Kol Kiruv September 2018
Elul - Tishrei
Vol. 28—No. 1
Happenings
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Congregation P’nai Tikvah will worship on
A Note From Cantor Goldberg
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September 7th and 21st. Tot Shabbat, Kabba-
A Message From Reb Jamie
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lat Shabbat and Ma’ariv services will begin at
A Message From Rabbi Mintz, Rabbi Emerita 4
6:30 PM on September 7th. On September 21st, Shabbat-Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv
The President’s Message, Sam Lieberman
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High Holidays
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What’s Been Going On?
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Garage Sale
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Free Money
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Yahrzeit, Nid’vei Lev and Celebrations
10-11 one, please call 702.436.4900 for sponsorship
Calendar at a Glance
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Services will begin at 7:30PM. Torah Study will be on September 8th and 22nd at 9:30 AM at Iris’ home. If you are interested in sponsoring an Oneg to celebrate an event or memorialize a loved and catering opportunities.
A Note From Cantor Marla Goldberg Yesterday, we got a new “Jewish Family Calendar” in the mail. Guess this means it really is time to begin thinking of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur once more. Okay, actually, I have been thinking about it since May, but now the proximity of the High Holydays is deep in my thoughts daily. Getting my music together, rehearsing with the choir, and working on the spirituality I try to bring with everything I sing takes up many of my ‘free’ hours. This is a mindset I love to put myself in every year. The High Holydays have always had a special meaning for me since I was a little girl listening to our Cantorial Soloist chant the Avinu Malkeinu. It was at an Erev Rosh Hashanah service, while I was singing a version of Ahavat Olam with the Temple B’nai Torah choir that I confirmed my decision to become a cantor. I had been thinking about it for a while, but it was that prayer and that moment when I could feel the kavanah in the room. Knowing I was partially responsible for that feeling made we want to continue doing it for a lifetime. Now, I love Shabbat music. But there is something about the nusach of the Holydays that truly fills me with awe. From the traditional melodies of the Amida, to the more modern Avinu Malkeinu of Max Janowski, to the even more modern sounds of Danny Maseng and Debbie Friedman, this music has always filled my soul with introspection, peace and love. Music does this so easily. When we sing together, or listen to a soloist or the choir, music brings us together and helps us to rise up and create a space so holy that the angels must be singing with us. Together we praise God, together we are a holy congregation.
If, also, I have offended anyone in anyway, please forgive me, as I forgive any who have offended me. May your 5779 be filled with peace, compassion, love, joy, and just enough sorrow to appreciate
it. L’Shalom,
Cantor Marla Goldberg
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Message from Reb Jamie I am thinking about Elul, the Jewish month that precedes Rosh haShanah. On a church signboard near my house, it says “Come as you are. You can change inside...” Maybe they are saying that “jeans and t-shirts” are ok to walk in the door and you can put on a dressier shirt when you get inside; or maybe they are saying that the future can be different with some effort. If the High Holidays are a time for us to turn our ship and make a course correction for the coming year, Elul is the captain’s briefing and analysis that enables us to understand where we want to go. And who are the crew at the helm of the ship, making this analysis and giving this briefing? A clue is found in the name Elul. Elul in Hebrew is spelled aleph, lamed, vav, lamed. It is an acronym for ani l’dodi v’dodi li, I am for my beloved and my beloved is for me. And here, the Source of Life is the beloved.
For me, the Source of Life (some call this God) doesn’t speak to me in a booming voice from on high, but rather through moments of quiet contemplation often found on a walk or on a bike ride… when I can clear my head of distractions, of emails and cellphones, honking cars and work deadlines. Perhaps I am listening to my inner voice, perhaps to a spirit guide, perhaps this is a form of hitbodedut, “an unstructured, spontaneous and individualized form of prayer and meditation, popularized by Rebbe Nachman of Breslov (wikipedia).” As I have learned to trust this voice, she has become dear to me, a valued partner as I intentionally chart the course of my life. During Elul, in many communities (and yes, much to the chagrin on my neighbors here), Jews rise early to the sound of a shofar, blasting us awake, literally and metaphorically, as if to say “WAKE UP! Think about the coming year, be intentional, make it so!” Ani l’dodi v’dodi li – Elul, reminds us to listen to our inner voices so that we can set the course of our lives (if you don’t know where you are going, you surely won’t get there!) May your Elul be blessed with the presence of your inner voice, and in September, “Come as you are, you can change inside.”
Reb Jamie Hyams 3
Message from Rabbi Emerita Yocheved Mintz Dear Chevrah:
What a strange time in which we find ourselves. On one hand, it is that time of year during which we turn to one another and seek forgiveness for hurts unintentionally (or even intentionally) inflicted. We acknowledge where we’ve missed the mark with one-another; we apologize; we make restitution, if possible; we promise to never do it again; and we have full intentions of never doing the wrong again. That’s called doing T’shuvah; and doing T’shuvah is the work of the month of Elul and the first ten days of the month of Tishrei. On the other hand, we seem confused, disillusioned, and agitated. There is an Orwellian feel in the air. The summer heated up with more than what was measured on the thermometer. We were deeply saddened by our government’s separation of would-be immigrant families, and we are grieved by the hundreds of children still longing for their parents. We are disappointed by those in our government who misplace our trust, act as if they are above the law, and seek to cover up their mis-steps by trying to convince us that black is white. We are worried about the situation in the Mid-East, especially along the Gaza border. We are a divided nation. We have friends and family who are ill. We’ve lost more friends and family this year. A strange time indeed. But, on the other hand (as Tevye would say), Ma Nishtanah? How is this situation any different than other years? We always have distrust of government; we always have crises with which to deal. We always seem to have problems in Israel. Illness and death are always a part of life. We always have differences. I know….but, somehow this year feels different. I don’t think I’m alone in feeling this way, but what do I do about it? I look up into the mountains, from whence cometh my help. “Essa einai el he-harim, mei-ayin yavo ezri.” The classic quote from the Psalms has been playing in my head, louder and louder as the month of Elul gets stronger. Help and hope come from the Hidden One…and, according to our tradition, this month is a time when we have the closest access to the Sovereign of Sovereigns of Sovereigns. As we prepare ourselves for the Yamim HaNoraim, the Days if Awe, we have only to reach out and G-d is accessible to us, no appointments necessary. And perhaps this sense that we’re in a strange time is accentuated by the looming Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. Perhaps, it is only natural that, as we approach this critical time of self-reflection and T’shuvah, we are ready for the soul-awakening of the Shofar call. Perhaps…
L’Shanah Tova Tikateivu v’Teichateimu. May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year…
Rabbi Yocheved Mintz Rabbi Emerita/Senior Educator 4
From the President… There is no summer vacation for Congregation P’nai Tikvah. We have been working hard both individually and collectively getting ready for the High Holidays, prepping for our 2019 roast, honoring congresswoman Dina Titus, and providing a whole bunch of fun opportunities for our current membership and those we hope will join us in the future. Please take a moment now to register for our High Holiday services to be held at Texas Station and invite your family members, friends, and colleagues, not only for the Days of Awe, but also as we grow our community as a whole.
If you have any ideas, suggestions or concerns, please call me directly at 702-2860739. Thank you for all you do for Congregation P’nai Tikvah.
Sam Lieberman
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 Rabbinic Intern: 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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Sun., Aug. 26 * Various Challah Across the Valley Sat., Sept 1 * 7:30pm Selichot & Potluck Dessert - Katz home Sun., Sept. 9 * 7pm Erev Rosh Hashanah - Texas Station Mon., Sept. 10 * 10am Rosh Hashanah - Texas Station Tues., Sept 11 * 5pm Tashlich and Picnic Dinner Tues., Sept 18 * 7pm Erev Yom Kippur - Kol Nidre - Texas Station Wed., Sept 19 * 10am Yom Kippur (all day) - Texas Station Suggested donation of $180 or more is welcomed to help our small progressive community to continue to offer free High Holiday services to the community.
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What’s Been Going On Mazel Tov to Annie Wolff and Abbe Feigenberg as Rabbi Mintz affixes the mezuzah on the front door of their lovely new home on Adventure Court. Witnessing the Chanukat Bayit included Harriet Bernstein, Roz Tessler, Iris Katz, Ruth Markind, Dotty Elgart, and Seth Morrison
AVI STOTLAND BECOMES A BAR MITZVAH Avi William Stotland, the son of Ari Stotland and Gitta Lowell, was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on Shabbat Ki Teitzei, within services facilitated by Congregation P’nai Tikvah in the Bet Midrash of the Adelson Educational Campus.
Danica Does Broadway… Broadway Camp, that is. Mazel Tov to Danica Lockett, daughter of Kristen Jaeger and Tim Lockett for a stellar performance in the “42nd Street” revue number at the Smith Center July 18th. This is Danica’s second year with the very exciting Broadway Camp, an incredible one week musical theatre experience. We’re proud of you, Danica!
Avi is in 8th grade at the Adelson Educational Campus. His favorite activities are swimming, video games, and spending time with family and friends. For Avi's Mitzvah project, Avi donated his time both at Congregation P'nai Tikvah, and at the Las Vegas Rescue Mission feeding the homeless. This summer, Avi was able to visit Israel for the first time, making his Bar Mitzvah and his connection to the Jewish people all-the-more meaningful. 7
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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
FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
Jerrold Sevransky -Remembered by Marion Baum Jeffrey Bernstein -Remembered by Harriet Bernstein
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
Gabriel Blechman -Remembered by Maxine Blechman Maurice Feigenberg - Remembered by Abbe Feigenberg Hera Goodrich -Remembered by the Goodrich-Wolff family Irving Malerman -Remembered by Cindy Fox Bell Berland Mogliner -Remembered by Maxine Blechman Tillie Rauch -Remembered by Gloria Granat Ada Rosenstein -Remembered by Sondra Eose Abraham Rosenstein -Remembered by Sondra Rose Rabbi Richard Schachet -Remembered by CPT Congregation
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With h the mo ability streng and co
Blessin
Spring pate cl the ab ing and
SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS Danny Royer Dave Clark Ethan Deal David Silverman Jackie Ackerman Don Ortega Stav Levaton Ben Wilreker Andrew Holland Joel Katz Shannon Bilbray-Axelrod Anne Ullman
September 4 September 6 September 7 September 7 September 11 September 12 September 14 September 15 September 20 September 20 September 22 September 25
SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
DeAnna Ernst & Don Ortega
10th
Michael Nussbaum & Lorraine Brown
23rd
Ken & Evelyn Clark
28th
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CALENDAR AT A GLANCE: September 1 September 7 September 8 September 9 September 10 September 11 September 17 September 18 September 19 September 21 September 22 September 23 September 24 September 25 September 29 September 30 October 2 October 5 October 6 October 8 October 14 October 15 October 16 October 19 October 20 October 22 October 22 October 23
7:00pm 6:30pm 9:30am 7:00pm 10:00am 5:00pm 4:15pm 7:00pm 10:00am 7:30pm 9:30am 6:00pm 4:15pm 7:00pm 6:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 6:30pm 9:30am 4:15pm 12:00n 4:15pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 9:30am 4:15pm 4:15pm 7:00pm
Havdallah & S’lichot (Potluck Desserts) Family & Kabbalat Shabbat & Maariv Service Torah Study Erev Rosh Hashana Rosh Hashana 5779 Tashlich & Picnic Dinner Jewlicious Learning Erev Yom Kippur Yom Kippur Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv Services Torah Study Erev Sukkot Jewlicious Learning A Season of Mussar Sukkah Celebration Simchat Torah (Potluck Dinner @6, Services @7) A Season of Mussar Family & Kabbalat Shabbat & Maariv Service Torah Study Jewlicious Learning Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan Jewlicious Learning A Season of Mussar Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv Services Torah Study Jewlicious Learning Jewlicious Learning A Season of Mussar
Iris Katz Indigo Iris Katz Texas Station Texas Station Sunset Park Rabbi Mintz Texas Station Texas Station Indigo Iris Katz Rabbi Mintz Rabbi Mintz Rabbi Mintz Ellen Royer Indigo Rabbi Mintz Indigo Iris Katz Rabbi Mintz Jackie Ackerman Rabbi Mintz Rabbi Mintz Indigo Indigo Rabbi Mintz Rabbi Mintz Rabbi Mintz
Blessing for Elul May your Elul be blessed with the presence of your inner voice as you chart
your course for the new year. 13