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February Calendar of Events
FEBRUARY EVENTS
Feb. 9 10:00 a.m. - Sunday School
7:00 p.m. - TBT Board Meeting
Feb. 15 9:00 a.m. - Munch & Torah
10:30 a.m. - Shabbat Torah Service
Feb. 18 7:00 p.m. - Adult Education at the Wynschenks
Feb. 20 5:30 p.m. - TBT Men's Night at Scanlon's
Feb. 21 6:00 p.m. - Family Shabbat Celebration
Feb. 23 10:00 a.m. - Sunday School
Feb. 24 7:00 p.m. - A Taste of Judaism at St. Charles
Feb. 28 7:00 p.m. - Kabbalat Shabbat Service
ON THE HORIZON
March 3rd, 10th - A Taste of Judaism
March 15th - TBT Purim Celebration
March 16th - Purim Carnival at Shalom Bayit
April 14th - TBT Community Passover Seder
FEBRUARY School Activities:
(All school activities at Shalom Bayit)
Sunday School: 10:00 a.m.: 2/9, 2/23
Hebrew School: 4:30 p.m.: 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25
For more details about any TBT events, see our complete schedule of Services, School activites and Events online:
http://www.bethtikvahbend.org/calendar.
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A Taste of Judaism - Second Series Begins February 24th
On Monday, February 24th, March 3rd, and March 10th, Rabbi Hershenson will be presenting the second series in the "Taste of Judaism" lectures, entitled Mechanics of Jewish Sacred Literature.
Explore the dynamic evolution of Jewish literary interdependence in order to grasp how it is that the "study of Torah" is the key to Jewish continuity. February 24 - Mechanics of Jewish Sacred Literature March 3 - You be the Judge - Exercises in Jewish Case Law March 10 - Legendary story-telling
The class sessions are held in the event room at St. Charles Medical Center and are open to the public. There is no charge for TBT members or students (through high school.) Cost for non-member is only $6 per class, payable at the door. |
Divrei Tikvah
From Rabbi Johanna Hershenson
We remember that the High Holy Days seemed early this year and Chanukah came during Thanksgiving. Well that is because this year in the Jewish calendar is a leap year. Seven leap years every 19 years. It has to do with regulating the lunar calendar against the solar calendar so holidays come around in the right season. The entire month of Adar (the month Purim is celebrated) is repeated. We celebrate Purim the second time around so come March, our calendar will feel right again.
If you're anything like me, the idea of an extra month in the calendar can really come in handy. I have lists of important but non-urgent matters I'd like to think about and perhaps even take up. An extra month between the Jewish holidays of Tu B'Shvat and Purim makes that possible.
In addition to having a little extra time, I feel like I've begun to get to know our community at Temple Beth Tikvah. I refer not only to the interesting and diverse group of people that make up our membership, but also to our stages of development as a congregation.
It was not that long ago that we came into being. Just over five years ago we formed Temple Beth Tikvah in the living rooms of founding members.
Five years. Age five is when a child enters kindergarten. It is the time that socialization skills are honed and a life of learning begins. So here we are. We've built a community that is warm, welcoming, and inviting. We try to take care of each other in times of need and we love celebrating with one another to mark joyous occasions. We make mistakes. We learn from them quickly. And we correct them best we can.
We all want Temple Beth Tikvah to continue to mature and grow in a manner that supports our developing friendships and pushes us to make life better and more meaningful in our precious corner of the planet, called Bend, Oregon.
In order to continue the positive development of what our congregation might become in approaching years, we need to be thoughtful and deliberate. It would be easy for us to keep going as we are and build a synagogue just like the many different synagogues we have come from before moving to Bend. But it is also possible for us to think bigger, to think further outside the box, and build Temple Beth Tikvah into a creative new model for Jewish community life.
We know that social ties seem to be our greatest asset. We also know that our potential growth is limited to the population growth of Bend and how many Jews (who are willing to affiliate) live here. We need to imagine new ideas for gathering and building a community that makes membership worthwhile, meaningful, and even desirable.
We need to figure out how we can fund our growth and development without always turning to the pockets and bank accounts of our members. Can we form a collective and provide a service or make a product that we can sell? Can we figure out what local and world issues make our members lose sleep at night and in turn channel our social action time and energy into making Bend an even nicer place to live? Can we foster more networking and crowd-sourcing so that our members truly support and rely on one another like a real community, not just one that's nice for holidays and Shabbat?
We have an extra month to address some of these questions. My guess is that truthfully we'll be looking at some of these ideas (and many more ideas that have not yet emerged) over a period of many months and maybe even years to come.
As rabbi, I hope to see everyone in Temple Beth Tikvah take part in forming our future deliberately. Soon opportunities will arise for leadership development and for participating in visioning the possibilities of what Temple Beth Tikvah might become. Look for invitations, share your thoughts, and consider where and how you might contribute your time and energy to our efforts. I think we have many great opportunities ahead. We just need to take the time to sort them out, prioritize, and get started. We've just begun...
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~~ 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. |
 President's Message
From TBT President Mark Schindel
TBT Members and Friends,
January was a very busy month. Besides our regular monthly Family Shabbat Celebration, Torah Study with Torah service, and Erev Shabbat service, we were treated to a very special event with the first set of Rabbi Hershenson's "Taste of Judaism" educational series. The first three classes dealt with the "Rhythms of Jewish Living", focusing on the seasonal holidays, life stages, and patterns of prayer. The information and discussions shared at these sessions was extraordinary. If you want to learn about various aspects of Judaism, I strongly urge you to attend these series.
The next three classes cover the "Mechanics of Jewish Sacred Literature" beginning February 24th; and the final series explores "The 'G' Word (God)" in April and May. We greatly appreciate the time and effort Rabbi Hershenson has put into these exceptional presentations and we hope to see you there.
While coming together to enjoy wonderful services, gatherings, or learning opportunities are the pleasurable activities we look forward to, reality has a way of reminding us of the less joyous aspects of life. In January, several of our members had to deal with significant health issues - knee-replacement surgery, cancer diagnoses, and cancer surgery. While we offer prayers of healing to them and their families during the service with the Mi Shebeirach, it is the community support that we give that makes a difference.
Difficult and unpleasant events are part of life. Yet how we respond says a lot about our community and character. That is what makes Temple Beth Tikvah so special. We care and connect with our members to support them in times of need. We have done so in the past and we continue that tradition. Personally, having the opportunity to help a congregant that needs support is one of the greatest privileges of membership. While I would much prefer to GIVE the support, rather than need to RECEIVE it, when I have been on the receiving end, it has meant a great deal to have so many in the community there to help. Our sense of caring and community should always be a central part of TBT.
B'Shalom,
Mark Schindel
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"A Modern Passover Seder" Cooking Class at COCC Continuing Ed.
February 8th With Chef Lisa Glickman
Local chef Lisa Glickman,
Foodie Laurel Fishkin, and
Rabbi Johanna Hershenson Present:
A Modern Passover Seder
February 8th
11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
at COCC in the Jungers Culinary Building
This is not your momma's Passover! No matzoh ball mix from a box or murky gefilte fish from a jar. These are updated and hand-made recipes to help you create the best Passover ever.
Recipes include:
Matzoh granola,
Sinkers or floaters matzoh balls with soup,
Hand-made gefilte fish,
Persian Haroseth
and, two Passover friendly desserts - nut crusted chocolate ganache torte and coconut crusted key lime tart with mango coulis.
Whether or not you are Jewish, you are welcome to learn about the story of Passover, traditions, and Haggadah insights as you create these mouthwatering modern day dishes.
(Note: the CCI classroom is not a kosher kitchen and we are cooking on Shabbat).
All ingredients and recipes included in price ($69.00).
Bring an apron, knives and take home containers.
Register now using the following link:
https://selfservice.cocc.edu:8002/flexibleregistration/index.jsp?frc=CLMAIN&q=culinary
- Find "A Modern Passover Seder" in the "Search Results" list on the left.
- Mouse over the class and then click the "+" to add it to the registration screen.
- Click "Register" at the bottom right corner of the screen and then sign in and complete the registration process.
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TBT Board Notes
Next Board Meeting: February 9th, 7:00 p.m
Location: Wesley Room, FUMC
If you would like to read the minutes of previous board meetings, you can request a copy from Board Secretary Diane Dober: [email protected]. |
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Religious Committee Happenings
Ann Rosenfield and Jill Muinch, Committee Co-Chairs
The month of January was highlighted by the fantastic Taste of Judaism classes presented by Rabbi Hershenson. The first series of 3 classes has been titled "Rhythms of Jewish Living". The first class, "What Is Religion" was fascinating. We followed that up with talking about the rhythms of the Jewish holidays. The second class discussed the rhythms of the Jewish life cycle including births, brits, b'nai mitzvahs, etc., through death. The last class in the series discussed the thematic structure of the Jewish prayer service.
The second series of 3 classes is titled "Mechanics of Jewish Sacred Literature." It will be held on Monday, February 24, March 3rd and 10th. The final series of classes on "The G Word" will be held on April 21st, 28th and May 5th. All the classes are being held at St. Charles Medical Center at 7:00pm. Mark your calendars with these upcoming dates as you don't want to miss these wonderful classes.
The remainder of the month of January was filled with our usual Shabbat services and Torah study. Coming up in February, Munch and Torah study and service on Saturday, February 15, an adult education class titled "Happiness" on Tuesday, February 18, our family Shabbat celebration and potluck on Friday, February 21, and our Erev Shabbat service on Friday, February 28th. Please join us for these events.
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Social Action Update
Burt Litman, Committee Chair
Bethlehem Inn
On Thursday, January 30th, a group of TBT's mothers and daughters served dinner at the Bethlehem Inn, Deschutes County's largest emergency shelter. What a wonderful way to pass on the values of tikkun olam - repairing the world, and gemilut chassidim - performing acts of loving-kindness. Thanks to Sophie and Naomi Chudowsky, Eden and Kim Rafilson, and Corinne, Camille and Hallie Smith for serving dinner.
Bethlehem Inn serves more than 1,000 men, women, and children annually, providing both shelter for the homeless and opportunities to improve their circumstances. TBT supports the Inn by providing and serving dinners on a regular basis.
Our next dinner is scheduled on Thursday, March 20th. If you are interested in cooking or serving please contact Naomi Chudowsky at [email protected] or Linda Brant at [email protected].
Back Door Caf�
TBT continues to give ongoing support of the Back Door Caf�, which provides breakfast to those in need each Wednesday morning. One Wednesday each month our TBT members cook and serve to between 30 and 90 individuals.
Thanks to Sophie, Naomi and Vic Chudowsky, Tully Ellsburg, Vivian Freeman, Johanna and Mark Hershenson, and Jeanne Freeman and Burt Litman who cooked and served New Year's Day breakfast.
If you'd like to participate, contact Burt Litman at [email protected].
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Communications and PR News
Jeanne Freeman, Committee Chair
Meet TBT
With so many new faces at Temple Beth Tikvah, we want everyone to get to know each other and feel welcomed. So we are launching a fun, new program, "Hello TBT Members." At least twice a month, Susie Richman will send an email to our members sharing biographies and photos of TBT members and their families. Susie will contact new members and old to participate. If you want Susie to put your name on her list, email her at [email protected].
When Susie calls or emails, be prepared to provide thoughtful answers to probing questions like:
- When did you move to Central Oregon and from where?
- What brought you to Central Oregon?
- What hobbies and activities do you enjoy?
- What work or volunteering do you do?
- What pets do you have?
- What do you want to tell us about you and your family?
- What do you appreciate about TBT?
- Have you volunteered for TBT?
This past year, TBT has embraced 14 new families and our congregation has grown to 72 members. On behalf of the PR Committee, Susie is proud to share your story with your TBT community.
Newsletter Needs
Each month we scurry about, gathering news, coordinating calendars, writing, editing and proofing in hopes of getting our TBT newsletter to you by the first of each month.
With so many people contributing so much (such a blessing, we're not complaining!) we need to ask that information be sent to our amazing editor, Sara Charney Cohen, in a more timely fashion.
If you are among those who send your articles early each month, thank you, you make our job easier. For those of you who run late, please, mark your calendars with a reminder on the 20th of each month to submit your article to Sara. With everyone's help, we can get the news out on time! Thanks.
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Oneg Hosting
Vivian Freeman and Lorraine Schechter, Committee Co-Chairs
Many have expressed they like the idea of Shared Oneg Hosting following the regularly scheduled monthly Friday night Shabbat service. For those of you who haven't had the opportunity yet, we welcome you to join us. In the event that you have a special celebration coming up in the future, let us know ahead of time, so that we can put you on the calendar.
We look forward to everyone participating in celebrating their special dates with us.
For those of you who have already hosted, we appreciate your contributions and thank you for making this such a lovely event.
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March Newsletter Deadline: February 22nd*
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 [email protected] by the 24th of each month. As always, you will continue to receive "e-minders" before important events take place.
* Because February is a short month, please submit your items by the 22nd instead of the 24th so that we can publish on time.
Shalom,
Sara Charney Cohen
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TBT Men's Night - Thursday, Feb. 20th
 Although the TBT monthly Men's Night is generally held on the third Tuesday of each month, it will be on a Thursday this month due to other TBT scheduling issues. The next TBT Men's Night will be Thursday, February 20th, 5:30 p.m., at Scanlon's, located inside the Athletic Club of Bend at 61615 Athletic Club Drive, Bend, OR, 97702. Phone: (541) 385-3062. Meet at the bar for Happy Hour. All men of TBT are invited. For more info, contact Lawrence at [email protected]. |
Taiz� Service 
Next Taiz�: February 6th
All TBT members are invited to Taiz� - an Evensong of Interfaith prayerful meditation, peace, and silence. Taiz� services are held the first Thursday of each month, October through May, 7:00 p.m. at St. Claire'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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TBT Tributes
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 High Holy Days Fund, the Music Fund including Adopt-a-Musician, the Library Fund, the Rabbi Fund, the Rabbi's Caring 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, in memory of Helen C. Malorius.
- From Vivian Freeman, in honor of Phyllis Greenbach's birthday.
- From Selma Nichols, thanking all those who have helped her daughter, Terry (Reynolds) on her road to recovery.
- From Terry and Gary Reynolds, in memory of Wolfe Nichols.
- From the Mah Jongg group, in memory of Ruth Baser.
- From Lester and Diane Dober, in memory of Goldie Dober.
- From Jeff and Beverly Adler, in memory of Marian Shultz.
- From Burt Litman and Jeanne Freeman, in memory of Phillip Freeman.
- From Tully Ellsberg, in memory of Cana Ivy.
- From Tully Ellsberg, sending healing wishes to Terry Reynolds.
- From Alex & Sara Charney Cohen, to the Rabbi's Caring Fund, thanking Lynne Connelley for her expert advice through our home buying process.
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About Temple Beth Tikvah
Temple Beth Tikvah is a growing Jewish congregation based in Bend, Oregon. We are affilliated 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.
Please contact us at 541-388-8826 or
[email protected] for more information.
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