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January 2 - January 7, 2024 / Tevet 5784




border experiment

A WAY TO HELP

Dear Ones - please read through to the end:


Many of you have travelled to Israel with me over the years with Arie Mizrachi as our outstanding guide. His family is asking for your support, as well as from family and friends in Israel, for his son Elad's unit (this is not for Elad personally - requests as this one are very common right now as this war rages on).


From Elad's fiancé, Yael:



After 3 months in battle, Elad's unit needs some help. We've initiated a small fundraising campaign to support their welfare and provide essential equipment.


Elad served in the IDF for 6 years. Since his release, he has led many reserve training missions with his soldiers. On October 7th, he was drafted along with his unit, straight to the Gaza Strip. He is a Major in reserves, in charge of 80 soldiers that are divided into 5 different teams. His unit has been supporting the troops in Gaza by shelling strategic targets, literally day and night. Just a few weeks ago his unit marked 100 days of reserves in 2023, about 70 during the war and 30 in training before.


Your help, in any amount, will be much appreciated.


***********************************************************


The above was sent to family and friends here and in Israel. By the way, Elad completed his Master's in Engineering from Ben Gurion University last spring and was due to marry Yael on October 8th. He was called up on October 7th so the wedding has been delayed.




Many have asked how to help - lifting the morale of our young men and women and getting them needed equipment is one such, very personal, way. Kindly send your support in any amount to Kehillah and we will forward the collection directly to his unit.



Here is the link to donate:


https://congregationkehillah.org/product/donation/ or mail a check to us. We will be making the group donation on Wednesday, January 3. Thank you in advance. 



Thank you!


Am Yisrael Chai!


Rabbi




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Many congregants have asked Rabbi how they can help. Support for Elad’s unit (see above) goes directly to soldiers fighting at the front. Sending money is what is most needed. The list below provides other solid options. 




Others have asked about volunteering. As the war progresses, the situation and needs change. You need to be flexible. Israel needs agricultural workers capable of working at least six hours a day in the fields, preferably with experience. Medical personnel and trauma specialists are needed. Start-Up Reserves for Israel (tech field, sometimes volunteer from here), Sar-El Israel (volunteers on IDF bases, often cooking).Volunteers generally need to provide their own housing, meals and transportation. Speaking Hebrew is sometimes required. 



Here is a non-exhaustive list of places you can donate to directly support Israel at this time. All are verified. Most are from the Israeli media.
Israeli hospitals are dealing with a surge of wounded patients and some have been damaged by rockets or by fighting. Many depend on donations even in normal conditions, making the need more acute now.

 <https://www.bmc.gov.il/?CategoryID=511> Barzilai Hospital in the south sustained rocket fire while treating patients
<https://give.afsmc.org/give/409953/#!/donation/checkout> American Friends of Sheba Medical Center is a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting Sheba Medical Center, Israel’s largest hospital.
<https://hadassah.gospringboard.com/secure/israelatwar> Hadassah hospital in Jerusalem is treating victims of the attacks, including many soldiers.
<https://www.soroka.org/> Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba is seeking donations for its emergency fund to ensure the acquisition of essential medical equipment.

Volunteer emergency services providers, first responders:
* <https://secure.afmda.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2000&2000.donation=form1&s_sr
American Friends of Magen David Adom, Israel’s version of the Red Cross, has been providing emergency aid and information since early on. Bloomberg is now matching donations.
<https://twitter.com/mikebloomberg/status/1711482168726151553?s=46&t=Qncmvre

<https://israelrescue.org/donate/> United Hatzalah has more than 1,500 volunteers serving near Gaza right now.
<https://give.zakaworld.org/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=menu-button> ZAKA has special expertise in retrieving bodies from disaster scenes.
<https://www.jgive.com/new/en/usd/donation-targets/110067> Lev Echad–One Heart organizes a network of volunteers during national emergencies. It says it has deployed 30,000 volunteers but needs help to get 100,000 to work.
<https://www.kh-uia.org.il/swords_of_iron/> Keren Hayesod’s Fund for Victims of Terror is a first-responder in the recovery process for victims of terror and their families, providing short-term cash grants in the immediate aftermath of an attack.
<https://belevechad.nyc/> Belev Echad is a veterans group raising funds to distribute bulletproof vests and helmets.
<https://support.fidf.org/site/Donation2?df_id=1647&mfc_pref=T&1647.donation Friends of the IDF is a non-military organization that supports soldiers, veterans and their family members.
<https:// /en/world-1/articles/2023israelatwar>
Latet is aiding the security forces on the front line with emergency aid kits containing food and hygiene products.
<https://www.charidy.com/beitharabi> Support Our Lone Soldiers provides hundreds of warm meals weekly to soldiers without a support network in Israel.

Mental health resources are also much needed at this time. 
<https://afnatal.networkforgood.com/projects/106213-main-giving-page>
NATAL: Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center — NATAL is an apolitical crisis help organization that has been around since 1998.
<https://en.eran.org.il/donate-online/> ERAN — ERAN is Israel’s mental health crisis hotline. 
<http://onefamilyfundus.org/> One Family Fund is offering emergency grief and trauma counseling to all victims and survivors. Their employees and volunteers visit the injured in hospitals, cook food for victims in areas of attack, attend funerals and support the families of victims.
<https://www.bayit-cham.org.il/en/donations-2/> Bayit Cham has established a fund to provide free therapy for 1,000 children from the Gaza border area.
Other fundraisers are underway for communities hit hard by the attacks.
<https://www.jgive.com/new/en/usd/donation-targets/17812/about?fbclid=IwAR02
Shinua Chevrati:
Operation Delivering Light is mobilizing to help deliver material goods to Israelis forced to flee their homes. 
The <https://foantisemitism.org/en/donations/> Fighting Online Antisemitism Organization is asking for donations so that they can continue to train online activists in combating antisemitism online. Over 1,500 people from around the world have signed up for their training since the outbreak of hostilities, they say.
<https://www.israelgives.org/Israelgives.org, a crowdfunding platform for Israel charitable donations, has multiple initiatives on its homepage relating to the current crisis.
<https://www.jnf.org/ways-to-help/support-israel> The Jewish National Fund started a “JNF-USA Israel Resilience Campaign” to support Israeli citizens who have had to flee their homes because of the conflict. The JNF has an operations center on the ground and offers temporary housing, trauma services, and more.



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FOR THE SOLDIERS OF THE IDF

During Kabbalat Shabbat, Rabbi includes this reading for the soldiers of the IDF. By request, here it is.

BRING THEM HOME

We ache and our hearts are broken over the horrific attack on October 7th and for those still being held hostage in Gaza. Many have asked what they can do. Here is something potentially impactful that will take only a moment or two of your time.



https://stories.bringthemhomenow.net/

ADULT EDUCATION

ADULT EDUCATION 

Welcome to Judaism

Winter trimester begins on

Monday, January 8

5:00-6:15 p.m.

via Zoom



This introductory course, taught by Rabbi Sharfman, provides a foundation in the basic tenets of Judaism. Among areas covered are History, Holidays and Observances, Life Cycle, Theology, Prayer, Israel, and Communal Life. Open to non-Jews alone, non-Jews with their Jewish partners, and Jewish adults interested in further exploring Judaism. Free of charge for members of CK; please register directly through us. Non-members can register through BJE, 

 https://www.bjephoenix.org/course-events/2023/01/09/welcome-to-judaism-virtual




Winter semester dates:

January 8, 15, 22 & 29

February 5, 12 & 26

THIS WEEK-? anything happening ?

THIS WEEK

KABBALAT SHABBAT

Friday, January 5

6:30 p.m.


It is important to be together in community-we strengthen one another. Please bring friends!



Please join Rabbi Sharfman and our Cantorial Soloists for in-person and multi-access

Kabbalat Shabbat. 



January birthdays and anniversaries will be celebrated.


We encourage you – and welcome you – to attend services in person. Zoom will be available to those out of town or who can’t attend in person.

UPCOMING

UPCOMING

YEP! & FYC dates









Invite your friends to check out why YEP! was voted the BEST OF HebrewSchools in the Jewish News 2023 Readers'Choice Awards! Registration is always open.




Second semester dates:


January 7 & 28


February 11 & 25


March 10 & 24-YEP! & Purim Carnival


April 7 & 14


May 5-final YEP! session

CONGREGATION KEHILLAH YOUNG ADULTS

CKYA - Jewish Young Adults


Winner of the “BEST“ Young Adult Programing: Congregation Kehillah Young Adults (CYKA) – Jewish News, 2023

  • January 13, 2024 - Shabbat New Years Hike at 11 a.m. at the Barrier Free Nature Trail and then out to lunch afterwards. 




CKYA - Congregation Kehillah Young Adults

New Years Shabbat Hike

Saturday, January 13

11:00 a.m.

  

​Come and join us for the first CKYA hiking of 2024, take some fresh air and connect with the community.


​Barrier Free Nature Trail - Parking Lot, Barrier Free Nature Trail, Phoenix, AZ 85050

 https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/reach-11-barrier-free-nature-trail


​**Optional: Join us for lunch at Mellow Mushroom at High Street after the hike. 5350 E High St, Phoenix, AZ 85054

https://www.mellowmushroom.com


​RSVP here:


New Years Shabbat Hike

Sat, Jan 13, 2024, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM MST


SOCIAL ACTION - VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES







Is your New Year's Resolution to give back to those in need? Ring in the new year by volunteering with SVdP.


Here is a message from SVdP re volunteering, as CK congregants have done over the past months:



We still need help filling our volunteer gaps for the following service areas from January 1st - January 19th




 

  • Kitchen Crew
  • Weekdays 6:30 AM - 9:00 AM 
  • Daily 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

 

 

Sign Up for Phoenix Dining - below


https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0948ADAE2DA5FEC43-meal#/

 

Sign Up for Kitchen Crew - below


https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0948ADAE2DA5FEC43-46949900-kitchen#/ 


Sign Up for Mesa Dining - below


https://stvincentdepaul.net/volunteer/volunteer-opportunities/dining-rooms?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=122923_SVDP-Email_VSO-NewYear-Volunteers&utm_content=122923_SVDP-Email_VSO-NewYear-Volunteers+CID_123475917c675a2c6d9637c6aeccd30f&utm_source=svdplist&utm_term=Sign%20Up%20for%20Mesa%20Dining





 

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reply to this email or give us a call at 602-261-6886.

Wishing you a Happy New Year!

With gratitude,

SVdP volunteer services team




Rich Goldman

[email protected]


JANUARY BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES


Happy Birthday!

Yom Huledet Sameach!


January 1 - Norman Resnick

January 3 - Shaina Rose Erman

January 3 - Zoey Lee Kirklin

January 6 - Capitola (Cappy) Seeliger

January 7 - Rebecca Allison

January 8 - Eric Andrew Goldman

January 8 - Gil Blumenthal

January 9 - Ruthie Asher

January 14 - Dan Simon

January 15 - Lauren Merritt

January 15 - Judith Rotenberg

January 21 - Lynn Blumenthal

January 23 - Adalise Kirschner

January 23 - Jane Neely

January 23 - Brock Merritt

January 24 - Scarlett Allison

January 25 - Beth Hirshenson

January 26 - Barry Bernell

January 31 - Amy Bessen

Happy Anniversary!

Mazel Tov!


January 14 - Ian & Rebecca Shore

January 27 - Dan & Andrea Zemel



OUR KEHILLAH FAMILY

Condolences to....

Paulette Fraenkel on the passing of her husband, Rudy Fraenkel, on December 24th.


Ellen Lerman on the passing of her husband, Elliott Lerman, on December 15th.



Refaeinu . . .

Lynn Blumenthal

Marvin Ruttenberg

Abbott Miller, son of Reisa Miller

David Lerman

Stephanie Michelle Bates

Mort Berkowitz

Joyce Van Sciver

Vicki Mardell

Kathleen (Katie) Cullen-Todora

Karen Thursby

Debbie Koren

Ellen Lerman

Reisa Miller

Zackary Dawson

Ethan Miller, son of Reisa Miller

Chana bas Rasche

Cathy Michels

Davie Glaser

WELCOME TO OUR KEHILLAH-5784/2023-24

Jamie Friedman


Dane Traines & Cathie Galle


Richard Gerry


Liz & Stuart Goodman and their children, Elliot and Ashton Goodman


Donna Johnson and her daughter and granddaughter, Alexandra and Wakely

Quinlan


Stacy & Spencer Kirschner and their daughters, Adalise and Elleson 


Amber Mills & Seth Messer


Robin & Roger Radol


David & McKenna Romanelli and their children, Remo and Cooper


Judy & Marvin Rotenberg


Sarah Manos Sandlaufer & John Manos


Rick & Amy Smith and their children, Bryn, Brady and Morgan


Dawn & Kelly Weiss and their sons, Jaeden and Ethan

THANK YOU FOR YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT

General Fund

Goldfarb Family - in support of Elad's IDF

Jaime & Rich Goldman - in support of Elad's IDF

Julie & Bert Noosbond

Rachel Segal - in memory of her daughter, Erica Lynne

Rachel Segal - in memory of Elliott Lerman

Rachel Segal - in memory of Rudy Fraenkel

Rachel Segal - Mazel Tov to Mat and Madeline on the birth of their son


Rabbi Sharfman's Discretionary Fund

Francine Ebersman - in memory of Elliott Lerman

Carol Consalvo - in memory of Rudy Fraenkel

Colleen Espinoza - in memory of Rudy Fraenkel

Ellin Chariton - in support of Elad's IDF

Julie & Bert Noosbond

Robin & Scott Rudin - in memory of Rudy Fraenkel



Torah Fund

Janet & Barry Bernell - in memory Elliott Lerman

Julie & Bert Noosbond


Caring Fund

Margi Tabaknek - in memory of Rudy Fraenkel


Social Action Fund

Linda & Glenn Feldman - in memory of Rudy Fraenkel

Marilyn Morris - in memory of Rudy Fraenkel




~~~~~~~~~~~~~


You may have noticed that we have employed a second security guard at Kehillah. This is not because we have been advised to do so 

but because we have chosen to do so for the time being. Please consider making a donation now through our secure website, https://congregationkehillah.org/product/donation/ and select General Fund and put SECURITY in the message or notes. Checks will also be accepted through the mail. We thank you in advance for your support.

CONGREGATION KEHILLAH FUNDS

Your donations are greatly appreciated. 

Caring Fund

Education Fund

General Fund

Gottlieb Music Fund

Oneg & Hospitality Fund

Rabbi's Discretionary Fund

Social Action Fund

Torah Fund


Also available:

Book Plates

Memorial Board

OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT KEHILLAH:

JNF TREES IN ISRAEL

Plant a tree in Israel for any occasion. Contact Renee to place your order. The cost is $18 per tree and a portion of all sales benefit Kehillah.


NETWORK FOR GOOD - FACEBOOK

You can set up a fundraiser through Facebook and the money will be donated to Kehillah.


THE CENTER FOR JEWISH PHILANTHROPY OF GREATER PHOENIX

Will receive gifts of stock on behalf of Congregation Kehillah.


CONGREGATION KEHILLAH CAN ACCEPT A GIFT THROUGH YOUR IRA-QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTION.


PURCHASING YOUR FINAL RESTING PLACE AT MT. SINAI CEMETERY BENEFITS CONGREGATION KEHILLAH.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OF INTEREST ELSEWHERE

Jewish Life Television, an English-language, Jewish-themed television network, is now available to Cox Communications subscribers on Cox Channel 184 in Greater Phoenix.

PHA Logo 1 _1_ _1_.png

The Phoenix Holocaust Association  

Click here for information about PHA and news of upcoming programs. For the latest newsletter, click here

JFCS AZ.png

JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment 

Click here to find the upcoming calendar of events.

Calling all lovebirds in Phoenix! Looking for a Jewish community as unique as you? Honeymoon Israel could be the experience for you! Applications in your city are only open for a few more weeks. Don’t miss your chance for the experience of a lifetime. Visit honeymoonisrael.org for more info and to apply! Questions? Contact Honeymoon Israel at [email protected].

Look for upcoming dates for our programs below

Shabbat candles.jpg

SERVICES  

Kabbalat Shabbat

Shabbat morning

B'nai Mitzvah



Friday, January 5, KS, 6:30 p.m.


Saturday, January 27, Shabbat morning service/

Shabbat Shira 10:00 a.m.

Kiddish afterwards


Friday, February 2,

Pre-Oneg, 6:00 p.m., KS, 6:30 p.m.


Saturday, February 24

Shabbat morning service, 10:00 a.m.


Friday, March 8

Pre-Oneg, 6:00 p.m., KS, 6:30 p.m.


Saturday, March 16

Shabbat morning service, 10:00 a.m.


Friday, March 29, KS, 6:30 p.m.



Torah Talk letters.jpg

TORAH TALK


Torah Talks are led by Rabbi Sharfman (except where noted) and are held monthly on Saturday mornings via Zoom. For more information, contact Ellen Lerman.

    


January 20, 2024


February 17


March 9


April 6


May 4 or 18 (possibly lay led)



June 22




YEP logo.jpg


YEP!

Youth Education Program 


YEP! sessions are held on Sunday mornings during the school year. Read about YEP! here. Questions? Please contact Renee



January 7 & 28



February 11 & 25


March 10 & 24-YEP! & Purim Carnival


April 7 & 14


May 5-final YEP! session



IN EVERY ISSUE

QUICK-LOOK CALENDAR

(subject to change)



Friday, January 5

Kabbalat Shabbat


Saturday, January 6

Sippy Cup Shabbat


Sunday, January 7

YEP!


Saturday, January 20

Torah Talk


Saturday, January 27

Shabbat morning service/Shabbat Shira

Kiddish afterwards


Sunday, January 28

YEP!

Information for Seniors


The Senior Concierge Project (through Jewish Family and Children's Service) can provide information and help with socialization, education, transportation, home care, living facilities, legal assistance and more for those over age 60. Contact Kathy Rood at 602-762-7319.


Need a Hand?


Need a ride to services or to an event? Have an odd job that might need an extra hand or two? Give Men of Kehillah a shout! MOK members are ready to help out. This mitzvah is offered to all dues-paying members of Congregation Kehillah.

Email Rich Fox at [email protected].  



******************


Don't miss any of our emails...


Please make sure that periodically you check your spam and junk folders for emails from [email protected]. Some of the emails we send out have several links for you to click on for resources. Depending on your individual computer settings you might not receive these emails in your inbox.







Remember "Mom" and the other women!  

 

Reminder: There are hungry neighbors and families experiencing food insecurity throughout the Valley, throughout the year -- even if we can't always see it. And there are women who can't afford basic feminine products. Our food collection bin for Mom's Pantry is always in our lobby, and our Kehillah Cares bag for women4women tempe is in our ladies' room. 

 


Please bring food and toiletry donations whenever you attend an event or services.


******************


We love hearing from you!


If we don't respond to

your email within 24 hours, it means we did

not receive your

message. Please call

us at 602-369-7667.

  

We take a technology break for Shabbat and Yom Tov. If you have an emergency during these times, please leave a message on the Congregation Kehillah phone, 602-369-7667, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Otherwise, we ask that you please call or email us after the Sabbath or holiday ends.

Congregation Kehillah Leadership 


Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman

Jane Neely, 

 President

Scott Leader, Erica Erman, Eric Goldman

 Cantorial Soloists

Renee Joffe,               

 Administrator


Board of Directors

Gil Blumenthal, 

 Immediate Past President

Rick Cohen,

 Member at Large

Rich Fox, 

 Vice President for Program

and Communications

 MOK President

Dave Goldfarb, 

 Vice President for Building

& Facility

Mark Solow

 Finances

Leslie Goldman, 

 Member at Large

Steve Kanefsky,

  Member at Large

Arlene Maletta, 

 Member at Large

Ilene Malka, 

 Education Chair

Paul Stein, 

  Member at Large


Additional Support

Beth Hirshenson, Margi Tabaknek

 Caring Committee

Amy Bessen,

 Webmaster

Rich Goldman, 

 Social Action

Erica Erman,

YEP! Curriculum Coordinator & FYC Coordinator

Ellen Lerman, 

 Torah Talk and Special   

 Projects

Rachel Segal, 

  Membership 

Reisa Miller,

  Newsletters 

Bob Bessen & Rich Goldman,

Legacy Chairs

Beth Hishenson & Barb Knight,

WNO Co-Chairs

Dear Friends,

It has come to our attention that once again scam emails are being sent out to various synagogues, from someone claiming to be a member of their board of directors, requesting gift cards.

Please know that Congregation Kehillah’s board members, staff, and committee members will not email any requests for gift card purchases or wiring money.

If you have a question as to the validity of an email, please forward it to us at [email protected] so that we can confirm. 

 

L’Shalom,

 

Renee B Joffe


Congregation Kehillah

602-369 7667

[email protected] - congregationkehillah.org

5858 E. Dynamite Blvd., Cave Creek, AZ 85331

Mailing Address: 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Ste. 1630 #439, Phoenix, AZ 85050


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