November 18-24, 2019 / Cheshvan 5780
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE__________________________
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This message was originally sent by email on November 11, 2019.
Dear Friends,
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Gil Blumenthal
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Shalom y'all - Have you ever given any thought about where your fellow members of our Kehillah Community come from? We seem to be a diverse group and that should come as no surprise. When Lynne and I moved to Phoenix in the late 1970's, we were taken back by the diversity of the city compared to our Philadelphia roots. It was surprising, and fun, when one of our first friends greeted us with a big Shalom Y'all! Yes, she was from Texas. We met our first Californians, Canadians and a raft of people from the Midwest. I had Jewish clients from Iowa and Nebraska which surprised me, and we became friends with South Africans. All of their stories were interesting - some were absolutely amazing.; however, we shouldn't have been surprised given that we have family in Australia and now have a growing contingent in Israel.
For us at Kehillah it's important that we recognize those connections with fellow members of our community and beyond. Several years ago, Rabbi Sharfman invited Rabbi Yosef Garcia, Z"L, and members of
Avde Torah Jayah, a Sephardic synagogue in Chandler serving Spanish-speaking Jews, to join us for Kabbalat services. Rabbi Garcia had no idea that he had Jewish roots until he pressed the subject with his mother. His story, and the entire story of Crypto-Jews was new to me, but it hit home. You can learn more at:
https://orjewishlife.com/rabbi-yosef-garcia-zl-had-an-impact-on-crypto-jews/
Rabbi Garcia's widow attended High Holy Day services at Kehillah this year. I remembered her and offered my condolences and as much comfort as I could given the day. She cried and commented how lovely it was to be in a place where she felt a sense of community even though the vast majority of the worshipers had no idea who she was. Her Spanish-speaking community had to overcome many barriers to even exist. The thought that the thread of their Jewish heritage could live hidden, but not erased, for literally hundreds of years constantly amazes me. I certainly can't explain it, but it offers a tangible lesson in the remarkable staying power of Judaism. Am Yisroel Chai - The People of Israel Live!
We at Kehillah are so fortunate. Our struggles are minor when compared to most Jews of the last century. We suffer more from inconvenience than anything else. To that I say, "thank goodness." We have the means to get to our place of worship and help only has to be asked for. Yes, it would be nice to live in close proximity in our own Arizona Jewish shtetl. We'd all know each other and each other's business too. Ok, maybe knowing each other's business is something we can do without but knowing their community members kept those little shtetls strong. Perfect? No, but they did pull together in times of great stress - stress we can't even imagine.
There is no good way to segue to my last thought and you will quickly see that it's clearly is a bad analogy, but I keep thinking about the Berlin Wall. The Wall fell on November 9, 1989 and to many it was the ultimate symbol of forced division. I was sent to Berlin courtesy of the US Army as a "thank you" for my service in the Inspector General's office. It was my going away present and it gave me a chance to see the infamous Wall first hand. Remember, Berlin is located in what was East Germany. Viewed from the west, it was just an imposing structure that no one in their right mind would want to scale. From the east (yes, there was limited access to East Berlin) it was a different story. After taking some photos of the wall from the east I was promptly rousted by two very large East German soldiers who confiscated my film and sent me directly back to the West. They obviously wanted no westerner to document the wretched state of affairs on the east side. Interesting story, bad analogy, but it made me think about the self-constructed walls we sometimes erect that prevent us from getting more deeply involved in Kehillah. There is no one stopping us but ourselves. Let's party like it's 1989!
Speaking of walls, the "big" one in our Jewish lives is the Western Wall in Jerusalem. We now are down to just four spots available for next year's congregational trip. No trip is planned for 2021, so if you are interested let us know.
B'Shalom,
Gil Blumenthal
President
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THIS WEEK______________________________________
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KABBALAT SHABBAT
Friday, November 22
Please join us at 6:45-7:15 p.m. for a mini-class on Geography of the Synagogue
and at 7:30 p.m. for our regular service.
Join us to welcome Shabbat.
The Oneg will be sponsored by Pamela Miller and Brad Osterweil in honor of their wedding anniversary.
Please remember to bring your food and toiletry donations for Mom's Pantry and womenforwomen Tempe. Your donations are always appreciated.
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9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
The next session of YEP! after this one and Cafe Kehillah will be December 8.
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SPEED SCHMOOZING SOCIAL
Sunday, November 24
12:30 p.m.
You've heard of speed dating and speed networking... now we're bringing you Speed Schmoozing!
How much can someone learn about you in a 3-minute conversation? We are about to find out.
The entire congregation is invited to our Speed Schmoozing Social, where we will welcome our newest members to Kehillah. We'll provide suggested questions to get the ball rolling, you'll provide the answers -- and get to know our newest members. It's a chance to get to know our long-time members better, too!
A light lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to Renee by Thursday, November 21.
This event is co-chaired by Leslie Goldman and Renee Joffe.
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UPCOMING______________________________________
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7:00 p.m.
Talking Stick Resort Arena
201 E. Jefferson St.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
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CHANUKAH SING-A-LONG and MENORAH LIGHTING
Erica Erman will be representing Kehillah at a Chanukah Sing-a-Long and Menorah Lighting. The event will take place at Congregation Beth Israel (10460 N. 56th Street, Paradise Valley) on Sunday, December 8, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. After the concert there will be a Sufganiyot Buffet.
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OCTOBER 19-NOVEMBER 2, 2020 - ONLY FOUR SPACES LEFT!
The only thing better than visiting Israel is visiting Israel with Rabbi Sharfman and your Kehillah friends!
Kehillah members receive $200 off by using memberk200 when registering and paying!
If you're interested -- from "just curious" to "ready to pack RIGHT NOW!" -- email us so we can keep you updated.
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Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah 
Are you interested in taking the next step in your Jewish journey?
Ready to add to your personal growth in your knowledge of Judaism?
Eager to make your dream of having a Bar/Bat Mitzvah finally come true?
Rabbi Sharfman is ready to guide you and your fellow classmates. Even if you became a Bar/Bat Mitzvah as a youth, you'll discover much more about Judaism (and about yourself!) when you study as an adult.
Call us at 602-369-7667 or
email us to let us know you're ready to take that next step.
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Holiday Food and Clothing Drive 
Pioneer Elementary (pre-K through 8th grade), one of two schools Congregation Kehillah supports, is holding a Holiday Food and Clothing Drive through November 19.
Please participate by bringing non-perishable food items and clothing to Kehillah; our Social Action volunteers will bring your donations directly to the school.
Suggested donations include
Canned items: soup, vegetables, fruit
Boxed items: cereal, rice mashed potatoes, soup, pasta,
mac and cheese, stuffing
Dried items: fruit, rice, beans, pasta
Other items: peanut butter, jelly, gravy, sauce for pasta, dessert items
This Drive is being run by Pioneer's 8th graders. Thank you for your generosity!
Our congregant, Jodi Peterman Sandler, School Psychologist at Pioneer, wrote this on her Facebook page: "Gratitude Day 3 - I am beyond grateful that my synagogue Congregation Kehillah has adopted my school this year. Wonderful Paulette and Jane have already donated so many items that are being used in our classrooms and in our Boys Town store. They have also committed to help with our holiday food boxes, turkey drive, improvement projects around campus and more. It's like winning the lottery."
A big thank you to everyone who dropped food off for the Pioneer Food Drive. We'll continue to collect food through the holidays for the school. Donations can be brought to services and to YEP.
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Jewish Children and Family Service Holiday Program
Congregation Kehillah will be supporting a family through Jewish Children and Family Services. This year the family consists of a mother and three children.
Deborah, the mom, is 32, Carter is 7 years old, Sylvia is 4 years old and Lucy is 20 months old.
The family will benefit from Frys or Walmart gift cards, and Harkins Theatre gift cards.
Carter loves Pokemon, Chad and Vy games, Bendy games and loves to read age appropriate books.
Sylvia loves Disney Descendants and loves to color so coloring books and supplies would be most appreciated.
Lucy loves baby shark stuff, toddler coloring supplies, and balls.
Deborah would love anything she can do with her kids.
If you wish to wrap anything, Chanukah gift wrap would be appropriate.
Please drop off donations when attending Kehillah services, Torah Talk or
YEP!. If you have any q
uestions, please call Paulette Fraenkel at 602-363-3009 or Marjorie Tabaknek at 602-482-8223.
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We send prayers of healing to . . .
Sharon Kelly
Jennifer Schaeffer
Jim Hrlevich
Fred Benoff
Stanley Rosen,
father of Robin Rudin
Dan Simon
Denice Whiteside
Marion Krepcio
Cathy Michels
Ethan Miller
Ted Fink
Abbott Miller
Brian Skiba
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Rivka bat Sarah
Davie Glaser
Meir ben Chanah
Kimberlie Rich
Jeff and Denise Noll
Shmuel ben Chaim
Mary Beth Pratt (Miriam Elisheva)
Howard Glick
Shoshanna bat Phyllis
Gedalya Nachum bar Bayla Rivka
Rose Sobel,
mother of Bruce Sobel
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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.
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATIONS
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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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You can also
plant trees in Israel directly through Kehillah,
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.
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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 2019-2020, we are aiming to have every Oneg sponsored.
To reserve your Oneg, please email Renee
or call her at 602-369-7667.
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| Watch this space for upcoming community events. |
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 Kabbalat Shabbat |
Torah Talk |
YEP!
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SERVICES
Kabbalat Shabbat
B'nai Mitzvah
Kabbalat Shabbat begins on Fridays at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
November 22 - mini class on Geography of the Synagogue, 6:45-7:15 p.m.
December 6
December 20 - Pre-Chanukah service with
YEP! singing, 6:30 p.m.
December 21 - Special Shabbat service- Sippy Cup Shabbat- 10:00-10:45 a.m.
2020
January 10
January 24
February 14
February 28
March 13
March 27
March 28 - Bar Mitzvah of Isaac Hemmert, 10:00 a.m.
April 17
May 1 - Bar Mitzvah of Noah Sunshine-Barinbaum, 6:30 p.m.
May 15
June 12
June 13 - Bar Mitzvah of Ryan Heller, 10:00 a.m.
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TORAH TALK
Torah Talks are led by Rabbi Sharfman (except where noted) and are held monthly on Saturday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. 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.
December 14
2020
January 18
February 8
March 21
April 25
May 2 (
depending on weather)
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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. Please
use this registration form. Questions? Please contact
Renee.
November 24
December 8
December 15
2020
January 12
January 26
February 9
February 23
March 15
March 29
April 5
April 19
May 3
May 17
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Congregation Kehillah
602-369-7667
Mailing Address: 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Ste. 1630 #439, Phoenix, AZ 85050
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Friday, Nov. 22
Kabbalat Shabbat
Sunday, Nov. 24
YEP!
Speed Schmoozing Social
Friday, Dec. 6
Kabbalat Shabbat
Sunday, Dec. 8
YEP!
Saturday, Dec. 14
Torah Talk
Sunday, Dec. 15
YEP!
Friday, Dec. 20
Kabbalat Shabbat
October 2020
Kehillah's Fabulous Trip to Israel
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 you come to Kehillah.
Congregation Kehillah Leadership
Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman
Gil Blumenthal,
President
Scott Leader,
Cantorial Soloist
Renee Joffe,
Administrator
Board of Directors:
Rich Goldman,
Immediate Past President
Joseph Ettinger,
Member at Large
Henry Fleet,
Member at Large
Rich Fox,
Member at Large and
MOK President
David Goldfarb,
Member at Large and
Building Chair
Leslie Goldman,
Member at Large
Arlene Maletta,
Member at Large
Ilene Malka,
Education Chair
Jane Neely,
Member at Large and
High Holy Days Chair
Dr. Bruce Sobel,
Member at Large
Dan Sommer,
Member at Large
Paul Stein,
Member at Large
Additional Support:
Scarlett Allison,
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
Sherry Siegel, Reisa Miller
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. O
therwise, we ask that you please call or email us after the Sabbath or holiday ends.
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Copyright © 2019. All Rights Reserved.
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