Contact Us
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Temple Beth Tikvah
P.O Box 7472
Bend, OR 97708
541-388-8826
Make a secure online donation or payment to Temple Beth Tikvah
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November Celebrations
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Celebrations in November honor the following:
Birthdays: Clementine Polchinski Nov. 2 Barbara Seipp Nov. 2 Paul Frankl Nov. 4 Michael Freundlich Nov. 10 Hannah Goldstein Nov. 10 Mya Frankl Nov. 12 Vida Halpern Nov. 12 Jordan Maor Nov. 12 George Brant Nov. 13 Liz Levinson Nov. 13 Marilynn Jacobs Nov. 14 Renee Polchinski Nov. 15 Shirley Hudson Nov. 17 Andrea Casey Nov. 18 Jillian Frankl Nov. 20 Rachel Uri Nov. 30
Anniversaries: Charlene & Steve Dimond November 7th Pati & Danny Boyd November 20th
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December Celebrations
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Celebrations in December honor the following:
Birthdays: Lester Dober Dec. 1 Ruth Ruder Dec. 1 Howard Koff Dec. 4 Terry Reynolds Dec. 4 Ruby Peterson Dec. 8 Galen Krohn Dec. 10 Jesse Fishkin Dec. 15 Lawrence Schechter Dec. 17 Mark Schindel Dec. 18 Florence Beier Dec. 19 Susan Levin Dec. 26 Beverly Adler Dec. 28
Anniversaries: Dan & Laurel Fishkin December 4th Janet Freeman-Bauer & Larry Bauer December 4th
Ron & Bonnie Ruby December 11th
Dara & Russ Ward December 12th
Burton Litman & Jeanne Freeman December 13th
Michael & Mickey Freundlich December 23rd
Carl & Judith Schlosberg December 25
Leslie Conley & Joseph Jezukewicz December 27th
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Board Officers:
Vice President: Sheila Luber
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Lester Dober
Members-at-Large:
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Adult Education
Mel Siegel
Bikkur Holim
Suzanne Schlosberg
-and-
Evie Lerner
Calendar Keeper
Ann Rosenfield
Chevra Kadisha
Ralph Uri
Communications & PR
Ann Rosenfield
Facilities
Mark Schindel
Finance
Chuck Shattuck
Finding Our Connections
Sheila Luber
Fundraising
Kerrie Zurovsky
---and---
Char Dimond
Library
Beverly Adler
Membership &
Member Engagement
Vivian Freeman
---and---
Andrea Casey
Music
Julie Geveshausen
Newsletter
Sara Charney Cohen
Onegs
Jan Freeman Bauer
Ritual Committee
Alex Charney Cohen
Religious Education
Kathy Schindel
Social Action
Lynne Connelley
Webmaster
Mark Schindel
Youth Group
Naomi Chudowsky
--- and---
Jillian Frankl
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TBT Event Planning
Quick Guide
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Step One:
Check the
before you choose a date to avoid a schedule conflict.
Step Two:
Send email to
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Step Three:
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any changes to your event date, time, or location,
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Temple Beth Tikvah is pleased to welcome our newest members:
Jason & Renee Polchinski,
and their children, Clementine and Samson
Dara & Russ Ward and their children, Asher & Hannah
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November & December Calendar
NOVEMBER EVENTS SCHEDULE
Nov. 4 9:00 a.m. - Breakfast & Civil Discourse event Nov. 5 2:00 a.m. - End of Daylight Saving Time 10:00 a.m. - Sunday School Nov. 7 3:30 p.m. - TBT Board Meeting 4:00 p.m. - Hebrew & Religious School Nov. 10 5:30 p.m. - Tot Shabbat 6:00 p.m. - Shabbat@Home Nov. 11 10:00 a.m. - Torah Service & Study Nov. 12 10:00 a.m. - Sunday School Nov. 14 4:00 p.m. - Hebrew & Religious School Nov. 15 7:30 a.m. - Back Door Cafe Nov. 17 7:00 p.m. - Erev Shabbat Service Nov. 28 4:00 p.m. - Hebrew & Religious School
DECEMBER EVENTS SCHEDULE
Dec. 1 5:30 p.m. - Tot Shabbat Dec. 2 6:30 p.m. - Adult Education Dec. 3 10:00 a.m. - Sunday School Dec. 5 3:30 p.m. - TBT Board Meeting 4:00 p.m. - Hebrew & Religious School Dec. 7 7:00 p.m. - Taize Service Dec. 8 7:00 p.m. - Erev Shabbat Service Dec. 9 6:30 p.m. - Havdallah With a Purpose Dec. 12 5:00 p.m. - Menorah Lighting at Old Mill ---Chanukah Begins at Sunset--- Dec. 15 5:30 p.m. - TBT Chanukah Celebration Dec. 16 10:00 a.m. - Torah Service & Study Dec. 17 10:00 a.m. - Sunday School Dec. 19 4:00 p.m. - Hebrew & Religious School Dec. 20 7:30 a.m. - Back Door Cafe Dec. 24 11:59 p.m. - Deadline for January Newsletter
ON THE HORIZON January 26th - Shabbat Shirah January 28th - Tu B'Shevat Seder February 28th - Purim Celebration
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER School Activities
All activities at Shalom Bayit unless otherwise noted.
Sunday School 10:00 a.m: - 11/5, 11/12, & 12/3, 12/17 Hebrew School 4:00 p.m: - 11/7, 11/14, 11/28, 12/5, 12/19 For more details about any TBT events, see our complete schedule of Services, School activities, and Events online: www.bethtikvahbend.org/calendar
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Shabbat@Home
Join us for a delicious dinner &
thought provoking discussion.
Friday, November 10th
6:00 p.m.
Shabbat@Home
is a series of Shabbat dinners held simultaneously in the homes of Temple Beth Tikvah members. Sometimes smaller gatherings allow us to connect more deeply with one another, getting to know each other better.
This Shabbat's dinner discussion prompt is: Who is wise? There is a rabbinic response to the question, but we'll ponder it together before revealing the rabbi's answer.
If you haven't yet responded, RSVP ASAP (by MON. NOV. 6th) to Ann Rosenfield at
[email protected] and we'll let you know who will host you. Your host will let you know what you can bring to share at the dinner table.
If you would like to be a dinner host for this event on
Friday, November 10th, please let Ann know.
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Tot Shabbats Nov. 10th 5:30 p.m. Dec. 1st 5:30 p.m.
Tot
Shabbat
and potluck family dinner. For location and more information, please contact
Jessica
Hammerman at
[email protected]
.
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Havdallah With a Purpose Dec. 9th
Do you love getting outside to hike, camp, ski, fish, or enjoy other recreational activities? Please come for a casual get-together to discuss current threats to our public lands, and how you can speak up for the places you love.
We'll share food, drinks, and more information about public lands in Oregon's high desert. When: Saturday, Dec. 9th Time: 6:30 p.m. Where: Home of Hallie & Tracy Smith What to bring: dessert or wine RSVP: Hallie Smith [email protected]
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Position Open:
Religious Education Director
The Jewish Community Religious School is looking to hire an organized, articulate, thoughtful Religious Education Director, responsible for overseeing the administration of the school grades K-7. Benefits include a monthly stipend, grateful parents, and many hugs from excited kids.
Our religious school provides classroom education about Jewish holidays and ceremonies, theology and prayer, ethics and values, mitzvah projects, and more. During the 2017-2018 year, you'll work with Rabbi Hershenson and teachers to ensure that curriculum goals are met, communicate with parents as needed, and track school finances and teachers' payroll. In subsequent years, you'll also work with the Rabbi and school community to review curriculum, update registration, create rosters and plan a successful academic year for the kids.
You won't need to be present at every session of Sunday School and Hebrew School, however at least monthly attendance at each is requested.
The position is open effective January 1, 2018 and if you are eager to start sooner, we'd be happy to arrange. Our current Director will do everything she can to get you up to speed so you can start with knowledge and confidence.
If you are interested, or there is someone that you'd like to recommend for the position, please contact Kathy Schindel at [email protected].
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Divrei Tikvah From Rabbi Johanna Hershenson
Middah (character trait)
of the Month: Humility
Much of November contains the Hebrew month of Cheshvan. Bitter Cheshvan, as it is known in the Talmud, contains no Jewish holidays. After our Rosh Hashanah through Simchat Torah run, it's really okay to have a moment to catch our breath.
This year, as Cheshvan began, I thought about a midrash (rabbinic interpretation) about Mount Sinai. In it, the other mountains stand tall in contrast to Sinai. The rabbis ask why did God choose such a small mountain upon which to give the Ten Commandments. They answer that Mount Sinai's humility is essential, as if to make room for the word of God.
There is a Chasidic story about the Baal Shem Tov visiting a synagogue, but refusing to enter. When asked why, he said that the prayers of the people inside were too lofty and there was no space left for him to enter.
In both stories, humility is linked to space. If I take up too much space, there is no room for you or anyone else. If I take up too little space, what I have to offer is lost.
The Talmud curiously instructs:
Who possesses haughtiness of spirit deserves excommunication.
And who does not possess haughtiness of spirit deserves excommunication.
Proper humility is about having the right relationship to self, giving self neither too big nor too small a role in your life (Morinis, Everyday Holiness). Sometimes it is appropriate to take space and take charge. Other times not. Knowing when requires experimentation in paying attention and noticing, and then practicing.
For me, going back to graduate school has opened up all sorts of opportunities to practice both aspects of humility - pulling back and stepping forward.
I am an older student. I have experienced some things in life that my younger classmates have not. Just because I recognize naïveté, doesn't mean it is my place to correct it. Some of my classmates simply need to learn from their own life experiences in the coming years. On the other hand, there are moments in which my work as a rabbi can - and does - provide insight, or a vivid illustration, to competencies in counseling. My classmates appreciate those reflections and learn from them along with me. Pulling back, and stepping forward.
Maimonides wrote a treatise to the Yemenite Jewish community he entitled: "A Dance of Two Companies." Pulling back, and stepping forward. Humility can be a dance, sometimes big and sometimes small, ultimately more flowing with practice.
~~ Rabbi Hershenson's office hours are by appointment. If you would like to set up an appointment, please contact her by email at: [email protected], or by phone at 541-213-9880.
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President's Message
From TBT President Jeanne Freeman
Throughout our lives there are opportunities to earn Merit Badges and Mitzvah Points. Merit badges are generally earned for accomplishing new skills, often overcoming something that is fearful. Mitzvah points are earned doing good deeds in service to those in need, for community, and on behalf of Temple Beth Tikvah. Potentially, one can earn both with a single act.
While out on the Oregon coast recently, I had the opportunity for a double. I was driving south on Highway 101 over Cape Foulweather in torrential rain, gale force winds, and dense fog. Never has a place been more aptly named than Cape Foulweather. With visibility of less than 5 feet in front of me and a surplus of "rough road" signs in lieu of actual road repair, I got us home safely over a five-mile stretch of road - admittedly gripping the wheel and holding my breath the entire way. Burt has given me the Merit Badge for driving in the worst possible weather conditions and the mitzvah points for not killing us - it's a far drop down to the Pacific Ocean on that stretch of road!
So what do Merit Badges and Mitzvah Points get you in the real world? A sense of accomplishment. Pride in one's strength of character. Humility in the face of those who carry on with far larger burdens on their backs.
At Back Door Café you can earn a merit badge in cooking oatmeal, scrambling eggs, and dishwashing for hundreds, and for other tasks too numerous to mention. And you can earn your Mitzvah points for helping to feed upwards of 130 hungry souls. Family Kitchen offers the same kind of opportunities.
While we might joke about earning mitzvah points in service to the community and others, it does make those of us who participate feel good about ourselves and our place in the world - that somehow our small action has made a difference in someone else's life. We march together holding hands for a purpose, for a cause, for the need of someone else.
At Temple Beth Tikvah there are dozens of ways to earn your badges and points. While we may be a small community in numbers, we act and we plan in very big ways. We offer education for adults and children, social action opportunities, spiritual and social gatherings, holiday events and more. And all of these activities need people to make them happen. Not one person, not just the committee chair, but a small group of people each willing to manage a small piece of it.
If I had the time, I would call each of you individually and ask about your experience, your strengths, the time you have to give, and together we would find the place within TBT for you to obtain your points. Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury of that much time. So instead, I'd like you to tell me about your willingness to step in and help.
What are your strengths and how can you help us? Here are some of the jobs that we have available to fill.
We need two people to co-chair the Passover Seder. We have more than five years of notes of what has and hasn't worked. We are already working on finding a venue. There are a handful of experienced people who have already agreed to be on the committee. We need an organizer or two to head up the task.
While it may be nearly a year away, we need two people to co-chair next year's High Holy Days services. The template already exists for every detail that needs to be executed, and our current chair, Kathy Schindel, is willing to train and assist the new co-chairs. It's just time for someone else to step up and take over.
We need volunteers for our committees - Adult Ed, Social Action, Ritual, Facilities Management - who are willing to take on responsibility for an event or program. We've got the instructions for how to get things done; we need more people to do it.
And here's one more reason to volunteer, from the NY times of October 26, 2017: "Research suggests that community social connections are as important for resilience to disaster as is physical material like disaster kits or medical supplies," explained
Ichiro Kawachi, a professor of social epidemiology at Harvard's School of Public Health. "Voluntarism is good for the health of people who receive social support, but also good for the health of people who offer their help."
One final comment: In no way am I minimizing the work of those who have achieved Merit Badges in the Boy / Girl Scouts or other organizations who offer a similar honor. I think that if Merit Badges were offered for the experiences we have in life - like driving successfully while terrified in horrendous weather - we might develop a new and better sense of ourselves and our achievements.
I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
B'Shalom,
Jeanne
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TBT Board Notes
Next Board Meetings: November 7th, 3:30 p.m.
December 5th, 3:30 p.m.
Location: Stonebriar Apartments Clubhouse
Your TBT Board meets monthly and everyone is invited to attend. Dates and times of Board meetings are on the TBT calendar at: bethtikvahbend.org/calendar
If you would like to read minutes of previous board meetings, you can request a copy from Board Secretary Mary Jane Eisenberg [email protected].
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Temple Beth Tikvah Food Policy
For all of our TBT events, when we gather to feed our hearts, our souls and our minds, we also feed our bodies.
Out of respect for our Jewish traditions and those of our members who may follow the dietary laws, we plan our event meals in consideration of everyone's needs. As Reform Jews, we
are mindful of Jewish values concerning stewardship of the earth, sustainable agriculture, treatment of workers, and the ethical preference for vegetarianism.
When planning an event, or bringing food to a Temple Beth Tikvah potluck, please follow the dietary guidelines for community events:
- No Pork
- No Shellfish
- fins - yes;
- lobster, clams, scallops, cockles, crab no
- No meat/milk in the same dish
- No cheeseburgers
- No meat and mozzarella lasagna
- No pepperoni pizza
- Keep cheese and meat dishes separated on serving tables
- Always have vegetarian options available
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Shabbat Shirah Wants You
This year, Temple Beth Tikvah will celebrate Shabbat Shirah with dinner, music, and poetry....performed by YOU!
We (Rabbi Johanna Hershenson and Julie Geveshausen, lead musician) are looking for:
- Youth and adults
- Music, song, and poetry!
We will celebrate Shabbat Shirah on Friday, January 26th.
Please let us know if you would be open to learning a piece of music or a song appropriate for Shabbat, or if you have one you'd like to share with us!
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Ritual Committee News
Alex Charney Cohen, Committee Chair
Thanks to everyone that contributed time and effort to our High Holy Day services and events. As they say in Israel, we are now "
acharei hachagim" or "after the holidays," with the slug of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Simchat Torah now behind us. Congratulations to the Adult B'nei Mitzvah Class of 2017 on their accomplishment. Now we can take a collective deep breath and move on with the year.
Upcoming events:
Fri. Nov 10th - Shabbat@Home - 6:00 PM - Discussion Topic: Who is Wise?
Sat. Nov 11th - Shabbat Morning Service and Torah Study - 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Fri. Nov 17th - Erev Shabbat Service - 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Tue. Dec 12th Chabad's Community Menorah Lighting at the Old Mill - 5:00 p.m. (first night of Chanukah.)
Fri. Dec 15th - Chanukah Party - 5:30-7:30 p.m. (4th night of Chanukah.)
Sat. Dec 16th - Shabbat Morning Service and Torah Study - 10:00-11:30 a.m.
We hope to see you and your family at some of these upcoming events in the next couple of months. The Channukah party is a wonderful inter-generational gathering, with good food and good company.
Cheers!
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Social Action Update Lynne Connelly, Committee Chair
Many thanks to those congregants who responded to the survey sent out in October to gauge the interest in the five organizations we as TBT propose to partner with during 2017/2018. They are:
-Assistance League of Bend's senior programs Q4 2017,
-Mountain Star Family Relief Nursery in Q1 2018,
-Humane Society of Central Oregon Q2 2018,
-Habitat For Humanity Q3 2018, and
-Bicycle Re-Source of Bend throughout 2017/2018 for those who are interested in helping out this organization fixing, assembling and providing bikes for transportation to people in need.
We will be re-sending the survey since we got about 20% response the first time. Please look for this in your inbox, complete the very quick survey, and send it back. We know you are busy, but it will only take about 2 to 3 minutes of your time, and the information it provides to us is invaluable. PLEASE also include your name on the line provided.
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Youth Group Happenings Corinne Smith
Our local BBYO chapter, Shalom Teva, is growing! In addition to participating in community service, we've organized events both for fun and to cultivate our sense of Jewish identity. As one of our upcoming November events, we're going to have a Challah bake with Mimi Feldman.
The chapter leaders have planned a really fun upcoming event!
5:45 p.m. - Teens meet at The Lot for dinner
6:45 p.m. - Carpool to Mimi Feldman's home for CHALLAH BAKE!
Ending time TBA - Parents will pick-up their teens at Mimi's house, they'll have freshly baked challah to take home
Cost: Please bring $$ for dinner at The Lot + $5.00 to reimburse Mimi for baking ingredients.
Your teens will receive a group invite via WhatsApp. Be sure to have them RSVP. Mimi will need a count in advance to buy ingredients.
We are so excited to continue expanding and thank the community for your support!
Looking ahead, h
ere are the dates/locations for this school year's BBYO regional conventions:
Dec. 15th-18th: Ruach Convention @BB Camp
(registration will open mid-November)
Apr. 27th-29th: Election Conclave @Bellevue Hilton
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JANUARY Newsletter Deadline: December 24th
This newsletter is emailed to both members and non-members each month. If you have something you want to include in the newsletter, please e-mail it to Sara:
[email protected] by the 24th of each month for the following month's publication. As always, you will continue to receive "e-minders" before important events take place.
Shalom,
Sara Charney Cohen
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Annual Thanksgiving Service Interfaith Coalition of Central Oregon
Please mark your calendar for
Thursday, November 17th,
7:00 p.m.,
at Holy Communion Church,
1245 SE 3rd Street
(corner of SE 3rd and Division)
Rabbi Johanna Hershenson will give an address on the theme of gratitude, entitled: One Hundred Blessings Every Day.
And per usual, there will be pie.
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"SMART" Volunteer Opportunity
If you have 90 minutes to spare once or twice a week and love books and kids, the SMART program may be a good fit. If interested, please email
[email protected] for more information. Make a difference in the lives of the Bend-La Pine kindergartners.
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Weekend In Quest An Exhilarating Study Weekend in Astoria, OR on the beautiful coast, Friday afternoon through Sunday noon, March 2nd-4th, 2018
Jewish Masculinity and Femininity
in the Premodern World
Professors Rena Lauer and Yiftakh (Kevin) Osterloh, Oregon State University
Sponsored by the Institute for Judaic Studies of the Pacific Northwest
Session 1: Masculine Mythologies and Diplomatic Realities: Jewish Foreign Policy in the Days of the Hasmoneans (Maccabees) Session 2: Jewish Manliness and the 'Effeminate' Greek: How Ancient Jews Imagined Self and Other
Session 3: How Medieval Jewish Women Fought (and Used) the Patriarchy Session 4: Converts, Lovers and Litigants: Finding the Women in Medieval Jewish-Christian Relations
In addition to the study sessions, we will gather for
- Shabbat services Friday evening and Saturday morning, led by Rabbi Joshua Rose of Congregation Shaarie Torah, Portland
- five meals together: Friday and Saturday dinners, Saturday lunch, and (for those staying overnight at the hotel) Saturday and Sunday breakfasts
- enjoyable Saturday evening program
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Taizé Service Next Taizé: December 7th
All TBT members are invited to Taizé - an evening of Interfaith prayerful meditation, peace, and silence. Taizé services are held the first Thursday of each month, October through May, 7:00 p.m. at St. Clare's Chapel, St. Francis Catholic Church, 2450 NE 27th St. in Bend, OR. Everyone is invited to attend and participate. Sponsored by the Sacred Art of Living Center and the Interfaith Community of Central Oregon.
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You may honor the lives and achievements of friends and relatives via a tribute with a donation to TBT. You can do this online, or by sending a check and the name and address of the person being honored to TBT at P.O. Box 7472, Bend, OR, 97708.
Donations may be designated to a specific fund, including:
- the Youth Education Fund,
- the Music Fund - including Adopt-a-Musician,
- the Library Fund,
- the Rabbi Fund,
- the Rabbi's Caring Fund,
- the Social Action Fund,
- the Corrie Grudin Memorial Fund,
- the Youth Group Fund,
- or to the General Fund.
Donations listed below were made to the Temple's general purpose fund unless otherwise specified.
Temple Beth Tikvah gratefully acknowledges the following contributions:
- From Vivian Freeman, mazal tov to Jan, Jo, Julie, Linda, Marti, Sara, Tully, Victor - the TBT Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class of 2017!
- From Mary Jane Eisenberg and Alyson Belcher, in memory of Mina Eisenberg.
- From Chuck and Marilyn Shattuck in memory of Richard Shattuck.
- From Ralph and Marcia Uri, in honor of the Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class of 2017.
- From Liz & Paul Levinson in memory of Michael Levinson.
- From Liz & Paul Levinson in memory of Joe, Steven, & Harry Solomon.
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From Jeanne Freeman and Burt Litman in memory of Elaine Freeman Litman.
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From
Alyson Belcher in memory of Joseph W Belcher.
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From
Eugene Epstein in memory of Libby Epstein.
- From Gary & Terry Reynolds, congratulations to the 8 adults of the 2017 Adult B'Nai Mitzvah class.
- From Gary & Terry Reynolds,congratulations to Katie Jackman on becoming a Bat Mitzvah.
- From Gary & Terry Reynolds, wishing a speedy recovery to Susie Richman.
- From Jeanne Freeman and Burt Litman, in honor of Char and Steve Dimond.
- From Jeanne Freeman and Burt Litman, mazal tov to members of the adult b'nai mitvah class: Jan, Jo, Julie, Linda, Marti, Sara, Tully and Vic.
- From Vivian Freeman, in memory of Stanley Dober, brother of Lester Dober.
- From The Goldstein family, in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Jan Freeman Bauer.
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About Temple Beth Tikvah
Temple Beth Tikvah is a growing Jewish congregation based in Bend, Oregon. We are affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism and are excited to be the first Reform synagogue in Central Oregon.
Our members come from a range of Jewish backgrounds including Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, and Renewal. Temple Beth Tikvah welcomes interfaith families and Jews by choice. We are committed to providing a Jewish education for our children as well as stimulating educational activities for adults. We value social action and strive to provide a Jewish cultural, social, and religious experience in Central Oregon.
Temple Beth Tikvah is a warm and enthusiastic community that includes families, singles, and "empty nesters." We are a mix of long-time Bend residents and newcomers from around the country who moved here to enjoy Central Oregon's beauty, active lifestyle, and quality of life.
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