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January 15 - January 21, 2024 / Shevat 5784
The office will be closed on Monday, January 15 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Email and voicemail will be monitored in case of emergency.
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Dear Kehillah members and friends,
Today marks two anniversaries - 100 days since Hamas invaded Israel/100 days that Israelis, Americans and others are still being held in horrific Hamas captivity; and the annual honoring of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.
We’ve included below a statement from President Biden via Israel’s Foreign Ministry, as well as a link to an article by Clarence Jones, MLK’s speechwriter, which I thought you would find both interesting and useful in conversation.
Let me know what you think.
Blessings for all good,
Rabbi
https://open.substack.com/pub/bariweiss/p/mlk-speechwriter-trying-to-save-soul-of-america?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
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Please look for future Israel action updates in this space as we become aware of them.
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FOR THE SOLDIERS OF THE IDF | |
During Kabbalat Shabbat, Rabbi includes this reading for the soldiers of the IDF. By request, here it is. | |
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We ache and our hearts are broken over the horrific attack on October 7th and for those still being held hostage in Gaza. Many have asked what they can do. Here is something potentially impactful that will take only a moment or two of your time.
https://stories.bringthemhomenow.net/
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ADULT EDUCATION
Welcome to Judaism
Winter trimester
Monday, January 15
5:00-6:15 p.m.
via Zoom
This introductory course, taught by Rabbi Sharfman, provides a foundation in the basic tenets of Judaism. Among areas covered are History, Holidays and Observances, Life Cycle, Theology, Prayer, Israel, and Communal Life. Open to non-Jews alone, non-Jews with their Jewish partners, and Jewish adults interested in further exploring Judaism. Free of charge for members of CK; please register directly through us. Non-members can register through BJE,
https://www.bjephoenix.org/course-events/2023/01/09/welcome-to-judaism-virtual
Winter semester dates:
January 15, 22 & 29
February 5, 12 & 26
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Torah Talk
Saturday, January 20
10:30 a.m.
via Zoom
Exodus 10:1 - 13:16
In this Torah portion, God sends the eighth and ninth plagues, locusts and darkness, but Pharaoh still refuses to free the Israelite slaves. God tells Moses that the 10th plague will be killing all the firstborn Egyptians. God commands each Israelite home to slaughter a lamb and spread the blood on their doorposts, in order to protect their firstborns. After the death of the firstborns, Pharaoh demands that the Israelites leave.
RSVP directly to TT chair, Ellen Lerman, lermanell@aol.com by Thursday,
January 18 in order to receive the Zoom link.
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Shabbat Morning Service/Shabbat Shira
The Sabbath of Song
Saturday, January 27
10:00 a.m.
Kiddush Luncheon after
Please join us for in-person and multi-access
Shabbat morning.
Please join Rabbi Sharfman and our Cantorial Soloists for in-person and multi-access Shabbat Morning service.
Reservations are required for the Kiddush luncheon. Kindly respond to Renee by Tuesday, January 23.
If you wish to be a sponsor of the Kiddush Luncheon please contact Renee, info@congregationkehillah.org
We encourage you – and welcome you – to attend services in person. We are happy to send you a Zoom link if you would like to participate but cannot attend in person – just let us know.
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KABBALAT SHABBAT
Friday, February 2
6:00 p.m. Pre-Oneg
6:30 p.m.
It is important to be together in community-we strengthen one another. Please bring friends!
Please join Rabbi Sharfman and our Cantorial Soloists for in-person and multi-access
Kabbalat Shabbat.
February birthdays and anniversaries will be celebrated.
We encourage you – and welcome you – to attend services in person. We are happy to send you a Zoom link if you would like to participate but cannot attend in person – just let us know.
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CK BOOMERS PLUS/GOLDEN FRIENDS | |
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CK Boomers Plus/Golden Friends
Hi CK friends,
Driving at night is getting harder for some of us, which makes attending Congregation Kehillah nighttime activities difficult. We would like to propose a new Chavurah group: CK Boomers Plus/Golden Friends. This group is designed for members of CK to get together during the daytime and is open to both men and women.
Activities can include attending Shabbat morning services, lunch dates, matinee events, volunteer mitzvah activities, etc. Our overall goal is to provide more opportunities for friendship connections and mitzvot.
January event:
Shabbat Morning Service/Shabbat Shira
The Sabbath of Song
Saturday, January 27
10:00 a.m.
Kiddush Luncheon after
Please join us for the service and luncheon. A table will be reserved for us to sit together. RSVP, info@congregationkehillah.org and mention CK Boomer’s Plus😊
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February events for the CK Chavurah group!
Lunch at NY Bagels and Bialys
Date: Friday, February 9
Time: 12:00 p.m.
NY Bagels and Bialys
4722 E Cactus Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85032
We invite all of those who are interested to meet with us for lunch and to brainstorm ideas for the Chavurah group.
Then join us for:
Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival
Sunday, February 18
3:00 p.m.
Way to Happiness
https://gpjff.org/events/waytohappiness
(click on the link above to order your tickets)
Scottsdale Harkins Shea
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Shabbat Morning Service
February 24
10:00 a.m.
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Please fill out this form below to RSVP for the Boomers Plus/Golden Friends events this February. We look forward to seeing you there.
RSVP FORM
If you are unable to attend but have an interest in the group, please let us know and send us any ideas you might have or ideas for upcoming events.
Thanks,
Marilyn Morris
Paulette Fraenkel
Lin Katzenstein
Colleen Espinoza
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Invite your friends to check out why YEP! was voted the BEST OF HebrewSchools in the Jewish News 2023 Readers'Choice Awards!
Second semester dates:
January 28
February 11 & 25
March 10 & 24-YEP! & Purim Carnival
April 7 & 14
May 5-final YEP! session
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CONGREGATION KEHILLAH YOUNG ADULTS | |
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CKYA - Jewish Young Adults
Winner of the “BEST“ Young Adult Programing: Congregation Kehillah Young Adults (CYKA) – Jewish News, 2023
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Congregation Kehillah Young Adults (CKYA) invites young adults to our Tu B'Shevat Seder on Saturday, January 27th.
Tu B'Shevat, the Jewish Earth Day, is a beautiful holiday filled with planting new trees, enjoying fresh fruits, and connecting with nature.
Please join us at 10 a.m. for “Sabbath of Song” Shabbat Morning Services and stay for the Tu B'Shevat Seder at 11a.m., led by Rabbi Bonnie where we will share traditional fruits, wine, and a light Israeli themed lunch!
RSVP here: https://lu.ma/pgf97hhd
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CKYA New Years Shabbat Hike & Lunch was a great success.
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SOCIAL ACTION - VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES | |
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CK Social Action Volunteer Update,
Monday, January 15, 2024
Shalom Friends,
I am pleased to announce that we have received another date for volunteers to work at Mom’s Pantry.
Sunday, March 10 from 9 a.m. -1:30 p.m. is set aside specifically for members of our congregation to come and participate in the work of assembling food boxes which are then distributed to clients of the food bank. This is an opportunity to see first hand how the food we donate gets to those who need it.
As you may know, providing relief from hunger is one of Rabbi Sharfman’s strong messages to us as congregants. The numbers of food insecure people in our community are shockingly high and they continue to grow at an alarming rate. This is an opportunity that we have to relieve suffering in our community.
Congregation Kehillah has been a supporter of the work of Mom’s Pantry for many years. This relationship was introduced to CK by Paulette Fraenkel, who many of us know, has been devoted to social action work as our congregation’s Social Action chair. Paulette has been an amazing mentor and a passionate advocate for helping in countless ways in the Phoenix community.
Speaking personally, we are taught that it is a mitzvah to provide food in support of those who are hungry. That act goes to an entirely new and more impactful level when I had the experience of seeing the process and operation of the food bank up close as a volunteer.
Seeing the faces of the many people who depend on this food source was deeply moving for me. The range of people experiencing this serious challenge of hunger covers young, old, families with children, those who are working multiple jobs to make ends meet, those who are disabled and unable to work, those who are homeless, and pretty much anyone in any circumstance you can think of. It is a humbling reminder of the fragility of our lives. Illness, misfortune or tragedy can come to any of us at any time. On behalf of Rabbi Sharfman, I urge you to keep this thought in mind and please join us as a social action volunteer to do the holy work of healing the world.
If you are unable to make this particular date, please know that volunteers from CK go on Sunday mornings to help serve lunch at the Phoenix Dining Room of St. Vincent dePaul. This is an ongoing weekly activity which you are welcome to join in and does not require any pre-scheduling.
If you would like information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Rich Goldman
rcgoldmanaz@gmail.com
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Are you looking to give back to your Kehillah (community) in 2024? We are seeking volunteers to help our Co-Chairs meet the needs of our congregants. Volunteers are needed to make phone calls, cook/provide meals, offer rides to services or doctor appointments, etc. If you are interested in joining in this important endeavor please email either Margie Tabaknek, margita@q.com or Beth Hirshenson, bghirshenson@cox.net. Thank you in advance.
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Our thoughts continue to be with Paulette Fraenkel whose beloved husband Rudy passed away on December 24.
Paulette is in Sheloshim: This refers to the first 30 days of mourning, starting with the funeral and including the shiva period. Sheloshim is the Hebrew word for “thirty.” Sheloshim is a period of transition between being in deep and complete mourning and, while still mourning, beginning to emerge back into the world.
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Lynn Blumenthal
Marvin Ruttenberg
Abbott Miller, son of Reisa Miller
David Lerman
Stephanie Michelle Bates
Mort Berkowitz
Joyce Van Sciver
Vicki Mardell
Kathleen (Katie) Cullen-Todora
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Karen Thursby
Debbie Koren
Ellen Lerman
Reisa Miller
Zackary Dawson
Ethan Miller, son of Reisa Miller
Chana bas Rasche
Cathy Michels
Davie Glaser
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WELCOME TO OUR KEHILLAH-5784/2023-24 | |
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Jamie Friedman
Dane Traines & Cathie Galle
Richard Gerry
Liz & Stuart Goodman and their children, Elliot and Ashton Goodman
Donna Johnson and her daughter and granddaughter, Alexandra and Wakely
Quinlan
Stacy & Spencer Kirschner and their daughters, Adalise and Elleson
Amber Mills & Seth Messer
Robin & Roger Radol
David & McKenna Romanelli and their children, Remo and Cooper
Judy & Marvin Rotenberg
Sarah Manos Sandlaufer & John Manos
Rick & Amy Smith and their children, Bryn, Brady and Morgan
Dawn & Kelly Weiss and their sons, Jaeden and Ethan
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT | |
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General Fund
Rose Hirsch – in memory of Elliott Lerman
Rochelle, Ryan, and Hudson Lewis – in honor of Rabbi and Erica & Jared Erman for Sippy Cup Shabbat
Ilene Malka – in memory of Rudy Fraenkel
Ilene Malka – in memory of Elliott Lerman
Ilene Malka – Elad’s IDF Unit
Mark Solow
Lin Katzenstein
Penny Celmins – in memory of Rudy Fraenkel
Penny Celmins – in memory of Elliott Lerman
Lynn Gitomer & Dan Weiner
Barbara Knight – Elad’s IDF unit
Eduction Fund
Debbie Sobel – in memory of Rudy Fraenkel
Debbie Sobel – in memory of Elliott Lerman
Social Action Fund
Francine Ebersman –in memory of Rudy Fraenkel
Leona Garza – in memory of Rudy Fraenkel
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CONGREGATION KEHILLAH FUNDS
Your donations are greatly appreciated.
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Caring Fund
Education Fund
General Fund
Gottlieb Music Fund
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Oneg & Hospitality Fund
Rabbi's Discretionary Fund
Social Action Fund
Torah Fund
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Also available:
Book Plates
Memorial Board
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OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT KEHILLAH:
JNF TREES IN ISRAEL
Plant a tree in Israel for any occasion. Contact Renee to place your order. The cost is $18 per tree and a portion of all sales benefit Kehillah.
NETWORK FOR GOOD - FACEBOOK
You can set up a fundraiser through Facebook and the money will be donated to Kehillah.
THE CENTER FOR JEWISH PHILANTHROPY OF GREATER PHOENIX
Will receive gifts of stock on behalf of Congregation Kehillah.
CONGREGATION KEHILLAH CAN ACCEPT A GIFT THROUGH YOUR IRA-QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTION.
PURCHASING YOUR FINAL RESTING PLACE AT MT. SINAI CEMETERY BENEFITS CONGREGATION KEHILLAH.
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A good Jewish summer camp experience can lead to a lifetime of strong and healthy Jewish identity. Let me know if you have questions and see below for available scholarships. - Rabbi Sharfman | |
Jewish Life Television, an English-language, Jewish-themed television network, is now available to Cox Communications subscribers on Cox Channel 184 in Greater Phoenix. | |
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The Phoenix Holocaust Association
Click here for information about PHA and news of upcoming programs. For the latest newsletter, click here
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JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment
Click here to find the upcoming calendar of events.
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Look for upcoming dates for our programs below | |
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SERVICES
Kabbalat Shabbat
Shabbat morning
B'nai Mitzvah
Saturday, January 27, Shabbat morning service/
Shabbat Shira 10:00 a.m.
Kiddush after
Friday, February 2,
Pre-Oneg, 6:00 p.m., KS, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 24
Shabbat morning service, 10:00 a.m.
Friday, March 8
Pre-Oneg, 6:00 p.m., KS, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 16
Shabbat morning service, 10:00 a.m.
Friday, March 29, KS, 6:30 p.m.
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TORAH TALK
Torah Talks are led by Rabbi Sharfman (except where noted) and are held monthly on Saturday mornings via Zoom. For more information, contact Ellen Lerman.
January 20, 2024
February 17
March 9
April 6
May 4 or 18 (possibly lay led)
June 22
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YEP!
Youth Education Program
YEP! sessions are held on Sunday mornings during the school year. Read about YEP! here. Questions? Please contact Renee.
January 28
February 11 & 25
March 10 & 24-YEP! & Purim Carnival
April 7 & 14
May 5-final YEP! session
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QUICK-LOOK CALENDAR
(subject to change)
Saturday, January 20
Torah Talk
Saturday, January 27
Shabbat morning service/Shabbat Shira
Kiddush after
Sunday, January 28
YEP!
Friday, February 2
Pre-Oneg, Kabbalat Shabbat
Sunday, February 11
YEP!
Saturday, February 17
Torah Talk
Saturday, February 24
Shabbat morning service
Sunday, February 25
YEP!
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Information for Seniors
The Senior Concierge Project (through Jewish Family and Children's Service) can provide information and help with socialization, education, transportation, home care, living facilities, legal assistance and more for those over age 60. Contact Kathy Rood at 602-762-7319.
Need a Hand?
Need a ride to services or to an event? Have an odd job that might need an extra hand or two? Give Men of Kehillah a shout! MOK members are ready to help out. This mitzvah is offered to all dues-paying members of Congregation Kehillah.
Email Rich Fox at phoks1@hotmail.com.
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Don't miss any of our emails...
Please make sure that periodically you check your spam and junk folders for emails from info@congregationkehillah.org. Some of the emails we send out have several links for you to click on for resources. Depending on your individual computer settings you might not receive these emails in your inbox.
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Remember "Mom" and the other women!
Reminder: There are hungry neighbors and families experiencing food insecurity throughout the Valley, throughout the year -- even if we can't always see it. And there are women who can't afford basic feminine products. Our food collection bin for Mom's Pantry is always in our lobby, and our Kehillah Cares bag for women4women tempe is in our ladies' room.
Please bring food and toiletry donations whenever you attend an event or services.
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We love hearing from you!
If we don't respond to
your email within 24 hours, it means we did
not receive your
message. Please call
us at 602-369-7667.
We take a technology break for Shabbat and Yom Tov. If you have an emergency during these times, please leave a message on the Congregation Kehillah phone, 602-369-7667, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Otherwise, we ask that you please call or email us after the Sabbath or holiday ends.
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Congregation Kehillah Leadership
Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman
Jane Neely,
President
Scott Leader, Erica Erman, Eric Goldman
Cantorial Soloists
Renee Joffe,
Administrator
Board of Directors
Gil Blumenthal,
Immediate Past President
Rick Cohen,
Member at Large
Rich Fox,
Vice President for Program
and Communications
MOK President
Dave Goldfarb,
Vice President for Building
& Facility
Mark Solow
Finances
Leslie Goldman,
Member at Large
Steve Kanefsky,
Member at Large
Arlene Maletta,
Member at Large
Ilene Malka,
Education Chair
Paul Stein,
Member at Large
Additional Support
Beth Hirshenson, Margi Tabaknek
Caring Committee
Amy Bessen,
Webmaster
Rich Goldman,
Social Action
Erica Erman,
YEP! Curriculum Coordinator & FYC Coordinator
Ellen Lerman,
Torah Talk and Special
Projects
Rachel Segal,
Membership
Reisa Miller,
Newsletters
Bob Bessen & Rich Goldman,
Legacy Chairs
Beth Hishenson & Barb Knight,
WNO Co-Chairs
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Dear Friends,
It has come to our attention that once again scam emails are being sent out to various synagogues, from someone claiming to be a member of their board of directors, requesting gift cards.
Please know that Congregation Kehillah’s board members, staff, and committee members will not email any requests for gift card purchases or wiring money.
If you have a question as to the validity of an email, please forward it to us at info@congregationkehillah.org so that we can confirm.
L’Shalom,
Renee B Joffe
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Congregation Kehillah
602-369 7667
info@congregationkehillah.org - congregationkehillah.org
5858 E. Dynamite Blvd., Cave Creek, AZ 85331
Mailing Address: 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Ste. 1630 #439, Phoenix, AZ 85050
Copyright © 2024. All Rights Reserved
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