Happening this Week
July 22 - July 29
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Tools for Elul: Share Your Story!
If Not Now,
When?
As we prepare for the High Holy Days, we look to you for your personal reflections as we explore opportunities for growth during the month of Elul.
This year’s theme is: “If Not Now, When?”
drawn from Rabbi Hillel's teaching: “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?” (Pirkei Avot 1:14)
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Jewish Mindfulness Meditation with Cantor Julie Newman
Tuesday, July 23 and July 30
6:00 - 7:30 p.m ∙
ALC1
Join Tiferet for Jewish mindfulness meditation. No prior experience needed. Come as you are, all are welcome! Tuition by voluntary donation.
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Gather in the garden this Wednesday at 12:45 p.m. for our final installment of Story Time this summer! Enjoy story time with your preschooler in the summer oasis of Rodef Shalom's Biblical Botanical Garden. After each picture-book reading, we will complete a creative art project!
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Volunteers Needed: Back 2 School Store
Sunday, July 28
9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Rodef Shalom
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The National Council of Jewish Women Pittsburgh Chapter is hosting the Back 2 School Store (B2SS) at Rodef Shalom this Sunday, July 28 from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Volunteers are still needed!
B2SS helps underprivileged children begin the school year on an equal footing with their peers, preparing students for success by fostering positive self-esteem and sparking enthusiasm for the upcoming school year.
Elementary school students from pre-qualified families have the opportunity to shop for brand new clothing, shoes, outerwear, and school supplies at no cost. While the children select their items with a volunteer personal shopper in the B2SS, parents visit the Highmark Resource Room to connect with local organizations and agencies for assistance with health care, parenting, financial literacy, career development, and other social services.
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Saturday Morning Study
July 27, Aug. 3, Aug. 10
9:15 a.m.
Lippman Library
Study an introduction to Mussar, a Jewish ethical, educational, and cultural movement or discipline (non-Hasidic roots), led by Susan Richman. We'll see you there!
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Family Shabbat BBQ!
Friday, Aug. 2
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Deaktor Terrace
Join with Rodef Shalom Youth Group and Family Center families for a special summer Shabbat experience, featuring an evening of family, friends, music and fun!
Gather on Deaktor Terrace at 6 p.m (or after the 5:30 p.m. Shabbat service) for candle lighting, Kiddush and Hamotzi, with lots of singing with Susan Richman.
A potluck barbecue dinner follows. We will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, beverages and dessert. Please bring a nut-free salad or side dish for 6-8 people. Fun on the lawn following dinner. This event is rain or shine!
Everyone is welcome! Please RSVP to Yael Eads at [email protected] by Sunday, July 28.
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Lamentations as Poetry:
A Tisha b'Av Poetry Writing Workshop
Sunday, Aug. 4
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Rodef Shalom Biblical Botanical Garden
Join Valerie Bacharach, Rodef Shalom member and author of "Fireweed," in the Biblical Botanical Garden for a poetry writing workshop - a spiritual preparation for Tisha b'Av.
Tisha b'Av commemorates the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 70CE, a tragic event that reshaped the Jewish world and Jewish life. This remembrance has significant importance for our community, especially this year.
We look forward to writing with you! RSVP by emailing [email protected]. This event is rain or shine.
Other ways you can observe Tisha b'Av:
Congregation Beth Shalom
hosts a community Eykhah reading
and all are welcome to join the planned schedule of services:
Saturday, Aug. 10
- 6:45 p.m.: Minhah
- 7:15 p.m.: Se’udah Shelishit (meal completed by 8:00 p.m. to begin the fast)*
- 8 p.m.: Tales of Destruction and Rebuilding (A Derekh Program)
- 8:45 p.m.: Ma’ariv
- 9 p.m.: The Community Eykhah (Lamentations) Reading
Please RSVP for Se’udah Shelishit at least two weeks in advance, if you wish to attend, to Audrey Glickman, Rabbi’s Assistant,
[email protected]
, or 412-421-2288 x112.
Stand together at our community-wide Tisha b'Av observance.
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Discover Israel with Rabbi Bisno:
New Details Available!
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Plan your trip with Rabbi Bisno this March!
Our journey throughout Israel will include visiting the must-see historical, religious, and modern sites, which are the part of the history of the land and the people. We will learn about the land, the nation, and the country through its food, sites, current events, and of course, experiencing daily life in Israel. We will connect with our partnership community in the Carmiel/Misgav Region and discover what makes it special.
Book Your Trip:
Other questions? Contact Executive Assistant to Rabbi Bisno, Melanie Solomon, at
[email protected]
.
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Welcome New Director of the Joint Jewish Education Program: Rabbi Larry Freedman
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Congregation Beth Shalom and Rodef Shalom Congregation are pleased and excited to announce the hiring of Rabbi Larry Freedman, who returns to Pittsburgh to lead our Joint Jewish Education Program.
Click here to read more!
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Editor's Note:
This message is based on a letter that was sent to all members in June.
Security Costs Reflected in Current
Dues Statements
Since the tragedy of Oct. 27, Rodef Shalom has taken significant steps to ensure that our synagogue is safe and secure, while remaining warm and welcoming to the community. As you may know, the increased security costs are significant. We value your support as we continue to ensure safety and security so that everyone feels welcome and safe.
Recently, you received your dues statement, which now includes the cost of security recommendations included in a recent security assessment. These recommendations have been approved by the Board of Trustees, as they were created by our Security Committee.
For most members, the assessment represents a sum equal to 10% of individual dues contributions. For members who pay above the $2,544 Sustaining Member contribution, the assessment is capped at $254, and members who pay $500 or less annually are expected to contribute at least $50.
Please know that this assessment covers only a portion of the additional cost of our comprehensive security plan, which includes security personnel and significant facility upgrades. Rodef Shalom staff and lay leadership are actively pursuing additional sources of funding for the plan. We thank you for your ongoing support!
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Front Desk Operating Hours Changed
Receptionist staffing for the front desk has shifted and will now be provided during the following hours:
- Monday - Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. - close
- Thursdays: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Fridays: 9:30 a.m. - close
- Saturdays: 9:30 a.m. - close
- Sundays: 9:30 a.m. - close
Security staff will be at the front desk for all hours of our operations and will be here to greet members and visitors. This is a permanent change in operations.
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Rhythms & Purposes of Jewish Living
Classes will be held every Monday: September 9, 2019 – May 18, 2020
Interested in Jewish Learning? Join Shalom Pittsburgh for its first-ever Melton Adult Jewish Learning course, just for young adults (22-45 years old).
The Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning, a project of Hebrew University in Jerusalem, supplies the curriculum for a two-year course of study, taught by local area Rabbis and Jewish educators. This course provides adults with a comprehensive understanding of Jewish thought, practice and history. No prerequisite learning is required.
Cost: $180 per person, per year, and the cost includes all books and materials. Click
here
for more info.
Generously subsidized by the Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning Endowment Fund – reduced from $600.
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Registration Now Open!
Antisemitism, Hate, and Social Responsibility Conference
Nov. 10 and 11
Classrooms without Borders
In commemoration of the Tree of Life shooting, Classrooms Without Borders is organizing a conference titled Antisemitism, Hate and Social Responsibility, to take place at Rodef Shalom on November 10-11, 2019. The conference will feature lectures by renowned scholars and workshops that will equip teachers to educate and inspire their students to identify and combat hate, antisemitism and racism of all kinds. This conference is geared towards academia, clergy, educators, students, and interested community members.
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Please Note:
Christian-Jewish Dialogue and Talmud Class with Rabbi Paul Tuchman will resume this September. No sessions will be held in July and August.
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Support Immigrants: Belt and Shoelace Drive!
Help immigrants who come over the border from Mexico by donating new or gently used shoelaces and belts in the commons area at Rodef Shalom today. This is a Casa San Jose initiative. When immigrants cross the border, ICE officers confiscate these items, creating the need for your help. Please donate gently used or new belts and shoelaces to be sent to the border to help immigrants and refugees today. Bins are located in the Rodef Shalom commons area! Contact
[email protected]
or
[email protected]
for more info.
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Do you have a simcha to share with the congregation? We are looking for your joyful announcements, including recent weddings, new babies, B'nai Mitzvah, and more!
Simply email your announcement with a photo to Director of Communications and Marketing, Stephanie Rex, at [email protected] to get started!
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Every Week at Rodef Shalom
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Monthly Food Drive for the
Squirrel Hill Community Food Pantry
Food justice is a significant part of our Social Action efforts! Help feed the needy in our community. Visit our donation station in the Commons area.
Learn about the Squirrel Hill Community Food Pantry at
www.sqfoodpantry.org.
Women of Rodef Shalom's Bridge Game
Mondays ∙ 12 p.m. ∙ Freehof Hall
Pittsburgh Bridge Association information is available at:
Alcoholics Anonymous
Mondays ∙ 7:00 p.m. ∙ ALC1
All are welcome.
Sewing Workshop Sponsored by Women of Rodef Shalom
Tuesdays ∙ 10 a.m. ∙ Sisterhood Room
PLEASE NOTE: The Sewing Workshop will not meet in August.
Beginners welcome. Contact Nancy Rosenthal: (412) 828-4844.
Bridge Game
Wednesdays ∙ 12 p.m. ∙ Sisterhood Room
Pittsburgh Bridge Association information is available at:
Mahjong
Wednesdays ∙ 1 p.m. ∙ Freehof Hall
Everyone is welcome to this informal game of maj.
Choir Rehearsal
Wednesdays ∙ 7:30 p.m. ∙ Levy Hall
Our singers span several generations and have varying levels of musical experience. Music reading and Hebrew reading are not required. Our choir sings in services once a month and performs in the community a few times a year. For more information, email Molly May at
[email protected]
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Afternoon Open Play
Tuesdays ∙ 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. ∙ Family Center
A classroom and the playground will be open for children who are accompanied by an adult to hang out with friends.
Contact
Mimsie
: (412) 621-6566 x127.
Parkinson's Support Group
Wednesdays ∙ 1 p.m. ∙ ALC1
Meets the first Wednesday of each month. Parkinson's Foundation Western Pennsylvania Information is available at:
Yoga sponsored by Women of Rodef Shalom
Fridays ∙ 9:30 - 11 a.m. ∙ Sisterhood Room
All genders are welcome. Cost is $10/class. Bring a mat. Contact Sharon Lesgold: (412) 904-2611.
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Friday, July 26
5:30 p.m. Service
-Rabbi Sharyn Henry
-Cantorial Soloist
Joey Breslau
Saturday, July 27
10:30 a.m. Service
-Rabbi Sharyn Henry
-Cantorial Soloist
Joey Breslau
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Beautiful bowls and plates make great gifts that are also very useful. Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, shower, or wedding (or just because!), the Gift Corner has just the thing to brighten up the table when guests come over. Fill with fruit, candy, dessert, or hors
d'oeuvres for a lovely, irresistible presentation. Come visit and see our full selection so you're ready when the next gift-giving event
presents itself!
See you soon at the Gift Corner!
Monday-Friday
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday
9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
(during Religious School)
Evenings by appointment.
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JFunds:
A Resource for Your Finances
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JFunds is a network of funding sources available in the Jewish community. Whether you are figuring out how to finance your child’s education, replace your furnace, pay for medical, prescription, or dental expenses, afford next month’s bills, or sending a teen on a trip to Israel, there are people ready to partner with you! Visit
www.JFundsPgh.org
to find out about the many resources available to you.
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Rodef Shalom
Legacy Society
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Thank you to our congregants who created their legacy by including Rodef Shalom Congregation in their will, trust, retirement account, or insurance policy.
Welcome to our newest members in 2019, Charlotte Bluestone, Alex Heit and
Harris Blum,
Marla J. Perlman, Nancy Rosenthal, Marjorie Silverman, Janet and Ed Snyder, Janet* and John Spear, Ruth C. Yahr, and Florence and Harvey Zeve*.
Anonymous (3) ∙ Betty Abrams* ∙ Barbara and Alan Ackerman ∙ Marcia* and Richard Adelsheim ∙ Lawrence Adler ∙ Bette and Hal* Bigler ∙ Michelle and Aaron Bisno ∙ Karen and Richard Brean ∙ Rosella and Gilbert Broff* ∙ Sylvia and Sidney Busis* ∙ Marion Cohen* ∙ Teri and Barton Cowan ∙ Marcia and Charles* Deaktor ∙ Ruth and Emil Feldman* ∙ Sheila and Milton* Fine ∙ Sylvia Fischer ∙ Frederick Frank ∙ Nachum Golan and Steven Hough ∙ Bette Jean Goldblum* Jack Goldsmith* ∙ Juliette Grauer* ∙ Anna Greenberg* ∙ Sharyn Henry and Dennis Grinberg ∙ David Hammerstein ∙ Jacki and Jeffrey Herzog ∙ Martha and Edwin Horne* ∙ Irene* and Dr. Walter Jacob ∙ Lynne and Blair Jacobson
∙ Evan Klein ∙ Audrey and Robert* Lazar ∙ Francine* and Alan Lefkowitz ∙ Susan Friedberg Kalson and David Kalson ∙ Natalie A. Kaplan ∙ Corrine and Seymoure
Krause* ∙ Amy Langham ∙ Sharon and Alan Lesgold ∙ Marcia Levaur ∙ Edgar Levenson* ∙ Frances and David* Levin ∙ Janet Markel and Barry Lhormer* ∙ Sally and Tim Litman ∙ Lois and Milton Michaels ∙ Norma and Edgar Michaels* ∙ Pauline and Bernard Michaels* ∙ Carol Goldblum Nathenson ∙ Helen Orringer
∙ Lynn and Gerald Ostrow* ∙ Jeffrey Pollock ∙ Shirley and Sidney Rapport* ∙ Richard E. Rauh ∙ Mildred Rogow ∙ Bette and Howard Rom ∙ Sabina and Peter Rosenfeld ∙
Robert Rosenthal ∙
Mayda Roth ∙
Michelle Gray-Schaffer and Eric Schaffer ∙ Dottie Silberman ∙ Richard Simon ∙ William Stein ∙ Karla and Raymond Stept* ∙ Laura and Harlan Stone ∙ Meredith and David Strassburger ∙ Mona and E.J. Strassburger ∙ Barry Weisband ∙ Carole Williams ∙ Ruth Wintner* ∙ Susan and Robert Wolf* ∙ Leatrice and John* Wolf, Sr.
*z"l - "of blessed memory"
To learn more about the Rodef Shalom Legacy Society, contact Mayda Roth at
or at
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