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THIS WEEK

THANKSGIVING
Thursday, November 26
The Kehillah office will be closed
 
We wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Here are two articles on the connection between Judaism and Thanksgiving.  
 
 
If you plan to shop for Black Friday deals on Amazon on Friday, November 27, please remember  
to use Amazon Smile -- Amazon donates a portion of your purchase price to Kehillah, at no cost to you! Between July 1 and September 30, $54.08 was donated to Kehillah through Amazon Smile.   
Can you help us double that amount, or even triple that amount, this holiday season?  
 
Jewish News wants photos of your Zoom Thanksgiving meals and celebrations. And we'd   
love to see Kehillah members showing up in Jewish News' photos! Please email your photos to editor@jewishaz.com, with a cc to Renee (info@congregationkehillah.org).  
LOOKING AHEAD
KABBALAT SHABBAT
Friday, December 4
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

A 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.

YEP!
Sunday, December 6
10:00 a.m.
via Zoom
 
This is also the day of our Chanukah Drive-Thru 
Between 1:00-2:00 p.m., all congregants are invited to come by Kehillah to pick up a Chanukah goodies. Please let Renee know by December 4 if you will be participating.

Mark your calendars for our next YEP! session, too:
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Sunday, December 13
10:00 a.m.
via Zoom
In this session that falls during Chanukah, our students will be joined by Josh Hartuv, Licensed Israel Tour Guide, LIVE from Israel! He'll present a special Chanukah program, and students are asked to dress up as a Maccabee -- and be sure to have a dreidel nearby! 
 
CHANUKAH!
Thursday, December 10, First Night
    
Eight Crazy Nights!
 
 Chanukah is coming! Would you like a gift from your synagogue?

We're starting off the fun with a Chanukah Drive-Thru on Sunday, December 6, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Please let Renee know by December 4 if you will be taking a Sunday drive to the synagogue to pick up your goodies.
 
Shake out those ugly Chanukah sweaters, because Chanukah starts Thursday night, December 10!

Eight? Yes, Eight!

We want you to join us every single night of Chanukah via Zoom to light the candles together. And we're inviting YOU to lead us in candle lighting. We'll provide you with the prayers ahead of time and a reminder on how to light the candles. Please let Renee know what date you would like.
Our candle lighting times: 5:30 p.m. every night except Friday, December 11 (4:45 p.m.) and Saturday, December 12 (6:00 p.m.).

Thursday, December 10 - 1st candle - dreidel contest
Wear your ugly sweater, electric light-up necklace, and all your other Chanukah finery and let us judge who's sweater is the ugliest. (Join us even if you don't own one -- Rabbi doesn't!)
Also, sign up for our 1st Annual Dreidel Spinning Contest. You and your family can use your personal favorite dreidel and gelt (chocolate coins, cereal, pennies, etc.) and we'll provide you with your competition, instructions and a line judge. Sign up with Renee by Tuesday, December 8.
 
Friday, December 11 - 2nd candle - Shabbat
Planning to buy a new Chanukah sweater?  
Or any other gifts?  
 
 
Shop through Amazon Smile  and Kehillah receives a donation, at no cost to you.  
It's an effortless way to support Kehillah!  

Black Friday
is November 27.
 
   

Rabbi will lead us in lighting the Chanukiyah and then light Shabbat candles beginning
at 4:45 p.m. (Note: this is Shabbat candle lighting, not a Kabbalat Shabbat.)
 
Saturday, December 12 - 3rd candle - Sippy Cup Shabbat - Havdalah
This delightful Shabbat morning (10:00 a.m.) is designed for young children and their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles and is open to all families in the community. Please join Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman, Renee and the Director of our Online Learning Center, Dr. Stephanie Kirklin for Shabbat music, dancing, stories and more!
Later, join Rabbi at 6:00 p.m. as we end Shabbat together with Havdalah, then light the Chanukiyah.
 
Sunday, December 13 - 4th candle and Chanukah program: In the Footsteps of the Maccabees
Join us at 4:15 p.m. for Josh Hartuv, Licensed Israel Tour Guide, who will be coming to us live from Israel with a special Chanukah program, In the Footsteps of the Maccabees. We will light the Chanukiyah after Josh's evening program.
Earlier that day, Josh will also be live from Israel as he joins our YEP! session for a special Chanukah program. Students are asked to please dress up as Maccabees -- and be sure to have a dreidel nearby!
 
 
 Monday, December 14 - 5th candle and origami
Learn how to make an origami dreidel, with instruction from YEP! teacher Bob Bessen.
 
Tuesday, December 15 - 6th candle and story time for all ages
Listen to a Chanukah story read by Rabbi.
 
Wednesday, December 16 - 7th candle and scavenger hunt
YEP! teacher Scarlett Allison will lead us in a scavenger hunt, Zoom-style.
 
Thursday, December 17 - 8th (final) candle and community candle lighting
We invite all Kehillah members to lead us in candle lighting as we wrap up Chanukah. We will also have the championship Dreidel Spin-Off!

And one more thing . . .
Got kids or grandkids? Be sure to get your Chanukah bags, filled with eight fun activities, through PJ LIbrary -- Kehillah is a sponsor!  
  
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CHANUKAH SIPPY CUP SHABBAT
Saturday, December 12
10:00 a.m.
via Zoom
 
This special Shabbat morning is designed for young children and their parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, and is open to all families in the community. Please join Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman, Administrator Renee Joffe, and the Director of our Online Learning Center, Dr. Stephanie Kirklin, for Shabbat music, dancing, stories and more! Please RSVP to Renee by Wednesday, December 9. 

TORAH TALK
Saturday, December 12
11:00 a.m. -- note: later time than usual
via Zoom
 
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. If you would like email reminders about Torah Talk, just  let Ellen know!   

YEP!
Sunday, December 13
10:00 a.m.
via Zoom
 
 
In this session that falls during Chanukah, our students will be joined by Josh Hartuv, Licensed Israel Tour Guide, LIVE from Israel! He'll present a special Chanukah program, and students are asked to dress up as a Maccabee -- and be sure to have a dreidel nearby!   

BOOK GROUP
Monday, December 21
1:00 p.m.
via Zoom

We'll be discussing Bel Canto, by Ann Patchett. 

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 . 

ADULT EDUCATION
 
WELCOME TO JUDAISM
Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman, Instructor

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 tenants of Judaism. Among the areas covered are History, Holidays and Observances, Lifecycle, Theology, Prayer, Israel, and Communal Life. Jews and non-Jews are welcome.

This course is presented every trimester through the Bureau of Jewish Education. For information on the next opportunity to sign up for the course, please visit the BJE or call them at  480-634-8050. Kehillah members may take this course at no charge by signing up by contacting Renee.
SOCIAL ACTION
One of our most treasured Jewish values
is that we express gratitude by providing for others.
 
JFCS HOLIDAY PROGRAM 2020 
 
For the holiday season, we are proud once again to sponsor a Jewish family in need.  

Who we're helping  
Our family this year is a 36-year-old single mom, with four children, three boys and a girl. More details are below.  
 
How to help
Gift cards, checks, and cash need to arrive at JFCS by Monday, December 7. Checks should be made payable to JFCS, and should include the designation "Holiday Program CH-4 Rachel." (JFCS will convert checks into Walmart or Fry's gift cards.) Please include a note letting Kathy Rood know that you are with Congregation Kehillah, and indicate who your gift is for (i.e., 12-year-old boy). Mail your donations directly to JFCS, or drop them off:  
 
Kathy Rood
JFCS
4747 N. 7th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85014
  
Our holiday family's requests
Boy, age 12 - Kohl's, Great Clips, sporting goods store
Boy, age 9 - Big Five or other sporting goods store, Barnes & Noble (or similar)
Boy, age 7 - Walmart, sporting goods store (he wants a bike), Michael's
Girl, age 4 - Walmart, Target, Kohl's
Mother, age 36 - Fry's, gas cards 

Thank you!
OUR KEHILLAH FAMILY
Condolences...

To Ilene Malka and her family on the passing of Ilene's mother-in-law, Janet Malka, on Monday, November 23, 2020. The funeral will be private, with Rabbi Sharfman officiating.
Mazel tov...

To Enrique Abeyta and Beth Dubin on the birth of their daughter, Stone Fujin Abeyta Ubillos, on Friday, November 20,at 5:11 a.m. Stone joins big brother Kai and sister Nava.
Refaeinu...
 
Reisa Miller
Ellen Lerman
Daniel Odgers, grandson of Paulette and Rudy Fraenkel
Joel Bartak, brother of Bonnie Bartak
Sarah Bayla bar Miriam v' Yitzchak and Yosef Dov ben Rachel Feyga, mother and father of Jackie Shore
 
Marilyn Morris
Joe Ettinger
Arlene Maletta
Sandra Krisch
Stanley Rosen, father of Robin Rudin
Cathy Michels
Davie Glaser
Kimberlie Rich, sister of Pamela Miller  





THANK YOU FOR YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT
GENERAL FUND  
Rick and Sharon Cohen - wishing David and Ruthie Asher mazel tov on their grandson's Bar Mitzvah
TREES HAVE BEEN PLANTED IN ISRAEL  
Marsha Joffe and Renee Joffe and Tom Hrlevich - in memory of Seymour Koren
Marsha Joffe - in memory of Judie Gershaw
Marsha Joffe and Renee Joffe and Tom Hrlevich - in memory of Jerry Schumacher
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 
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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.  
JNF TREES IN ISRAEL
Consider planting a tree in Israel for any occasion. Contact Renee to place your order. Trees cost $18 per tree and a portion of all sales benefit Kehillah.
AMAZON SMILE  
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.
OF INTEREST ELSEWHERE
JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment - December offerings
Jewish Family & Children's Service has expanded its Zoom offerings for seniors. Click here to see December's classes and events. To receive Zoom links, or to find out more information about their services and programs, visit their website or call JFCS at 602-279-7655. You can also follow the Center for Senior Enrichment on Facebook.
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CompleteScheduleKabbalat Shabbat   |   Torah Talk   |   YEP!
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Shabbat candles
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.   
 
December 4 & 18 
   
2021
January 8 
January 9 - Rebecca Allison Bat Mitzvah
January 22 
February 12 & 26
February 27 - Ally Melhado Bat Mitzvah
March 5 & 19
April 9 & 23
May 7
May 8 - Emelia Merritt Bat Mitzvah
May 21 
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.
  
December 12,
starting at 11:00 a.m.
YEP!  
 Youth Education Program 

YEP! sessions are held on Sunday mornings during the school year. Read about YEP! here. Questions? Please contact Renee.  
 
December 6 & 13
 
2021
January 10 & 24
February 7 & 21 
March 7 & 21
April 11 & 25
May 2 & 16
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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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
 
IN EVERY ISSUE

QUICK-LOOK CALENDAR       
 
 
Friday, December 4 
Kabbalat Shabbat
 
Sunday, December 6
YEP!  
Chanukah Drive-Thru 
 
Thursday, December 10 
Chanukah
 
Saturday, December 12
Torah Talk
Chanukah Sippy Cup Shabbat  
 
Sunday, December 13
YEP! 
 
Friday, December 18
Kabbalat Shabbat 
 
Monday, December 21
Book Group 
    
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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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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" 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.
 
    
 
   
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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

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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 and we will get back to you. Otherwise, we ask that you please call or email us after the Sabbath or holiday ends.


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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 info@congregationkehillah.org. 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.