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Happenings
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From Rabbi Mintz, Rabbi Emerita
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Note from the Cantor
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Providing Service at CPT
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High Holiday Calendar
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Rosh Chodesh-A New Moon for All
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Jewlicious -Kidz Korner-Yad Squad
7-9
Adult Education
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HH Honey and Challah Baking
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Book of Remembrance and Kever Dorot
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Celebration, Yahrzeit and Nidei Lev
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Calendar at a Glance
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Congregation P’nai Tikvah meets on the 1st and 3rd Shabbat of the Month 2685 South Rainbow Blvd, STE 108 Las Vegas, Nevada 89146 702.436.4900
Congregation P’nai Tikvah will worship on Shabbat, September 1st and 15th at 2685 South Rainbow Street, STE 108. Tot Shabbat-, Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv services will begin at 6:30 PM on September 1st and Shabbat-Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv services will begin at 7:30PM on September 15th. Torah Study will take place at 9:30 AM on September 2nd and 16th.
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Message from the Rabbi Emerita Dear Chevreh: This summer was a plethora of opportunities and opposites, joys and sadness, achievements and set-backs…a microcosm of life. My trip to Israel reinforced my love for Eretz Yisrael. (Clearly the medical miracle I experienced cannot be underestimated.) Yet, when I prayed and sang with the Women of the Wall, the screams of the veil-clad pre-teen Charedi objectors made me feel unwelcome in the city of my father’s birth. My visits with family brought me such pride and hope: My granddaughter Abby did a fabulous job as assistant director at Beber Camp (while being pregnant with her second child); grandson Lee toured Great Britain as lead singer in the Heavy Metal Band, DSME; granddaughter Gabrielle graduated Vassar with honors, hiked across the Pyrenees, and started a job at UCSF in their neurology research lab; granddaughter Rachel returned from a semester in Ecuador and landed a summer job with the Chicago Jewish Council on Urban Affairs; granddaughter Sophie spent the summer canoeing in Artic circle; granddaughter Heidi played the part of Fiona in a Minneapolis civic theatre production of “Shrek, the Musical,” and granddaughter Tani overcame huge obstacles to get permits to pave the way for her opening her Crossfit studio in Evanston, Illinois. Enjoying the grands, shepping nachas with my great-grands, bursting my buttons with pride over my sons and daughters-in-laws…and yet dealing with the challenges that each has. Reality check! The joy of seeing the congregation’s children growing and going from accomplishment to accomplishment was tempered by the sadness of losing beloved members, Sondra Rose’s husband Dr. Stanley Rose (z”l), Lynn Pisetzner’s husband David Pisetzner (z”l) and mother Bella Berdy (z”l) and the indomitable Ruth Balaban Kaplow. The excitement of hearing about trips that many of our members took was contrasted against the health challenges that others had. And the personal pride of seeing my biologic family succeeding and following their dreams is contrasted with the sabre-rattling and human rights violations, the threats and Alt-Right rallies. It would be so easy to cocoon myself in the warmth and peacefulness of family and friends; but I cannot ignore the dangerous rhetoric of both foreign governments and even voices from within our own government. The growing bigotry and xenophobia, prejudice and racism that have loudly filled the streets of Charlottesville, bombed a mosque in Minneapolis, and made frontpage news stands as a clear and present danger. The modern-day Nazis are not cartoon characters, they are the living, hating, antithesis of Judaism’s teachings of loving one another, cherishing the Divine that is within each of us. As my colleague, Rabbi Rachel Barenblat, puts it what we’re looking at is “structural racism.” And, sadly, there is relative silence from Washington. Instead of vehemently denouncing those who incite violence. So what are we to do? Enjoy the joyful moments with family and friends, for sure; and, sadly, once again, we need to mobilize, to write to our representatives, pound the pavement, demonstrate, and make our voices heard once again. Whitefish? Minneapolis? Charlottesville? We must not be silent. And while we’re praying with our feet we can (and must) pray with all our heart and soul. L’Shalom baOlam,
Rabbi Emerita Yocheved Mintz 2
Cantor’s Notes A Note From the Cantor I admit, I really procrastinated writing my article for the September newsletter this month. Sometimes it is just hard to decide what to write. I’ve written several articles about the music of the High Holy Days, and was wondering what else I could add to what I have said before. And then, yesterday, (Sunday August 20th) I was honored to participate in the Las Vegas Vigil for Peace and Unity at the F.A.M.E (First African Methodist Episcopal) Church. I saw several members of P’nai Tikvah there as well. It was a moving afternoon with religious leaders from many faiths, and elected officials speaking out against hate. This vigil was brought about by the Pastor of F.A.M.E, Ralph E. Williamson, and the director of the Las Vegas ADL, Jolie Brislin, as a reaction to the hate march that took place in Charlottesville. I was asked to coordinate a song for the local Las Vegas Cantors and soloists to sing. There are so many songs that would work for singing against hate. The song we chose was as song about healing, “Heal Us Now” by my colleague Cantor Leon Sher. He wrote this song when he was a cantorial student. Using lines adapted from our Torah, El na r’fanah (God heal (us)) this song not only asks for personal healing, but for, “…healing of our people, we pray for healing of the land, and peace for every race and nation, every child every woman every man.” (From “Heal Us Now”). So it seemed to be a perfect fit for an event asking for peace and unity. I have known this song for many years (I actually got my first copy from the composer). It has always resonated with me as I truly wish for peace in our world. As Cantors Dan Gale, and Jessica Hutchins and I sang this song to a packed house, we could feel the power love could bring when many people come together to denounce hate. Music can really do that. The F.A.M.E choir also sang songs of peace and the whole room was moved. As Rosh Hashanah approaches, my wish is that we all stand up to hatred, speak for peace, and continue our work on repairing the world. I will continue to do that with my music, and I hope that the music we use for the Holy Days inspires and enriches you to continue as well. L'Shalom,
Cantor Marla Goldberg 3
Providing Service to CPT – Join and Participate! Your talents and active participation are both needed and welcomed. Hands on participation is necessary to provide the array of services that our congregation has to offer in a manner that is affordable, effective, and fulfilling. We are looking to provide as many requested services and events as possible. Join us in this important Mitzvah for our congregation and community. Please indicate three choices of participation. Each committee is led by a Board Member who will contact you. Speak to Stephanie Paykel or another CPT Board Member about your choices at services ___ Board of Directors and Nominating. We are responsible for recruiting and supervising election of new Board members and Board members whose terms of office are completed. Recommend appointments for Board members who have resigned before the expiration of their term of office. ___ Ritual, Holiday, and Special Events. What we do: Organize logistics and catering for High Holiday Services; Cater the Pesach Seder; Setup and takedown Friday Shabbat Services, coordinate Oneg; Planning for Sukkot, Chanukah, and Purim, including decorating and catering; and Planning other Special Events. ____ Adult Education. Organize Torah study; Recruit Speakers for the Brunch with Brilliants program; Provide creative ideas to plan and implement Adult Lectures, Classes or Programs to engage and educate. ____ Youth Education. We assist our Jewlicious Learning Educators in a wide variety of areas, including provision of needed materials, planning for classes, and other Youth events. ____ Fundraising. Encourage active participation from all Members to organize, plan, and support our fundraising activities in order to maintain and grow the Congregational Budget. Activities include our Annual Roast fundraiser and planning the Tribute Book; selecting, conceptualizing, planning and implementing additional fundraising activities. ___ Marketing and Membership: We need to maximize the visibility of CPT in the Las Vegas community and grow our membership. We are responsible for sending out press releases, engaging in marketing strategies, along with performing outreach functions, updating our Facebook page and other media. ____ Finance. Responsible for devising the Annual Budget, accounting of income and expenses, including reporting to the Board any significant deviance from budgeted items; approving contracts for consultants and venues; approving budgets for events. ___ Congregational Outreach: Coordinate with the above groups to Contact Members and potential participants to encourage attendance in upcoming classes, events and programs; Maintain and update Phone Lists; provide Greeters for Shabbat Services and other events; perform Mitzvah of Bikur Cholim (visiting or calling members who have been ill). Organize and send greeting cards for life events. Provide outreach to absent members. 4
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A New Moon for All
Elul
Saturday, August 26 7:00 PM
Stargazing at Red Rock Canyon Visitor’s Center
Saturday September 16 7:00 PM
Slichot at the home of Rabbi Mintz
Sunday, October 22 12-4 PM
JCC BBQ Team Event “Slabs and Tichels”-call Nancey 702.956.7378 Opportunity Village
Kislev
Sunday, November 19 7:00 PM
“A Pintrest Chanukah” at the home of Rabbi Mintz
Tevet
Sunday, December 17 TBD
Bowl-A-Thon Rosh Chodesh Team Red Rock Bowling Alley
Sh’vat
Sunday, January 21 TBD
Jewish Film Festival and Dessert
Adar
Sunday, February 18 7:00 PM
Drum Circle TBD
Sunday, March 18 1-3 PM
Our Favorite Passovers Workshop TBD
Iyyar
April 15
Israeli Film and Discussion
Sivan
May 20
Torah Trek-Spring Mountain Ranch
Tishrei Cheshvan
Nissan
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Jewlicious Learning SIGN UP TODAY FOR OUR 2017-2018 SESSION Jewlicious Learning Hands on, experiential learning makes Jewish education fun and meaningful for our youngsters from Kindergarten through B’nai Mitzvah. Working with Rabbi Mintz, Cantor Goldberg, and our caring and engaging teaching staff makes a loving, caring, and motivating environment for our youngsters.
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KIDZ KORNER for September
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Yad Squad (formerly “Teen Torah Tribe�) Post B'nai Mitzvah teens will be meeting from 10:00 to 11:30 on Sunday mornings once monthly this year for continuing education and leadership training. In addition to increasing their skill in "doing Jewish." They will experience: Social Action Opportunities Building self-esteem Building Jewish identity Building Jewish literacy Connecting with other Jewish teens and with the community and being provided with opportunities for positive personal expression. 702.436.4900 9
JEWISH, is our Introduction to Judaism course; divide into three ALIVE AND This 10 class sessions each class is an introduction into the Jewish AMERICAN life-cycle and experience regarding living a committed Jewish taught by life. Although this is a requirement for those interested in choosing Judaism, it is a great way for people who are born RABBI Jewish to understand the tradition better, explore the interacYOCHEVED tion between the heritage and our contemporary experience, and get a great guide for further exploration on their own. MINTZ The 10 class sessions running from August 15, 2017 to No3-10 CLASS vember 7, 2017; November 11, 2017 to February 20, 2018; SESSIONS February 27, 2018 to May 15, 2018 will include Shabbat, Theology, Hanukkah, The Jewish Home, Synagogue, Tu B'Shevat, August The World of Jewish Texts and Mysticism. 2017—May Contact 702.436.4900 to reserve you place. The course for 2018 members is $165.00 and for non-members $215.00. The syl7:00 PM— labus is $25.00. 8:30 PM Tuesday PM CALL 702.436.4900 to sign up Inner Ladder: NOW CLOSED This Mussar Institute course will be facilitated by Rabbi Yocheved Mintz on Monday evenings starting in August. The course will be for 12 weeks with meeting every other week. The Mussar va’ad dates are: September 11th, 25th, October 9th, 23rd The class will meet in the home of Rabbi Yocheved Mintz starting at 7:00 PM. Cohort size is limited. Cost for the course: $198 for members and $248 for non-members. Call 702.869.2700 for more information WHAT IS MUSSAR? Mussar is a path of contemplative practices and exercises that have evolved over the past thousand years to help an individual soul to pinpoint and then to break through the barriers that surround and obstruct the flow of inner light in our lives. Mussar is a treasury of techniques and understandings that offers immensely valuable guidance for the journey of our lives.
ADULT EDUCATION THIS YEAR WE WILL BE OFFERING 5-5WEEK SESSION FOR OUR TALMIDIM, OUR ADULT LEARNERS. CONGREGATION P’NAI TIKVAH IS BLESSED WITH A PASSIONATE GROUP OF ADULTS WHO CONSISTENTLY SEEK OUT WHAT BEING JEWISH MEANS TO THEM TODAY. PLEASE JOIN US WITH YOUR IDEAS, SUGGESTIONS AND PARTICIPATION AS WE GO ON OUR JOURNEYS AS INDIVIDUALS AND WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY. EMAIL YOUR IDEAS: INFO@PNAITIKVAHLV.ORG PUT IN THE SUBJECT LINE ADULT ED AT CPT WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU HERE ARE SOME IDEAS WE ARE PONDERING:
FOODS AND THE JEWISH CALENDAR BREAKING DOWN THE AMIDAH EMBODYING SPIRIT MANDALAS AS A HEALING TOOL MODESTY IN MODERNITY PSALMS FOR YOU AND ME 10
Would you like to send honey for Rosh Hashanah 5778? $10.00 per bottle Call the office for assistance
Final Day to order 9/8/2017 702.436.4900
Join us on September 10th Congregation P’nai Tikvah’s Annual Hi Ho Challah Bake-A-Thon Home of Rabbi Yocheved Mintz 1-4 PM RSVP Space is limited 11
In Memory of Those We Love
NAMES FOR THE BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE – 5778 To honor the memory of loved ones who have passed away, please fill out this form and send to: Congregation P’nai Tikvah ATTN: Administrative Office 1697 Black Fox Canyon Rd, Henderson, Nevada 89052 by September 18th, 2017 It is traditional to make a donation ($18) to the congregation for each of your loved ones. Remembered by ______________________________________________________ Phone no. _________________ I am contributing $ _________ in memory of each of my loved ones, for a total of $_______ for the Book of Remembrance 5778 . Name ____________________________________________________________________________ Name ____________________________________________________________________________ Name ____________________________________________________________________________ Name ____________________________________________________________________________ Name ____________________________________________________________________________ Name ____________________________________________________________________________ Name ____________________________________________________________________________ Name ____________________________________________________________________________ Name ____________________________________________________________________________ Name ____________________________________________________________________________
Please remit names and donations to Congregation P’nai Tikvah ATTN: Administrative Office 1697 Black Fox Canyon Rd, Henderson, Nevada 89052 or email to info@pnaitikvahlv.org Call the office at 702.436.4900 for more information.
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King David Memorial Sponsors Annual Communitywide Memorial Services
On Sunday, September 24, 2017, King David Memorial Chapel and Cemetery, Nevada’s only Jewish funeral home and cemetery combination, will sponsor The 8th Annual Communitywide Kever Dorot, memorial services for the generations. These traditional services offered, in conjunction with the Board of Rabbis of Southern Nevada, will take place at three separate venues - Woodlawn Cemetery (9:00AM), Palm Memorial Park Northwest (1:00PM) and King David Memorial Cemetery (1:00PM). Rabbis and cantors from several the Southern Nevada synagogues will conduct them. The earliest accounts of this type of service record many Jews visiting the graves of the patriarchs, at the approach of the High Holy Days, to intercede on their behalf. More recent history, however, recount Jewish communities visiting revered rabbis, community leaders and loved ones to show respect and to pray for their departed souls. “In modern times, most Jewish communities or individual synagogues, in conjunction with local Jewish cemeteries, hold Kever Dorot Services during the High Holy Days,” said Jay Poster, General Manager for King David Memorial Chapel and Cemetery. “These services are usually held just prior to Rosh HaShanah or on the Sunday between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur.” “This time of year brings the highest pilgrimage of visitors to Jewish cemeteries around the world. The High Holy Days are a time of spirituality, renewal and reconnection”, said Poster. “Whether your loved ones are buried here in Las Vegas at these cemeteries, or elsewhere, we encourage your participation; the memorial service will have blessings that will also be meaningful and moving for you and yours.” Many people visit their loved ones’ gravesites because of the belief that the soul of the departed is still there waiting to take their requests to G-d and to pray for a good year. Others visit the graves in keeping with the season’s theme of forgiveness and repentance. Still others see this time of year as an opportunity to reflect on current relationships. As they look to the future, people acknowledge the past and their debt to it, especially their debt to those special people who have affected their lives. “King David Memorial is, once again, honored to sponsor this yearly event. The Board of Rabbis is pleased to participate, as well,” said Poster. “Some synagogues also incorporate this service as part of their High Holy Day schedule. All three of these services are well attended.” This program is a complimentary service provided to the entire Southern Nevada Jewish Community by King David Memorial Chapel and Cemetery. Everyone in attendance will receive stones to place on their loved ones’ graves and a free yahrzeit candle to take home. In the spirit of the High Holy Days and tzedakah, people are being asked to bring a donation of canned or dry food for the food pantry at the Jewish Family Service Agency of Las Vegas. For additional information, addresses and directions to the various locations, please contact King David Memorial Chapel and Cemetery at 702-464-8570.
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September Birthdays Danny Royer David Clark David Silverman Jackie Ackerman Ben Wilreker Andy Holland Anne Ullman
September 4 September 6 September 7 September 11 September 15 September 20 September 25
September Anniversaries Lorraine Brown & Michael Nussbaum Evelyn & Kenneth Clark
September 20 September 28
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.
VOLUNTEERISM ABOUNDS AT CPT Homes are always needed for the various activities and meetings of our congregation. Offer a Personal prayer – If you’d like to write your own, please do so. If you would like to see it published in the newsletter. 14
For the Month of September
Jeffrey Bernstein -Remembered by Harriet Bernstein Gabriel Eugene Blechman -Remembered by Maxine Blechman Ivy Falk -Remembered by Carol Bernstein Maurice Feigenberg -Remembered by Abbe Feigenberg Hera Goodrich -Remembered by Goodrich-Wolff Family Irving Malerman -Remembered by Cindy Fox Bell Berland Mogliner -Remembered by Maxine Blechman Tille Rauch -Remembered by Gloria Granat Leonard Rome -Remembered by Phyllis Zuckerman Ada Rosenstein -Remembered by Sondra Rose Abraham Rosenstein -Remembered by Sondra Rose Rabbi Richard Schachet -Remembered by CPT Congregation
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
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Nid’vei Lev- Donations from the Heart Jackie Ackerman -In Memory of Bella Berdy -In Memory of David Pisetzner
Judy Stotland -In Memory of David Pisetzner
Harriet Bernstein -Nid'vei Lev
Nancey Eason -Nid'vei Lev
Sun City Anthem Canasta Club -In Memory of David Pisetzner -In Memory of Bella Berdy
Lynn Pisetzner -Thank you Rabbi Mintz
E. Edwards Vogler -Rabbi's Discretionary Fund
Barbara Kaye -In Memory of David Pisetzner
Sondra Rose -Nid'vei Lev
Hedda Abbott -Thank you Rabbi Pam
Walter Carnwright II -Nid'vei Lev
Zelda Goldwater -Nid'vei Lev
Gayla & John Wennstrom -Nid'vei Lev
Annie Wolff -Rabbi's Discretionary Fund
Anita Lewy 'In Memory of David Pisetzner -In Memory of Bella Berdy -Speedy Recovery Nancey Eason -Nid'vei Lev
Paula Deal -Mi'Shebeirach for Larry Katz
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. Clergy and Staff Rabbi Emerita: Rabbi Yocheved Mintz Rabbinic Intern: Jamie Hyams Cantor: Cantor Marla Goldberg Educators: Rabbi Yocheved Mintz and Cantor Marla Goldberg Teacher’s Aide: Austin Royer Bookkeeper: Lynn Pisetzner Treasurer: Lynn Pisetzner
702.436.4900 www.pnaitikvahlv.org info@pnaitikvahlv.org
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September 1 September 2 September 4 September 5 September 6 September 7 September 10 September 11 September 15 September 16 September 16 September 18 September 20 September 21 September 22 September 25 September 25 September 29 September 30 October 1 October 2 October 5 October 6 October 7
CALENDAR AT A GLANCE: 6:30 PM Tot Shabbat, Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv Service 9:30 AM Torah Study Labor Day—Office Closed 7:00 PM Jewish, Alive and American 7:00 PM Jewish Adult Education Series I 7:00 PM CPT Board Meeting 1:00 PM Hi Ho Challah Bake-A-Thon, bring your apron 7:00 PM Inner Ladder– Mussar 7:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv Service 9:30 AM Torah Study 7:00 PM S’lichot at home of Rabbi Mintz 4:15 PM Jewlicious Learning 7:00 PM Rosh Hashanah at Texas Station 10:00 AM Rosh Hashanah at Texas Station 5:00 PM Tashlich and picnic at Sunset Park 4:15 PM Jewlicious Learning 7:00 PM Inner Ladder– Mussar 7:00 PM Kol Nidrei-Erev Yom Kippur at Texas Station 10:00 AM Yom Kippur at Texas Station 1:00 PM Decorating Rabbi’s Sukkah 4:15 PM Jewlicious Learning 7:00 PM CPT Board Meeting 6:30 PM Tot Shabbat, Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv Service 9:30 AM Torah Study
Blessing for Rosh Chodesh Elul:
Elul holds of the energy of Return, T’shuvah; and it holds the door open to easy access to the Divine (ELUL = Aleph Lamed
Vov Lamed = Ani L’Dodi V’Dodi Li = I am My Beloved’s and My Beloved is Mine). May we be blessed with a month in which we can return to an inner stillness, allowing us to reflect on our lives and the actions we’ve taken in the year that is coming to an end. 17