Happening this Week
July 29 - Aug. 5
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Attend Today's Watch Party at Noon in Support of Refugees
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In an effort to stand in solidarity with faith leaders from all walks of life who are gathering in Texas to demand an end to child detention in the immigration process,
Rodef Shalom is hosting a watch party at noon today in ALC1 of
Moral Monday at the Borderlands
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Clergy, congresspeople and faith leaders are being called upon to unite for the human rights of immigrants and refugees in events being hosted and streamed live by Repairers of the Breach, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that seeks to build a moral agenda rooted in a framework that uplifts our deepest moral and constitutional values to redeem the heart and soul of our country.
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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 eads@rodefshalom.org by Sunday, July 28.
You can also RSVP to Mimsie Leyton at leyton@rodefshalom.org.
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High Holy Days tickets will be arriving in the mailboxes of all members in good standing over the next week. This year, all members are being asked to present a single ticket for all services. Those without a ticket will be asked to give their contact information and show a photo I.D. upon arriving for services. Please stay tuned for more details!
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Attend the URJ Biennial with Rodef Shalom!
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Mark your calendars and register today for the next URJ Biennial, December 11-15, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois!
Join thousands of Jews from across North America and around the world to learn, pray, share ideas, dance and sing, hear from inspiring speakers and the leaders of our Movement; reunite with old friends, create new connections, and make decisions about the policies of the Reform Movement.
For more information about traveling with our congregation’s contingent, contact Board of Trustees President Karen Brean at kmbrean@gmail.com.
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NOTICE: Phone System Maintenance Aug. 1 and 2
Beginning at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1 through 8 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 2, the phone system at Rodef Shalom will be undergoing regular maintenance. At this time, staff will be unable to receive incoming calls or place outgoing calls.
Staff will still be available by email. All phones will be operational again by 8 a.m. on Friday morning, August 2.
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The Joint Jewish Education Program (J-JEP), a collaborative effort between Congregation Beth Shalom and Rodef Shalom Congregation, is
now enrolling students in grades K-7 for a new and exciting upcoming school year!
Our first day is Sunday, September 8 -
so be sure to register today!
Interested in learning more about our program? Contact Kate@JJEP.org!
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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)
Click here to share your story!
If you have any questions, contact Director of Communications and Marketing, Stephanie Rex, at rex@rodefshalom.org or 412.621.6566 ext. 124.
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Jewish Mindfulness Meditation with Cantor Julie Newman
Tuesday, July 30
6:00 - 7:30 p.m ∙
Falk Library
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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Saturday Morning Study
Aug. 3 and 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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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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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 tucker@rodefshalom.org. 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,
rabbiasst@bethshalompgh.org
, or 412-421-2288 x112.
Stand together at our community-wide Tisha b'Av observance.
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Boilermaker Jazz Band
Thursday, August 8
6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Our final Garden Party of the season is upon us! Join us as the hot sounds of the jazz age come alive with the Boilermaker Jazz Band! Led by Paul Cosentino on clarinet and accompanied by Jennifer McNulty on vocals, this acclaimed group serves up swinging renditions of jazz classics.
Enjoy cocktails provided by Wigle Whiskey with a donation of $7, and complimentary food. See you there!
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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:
- Our trip will take place March 15 - 24, 2020.
- Pricing Options and Itinerary
- REGISTER NOW!
- Register by phone: 1-888-811-2812 x 1, open Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
- Contact David Magen at dmagen@daattravel.com for questions about travel.
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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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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 rex@rodefshalom.org 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
(PLEASE NOTE: Beginning Sept. 9, Bridge will begin at 11 a.m. instead of noon)
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
may@rodefshalom.org
.
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, August 2
5:30 p.m. Service
-Rabbi Aaron Bisno
-Cantorial Soloist
Joey Breslau
Saturday, August 3
10:30 a.m. Service
-Rabbi Aaron Bisno
-Cantorial Soloist
Joey Breslau
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Did you know that the word bracelet is a French word derived from the Latin for "armlet?" Of course, you don't need to be French or speak
Latin to wear these wonderful pieces from the Gift Corner! We have them in all kinds of patterns, colors, and materials. Brighten up your outfit or lift someone's spirits with some new wrist jewelry - it's bound to make you and them smile, and as you know, you're never fully dressed
without a smile.
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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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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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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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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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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