svlw
ShalomFest Temple Israel’s celebration of Jewish food, music, arts, and culture! Sunday, October 15, 2017 Noon - 4:00 p.m. Temple Israel Tulsa, Oklahoma
Temple Israel | 2004 East 22nd Place Tulsa, OK 74114 | 918-747-1309 | templetulsa.com
Shalom! Welcome to ShalomFest!
Welcome to Temple Israel’s 24th annual ShalomFest, and thank you for joining us in celebration of Jewish culture, art, food, and music. Shalom is a Hebrew word that means peace. It is derived from a root word denoting wholeness or completeness, and its frame of reference throughout Jewish literature is bound up with the notion of shelemut, or perfection. It is used as a salutation when meeting or parting, and here we are, 24 years after the original ShalomFest, wishing you peace, greeting all and welcoming all into our temple. No matter how you identify racially, ethnically or religiously, no matter your gender identity or orientation, you are welcome here. We welcome those across the spectrum of physical and mental abilities. No matter your country of origin, you are welcome here, as Elie Wiesel, a Romanian-born American Jewish writer, professor, political activist, Nobel Laureate, and Holocaust survivor said “no human being is illegal.” We hope you feel this welcoming from all of us here at Temple Israel. Please take your time and explore our Temple on one of the tours, or take in a mock Jewish religious ceremony. Have a nosh, we have plenty of good food for you to enjoy. Stop by the Israel Room, watch a few of the musical performances, take your kids to the children’s area. We hope you leave with a little better understanding of what living a Jewish life in Tulsa, Oklahoma looks like. No matter what you chose to do, have fun, enjoy your time here! On behalf of the hundreds of volunteers that have worked (and are working) hundreds of hours ensuring the success of ShalomFest, let me bid you Shalom! If you have any questions, please look for a volunteer wearing a blue ShalomFest shirt, we are all happy to help. Enjoy Temple Israel’s 24th annual ShalomFest! Bracken Klar ShalomFest Chair
The Staff and Board of Trustees of Temple Israel
Welcome You to ShalomFest 2017! Jim Simon Interim Senior Rabbi Charles Philip Sherman Rabbi Emeritus Faith Steinsnyder Cantor in Residence Klara Bode Administrator Stephanie Marshall Director of Education, Outreach and Programming Jenny Labow Administrative Assistant Jory Bollinger Bookkeeper/ Event Coordinator Lauren Zeligson Communications Coordinator
Timothy Wallace Head Custodian Susan Woitte Librarian Eliot Glaser Accompanist Lesley Bumgarner, President John Clayman, President-Elect Susan Woitte, Vice President Donnie Suter-Levin, Treasurer Stephen Galoob, PhD Secretary Paula & Malcolm Milsten, Co-Honorary Presidents 2
Board of Trustees Todd Arlan Dr. Shana Deneen Donna Gantner Jackie Karman Dr. Myron Katz Stan Kessler Bracken Klar Mark Lobo Michael Meister Carol Miller Dr. David Nierenberg Brina Reinstein Dr. Allen Smith Barbara Waxman
Representatives to the Board Peg Kishner and Mary Arlan, Co-Sisterhood Presidents Dr. Peter Rao, Brotherhood President John Sieler, Temple Israel Foundation President
Entertainment
Located in the Tent on the East Side of the Temple 12:15 - 12:30 ........................................................Temple Israel Youth Choir 12:30 - 1:00..........................................................Rebecca Ungerman 1:00 - 1:15..............................................................Mizel Jewish Community Day School 1:30 - 2:30............................................................Tulsa Klezmer Band 2:45 - 3:30...........................................................Jenny Labow 3:30 - 4:00..........................................................Tulsa Accordion Band
Model Ceremonies & Tours Tours begin frequently between noon and 4:00 p.m. in the Main Lobby, and are scheduled to also allow attendance at the model ceremonies in the Sanctuary.
12:15............................................ Baby Naming 1:15.............................................. Torah Demonstration 2:30............................................ High Holy Day Music 3:15............................................. Shofar Demonstration
“The Tribe” Movie Screening The award winning, unorthodox, unauthorized history of the Jewish people and the Barbie doll…in 18 minutes. Screening in Seminar Room 1 at 1:00, 2:00,3:00 Following each screening there will be a 10 minute discussion.
3
This is Temple Israel Temple Israel was founded in 1914 and is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism, the largest Jewish denomination in North America comprised of some 900 synagogues. This Reform synagogue embodies the ritual warmth and ceremonial beauty of Jewish tradition. A growing congregation of about 340 families, the Temple actively involves its members in the varied programs of what a synagogue is: a house of worship, a house of study, and a house of communal gathering.
Shabbat (Sabbath) services are held every Friday evening, and we welcome all generations of our community to worship together. We also have a monthly Tot Shabbat service for families with children in pre-school through the younger elementary grades. Periodically, Shabbat dinners are scheduled following services to build our sense of community and Shabbat joy. The Temple offers a monthly Shabbat morning service and study, and also conducts Sabbath morning services when a Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony is scheduled. Holiday and family services are conducted for all the festivals. Equality and inclusivity are core values of Temple life. We invite members of all ages, gender, and sexual orientation to participate fully at Temple Israel, a vibrant Jewish community. We welcome visits by interested individuals and groups.
Rabbi Jim Simon is the Interim Senior Rabbi. After a distinguished career that began at Temple Israel in 1976, Rabbi Charles P. Sherman continues his relationship with Temple as Rabbi Emeritus. The Temple Israel professional team includes Klara Bode, Administrator, Stephanie Marshall, Director of Education, Outreach & Programming, Jenny Labow, Administrative Assistant, Jory Bollinger, Bookkeeper/Event Coordinator, Lauren Zeligson, Communications Coordinator, Susan Woitte, Librarian, Eliot Glaser, Accompanist and Timothy Wallace, Head Custodian. Cantor Faith Steinsnyder is our Cantor in Residence. Our board of trustees is made up of 25 Temple members. Officers and trustees are elected to two-year terms. The Board meets monthly, and holds an annual congregational meeting in May.
Speaking of Hebrew. Hebrew is the language of the Jewish people. Jews pray in Hebrew, the Bible is written in Hebrew, and Hebrew is the spoken language of the modern State of Israel. Children at Temple Israel begin in-depth study of Hebrew in 3rd grade as part of their Jewish education. Students receive Hebrew instruction on Wednesday afternoons and Sunday mornings with an emphasis on reading liturgical and biblical texts. Our educational program also brings Hebrew to life exposing students to modern conversational Israeli Hebrew. Students put their Hebrew learning to 4
use in a public setting for the first time when a 13 year old becomes Bar or Bat Mitzvah, the rite of passage in which a young person leads worship and reads from Torah signifying his or her status as a full participant in the community. Hebrew knowledge enables Jews to participate fully in worship services and study sacred texts. In an effort to encourage widespread Hebrew knowledge, the Jewish community of Tulsa’s Institute of Adult Jewish studies offers adult Hebrew class each year.
graders is run in partnership with B’nai Emunah, our sister Conservative congregation here in Tulsa, and meets on Wednesday evenings. In 10th grade, students go through Confirmation, a year of study that challenges teens to solidify their personal beliefs about Judaism. Confirmation culminates with a worship service that the students create and lead. Temple Israel participates in the Institute of Adult Jewish Studies, which meets on Monday evenings and offers a variety of courses including Hebrew, Bible, Talmud, Jewish history, and Introduction to Judaism. The Temple maintains the Jay Allan Myers Memorial Library, which contains an excellent collection of Judaica for the use of members of all ages of the congregation as well as the community at large.
Lifelong Education. Learning is a mitzvah (sacred obligation) within Judaism. At Temple Israel, our lifelong Jewish education programs include preschool, Religious School and Hebrew Learning for youth and adult education courses. Students in Pre-K – 6th grade attend on Sunday mornings during the school year. The teen education program, Midrasha, for 7th -12th
Temple Israel History The organizational meeting of the congregation was held December 8, 1914, at the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce. From 1914-1916 the congregation held High Holyday services in the Elk’s Club and the Ohio Building. In 1919 the first Temple was dedicated at 14th and Cheyenne (the building stands today). In 1932 the congregation established its second home at the corner of 16th and Rockford (now a playground). In 1953 construction began at the present site at 22nd Pl. and Yorktown, and in 1955 this third Temple was dedicated. The congregation was led at that time by Rabbi Norbert L. Rosenthal. Cantor Harold Orbach became the ritual music leader and principal of the Religious School in
Temple Israel’s first building, dedicated in 1919, was at 14th & Cheyenne.
1956. In 1964 Harry Sebran became cantor and served actively until 1991, when Cantor Martin Levson brought a new style of music to our bimah with a guitar and camp-like energy. After the Memorial Day flood of 1984, the facility underwent a major expansion, which included the Moe Gimp Early Learning Center, a premier early childhood education facility. The building was refurbished in 2004.
Temple Israel’s second building was at 16th & Rockford. 5
Menu
Brooklyn Plate: Pastrami on Rye Bread with Pickle & Chips...........................$10.00 Shwarma Plate.................................................................................$9.00 Chicken Shwarma with middle eastern rice and Israeli salad
Israeli Plate: (Vegan) Falafel and Pita with Tahini, Hummus & Israeli Salad.............$9.00 Falafel is fried chick peas. Tahini is a sesame paste. Pita is wheat flatbread made with yeast.
Cabbage Roll (1)…. (Gluten-Free)...............................................$4.00 Cabbage leaves filled with ground beef and rice, and covered in sweet tomato sauce
Bourekas (1).....................................................................................$4.00 Middle-Eastern style puff pastry pockets filled with potatoes and onions
Hummus and Pita (Vegan)...........................................................$3.00 Hummus is made from cooked, mashed chick peas, blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic. Pita is wheat flatbread made with yeast.
Israeli Salad (Vegan and Gluten-Free).......................................$3.00 All Beef Hot Dog on a bun with Chips…………………….....….....$4.00 Bottled Water / Soft Drinks………………………………………..........$2.00
6
Bakery Black and White Cookies (each).......................................$1.00 Plain Macaroon .................................................................$2.00 Chocolate Macaroon...........................................................$3.00 Walnut Rugelah (2 per bag).............................................$3.00 Chocolate Chip Rugelah (2 per bag)..............................$3.00 Hamentashen (2 per bag)..................................................$3.00 Mandelbrot (3 per bag)......................................................$3.00 Challah Loaf (each).............................................................$5.00 Rye Bread (each) ................................................................. $7.00
7
THE FOODS OF SHALOMFEST
Jewish cuisine is a rich blending of the foods from many different countries, informed by the laws of Kashrut (literally “fit” to eat). This year at Temple Israel’s ShalomFest, the foods will reflect the international flavors of Jewish cooking. Some old favorites return, and some new dishes, from throughout the continuum of Jewish experience are introduced. Kashrut, or “keeping kosher” is the complicated code of dietary law developed around the commandments Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy. “Thou shalt not cook the meat of the kid in the milk of its mother (Exodus 23:19)” forms the basis of the prohibition of eating dairy foods with meat. The laws of kashrut call for a specific ritual of slaughter, based on minimizing the suffering to the animal, as well as which animals are fit to eat (animals with cloven hooves that chew cud) and those which are unfit (birds of prey, bottomdwelling fish, shellfish, pork and carnivores). Kashrut calls Jews to consider the origins of their food, and to make eating itself a form of observance. Through the discipline of kashrut, an individual reaffirms in the essential life activity of eating, his adherence to the Eternal One’s code of conduct. Some Jews are more strict in this observance than others, building a fence around the Torah to avoid inadvertent violation of a commandment. The Reform Movement of Judaism calls for the individual to consider this tradition in developing his/ her own practice. Some practice “Biblical Kashrut” adhering to the guidelines set out in the Bible, but not the later strictures that entered Jewish law from the rabbinic period of the Talmud approximately 1,600-2,000 years ago. Some choose vegetarianism as an expression of kashrut that is ultimately kinder 8 to all animals and the environment. Some choose
traditional kashrut, while others find that this tradition does not enhance their own Jewish expression. Historically, the Jewish people have been travelers for nearly 2,000 years, living beside other cultures while longing to return to their homeland. While they adopted the recipes of their neighbors, these were changed subtly by the requirements of kashrut and by the exchange of recipes from relatives and coreligionists in other lands. In Eastern Europe, home of the Ashkenazi Jews, “Jewish Food” means lokshen kugel, praakes, tzimmes and gefilte fish. These were the foods of the shtetl and the outlying towns and countryside where the Jews were “permitted” to live, often in abject poverty and fear of the pogroms. Much of this cuisine began in Germany, where the Jews settled before the 10th Century. This means hearty foods like thick soups with grains and dumplings, heavy rye and dark breads, pickled and boiled meats, freshwater fish and salt herring, cabbage and carrots. Strong flavor combinations like sweet and sour combinations dominated. But there were also outside influences: noodles from their co-religionists in Italy, Eastern spices from their uncles in international trade. In Turkey, Egypt or Morocco, where Jews have lived since Biblical times, one can find cuisine rich with cumin and cinnamon, fresh fruits and vegetables, like tomatoes, eggplant, artichokes and lamb. This Jewish food has a strong Sephardic, or Spanish Jewish influence as many Jews from that land were welcomed in the Arabic nations when expelled by Isabella & Ferdinand in 1492.
REFORM JUDAISM — What Do We Believe/Do? Reform Judaism affirms the central tenets of Judaism - God, Torah and Israel - even as it acknowledges the diversity of Reform Jewish beliefs and practices. We believe that all human beings are created in the image of God, and that we are God’s partners in improving the world. Tikkun Olam — repairing the world — is a hallmark of Reform Judaism as we strive to bring peace, freedom, and justice to all people.
Movement has been reaching out to Jews-bychoice and interfaith families, encouraging them to embrace Judaism. Reform Jews consider children to be Jewish if they are the child of a Jewish father or mother, so long as the child is raised as a Jew. • Reform Jews are committed to the absolute equality of women in all areas of Jewish life. We were the first movement to ordain women rabbis, invest women cantors, and elect women presidents of our synagogues.
Reform Jews accept the Torah as the foundation of Jewish life containing God’s ongoing revelation to our people and the record of our people’s ongoing relationship with God. We see the Torah as God-inspired, a living document that enables us to confront the timeless and timely challenges of our everyday lives.
• Reform Jews are also committed to the full participation of gays and lesbians in synagogue life as well as society at large.
**Statement about Reform Judaism from the In addition to our belief that Judaism must Union of Reform Judaism website www.urj.org change and adapt to the needs of the day to survive and our firm commitment to Tikkun Olam, the following principles distinguish Reform Jews from other streams of Judaism in North America. • Reform Jews are committed to the principle of inclusion, not exclusion. Since 1978 the Reform
THANK YOU To our ShalomFest Committee!
Allan Avery
Bracken Klar
Estelle Levetin Avery, PhD
Lilli Land
Klara Bode
Itzik Levin
Lesley Bumgarner
Mark Lobo
Mindy Galoob
Stephanie Marshall
Chelsea Greenfield
Josh Ontko
Jackie Karpman
John Sieler
Jane and Mickey Katz
Susan Woitte 9
SELF-GUIDED TEMPLE ISRAEL TOUR Welcome to Temple Israel. We’re very proud of our synagogue and we hope you’ll enjoy your look around. Any questions? Just ask! A N Q B
M
O P
Temple R Sanctuary S ShalomFest Childrens’ Activities
North Entrance
C
L
Temple Offices D F
E
Holiday Traditions G H
ShalomFest Information
Temple Gift Shop
ShalomFest Model Ceremonies ShalomFest Books & Vendors
ShalomFest Entertainment Tent
I J
Israel Exhibit & Giant Map
ShalomFest Meals
K
South Entrance
Ten Commandments
A
This sculpture by Bernard Frazier shows the commandments superimposed on twin pillars to symbolize The Pillar of Cloud by Day (left pillar) and The Pillar of Fire by Night (right pillar). This concept comes from Exodus 13 Verse 21-22.
Menorah
B
This has been the enduring symbol of Judaism through the ages. With seven branches, it is built according to the instructions in the Torah (Numbers 8:2) “When thou lightest the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light in front of the candlestick.” This menorah, designed by Calvin Albert, features a pedestal with seven unfolding limbs in the form of a Tree of Life. “It is a Tree of Life to them that hold fast to it.” (Proverbs 3:17). The circular binding piece symbolizes the universality of God’s presence.
Memorial Boards
D
Mezzuzah
As you walk down the hall, you will see our Memorial Boards on your right. Congregants have purchased a plaque to honor the memory of a family member who has died. Jews have a high regard for the memory of the departed. After death, it is said, we live on in the acts of goodness that we perform and in the memories of those who love us. The anniversary of the day of death is called Yahrzeit. In the home it is customary to light a candle at sundown of the eve of the anniversary. The yahrzeit candle burns for 24 hours. On the Memorial Board, the bulb beside the name burns during the first full year following death, then annually for the whole week of Yahrzeit.
C
We place mezzuzot (plural of mezzuzah) on the door posts according to the instructions in Deuteronomy 6 Verses 4-9 as a sign of identity that this is a Jewish building. Within the ornamental casing is a parchment with the text from Deuteronomy that forms the basis for two of our most sacred prayers: The first part is the Sh’ma: “Hear, O Israel, Adonai is our God, Adonai is One.” It continues with the V’ahavta which instructs Jews in the proper way to remember these words and practice their teaching. Mezzuzot can be simple or ornate, hand carved or ceramic, silver or bronze – as varied as any form of artwork. Often the Hebrew letter Shin is on the surface; this stands for Shaddai, one of the oldest names of God. As you enter the sanctuary, note the mezzuzah on the doorpost.
Burning Bush
E
The sculpture at the end of the hall was designed by Sidney Gordon and represents the 10
Burning Bush from the story of Moses’ encounter with God and the bush that burned but was not consumed. When Moses approached the bush, God spoke to him from the flames, telling him to return to Egypt to free the Israelites
Photo Gallery
F
On the left is our photo gallery of past and present rabbis, cantors, and Temple officers; also Consecration classes (when children begin religious education) and Confirmation classes (following the 10th grade). While some consider Confirmation as a type of graduation, Jews believe that education continues from cradle to grave. Our Confirmation is the time when students reaffirm their commitment to Judaism and begin the adult phase of Jewish education.
Resource Center
G
Temple Israel is proud of its collection of books as well as tapes of Jewish music and
The Ark Curtains a children’s collection. It is considered one of the finest Jewish libraries in the region and is used by students and scholars in the area. It is open to the entire community – you are welcome to check out
Education Wing
H
The second floor houses our education staff and classrooms. Happy Campers at Temple Israel, The Moe Gimp Early Learning Center is an accredited full-service pre-school and extended care center for children from six weeks to five years old. Sunday morning Religious School is held for children in Pre-K -6th grade. Students in grades 7-12 attend Religious School on Wednesday evenings. Students in grades 3 to 6 also attend Hebrew School on Wednesday afternoons to prepare for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony.
Judaica Cases
I
These cases house our Judaica collection of ritual objects. Occassionaly cases may also contain objects on loan from the Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art.
Shofar Sculpture
J
Designed by TU’s Chuck Tomlins, this sculpture symbolizes shofars or rams’ horns. Since biblical times, the shofar has been used as a call to worship. In modern times the shofar is sounded during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The Hebrew text above says Hear, O Israel.
O
Designed by artist Tita Stern Zeffren (from this congregation), these needlepoint curtains were stitched by members of the congregation in 1992. The motifs on the curtains represent the Jewish Holiday Cycle (from top right): • Shofar for Rosh Hashanah, • Scales of Justice for Yom Kippur, • Lulav and Etrog for Sukkot, • Torah Scroll for Simchat Torah, • Chanukiah for Chanukah, • Megillat Esther for Purim, • Cup of Redemption for Passover, and • The Ten Commandments for Shavuot. Previous ark curtains hang in Miller Auditorium.
Youth Center
K
This room is a gathering place for the youth of our Temple Family. In addition to being a recreational facility, it may also be used for youth services.
Miller Auditorium
L
Miller Auditorium is a large multipurpose room. It also serves as an extension to the sanctuary for High Holy Day services. The Convocation Center is a multi-purpose room used for meetings, small worship services, meals, speakers, programs, and other events. The beautiful ark doors were hand-carved by artist Donna Matles, a member of our congregation.
Torah Scrolls
P
These contain the Five Books of Moses. Each one is made of parchment and written by hand in Hebrew and is covered with a velvet mantle. All the scrolls but one are adorned with Rimonim or crowns and a breast plate, symbolic of the one worn by the High Priest in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. Each Torah Scroll has a Yad or pointer that is used when reading from the Torah. The one Torah that lacks ornamentation is our Holocaust scroll rescued from a synagogue in Czechoslovakia.
Ner Tamid (Eternal Light)
M
Suspended above the Ark, this light burns continually as instructed in Leviticus Chapter 24 verse 2, “Command the children of Israel to bring unto you clear oil of beaten olives for lighting, to cause a lamp to burn continually.” This Ner Tamid, designed by Seymour Lipton, represents two sets of angels’ wings that were set over the Ark in the ancient Temple of Solomon.
Menorah
Q
This menorah is symbolic of the Tree of Life. It was designed by Seymour Lipton who designed the Ner Tamid and the Ark decoration. The 7-branch menorah is lit for services on Friday night and holidays.
Ark Decoration
N
This sculpture represents intertwining vines with pomegranates, ancient symbols of fruitfulness. 11
Shabbat Candle Stand
R
When the Sabbath begins at sundown on Friday, it is traditional to light Sabbath candles at home and in the sanctuary. We begin our Friday night service with the candle blessing. The candle stand was handcarved by artist Donna Matles, who also created the Ark doors in the Convocation Center.
Chupah
S
A Chupah is a canopy used for a wedding, and can be set up anywhere – in a sanctuary, an auditorium, outside or in a home. The Chupah is symbolic of the new home that will be established by the bride and groom.
Model Ceremonies & Tours 12:15 p.m. Baby Naming 1:15 p.m. Torah Demonstration 2:30 p.m. High Holy Day Music 3:15 p.m. Shofar Demonstration Tours begin frequently between 12:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. in the Main Lobby, and are scheduled to allow attendance at the model ceremonies in the Sanctuary.
THE JEWISH HOLIDAYS
The Jewish calendar that determines the dates of our holy days and festivals today is the same lunar/ solar hybrid calendar ordained by the rabbis of the first century. The 12 months referred to as the “Hebrew” months originated in about the fifth century B.C.E. They are: Tishrei, Cheshvan, Kislev, Tevet, Shevat, Adar, Nisan, Iyar, Sivan, Tamuz, Av, and Elul. The first day of each month is marked by the appearance of the new moon. The Jewish calendar adjusts to the sun by the addition of an extra month, Adar II, seven times in each 19-year cycle. Each Jewish date, Shabbat and festival begins on the eve of the prescribed day. Shabbat is the Hebrew word for Sabbath. It is, of course, the only sacred day in Judaism that occurs every week, and it is also the only ritual prescribed by the Ten Commandments. Biblical tradition teaches that human beings must rest on Shabbat because after the 6th day of creation “God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy. (Genesis 2:3)” Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, one of the two Days of Awe, and it introduces a tenday period of penitence and introspection. Jewish tradition identifies Rosh Hashanah as the day of divine judgment, and the prayer
book metaphorically describes God as sitting in judgment of every human being. Rosh Hashanah emphasizes that “the gates of repentance are always open.” The customs are designed to help Jews enter into the New Year with a new spirit so that they might be “inscribed in the Book of Life and Blessing.” Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is considered by most Jews to be the most sacred day of the year, the “Sabbath of Sabbaths.” It concludes the Ten Days of Penitence that begin with Rosh Hashanah. The grandeur of the liturgy and music adds to the drama and seriousness of the day. From the eve of Yom Kippur, to the last triumphant note of the shofar at the conclusion of Neilah, we are moved toward reconciliation with God and our fellow human beings. Sukkot, the Feast of Booths (or Tabernacles), is a week-long holiday that falls just five days after Yom Kippur and has both agricultural and historic significance. The mood of Sukkot is joyous. Its beautiful symbolism of the successful harvest provides a welcome change of religious pace from the solemn days of prayer and introspection of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It is customary to build or decorate a sukkah – or harvest booth – at 12 home and at the Temple.
Simchat Torah concludes the fall festival season and is celebrated after the last day of Sukkot. This is the day on which we finish reading the last verses of Deuteronomy in our Torah cycle and immediately begin again with the first verses of Genesis. This way our cycle of Torah reading never ends. The Torah scrolls are removed from the ark and carried around the synagogue. The celebration is one of unbridled joy as we express our happiness at having lived to complete the reading of the Torah yet another time and to begin reading it again.
Other Special Days Tu Bishvat, the fifteenth day of Shevat, is celebrated as the New Year for Trees. In Israel the day is devoted to the planting of trees. In recent years reforestation and the protection of the environment have become the focus of the day. The celebration of the holiday includes eating fruits that grow in Israel. As a result of the events of the twentieth century, two more special days have been added to the Jewish calendar, one joyous and the other tragic. Yom Ha-atzmaut is Israel Independence Day. To Jews, Israel is much more than a nation. As the Jewish homeland, Israel is a symbol of the unity of our people and of the responsibility of each Jew for the welfare and security of every other Jew. Yom HaShoah is Holocaust Day, observed on the anniversary of the uprising in the Warsaw Ghetto in 1943. By kindling memorial candles, we remember the six million martyrs to the inhuman hatred of the Nazis and their anti-Semitic cohorts.
Chanukah is the eight-day winter festival that commemorates the victories of the Maccabees over the Hellenistic Syrian forces around the year 164 B.C.E. These victories enabled the Jews to reestablish their independence and to rededicate the Temple in Jerusalem to the worship of God. Although Chanukah is traditionally celebrated as a “minor” holiday, it has increased in importance in Western countries due to its proximity to Christmas. On Chanukah, we kindle the Chanukah candles at home on each of the 8 nights; also we play dreidel games (spinning tops) and eat potato latkes or doughnuts cooked in oil. Purim celebrates the events described in the Biblical Book of Esther. Central to the religious celebration of the holiday is the reading of the Megillah of Esther (the scroll of Esther) in the synagogue. Purim also includes a carnival-like celebration that usually involves masks, costumes, and humorous performances and recitations derived from the victory of Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai over the nefarious schemes of the wicked Haman. Whether it is fact or fiction, the story provides a powerful annual reminder about the evils of intolerance and blind hatred. Pesach, or Passover, marks the beginning of the spring, and it commemorates the anniversary of the exodus of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, our central Jewish story. Its festive family dinner and service, the seder, is one of the most beloved and most observed of all Jewish rituals. Tradition prescribes the eating of unleavened bread, matzah, during the seven days of Pesach. Other rituals are intended to remind us we were slaves and God redeemed us, along with our Israelite ancestors. Shavuot means “Weeks” and occurs exactly seven weeks after the beginning of Passover. It is celebrated as both the anniversary of the Revelation (i.e., the giving of the Torah) and the festival of the early harvest (or “first fruits”). Reform congregations generally hold their Confirmation services on this holiday, emphasizing the willingness of Israel, then and now, to enter into 13 a covenant with God.
THANK YOU
Thank you for your support of ShalomFest! We very much appreciate you!
Our Partners Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma (918) 585 - 2800 Happy Campers at Temple Israel (918) 747 - 3122 Kingdom Landscapes (918) 584 - 4799 The Parent-Child Center of Tulsa (918) 599 - 7999 (ad provided by Carolyn and Dr. David Nierenberg) Temple Israel Brotherhood (918) 747 - 1309 Temple Israel Sisterhood (918) 747 - 1309 Temple Israel Staff (918) 747 - 1309 Jewish Federation of Tulsa (918) 495 - 1100
Our Sponsors Savage, O’Donnell, Affeldt, Weintraub, Johnson Heatherington & Fields, C.P.A.’s Holland Hall The Eye Institute Tulsa Dermatology Clinic Stolper Asset Management
14
(918) 582 – 0582 (918) 496 - 1248 (918) 481 - 1111 (918) 584 - 4433 (918) 749 – 2261 (918) 745 - 6060
THANK YOU
Thank you for your support of ShalomFest! We very much appreciate you!
Our Supporters Karen and Barry Davis Craters and Freighters
(918) 447 - 9600
Our Friends Brown & Brown Insurance Farrell Family Bread Mizel Jewish Community Day School Paula & Malcolm Milsten Seventeenth Street Deli
(800) 335 - 3295 (918) 477 - 7077 (918) 494 - 0953 (918) 973 - DELI
Our Well Wishers Anonymous Mary and Todd Arlan Estelle Levitin Avery and Allan Avery Bumgarner Family Klara and John Bode Dr. Shana and Isaac Deneen Gloria and Bob Estlin Galoob Family Gantner Family Melanie Gillespy and Bracken Klar Faryl Kander, PhD and Michael Meister Karpman Family Jane and Mickey Katz Cathey and Stan Kessler
Peg Kishner Lilli Land, Sam Kirzner, and Kaitlyn Newell Sallye Mann Stephanie Marshall Carol Miller Paula and Malcolm Milsten Carolyn and Dr. David Nierenberg Brina Reinstein Erla Pease and John Sieler Judy and Allen Smith Carol and Doug Stahl Waxman Family Susan and Gregg Woitte 15
THANK YOU Thank you for your support of ShalomFest! We very much appreciate you!
Our Pillars Anonymous Bumgarner Family Coretz Family Foundation Fitzgerald Funeral Service (918) 585 - 1151 Jan Jankowsky Carol Miller Montag Wealth Management (404) 522 - 5774 Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation
16