Kol Kiruv July 2018
Tamuz - Av
Vol. 27—No. 11
Happenings
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Congregation P’nai Tikvah will worship within
From Rabbi Emerita Mintz
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our community each Friday in July. Call the
A Note From the Cantor
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office at 702-436-4900 for more information. Torah Study will be on July 7th and 21st at the
A Message From Reb Jamie
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The President’s Message, Sam Lieberman
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Iris at joelandirisk@cox.net or 305-606-1454.
Garage Sale
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If you are interested in sponsoring an Oneg to
Free Money
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celebrate an event or memorialize a loved
Yahrzeit, Nid’vei Lev and Celebrations
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Things to Know
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Calendar at a Glance
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home of Iris Katz at 9:30 AM. RSVP directly to
one, please call 702.436.4900 for sponsorship and catering opportunities. New Calendar… Lots of Open Dates
Message from Rabbi Emerita Yocheved Mintz
Rabbi Mintz will continue writing after her
VACATION!!!
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A Note From Cantor Marla Goldberg While studying to be a cantor, I had to learn many variations of music that is sung for worship. Every year, there were classes in modern Reform music and traditional nusach. Each year focused on a different holiday, or type of service. The first year in Israel was spent studying weekday nusach. In New York, I had one year each of Shabbat, High Holydays, and the Shalosh Regalim (the festivals). It was in my traditional nusach classes that I made my acquaintance with Israel Alter, and Adolph Katchko. The main music books we used to learn the Shabbat, and other holiday melodies, came from these two cantors. Both musical anthologies followed the basic nusach we needed to learn. We, cantorial students, were expected to learn most of the melodies needed to lead a service in that nusach. We could choose to use either the Katchko or the Alter melodies, or another melody that followed the correct nusach for whatever service we were learning. One thing that was made clear to us was that these melodies were guidelines. They were a basis for us to become comfortable with the melodic style we were learning. In fact, just because they were written down, doesn’t mean that they were always chanted exactly that way, even by the composer. As long as the melodic style is done, the prayer is sung ‘correctly’. While working on learning this music, I found some versions of the prayers I loved in Katchko, while other I liked in the Alter. For the Katchko, you hear me sing a variation of one of his pieces every Shabbat as the chatimah (the final line) of the Ma-ariv Aravim (the prayer after the Bar’chu). My favorite melody from Israel Alter is his Hashkiveinu which I did in my first practicum at Hebrew Union College. It’s beautiful. Israel Alter z”l (1901-1979) was the son of a merchant. His brother was also a cantor. He studied in Vienna and Lemberg and got his first job as a cantor at the age of 20. In the early 20 th century, Israel was the chief cantor at the Neue Synagogue in Hanover, Germany and performed in concert halls through out Europe, and in the United States. He performed two times at Carnegie Hall. In 1935, Alter immigrated to South Africa after the Nazis came to power, and became the cantor of United Hebrew Congregation, the largest synagogue in Johannesburg. Israel Alter lived the rest of his life in New York City, moving there in 1961. His nephew, Benjamin Maissner, is a well known cantor in Toronto. Adolph Katchko z”l (1886-1958) was a Russian born cantor, composer and teacher. He was a child prodigy who began to sing publicly at the age of 6. He studied composition and voice in Berlin before moving to the United States in 1921. Among the many congregations he served, his most known posting was at Temple Anshe Chesed in Manhattan where he served as cantor for 24 years. Katchko also taught at Hebrew Union College’s School of Sacred Music, which published Thesaurus of Cantorial Liturgy–Otsar Ha-hazzanut. Being a cantor runs in Adolph’s family. His granddaughter is a fourth-generation cantor (the second ordained cantor of the Conservative movement) in Connecticut. She has published a songbook and CD called, “Katchko: Three Generations of Cantorial Art” bringing three generations of her cantorial family together. This anthology includes copies of lectures on Jewish Music that her grandfather gave. Both these composers have a great impact on traditional and modern Jewish music. Their works have inspired cantorial students of the past, and will continue inspiring the students of the future. Now, on a completely different thought, rehearsals for the High Holy Day choir will be starting soon. If you like to sing, and want to be a part of our wonderful services please contact Dr. Ellen Royer, or me. All who love music are welcome. L’Shalom,
Cantor Marla Goldberg 3
Message from Reb Jamie Hyams “Da lifnei mi ata omed – know before whom you stand.” In many synagogues this phrase is written above the ark and it serves to remind us of our constant relationship with God. In a secular context, we can take it to mean “do your research and know who is in the audience before you open your mouth and insert your foot”. But when we meet someone for the first time, before either of us open our mouths to speak, how can we know who is standing before us? People don’t come with a description of who they are on their foreheads like “Hi, I am Jon and I am a liberal democrat, a vegan and a Buddhist,” or maybe they do? We’ve all heard the saying “clothes make the man.” Clothing makes an impression, clothing tells a story. It is for this reason when we go on a corporate interview, we wear a business jacket. We are projecting to our potential employer that we are serious and that we are competent. Clothing choices also speak to religious and cultural identity. Each morning when we choose what we will wear, we are creating and projecting an image for the world to see; we are telling a story about ourselves. Through the ages Jews, as well as many other cultures, have worn clothes that express their distinctiveness. When I was growing up we “did Jewish” at synagogue and, at my insistence after a summer at Jewish camp, at our Friday night dinner table. Somehow during my childhood, the overt expression of our Jewishness was limited to the home and synagogue. After I saw “Fiddler on the Roof”, where the whole town was Jewish, my Jewish expression expanded to all corners of my life. In Anatevka, both the private and public aspects of life were based on Jewish communal life. After seeing the film, I insisted on wearing a kerchief on my head for the rest of 6 th grade at my suburban public school. That was my way to bring my Jewish identity out of the private sphere into the public realm. Whatever that movie represented to me (family history, the immigrant experience, a sense of vulnerability and otherness, the warmth of community, a sense of connection to tradition), I wanted to be recognized for those values and experiences, and though I have no idea if others knew what I was doing, to me, the kerchief represented that. Some years ago, I worked for the Jewish Federation as a liaison to 26 synagogues across the spectrum of practice. When I visited an orthodox synagogue, people assumed I was not observant because as a married woman, I didn’t cover my hair. When I went to a liberal shul people assumed that I wasn’t observant because I wore pants and didn’t cover my hair. Neither was the case. For men at that time it was much easier to make a statement of observance and awareness by simply wearing a kippah. The kippah made the statement that the wearer was observant in some way, though exactly what that observance entailed was unclear. At the time, for me to wear a kippah felt much more like a political statement about gender equality and I wasn’t comfortable with that. All genders deserve equal opportunities and equal pay, but the ways we express our religious observance need not be identical. There were no flowered kippot at the time I began to wrestle with this. I wanted an overt way to say that I was that aware of God/Oneness, that I was knowledgeable and observant of many traditions and customs, but I was not orthodox/frum. My solution was to create headbands with Jewish sayings on them like “v’chol netivoteya shalom” (and all her paths are peace, a reference to the ways of Torah). I sold them on the internet and at street 4
fairs. They took off and I sold nearly a thousand of them before I burnt out on creating them. Today, when I wear a kippah, it is a feminine version and a statement that I stand for Jewish values and as a reminder to myself that I am a part of the Oneness that binds us all together. Nurturing a spiritual life is something that we can do in many ways through the seemingly small choices we make. How and what we eat; what we choose to wear, if we take a moment in the morning to acknowledge gratitude for all we have. Tomorrow when you are getting dressed, take a moment, look in the mirror and see who is staring back. What are you choosing to reveal to the world about who you are and in what you believe? Da lifnei mi ata omed (know before whom you stand) will take on a whole new meaning.
Jamie Hyams
From the President‌ Thanks to all who participated in our congregational meeting on June 3, 2018. We are excited about the dialogue and are anticipating an exciting new year.
First, we must thank Rabbi Mintz for her ongoing love and support of our congregational family and we look forward to her innovative educational offerings which will continue to be open to all the generations. We are grateful that Reb Jamie Hyams, Cantor Marla Goldberg and Faith Silverman will step up to help us, and please know that they, as well as the board needs and values your opinions and input. Have a wonderful and productive summer and call the office for more information on Shabbat Across the Valley (dates are on page 13). Finally, our meaningful High Holiday services, led by Cantor Marla Goldberg and Reb Jamie Hyams will be held once again at Texas Station. We look forward to welcoming you, your family and the community at large. Always remember, Congregation P’nai Tikvah is your congregation. We need your time, talent and treasure to survive and thrive. Stay involved! Gratefully,
Sam Lieberman 5
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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 support our Jewlicious Learners today! Box Tops are each worth 10¢ and they * 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 * 7
FOR THE MONTH OF JULY
Morris DeLee -Remembered by Michael DeLee Allan Lytel -Remembered by Laurie Lytel Don Mandell -Remembered by Ann Mandell Sophie Margolis -Remembered by Zelda Goldwater David Pisetzner -Remembered by Lynn Pisetzner Lily Rosen -Remembered by Irwin Rosen Scott Taylor Whitehouse -Remembered by Julia Patascher 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. For further information, call the Synagogue office at 702-436-4900
Nid’vei Lev Donations from the Heart In honor of Rabbi Mintz’s birthday In Memory of Dr. Alan Mintz -Donation by Anita Lewy 8
Celebrations Introducing
Shenandoah Wilreker daughter of
Debbie & Benjamin Wilreker
JULY BIRTHDAYS
Gayla & John Wennstrom
Joey Goodrich Lynda French Mary Benstock Anna Gomez Paula Deal Tim Lockett Maple DeLee Edward Benstock Hedda Abbott Rick Bindhamer Abbe Feigenberg
July 3
July 11 July 15 July 17 July 17 July 20 July 25 July 27 July 28 July 30 July 30 July 30
JULY ANNIVERSARIES
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BIKKUR CHOLIM Come, be trained in the art of parachaplaincy so we can attend to one another in times of illness. If you are interested in doing this mitzvah work, please contact Rabbi Mintz at 702-869-2700.
For $40.00 a prayer book can either be purchased for personal use or be dedicated to the congregation “In Memory” or “In Honor of” and a card from CPT will be sent to the family. The prayer book plate will be placed on the inside cover of our Kol HaNeshamah siddur.
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 Rabbi Emerita: Rabbi Yocheved Mintz Cantor: Cantor Marla Goldberg Rabbinic Intern: Jamie Hyams Educators: Rabbi Mintz and Cantor Goldberg Teacher’s Aide: Austin Royer Bookkeeper: Lynn Pisetzner Treasurer: Lynn Pisetzner Editor: Faith Silverman
702.436.4900 www.pnaitikvahlv.org info@pnaitikvahlv.org
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 meaningful Jewish life.
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CALENDAR AT A GLANCE: Jul 1
3:00 pm Board Meeting
Sam Lieberman
July 6
TBA
TBA
July 7
9:30 am Torah Study
Iris Katz
July 13
TBA
Shabbat Across the Valley
Faith & David Silverman
July 20
TBA
Shabbat Across the Valley
Sam Lieberman
July 21
9:30 am Torah Study
Iris Katz
July 27
TBA
Shabbat Across the Valley
Rabbi Yocheved Mintz
July 29
TBA
Board Meting
TBA
Aug 3
630 pm
Tot Shabbat/Kabbalat Shabbat
Indigo Valley
Aug 4
930 am
Torah Study
Indigo Valley
Aug 12
8:00 am Garage Sale
Ellen Royer
Aug 16
TBA
TBA
Aug 17
7:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
Indigo Valley
Aug 18
9:30 am Torah Study
Indigo Valley
Aug 20
4:15 pm Jewlicious Learners
Rabbi Mintz
Aug 26
TBA
TBA
Aug 27
4:15 pm Jewlicious Learners
Rabbi Mintz
Sept 1
7:00 pm S’lichot
Iris Katz
Sept 9
TBA
Erev Rosh Hashanah
Texas Station
Sept 10
TBA
Rosh Hashanah
Texas Station
Sept 17
4:5 pm
Jewlicious Learners
Rabbi Mintz
Sept 18
TBA
Erev Yom Kippur
Texas Station
Sept 19
TBA
Yom Kippur
Texas Station
Sept 23
6:00 pm Sukkot
Shabbat Across the Valley
Board Meeting
Challah Bake-a-thon
Rabbi Mintz 11