Kol Kiruv January 2019
Tevet - Sh’vat
Happenings
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A Note From Cantor Goldberg
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A Message From Reb Jamie
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A Message From Rabbi Mintz, Rabbi Emerita 4 The President’s Message, Sam Lieberman
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Roast ‘n Toast of Dina Titus
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Israel Trip
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A Musical Celebration
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Jewlicious Learning
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Free Money
Yahrzeit, Nid’vei Lev and Celebrations Calendar at a Glance
Vol. 28—No. 5
Congregation P’nai Tikvah will worship on January 4th and 18th. Tot Shabbat, Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv services will begin at 6:30 PM on January 4th at Indigo. On January 18th, Shabbat-Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv Services will begin at 7:30PM at Adelson Education Campus Chapel.
Torah Study will be at 10:00am on January 5th and January 19th. Call for locations.
If you are interested in sponsoring an Oneg to celebrate an event, memorialize a loved one, 10 11-12 or just because, please call 702.436.4900 for sponsorship and catering opportunities. 13
A Note From Cantor Marla Goldberg Each Shabbat we rise up and dance, as Miriam did at the shores of the Sea of Reeds, after singing the Mi Chamocha. The Torah portion Beshalach, where the verses of the Mi Chamocha are, will be read very soon. We call this the “Song of the Sea”, and the Shabbat when it is read is called Shabbat Shira, the Shabbat of Song. This portion is one of the more challenging portions for the Torah reader to chant because when we get to the part of the portion where the Song of the Sea arrives, we deviate from the normal chanting to a very different melody. It is more melodic and lyrical than the regular cantillation. This is meant to lift our souls back to the time after we crossed the Sea of Reeds, and place us with our ancestors in rejoicing and praising of God’s greatness. It is in this portion that Miriam is called “Prophetess” as she goes, leading the women with timbrel in hand, to dance and chant her praise of God. “Then Miriam the Prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women went out after her in dance with timbrels. And Miriam chanted for them, “Sing to the Eternal One, who has triumphed gloriously….” (Shemot 15:20-21) It is interesting to note that in this verse, Miriam is called “the Prophetess, Aaron’s sister”. But why was she not called Moses’ sister? According to Rashi, “Miriam, the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took: When did she prophesy? When she was [known only as] “Aaron’s sister,” before Moses was born, she said, “My mother is destined to bear a son” [who will save Israel]”, as is found in Sotah 12b, 13a.
Miriam was a prophetess, and she led us all in praising God, in dance, and in song. She still does this for us today. L’Shalom,
Cantor Marla Goldberg
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Message from Reb Jamie The rabbinic expression “v’talmud Torah k’neged kulam” is usually translated as “…and Torah study is equivalent to all of [the other mitzvot]”– attests to the importance Jewish tradition assigns to learning. There are two reasons for this. First, study is the most direct interaction one can have with God and tradition, and secondly, study leads to action. As we delve into the text, we grapple with questions of purpose and morality. What made Abraham special that he became the patriarch of the Jewish people; how do we interpret his actions toward his son, Isaac; how do we feel about the end of the story of Dena (spoiler alert, it is a downer)? We begin our Torah study Shabbat morning with a blessing “la’asok b’divrei Torah – to interact with words of Torah.” For those unfamiliar with our process, we use the Jewish Publication Society (JPS) translation and we supplement this with a wide variety of commentaries from across the ages: orthodox, conservative, reform, mystical, feminist, one designed for teenagers. All these voices are brought to the table and we explore these ideas from all angles. The conversations are stimulating, challenging, and illuminating and the friendship and community that is formed through study is powerful. We are making a serious effort to grow the voices at the table, both in the number of people who join us, as well as the resources we have on the table. To that end, we are establishing a permanent library for the shul. Our Torah study rotates in private homes and these books will rotate with us. To that end, I’ve established a WISH LIST at https://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/ ERN0OXJHAHXP/ref=cm_sw_ em_r_mt_gm_wl. As books are purchased from the list, I’ll add new ones. Our library will grow, and our learning will deepen.
The books listed here are standards that we use each week but do not own a permanent copy. We’ll put bookplates in all books with the name of donor. This is a great way to mark a special occasion or simcha. Please note, you do not need to purchase a new book. Amazon gives you the option to purchase in USED-LIKE NEW or VERY GOOD condition. You can have the book shipped directly to you and bring it to services next time you attend. Thank you in advance and I/we look forward to you joining us for study.
Reb Jamie (better known as your bibliomaniac student rabbi)
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Message from Rabbi Emerita Yocheved Mintz Dear Chevra:
The commandment “p’ru u-r’vu”/be fruitful and multiply comes early in the Torah and is strong, front and center, as we reach adulthood; but what does one do if they can’t fulfill that mitzvah? That was the central question posed to a gathering of Rabbis, cantors, and Jewish family service professionals last month, when we met for a seminar on Judaism and infertility. Infertility is a human experience, and certainly not restricted to Jewish couples, but with Jewish life so focused on family and children, it was odd that there seemed to be such a lack of Jewish communal support for issues of infertility. That’s where Rabbi Idit Solomon comes in. Founder and CEO of “Hasidah”, Rabbi Solomon created a resource for hope and compassion “that raises awareness of infertility, connects people to support, and reduces financial barriers to treatment in the Jewish community.” And Rabbi Solomon facilitated the seminar for the Board of Rabbis and other professionals. Hasidah, comes from the root chet-samech-daled, meaning “lovingkindness”, but it also means “stork,” a fitting graphic for the issue of infertility. The seminar’s goals were to build awareness about infertility and its effects in the Jewish community, create a venue for those who are experiencing, have experienced, or are close to people experiencing infertility to gain information and support in a Jewish context; inspire development of appropriate support resources and solutions for family building challenges; and sensitize Rabbis and other professionals to the issues facing couples experiencing infertility. Through a crash course in the basic language of fertility and infertility, anecdotal stories and personal testimony from those who have dealt with the challenges, Jewish textual perspectives on the issues, support, and lack thereof; and discussion of the tools for emotional and spiritual support, we emerged better able to relate to members of the community experiencing infertility, better able to create inclusive and sensitive communities, and better equipped to provide effective counseling and support for people experiencing infertility. Chances are that you or someone you know has had to deal with the challenges of infertility. The emotional roller-coaster, the financial burdens, the physical strains, and the spiritual challenges need not be faced alone. Let’s not keep them in the shadows. We, as a community can help; and please know that we, your clergy, are available to help, as well. May this be a new year of health and healing.
L’Shalom,
Rabbi Yocheved Mintz Rabbi Emerita/Senior Educator 4
From the President… Great things happening in 2019 and beyond!
Join us for our inaugural service at the Adelson Educational Campus on January 18th. Further information is contained in this newsletter. We look forward to celebrating with you for our annual Roast & Toast of Dina Titus on January 27th at the UNLV Alumni Center from 11 to 1:30 p.m. Tickets are still available online or contact Dale Gardner for more information. We are excited that because our community came together we were able to exceed our milestone for the Life and Legacy program during Year 1. Contact me to learn more about the next step for Year 2. This is a great achievement for our congregation. Thank you all.
I know that change while exciting can be difficult. We are grateful to Pastor Char and our friends at Indigo Valley for their hospitality, love and support of CPT over the past few years. We look forward to engaging again in many interfaith community endeavors. If you have questions about the changes associated with the move to Adelson feel free to reach out to me directly. If you have a question it's likely many others do too. We want to make a joint experience at Adelson meaningful and appropriate for all. Looking forward to seeing you in 2019 and beyond. Thanks for all you do.
Sam Lieberman
LIFE & LEGACY is a partnership program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation to support Jewish communities in securing after-lifetime gifts.
An unprecedented transfer of generational wealth is taking place before our eyes. Yet Jewish organizations by and large have not fully recognized the possibilities or sought legacy gifts despite the knowledge that endowments will have an increasingly impactful role in sustaining the future of their organizations. Having this knowledge, the question HGF sought to answer is “Can Jewish communities be motivated to become proactive in encouraging widespread legacy giving?” With implementation of LIFE and LEGACY the answer is YES! 5
If you would like a copy of Kol Kiruv sent to your home, please send $72.00, along with your address to: Administrative Office, 1697 Black Fox Canyon Rd, Henderson, NV 89052 Clergy and Staff Cantor: Cantor Marla Goldberg Student Rabbi: Jamie Hyams Rabbi Emerita: Rabbi Yocheved Mintz Educators: Rabbi Mintz and Cantor Goldberg Bookkeeper/Treasurer: Lynn Pisetzner Administrative Assistant: Faith Silverman Marketing Director: Cindy Fox
P’nai Tikvah is a warm and welcoming,
progressive, egalitarian, and pluralistic congregation focusing on the spiritual, educational, and social well-being of those who wish to live a fulfilling and
702.436.4900 www.pnaitikvahlv.org info@pnaitikvahlv.org
meaningful Jewish life.
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Jewlicious Learning Our Jewlicious Learners have been very busy this past semester. Capping off three months of Hebrew, customs and rituals, prayers, midrash, and melodies, the youngsters pulled together a fun skit for Chanukah, “Too Many Latkes” (based on a book by Linda Glaser). They learned about the literature of the “wise men” of Chelm, and had a great time stretching their Thespian muscles. Capping off the season with a search for mezuzot and channukiot, the youngsters also created their very own channukiot, just in time for Channukah. As we plunge into our studies for the winter months, the youngest group will continue to work with Cantor Goldberg on basic Hebrew skills, recognition of words and phrases in the Siddur, and understanding the holidays as they roll around; the older students are now using Hebrew script (as well as Hebrew print), are learning trop, are going into depth on the prayers of the siddur, and are becoming more accomplished Hebrew readers and speakers. Two of our youngsters, MayLee DeLee and Danica Lockett are preparing to become B’not Mitzvah, as well. So it’s a busy, full, and fun year for our Jewlicious Learners.
Meyer
Danica 9
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AMAZON SMILE 5% comes back whenever you shop through the smile.amazon.com portal. Sign Up and select Congregation P'nai Tikvah by typing it in Please note: do not use the apostrophe when searching use: Congregation Pnai Tikvah
It’s easy to find Box Tops. In fact, you may have some in your home right now. Clip Box Tops from your favorite products and turn them in to your child’s school today! Box Tops are each worth 10¢ and they add up fast! * Annie’s * Betty Crocker * Bugles * Cascadian Farms * * Fiber One * Finish * Gardetto’s * General Mills * Go-Gurt * * Green Giant * Hefty * Kleenex * Land O’Lakes * Larabar * Lysol * * Old El Paso * Pillsbury * Nature Valley * Reynold’s * Scott * * Totino’s * Yoplait * Ziploc * 10
JANUARY BIRTHDAYS
Susan Dubin
January 12
Cindy Fox
January 14
Irene Feinberg
January 20
Henry Fish
January 23
Meyer DeLee
January 28
Ruth Markind
January 31
MITZVAH ENVELOPES Gloria Brown -In honor of the Brown Family Annette Aerenson -In honor of Rabbi Mintz Linda French -Nid'vei Lev Sondra Rose -Yesod Fund 11
FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY Betty Baum -Remembered by Marian Baum
Charlotte Clark -Remembered by Susan Bindhamer
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.
Margaret Csontos-Wright -Remembered by Carolyn Wright
For further information, call the Synagogue office at 702-436-4900
Sidney Brandt -Remembered by Ann Brandt
Stanley Feinberg -Remembered by Faith Silverman Martin Hillman -Remembered by Anne Ullman Samuel Kamanitz -Remembered by Barbara Holland Roseanne Klane -Remembered by Susan Dubin
Bernice Kuryk -Remembered by Barbara & Andrew Holland Elaine Lytel -Remembered by Laurie Lytel Lee Sol Mintz -Remembered by Rabbi Yocheved Mintz Karen Anne Murphy -Remembered by Lynda French Sol Rubin -Remembered by Adrianne Rubin
Reuben White -Remembered by Ann Mandell 12
CALENDAR AT A GLANCE: January 4 5 7 13 14 18 19 27 28 February 1 2 4 11 15 16 25 March 1 5 4 11 15 16 18 20
6:30pm 7:30pm 10:00am 4:15pm 1:00pm
Family Shabbat Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv Service Torah Study Jewlicious Learning Rosh Chodesh—Film Festival Rosh Chodesh—Lunch Jewlicious Learning Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv Service Torah Study & Tu B’Shevat Seder Roast ‘n Toast of Dina Titus Jewlicious Learning
Indigo Indigo TBA Rabbi Mintz Adelson Sultan’s Grill Rabbi Mintz Adelson Rabbi Mintz UNLV Rabbi Mintz Adelson Adelson TBA
4:15pm 4:15pm 7:30pm 10:00am 4:15pm
Family Shabbat Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv Service Torah Study & Rosh Chodesh Adar I Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Jewlicious Learning Jewlicious Learning Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv Service Torah Study Jewlicious Learning
6:30pm 7:30pm 10:00am 4:15pm 4:15pm 7:30pm 10:00am 4:15pm 7:00pm
Family Shabbat Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv Service Torah Study Jewlicious Learning Jewlicious Learning Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv Service Torah Study Jewlicious Learning “Come As You Aren’t” Purim Celebration
Adelson Adelson TBA Rabbi Mintz Rabbi Mintz Adelson TBA Rabbi Mintz Rabbi Mintz
4:15pm 7:30pm 10:00am 11:00am 4:15pm 6:30pm 7:30pm 10:00am
Rabbi Mintz Rabbi Mintz Adelson TBA Rabbi Mintz
Blessing for the Month of Sh’vat We begin to emerge from the darkness and sense new beginnings. It is time to “say yes” to new possibilities, renewed vitality, and energized potentialities. May we be blessed with the ability to allow the potential 13