Happening this Week
September 2 - September 9
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Learn with
Scholar-in-Residence
Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin!
Rabbi Salkin, author and preeminent Jewish thought leader, visits our congregation Sept. 13-15 for the first of five Shabbat weekends this year, offering many chances for you to get involved and be inspired! Save the Dates and stay tuned for more in next week's Shalom-a-Gram.
Visit
www.rodefshalom.org/rsvp
to learn more!
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Learn the ABC's of the Alef-Bet
A Five-Evening Boot Camp
Sunday, September 8 - Thursday, September 12
7 P.M. - 9 P.M.
Lippman Library
Join Rodef Shalom’s Board of Trustees President, Karen Brean, for a five-evening course! This series will give you the chance to learn:
- Hebrew letters and vowels
- Basic Hebrew words and their meanings.
- And deepen your connection to our Jewish traditions!
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Adult B*Mitzvah Program
Year-Long Course Begins
Tuesday, October 22
Meeting Weekly Tuesday Evenings
7 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.
Second Floor Reference Library
If you have not yet had the honor to read from a Torah scroll, help lead a Shabbat service, or learn and teach Torah, participate in our new Adult B*Mitzvah program!
Every week on Tuesday evenings, together, we will:
- Explore Jewish thought, practice and ritual.
- Read and dig into the prayers and blessings of a worship service.
- Learn how to chant Torah.
- Develop the practice of d’var Torah writing.
Prerequisites and Cost:
- The ability to decode Hebrew words is a requirement for this class. To learn the Alef-Bet, or to brush up on it, please consider our upcoming 5-evening course, Alef-Bet Boot Camp, beginning September 8. Visit www.rodefshalom.org/rsvp to join.
- Total cost for Adult B*Mitzvah course is $150 for materials.
Our final project will be leading the entire service for Erev Simchat Torah in October 2020. Our goal, in addition to all of the transformational learning, will be the creation of a warm and inclusive community.
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Artist-in-Residence Dan Nichols is here September 6-8 for Shabbat Services
and Programs!
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Welcome Shabbat with family, friends, music, prayer, and stories - and with very special musical guest Dan Nichols on September 6 at 6 p.m.!
Gather in Aaron Court at 6 p.m. for candle lighting, Kiddush and Motzi, which is followed by a potluck dinner. Please bring a nut-free salad or side dish to share for 6-8 people. Conclude the evening with a child-friendly service followed by dessert. Everyone is welcome!
412-621-6566 ext. 127.
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The Joint Jewish Education Program (J-JEP), a collaborative effort and community-wide religious school 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 - with very special musical guest, Dan Nichols,
so be sure to register today!
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5780 Book of Remembrance
There is still time to include a tribute to your departed loved ones.
The High Holy Days are a time that we return to tradition. Our tradition at Rodef Shalom Congregation includes publishing our
Book of Remembrance
with the names of your family and friends whose memories will always be a blessing. There’s still time to honor and remember your loved ones in our book. To list their names in the 2019-5780
Book of Remembrance
, please Mayda Roth, Director of Development, at 412.621.6566 at extension 140 or via email at [email protected].
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The Month of Elul Has Begun!
Your Stories Are Needed: If Not Now,
When?
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- Was there a time in your life when you took action to help a family member or friend?
- A time when you decided to take a stand for social justice?
- A time when you chose to seize the moment to become the best version of yourself?
Questions? Please contact Director of Communications and Marketing, Stephanie Rex, at
[email protected]
, or by calling 412-621-6566 ext. 124.
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Jewish Mindfulness Meditation with Cantor Julie Newman
Tuesday, Sept. 3
6 - 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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Brotherhood Dinner Meeting
Tuesday, Sept. 3
6 p.m., ALC1
Join Brotherhood for a Deli Dinner with the meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. All Brotherhood members are invited to attend, along with anyone interested in getting involved for the first time!
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High Holy Days Ushers Training
Wednesday, Sept. 4
7 p.m. - ALC1
High Holy Days volunteer ushers are asked to attend this training and informational meeting. We will review this year's new ticketing policy as well as updated security procedures with our Executive Director, Barry Weisband and Federation's Director of Jewish Community Security, Brad Orsini. Position assignments for ushers will also be determined at the meeting. For more information, contact Peter Rosenfeld at 412-973-0966 or
[email protected]
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Christian-Jewish Dialogue
Thursday, Sept. 5
Noon - ALC1
Facilitated by local clergy from Jewish & Christian backgrounds, this monthly discussion explores topics of similarities and differences.
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Apples and Honey Festival
Sunday, Sept. 8
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Waterfront Town Center
Celebrate a Sweet New Year with apples and honey, crafts, activities, a bounce house, shofar making, entertainment, vendors, food, and more! This FREE family-friendly event is open to all ages! Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh.
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Calling all bookworms! Head to Lippman Library for another great year of Short Story Club discussions! We'll start with renowned short story writer, Bernard Malamud, one of the best known American Jewish authors of the 20th century. His 1966 novel The Fixer, about antisemitism in the Russian Empire, won both the National Book Award and the Pulitzer.
Save the dates for future gatherings:
Oct. 17, Nov. 14, Dec. 12, Jan. 9, Feb. 13, March 12, and May 14. Copies of the stories will be available in the racks outside of the library two weeks in advance. Enjoy wine, cheese, crackers, and each other's company!
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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 [email protected].
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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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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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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
[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, Sept. 6
5:30 p.m. Service
-Rabbi Larry Freedman
-Rabbi Sharyn Henry
-Artist-in-Residence Dan Nichols
-Cantorial Soloist Molly May
6 p.m. Tot Shabbat
-Rabbi Sharyn Henry and Dan Nichols
Saturday, Sept. 7
9:15 a.m. - Heart-Opening Music and Prayer with Dan Nichols
10:30 a.m. Service
-Rabbi Aaron Bisno
-Rabbi Sharyn Henry
-Artist-in-Residence Dan Nichols
-Cantorial Soloist
Molly May
-Bat Mitzvah of Elsa Blodgett
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Fall flowers will look even more beautiful on your table in this
exquisite articulated copper vase from the Gift Corner! Comprised of 10 separate vases with flexible joints, you can arrange this in almost any configuration you can imagine. Make it wavy, circular, v-shaped, or just in a shallow arc - any way you bend it, it will be gorgeous. Use it all year round! But hurry - they are sure to go fast! See you soon at the Gift Corner! (And remember, our End of Summer Sale starts Sept. 3!)
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, Valerie and Paul Bacharach, Charlotte Bluestone, Alex Heit and
Harris Blum,
Marla J. Perlman, Marolee and Burton Pollock, 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 ∙ Sally and Thomas Litman ∙ 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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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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