Party Like It's 5779:

Make Your Purim Plans Today!

Purim Spiel: A Hard Night’s Megillah

Sunday, March 17

10 a.m. ∙ Levy Hall

Join Rodef Shalom and Tree of Life for “A Hard Night’s Megillah,” a Purim spiel inspired by the greatest hits of The Beatles! Tree of Life Rabbi Jeffrey Myers will lead this performance that includes performers from both congregations.

Purim Carnival!

Sunday, March 17

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Freehof Hall

Join us for the annual Purim Carnival! Come enjoy FREE games, food, prizes and lots of surprises. Costumes are optional but having fun is a must! Don’t miss Brotherhood’s famous hot dog lunch and the Family Center’s bake sale!

Hamantaschen-Making Workshop

Wednesday, March 13

5:00 p.m. ∙ Rodef Shalom Kitchen

Join Dor Hadash and Rodef Shalom in the kitchen and learn how to bake Purim’s “annihilation” cookie: the cookie in the shape of Haman’s hat. Make some to take home and some to share with your friends! A $5 donation is requested to cover cost. BYO rolling pin, if you have one.

Please RSVP by emailing [email protected] .

Purim Junior/Senior Luncheon

Friday, March 15

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. ∙ Aaron Court

Seniors and Preschool parents are invited to enjoy a Purim celebration with the Family Center kids!

RSVP by contacting [email protected] or by calling 412-621-6566 ext. 127.

Purim Party (Grades K-5)

Saturday, March 16, 5-8 p.m. - Youth Lounge

Enjoy dinner, games, and activities with all of your friends and help set up the Purim Carnival.

RSVP by emailing [email protected] by Thursday, March 14. The cost of the event is $5 per child to help cover the cost of food and activities.

Reservations are Now Open for Congregational Seder

Come to OUR table this Passover on Friday, April 19 at 6:30 p.m. Our Congregational Passover Seder will be led by Rabbi Aaron Bisno. The cost is $50 for members, $60 for guests, and $30 for children 12 and under. For more information, please contact Olivia Tucker at [email protected].

RSVP by Clicking Here.

Join Purim Events on March 20!

Celebrate Purim with J-JEP!

4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. ∙ Chapel

Children grades K-7 are welcome to join J-JEP at Rodef Shalom for lots of Purim fun, including a costume contest and Purim-themed game of Family Feud. For more information, contact [email protected] .

RSVP Today: Purim Dinner Presented by Tree of Life and Rodef Shalom

6:00 p.m. ∙ Freehof Hall

Join us for a Purim dinner from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dinner will include pasta dish options with Hamantaschen for dessert, catered by Colleen Wolfson. The cost of the dinner is $18 for members, $36 for non-members, $10 for kids 12 years old and under, and free for kids three years old and under. Please note dietary restrictions when you RSVP at www.rodefshalom.org/RSVP .

Megillah Reading

7:00 p.m. ∙ Levy Hall

Join Rabbi Myers for a Megillah reading and interactive multimedia presentation.

Purim Discussion with Rabbi Sharyn Henry

7:00 p.m. ∙ Lippman Library

This engaging discussion with Rabbi Henry will focus on the message of moral courage, so very palpable in the story of Esther, but often so lacking in our celebration of the Purim holiday. Rabbi Henry will incorporate teachings from her recent sojourn to Guatemala with the American Jewish World Service.

“How NOT to Celebrate Purim”

7:00 p.m. ∙ ALC1

Did you ever hear the one about the Rabbi who got too drunk on Purim? Want to know what our Talmud teaches about reading the Megillah in a "irregular" manner? Join Rodef Shalom Program Coordinator Olivia Tucker for an after-dinner conversation with the Sages!

Shalach Manot Basket Making and Jewish Learning with Dor Hadash

7:00 p.m. ∙ Aaron Court

The mitzvah of giving mishloach (or shalach) manot derives from the Book of Esther. It tells the Jewish people to observe the days of Purim "as days of feasting and gladness, and sending portions of food to one another, and gifts to the poor" (9:22). This verse refers to three different mitzvot: eating a Purim meal, the sending of two different, ready-to-eat foods and/or drinks to one friend, and the distribution of two charitable donations (either money or food) to two people in need. During this child-friendly activity and discussion, Dor Hadash will make Shalach Manot baskets for distribution to the local refugee community. Please bring a donation to include in the Shalach Manot packages and bring a donation for the food bank. For more information and to RSVP, email [email protected].

Amichai Pardo In "Ten Matchboxes"

Wednesday, March 13

7:00 p.m. ∙ Levy Hall

An adaptation of a short story, "Ten Matchboxes" by Janusz Korczak, this play tells of a teacher who sparks his poor students' imaginations by giving them a simple gift: an empty matchbox.

A play about the power and hope of imagination, particularly during the most desperate times, teaches us compassion and invites us to participate in a "Children's Court", similar to the one which was run at Janusz Korczak's orphanage in Nazi-occupied Warsaw. RSVP here . Presented by Classrooms without Borders.

Torah and the Times

Thursday, March 14

12:00 p.m. ∙ Lippman Library

Rabbi Bisno's monthly brown bag lunch series continues. We'll begin with the "gospel of the New York Times" - Torah lessons taken from the daily news.

JFCS Community Counseling:

Supporting Someone Through the Unexpected

Thursday, March 14

7:30 p.m. ∙ JCC Room 313

Working Through Trauma With Breathing Techniques

Sunday, March 17 and 24

2:30 p.m. ∙ JCC Room 313

Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS) March 2019 Counseling Schedule is now available. These sessions are free and open to anyone in the community who needs help. They will be held at the Jewish Community Center (JCC) at 5738 Forbes Avenue, Squirrel Hill, 15217. Since the tragedy at the Tree of Life Synagogue in October, JFCS has played a major role in providing counseling services to victims, families and the greater community. People wishing to find out more about counseling services can call JFCS at 412-521-3800, or visit  jfcspgh.org/communitysupport for more information.

Daytime Book Club

Thursday, March 21

11:00 a.m. ∙ Lippman Library

Join us as we discuss Georgia Hunter's successful 2017 debut novel, "We Were the Lucky Ones." It is a story of a family of Polish Jews who are separated at the start of World War II and are determined to survive and reunite.

Herzog Breakfast Discussion with Jeff Herzog

Sunday, March 24

10:00 a.m. ∙ Freehof Hall

"From Executive Director to Employment Matchmaker": Jeff Herzog has led a life of service to others. Our former executive director will discuss his new role as an employment matchmaker to recent immigrants. A light breakfast will be served. Event is free and open to all.

Women of Rodef Shalom Presents: Sisterhood Movie Night Featuring

“HEADING HOME: THE TALE OF TEAM ISRAEL”

Sunday, March 24

7:30 pm ∙ Levy Hall

Israel’s national baseball team competes for the first time in 2017 in the World Baseball Classic. The film is funny, poignant, and most of all true! The screening is open to the community at no charge.

Every Week at Rodef Shalom

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.

Bridge Game

Mondays ∙ 12 p.m. ∙ Freehof Hall

Pittsburgh Bridge Association information is available at:

www.pittsburgh bridge.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting

Mondays ∙ 7:00 p.m. ∙ ALC1

All are welcome.

Sewing Workshop Sponsored by Women of Rodef Shalom

Tuesdays ∙ 10 a.m. ∙ Sisterhood Room

Beginners welcome. Contact Nancy Rosenthal: (412) 828-4844.

Bridge Game

Wednesdays ∙ 12 p.m. ∙ Sisterhood Room

Pittsburgh Bridge Association information is available at:

www.pittsburghbridge.org

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] .

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:

www.pfwpa.org

Yoga sponsored by Women of Rodef Shalom

Fridays ∙ 9:30 - 11 a.m. ∙ Sisterhood Room  

Men and women are welcome. Cost is $10/class. Bring a mat. Contact Sharon Lesgold: (412) 904-2611.

Participate in Telling.ai Study

Telling.ai is a Pittsburgh-based start-up that has developed technologies to draw micro cues from voice audio recordings. They are exploring healthcare applications with our technology, and would like to record your voice between March 11 and March 14 here at Rodef Shalom to help them compare between healthy participants (like yourself) and patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. 

They are asking for 10 - 15 minutes of your time to collect voice samples from you. Through this process, you will help Telling.ai identify if voice can be used as a tool for the early detection of Parkinson’s disease. Early detection of Parkinson’s disease could prove valuable for the development of future therapeutics and improve treatment options for patients before their symptoms become more pronounced.

Please direct all questions to Wei Lim [email protected]

Time slots are for 20 minute sessions.

The

Gift Corner

We have books by local artists at the Gift Corner!

We are proud to carry authors Barbara Burstin, Beth Kissileff, and Louise Silk, all of whom address different topics. (And don't forget our own Dr. Rabbi Walter Jacob!)

Seeing as how the groundhog was most likely wrong and it's not going to be warming up by the official date of spring, everyone will need more great reading material to get us through the chilly nights. (Not that we're bitter or anything, oh no!)

Come feed your reading habit with some of these wonderful books!

See you soon at the Gift Corner!

Monday

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Tuesday-Friday

11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Wednesday

4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

(during Religious School) 

Sunday

9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

(during Religious School) 

Evenings by appointment. 

Rodef Shalom

Legacy Society

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,

Alex and

Harris Heit,

Marla J. Perlman, and Ruth C. Yahr.

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 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 ∙ 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 or "of blessed memory"

To learn more about the Rodef Shalom Legacy Society, contact Mayda Roth at 

412.621.6566 x140  

or at 

[email protected] .

­

Make Sure Your Family is in the 2019 Member Directory!

We are preparing a new member directory and we want your family photo to be included! The following time slots are available for photos:

Sunday, March 24 from 2-8 p.m.

Monday, March 25 from 2-9 p.m.

Tuesday, March 26 from 2-9 p.m.

Sunday, April 7 from 2-8 p.m.

Monday, April 8 from 2-9 p.m.



Tuesday, April 9 from 2-9 p.m.

Sign up for your session here !

Breakfast for Israel - Featuring

Ethan Zohn: Inspirational Speaker and Winner of Survivor: Africa

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

(RSVP by March 21)

8:00 a.m. ∙ Freehof Hall

Ethan Zohn is a cancer survivor and passionate Israel advocate. He rose to international fame when he won the hit reality TV series Survivor: Africa, a victory he attributes to his strong Jewish values. Prior to his television career, Mr. Zohn played professional soccer in Hawaii, Cape Cod, and Zimbabwe, and co-founded Grassroot Soccer, a non-profit that combats HIV/AIDS in developing countries.

No cost to attend