור יקום הגיבור גואל העם
Mi yimalel gvurot Yisrael, Otan mi yimne? Hen be'chol dor yakum ha'gibor Goel ha'am!
Who can tell of the heroic deeds of Israel? Who can count them? Yes in every generation a hero arises To save the people.
שמע בימים ההם בזמן הזה מכבי מושיע ופודה ובימינו כל עם ישראל יקום ויגאל,יתאחד
Shma! Ba'yamim ha'hem ba'zman ha'ze Maccabi moshia u'fode U'v'yameinu kol am Yisrael Yitached yakum ve'yigael!
Listen! In those days at this time The Maccabee saved and redeemed But in our days the whole people Israel Will unite,
For a modern song, my favorite has to be Light One Candle by Peter Yarrow. It is a wonderful song that encourages us to remember our history and the people who sacrificed for our freedoms of today. I feel that it works not just as a Chanukah Song, but as a song for anytime we speak of those people who did work for a better tomorrow. It is a song about finding strength, helping others, and continuing hope that our light never dies. Don’t let the light go out. L’Shalom and Happy Chanukah. Cantor Marla Goldberg
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Message from the President: On Sunday, November 23, 2014, I will be participating as our Congregation’s representative, as President, to be part of the Plenum Business Meeting of the Reconstructionist Organization. A very serious and heated discussion will be held as to Rabbinical students who have significant others or spouses who are not Jewish. I have permission from Rabbi Michael Remson, to reproduce an email that he sent to Abe Clott, Plenum Chair. Here is what Rabbi Remson wrote: We all know that intermarriage is a reality, even among rabbis. We all know that non-Jewish spouses and partners are welcome in our congregations, and that they are often integral to our Jewish communities. The question is this: are we prepared to say that it does not matter? That we no longer have a preference for in-marriage? When a rabbi in the RRA intermarries or inter-partners, if that is a word, and we allow the person to remain a member, we - the RRA members are not acting in any affirmative way. We are not showing disapproval, but neither are we showing approval. Even at the time of membership no one asks if the rabbi's partner or spouse is Jewish. We do what the ancient rabbis described as sheiv v'al ta-aseh, sit still and take no action. This situation is very different from overturning an existing policy. If the RRC faculty reverses an existing policy they will be giving a stamp of approval to inter-married and inter-partnered rabbis. They will be denying any preference for in-marriage, asserting that it does not matter. This is very different from taking no action. I don't believe it is an action the RRC should take. Over the years the Reconstructionist Movement has broken with Jewish law and tradition on many issues, and I have always been proud of those continued on page 9 8
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actions. I was proud that we gave women equality. I was proud that we welcomed GLBT people into our midst. Will you be proud if the RRC votes to admit and ordain inter-married rabbis? Will it warm your heart to see the decision on the front page of the New York Times? I urge the faculty not to take this step. Michael Rabbi Michael M. Remson, Kenosha, WI. I, also sent an email to Abe Clott and I would like to share with you my personal comments to him, as follows: Good afternoon: This will be a topic of much discussion. My main concern is the message that it is sending to the Jewish and non-Jewish Community. I think my Congregation and other Congregations would have a concern if the Rabbi’s significant other had a Christmas tree in their home, their children being Baptized or even their child or children attending a religious school of a different religion. The Rabbi, like it or not is a public figure. Would the student applicant be interviewed as to the religious beliefs of his or her significant other? (I am not even sure if you can legally ask that question?) I think our directors would be forced to ask those questions, as uncomfortable as they may be. (and which again may be against the law). It also raises the question, how many Congregations would hire a Rabbi where the significant other is not Jewish? We complain and worry about the fact that current and future generations (per surveys) are continuing to move away from traditional Judaism. Would such a policy, a Rabbi, who is supposed to be the spiritual leader of the Congregation, who is supposed to set higher standards for him or herself and for their Congrecontinued on page 11 9
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gation (my opinion) just accelerate this trend? I recognize the fact that our Congregation has family members of which one or more of the members are not Jewish. I do not wish to be hypocritical as to maintaining two standards, but as I stated before the Rabbi is a public figure. In speaking briefly with Rabbi Mintz, our Rabbi for Congregation P’nai Tikvah, the potential policy change raises even more potential questions, such as “Who is a Jew”? How many Reconstructionist synagogues allow non-Jewish members to be on the Board, or to participate in various honors such as carrying the Torah? Has the Reform or Conservative denominations embraced such a policy for the Rabbinical seminars? Will such a change help or hurt the Reconstructionist synagogues as to growth in membership? It is my understanding that a vote will not be taken on the matter. I think you need to develop a specific policy and procedure that could be sent to the synagogues for review, to see the actual details. A specific survey could be sent to the Presidents to then send to their members. Thanks for the opportunity of communicating with you prior to the November session. Finally, I would like to include in my president’s message the comments from one of our board members, as follows: This is a difficult issue because it raises the question what does it mean to be Jewish? One can be supportive of the student's religious beliefs, have a kosher home, raise the children in Jewish life & traditions, attend shul, Torah study and support Israel all without being Jewish themselves. One can also be Jewish and not be doing any of those things. Having an interfaith family is a reflection of the times. Should not the life of a rabbi reflect the lives of the congregants? I think that it's a key point that congregations can apply whatever rule they want to hircontinued on page 12 11
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ing of the rabbi. This new potential ruling applies only to rabbinical students not the rabbi of your personal shul. In the endeavor of providing the most gifted & educated rabbis for the rabbi pool, it seems limiting to exclude those with non Jewish partners. And rabbinical students might not stay partnered with the same person for whatever reason- death. divorce or separation. The most important thing is that the partner be supportive of the student (being a student can be a strain on a relationship just as caring for one's congregants can be a strain on the Rabbi's partner) and actively supports a Jewish home. Not supporting a Jewish home would be more detrimental to the future generations than how one (partner) was raised. The importance for the present and future should be stressed, not the past. The partner may decide to convert in the future and I think if they feel included and accepted they are more likely to want to convert. The additional pressure of the partner to feel as if they have to convert for the potential student to be accepted to rabbinical school should be avoided. Excluding a student because of the way the partner was raised (raised as an atheist, Christian, or other religion- whether or not born of practicing/non-practicing Jewish parents) seems discriminatory. And it raises the question- what is it to be Jewish? And what if the student is married to a Jew and the Jew steps out of his/her faith and stops practicing the faith? Isn't it more important what kind of home is in play for the student and how future generations are taught? Most people do ebb and flow in their religious beliefs throughout their life. I definitely would like my future partner to be Jewish. But if this is not possible, the non-negotiable would be that my partner respect my beliefs and support me in every way. I think it is possible for partners to be raised differently and still walk in their journey of life together. I am Jewish but I have some non Jewish friends. If someone told me that I wasn't "Jewish enough" because I was close to some non Jews I would be offended. And saying that I could not be a rabbinical student because of my partners past would be equally offensive. The rabbinical students’ qualifications should be considered for the present. What is their pre continued on page 13 12
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sent life like? Their present home? And how/will the children be raised? The harm in having an interfaith family is not that the couple is interfaith per se. The harm in having an interfaith family is if Judaism is dropped from the present life and from future generations. At some point in time, our Congregation may be asked to vote on this change of policy. If you have any thoughts on this issue and would like to share them with me, which I will, in turn share with Abe Clott, please send them to me at bholland@hlrealty.com. In my next president’s message, I will let you know what was the result of the Sunday Plenum. Save the dates!!!! Chanukah is around the corner, the Roasting of your President, January 28th, the Grand Gala, celebrating Rabbi Mintz having been our Rabbi for 10 years, May 30th at the M Hotel. Shalom,
Barbara Holland, President
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WHO: WHEN:
WHERE:
WHAT:
P’nai Tikvah Book Group 5775 is any CPT member
March 26 @ 6:45 PM, The Paris Architect: A Novel by Charles Belfoure May 14 @ 6:45 PM, The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult Home of Jane Kusel 702-407-5077 kuseld@yahoo.com An evening translated into a journeys of the senses through shared dissections of the readings below. *Limited to 12 voices-please RSVP in a timely fashion
Like most gentiles in Nazi-occupied Paris, architect Lucien Bernard has little empathy for the Jews. So when a wealthy industrialist offers him a large sum of money to devise secret hiding places for Jews, Lucien struggles with the choice of risking his life for a cause he doesn't really believe in. Ultimately he can't resist the challenge and begins designing expertly concealed hiding spaces— behind a painting, within a column, or inside a drainpipe—detecting possibilities invisible to the average eye. But when one of his clever hiding spaces fails horribly and the immense suffering of Jews becomes incredibly personal, he can no longer deny reality.
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TIKKUN MIDDOT Cultivating Our Character This year, Jewish Reconstructionist Communities is participating in a Tikkun Middot program. The goal of the program is to introduce the Jewish practice of Musar, which offers each of us a method of cultivating character traits that we want to embody. The program has been developed by the Institute for Jewish Spirituality (IJS) and is funded by the Templeton Foundation. The central premise of Musar practice is that the ultimate purpose of each of our lives is to make this world a better place, and that integral to the work of repairing the world (Tikkun Olam) is the work of elevating the level at which we each individually behave in the world (Tikkun Middot). Through this practice, we are offered a way of becoming more patient, more trusting, more reliable, more forgiving and so on. Each of these character traits that we cultivate is called amiddah (virtue or value). RRC will send out a description of the “Middah of the Month” and invite all of us to focus on that character trait for the month. Five of our affiliated congregations have their own Tikkun Middotprograms established directly with IJS: Bet Haverim (GA), Beth Evergreen (CO), Bnai Keshet (NJ), Malibu Jewish Center (CA), and West End Synagogue (NY). Look for more on Tikkun MIddot in the December issue of the Journeys e-newsletter. Those interested in delving more deeply into this practice may want to read the book Everyday Holiness by Alan Morinis. Rabbi Jacob. J. Staub, Professor of Jewish Philosophy and Spirituality Reconstructionist Rabbinical College jacobjstaub@gmail.com Middah of the Month 1: HITLAMDUT Learning about Yourself Musar practice seeks to help us to develop self awareness about feelings and thoughts that arise in us “out of nowhere.” That is, we feel excited, for example, or offended, or angry, or insecure. Often enough, we leave these feeling unexamined and behave in ways that are guided by them without even knowing it. Before we can cultivate character virtues, we need to be better able to monitor what feelings are arising. Only then can we respond wisely. continued on page 20 15
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NEW CLASS OFFERING BIBLICAL HEBREW taught by RABBI YOCHEVED MINTZ Knowledge of Hebrew Alphabet Required Six Student Minimum to Start “GET BUSY WITH THE WORDS OF TORAH” Wednesday Nights 6:30 PM—8:00 PM 150.00 members 200.00 non members STARTING IN DECEMBER
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NEXT STEPS-INTRO TO TALMUD 10 classes starting on December 8th RSVP: 702.436.4900 Join us for the next session of Talmud study at CPT. On Lighting The Chanukiah: Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Shabbat, page 21b
Our Rabbis taught: The commandment of Chanukah requires one light per household; the zealous kindle a light for each member of the household; and the extremely zealous -- Beit Shammai maintain: On the first day eight lights are lit and thereafter they are gradually reduced [by one each day]; but Beit Hillel say: On the first day one is lit and thereafter they are progressively increased. Ulla said: In the West [Eretz Yisrael] two amoraim, R. Jose b. Abin and R. Jose b. Zebida, differ concerning this: one maintains, the reasoning of Beit Shammai is that it should correspond to the days still to come, and that of Beit Hillel is that it shall correspond to the days that are gone. But another maintains: Beit Shammai's reason is that it shall correspond to the bullocks of the Festival [of Tabernacles; i.e. Sukkot], while Beit Hillel's reason is that we increase in matters of sanctity but do not reduce. Rabbah b. Bar Hana said: There are two old men in Sidon: one did as Beth Shammai and the other as Beth Hillel: the former gave the reason of his action that it should correspond to the bullocks of the Festival, while the latter stated his reason because we promote in [matters of] sanctity but do not reduce. Our Rabbis taught: It is incumbent to place the Chanukah lamp by the door of one's house on the outside; if one dwells in an upper chamber, place it at the window nearest the street. But in times of danger it is sufficient to place it on the table. Raba said: Another lamp is required for its light to be used, yet if there is a blazing fire it is unnecessary. But in the case of an important person, even if there is a blazing fire another lamp is required. What is the reason for Chanukah? For our Rabbis taught: On the 25th of Kislev begin the days of Chanukah, which are eight, during which lamentation for the dead and fasting are forbidden. For when the Greeks entered the Temple, they defiled all the oils in it, and when the Hasmonean dynasty prevailed against and defeated them, they [the Hasmoneans] searched and found only one cruse of oil which possessed the seal of the High Priest, but which contained sufficient oil for only one day's lighting; yet a miracle occurred there and they lit [the lamp] for eight days. The following year these days were appointed a Festival with the recitation of Hallel and thanksgiving. 18
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On a particular day, I dismiss my co-worker impatiently, for example. I don’t usually do that. What is going on that led me to be short with him? If I can answer that question, I have a better chance of applying a Middah to the situation. In the practice of Hitlamdut (Learning about Yourself), you choose a short daily and routine event in your life (5-10 minutes) and remain attentive to what is going on inside of you for that short period of time. At least initially, do not choose an activity or interaction that is emotionally loaded. This practice is not about content or meaning. It is about developing your self-awareness skills. Middah of the Month 2: The Behirah/Choice Point We believe that we are free to make choices at every moment. In fact, at most points, we are less than completely free. We are creatures of habit. It is not so easy to abstain from eating something we have resolved not to eat, for example; not so easy to avoid falling into a well-engrained interaction with a family member or friend. Often enough, we don’t even notice what we have eaten or said until afterwards. The behirah or choice point is the moment of greater freedom. The choice is not to buy the package of cookies; once it is in the house, it is much more difficult not to eat it. The choice is to determine what we need to modify before we are enmeshed in an oft-repeated negative interaction. Once we determine which of our behaviors we would like to modify, we can reflect what the behirah or choice point is in each instance and can work to free ourselves from our habitual behavior. In this way, we can increase the holiness in our lives and the lives of those with whom we interact. This month’s practice is to choose a particular habitual behavior that we would like to modify. Then, try to discover where the choice point is. That is, at what point before we behave in this habitual way do we need to change something, so that we won’t act in that habitual way. When you think you’ve discovered the choice point, change what ought to be changed at that moment. Over the length of the month, it should get easier and easier to do this. Thank you, Victoria Guentter Communications Associate Jewish Reconstructionist Communities In Association with the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College 20
KIDZ KORNER for December
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Sign up for the 5775 On’gai Shabbat Season. Celebrate your simcha, honor your family, do it because it is fun. For you foodies who want to get your Bobby Flay or Gordon Ramsey on, there’s still time! Check the schedule below; an opening is your opportunity: Sponsored and Catered by Annie Wolff, in celeDecember 5
bration of graduating and receive a Master of Social Work Sponsored by Paula Deal in honor of Bubbie Ruth
January 2
Katz (Paula's Mom) visiting! Catered by
January 16 February 6 February 20
Sponsored by Ann Mandell Catered by Sponsored and Catered by Barbara and Andy Holland in honor of their anniversary, Sponsored by Catered by Sponsored by Rozlyne Tessler in honor of Har-
March 6
riet’s Bernstein's Birthday Catered by Nancey Eason
March 20
Sponsored and Catered by Phyllistan’s in honor of Phyllis’s 65th Birthday
Pick a date to sponsor or cater an oneg in the upcoming year. Call the office at (702) 436-4900 or email info@pnaitikvahlv.org to book your date now! 22
Rose & Jerry Shapiro Rachel & Ronald Piekarsky Adrianne & Sol Rubin
December 18 December 19 December 22
Carolyn Stewart Scott Linker Austin Royer Linda Kauffman Ron Royer Maxine Mintz Blechman Adrianne Rubin Ruth Kaplow Sondra Rose Gloria Granat Chana Gelber Nancy Goldberg Sam Wagmeister
1-Dec 1-Dec 6-Dec 7-Dec 8-Dec 9-Dec 11-Dec 18-Dec 18-Dec 19-Dec 20-Dec 22-Dec 30-Dec
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Todah Rabah to Edie Edwards for opening up her beautiful home to the Women’s Rosh Chodesh Group for the month of Cheshvan. Todah Rabah to Dr. Ellen Royer for preparing the drama on the Shulamite woman and the story of the Prophet Elisha and the Shulamite woman’s son. Join us on December 14th at the home of Ann Mandell for the month of Kislev. This is the Rosh Chodesh themed on Chanukah. “Come on baby, light your fire!”
Rosh Chodesh Dates Meeting Dates for 5775 Kislev
December 14th
Host: Ann Mandell and Jane Kusel at the home of Ann Mandell
Tevet
January 4th
Host: Linda Kauffman
Sh’vat
January 25
Host: Cindy Fox
Adar
February 15th
Host: Annie Wolff
Nisan
March 22nd
Host: Laurie Lytel
Iyar
April 19th
Host: Dale Gardner
Sivan
May 17th
Host: Jennifer Cohen
Tammuz
June 14th
Host: Rabbi Yocheved Mintz
Keep a lookout for our Women’s Rosh Chodesh Retreat in August.
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Memorial plaques are available; to honor the departed, to inspire the living. to be remembered in the hearts of those we leave behind is, in a sense, to live forever.
Dorothy Bernstein -Remembered by Harriet Bernstein
For further information, call the Synagogue office at 702-436-4900
George Effros -Remembered by Susan & Rick Bind- Sorrow comes to all‌ hamer Perfect relief is not possible, Minnie Etkind -Remembered by Ann Brandt Stuart Goldwater -Remembered by Zelda Goldwater
except with time. You can not now realize that you will ever feel better...and yet‌ You are sure to be happy again Abraham Lincoln Submitted by Phyllis Zuckerman
Edward Kaplow -Remembered by Ruth Kaplow Samuel Kart -Remembered by Patsy Kart Samuel Kosh -Remembered by Fern Kosh & Gayla Wennstrom -Margaret Lebenheim -Remembered by Kristen Jaeger & Tim Lockett Joseph Porath -Remembered by Rabbi Yocheved Mintz Evelyn Ullman -Remembered by Gary Ullman 25
There are two important programs designed to help individuals and families in need that are supported by the Jewish Federation and Jewish Family Service Agency. Jewish Free Loan Program The Jewish Free Loan Program (JFL) was established by the Jewish Federation and administered by the Jewish Family Service Agency to assist members of our Jewish community with short-term, no-interest loans of up to $2,500. For more information about the Jewish Free Loan Program please contact Renea Parr at the Jewish Family Service Agency (rparr@jfsalv.org) or 702-732-0304. United Way Fund for Families Our Jewish Federation has a close working partnership with United Way and the Marilyn & Tom Spiegel Fund for Families. The fund was established by the Spiegel's to specifically address financial needs for families with children who are struggling to make "ends meets" and who are committed to providing a wholesome family environment for their children in spite of short-term financial insecurity. To learn more about this program please contact Elliot Karp at Elliot@jewishlasvegas.com or 702-732-0556.
Bringing Hanukkah History to Life
Room To Rent $550 Per Month, including utilities 12 x 15 sq. ft-large closet and bathroom in a large home with pool and spa NON SMOKER NO PETS (I have a small dog) MUST BE CLEAN AND NEAT
Must clean own living space Contact Marty at msloeb@centurylink.net Or 702.340.5303
Hanukkah is a festive holiday everywhere, but the celebration of Hanukkah in Israel is especially significant because “Nes Gadol Haya Po” (a great miracle happened here). The Maccabees military victory in 165 BCE gave the Jews in Judea independence for 100 years, until the Roman emperor Pompeii conquered Judea in 63 BCE. This was the last time the Jews had their own country, until the establishment of the State of Israel over 2,000 years later in 1948. If you’re in Israel during Hanukkah, you might want to visit the archeological site of Bet Guvrin. There are shows and activities for the whole family during the week of Hanukkah, including a visit from Judah Maccabee. Call 08 -681-1020 for more information. http://www.israel-food-guide.com/celebrating-hanukkah.php 26
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You’ll start earning rewards for Congregation P’Nai Tikvah right away on qualifying purchases made using your Smith’s and Vons rewards Card! Smith's and Von's are committed to helping our communities grow and prosper. Year after year, local schools, churches and other nonprofit organizations will earn millions of dollars through these kinds of programs. There is no cost to enroll, and enrollment will not affect your fuel points or coupon discounts. Here are the instructions for getting started. We will also have a place for your to sign up at the Community Passover Seder at the Blasco Event Wing of UNLV Foundation Bldg. Bring your Smith's and Von's card numbers and we will do the signing up for you. OUR SMITH"S NPO NUMBER IS 61229.
TO USE THE SMITH’S COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM: Register online at www.smithscommunityrewards.com · Customers must have a registered Smith’s rewards card account to link to your organization. · If you does not yet have a Smith’s rewards card, they are available at the customer service desk at any Smith’s. · Click on 'Create and Account' box · Sign up for a Smith’s Rewards Account entering your email address and creating a password, by entering zip code, clicking on favorite store, agreeing to the terms and conditions. · A message will show up for you to check your email inbox and then click on the link within the body of the email. · Click on “My Account” and use your email address and password to proceed to the next step. · Click on Edit Smith’s Community Rewards information and input your Smith’s rewards card number. · Update or confirm your information. · Enter NPO number or name of organization, select organization from list and click on confirm. · To verify you are enrolled correctly, you will see your organization’s name on the right side of your information page. · Do you use your phone number at the register? Call 800-576-4377, select option 4 to get your Smith’s rewards card number. · Members must swipe their registered Smith’s rewards card or use the phone number that is related to their registered Smith’s rewards card when shopping for each purchase to count.
TO USE THE VON'S ESCRIP PROGRAM Click on this link: https://secure.escrip.com/supporter/ registration/index.jsp Fill out the questionnaire. If you do not know your Von's Reward Card Number call: 1.877.723.3929 and they can assist you in retrieving that information.
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Nid’vei Leiv - Donations from the Heart Rabbi Discretionary Fund Maxine and Robert Blechman In blessed memory In blessed memory of Dorothy Bernstein, from Harriet Bernstein In blessed memory of my father, Nathan Etkind from Ann Brandt In blessed memory of my mother, Minnie Etkind from Ann Brandt In blessed memory of Paul Goldstein from Janet, Stacey, Scott, Allan, Karen and Family In blessed memory of Larry Marcus from Rabbi Yocheved Mintz In blessed memory of Harry Rose from Stanley and Sandra Rose In blessed memory of Bernice Ruby Rosen Mintz from Maxine and Robert Blechman In blessed memory of Ida Mintz from Rabbi Yocheved Mintz In blessed memory of Betty Paykel from Stephanie and Gary Paykel In blessed memory of Larry Silvermore from Dotti Elgart In blessed memory of Sarah Stromberg from Rabbi Yocheved Mintz In blessed memory of Harry Stromberg from Rabbi Yocheved Mintz Days of Awe Donation Gail Hansen Dr.’s Meera and Minao Kamegai Ilene and Robert Mann In honor of Torah Study Anjuli Adler-Swanberg Eileen Ancman Ann Castro Jennifer Cohen, studying and learning with Reb Yo! Kelly Eason Annie Wolff continued on page 30 29
Nid’vei Leiv - Donations from the Heart continued from page 29
Refuah Shleimah MiSheberiach for Eitan ben Sara from Nancey Eason MiSheberiach for Shmuel Yerucham ben Bila from Nancey Eason MiSheberiach for Haim Yechiel ben Malka from Nancey Eason MiSheberiach for Avraham Shmuel ben Shaina from Nancey Eason MiSheberiach for Janet Eason from Nancey Eason MiSheberiach for Edie Edwards from Nancey Eason MiSheberiach for Rabbi Yocheved Mintz from Nancey Eason MiSheberaich for Annie Wolff from Nancey Eason MiSheberiach for Lillian Singer from Dotti Elgart MiSheberaich for Marylou Lowther from Annie Wolff
Nid’vei Lev Rick and Sue Bindhamer Barbara Holland Roz Tessler
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December 1 December 2 December 4 December 5 December 6 December 7 December 8 December 8 December 9 December 14 December 15 December 15 December 16 December 16 December 17 December 18 December 19 December 19 December 20 December 20 December 21 December 21 December 22 December 23 January 2 January 3 January 5 January 5 January 6
CALENDAR AT A GLANCE: 4:15 PM Jewlicious Learning 7:00 PM Jewish, Alive and American 7:00 PM Annual Jewish Federation of Las Vegas -Meeting at Temple Sinai 6:30 PM Tot Shabbat, Kabbalat and Ma’ariv Service -Kraft Sussman Chapel 10:00 AM Torah Study-Par’shat Vayishlach -at the Home of Rabbi Mintz 3:00 PM Chai Mitzvah at the home of Iris Katz 4:15 PM Jewlicious Learning 6:30 PM Next Steps-Talmud with Training Wheels 7:00 PM Jewish, Alive and American 7:00 PM Rosh Chodesh at the home of Ann Mandell 4:15 PM Jewlicious Learning 6:30 PM Next Steps-Talmud with Training Wheels 1st Night of Chanukah 7:00 PM Jewish, Alive and American 2nd Night of Chanukah 3rd Night of Chanukah 5:30 PM Latkepalooza Chanukah Shabbat at the Charleston Heights Arts Center, located at 800 Brush Street, 89107 4th Night of Chanukah 10:00 AM Torah Study-Par’shat Miketz -at the Home of Rabbi Mintz 5th Night of Chanukah 5:00 PM JFSA Chanukiah Lighting at Opportunity Village6th Night of Chanukah 7th Night of Chanukah 8th Night of Chanukah 6:30 PM Tot Shabbat, Kabbalat and Ma’ariv Service -Kraft Sussman Chapel 10:00 AM Torah Study-Par’shat Vayechi at the Home of Rabbi Mintz 4:15 PM Jewlicious Learning 6:30 PM Next Steps-Talmud with Training Wheels 7:00 PM Jewish, Alive and American
Blessing for the Month of Kislev: As we enter into the darkest days of the year, let us rekindle our dreams and open our hearts to new possibilities, new dimensions, new relationships, that we might go forward in ways that we might not have done solely on our own. 32