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November 14-20, 2022 / Cheshvan 5783

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THIS WEEK

ADULT EDUCATION - TONIGHT

Welcome to Judaism

Monday, November 14

5:00-6:15 p.m.


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/2022/08/29/welcome-to-judaism-virtual.


Future class dates are these Monday evenings from 5:00-6:15 p.m.:

November 21

December 5

December 12

December 19

Shabbat candles

KABBALAT SHABBAT

Friday, November 18

6:30 p.m.


Please join us for in-person and multi-access Kabbalat Shabbat.


Rabbi Sharfman and Cantorial soloists Erica Erman and Scott Leader will be together on the bimaand November 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.


Masks are no longer required. The first few rows of the sanctuary will be reserved for mask wearers who prefer to sit next to other mask wearers. Otherwise, mask wearers may sit anywhere in the sanctuary.


We look forward to welcoming Shabbat with you!

TORAH TALK

Saturday, November 19

10:30 a.m.


Join us to explore the Torah portion Chayei Sarah,

Genesis 23:1-25:18.


Chayei Sarah (“The Life of Sarah”) opens as Sarah dies and Abraham buys the Cave of Machpelah to bury her. Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for Isaac. The servant meets Rebecca at a well, and Rebecca returns with the servant to marry Isaac. Abraham remarries, has more children, and dies at age 175.


Come join our discussion on Zoom. The Zoom link will be sent out later this week. Please RSVP to Renee.


YEP! YOUTH EDUCATION PROGRAM

Sunday, November 20

9:30 a.m.



After this week's session, we will meet on December 4 and December 11.

UPCOMING

BOOK GROUP

Friday, December 9

1:00 p.m.

Private home; location provided with your RSVP


We'll discuss Less, by Andrew Sean Greer. You don't have to be a regular to enjoy Book Group; you can join in for any book you like, any time. Book Group is open to all Kehillah adults. To get on the Book Group email list or to RSVP, please email Rick.

SIPPY CUP SHABBAT

Saturday, December 10

10:00 a.m.


Calling all mommies, daddies, and their newborns and little ones - whether crawling or walking! 


Join Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman and Rabbinical Student/Cantorial Soloist Erica Erman for an hour of Shabbat music, movement, stories and more! 


This program is open to all Jewish families in the community and their newborns to 3-year-olds -- though older siblings are welcome, too!

O’ Chanukah, O’ Chanukah 

come light the Menorah! 

Join us for our Chanukah-themed

Sippy Cup Shabbat!


Hosted by Congregation Kehillah and Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman; and co-hosts Erica, Jared, and Deborah Lily Erman; and Eryn, Andrew, and Adira Ruth Cohen.

MEET OUR STAFF


Administrator Renee Joffe


Renee joined the staff of Congregation Kehillah in February 2015, after taking a brief break from Jewish nonprofit work. In 2016 she also took on the role of YEP! Administrator.

 

Born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, Renee moved to Phoenix in 1998, where she started to pave her path in the Jewish nonprofit realm. She is a familiar face in the Jewish community, as she has held some wonderful positions at other nonprofits in the Valley. She has brought with her a vast majority of innovative ideas and is full of energy. Renee feels laughter truly is the best medicine and you will always see a smile on her face, even when she is under pressure.

 

In August 2017, Renee met her “perfect match,” Tom, and they got engaged in July 2020. Tom is a tremendous help and “assistant” to Renee. Her other “assistant” is her mom, Marsha.

 

Renee loves going out with friends and laughing. She also enjoys spending time with her mom. The Joffe women are both known for their beautiful nails! Seriously, make sure you take a look!

 

In May 2017, she fulfilled her dream of visiting Israel, traveling with Rabbi Sharfman and several congregants, as a gift to herself for her 50th birthday, which was in November 2016.

 

Got a minute or ten? Give Renee a call, she’d love to talk to you and tell you more about Congregation Kehillah.

SOCIAL ACTION

JFCS's Adopt-A-Family holiday program provides families and teens in Maricopa County with holiday gifts for both Chanukah and Christmas.


“For more than two decades, our generous donors have opened their hearts to help make the holiday season bright for those in need,” says JFCS Program Manager Kathy Rood. “Last year our holiday program managed to reach more than 80 families in our community." 


Congregation Kehillah has supported JFCS with very generous donations in the past. It would be wonderful if we could once again bring a Happy Holiday to a very deserving family in our community.


Our assigned family is a single mother of 5 children who is in need of gift cards for grocery stores, gas, Amazon, Target, WalMart, restaurants, etc. so she can provide gifts to her children this holiday season. For more specific information please contact Paulette Fraenkel at 602-363-3009, as we do have a complete list of requests.

Whispering Winds Academy will be identifying children's families in need during the Holiday season. We have the opportunity to once again participate in this very important effort.


For more information contact Social Action Chair Paulette Fraenkel, [email protected].

OUR KEHILLAH FAMILY

Mazel tov . . .

to Daisy Zhu and Dave Goldfarb on the birth of their son, who was born on Sunday, November 13, at 7 lbs 1 ounce and 21.5 inches. We will publish his name after the Bris.

Refaeinu . . .

Dvora Krischer

Ellen Lerman

Reisa Miller

Eydee Schultz

Zackary Dawson

Jon Berlin

Shari Marcus,

niece of Reisa Miller

Ethan Miller,

son of Reisa Miller

Yaffa Pollack,

cousin of Marsha Joffe

Chana bas Rasche

Marsha Joffe

Judith Clancy

Joe Ettinger

Stanley Rosen,

father of Robin Rudin

Cathy Michels

Davie Glaser

THANK YOU FOR YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT

RABBI'S DISCRETIONARY FUND

Lisa Samuels - In honor of Rabbi Sharfman

Jane and Michael Strauss


GENERAL FUND

Maxine and Steven Sukenik

Tzedakah: We all have choices as to who or what we wish to support; why choose your synagogue? Because we are YOUR synagogue. You chose to be a part of this inspirational community that offers a wonderful teacher and spiritual leader in Rabbi Sharfman; superb opportunities for young families to educate their children; programming for all ages; and much, much more,  offering impact and value, depth and meaning to your life.


Unlike most synagogues, Congregation Kehillah does not do a High Holy Days Appeal. Dues alone do not cover a synagogue’s operational expenses; we rely on donations of all sizes throughout the year. Did you know . . . that it is customary to donate at the time of Yizkor or when Kaddish is recited in memory of a loved one? It is also customary to make a donation when given an Aliyah (honor) during a service. Jewish Philanthropy: The Concept of Tzedakah is a much-admired practice throughout the world. "In Jewish tradition, tzedakah requires the donor share his or her compassion and empathy along with the money. Judaism teaches the belief that donors benefit from tzedakah as much [as] or more than the recipients." You can find out more about the roots and practices of Jewish philanthropy at Learning to Give. We hope you choose to continue to support your Kehillah by making donations to our various funds, which are listed below and on our website.

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 JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 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.


AMAZON SMILE

If you make purchases through Amazon, please use smile.amazon.com, and select Congregation Kehillah as your charity. It's simple, costs you nothing, and Amazon will donate a portion of your purchase price to Kehillah.

Congregation Kehillah has been issued a $70.73 donation from the AmazonSmile Foundation as a result of AmazonSmile program activity between April 1 and June 30, 2022.

OF INTEREST ELSEWHERE


If you are interested in becoming more involved with AJLA and helping to put together great programs, please email [email protected].


December, date forthcoming: Meet the Bench, co-hosted with SABA. 


January 19, 4:00-5:30pm: Sheila Polk will discuss the Holocaust program for prosecutors via Zoom.


There's still time for 9th- to 12th-graders to register for Hebrew High.


Hebrew High brings all Jewish teens together from across the valley for exciting programs, interesting classes, and special events. See your friends, make new ones, and have meaningful Jewish experiences. Electives range from arts and culture to modern issues and beyond. Tuesday nights, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the JCC in Scottsdale. Scholarships available.  www.hhphx.org 

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The Phoenix Holocaust Association  



The November newsletter is out. Click here for news of upcoming programs and lots more.

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JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment

 

Click here to find the November calendar of events.

Look for upcoming dates for our programs below

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SERVICES  

Kabbalat Shabbat

Shabbat morning

B'nai Mitzvah


Friday, November 18 - 6:30 p.m.

Friday, December 2 - 6:30 p.m.

Friday, December 16 - 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 17 - 10:00 a.m. Bat Mitzvah of Jacqueline Schatzberg

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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.

    

November 19

December 10

January 21

February 11

March 11

April & May - tbd

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YEP!

Youth Education Program 


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


Here is the link to the YEP! registration form.


Fall Semester dates:

November 20

December 4 & 11


Second Semester Dates:

January 8 & 22

February 5 & 26

March 5 & 19

April 2, 16 & 30

May 7

IN EVERY ISSUE

QUICK-LOOK CALENDAR



Monday, November 14

Rabbi's class


Friday, November 18

Kabbalat Shabbat


Saturday, November 19

Torah Talk


Sunday, November 20

YEP!


Monday, November 21

Rabbi's class


Friday, December 2

Kabbalat Shabbat


Sunday, December 4

YEP!


Monday, December 5

Rabbi's class


Friday, December 9

Book Group


Saturday, December 10

Torah Talk


Sunday, December 11

YEP!


Monday, December 12

Rabbi's class


Friday, December 16

Kabbalat Shabbat


Saturday, December 17

Bat Mitzvah of Jacqueline Schatzberg


Monday, December 19

Rabbi's class

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].  



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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 may have not received 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.


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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

 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

Paulette Fraenkel, 

 Social Action

Leona Garza, 

  Movie Time

Dr. Stephanie Kirklin, 

 YEP! Director of

 Curriculum & Online 

 Learning Center

Ellen Lerman, 

 Torah Talk and Special   

 Projects

Vicki Mardell, 

  Membership 

Reisa Miller,

  Newsletters 

Scott Rudin

  Finances

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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