November 2025 | Cheshvan-Kislev 5786

MESSAGES

Knowing Our Origins, Living With Purpose

Rabbi David Komerofsky

In November our thoughts toward Thanksgiving, a holiday rooted in gratitude, in pausing to recognize the blessings of our lives and the communities that sustain us. For Jews, gratitude is not limited to one day, it is woven into our prayers, our rituals, and our way of life. Every morning we wake with the words Modeh Ani, “I give thanks.” Every meal begins and concludes with a blessing. Thanksgiving resonates deeply with our tradition because it echoes a rhythm we already know.

This month, as we read the Torah portions that introduce the Jewish people to the world, we also return to our beginnings. The Book of Genesis moves us from the universal stories of Adam and Eve and Noah and the Tower of Babel into the particular narratives of our ancestors: Abraham and Sarah setting forth into the unknown, Isaac and Rebecca building a family, Jacob wrestling with God and with himself, Rachel and Leah shaping the generations. These stories are not only about them, they are about us. They remind us where we come from, and they invite us to consider how our lives continue their legacy.

To know our origins is to live with meaning and purpose. Abraham and Sarah teach us to walk forward with faith even when the destination is unclear. Isaac and Rebecca teach us the complexity of love, family, and continuity. Jacob teaches us that struggle itself can be holy, and that a life of blessing is often born from a night of wrestling. Each of these ancestors faced hardship, yet each left us a path forward. In their journeys, we find a mirror for our own.

At Thanksgiving, many of us gather around tables with family and friends, sharing food and memory. Our American story and our Jewish story intersect: both call us to gratitude, both ask us to remember where we come from, and both challenge us to live not only for ourselves but for generations yet to come. Just as our ancestors planted seeds of faith and identity that we inherit, so too must we sow seeds of justice, compassion, and community for those who will follow us.

This November, as we read again the stories of our first generations and give thanks for the blessings of our lives, may we find strength in knowing who we are and courage in choosing who we will become. Gratitude and memory are not ends in and of themselves, they are foundations. From them we can build lives of purpose, meaning, and hope.

SHABBAT

Worship Services - November 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.

Saturday, November 1, 2025

No Stollen Moments Torah Study

Bat Mitzvah of Sadie Whitehill

No Stollen Moments Torah Study

Friday, November 7, 2025

5:30 p.m. Oneg Shabbat

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

Led by Rabbi David Komerofsky and Suzanne Stieglitz

Saturday, November 8, 2025

10:00 a.m. Stollen Moments Torah Study

We will be piloting the forthcoming New Reform Torah Commentary this week.

Friday, November 14, 2025

5:30 p.m. Oneg Shabbat

6:15 p.m. Shabbat Service

Led by Rabbi David Komerofsky and Suzanne Stieglitz

With monthly birthday and anniversary blessings

Saturday, November 15, 2025

10:00 a.m. Stollen Moments Torah Study

Genesis 25:1-18

Friday, November 21, 2025

5:30 p.m. Oneg Shabbat

6:15 p.m. Shabbat Service

Led by Rabbi David Komerofsky and Suzanne Stieglitz

Torah Reading (Genesis 26:12-29)

Saturday, November 22, 2025

10:00 a.m. Stollen Moments Torah Study

Genesis 28:1-9

Friday, November 28, 2025

5:30 p.m. Oneg Shabbat

6:15 p.m. Shabbat Service

Led by Rabbi David Komerofsky and Suzanne Stieglitz

Saturday, November 29, 2025

No Stollen Moments Torah Study

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.

Our first Friday monthly Kid-dish Shabbat is specifically kid-friendly.

BE A PART OF HISTORY: HELP SHAPE THE NEW REFORM TORAH COMMENTARY

Temple Israel will be part of the second pilot phase of the forthcoming The New Reform Torah Commentary. Along with hundreds of communities across North America, we will gather to study and offer feedback on this transformative new resource. This historic project supports meaningful, accessible Jewish learning and lifts up diverse perspectives in Torah study for generations to come.

This piloting session will take place during Stollen Moments Torah Study (in-person and via Zoom) on Saturday, November 8th at 10:00 a.m. 

Participants will see a full sample parashah and help ensure that the final Commentary reflects the real needs, voices, and insights of the communities who will engage with it. Join us and become a part of shaping the future of Torah learning. All participants will be asked to share feedback online after the session. 

CHADASH

Mazel Tov to our Consecrants!

L to R: Bobi Berringer, Aila Gamble, Zane Fayyaz, Abigail Henry, Brit Berringer, Adrian Luntz, Micah Budge, Rabbi David Komerofsky

Photo credit: Dr. Dennis Glazer

VOLUNTEERING

At Temple Israel, we believe everyone has something special to give — a talent, a passion, an interest, or simply time. This “Gifts of the Heart Survey” helps us connect you with opportunities that bring joy to you and strengthen our community. Please fill out as much as you like. There are no wrong answers!

The Safety and Security Committee of Temple Israel will meet Tuesday, November 11 at 6:00 p.m. at the Temple. All members are welcome to participate.

ADULT EDUCATION

SISTERHOOD GIFT SHOP

Hannukah gift tables are out in the hallway. Gift Shop hours are daily from 9:00-3:30 and Sunday December 7th and December 14th from 9:30-11:30.

SOCIAL ACTION

Please support Thanksgiving Baskets Canton, a faith-based collaboration of which Temple Israel is a member. This project distributes turkeys and grocery vouchers to approximately 1,000 families in Stark County every year.

Make a gift and learn more at www.thanksgivingbasketscanton.org. 

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

Welcome New Members:

• Stephen Slesnick

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

• Larry Schwartz, father of Dr. Eileen (Dr. Matthew) Saltarelli

Mazel Tov to:

• Dr. Alan Meshekow on being awarded the Orel F. Martin Medal, the highest honor of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons. Click here to read more.

CONTRIBUTIONS

Alan B. & Estelle Wilkof Blau Endowment

In Memory of

• Estelle Blau, by Tim Singer

Elisabeth Bertman Memorial Youth Endowment

In Appreciation of

• Suzie Stieglitz & the High Holy Day Music, by David, Ellyn & Hannah Roberts

Fine Arts Fund

In Appreciation of

• The High Holy Day Music, by Dori Smith

Hunger Relief Fund

In Honor of

• Rabbi Komerofsky for receiving his Doctorate, by Adele & Ron Gelb

In Memory of

• Susie Leitz Cahn, by Eileen & Irv Dinn, Joyce & Jerry Ortman
• Rochelle Adekman, by Gail & Marshall Bleckman

Kiddush / Oneg Fund

In Honor of

• Susan Stieglitz, by Diane Friedman

In Memory of

• Susan Leir Cahn, by Ellen & Steve Miller
• Ronald Wilkof, by Ellen & Steve Miller

Lockshin–Goldenfeld Religious School Endowment

In Appreciation of

• Bryan Hecht, by Shirley Lockshin & Barbara Ferne
• Eileen Saltarelli, by Shirley Lockshin & Barbara Ferne

In Memory of

• Ronald Wilkof. by Shirley Lockshin & Family
• Larry Schwartz, by Shirley Lockshin & Family

Rabbi Spitzer Social Justice Fund

In Honor of

• Rabbi John Spitzer, by Dr. Bryan Hecht

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund

In Appreciation of

• Rabbi Komeroksky, by Esperanza & Check Deutsch
• Rabbi Spitzer, by Linda & Arnie Rosenblatt

In Honor of

• Rabbi Komerofsky receiving his Doctorate Degree, by Diane & Julie Friedman, Randi & Bill Smuckler, Rob & Shelley Schweitzer, Martin Smith

Stein Family Endowment

In Memory of

• Sylvia (Sue Robbins), by Herbert Winograd

Temple Israel Mission and Vision Fund

In Appreciation of

• Rabbi Komerofsky & Your Holiday Services, by Laura Konet
• Suzie Stieglitz and the High Holy Day Music, by Sue Shafer
• Rabbi Komerofsky & the High Holy Day Services, by Sue Stieglitz
• Raza Fayyaz, Des Koppel & Colleen Moyer for sharing on Yom Kippur, by John & Barbara Spera
• An Anonymous Donation

In Honor of

• Rabbi Komerofsky earning his Doctorate Degree, by Suzie Stieglitz, Barbara & John Spera

In Memory of

• Ronald Wilkof, by Marvin & Evie Grossman, Sue Shafer
• Rochelle Adelman, by Sue Shafer
• Larry Schwartz, by Meg & Alan Rudick

JFS ADULT PROGRAMS

Temple Israel

432 - 30th Street NW

Canton, OH 44709

Phone: 330-455-5197

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