Volunteer Connect invites Central Oregonians of all ages to sign up for the 6th regional Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service!

 

On Monday, Jan. 19th, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, volunteers throughout Central Oregon will honor the legacy of Dr. King by joining hundreds of thousands of other Americans in volunteering for "MLK Day of Service" projects. The projects are connected to the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, which is the only federal holiday observed as a day of service - a "day on, not a day off."

 

Opportunities abound for your participation - painting, cleaning, building, and organizing for a variety of charities helping children, adults, families, and animals.

 

To learn about volunteer needs and to sign up:

http://www.volunteerconnectnow.org/news-events/what's-happening/mlk-paths-page/

Lorraine and Lawrence Schechter

The air in the New Year, whether it's Rosh Hashanah or December 31st, is redolent with optimism.  We just can't help ourselves.  We love starting over, starting fresh.

 

Happiness is something we all seek during these seasons of transition and possibility.  As we make resolutions about eating right and exercising more, we ought to consider how we will practice feeling more joy, as well.

 

The Chasidim seriously considered teachings about cultivating joy left behind by the medieval Jewish mystics.  They popularized those ideas and changed Jewish practice forever.

 

Jewish life focused on the observance of mitzvot, commandments.  Interpretation and methodical rules for finding loopholes rather than discarding the system entirely generated intellectual creative energy.  But only the highly educated could participate fully.

 

The founder of Chasidism, the Ba'al Shem Tov, transformed a verse from Isaiah: "The whole world is full of His glory" (6:13), into a way of looking at life. If the whole world is full of God's glory, the Ba'al Shem Tov reasoned it is wrong to think that one ought to turn one's back on the pleasures of the world. "Don't deny that a girl is beautiful," he would say. "Just be sure that your recognition of her beauty brings you back to its source, God." If one could do that, then one could transmute physical pleasures into spiritual growth.

 

Because the world was full of God, the Ba'al Shem Tov believed that a person always should be joyful. "No child is born except through pleasure and joy," he taught. "By the same token, if one wishes his prayers to bear fruit, he must offer them with pleasure and joy."  The Ba'al Shem Tov's doctrine was a strong challenge to Jewish establishment in his time. Mainstream Jews were not particularly interested in devotional practice and other Jewish mystics practiced self-denial. The Ba'al Shem Tov warned people against self-depravation practices, fearing that they would lead to melancholy, and not joy.

 

I really appreciate the joyful, devotional practices the Ba'al Shem Tov introduced into Jewish thought and practice.  Joy is an experience that we can cultivate.  Too often, we expect joy to envelop us and when it doesn't we feel disappointed, even cheated.  The truth is, that we can participate in our own ability to experience joy.  We don't have to wait patiently, passively. 

 

As the New Year takes hold, I hope we all practice noticing what gives us pleasure.  Maybe simple moments of pause, recognition, and appreciation will accrue into more happiness and contentment in life.

Members & Friends ~

 

As we closed out 2014, we had quite a busy December. Of course, the main event was Chanukah and the many opportunities we had to celebrate the holiday. At Sunday School, prior to Chanukah, there was an amazing Chanukah Workshop for the children and families. They participated in learning sessions about the story and rituals, as well as making their own latkes and applesauce. The culmination was a joyous feast of all those delicious latkes and fixings. We gratefully acknowledge the preparation work by Rabbi Hershenson and Kathy Schindel, assisted by the teachers and helpers that made this program so special and successful. 

 

Then, on the first night, thanks to the wonderful efforts of Rabbi Yitzchok and Mimi Feldman of Chabad, the community shared the outdoor ceremony for lighting of the Menorah in the Old Mill Shopping center. Despite the chilly temperatures, with guest fire dancing performers and hot drinks with latkes, we had a nice "warm" beginning to the Chanukah holiday. Marshall Voit made a visit to Bend and provided a special sing-a-long concert at the Hershenson's home. Finally, our Erev Shabbat service on the 4th night turned into a Latkepalooza with a sumptuous Chanukah dinner feast.  Our sincere thanks to all those who cooked, baked, prepared, set-up, cleaned up, and helped make the event so wonderful for everyone.

Also, in December, we had another fun family Kabbalat Shabbat celebration with a potluck dinner at the Hershenson's home. We are most thankful that the Rabbi and her family were willing to host TWO events in their home last month. These intimate gatherings are so great at bringing the community closer together. I would strongly urge you to attend these types of events in the coming year.

As we transition into 2015, it is a good time to look back at our accomplishments over the first six months of our new fiscal year. We are continuing to grow, as our membership now is over 80. We had lots of opportunities to gather to celebrate Jewish holidays and other events.  We are extending options for people to get involved in Social Action. The Community Jewish Religious School has revamped its curriculum and just seems to get better and better.

While we can be justifiably proud and thankful for all these wonderful accomplishments and improvements, it is important to remember how this all comes about. We are only as good as the people who are willing to give of their time and effort to make these things happen. We are quite fortunate that so many in Central Oregon (and beyond) have chosen to be part of our congregation and participate in all the work necessary to provide the outstanding activities we so greatly enjoy.

Yet, there will be times when something doesn't go quite like we wanted or expected. Maybe someone did not seem to respond in a timely manner, or there was some other breakdown in communication. Maybe someone did not follow through as desired. Maybe a decision or action was taken with which you disagree. Mistakes will happen. All these situations can be frustrating and disconcerting.  Yet, it is important to remember that everyone working on TBT activities is doing the best they can; giving of themselves so the community can enjoy the benefits of all those activities.

 

To know what to do in these situations, it helps to understand how we operate. If it's personal, then it is best handled one-on-one with that person. Otherwise, it starts with the Board, which is responsible and accountable for the overall legal, financial, and operational governance of TBT; doing our best to adhere to TBT's Mission and Vision, as a reflection of the desired direction from the Congregation. While it is true that the Board has the designated authority for making the major decisions for TBT, it would be extremely inefficient and ineffective to have the Board trying to deal with every detailed aspect of running the organization. Therefore, the Board has established Committees with appointed leaders to help handle the key areas of operation for TBT.

  

The Board has delegated to these Committees and leaders the authority to make decisions and deal with issues within their areas of responsibility. Hence, we have a Membership Committee to court and welcome members, as well as help meet the needs and interests of our existing members. The Religious Committee handles aspects of our services, holidays, celebrations, and the scheduling of these events. Our Social Action Committee is responsible for determining, informing, planning, and/or participating in the activities that they feel represent appropriate opportunities to effect Tikkun Olam (Healing the World) in our community and beyond.  The Religious Education Committee and Director manage the entire Religious Education programming for our children with Sunday School, Hebrew School, B'nai Mitzvah training, and now Post B'nai Mitzvah program. The Communications & PR Committee oversees our internal and external communications of information and marketing ourselves to the outside community. There are others as well. Although the structure and division of responsibilities will evolve as the Board looks to improve our overall effectiveness and efficiency, there will always be Committees to help get the work done. Finally, while the Board and Committees are focused on getting things done, we have the Rabbi providing the helpful guidance and perspective to make sure we are abiding by our Jewish values in doing the right things in the right way .

 

As you can imagine, with so many activities planned and so much work to do, it is hard to pull this off when our volunteer workforce has all sorts of other things going on in their lives. No one has a full-time job working for TBT (not even the Rabbi,) although at times it might feel like it. Yet, amazingly, we do manage to pull it off; thanks to the support and contribution of time and effort from so many dedicated members. So, if someone has a concern or issue about something, now you know where to take it. But, rather than just respectfully complain, we hope you will actively get involved to help that area with your ideas, perspectives, and participation. Together we can lift TBT to even greater heights of accomplishment. 

 

Wishing everyone a healthy and happy New Year.

  

B'Shalom,

 Mark Schindel

It is hard to believe that we are heading into a new year!  The past few months have been busy with some important holidays, and we have a lot to look forward to in 2015. 

 

The theme for January is Celebration and Joy. We begin this theme with an adult education class evening on Tuesday, January 6, at the home of Joe Jezukewicz and Leslie Conley. 

 

Our Kabbalat Shabbat service has been changed from Friday, January 9th to Friday, January 16th to accommodate an evening of joyful Israeli dancing.  Everyone is invited to the Victor School of Performing Arts where Sara Charney Cohen will be teaching us some easy/beginner Israeli folk dances. This Shabbat celebration should be fun and the dances appropriate for any adults and children who can remember and follow simple choreography.  The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by dessert, juice, and wine. Mark your calendar for this event and watch our weekly emails for more details.

 

Munch and Torah will be held on Saturday, January 17th at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Torah service at 10:30 a.m.  Our monthly Erev Shabbat service will be held on Friday, January 23rd at 7:00 p.m.  in the sanctuary of the church.

 

We want to thank Suzanne Schlosberg for organizing the Latkepalooza Hanukkah celebration and all the people who helped make it a very special evening. The music of Marshall Voit,  Lauren, Debbie, Julie, and Jo truly made it a night to remember. Also, a big thank you to everyone who brought the latkes, chicken, salads and desserts. 

 

 

This newsletter is emailed to both members and non-members each month.  If you have something you want to include in the newsletter, please e-mail it to Sara: [email protected] by the 24th of each month for the following month's publication.  As always, you will continue to receive "e-minders" before important events take place.

Shalom,

Sara Charney Cohen

The TBT monthly Men's Night will usually be on the third Wednesday of each month during 2015.  The next TBT Men's Night will be Wednesday, January 21st, 5:30 p.m. at the Jackson's Corner NEW EASTSIDE LOCATION, located at 1500 NE Cushing Dr. Bend, Or 97701. (At the corner of Neff and Medical Center Dr. by St. Charles.) Phone: 541-382-1751. All men of TBT are invited. For more info, contact Lawrence, Ralph, or Fred.

A Shabbaton of study and fun at the beautiful Oregon Coast presented by The Institute for Judaic Studies of the Pacific Northwest

 

Prof. Devin Naar Chair, Sephardic Studies Program at University of Washington, Seattle will give lectures and lead discussions on "The Rise and Fall of Ladino-Speaking Jewry." 

Session topics include:  

• Under the Wings of the Sultan: The Rise of Jewish Communities in the Ottoman Empire.
• A Jewish Language for All Occasions: Ladino Culture and Literature.
• The Sephardic Holocaust: The Destruction of the Jews of Greece.
• A Diaspora within a Diaspora: Sephardic Jews in America.

 

Shabbat services will be led by Cantor Deborah Bletstein of Cong. Neveh Shalom. Weekend in Quest includes hotel, meals, study sessions, Shabbat services, and Saturday night entertainment.

 

For more information and online registration visit our website at www.weekendinquest.org or contact Mimi Epstein [email protected], 503-203-2671.

You may honor the lives and achievements of friends and relatives via a tribute with a donation to TBT. You can do this online, or by sending a check and the name and address of the person being honored to TBT at P.O. Box 7472, Bend, OR, 97708.

Donations may be designated to a specific fund, including:

   - the Youth Education Fund,  

   - the Music Fund - including Adopt-a-Musician, 

   - the Library Fund, 

   - the Rabbi Fund, 

   - the Rabbi's Caring Fund, 

   - the Social Action Fund, 

   - the Corrie Grudin Memorial Fund,

   - or to the General Fund. 

• From Larry Barker and Jo-Ann Ray, in memory of Celia May Barker.
• From Susan Richman, in memory of Max Richman.
• From Gary and Judy Liberson, in memory of Gertrude Liberson.
• From Gary and Terry Reynolds, in memory of Helen Reynolds.
• From Gary and Terry Reynolds, in memory of Herbert Hochstetter.
• From Lester and Diane Dober, in memory of Ida Livstone.
• From Paul and Liz Levinson, in memory of Mary Solomon.
• From Paul and Liz Levinson, in memory of Annie Solomon.
• From Murray Kitner, in honor of Terry Reynolds Birthday.
• From Stephen Katz, in memory of Edith Katz.
• From Mel Siegel and Marijane Krohn, in memory of Robert Siegel.
• From Karen Higgins, in honor of Adam and Rochelle Heyman.
• From Ralph and Marcia Uri, for the Corrie Grudin Memorial Fund.
• From Gary & Terry Reynolds, in memory of Wolfe Nichols.
• From Gary & Terry Reynolds, congratulations & happy retirement to Larry Barker.
• From Gary & Terry Reynolds, congratulations & happy retirement to Beverly Adler.
• From Gary & Terry Reynolds, thanking Lauren Olander for the wonderful music.
• From Jeffrey and Marilyn Lebowitz, to the Corrie Grudin Memorial Fund.
• From Jeffrey and Marilyn Lebowitz, to the Rabbi Caring Fund.
   

Temple Beth Tikvah is a growing Jewish congregation based in Bend, Oregon. We are affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism and are excited to be the first Reform synagogue in Central Oregon.

Our members come from a range of Jewish backgrounds including Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, and Renewal. Temple Beth Tikvah welcomes interfaith families and Jews by choice. We are committed to providing a Jewish education for our children as well as stimulating educational activities for adults. We value social action and strive to provide a Jewish cultural, social, and religious experience in Central Oregon.

Temple Beth Tikvah is a warm and enthusiastic community that includes families, singles, and "empty nesters." We are a mix of long-time Bend residents and newcomers from around the country who moved here to enjoy Central Oregon's beauty, active lifestyle, and quality of life.