September 2025 | Elul 5785-Tishrei 5786

MESSAGES

Rabbi's Message

Beginning Anew: Sacred Days and Sacred Learning

by Rabbi David Komerofsky

The shofar calls us not just to attention, but to intention. As we approach the High Holy Days, we focus on change, return, and renewal. These Days of Awe invite each of us to pause and reflect. Who have we been? Who do we hope to become? How might we grow in wisdom, compassion, and purpose?

At Temple Israel, that sacred work is not reserved for adults in the sanctuary alone. It fills the building on Sundays for Chadash, under the leadership of Bobi Berringer and our dedicated teachers. This month we celebrate the beginning of a new year with a revised curriculum shaped by purpose and a student-centered vision.

This educational model meets the needs of today’s Jewish learners. The new three-year spiraled Chadash curriculum is more than a schedule of lessons; it is a journey. Students who begin in Torah Tots and continue through Confirmation will now experience a coherent, age-appropriate path of Jewish growth that builds year after year in both content and confidence.

• Year 1 explores the foundations of Jewish identity. Who am I? What does it mean to be Jewish?
• Year 2 builds Jewish self-confidence in the world. How do I live proudly and ethically as a Jew?
• Year 3 engages Jewish values in action. What does Judaism call me to do in the world?

This structure allows students to remain with their peers without repeating material, while also welcoming new learners at any time. With hands-on activities, stories, crafts, prayer, reflection, and Hebrew language woven throughout, our classrooms are spaces of creativity and community. Most importantly, they are spaces where our young people come to see themselves as vital parts of the Jewish story. Our Hebrew curriculum is now also available either in-person or online.

It is no accident that the Hebrew school year begins just as we prepare for the High Holy Days. Both are exercises in teshuvah: turning, returning, and growing. Both ask us to take ownership of who we are and who we are becoming. Both remind us that we are not alone. We are part of a people, a purpose, and a promise.

This September, as we hear the sound of the shofar and watch our children settle into their classrooms, may we all be reminded of the power of beginnings. And may we enter this new year, 5786, with open hearts, renewed purpose, and the joy of shared learning.

L’shanah tovah tikateivu. May it be a sweet and meaningful new year all.

FIRST INFORMATIONAL MEETING

Monday, September 15 at 7:00 p.m.

at the Sherwin/Komerofsky Home

RSVP to Rabbi Komerofsky (rabbi@templeisraelcanton.org)

All are welcome. Your attendance does not commit you to going on the trip!

President's Message

by Barbara Spera

Every fall, the Jewish people celebrate the High Holy Days. Rosh Hashanah, the start of the New Year which is a time of prayer, self-reflection, and teshuvah. This holiday marks the beginning of a 10 day period, known as the “Days of Awe,” which culminates in Yom Kippur. During this time, we are asked to review our actions during the past year, and look for ways to improve ourselves, our communities and the world in the year to come. As you observe these holidays, please take the opportunity to come in person to pray in our sanctuary, hear the sound of the shofar, and regain your sense of purpose and meaning in life. We invite you, your family and friends to celebrate and observe this special time at Temple Israel.

Shanah Tovah.

SHABBAT

Worship Services - September 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, September 5, 2025

5:30 p.m. Oneg Shabbat

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

Led by Rabbi David Komerofsky and Suzanne Stieglitz

Saturday, September 6, 2025

10:00 a.m. Stollen Moments Torah Study

Deuteronomy 24:14-22

Friday, September 12, 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

Bat Mitzvah of Emsley Taylor

Saturday, September 13, 2025

Bat Mitzvah of Emsley Taylor

No Stollen Moments Torah Study

Friday, September 19, 2025

5:30 p.m. Oneg Shabbat

6:15 p.m. Shabbat Service

Led by Rabbi David Komerofsky and Suzanne Stieglitz

Torah Reading

Saturday, September 20, 2025

Federation Partnership2Gether Program (registration required)

No Stollen Moments Torah Study

Friday, September 26, 2025

5:30 p.m. Oneg Shabbat

6:15 p.m. Shabbat Shuvah Shabbat Service

Led by Rabbi David Komerofsky and Suzanne Stieglitz

Blessings for Couples Celebrating 50+ Years

Saturday, September 27, 2025

10:00 a.m. Stollen Moments Torah Study

Deuteronomy 31:20-30

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.

BAT MITZVAH

Emsley Taylor will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on September 13, 2025, at Temple Israel.

Emsley is the daughter of Steve and Alyssa Taylor, the beloved little sister of Savannah, Alex and Kaden, and the proud big sister of Harrison. She is the granddaughter of Sandy, Mark, Laura, Jeff and Renée. She is also a devoted aunt to River and Lane, and a natural nurturer to those around her.

Emsley is an 8th grade student at a private virtual academy, where she is currently taking high school courses. She enjoys reading, jewelry making, gardening, and crocheting-often using her creativity to run a small handmade business. 

For her mitzvah project, Emsley assembled care bags and will collect winter supplies for individuals experiencing homelessness-continuing a cause her family has supported for many years. Her compassion, sense of justice, and strong Jewish values are evident in everything she does

Her family is incredibly proud of the kind, thoughtful, and strong young woman she is becoming.

Mazel Tov, Emsley!

CHADASH

We’ve crafted a refreshed curriculum structure that fosters classroom unity, collaboration, and transparency in learning!

If you’d like to explore the curriculum overview, click the link below. We are happy to answer any questions and we’re looking forward to a fantastic year of learning and growth!

ADULT EDUCATION

SOCIAL ACTION

We would like to thank everyone who donated school supplies for the students at Crenshaw Middle School. They were overwhelmed by our generosity and they truly appreciated everything they received. Thank you to Brotherhood, Sisterhood and Temple Board for their monetary donations which allowed me to purchase backpacks for the students. We appreciate everyone’s continued support of the kids in Canton.

Paulette Karelitz 

Joan Ortman 

Anita Porter 

HIGH HOLY DAYS

Sisterhood Rosh Hashanah Goody Boxes are available to congregants who have a student or grandchild in college or in the military. Please provide their current address and a $10 check payable to Temple Israel Sisterhood. You can drop it off at the office or mail it no later than September 12, 2025.

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 family of:

• Carol Manheim

CONTRIBUTIONS

Contributions

Temple Israel Endowment

Rabbi John Spitzer Endowment for Social Justice

In Appreciation of

• Rabbi John Spitzer, by Faith Barnett

Robert & Shelley Schweitzer Temple Youth Group Endowment

In Honor of

• Paulette Karelitz's new Granddaughter, Molly, by Shelley & Rob Schweitzer

Bilha Ron Religious School Fund

In Honor of

• Bilha Ron's 95th Birthday, by Gary & Susan Fogel

Fine Arts

In Honor of

• Dori Smith's cousin Janet Isaac's visit, by Dori Smith

In Memory of

• Edwin L. Kahn, by Dori Smith

Hunger Relief Fund

In Honor of

• Paulette Karelitz's new Granddaughter, Molly, by Eileen & Matt Saltarelli

In Memory of

• Louis Olden, by Karen Olden
• Luise Weintraub, by Marilyn & Paul Feldman
• Lena Smuckler, by Harlene Smuckler

Kiddush Fund

In Memory of

• Art Brenner, by Ellen Rapport
• Jerry Spitzer, by Rabbi John & Cheri Spitzer
• Gertrude Drebin, by Rabbi John & Cheri Spitzer
• Harold Drebin, by Rabbi John & Cheri Spitzer

Rabbi's Discretionary Fund

In Appreciation of

• Rabbi David Komerofsky, by Stan & Pat Sherman, Michael & Dr. Stephanie Weinberg, Faith Barnett, David Goe

In Memory of

• Victor Kitzen, by Jerry Kitzen

Temple Israel Mission & Vision Fund

In Appreciation of

• Rabbi David Komerofsky, by Nicholas Sailor-Goff
• Temple Israel, by Darrell Timar
• Dori Smith, by John, Max, Sam & Barb Spera

In Honor of

• Rabbi David Komerofsky, by Debbie & Vito Sinopoli

In Memory of

• Jim Spitzer, by Rabbi John & Cheri Spitzer
• Lavone Spitzer, by Rabbi John & Cheri Spitzer
• Samuel Feiman, by Dr. David Winston
• Robert Barnett, by Eileen & Matt Saltarelli
• Robert Schweitzer, by Davina Schweitzer
• Marlene Slesnick, by Don & Jill Weinstein

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