CONGREGATION P’NAI TIKVAH
Kol Kiruv June 2015
Sivan—Tammuz
Happenings
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Rabbi's Message
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Cantor’s Notes
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President’s Message
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BwB Calendar 2015-16
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CPT Outreach
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Jewlicious Siyyum
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Dirah L’Haskir
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Serving God with Joy
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Chai Mitzvah Siyyum
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Men’s Club?
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Kidz Korner
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Oneg Calendar
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Birthdays and Anniversaries
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Women’s Rosh Chodesh
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Yahrzeits
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Community Happenings
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Nid’vei Leiv—From the Heart
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Contribution Form
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Calendar at a Glance
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Vol. 21—No. 12
Clergy and Staff Rabbi: Yocheved Mintz Cantor: Marla Goldberg Accompanist: Timothy Cooper Newsletter: Nancey Eason Educator: Rabbi Mintz , Cantor Marla Goldberg 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, June 5th and June 19th at Kraft-Sussman Chapel, in the Bank of Nevada Business Park at 3975 S. Durango, Suite 104, in Las Vegas. Tot Shabbat-Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv services will begin at 6:30 PM on June 5th and Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv services will begin at 7:30 PM on June 19th. Torah Study will take place at 10:00 AM on June 6th and 20th at Rabbi Mintz’s home. A bagels and lox brunch is served. Please RSVP by emailing info@pnaitikvahlv.org.
Message from the Rabbi “Hinei mah tov u-mah na-im shevet achim gam yachad” --T’hillim 133:1
Dear Chevreh: It’s hard for me to believe that I’ve been honored to be your Spiritual Leader for the past ten years. We’ve experienced such joys….births, brisses, baby-namings, B’nai Mitzvah, weddings, Hebrew names given, channukat battim, and some great fun at services and holiday celebrations, fund-raising events, Women’s Rosh Chodesh evenings, Women’s Retreats, “Brunch with Brilliants”, and so many Torah Studies and learning opportunities for all ages! And we’ve shared the challenges and sorrows of illnesses, deaths, and other personal losses. We’ve established ourselves as a warm, welcoming community that respects tradition and welcomes innovation. We’re unique among all the congregations in the Las Vegas area in not setting membership dues, but asking only for fulfillment of self-decided annual pledges, thereby eliminating financial barriers. While we’ve had four locations in the ten years, we are fortunate to have found a wonderful relationship with Kraft-Sussman. Baruch HaShem! We inherited the name of Valley Outreach Synagogue, from our founder Rabbi Richard Shachet (z”l), and chose to take on a name that aptly describes us, Congregation P’nai Tikvah, the community of faces of hope. We started without previous books, bylaws, or 501c3 status, and corrected all of that within the first year. We established a Board of Directors and we’ve had two dedicated Presidents of the Board, Sam Lieberman and Barbara Holland over the past ten years. We’ve been fortunate to have had a series of very giving and caring members of the Board. As small as we are, how blessed are we to have so many involved as volunteers.
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We’ve welcomed so many luminaries: Rabbi Uri Regev, Anat Hoffman, Rabbi Mark Novak and Renee Brachfield, Carol deVries, David Zinner, Elam Kott, Elham Roohani Khomassi, Rabbi Jane Litman, Rabbi Henry Shreibman, and Maggie Anton….not to mention the fabulous “Brilliants” who have spoken in our series: Steve Kallas, Robert Mirisch, Laurie Lytel, Naomi Arin, Matt O’Brien, Joanne Gilbert, Michael Green, Ruth Alexman, Joanne Goodwin, Dr. Rachmel Cherner, Roberta Sabbath Not bad for the “little shul that could.” Being your Rabbi has been such a privilege for me. It has enabled me to represent you in the community, to be on the boards of the Jewish Federation, Jewish Family Services Agency, the Board of Rabbis, Clark County Ministerial Association, and the Interfaith Council. As president of OHALAH for four years, I’ve been able to bring the joy of Renewal Judaism to our congregation. I’ve had the joy of working with wonderful clergy….Cantorial Soloist Jessica Hutchings (now Cantor Jessica Hutchings), Cantor Dr. Jonathan Friedmann, and now our beloved Cantor Marla Goldberg. We’ve had the talents of accompanists Marek Rachelski. William Chenoweth, and our wonderful Timothy Cooper. And we’ve been blessed to have the dedicated, loving, incredible service of Doris D’vorah Turrentine (z”l) and Nancey Naftala Eason as clergy assistant. How you have blessed me! I thank you all for these ten years, these incredible experiences, these wonderful associations, these meaningful relationships. At this milestone, let us pause to envision what the future of Congregation P’nai Tikvah can be…I pray that we will double our efforts and triple our membership, so we can be fiscally viable. I pray that we step up and develop more programming for our men, reinstate our Teen Torah Tribe, and facilitate congregational retreats. I hope we outgrow our current home, and that we are blessed with angels to find us a home large enough to allow for growth. I pray that we are blessed with health and strength, perseverance and fortitude, that we may go from strength to strength in the years to come. “Hinei mah tov u-mah na-im shevet achim gam yachad!” Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brothers and sisters to be together. With gratitude,
Rabbi Yocheved Mintz 3
Cantor’s Notes A Note From the Cantor For some reason I’m feeling a little frivolous right now. As I am thinking of what to write this month, all I can hear in my head is the prayer Adon Olam sung to the tune of “Rock Around the Clock”. It’s been going on in my head all week. Then I think of all the other melodies that can be used to sing Adon Olam, and there are many. For some reason, the five stanzas which make up Adon Olam just seem to fit many melodies. Adon Olam has been a part of the Jewish Liturgy sing the 1400’s. We don’t know who wrote the poem but there are three possibilities for authorship. One is Solomon ibn Gabirol (1021–1058) who was known for his Hebrew poetry. Another is Rav Hai Gaon (939-1038) and the third is Yohanan ben Zakkai who was a great sage of the Talmud. Adon Olam is sung at the end of services on Shabbat, weekdays, and holidays. Sometimes the words are recited when someone is dying or at a synagogue when reporting at death due to, what is felt to be, the solemn words of the verses. I find this fact interesting as I feel the words are more praising and triumphant than solemn. This hymn speaks of God’s glory, greatness, infinite power, and that as long as I have God with me, I will not fear. This to me is so powerful. Perhaps the power within these words is why it can be sung to so many different melodies. The traditional melodies are few. One of the most popular in American, which many people just know as “Traditional” is by E. Gerovitch. Another popular version is the version composed by Uzi Hitman for the 8th Annual Hasidic Song Festival in 1976 in Israel. I have sung this song to many, not so religious, melodies. As I stated in the first paragraph, “Rock Around the Clock” has been used. My cousins in California sang it to “The Mickey Mouse March”. When in college, my friends and I used to annoy our Hillel leader by singing it to “Amazing Grace”. One of my personal favorite melodies to use is “Ode to Joy” by Beethoven. So, if you want to give me a challenge, give me a melody to sing Adon Olam to, and (if I know the song) I will work it out. Finally, on a different note, our choir will soon be rehearsing for the High Holy Days. If you love to sing, and want to be a part of making our services very meaningful, please let me, or Ellen Royer know. We’d love to have all who want to sing participate. L’Shalom, 4 Cantor Marla Goldberg
President’s Message Looking forward to seeing you there! Barbara Holland President of the Board
CPT ANNUAL MEETING RSVP to 702.436.4900 COME ELECT, MEET & GREET THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR! AT THE HOME OF BARBARA HOLLAND JUNE 7, 2015 at 10:00 AM Congregation P'nai Tikvah info@pnaitikvahlv.org (702) 436-4900 Rekindling the Jewish Spirit 5
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“ We Are P’nai Tikvah” The Membership/Outreach Committee is embarking on an effort to let us get to know one another better. Each month they will be asking questions of a member and sharing their responses in the newsletter. This month they interviewed Dave Clark Q: What brought you to Congregation P’nai Tikvah? I was new in town, having moved to Las Vegas from Cincinnati. Silly me, I thought I could just show up to a shul on the High Holidays. I was turned away from a congregation and ended up not attending the first day of Rosh Hashanah for the only time in my adult life, which left me in tears. Luckily, I later discovered a much more welcoming mishpocha at Congregation P'nai Tikvah. Initially, I was struck by how different the services were from my warm, yet traditional Conservative shul that I attended while growing up. Yet, I realized I had finally found another shul led with ruach and inspiration by a wise, passionate rabbi. Q: What keeps you involved in P’nai Tikvah? I can't imagine my life without this shul. It has been a source of comfort and support as I have gone through the triumphs and tribulations of life - career changes, job loss, divorce. No matter what kind of week I have experienced, I know that I always feel much better after attending our Kabbalat Shabbat services. For all the spiritual nourishment that the shul has given me, I want to give back in whatever way I can. Q: What has P’nai Tikvah brought/added to your life? As a college student and later a post-college resident in Ohio, I became unmoored from belonging to a shul. My Jewish practice increased, but was limited to the home. And in Las Vegas, my first forays into local shuls left me spiritually unsatisfied. Congregation P'nai Tikvah re-tethered me to the Jewish community. P'nai Tikvah has, true to its name, been a beacon of hope and warmth in my life. Rabbi Mintz not only leads meaningful services, but has been there to provide spiritual guidance through some of the most difficult times of my life. I truly look forward to attending services, seeing my friends and being involved. My observance has also continued to grow alongside my membership in P'nai Tikvah. I have finally found a manifestation of practice that jibed with my modern, yet observant sensibilities. Q: What do you or would you like to bring to the congregation to help it grow and thrive? I believe I bring a passion for seeing the shul grow, and I also have a strong desire to see us become financially viable - a mindset that was honed during my years working for non-profits. My non-profit background is useful in helping us with events and fundraising. I have enticed my parents and girlfriend to move across the country and join, and I sincerely want to encourage others to become members of our shul. I also think that it's imperative that we attract younger members, so we are are well-positioned for the future. 7
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June 5 7:30 PM Kraft-Sussman Chapel
Come and See Our Production “ Dirah L’Haskir ” (Apartment for Rent) Presented by Jewlicious Learners MayLee DeLee, Mason DeLee, Sydney Knepper, Sabrina Linker, Danica Lockett , Sami Holland Directed by Rabbi Yocheved Mintz Guided by Cantor Marla Goldberg Filmed by Joyce Nance and Colleen Bush
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Congregation P’nai Tikvah prepares to participate in Red Nose Day. Red Nose Day, May 21, was a campaign dedicated to raising money for children and young people living in poverty by simply having fun and making people laugh.
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Friday June 19 at 7:30 PM come and join the siyyum as our Chai Mitzvah students Lynda French, Carolyn Stewart, Meera Kamegai, Zelda Goldwater, Ellen Royer graduate and share with us tales of their sojourn.
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We are looking for a name for our Men’s Club.
We are also seeking an organizer and participants. If this is for you, step us, have a chat with the Rabbi. Let’s get this group started! Maybe it could be: CONGREGATION P’NAI TIKVAH MEN’S CLUB!
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KIDZ KORNER for June
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SIGN UP TO SPONSOR AND/OR CATER AN ONEG Our first and third Friday evening services create space for people to socialize, to talk over the ideas Rabbi Mintz has shared in her sermon, and to meet one another. Sponsoring and/or catering the Oneg Shabbat is a lovely way to share joy of Shabbat with the community. Any reason is a good reason to sponsor and/or cater an Oneg! Perhaps you are marking a special event (a birth, baby-naming, engagement, wedding, anniversary, graduation, bar/bat mitzvah) or you want to remember a loved one in a special way, or celebrate a return to health, a new job‌or any reason. We welcome you to sign up to provide a simple buffet to be enjoyed by all. Feeding others is a nourishing experience in so many ways! Foods to consider: Easily served finger foods such as: cheese/crackers, hummus/pita, nuts, raw veggies, cookies, wasabi peas, pretzels, chips, spreads/crackers, dried fruits, fresh fruit (cut up). Judging quantities: Remember, the Oneg is just a nosh, not a meal! We tend to average about 70 -100 people at services. Set up: We have access to the space at Kraft-Sussman starting at about 1/2 hour before services. Two 6-foot tables will be set up for the Oneg.
June 5
June 19
Sponsored by Marian Baum in honor of 75th Birthday Catered and Sponsored by Sam Lieberman in honor of Rabbi’s Mintz Birthday Sponsored and Catered by the Chai Mitzvah Graduating Class Sponsored by Hariet Miller in honor of her 85th birthday
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August 7
Sponsored by Dr. Meera and Dr. Minao Kamegai in honor of Meera’s 85th Birthday Catered by
Aug 21
Sponsored by and/or Catered by
Sept 4
Sponsored by and/or Catered by
Sept 18
Sponsored and Catered by Wil Wilreker and Debbie Eidelman
Oct 2
Sponsored by and/or Catered by
Oct 16
Sponsored by and/or Catered by
Nov 6
Sponsored by and/or Catered by
Nov 20
Sponsored by and/or Catered by
Dec 4
Sponsored by and/or Catered by
Dec 18
Sponsored and Catered by Wil Wilreker and Debbie Eidelman
Jan 1
Sponsored by Meyer DeLee Catered by
Feb 5
Sponsored by and/or Catered by
Feb 19
Sponsored by and/or Catered by
March 4
Sponsored by and/or Catered by
March 18 Sponsored by and/or Catered by April 1 April 15 May 6 May 20
Sponsored by and/or Catered by Sponsored by Harriet Bernstein for Roz Tessler’s Birthday Catered by Sponsored by Roz Tessler in memory of Jerry Bernstein Catered by Sponsored by MayLee DeLee Catered by
June 3
Sponsored by and/or Catered by
June 17
Sponsored by and/or Catered by
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Marc Fox Lynn Pisetzner Emma Deal Rabbi Yocheved Mintz Susan Bindhamer Michael Nussbaum Hariet Miller David Piekarsky
Gail & Douglas Hansen Cindy & Marc Fox Meera & Minao Kamegai
1-Jun 5-Jun 8-Jun 10-Jun 17-Jun 18-Jun 24-Jun 27-Jun
1-Jun 12-Jun 22-Jun
Jewlicious Learners Classes continue in the October of 2015, Monday
It used to be said that when the Baal Shem Tov came into a town, his impact was so strong, he didn't have to speak. His disciples had to dance or to sing or to preach to have the same effect. I think a real messenger, myself or anyone, by the very fact that he is there as a person, as a symbol, could have the same impact. Elie Wiesel
after-
noons
at
the Rabbi’s home, from 4:15 to 6:00, October to June.
Fall Registration is open. 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 new Kol HaNeshamah siddur.
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Thank you to Jennifer Cohen for hosting Women's Rosh Chodesh for the month of Sivan. We had a reader’s style rendition of the Book of Ruth and bonded, formed new relationships and reconnected existing relationships. Psst...the cheesecake was delicious too.
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Please join us on June 14 at the home of Rabbi Yocheved Mintz. RSVP to Rabbi Mintz at gkmintz@aol.com Or call the office 702.436.4900 Would you like updates about the Women’s Rosh Chodesh Retreat Scheduled for August 13th-16th 2015? Send us your email address along with why you love Congregation P’nai Tikvah’s Women’s Rosh Chodesh . We are interested!
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If you are interested in hosting and/or leading Congregation P’nai Tikvah’s Women’s Rosh Chodesh please contact the office 702.436.4900. We have openings in 5776 for Cheshvan, Tevet, Sh’vat, Adar, Adar II, Nisan, and Iyyar 20
"Listening is an attitude of the heart, a genuine desire to be with another which both attracts and heals." Sura Hart
Malkah Ancman -Remembered by Eileen & Cort Ancman Isidor Baum -Remembered by Marian Baym Estelle Benstock -Remembered by Edward Benstock John Billingsley -Remembered by Lynda French Florian Eidelman -Remembered by Debbie Eidelman Joseph Hewel -Remember by Jackie Ackerman & Family Irmagene Lockett -Remembered by Tim Lockett Sam Margolis -Remembered by Zelda Goldwater
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
"Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature -- the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.� ― Rachel Carson, Silent Spring
Dr. Alan Mintz -Remembered by Rabbi Yocheved Mintz Maxamillion Maurice Mintz -Remembered by Maxine Blechman Anna Berlund Rosin -Remembered by Maxine Blechman Joseph Sokole -Remembered by Dale Gardner Yetta Tessler -Remembered by Harriet Bernstein & Roz Tessler Ann Moore Web -Remembered by Barbara Holland Sarah White -Remembered by Ann Mandell
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We are happy to announce that the Jewish Community Center of Southern Nevada will once again be presenting our annual variety show, “Viva Oy Vegas�, showcasing local, adult talent of the Jewish community. There will be two shows: an evening performance on Saturday, October 17, and a matinee on Sunday, October 18, 2015. We will be holding auditions for singers, dancers, jugglers, comics, magicians and other variety acts at the J (8689 W. Sahara Ave. Ste #180, Las Vegas 89117) on Sunday, May 31, from 2-5 pm and Tuesday June 2, from 6-9 pm. Auditions will also be held on the east side of the valley on Monday, June 1, at Congregation Ner Tamid (55 N. Valle Verde Pkwy. Henderson 89074) from 6-9 pm.
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES 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.
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Congregation P’Nai Tikvah has 27 households signed up which has earned us $750.00 in the last year. 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 Lev- Donations from the Heart Rabbi Discretionary Fund David Aris Nancey Eason Mazel Tov and Blessings on your 10th Anniversary as our Rabbi and Birthday Simcha from the Phyllistan’s In blessed memory In blessed memory of Jerry Bernstein from Harriet Bernstein In blessed memory of Elaine Klein from Stella Bialac In memory of Harold Platt, brother of Zandra Bender from Nancey Eason In honor of In honor of Jennifer Cohen from Annie Wolff In honor of Kelly Eason from Annie Wolff In honor of Stan Zuckerman’s 68th Birthday (May 26th) and the Phyllistan’s 43rd Anniversary (May 28th). In honor of Phyllis Zuckerman’s 65th Birthday (March 30th) from Stanley and Phyllis Zuckerman. In honor of Torah Study Carolyn Stewart Annie Wolff Misheberiach Tina Aguiar from Stella Bialac Pina Malka bat Ruchel Leah from Larry and Ruth Katz Nancy Dubeau from Stella Bialac Janet Eason from Nancey Eason Dr. Irving Etkind, brother of Ann Brandt from Ann Brandt Marylou Louther from Annie Wolff Yisrael Yitzhak ben Chana from Naftalah Chava Ariel Nid’vei Lev Rick and Susan Bindhamer Jennifer Cohen Michael, Cheyenne, MayLee, Meyer, Mason and Maple DeLee Barbara Holland Rozlyne Tessler
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June 1 June 2 June 3 June 5 June 6 June 7 June 7 June 8 June 10 June 11 June 14 June 17 June 19 June 20 July 15 August 7 August 8 August 13-16 August 21 August 22 August 23 August 25 September 4 September 5 September 6 September 8 September 13 September 14-15 September 22 September 23 September 27 September 29
CALENDAR AT A GLANCE: 4:15 PM Jewlicious Learning 6:30 PM Jewish, Alive and American 6:30 PM Biblical Hebrew 6:30 PMTot Shabbat, Kabbalat and Ma’ariv , Jewlicious Sinyyumat the Kraft Sussman Chapel 10:00 AM Torah Study-Par’shat Beha’alotcha at the Home of Rabbi Mintz 10:00 AM CPT Annual Meeting at the home of Barbara Holland 3:30 PM Chai Mitzvah 4:15 PM Jewlicious Learning 6:30 PM Biblical Hebrew 7:00 PM CPT Board Meeting 7:00 PM Rosh Chodesh at the home of Rabbi Mintz 6:30 PM Biblical Hebrew 7:30 PMKabbalat and Ma’ariv, Chai Mitzvah Sinyyumat the Kraft Sussman Chapel 10:00 AM Torah Study-Par’shat Korach at the Home of Rabbi Mintz 7:00 PM CPT Board Meeting 6:30 PM Tot Shabbat, Kabbalat and Ma’ariv at the Kraft Sussman Chapel 10:00 AM Torah Study-Par’shat Ekev at the Home of Rabbi Mintz Women’s Rosh Chodesh Retreat 7:30 PMKabbalat and Ma’ariv, Chai Mitzvah Sinyyumat the Kraft Sussman Chapel 10:00 AM Torah Study-Par’shat Shoftim at the Home of Rabbi Mintz 11:00 AM Brunch with Brilliants featuring George Cohan 6:30 PM Jewish, Alive and American 6:30 PM Tot Shabbat, Kabbalat and Ma’ariv at the Kraft Sussman Chapel 10:00 AM Torah Study-Par’shat Ki Tavo at the Home of Rabbi Mintz Selichot 6:30 PM Jewish, Alive and American Erev Rosh Hashana 5776 Rosh Hashana 5776 Kol Nidrei 5776 Yom Kippur 5776 11:00 AM Brunch with Brilliants featuring Debora Barner 6:30 PM Jewish, Alive and American
Blessing for the month of Sivan: May we be blessed with the ability to reach deep within, to search for the inner reserve and discernment to become focused and connected on a spiritual path. Amen. 28