 WELCOME TO JUDAISM
Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman, Instructor
SPRING TRIMESTER
Classes meet at 5:00 p.m.
Course dates are:
May 3, 10, and 24
via Zoom
New students welcome! Are you interested in learning about Judaism? Filling in the gaps in your knowledge? This is how to do it!
"Welcome to Judaism" is an introductory course that provides a foundation in the basic tenets of Judaism. Among the areas covered are History, Holidays and Observances, Lifecycle, Theology, Prayer, Israel, and Communal Life. Jews and non-Jews are welcome.
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Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, May 7
5:30 p.m.
via Zoom
We continue to come into your homes for Shabbat via Zoom, with Rabbi Sharfman and cantorial soloists Scott Leader and Erica Erman. PowerPoint slides will be viewable to you to follow along if you don't have your own copy of Gates of Prayer for Shabbat and Weekdays.
Zoom link with be sent to all congregants during the week. For our non-members who would like to join us for Kabbalat Shabbat, please email Renee.
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 EMELIA MERRITT BAT MITZVAH
Saturday, May 8th
10:00 a.m.
via Zoom
Please join us on Shabbat morning as Emelia becomes a Bat Mitzvah. Emelia is the daughter of Brock and Lauren Merritt and older sister of Jace. The Zoom link will only be sent to those who RSVP by Thursday, May 6th. Email, [email protected].
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 TORAH TALK
Saturday, May 15
10:30 a.m.
via Zoom
The parashah is Bamidbar, the beginning of the fourth Book of Torah (in English, Numbers).
No prior knowledge is needed to enjoy Torah Talk; all are welcome. Be part of an amazing 4,000-year-old conversation, as relevant today as when it began. Torah Talk is one of Kehillah's most-loved traditions -- a morning filled with questions, conversation, and laughter. This session will be led by Rabbi Sharfman.
If you would like email reminders about Torah Talk, just let Ellen know! |
YEP!
Sunday, May 16
10:00 a.m.
via Zoom
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EVENING SHAVUOT STUDY AND CELEBRATION
Join the Phoenix Board of Rabbis for a community-wide Tikkun Leil Shavuot, Torah Study and celebration on Zoom. Beginning with an opening ritual, there will be short classes and learning sessions until midnight, three choices in each time slot. Don't worry if you can't stay up late - you are welcome to stay on for as long or as little as you want (Rabbi is part of the opening ritual and teaches from 8:20-8:55 p.m.). The evening will conclude with reading the Ten Commandments at the stroke of midnight. (Like waiting for the ball to drop, but better!)
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 SHAVUOT MORNING SERVICE
Monday, May 17
10:00 a.m.
via Zoom
Congregation Kehillah will hold a Shavuot morning service with a reading of the Ten Commandments and Yizkor.
Please RSVP, [email protected] by Monday, May 10th so we know that we have a minyan that morning.
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BOOK GROUP
Monday, May 24
1:00 p.m.
via Zoom
We'll be discussing The Museum of Extraordinary Things by Alice Hoffman.
If you're going to buy the book on Amazon, please remember to use Amazon Smile for Kehillah. Here is the link:
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 and their guests. To get on the Book Group mailing list or to RSVP and receive your Zoom meeting information, please email Rick . |
 WHERE DOES JEWISH WISDOM COME FROM? Wednesdays, starting May 26 for 5 weeks
2:00 p.m.
via Zoom
Back by popular demand...last summer we offered this topic and it was so well liked that we're offering it again!
Where does great Jewish wisdom come from? Well...one of the sources is Pirke Avot, actually a section of Talmud (Mishna, technically). Pirke Avot, usually translated as 'Ethics of the Fathers' is a collection of short teachings by some of the early Rabbinic sages with a lot of wisdom packed in.
A fast moving and uplifting class, great for those who are 'newbies' to Jewish texts. This 5 week course is free to all CK members and Torah Talk participants. Please register at [email protected]. BJE will be accepting registration for all other non-members. Click here to register.
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| CONGREGATION KEHILLAH TZEDEK TEEN INITIATIVE |
 Are You Connected With a Local Non-Profit?
Congregation Kehillah Tzedek Teen Initiative
CK's newest program is a philanthropic leadership program for 8th-12th graders to learn about how to be better leaders and activists in the Jewish and Greater Phoenix communities. We are looking for local non-profit organizations to partner with so we can offer teens hands-on learning opportunities with the local organizations working to make Phoenix a better, healthier community. If there is an organization that you work for, volunteer with, or are just passionate about, please reach out to Rabbi or Renee, [email protected] with a contact who we can speak with there!
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SHOES NEEDED!
Whispering Wind Academy has started a much-needed "shoe closet" for kids who don't have athletic shoes. If you would like to donate any new or gently used athletic shoes for kids, you can drop them off directly in the collection box at the school between now and May 20th. Sizes would range greatly, as they have kindergarten through 6th grade.
Whispering Wind Academy
15844 N. 43rd St. Phoenix, AZ 85032
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Watch this space for information regarding our summer backpack and school supplies drive supporting Pioneer Elementary School.
Looking for ways to support those in need? Please consider supporting Mom's Pantry or Just 3 Things which is a part of JFSC. Mom's Pantry is accepting food donations dropped off at their location, Mom's Pantry, 13440 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85022 as well as monetary donations which can be mailed directly to them.
Click here for more information at Just 3 Things and how to donate to them.
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REFUGEES NEED HELP NOW
Refugee Aid is a community-based organization committed to assisting refugee families from Central America and Mexico who are seeking asylum in the United States. These are families who, having entered the formal legal asylum-seeking process, pass through Phoenix in route to their sponsors in other parts of the U.S. Because of the current crisis at the border, your donations of money and supplies are desperately needed. Visit refugeeaid.org to find out where to drop off supplies, send monetary donations or find out more about the organization. In addition if you would like to talk with Kehillah member Ilene Riffle, who volunteers with Refugee Aid, please ask Renee for Ilene's contact information.
Current list of needed supplies:
Food
- Small bags animal crackers
- Apple sauce- kids squeezes
- Coffee
- Coffee creamer/sugar
- Dry Milk for babies
Personal Care: mini sized
- Shampoo, body wash, lotion
- Small toothbrushes and paste
- Deodorant
Clothing
- Sports bras all sizes
- New underwear- men and women S and M, and childrens
- Flip flops- men and women S and M, and childrens
- Coats and jackets- men and women S and M, and children's
- Socks-Women S and M, and childrens
- Small stuffed animals for children
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DO YOU KNOW A LOCAL JEWISH FAMILY OR INDIVIDUAL LOOKING TO FOSTER OR ADOPT A VUNERABLE CHILD?
YATOM is now opening invitations for a 6th Family Fellowship Cohort for Greater Phoenix couples/singles. Those interested can learn more here: Family Fellowship - YATOM and apply here: Become a Fellow -YATOM. Fellows will have the opportunity to receive: 1. a stipend 2. education on the process 3. a micro-community to journey with. If you have questions, feel free to email Caron at [email protected].
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| MAY BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES |
Happy Birthday!
Yom Huledet Sameach!
May 2 - David Mawyer  May 8 - Arthur Cikins
May 11 - Rob Sandler
May 12 - Barbara Sharfman
May 13 - Waverly Seeliger
May 13 - Isabel Catalano
May 14 - Kai Abeyta Ubillos
May 17 - Stephanie Kirklin
May 19 - Marsha Joffe
May 21 - Elliott Lerman
May 22 - Luke Fox
May 24 - Beth Dubin
May 25 - Jennifer Schaeffer
May 26 - Scott LeBlang
May 26 - Elaine Schiff
May 29 - Jeffrey Hirshenson
Happy Anniversary! 
May 1 - Russ & Karyn Hendricksen May 14 - Andrew & Kimberly Abrams May 24 - Adam & Kim Cohen
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Ethan & Abbott Miller, sons of Reisa Miller
Jessica Gio, niece of Scarlett Allison
Maureen Dragula, sister-in-law of Leona Goldfarb
Rachel Segal
Reisa Miller
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Joe Ettinger
Arlene Maletta
Sandra Krisch
Stanley Rosen, father of Robin Rudin
Cathy Michels
Davie Glaser
Kimberlie Rich, sister of Pamela Miller
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT
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GENERAL FUND
Anonymous - in honor of Roger Morris
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AmazonSmile
Make all your Amazon purchases through Amazon Smile and choose Congregation Kehillah as your charity. It's simple, costs you nothing, and Amazon will donate a portion of your purchase price to Kehillah.
We've raised $73.45 in donations through the Amazon Smile program between October 1 and December 31, 2020.
HOW TO SIGN-UP FOR AmazonSmile:
Scroll down to and click on "Get Started"
Login with your current Amazon or Amazon Prime Account
At "Select Charitable Organization" enter Congregation Kehillah
You can now start purchasing items you want and a portion of the purchase price will be donated to Kehillah.
Android owners can use the Amazon App to setup Amazon Smile.
Want to help make a difference while you shop in the Amazon app, at no extra cost to you? Simply follow the instructions below to select "Congregation Kehillah" as your charity and activate AmazonSmile in the app. They'll donate a portion of your eligible mobile app purchases to us.
How it works:
1. Open the Amazon app on your phone
2. Select the main menu (=) & tap on "AmazonSmile" within Programs & Features
3. Select "Congregation Kehillah" as your charity
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate AmazonSmile in the mobile app
Always login to Amazon via "Smile.Amazon.com" for the donation process to work.
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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.
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Your donations in any amount are genuinely appreciated.
Please help support Congregation Kehillah by donating to Kehillah's various funds
-- to celebrate, honor, remember, give thanks, to assist, or simply to do tzedakah.
You can donate through our website in any amount or send a check. Congregation Kehlllah is a 501(c)(3) organization; donations are tax-exempt to the fullest extent allowable by law. (Please consult with your tax adviser.)
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General Fund
Caring Fund
Torah Fund
Social Action Fund
Gottlieb Music Fund
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Education Fund
Oneg & Hospitality Fund
Rabbi's Discretionary Fund
Bookplates
Memorial Plaques
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More great ways to support Kehillah
Sponsoring an Oneg is normally a great way to celebrate lifecycle events and other wonderful news with your Kehillah family. Until we can once again gather in person, please consider supporting Kehillah in other ways.
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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. |
May at the Virtual
JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment
Upcoming May 2021 Classes
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SERVICES
Kabbalat Shabbat
B'nai Mitzvah
Kabbalat Shabbat, via Zoom, begin on Fridays at 5:30 p.m. A Zoom link will be sent out in advance.
May 7
May 8 - Emelia Merritt Bat Mitzvah
May 21
May 22 - Avery & Ella
Fleet B'not Mitzvah
June 5 - Ally Melhado
Bat Mitzvah
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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. They are among Kehillah's most-loved traditions -- mornings filled with questions, conversation, and laughter as we explore that week's Torah portion. No prior knowledge is needed to enjoy Torah Talk; all are welcome. For more information, contact Ellen Lerman.
May 15
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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.
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Monday, May 3
Rabbi's class
Friday, May 7
Kabbalat Shabbat
Saturday, May 8
Bat Mitzvah of Emelia Merritt
Monday, May 10
Rabbi's class
Saturday, May 15
Torah Talk
Sunday, May 16
YEP!
Evening Shavuot Study and
Celebration
Monday, May 17
Shavuot & Yizkor
Friday, May 21
Kabbalat Shabbat
Saturday, May 22
B'not Mitzvah of Avery and Ella Fleet
Monday, May 24
Book Group
Rabbi's class
Saturday, June 5 Bat Mitzvah of Ally Melhado
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 Janet Arnold Rees, Senior Concierge, at 480-599-7198 or [email protected].
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. Email Rich Fox at
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 we are able to come back to Kehillah.
For now, please consider giving directly to Mom's Pantry, which accepts donations on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. They are located at 13440 N. Cave Creek Road in Phoenix. Call 602-992-0083 for other times.
Congregation Kehillah Leadership
Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman
Gil Blumenthal, President
Scott Leader, Erica Erman
Cantorial Soloists Renee Joffe, Administrator
Board of Directors:
Rich Goldman,
Immediate Past President Henry Fleet, Member at Large Rich Fox,
Member at Large
MOK President
David Goldfarb,
Member at Large
Building Chair
Leslie Goldman,
Member at Large
Arlene Maletta,
Member at Large Hospitality Co-Chair Ilene Malka,
Education Chair
Jane Neely,
Member at Large
High Holy Days Chair Hospitality Co-Chair Dr. Bruce Sobel, Member at Large Paul Stein,
Member at Large
Additional Support:
Scarlett Allison, Beth Hirshenson,
Margi Tabaknek,
Caring Committee Amy Bessen, Webmaster Rick Cohen,
Book Group
Paulette Fraenkel, Social Action
Leona Garza,
Movie Time Dr. Stephanie Kirklin,
OLC Director Ellen Lerman, Torah Talk and Special Projects Vicki Mardell,
Membership Co-Chair
Reisa Miller, Sherry Siegel
Newsletters
Mark Solow,
Finance Manager
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 and we will get back to you. Otherwise, we ask that you please call or email us after the Sabbath or holiday ends.
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.
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Copyright © 2021. All Rights Reserved.
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Services
