August 2025 / Av-Elul 5785

MESSAGES

Rabbi's Message

by Rabbi David Komerofsky

What makes the Jewish people a people? We span continents, speak dozens of languages, and observe our traditions in many ways. Yet there is something unmistakable that binds us together: a shared sense of peoplehood that transcends time, place, and practice.

Jewish peoplehood is more than heritage or belief. It is a deep-rooted understanding that we are part of a story larger than ourselves. This story begins in ancient texts and continues in our communities today. It links Jews in Ohio with Jews in Israel, in Argentina, in Ukraine, and everywhere Jewish life takes root.

That connection is not always visible, but we feel it. We feel it when we sing the same melodies our ancestors sang. We feel it when we respond to the needs of Jews around the world. We feel it when we walk into a synagogue far from home and are still greeted as family.

Peoplehood does not mean uniformity. Jews disagree (shocking!), sometimes passionately. We hold diverse views, follow different customs, and come from different backgrounds. But we recognize one another as kin. That recognition sustains our resilience, fuels our responsibility, and reminds us that even in times of challenge, we do not stand alone. 

Today, that sense of solidarity is more important than ever. As Israel endures the ongoing burdens of war and loss, we feel that pain across oceans. We may live far from the front lines, but we are not distant in spirit. Our connection compels us to stay informed, to speak out, to support those under threat, and to uphold the vision of a just and secure future for all who live in the land.

In a contemporary world that often emphasizes division, Jewish peoplehood affirms connection. It asks us to care not just for those we know, but for those we may never meet. It invites us to honor the past while building a shared future. As Jews in Stark County and across the region, we nurture those bonds: with one another, with Jews everywhere, and with the generations who came before us and those still to come.

Join me for a trip to Israel in 2026 to explore Jewish life and history through the lens of Klal Yisrael - the unity and totality of the Jewish people.

President's Message

by Barbara Spera

Temple Israel has always been sustained by the generosity and commitment of our community. Each gift, whether of time, talent, or financial support, helps to ensure that our congregation remains a vibrant center of Jewish life in Canton.

As we look toward the future, we are introducing a new giving opportunity: the Temple Israel Mission and Vision Fund. This fund, approved by our board at its last meeting, is dedicated to supporting the ongoing operations of our congregation. This includes everything from maintaining our commitment to the shared space and staff at Beit Ha'am to funding our inspiring worship, engaging educational programs, and meaningful community outreach.

Unlike special project funds or designated donations, gifts to the Mission and Vision Fund allow us the flexibility to respond to the evolving needs of our congregation. It ensures that Temple Israel remains strong today while planning for tomorrow.

Your support of this fund directly sustains our mission: to nurture Jewish identity, strengthen Jewish life, and be a source of spiritual connection for all who enter our doors. Together, we can build on our proud legacy and bring our shared vision for Temple Israel’s future to life.

I invite you to consider making a contribution to the Temple Israel Mission and Vision Fund in addition to your annual commitment. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference.

Thank you for being a vital part of our Temple family.

SHABBAT

Worship Services - August 2025

All services are in-person and streaming live via Temple Israel’s YouTube channel.

Watch our website and Temple Tidbits for updates and more information.

Friday, August 1, 2025

5:30 p.m. Oneg Shabbat

6:15 p.m. Shabbat Service

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Friday, August 8, 2025

5:30 p.m. Oneg Shabbat

6:15 p.m. Shabbat Service

with Birthday and Anniversary Blessings

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Friday, August 15, 2025

5:30 p.m. Oneg Shabbat

6:15 p.m. Shabbat Service

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Friday, August 22, 2025

5:30 p.m. Oneg Shabbat

6:15 p.m. Shabbat Service

​​Friday, August 29, 2025

5:30 p.m. Oneg Shabbat

6:15 p.m. Shabbat Service

Families with Little Kids

If your child needs a break during the service, please step into the library, where the service is being livestreamed. There are Shabbat toys and children’s books, and you can enjoy the Oneg Shabbat snacks while the kids become accustomed to watching the service. Please feel free to return to the large prayer space for motzi and the closing song.

We’re glad to have kids of all ages here for Shabbat, and want to ensure a meaningful and appropriate experience for everyone.

ADULT EDUCATION

SOCIAL ACTION

Social Action Collection

For the month of August we will be collecting school supplies for Crenshaw Middle School in Canton. Crenshaw houses 7th and 8th graders and has around 775 students. They are in need of the following items:

• Tissues
• Clorox Wipes 
• Hand sanitizer 
• Pencils
• College ruled paper 
• Notebooks- all varieties 
• Folders- all varieties 
• Clear backpacks 

Thank you for your continued support for the kids in Canton.

Paulette Karelitz | Joan Ortman | Anita Porter

The Family Living Center is a shelter and support system for homeless families in our area. Temple Israel has sponsored a room at the shelter each year for the past 7 years. We have also chosen them for our Month of Giving. Each year, Temple Board generously allocates extra money for the shelter and we supply different items that they need. Some times it’s food for after school snacks, or towels and personal hygiene items. We have also supplied SARTA bus passes. This year they requested a bench for their playground area. This will give parents a place to sit who have babies and also watch their children on the playground. They are very appreciative for all that Temple Israel does for them.

Food Bank Volunteering

Our group (Temple Israel Canton) is scheduled to volunteer at the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank for several dates in 2025, all from 9am to 11:30am – Stark County (Canton) location.

The next scheduled date is August 12.

HIGH HOLY DAYS

Elul Reflections

Every day during the month of Elul, leading up to Rosh Hashanah, Rabbi Komerofsky shares some reflections via email. This year he invites members and friends of the congregation to share brief videos to supplement these reflections.

You are welcome to submit a video (up to 30 seconds) describing your preparations for the High Holy Days. Thank you!

LET US KNOW

Please let us know if you think we have a wrong e-mail for you or if your e-mail has changed recently. It is very important for Temple Israel to keep our records updated. Call Debbie at the Temple Israel office at 330-455-5197 to verify or change your information.

YAHRZEITS

OUR TEMPLE FAMILY

The Temple's Sympathy is extended to the families of:

• Diane Bogniard (Ruthanne Wilkof's sister)

Mazel Tov to:

• Paulette Karelitz on the birth of her granddaughter, Molly Reese Schagrin

CONTRIBUTIONS

Contributions

Temple Israel Endowment

Alan B. & Estelle Wilkof Blau Endowment

In Memory of

• Estelle Blau, by Sue Fredman

Elisabeth Bertman Memorial Youth Endowment

In Honor of

• Dr. Stanley & Karen Bertman's Granddaughter Zohara's Bat Mitzvah, by John & Barbara Spera

Lockshin-Goldenfeld Religious School Endowment

In Memory of

• James Lockshin, by Shirley Lockshin & Family
• Joseph Goldenfeld, by Shirley Lockshin & Family
• Diane Bogniard, by Mary Jo Lockshin
• Delbert Branz, by Mary Jo Lockshin

Recovery of

• Patti Green, by Shirley Lockshin & Family

Rabbi John Spitzer Endowment for Social Justice

In Honor of

• Rabbi John Spitzer's 80th Birthday, by Harlene Smuckler, Marcia & Jay Berke

In Memory of

• Marcy Axelband, by Laurie Kabb

Hunger Relief Fund

In Honor of

• Jeff & Dale Sklar's 50th Wedding Anniversary, by Harlene Smuckler
• Bob & Barbara Ferne's new Grandson, Pacey, by Harlene Smuckler
• Shirley Lockshin's new Great- Grandson, Pacey, by Harlene Smuckler
• Jim Barnett's 100th Birthday, by Sue Shafer, Marshall & Gail Bleckman, Becky & Larry Libster

In Memory of

• Tamir Porter, by Adele & Ron Gelb

Kiddush Fund

In Memory of

• Norita Nielsen, by Denise & Steve Nielsen
• David Greenberg, by Steve & Bonnie Manello
• Herbert Jolovitz, by Ellen Rapport

Rabbi's Discretionary Fund

In Appreciation of

• Rabbi David Komerofsky, by Mandy Smart, Amy Nusbaum & Family, Nicholas Sailor-Goff

Temple Israel Mission and Vision Fund

In Appreciation of

• Rabbi David Komerofsky, by Nicholas Sailor-Goff

Temple Israel

432 - 30th Street NW

Canton, OH 44709

Phone: 330-455-5197

Fax: 330-455-5268

The staff’s direct phone numbers are listed below their email addresses

Rabbi David Komerofsky

rabbi@templeisraelcanton.org

330-445-2406

Rabbi Emeritus John H. Spitzer

john.h.spitzer@gmail.com

Debbie Spetich, Temple Office

office@templeisraelcanton.org

330-445-2852

Bobi Berringer, Chadash Coordinator

chadash@templeisraelcanton.org

330-445-2853

Temple President - Barbara Spera

barb420@aol.com