September 2024 / Av - Elul 5784

MESSAGES

Rabbi's Message

by Rabbi David Komerofsky

Here is an old joke: Two Jewish people are walking through the central business district one evening when they notice they are being followed by a pair of large, intimidating-looking teenagers. One of the Jewish people says to the other “We’d better get out of here fast. There are two of them, and we’re alone!”

Sometimes it seems like we’re outnumbered even when we are not. In Parashat Nitzavim-Vayelech we are reminded that, as part of an eternal covenant and unbroken chain of tradition, we are never alone or outnumbered. “You stand this day, all of you – each and every one – before Adonai your God, your tribal heads, your elders, your officials, every householder in Israel, your children, your spouses, even the stranger within your camp, from the one who chops your wood to the one who draws your water.” (Deut. 29:9-10)

This covenant is eternal and expansive, drawing together every generation of our people across time and every person within each generation across social divides. This is what it means to count, and not to be afraid when we are tempted to think that we are less than we really are. Jewish law demands equality and fairness to protect the rights of the vulnerable from being trampled by the powerful. To maintain our ethical standards, we cannot permit a system that breaks the covenant for the powerless in favor of the powerful. In other words, we can only stand before God in covenant when the tribal head and the woodchopper and everyone between them is equally represented, when everyone counts.

At the Temple Israel Shabbat service on Friday, September 27, I will be tying this message from Nitzavim-Vayelech directly to the present attempts in Ohio to disenfranchise and marginalize citizens through gerrymandering.  Temple Israel partners with other congregations throughout Ohio with the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism to advocate for issues of import to the Jewish community. Making sure that we stand for the voting rights of citizens before the greed and cynicism of narrow political interests is one such way to remind ourselves that when we stand together, we are never alone.



Being in covenant does not mean doing whatever it takes to achieve power. It means restraining our basest instincts and remembering that just because we can get away with it does not make doing wrong right. We are all accountable to God, and our elected leaders must be accountable to the citizens. Voting in a democratic republic is a sacred right, and ensuring that the state’s covenant with its people remains strong is part of our obligation as citizens.

President's Message

by Barbara Spera

Change is in the air! The new Chadash school year begins on Sunday, September 8. Chadash was formed in 2004 as a community religious school for the Reform and Conservative congregations in Canton. This model has served our community for the past 19 years.  While their mission and goals remain the same, Temple Israel has agreed to assume the full responsibility for and control of Chadash’s finances, administration and governance. What does this mean for the congregations in Canton? First and foremost, all children from the Jewish community are welcome and encouraged to participate. Chadash will still observe kashrut, observe the second day of Yom Tov and of course observe Shabbat regarding programing. With respect to Kippot, Chadash will create an atmosphere where the traditions of each family’s affiliation will be respected. 

What is changing? Temple Israel will assume control of payroll, bookkeeping and the budget. Additionally, the Chadash faculty will have some new Sunday school teachers this year. We have joined Shalom Learning and the Atlanta Hebrew Connection, which is an online Hebrew program supported by talented Hebrew teachers throughout the country. These classes are offered to families at times that fit into their busy schedule as well as teaching Hebrew in a small group setting. 

We are looking forward to an awesome year.

Chadash Opens with an All-New Hebrew Curriculum and Program

by Julie Zorn



When Chadash opens up for the 2024/2025 school year on Sunday, September 8^th, it will be wonderful to see the familiar faces of the students return back to Beit Ha’am. There is always so much growth that happens each summer, and it is always exciting to hear stories from the last couple of months that have left an impact on our students and have created memories to last a lifetime.

Chadash, too, is a memory maker of sorts, and this school year promises to bring fresh energy, creative programming and an all-new Hebrew program and curriculum to the Chadash community.

As the dynamics of Chadash have changed over the years, the needs of our families have also evolved. Covid taught us how to move our classrooms to virtual learning, if need be, and it became clear after the pandemic that traveling to Beit Ha’am in the late afternoon mid-week was a complicated task for our families who are spread out all over Stark County and beyond. It was for that reason, that Hebrew remained virtual one day each week for the last couple of years on Wednesday afternoons.

Chadash has utilized a curriculum for many years called Mitkadem, which was designed to be self-paced and could accommodate a one room schoolhouse learning style with students of various ages and abilities working together at the same time.

The Mitkadem curriculum, however, is not designed to be virtual, and as our number of students in the Hebrew program have increased this year, it became clear that a change needed to take place.

Enter Shalom Learning and the Atlanta Hebrew Connection or AHC. Shalom Learning is a nonprofit organization that created an online learning experience focusing on Hebrew and Jewish values curriculum. The Hebrew curriculum digitized a nationally respected and utilized curriculum called Torah Aura, a curriculum used by Chadash before moving to Mitkadem many years ago.

Often communities across the United States struggle with many of the same issues that Chadash was having with Hebrew regardless of the size of the city, and Atlanta, Georgia was no exception. Atlanta is known for its overly congested traffic issues, and their families, too, were challenged getting to Hebrew school mid-week. As a result, the Atlanta Jewish Federation created a partnership with Shalom Learning, and AHC was created to address the issue.

Chadash Hebrew students will now participate in one 45 minute online Hebrew class per week with some weekly homework assignments to complete at their leisure, a big change from the two 1-1/2 hour per week sessions Chadash students are used to taking part in. Families, too, were given more flexibility with several options of days and times to choose from. In addition, the classroom size will consist of no more than 3-5 students with a teacher who has been selected and trained by AHC and could be located from anywhere in the country. Chadash Hebrew students’ classmates may be from the Canton community or from any of the other communities that are also participating in AHC from around the country.

We are excited for this new opportunity for our students and are certain it will prove to be beneficial for our students and the community for years to come. To learn more about Shalom Learning, visit their website: www.shalomlearning.com. 

SHABBAT & HOLIDAYS

Worship Services - September 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, September 6, 2024

5:30 p.m. Oneg Shabbat

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

www.templeisraelcanton.org/kid-dish

Saturday, September 7, 2024

10:00 a.m. Stollen Moments Torah Study

Friday, September 13, 2024

5:30 p.m. Oneg Shabbat

6:15 p.m. Shabbat Service

Anniversary & Birthday Blessings

Saturday, September 14, 2024

10:00 a.m. Stollen Moments Torah Study

Friday, September 20, 2024

5:30 p.m. Oneg Shabbat

6:15 p.m. Shabbat Service

Saturday, September 21, 2024

10:00 a.m. Stollen Moments Torah Study

Friday, September 27, 2024

5:30 p.m. Oneg Shabbat

6:15 p.m. Shabbat Service

Saturday, September 28, 2024

10:00 a.m. Stollen Moments Torah Study

High Holy Days 2024

The schedule of services is at www.templeisraelcanton.org/HHD.

All information, including submissions for the Book of Memory, is on the website.

SISTERHOOD & BROTHERHOOD

Sisterhood is asking that any congregants who have college aged students in their family or in the Armed Forces, that would like to send a Rosh Hashanah goodie box filled with holiday treats, please send in their name and address along with a $10 check written to Temple Sisterhood, no later than Friday September 6, 2024. 

Election Reception

Monday, September 16, 2024 @ Beit Ha'am

6:00 p.m. Dessert Reception ($20 per person, proceeds benefit social action projects) CLICK TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATION BY DONATION

7:00 p.m. Presentations by candidates for county-wide office

8:00 p.m. Presentations by Ohio House District 49 candidates Jim Thomas and Krista Allison followed by Q&A

What’s Happening Within the Supreme Court?

with Professor J. Dean Carro

Sunday, September 22, 2024

10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

Temple Israel Brotherhood and Sisterhood are sponsoring J. Dean Carro, Professor of Law Emeritus at The University of Akron School of Law, for a Sunday morning program on the workings and judicial character of the Supreme Court. We will also be looking at the Constitution and discussing what certain Articles mean in our government. 

CLICK TO RSVP FOR PROGRAM

Sisterhood Meetings for 2024

September 22 9:30-10:00 Meeting

September 22 10:00-12:00 Brotherhood & Sisterhood sponsored speaker

October 27  9:30-11:30 Meeting

November 16  7:00 PM Chadash Religious School Donor

December 15   9:30-10:30 Meeting and Hanukkah Party

Brotherhood Meetings for 2024 - 2025

September 15, 2024

October 20, 2024

November 17, 2024

December 15, 2024

January 26, 2025

February 23, 2025

March 16, 2025

April 27, 2025

Reverse Raffle is on May 3, 2025.

SOCIAL ACTION & VOLUNTEERING

Temple Israel is again participating with the Reform Movement's Religious Action Center in the Every Voice, Every Vote postcard campaign. This year the focus is on Ohio fair maps to ensure that citizens are not disenfranchised through gerrymandering.

There are two ways that you can get involved:

• Join our Postcard Writing Party on Thursday, September 12 at 7:00 p.m. at Beit Ha'am - CLICK TO RSVP

• Pick up a packet of postcards at the Temple office to write and mail on your own. Everything is included in the packet. Please only take a packet if you are positive that you can write the postcards and mail them by October 1.

If you have questions, please contact Debbie Sinopoli at debbie.sinopoli3@gmail.com.

The Social Action Committee is sponsoring an opportunity to volunteer at the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank.

Join us November 7 from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m.

Sign up and learn more at www.templeisraelcanton.org/foodbank.

Harter Elementary School

They were overwhelmed with our generosity as this was only the first drop off. Thank you to Brotherhood, Sisterhood and Temple Board for their generous donations. I was able to purchase 288 backpacks for the kids with the money donated. Thank you again for supporting the kids of Canton.

Paulette Karelitz 

Joan Ortman 

Anita Porter 

HELPING REFUGEES

Over the last several years, our Jewish community has been partnering with other groups to assist with refugee resettlement. If you are interested in doing more, or would like to get involved, please contact Rabbi Komerofsky. We are gauging interest for future projects.

LEARNING

Wisdom from Jewish Movie Scenes 

Adult Education Fall 2024 with Rabbi David Komerofsky 

All classes are via Zoom, free of charge, and open to everyone. 

Register at www.templeisraelcanton.org/adult-education. 

The Frisco Kid (1979) - Wednesday, September 18, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m. 

Fiddler on the Roof (1971) - Wednesday, September 25, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m. 

A Serious Man (2009) - Wednesday, October 9, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m. 

The Chosen (1981) - Wednesday, October 30, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m. 

The Jazz Singer (1980) - Wednesday, November 6, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m.

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:

• Katherine Ohlweiler (John Strauss' daughter)
• Patrick Bell (Carisa Strauss' father)
• Lloyd Silverman (Diane Blocker's brother)
• Sam Sinopoli (Vito Sinopoli's brother)
• Sheldon Guren (Jon Guren's father)

The Temple's congratulations are extended to:

• Richard and Cynthia Flaksman on the birth of their grandson, Levi McKenzie

CONTRIBUTIONS

Contributions

Temple Israel Endowments

Frank & Barbara Fleischer Caring Committee

In Memory of

• Dr. Bill Lippy, by Diane Friedman

Habitat for Humanity

In Memory of

• Gerard Saltarelli, by Eileen & Matt Saltarelli

J. Edward & Janet S. Diamond Senior Enhancement Endowment

In Memory of

• Saragale Weinstock, by Ed & Janet Diamond

Recovery of

• Steve Miller, by Ed & Janet Diamond

Lockshin-Goldenfeld Religious School Endowment

In Memory of

• Saragale Weinstock, by Shirley Lockshin & Family

In Honor of

• Barbara Ferne's Birthday, by Mary Jo Lockshin & Family

Marcia Berke's Festival Endowment

In Honor of

• Marcia & Jay Berke's 55th Anniversary, by Diane Friedman

Narens Family Endowment

In Memory of

• Arlene Feldstein, by Jo-Anne & Ed Buxbaum

Rabbi John Spitzer's Social Justice Endowment

In Appreciation of

• Rabbi Spitzer, by Alan & Jeri Meltzer

In Honor of

• Silhouette Project, by Deborah MacDonald (Harmony Springs Christian Church)

In Memory of

• Saragale Weinstock by the Weinstock Family

Robert & Shelley Schweitzer Temple Youth Group Endowment

In Memory of

• Lloyd Silverman, by Marianne & Dennis Glazer

Recovery of

• Rob Schweitzer, by Marianne & Dennis Glazer

Bilha Ron Religious School Fund

In Appreciation of

• Linda & Arnie Rosenblatt's 60th Anniversary Templegram Wishes, by Linda & Arnie Rosenblatt

In Memory of

• Stephen Schuman, by Stewart & Laraine Levine
• Saragle Weinstock, by Stewart & Laraine Levine

Community Relations Fund

In Appreciation of

• Barbara Spera, by Linda Rosenblatt

In Memory of

• Patrick Bell, by Marilyn & Paul Feldman
• Luise Weintraub, by Marilyn & Paul Feldman
• Katherine Ohlweiler, by Marilyn & Paul Feldman
• Arlene Feldstein, by Marilyn & Paul Feldman

Fine Arts Fund

In Memory of

• Edwin L. Kahn, by Dori Smith

Hunger Relief Fund

In Memory of

• Saragale Weinstock, by Susie Sinykin, Alan & Myrna Goldberg
• Lena Smuckler, by Harlene Smuckler
• Louis Olden, by Karen Olden
• Sam Sinopoli, by Linda & Howard Smuckler, Harlene Smuckler
• Arlene Feldstein, by Adele & Ron Gelb
• Aaron Saltzman, by Adele & Ron Gelb
• Art Brenner, by Harlene Smuckler
• Lloyd Silverman, by Diana Collum

 Recovery of

• Steve Miller, by Linda & Arnie Rosenblatt, Marilyn & Paul Feldman

Kiddush Fund

In Honor of

• Larry & Chelle Cohen's 50th Anniversary, by Diane Friedman

In Memory of

• Sam Feiman, by David Winston

Recovery of

• Steve Miller, by Diane Friedman

Rabbi's Discretionary Fund

In Memory of

• Robert Friedman, by Kempthorn Motors, Bryan & Marcie Hecht, Diane Friedman
• Saragale Weinstock, by the Weinstock Family, Diane Friedman
• Strauss Family's Loved Ones, by Diane Friedman
• Victor Kitzen, by Jerry Kitzen

Social Action Donation

In Memory of

• Sam Sinopoli, by Cathy & Mark Atleson

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

Julie Zorn, Chadash & Outreach Director

educator@templeisraelcanton.org

330-445-2853

Debbie Spetich, Temple Office

office@templeisraelcanton.org

330-445-2852

Temple President - Barbara Spera

barb420@aol.com