March 2024 / Adar I - Adar II 5784

Rabbi's Message

by Rabbi David Komerofsky

A friend of mine likes to say that this is the worst time to be Jewish… except for every other time in history. Put another way, a Jewish optimist might suggest that “things can always get worse,” while a Jewish pessimist takes the opposite view that “things will always get worse.” With which view do you identify, the optimist or the pessimist? Do you look at the horrible things going on in the world, at the rise in antisemitic behavior and anti-Israel hate speech, and think that it’s gotten as bad as it can get? Or do you follow the trends that point to a deepening divide between Jews and non-Jews, between Israel and other countries, and see that the worst is yet to be? I prefer to take neither position, not because I can’t make up my mind but because I just don’t know what is going to happen with global problems that are beyond my control. I’m neither an optimist nor a pessimist; I am a realist.

My preference is to focus on things that are within my control, and in this I find wisdom from the Book of Esther, which we will read later this month on the holiday of Purim. After learning of Haman’s plot to annihilate the Jews, Mordecai encourages his cousin, Esther, to do something about it. She is the queen of Persia, has access to the king, and can act to save herself and her people. We read in Megillat Esther:

“Mordecai had this message delivered to Esther: “Do not imagine that you, of all the Jews, will escape with your life by being in the king’s palace. On the contrary, if you keep silent in this crisis, relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from another quarter, while you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows, perhaps you have attained to royal position for just such a crisis.”” (Esther 4:13-14 JPS Revised 2023)

The last phrase in the Hebrew, “for just such a crisis” is generally translated as “for just such a time.” Leave it to our people, optimistic or pessimistic, to render “time” as “crisis!” We do not choose the era in which we live, but the times may choose us. Rather than pondering what will happen next, we can each look around ask “why was I created for this specific time?” We may not have access to the king like Esther did, but we do have access to other people of influence and power who can do more than we can on our own to make positive change. Call your elected representatives and advocate for the Jewish people and the Jewish state. For just such a time as now were we all created.

This year when we read the story of Esther, I hope that we find ourselves in it, asking about and acting on the blessing and the curse of living in such an era. Then we need not wonder if it will get better or worse, for we will have a say in what comes next. Far be it from us to let Haman succeed in our generation.

The Traditions That Make Us Chadash

by Julie Zorn

In my humble opinion, one of the elements of Judaism that I find to be the most compelling is the many varieties of traditions families bring into their home celebrations to make it uniquely their own. Passover seders, for example, might all follow the same order, use the same prayers, etc., but I can guarantee you that my mother’s brisket recipe is somehow different from yours. There are tales of Passover seders of yesteryear and serving pieces and platters carried down from our deceased relatives and friends to keep their spirits among us.

These seemingly simple details are the threads of a beautiful tapestry that illustrate the features that make each of our celebrations so special.

Chadash, too, has its own traditions, as we are a family of sorts, as well. We have our own Shabbat candlesticks, our own Kiddush cup and even our own Havdalah set. We have our favorite songs we sing for every holiday and of course, there are the traditions centered around the delicious foods we eat that are always our school’s favorites.

With the echo of this year’s Chadash Shabbat’s beautifully catered “Efrat’s Café” dinner just behind us, the next of our Chadash traditions comes to us this month with Purim. Chadash is known for putting on an annual Purim Spiel retold by our students in their own delightful way, but did you know the Chadash students make all the Hamantaschen that we serve at the spiel’s conclusion each year.

The preparations start weeks ahead of time. I shop for ingredients, and Darrell Vanest makes the dough ahead of time for us. He heroically makes enough dough to make over 3oo Hamantaschen without even batting an eye each year, a true Herculean feat!

The morning of Hamantaschen baking arrives, and Morah Shankle takes over the Kosher kitchen. She teaches the students how to roll, fill and pinch the three corners as the smell drifts down the hallway to the Chadash wing. We all want to eat the Hamantaschen that minute, but we wait so we can share with our community the following week at the Purim Spiel.

These are our traditions. The ones that make Chadash, well, Chadash, and nothing gives us more joy than sharing them. 



Come enjoy the Chadash Purim Spiel and Hamantaschen traditions for yourself on Sunday, March 17^th at 11:30am in the large Beit Ha’am prayer space.

Worship Services - March 2024

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, March 1

5:30 p.m. Oneg Shabbat

6:15 p.m. Kid-dish Shabbat Service

www.templeisraelcanton.org/kid-dish

Saturday, March 2

10:00 a.m. Stollen Moments Torah Study

Friday, March 8

5:30 p.m. Oneg Shabbat

6:15 p.m. Shabbat Service

Anniversary & Birthday Blessings

Saturday, March 9

10:00 a.m. Stollen Moments Torah Study

Friday, March 15

5:30 p.m. Oneg Shabbat

6:15 p.m. Shabbat Service

Saturday, March 16

10:00 a.m. Stollen Moments Torah Study

Friday, March 22

5:30 p.m. Oneg Shabbat

6:15 p.m. Shabbat Service

Saturday, March 23

10:00 a.m. Stollen Moments Torah Study

Friday, March 29

5:30 p.m. Oneg Shabbat

6:15 p.m. Shabbat Service

Saturday, March 30

No Stollen Moments

Sisterhood Meetings - Spring 2024

Sunday, March 17

Sunday, April 21

Brotherhood Meetings - Spring 2024

Sunday, March 17

Sunday, April 21

Women’s Seder

  Sunday April 14th, 2024

11:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.

www.templeisraelcanton.org/womenseder

More information and registration is available by clicking here.

Temple Israel’s Trim Crew is Looking for New Members

Temple Israel’s association with Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio goes back many years. In addition to general volunteer opportunities to build several homes and participation in the Faith Build opportunities, a group of Temple men and women have volunteered specifically to do trim work on Habitat construction sites. We install doors, door and window trim, finish closets as well as some painting and similar tasks. The Trim Crew is called upon five to six times a building season and usually work from 8:30 a.m. through 1:00 or 2:00 p.m.

Some of our Trim Crew already had skills but others learned on the job. You needn’t have to have built projects before; Habitat staff and our own volunteers will teach you so that you can be a productive Crew member. It’s incredibly satisfying work! If you are interested, contact Rabbi Spitzer. If you have questions, contact Mark Atleson. We look forward to praying with hammers.

BROTHERHOOD NEWS

March 6: Brotherhood Texas Hold’Em Tournament

Back for its third year, join Brotherhood members for deli food, drinks, and a friendly Texas Hold’Em tournament. $40 buy-in. RSVP to Paul Hervey at 330-704-2935 for location details.

May 18: Brotherhood Reverse Raffle

Our big fundraiser in support of Chadash is on a different date this year. Dinner, drinks, and a chance at a $2,000 first prize. Ticket sellers will be calling you. Call the Temple office at 330-455-5197 to make your reservations.

Brotherhood’s Reverse Raffle

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.

PERPETUAL YAHRZEIT

Lock in the current price by June 30, 2024.

A perpetual yahrzeit at Temple Israel ensures that Kaddish will be recited every year on the anniversary of your loved one’s passing. For the week prior to and one week following the date of death, your loved one’s name and date of passing is displayed on the electronic yahrzeit board in the Beit Ha’am lobby. The name of your loved one is also included in the Temple Israel Book of Memory and will be included in any future programs that honor those on whose shoulders we stand.

Cost for a perpetual yahrzeit at Temple Israel is $300. You can purchase a perpetual yahrzeit at any time following a death or you can arrange an advance yahrzeit for yourself or a loved one, providing peace of mind for you and easing the burden on your family. 

On July 1, 2024, the cost for a perpetual yahrzeit will increase to $360. Arrangements made by June 30, 2024 can spread payments across 2024 at the $300 rate.

More information is available at www.templeisraelcanton.org/perpetual-yahrzeit. 

ENDOWMENT FUNDS

Temple Israel has a variety of endowment funds that support our mission and vision. CLICK to see the full listing.



If you are interested in contributing to an existing endowment, simply CLICK here.

To establish a new endowment, contact treasurer@templeisraelcanton.org or president@templeisraelcanton.org

OUR TEMPLE FAMILY

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

• William (Bill) Brown - Vivian Rosengard's Brother



Contributions

Temple Israel Endowments

Habitat For Humanity

• Diane & Bob Friedman

J. Edward & Janet S. Diamond Senior Enhancement Endowment

In Recovery of

• Bob Friedman, by Ed & Janet Diamond

Lockshin-Goldenfield Religious School Endowment

In Memory of

• Jerry Eppy, by Shirley Lockshin & Family

Bilha Ron Religious School Fund

In Honor of

• Hannah Roberts, by David & Ellyn Roberts

Hunger Relief Fund

In Honor of

• Hannah Roberts, by Adele & Ron Gelb

Kiddush Fund

In Honor of

• Hannah Robert's, by David & Ellyn Roberts

In Memory of

• Esther Winston, by David Winston
• Carl Langkamp, Earl Geisert & Marion Geisert, by Ellery & Greer Langkamp
• Howard Nielsen, by Denise & Steve Nielsen

In Recovery of

• Billy Miller, by Harlene Smuckler

Rabbi's Discretionary Fund

In Appreciation of

• Rabbi David Komerofsky, by David Goe

In Memory of

• Hugo "Aba" Schlachet, by Nora Sherwin

In Recovery of

• Alan Goldberg, by Irv & Eileen Dinn

Jewish Family Services list has changed and they are in need of the following:

Tuna in Water

Kleenex

Napkins

Paper Towels

Toilet Paper

13 Gallon Tall Kitchen Garbage Bags

Canned Vegetables

Canned Fruit

Minestrone Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup

Vegetable Soup

Please feel free to drop off your donations to the Temple Office.

ADULT PROGRAMS

TECH TALK

Thursday, March 14, 2024 | 10:00 AM at Beit Ha’am

Staying Safe from Viruses and Malware

Learn how to stay safe from viruses and other malicious software that can infect your PC. We’ll discuss antivirus software as well as what to do if your computer has been infected.

This course is FREE but registration is required.

Please bring a notebook and pen if you wish to take notes!

All are welcome!

Please RSVP to Debbie Guilliams by Thursday, March 7

at (330) 445-2412 or via email at dguilliams@jewishcanton.org

Learn all About the Total Solar Eclipse!

Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Presentation and Lunch

Presentation and Planetarium | 10:00 AM

McKinley Presidential Museum

800 McKinley Monument Drive NW

Canton, OH 44708

Lunch at Don Shula’s American Kitchen | 12:00 PM

2101 Hall of Fame Way NW

Canton, OH 44708

Museum admission is $10 per person to be paid at the museum. A minimum of 10 people required for this private presentation. Meet directly at the museum or take the van. Van transportation is $10 per rider with a minimum of 4 riders and is payable by cash or check to JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES.

The van departs from Beit Ha’am at 9:30 AM. 

All are welcome! Please RSVP by March 21 to Debbie Guilliams at (330) 445-2412 or

via email dguilliams@jewishcanton.org

On Sunday, March 10, 2024 there will be a screening of the film "Viral: Antisemitism In Four Mutations" at Beit Ha'am. 

Released in Feb 2020 this documentary addresses the prejudice against Jews like a viral infection with mutations that keep spreading and become difficult to contain. Written, produced and directed by filmmaker Andrew Goldberg, and produced and edited by Diana Robinson, the documentary visits four countries to speak with victims, witnesses, anti-Semites, politicians, journalists, and educators. Goldberg explores different expressions of antisemitism in the United States, Great Britain, Hungary and France and unfolds a frightening, insidious spread of this epidemic. 

In the four years since the film’s release the number of Anti-Semitic acts have escalated . And, since the Hamas massacres on Oct 7, Jews, worldwide, have felt more threatened by this infectious disease. 

The program starts at 5:30 with a short Mincha/ Maariv service led by Hazzon Bruce Braun. Immediately following the service the film will begin. After the viewing of the film there will be a discussion that will be moderated by Rabbi John Spitzer.

Refreshments will be served.

An Afternoon with Josh Warshawsky

Beit Ha’am

Sunday, April 7, 2024 2:00 PM

On Sunday, April 7, 2024, at 2:00 pm, you are invited to “An Afternoon with Josh Warshawsky.” The program, which is open to the entire community, has been underwritten by a generous donation made by Robert and Ruth Altman. Rabbi Josh Warshawsky is one of the foremost Jewish performers of our time. All in attendance will be treated to a program of original music that focuses on our rich Jewish tradition, and will be presented with love, harmony, and joy, which will be sure to leave all in attendance singing and humming Josh’s catchy tunes.

Advance general admission tickets are $18; children, twelve and under, are $8, and both can be purchased by clicking here, or by scanning the QR Code which appears at the end of this article. There will also be tickets available at the door for $25 on the day of the program.

In addition to the afternoon concert program, during the morning, Josh will be teaching, singing and working with Chadash classes, culminating with a performance at 11:30 am, featuring Rabbi Warshawsky and our Chadash students, for teachers, parents and grandparents. For any Chadash students who wish to attend the afternoon concert, tickets will be available for them at the special price of $5 each.

Currently, Josh is the Rabbi-In-Residence at Congregation Agudas Achim in Bexley, Ohio, where he resides with his wife, Adina Allen, and their two infant children.

Rabbi Josh Warshawsky is a highly sought-after, nationally touring Jewish musician, songleader, composer, and teacher of Torah. Josh seeks to build intentional praying communities, and travels to synagogues and Jewish communities across the country sharing his music and teachings on prayer and meaningful living with people of all ages. He has released four albums of Jewish music, filled with melodies written intentionally to express the deep meaning of the words of our tradition.

Josh is a frequent participant and presenter at the Songleader Boot Camp (SLBC), a yearly event which provides powerful Jewish leadership training for clergy, Jewish educators, religious and day-school teachers, Jewish camping staff, and veteran and new song leaders. Led by nationally renowned Jewish thought leaders, educators and music artists, SLBC teaches participants specific skills and strategies to inspire transformative change in their Jewish communities.

The skills that Rabbi Josh has acquired from SLBC, his rabbinic training from the Jewish Theological Seminary and the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, from where he was ordained in 2019, along with his enthusiasm, charisma and easygoing personality, are what make his teachings and performances so enjoyable and well-liked by everyone.

He has been described as having the rare capacity to connect instantly with people of all ages and backgrounds in a genuine and joyful way, and he combines this with a love of Judaism, deep wells of Torah, and wonderful and creative music making.

To listen to Josh’s music and learn more about Josh, visit his website: https://joshwarshawsky.com/