|
January 16 - January 23, 2022 Shevet 5782
Our office will be closed on Monday, January 17, 2022 in
observance of Martin Luther King Day. The office phone and email
will be monitored for emergencies.
| |
A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM RABBI | |
|
Dear Kehillah,
Baruch shegemalanu kol tuv.- we are filled with gratitude.
Yesterday’s events in Colleyville, Texas this past Shabbat have shaken us. Thank Gd that Rabbi Charlie Cytron and the Congregation Beth Israel congregants who were with him are now safely with their loved ones. We give thanks to the heroic law enforcement community working both visibly and, where much of the work of protecting the Jewish community occurs, behind the scenes.
Thank you, Gd, for watching over them, protecting them and returning them home.
It is hard to know what to do when our hearts yearn to comfort and to be comforted. We can and must continue to reach out and build bridges with those around (this is why the community and interfaith work is so important). We can and must strengthen our synagogues, our community and our own Jewish learning and connection (this is why I urge you and invite you to deepen your commitment) so that we may be privileged to continue to live lives of purpose and meaning.
You are needed and valued. The wellbeing of Jewish life and community depends on each of us.
Rabbi Sharfman
| |
|
TU B'SHEVAT begins Sunday night!
Spread some love this Tu B'Shevat!
Did you know it is customary to plant a tree for Tu B'Shevat?
Missing your friends and family?
Wishing you could see them, hug them, spend time with them?
We have a little something that can help brighten their day. This year, plant trees for the people you care about. Now, it's more important than ever to let them know they are in your heart and mind.
Plant Trees Today...
* As a gift for yourself;
* For the important people in your life;
* As a memorial to someone who passed away;
* In honor of a health care provider
Trees cost $18 each and a portion of all sales benefits CK.
Ordering a tree is simple. Have all the necessary information handy; here are your options:
print, scan and email the attached form or mail it back with a check payable to Congregation Kehillah. You can also pay by credit card and follow all the drop down prompts.
| |
|
Lowkey Ways to Celebrate Tu B'Shevat (edited)
Just a list of easy fun things to do for the Jewish "new year of the trees.
By Jesse Plichta-KellarJanuary 13, 2022
As we enter the secular new year, it’s as good a time as any to evaluate our Jewish practices. After 2021, I think we’re all ready for both the low-key and the spiritually rejuvenating. Here’s a list of things you can do for less than $22 (each) to mark the Jewish new year of the trees in 2022.
1. Plant a tree.
You can do this by finding a place to personally plant a tree, or by donating the funds for a tree to be planted.***
2. Learn the bracha (blessing) for eating fruit.
You can find the bracha in Hebrew, with translation and transliteration in English here.
3. Make a birdhouse.
There are so many different kinds of, and aesthetics for, birdhouses, so there’s likely to be one that fits your taste.
4. Try a new fruit.
Did you know that there about 2000 different kinds of fruit?
5. Eat one of the seven species.
The seven species are a collection of specific produce items that, in ancient Israel, were tithed to the temple for the first fruits. Today, they are grown in Israel and around the world. They are: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates.
6. Attend a trash/litter pickup around the holiday.
There may not be one near you on Tu Bishvat itself (January 17th this year), but you can celebrate by finding one close to the day.
7. Learn about recycling facilities in your area.
Depending on where you live, recycling laws, access and procedures will vary — Tu Bishvat is a great day to learn about local regulations!
8. Plant native plants.
This is another one that will vary with location, but unless you’re reading from Antarctica (which would be super *cool*), there’s likely some flora native to your area that you can plant.
9. Visit a park.
Did you know there are 10,234 state parks, 423 national park sites, and over 20,000 local parks in the United States?
10. Go for a walk or a bike ride.
Possibly even in (or to) one of the aforementioned parks.
11. Buy or make reusable grocery bags.
Using reusable bags in a fairly lowkey way to reduce your environmental impact once you have them. Many grocery stores sell them now, or you can make your own if you sew.
12. Visit the Desert Botanical Garden featuring local flora.
This is one of the organizations who received a grant from our Teen Tzedek program.
13. Research local food sources.
Sourcing local food can be a challenge, and availability will vary wildly by geography. Tu Bishvat can be a good day to set aside some time to see if there are farmers’ markets, co-ops or other programs focusing on food access and reducing food waste.
14. Consider – and maybe even do – a Tu Bishvat seder.
Seders aren’t just for Pesach!
15. Donate to a local food pantry or soup kitchen.
Kehillah has ongoing drives to support Mom’s Pantry and local Title One schools..
16. Get a small houseplant, like a succulent.
A plant friend, but for inside. Succulents are also famously low-maintenance.
17. Learn about and calculate your carbon footprint.
There are many carbon footprint calculators that work for different circumstances. Try Googling them. Great family activity!
Jesse Plichta-Kellar
Jesse Plichta-Kellar (she/her) is a Jewish professional, guillotiner of bagels and occasional writer of articles. Not representative of any affiliated organizations.
| |
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT | |
Recently we emailed our members a “Do You Know” letter from our President, Jane Neely. For those who may have missed it as well as our friends who receive our weekly newsletter, please click here to read the letter which lays out several other ways to donate and support Congregation Kehillah. | |
|
BOOK GROUP
Friday, January 21
1:00 p.m.
via Zoom
We're starting off the new season of Book Group by discussing A Gentleman in Moscow, by Amor Towles. You don't have to be a regular to enjoy Book Group; you can join in for any book you like, any time. Book Group is open to all Kehillah adults and their guests. To get on the Book Group email list or to RSVP, please email Rick .
| |
|
Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, January 21st
5:30 p.m.
via Zoom
Shabbat keeps us grounded. It helps us mark time, it comforts us, it connects us to our families and generations past, present and future...
Join us to welcome Shabbat!
We continue to come into your homes via Zoom beginning at 5:30 p.m., with Rabbi Sharfman and cantorial soloists Scott Leader and Erica Erman.
A Zoom link will be sent to all congregants. Non-members who wish to join us for Kabbalat Shabbat, please contact Renee for the Zoom link.
A Zoom link with be sent to all congregants during the week. For our non-members who would like to join us for Kabbalat Shabbat, please email Renee.
| |
|
YEP!
Sunday, January 23rd
10:00 a.m.
via Zoom
| |
|
RABBI SHARFMAN'S "WELCOME TO JUDAISM" CLASS
Winter Semester: Mondays, 5:00-6:15 p.m.
via Zoom
THIRD CLASS IS JANUARY 24th!
Dates are subject to change.
January 24 and 31
February 7, 14
This course is presented through the Bureau of Jewish Education. For information please visit the BJE or call them at 480-634-8050. CK members may take this course at no charge by contacting the Kehillah office.
| |
ISRAEL 2022 - TRIP UPDATE | |
|
We are going in October right after Sukkot/Simchat Torah! Rabbi is excited to share that we’ve moved the dates for the small group, custom trip as they are expecting a new baby – and a bris, Gd willing, in the family at the time we had scheduled in May. Same itinerary!
Dates: October 23rd - November 7th!
Please let us know that you are interested and we are happy to share more information. Email us at info@congregationkehillah.org
| | |
|
|
Jacqueline Schatzberg is shown receiving 2 scholarships through the UPHA Ribbons of Service program for her fundraising efforts on behalf of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and community service work. To date Jacqueline has raised $37,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Jacqueline is the daughter of Howie and Megan Schatzberg and is in our YEP! Middle School program as well as in the 6th grade at PARDES Jewish Day School.
| |
|
Whispering Wind Academy is in need of the following items:
Expo markers, colored pencils, Crayola markers, regular pencils, glue bottles, glue sticks, and deodorant.
If you wish to donate items, we recommend using smile.amazon.com and have them sent directly to the school, Attn: Megan Westman, Whispering Wind Academy, 15844 N. 43rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85032. Otherwise, please contact, Paulette Fraenkel, paulettefraenkel@gmail.com to make arrangements to get the items to either her or the school.
| |
|
Pamela Miller
Yaffa Pollack, cousin of Marsha Joffe
Chana bas Rasche
Marsha Joffe
Judith Clancy
Merle Miller,
sister-in-law of Reisa Miller
| |
|
Rachel Segal
Joe Ettinger
Arlene Maletta
Stanley Rosen,
father of Robin Rudin
Cathy Michels
Davie Glaser
| |
|
You have an opportunity to support our CK Teen Tzedek Program, which is under the direction of Rabbi and Ian Shore and keep your funds within our synagogue family. Your monetary donations will be donated to an organization chosen by the Teen Foundation Board. Ian and Rebecca Shore have matched donations already received and donated $2000. Donations to the Teen Tzedek Program are always welcomed.
-
Post Bar/Bat Mitzvah students are learning about the mandate to do Tikkun Olam.
- They are now serving as a Foundation Board seeking to address environmentalism.
- They are putting out RFPs (requests for proposals) to organizations, soliciting applications for funding – in other words, that WE would be offering one or two significant grants, based on these same organizations applying to and interviewing with our teens to receive funding to further their mission. Interview dates have already been scheduled.
-
You can send a check to our mailing address on Tatum Blvd, or use this link, https://congregationkehillah.org/product/donation/ and choose “Teen Tzedek Fund” (last on the dropdown list)
| |
THANK YOU FOR YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT | |
|
Rabbi Sharfman's Discretionary Fund
Richard Weiland & Bonnie Bartak - thanking Rabbi for her time, effort and commitment
JNF - Trees in Israel
Ann Baumrind - 2 trees were planted in memory of her beloved parents, Leo & Rose Rokeach Baumrind
Marsha Joffe, Renee Joffe & Tom Hrlevich - 2 trees were planted in memory of Arthur Weisberg
Marsha Joffe, Renee Joffe & Tom Hrlevich - 1 tree was planted in memory of Brad Gibson's father
Feli Van Deman - 1 tree was planted in loving memory of Glennvel James Rhodes, her partner Tim Rhodes' father
Education Fund
Marsha Joffe, Renee Joffe & Tom Hrlevich - in memory of William "Bill" Wiener
|  | |
Your donations in any amount are genuinely appreciated.
There are many ways you can support Kehillah financially. When you are celebrating, honoring, remembering, giving thanks, or simply doing tzedakah, please consider these options:
OUR FUNDS
You can donate through our website in any amount or send a check. Congregation Kehillah is a 501(c)(3) organization; donations are tax-exempt to the fullest extent allowable by law. (Please consult with your tax adviser.)
Our mailing address is: 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Ste 1630 #439, Phoenix, AZ 85050
| |
|
Caring Fund
Education Fund
General Fund
Gottlieb Music Fund
| |
|
Oneg & Hospitality Fund
Rabbi's Discretionary Fund
Social Action Fund
Torah Fund
Teen Tzedek Fund
| |
|
Also available:
Book Plates
Memorial Board
| |
|
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 JEWISH COMMUNITY 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.
AMAZON SMILE
If you make purchases through Amazon, please use smile.amazon.com, and select Congregation Kehillah as your charity. It's simple, costs you nothing, and Amazon will donate a portion of your purchase price to Kehillah.
Congregation Kehillah has been issued a $68.56 donation from the AmazonSmile Foundation as a result of AmazonSmile program activity between July 1 and September 30, 2021.
| |
TEEN ISRAEL EXPERIENCE INCENTIVE GRANTS | |
The Grossman Teen Experience Incentive Grant Funds are for teens who:
*live in the area served by the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix and the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix (Maricopa County)
*Are enrolled in the 10-12th Grade (including the summer following graduation)
*Are traveling on a program at least 16 days in Israel (up to a year), run by a non-profit organization
*Have not already received the Grossman Teen Israel Experience for a prior trip...
Program Content: In order to receive funding toward an Israel program, it must include all of the following:
Countrywide excursions led by trained madrichim/teachers/guides
Individual participation as part of a larger group
Lectures, discussions regarding the history of Israel and contemporary issues facing the country
The application and grant criteria can be found at:
https://jewishphoenix.regfox.com/harold-jean-grossman-teen-israel-experience-scholarship-fund
Applications are taken on a first come first served basis.
|  | |
ALEXANDER MUSS HIGH SCHOOL IN ISRAEL | |
|
Introducing the Partnership Between
Alexander Muss High School in Israel
and RootOne
Summer 2022 just got a whole lot better. Teens can take $3,000 off an Alexander Muss High School in Israel (AMHSI-JNF) summer program! AMHSI-JNF is a proud partner and grantee of RootOne, a new initiative that helps connect thousands of Jewish teens to Israel by lowering the financial barriers to participation in immersive summer trips to Israel.
QUALIFIED SUMMER PROGRAMS
Your Way: Teens can explore Israeli culture by focusing on a chug (elective) of their choosing on this six-week immersive experience. Interested in the arts? Learn how Israeli music, painting, sculpture, and more is shaped by Israeli politics and history on the Arts & Culture chug. Interested in the Start-up Nation? On the Entrepreneurship chug, focus on Israel’s role in geopolitics by looking at its innovation and big technology companies.
Your Way: Teens can explore Israeli culture by focusing on a chug (elective) of their choosing on this six-week immersive experience. Interested in the arts? Learn how Israeli music, painting, sculpture, and more is shaped by Israeli politics and history on the Arts & Culture chug. Interested in the Start-up Nation? On the Entrepreneurship chug, focus on Israel’s role in geopolitics by looking at its innovation and big technology companies.
Learn More
Roots Israel: Spend four weeks traveling throughout Israel, volunteering with local Israelis, and making a difference in a fun and meaningful way. On this service-learning adventure, teens explore the Jewish value of tikkun olam, while working on projects like cleaning up beaches, planting gardens, working with refugees, all while exploring issues of environmentalism and social sustainability that are crucial to Israel’s way of life.
Learn More
Ready to have the best summer of your life? Apply on AMHSI-JNF’s website, select a program from one of the two listed above for summer 2022, and someone will be reaching out to you soon on how to apply for a RootOne voucher.
Questions? Contact Marni Heller at mheller@jnf.org
| |
|
The Phoenix Holocaust Association January newsletter is out. Click here for news of upcoming programs and lots more.
| |
|
JFCS CENTER FOR SENIOR ENRICHMENT'S JANUARY PROGRAMS
The Center for Senior Enrichment has released its December schedule, which includes Zoom and in-person events. For information, contact Jennifer Brauner at seniorcenter@jfcsaz.org or 602-343-0192; or see all JFCS programs here.
| |
PUT THESE DATES ON YOUR CALENDAR | |
|
SERVICES
Kabbalat Shabbat
Shabbat morning
B'nai Mitzvah
Below you will find what is currently scheduled for 2022 services. Please note that the calendar is subject to change.
Friday, January 21 - 5:30 p.m.
Friday, February 4 - 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 26-10:00a.m. multi-access
Friday, March 11 - 5:30 p.m.
Zoom only
Friday, March 25 - 6:30 p.m.
multi-access
Saturday, March 26 - 10:00 a.m. multi-access - Olivia Edelstein Bat Mitzvah
Friday, April 8 - 6:30 p.m.
multi-access
Saturday, April 23 - 10:00 a.m. multi-access Shabbat morning service/Pesach/Yizkor
Friday, May 6 - 6:30 p.m.
multi-access
Friday, May 20 - 6:30 p.m.
multi-access
| |
|
TORAH TALK
Torah Talks are led by Rabbi Sharfman (except where noted) and are held monthly on Saturday mornings via Zoom. They are among Kehillah's most-loved traditions -- mornings filled with questions, conversation, and laughter as we explore that week's Torah portion. No prior knowledge is needed to enjoy Torah Talk; all are welcome. For more information, contact Ellen Lerman.
The following dates are tentative:
February 19
March 19
April 2 or 30
May 14
| |
|
YEP!
Youth Education Program
YEP! sessions are held on Sunday mornings during the school year. Read about YEP! here. Questions? Please contact Renee.
Here is the link to the YEP registration form.
January 23
February 13 & 27
March 13 & 27
April 10 & 24
May 1 & 15
| |
|
QUICK LOOK CALENDAR
Mondays, January 24, 31
Rabbi Sharfman's class
Saturday , January 15
Torah Talk
Friday, January 21
Book Group
Friday, January 21
Kabbalat Shabbat
Sunday, January 23
YEP!
| |
|
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. Email Rich Fox at phoks1@hotmail.com.
******************
Want to help?
Tzedakah Opportunities
Boulder, Colorado Fire Relief Fund:
https://www.jewishcolorado.org/jewishcolorado-boulder-fire-relief-fund/
*****************
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 may have not received these emails in your inbox.
| |
|
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 we are able to come back to Kehillah.
For now, please consider giving directly to Mom's Pantry, which accepts donations on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. They are located at 13440 N. Cave Creek Road in Phoenix. Call 602-992-0083 for other times.
******************
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.
| |
|
Congregation Kehillah Leadership
Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman
Jane Neely,
President
Scott Leader, Erica Erman
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
Paulette Fraenkel,
Social Action
Leona Garza,
Movie Time
Dr. Stephanie Kirklin,
YEP! Director of
Curriculum
& Online Learning Center
Ellen Lerman,
Torah Talk and Special
Projects
Vicki Mardell,
Membership
Reisa Miller, Sherry Siegel
Newsletters
Scott Rudin
Finances
| |
Copyright © 2022. All Rights Reserved | | | | | |
