Nov. 5-11, 2018 / Cheshvan-Kislev 5779   
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A message from our Board of Directors regarding Synagogue Security in the wake of Pittsburgh

Friends:

In the aftermath of Pittsburgh, we want to provide you with an update of actions we have undertaken to date.

Here's what we've already done:
  1. Our Rabbi organized a stirring community-wide gathering which many of you attended along with 1,300 others, including both Arizona senators and religious leaders from many backgrounds and faiths.
  2. Rabbi has met with and counseled congregants, all of our older YEP! students, and individual students in the younger grades as the need was identified.
  3. We added beautiful and meaningful Shabbat morning service attended by over 100 of our members and friends to come together as a community, and remind one another of what it means to be a Jew, expressing our love and pride in our people and identity.
  4. We immediately procured visible law enforcement and had it in place for YEP! in less than 24 hours.
  5. We are in touch and consultation with law enforcement, national Jewish organizations, and other synagogues to understand the challenges, complexities and options regarding protecting our congregation. 
  6. Our board met yesterday [Sunday] morning and made some interim decisions as we continue to gather information. One of these decisions was to hire Security to be onsite through the end of the year for Kabbalat Shabbat, YEP!, and other events taking place in the building. Security may not always be visible, but MCSO is also aware of when we will be in the building.   

The board will continue to meet to assess and make determinations as advised by law enforcement. Rabbi will continue to speak with any of our congregants desirous of counseling. You are welcome, as always, to contact us with any concerns regarding the building or security. 

 

We appreciate your support and cooperation and will continue to be in touch. Please contact Rich Goldman, Kehillah president, with any questions or comments.  
KEHILLAHversary
Celebration!
Photo: Tom Hrlevich
10th Anniversary & Building Dedication   
 
There is no charge to attend any KEHILLAHversary event.  
Donations are welcome.
 
Send in your reply card today!  
 
 
Friday, December 7
 Festive Kabbalat Shabbat  
7:00 p.m.  
~ Chanukah celebration ~  
~ Building dedication ~ 
~ Musical guests & YEP! ~ 
~ Celebratory Oneg ~
Sunday, December 9
Evening party for adults
5:00 p.m. 
 ~ Who Nu? Trivia Challenge ~  
(play, watch, or kibbitz!)
~ Chanukiah lighting ~ 
~ Hors d'oeuvres & refreshments ~ 
THIS WEEK______________________________________
Shabbat candles
 KABBALAT SHABBAT
  Friday, November 9
 7:30 p.m.
 
Services will include the aufruf of Erica Morris and Jared Erman, dedication of our new Torah
mantle, created by Ellen Lerman, and the dedication of our new ner tamid and the ner tamid for the Memorial Board.

Birthday and anniversary blessings, normally shared at the first Kabbalat Shabbat of the month, will be moved to Kabbalat Shabbat on November 16.
     
Rabbi and Roger joyfully invite Congregation Kehillah members of all ages
to celebrate the aufruf of our daughter, Erica, and soon-to-be son-in-law,     
Jared Erman, during Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday night, November 9th,  
7:30 p.m., with a festive oneg following. We appreciate your  RSVP to Renee
to help us plan. Looking forward to welcoming Shabbat with you! 
 
Please bring your food and toiletry donations for Mom's Pantry.
See the complete service schedule here
UPCOMING______________________________________
TORAH TALK
Saturday, November 17
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location varies; please RSVP for information
 
 
Be part of an amazing 4,000-year-old conversation, as relevant today as when it began. Torah Talk, one of Kehillah's most-loved traditions, is a morning filled with questions, conversation, and laughter. No prior knowledge is needed to enjoy Torah Talk; all are welcome. Please RSVP to Ellen Lerman by Thursday, November 15.

See below for the complete Torah Talk schedule. Would you like email reminders about Torah Talk? Just let Ellen know!

 YEP!
  Sunday, November 18
  9:30 a.m.-12:00 noon  
 
  The next YEP! session after this one is December 2. See below for the complete YEP! schedule. 
movie-tickets3.jpg
  Sunday, November 18
  Late morning/early afternoon
   
  Movie Time meets on the third Sunday of most months; click here for updated information and to get  
  on the Movie Time email reminder/update list, or send your name and email address to Leona.
  Open to all Kehillah adults and their guests.
  Sunday, December 2
  11:00 a.m.
 
  Dr. Karla Suomala will discuss The Arab-Israeli Conflict: Connecting Past with Present.  
  Dr. Suomala will be here at the invitation of the Jewish Community Relations Council.  
  Her presentation will take place at the Jewish Community Center in Scottsdale.  
  Please see the On My Mind section, below, for complete information.  
  Lab Girl, by Hope Jahren
  Sunday, December 16
  10:00 a.m.; RSVP for location information 
 
  Please click to RSVP and for location information.
  Book Group meets on the first Sunday of most months; dates and locations may change.  
  Click here for our complete fall reading list. Send your name and email address to Sherry to get on  
  the Book Group email list. Open to all Kehillah adults and their guests.
SOCIAL ACTION UPDATE
Holiday social action
 
 
As we have in past years, Kehillah will sponsor two families through Jewish Family & Children's Service Holiday Program. Through this important and rewarding project, Kehillah members provide clothes, gifts, and necessities chosen specifically for family members for Chanukah.  
 
Here are this year's families.  
Angela's family
Elyse's family
Angela and her two children live in an apartment in Central Phoenix. Angela has been a single parent since the children were very young. She works as a barber. Their father moved back to Russia, leaving her to raise them with no assistance. Both kids are now in college. Daniel is a senior at Grand Canyon University, majoring in Criminal Justice. He is an avid basketball player (and fan). Lorena is a freshman at Glendale Community College. She also plays basketball, and wants to work in the medical field.   
 
Elyse and her three sons moved to the Phoenix area approximately six years ago, relocating from the state where her ex-husband had been incarcerated for domestic violence and was scheduled to be released. Two of Elyse's three sons are in college. Benjamin is majoring in business. Jacob is majoring in criminal justice and plans to become a police officer. Joseph, the youngest, suffers from severe PTSD, depression, and anxiety due to the domestic violence the family endured, and is currently in a treatment facility. Joseph's needs create financial challenges for the family, as Elyse often needs to take time off work to help with his care. 

Bring your donations to Kehillah beginning this Friday!
We must collect your gifts by the end of November.
LANDSCAPING PROJECT
We'll come to you!
This is not how Landscaping team members will remove your cactus

 
Help us create a beautiful, low maintenance outdoor environment for our congregation and the animals that visit it by donating your cacti and other plants! 
 
We will come to you to carefully and lovingly remove your plants. Just contact Rich or Renee, and we will coordinate the pick-up with you. Thank you! 
OnMyMindON MY MIND
Resources, Reminders, and Reflections 
An occasional section with timely ideas from Rabbi Sharfman and Kehillah leadership. The following is from Rabbi Sharfman.   
 
"Here is an opportunity to learn about the Arab-Israeli conflict from a distinguished visiting scholar on December 2 - at no charge, but you must RSVP. Information is on the flier!
 
"Some of you may be aware that I am one of the founders of the local Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and active in many interfaith public policy matters, particularly in the educational world. 
 
"The back story to the attached program was from un-vetted teacher continuing education being offered locally by the Qatar Foundation with a clearly biased view of the Middle East. The JCRC is bringing in an excellent, balanced program on the Arab-Israeli conflict led by a distinguished visiting scholar, Dr.  Karla Suomala . One session is for teachers only for continuing education credits and this earlier session (with brunch) is for community members who wish to learn more. There is no charge, but RSVPs are a must. See flier for details." 
ALL ARE INVITED TO ISRAEL IN 2019!
Come to Israel with us in 2019!  
May 27-June 10, 2019*    
 
*Non-stops to and from LAX on El Al: Leave from LAX mid-day May 27 (Memorial Day) and return to LAX June 10 (morning). 
 
Is visiting Israel on your wish list? Now is the time to make it happen!
 
Exciting news! 
In response to your requests, our 2019 Israel trip is now a Multi-Generational trip, and ALL are invited to join us!
 
If you wanted to participate in an archeological dig, visit an underground munition factory,
raft down the mighty Jordan River, eat wonderful food at top-notch restaurants, and much, much more, this is the trip for you! 
 
And if some of these day trips don't float your boat (or raft - pun intended!), spend the day in luxurious relaxation at the hotel. This is YOUR trip, too! 
 
You'll have a great time discovering the beauty, culture, history, and modernity that is unique to Israel. Fellow travelers of all ages find Rabbi Sharfman's joy delightfully contagious; and her ability to relate and share her knowledge is unmatched. Rabbi lived in Israel for many years and was a licensed tour guide there!     
 
We can't wait to share this experience with you, so let us hear from you! Email Renee to let her know you'd like to receive Israel trip updates.  
OUR KEHILLAH FAMILY
We send prayers of healing to . . .
Jim Hrlevich 
Rivka bat Sarah 
Marilyn Morris
Mort Berkowitz
Lynne Blumenthal
Yisrael Lev ben Ester 
Marcia Schneider
Pamela Miller
Barbara Berniker
Arlene Maletta
Irma Gottlieb
Bonnie Karfeld
Davie Glaser
Meir ben Chanah 
Kimberlie Rich
Jeff and Denise Noll
Shmuel ben Chaim 
Mary Beth Pratt (Miriam Elisheva) 
HaRav Shlomo ben Rut
Kitty Nagy  
David Stern
Howard Glick 
Gittel bat Deborah 
Colleen Carney 
Shoshanna bat Phyllis 
Gedalya Nachum bar Bayla Rivka 
Rose Sobel,  
    mother of Bruce Sobel  
Judy Sahid, 
    sister of Cathy Michel
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I am available to all Kehillah members in times of joy and sadness. Please let me know when I can extend support and comfort to you and your family.
~ Rabbi Sharfman
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Kehillah's "Helping Hearts and Hands" (HHH) volunteers are  
ready to assist you with life's complexities. Click here to find
out how HHH can help you -- and how you can volunteer
to become part of Kehillah's caring brigade. 
  
THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATIONS
General Fund 
Bonnie and Arthur Cikins, in honor of Erica Morris's and Jared Erman's aufruf
Arlene Maletta 
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.   
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.) 
General Fund 
Caring Fund 
Torah Fund 
Social Action Fund
Gottlieb Music Fund 
Education Fund 
Oneg & Hospitality Fund 
Rabbi's Discretionary Fund 
Bookplates  
Memorial Plaques 
You can also plant trees in Israel directly through Kehillah, shiny-tree-button.jpg  
and Jewish National Fund will send a certificate out on your behalf.  
Each tree is $18 and a portion of your donation stays with Kehillah.  
Contact Renee for more information or to place your tree order. 
Here's another great way to support Kehillah:   
celebrate with an Oneg!  
Sponsoring an Oneg is a great way to celebrate your lifecycle events
and other wonderful news with your Kehillah family.
For 2018-2019, we are aiming to have every Oneg sponsored. 
To reserve your Oneg, please email Renee
or call her at 602-369-7667.
OF INTEREST ELSEWHERE
The box office for the 2019 GPJFF opens on December 1. Festival passes and donations are active now, and film schedules and information will be available starting December 1. For more information, visit gpjff.org.  
Fall Exhibits at the Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center
Through January 23, 2019: "Sustainability - Tikkun Olam - Repairing the World": The Art of Seven Renowned Artists
February 3, 2019-March 22, 2019: "Violins of Hope: Amon Weinstein - The Man Behind the Music": A Photographic Exhibition by Daniel Levin
April 7, 2019-August 27, 2019: "Mid-Century Phoenix"
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CompleteScheduleKabbalat Shabbat   |    Torah Talk   |   YEP!
_________________________________________ 
 
Shabbat candles
KABBALAT SHABBAT
and B'nai Mitzvah  

Kabbalat Shabbat begins on Fridays at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.  
      
Nov. 9, 16
Dec. 7
  10th Anniv/Dedication weekend
Dec. 21

2019 
Jan. 11
Jan. 12 (Sat.) 
  Alex Abrams Bat Mitzvah 
Jan 25
Feb. 8, 22
Feb. 23 (Sat.)
  Naomi Fox Bat Mitzvah
Mar. 8, 22
Apr. 12, 26
May 10
  Honoring mothers
May 17
June 14
  Honoring fathers 
TORAH TALK
   
Torah Talks are held Saturday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Kehillah or members' homes. If you would like to host, by providing challah and a light snack, please let Ellen Lerman know. 
 
Nov. 17
Dec. 15
 
2019 
Jan. 19
Feb. 16
Mar. 16
Apr. 13
   
YEP!  
  Youth Education Program 

YEP! sessions are held on Sundays during the school year from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon unless otherwise noted.

Read about YEP! here. Questions? Please contact Renee
 
Nov. 18
Dec. 2
Dec. 9  

  KEHILLAHversary Chanukah Celebration (10th Anniv/Dedication
weekend)
Dec. 16

2019 
Jan. 13, 27

Feb. 3, 24
Mar. 10, 24
Apr. 14, 28
May 5, 19


IN EVERY ISSUE

QUICK-LOOK CALENDAR        
 
 
Friday, Nov. 9
Kabbalat Shabbat

Friday, Nov. 16
Kabbalat Shabbat

Saturday, Nov. 17
Torah Talk

Sunday, Nov. 18
YEP!
Movie Time

Sunday, Dec. 2
YEP!
The Arab-Israeli Conflict (program at JCC)

Friday & Sunday,
Dec. 7 & 9
Celebrate Kehillah!
10th Anniversary & Building Dedication

Saturday, Dec. 15
Torah Talk

Sunday, Dec. 16
YEP!
Book Group

Friday, Dec. 21
Kabbalat Shabbat
      
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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 janet.rees@jfcsaz.org.
 
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Send your news to Connections

Please send your news or photos to Renee in the Kehillah office before Shabbat for the following Monday's issue.
 
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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 
phoks1@hotmail.com.   
 
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Remember "Mom"!  
Reminder: There are hungry neighbors and families experiencing food insecurity throughout the Valley, throughout the year -- even if we can't always see it. Our food collection bin for   Mom's Pantry is always in our lobby. Please bring food  
and toiletry donations whenever you come to Kehillah.    
         
 
   
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Congregation Kehillah Leadership 

Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman
Rich Goldman, President
Renee Joffe, Administrator

Board of Directors:
Gil Blumenthal,
  Immediate Past President
Rich Fox,
  Member at Large and
  Brotherhood President
David Goldfarb,
  Member at Large and
  Building Chair
Leslie Goldman,
  Programming Chair
Arlene Maletta,
  Hospitality Co-Chair
Ilene Malka,
  Education Chair
Jane Neely,
  Hospitality Co-Chair
  High Holy Days Chair
Paul Stein,
   Member at Large

Additional Support:  
Paulette Fraenkel,
  Social Action
Stephanie Kirklin,
  OLC Director 
Paul Lavin,
  Finance Manager
Vicki Mardell,
   Membership Co-Chair
Elaine Schiff,
   Membership Co-Chair
Judith Clancy,
    Helping Hearts and
    Hands Co-Chairs
Davie Glaser,
    Helping Hearts and
    Hands Co-Chairs
Ellen Lerman,
  Torah Talk and Special  
  Projects
Leona Garza,
   Movie Time
Sherry Siegel,
   Newsletters and Book
   Group

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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 T ov. If you have an emergency during these times, please leave a message on the Congregation Kehillah phone and we will get back to you. O therwise, we ask that you please call or email us after the Sabbath or holiday ends.
 





























 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Congregation Kehillah   
602-369-7667
info@congregationkehillah.org    |     congregationkehillah.org
5858 E. Dynamite Blvd., Cave Creek, AZ 85331

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